Home Made Body Scrub- Sugar and Olive Oil

Body scrubs is a good way to make your skin finer and softer. Scrubbing exfoliates the skin and washes away dead skin cells. It also whitens the skin if done regularly. Here in Japan, body scrubs are expensive that  led me to the discovery of a home made scrub that is as effective and more affordable- the Sugar and Olive Oil Body Scrub!

Things Needed: (for a medium built person)

1 tbsp. of olive oil

2 tbsp. sugar (white or brown is okay; the finer the better)

lemon (optional)

How to Prepare: 

1. In a small bowl, put 2 tablespoons of sugar

2. Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil. 

    The sugar should look like wet sugar but not dripping. 

    Too much olive oil can be hard to rinse. 

3. You can squeeze some lemon for better smell but it can also dry the skin. 

How to Apply:

Just apply it like commercialized body scrubs. 

1. Wet your body. 

2. Apply the scrub and rub your skin in circles. 

    Pay special attention to the armpits, elbows, knees and butt. 

3. After 5 to 10 minutes, rinse tour body with soap. 

    This would help wash away too much moisture from the olive oil. 

You can also use this as a facial scrub and it works well with no harsh side effects.

Enjoy scrubbing and make your skin glow!

   

Tips for Overseas Job Application: What to Watch Out For in Recruitment Agencies

Working overseas has become a common trend. Whether married or single, with or without family, young or old, a lot of Filipinos desires to work overseas to earn more. Still several number of applicants become victims of illegal recruiters and hefty recruitment fees. To avoid these, here are some tips when applying overseas. 

photo credit:  http://investinginphilippines.blogspot.jp/2012/05/are-you-ofw-you-too-can-invest-in-stock.html 

1. Check the POEA Status of the Recruitment Agency

The POEA website has a list of accredited agencies. These agencies are accredited because they have complied with the POEA's standards, more or less. If the agency you're applying in is not on the list, then don't pursue your application. Also, never never apply to an individual. No matter how convincing that person may sound, just don't entertain him. 

2. Think twice when an Agency discusses the placement fee instead of the job

photo credit:  http://www.travel-images.com/photo-phil37.html

A good recruitment agency aims first to give jobs. Therefore, if an agency discusses fees and other bills extensively (even before the job) be smart enough to discern the credibility of the agency. Even some registered agencies are like this. As soon as you pass your resume, they would be discussing the placement. Obviously, they are just after your money!

3. Never pay more than a month's salary for placement fees.

It is unlawful for any agency to ask for more than a month's salary for placement fee. So just don't pay more than a month's worth. You can actually report these agencies to the POEA. Also, do not pay anything as long as you don't have a working visa and plane ticket yet. 

Bear in mind that you are not indebted to an agency even if they "helped" you have a job overseas. It is their job and they get paid by doing it. Do not allow yourself to be exploited in anyway. 

Good luck and happy job hunting!

Affordable Hotel in Tokyo: Koraku Garden Hotel

Koraku Garden Hotel is an affordable business hotel. Located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Koraku Garden Hotel is an ideal hotel for business people looking for a quiet yet an accessible hotel. It's in the center of important business districts and near JR Line Stations. 

For almost a month, I stayed in Koraku Garden Hotel in Tokyo while waiting for a permanent teaching position in Japan. For that entire time, the staff had been very accommodating even if they don't understand me sometimes. (Their understanding of English is quite limited.) They cater to my needs and were generous of their help. Rooms are cleaned thoroughly from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes for the cleaner to finish my room even if it's not really messy. 

A regular room is ideal for 2 medium-built people. The rooms sizes are mainly ideal for Asian people so Westerners may feel cramped. Even the bed size can be a problem for 2 people if you're largely built. On a personal note, however, I found the bed just tight with enough room for me toss and turn. The hotel only provides a single pillow if they know only one guest is occupying the room. You can request for one more should you want another pillow. The mattress is firm enough without being hard on the back. 

Koraku Garden Hotel Room

The toilet is average. Everything is made of stainless so when you use cold water, it tends to get really cold and the same for hot water. The hotel provides shampoo, body soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and towels. 

There's TV but it's not cabled. All programs are in Japanese and the remote doesn't have English subtitle button. There's also a water heater with daily supply of tea bags. Internet connection is available but you have to borrow an internet cable from the front desk. There's a mini fridge but there's no closet. There's just a small open space with three hangers for your clothes. There's a phone that you can use even for international calls. 

view from my room at Koraku Garden Hotel

Other notable areas are the laundry area on the 6th floor. You can borrow iron from the front desk without charge. Computer stations are also on the lobby but they're not free. Free buffet breakfast are served in the basement from 7:00 to 10:00 am. There's no swimming pool or gym but they have parking areas. 

laundry area at Koraku Garden Hotel

The best thing about this hotel for business people is its accessibility to nearby stations. For more info: http://bitsandpieces-fvitz.blogspot.jp/2012/08/tokyo-hotel-with-ideal-location-koraku.html.

So if you're planning a business trip, try staying at Koraku Garden Hotel.