You like your hair straight, but you’re looking for alternatives to pressing, ironing or relaxing to get that glossy mane you want. Maybe you want to try a keratin treatment, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Known by several different names, including Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT for short, an acronym you’ll often see on various hair forums) and Brazilian straightening treatment, as well as various brand names, this is the newest craze for getting silky straight hair and stop hair falls.

Natural

The Labraziliana Keratin defrizzing treatments don’t have the tried-and-true chemicals you’ll find in typical black hair relaxers, such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, or chemicals you’ll find in curling perms like ammonium thioglycolate. Your hair is straightened with the active ingredient keratin, a protein very like one of the components of human hair. Keratin works to “naturally” straighten the hair. Fans of the treatment claim that it actually strengthens the hair since keratin is so similar to hair’s natural protein.

When to use Keratin absolutely

Just after hair:

- Straightening

- Coloring

- Highlight

Previously Processed Hair

Anyone who relaxes her hair knows that some coloring processes are especially harsh on top of already processed hair. You also can’t apply a relaxer to previously relaxed hair without worry of over processing. However, a keratin treatment works well on colored, highlighted or previously processed hair.

Time and Cost

Expect a keratin treatment to take a couple of hours. The price ranges from 5,000 to 6,900 bahts (depending on the length of your hair) at De Beaute-Paris professional hair salon, located on 4th floor of Central Festival Pattaya Beach. Tel. 038-043-278 or 0822-565-660

A stylist applies a keratin solution to your hair, much as she would hair color. Hair is blown dry and then sealed with extreme temperatures of up to 450º F (232º C).  The hot iron is required to seal the formula into the hair’s cuticle.

How Long it Lasts

Unlike relaxers and curly perms, a keratin treatment gradually washes away. You’ll notice your hair’s natural curl return over time, anywhere from six weeks to a few months. To get the longest lasting results, use Keratin shampoo, conditioner and serum (sold at De Beaute for 1,800 baht.).

What to Expect

For the first three days after the treatment, you won’t be able to wash your hair or get it wet. A secure hair cover while in the shower or bath is essential. During this time period, you also won’t be able to exercise because sweating is out, as is putting any kind of product on your hair. In addition, for these few days, you can’t put your hair into a ponytail, pin it up or even tuck it behind your ears as that will lead to kinks that will stick in your hair. Your hair may be so straight immediately following the treatment that it lacks body, but in time, some volume will return.

Results

As with all hair products or treatments, everyone won’t get the same results. While a great degree of the results depends on the competence of your stylist, much also depends on your hair type. Some women will get super sleek hair that has no wave to it until the treatment begins to wear off. Other women will see a lessening of frizz with no real straightening, unless they use a flat iron when styling. If you’re seeking bone straight locks, you may be disappointed, but if you’re looking for an easier way to manage your hair without worrying about how straight it turns out, a keratin treatment may be for you.

Notice

La Braziliana Keratin used at De Beaute is formaldehyde-free (different from la Brazilian Keratin). If you’re pregnant or nursing, you can have a keratin treatment.

Before your treatment

If you’re considering the treatment, ask questions at De Beaute before making an appointment anywhere. Get recommendations; even if your best friend in the whole wide world says that she got the best La Braziliana Keratin ever from her stylist, go in for a consultation armed with questions.

Our stylist at De Beaute is ready to answer your questions and professional advice will be provided in English, French and Thai. This is your precious hair we’re talking about; if you’re not concerned about its health, why should anyone else be?

For information please contact De Beaute at Central Festival Р Tel: 038-043-278.

Flames Restaurant is located on the beachfront of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. The restaurant opens daily from 18.00-23.30 hrs. Call to reserve at +66 (0) 3830 1234 ext. 4272.

THE Putahracsa is a low-rise villa-style resort set majestically on the eastern coastline of Hua Hin, yet less than a 10-minute drive to the modern city centre.  The original owner of the land on which the resort was built was the current owner’s grandmother, Khun Ying Supatra Singholaka, who served under the royal court of King Rama V. That lady had bungalows built and rented them out to locals. Velvadi Sritrairatana, the granddaughter who runs what has become a five-star resort, now offers guests the combination of the charms of a small town with a delightful beach hideaway.
It’s a boutique, trendy spa resort set amid beautiful lush green foliage, a glittering white oasis, and a stylish contemporary reinvention of the 1960s motel architecture promising a laid-back lifestyle. All 59 rooms are decorated in soothing, stylish beige and white and are designed to balance the different elements of nature to create a unique mood and experience. On the reception side, the 36 Silksand Rooms surround the pool on three sides and two levels, so you can choose ground floor or first floor, and morning sun or afternoon sun. All have cushion-laden round rattan armchairs and cushioned seating on their outdoor terraces.
On the ocean side, eight two-floor Sansky Villas offer more space for families and share their own pool. If you are after a private waterhole and alfresco Jacuzzi, not to mention a private butler, chose one of the Oceanbed Pool Villas, the most luxurious and roomiest being the La Canna Pool Villa which even boasts its own private wine cellar and a personal villa host at your service. Also to be found on the ocean side are seven rooms on the upper floors and offering partial views of the sea from a private terrace.
Dining is a matter of mouth-watering choices. Sala Monsoon is an all-day dining restaurant with a relaxed and chic ambience. Start the day with a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the thatched-roof area and, for lunch, indulge in simple Thai dishes, fresh salads, creative pasta dishes and innovative sandwich choices. Chill out with tapas and wines in the evening amid a casual and informal setting near the swimming pool in the heart of the resort.
The Oceanside Beach Club and Restaurant is open-sided and offers uninterrupted views of the waves gently crashing nearby. Seating options are formal wooden tables or lounge-style white illuminated armchairs where you can enjoy authentic Thai and Mediterranean cuisine with special BBQs. After sunset, the Beach Club is illuminated by numerous glass box candles, and there are deep-seated oversized sofas to chill out with a pre-dinner drink. Last orders for dinner are at 10.45 p.m. There’s even a top table where you can look out to sea unless you prefer to gaze into the eyes of your dining partner.
Hotel facilities are all that you would expect from a top-quality resort and include limousine service, free wi-fi access, swimming pool, golf course, fitness zone, tennis court and even yoga and aerobics classes. The day spa practices a balance of traditional therapies and modern techniques to create treatments that unify the mind, body and soul either in-room or at the on-site spa. For meetings, weddings, exhibitions or product launches, the Putahracsa Terrace offers two meeting rooms and an outdoor terrace fully equipped with contemporary audio-visual equipment.
Activities and opportunities for sight-seeing are endless with seven quality golf courses accessible within a 30-minute drive, fishing and eco-cruises, kite boarding, fitness and martial arts, elephant camps and trekking, cooking courses, walking and cycling and go-karting with a circuit 700 m long.  If snorkeling, creative arts or pony riding is your chosen interest, then simply make inquiries at the resort reception.

Photos Courtesy of Putahracsa Hua HIn

PUTAHRACSA HUA HIN

22/65 Nahb Kaehat Rd. Hua Hin Prachaub Kirikhan 77110

Tel. +66 (0)32 531-470, Fax. +66 (0)32 531-488

www.putahracsa.com

The splendid rendition of HM's the King's Anthem by the school choir

Entertainment began with the school choir singing HM the King’s Anthem, and the tenth grade IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) music group performing Soul Limbo (a.k.a. the BBC’s cricket theme). The orchestra then played a Basse Dance and Gopak, followed by a jazz medley by the flute group.
Several seventh-year students did their rendition of Water Come To Me Eye before the school’s jazz band made its debut with Town With an Ocean View.
The popular ukulele band played an impressive three-chord mega mix of songs from different decades, and the year-eight group reminded everyone of the school’s sell-out musical Mama Mia, with their version of Super Trouper, sung by Praw.
The first half ended with the choir returning to the stage for two more songs, Lullaby and Cee Lo Green’s hit Forget You.

E-MAIL: changvisa@gmail.com

183/27 M.10 Soi 13/2 Nongpure, Banglamung Chonburi 20150

Mobile: 66 81 7549342, Tel: 66 38 711 145. Fax: 66 38 710 163

www.visacentergroup.com, www.visa2britain.com

Re-entry query

Q: I have a single entry tourist visa of 60 days, but I want to go to Cambodia for a few days after I have been in Thailand for about two weeks.  Is there any point in my obtaining a re-entry permit on this visa?

A: It depends how long you want to remain in Thailand after your return from Cambodia.  If you do not obtain a re-entry permit you automatically cancel your visa but will obtain 15 days (border) or 30 days (airport) when you cross back into Thailand.  If this is not enough, then by all means obtain a re-entry permit which will protect the original visa.  You can also obtain a one month extension on your 60 days tourist visa at any Thai immigration office.

Cancel work permit

Q: I work in a local school as a teacher but I am leaving by mutual consent at the end of the month.  I don’t want any trouble at the airport next time, so what is the procedure?

A: You (or a school officer) need to visit the Chonburi labour office to cancel the work permit.  Take with you a letter from the school indicating the precise date of the termination.  Then, as soon as possible and preferably the same day, take your passport and the Tor Tor 10 form (the labour office will give you) to your usual immigration office for visa cancellation.  Remember that the visa is cancelled the same day you terminate employment.  However, you can ask for a 7 days extension at that stage if you need one.  You can leave the country without any problem if you follow this procedure.

No visa for baby

Q: Both I and my baby have 30 days on arrival in our respective passports and I need another week which should be no problem.  My question is whether my baby needs to pay for the extension as well.

A: No need for baby to have an extension as nobody can be fined for overstay until he or she is 15 years.  However, if your baby was on the same passport as you, then it would be necessary for both to be paid for.  This can happen in the case of Russians and Ukrainians as babies often share their parents’ passports.

Overseas bail

Q: I am currently on bail for a criminal case here in Thailand, but I desperately need to go back to UK as my mother is dangerously ill and could die anytime.  I have heard of overseas bail but I don’t know what it is.

A: You can apply to the court for a period of time to be spent outside the country. You would need a Thai lawyer to make the application which will be decided by a judge.  In your case, it’s best to provide evidence of mother’s situation.  Whether you will be allowed to go is entirely a matter for the judge and may depend on the seriousness of your alleged crime and the likelihood of your doing a “bunk”.  The judge could require a bigger sum than the original bail bond to be deposited in the court as an additional surety.

Five year license

Q: I have a five-year car driving licence which expires later this year.  How soon can I renew it and will I need a further driving test?

A: You can renew up to three months in advance.  You will need a new certificate of residence from the immigration bureau and your passport and expiring licence.  At the traffic office, you will have eyesight tests as well as a simulated emergency stop, but no major examination.

Police clearance

Q: I am currently in Thailand but have been asked to take up work in Angola.  Part of the procedure is to require me to get a crime-free certificate from the Thai police as well as a fingerprint schedule.  Where can I have this done?

A: Only at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Rama One Road, Bangkok.  No other police station will give you the service you require.  Take your passport and the request in writing from the African company or government agency.

Experience a Royal Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner at Casa Pascal ! Authentic Korean delicacies: Appetizers, Seafood, Salads, BBQ Beef, BBQ Poultry, Noodles, Soups, Vegetables, different Kimchis and side dishes and desserts.

For 590 Baht ++, Saturday, May 19. 2012, As of 18.00 hrs ! Reservations 038 723  660.  www.casa-pattaya.com

Cocktail of the Month at Siam Bayview Hotel

For the whole month of May, enjoy Siam Bayview’s cocktail of the month. Mango Disney (alcoholic cocktail). For those craving a tasty little kick, this fun cocktail is a mix of cazanova rum, blue curacao, fresh mango, lemon and sugar syrup. It’s a great choice to enjoy the true spirit of Thailand by the sea! Mango Lassie (non-alcoholic mocktail). This is a refreshing drink with a mix of fresh mango, orange juice and yogurt. Just perfect for the hot tropical weather of Pattaya.  For enquiries and bookings, call 038 423 877, ext. 533.

Thai Dinner Buffet at Café G, Holiday Inn Pattaya

Introducing Thai dinner buffet at Café G, all day dining restaurant located on 4th floor, Holiday Inn Pattaya.  Enjoy the taste of Thai traditional cuisines, fresh salad bar, and Thai desserts selection. Available nightly from Monday -Friday throughout April and May from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Price per person at THB 450 Nett including soft drinks. Further discount is offered for groups with 10 people and above. All kids under 12 eat free.

For more information and reservations please call 038 725 555 or visit www.dining-experience.com/pattaya.

Saigon Bistro

Located on the 6th floor of Central Festival Pattaya, this latest foodie offers Vietnamese dishes at great value. The delicious traditional beef noodle soup is just 98 baht.  Discounts of 10-15% available.  Tel 038 003 609.

Pattaya Auctions

Collingbourne Auctions Saturdays at 11 am and Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Great items to buy and sell and lots of new furniture every week now being delivered. See www.pattayaauctionhouse.com or contact 038 068 207 or 084 464 9486.

Chess Club

With Grand Master (no less) at Brau House, Second Road (near soi 7) play every Tuesday at 7 pm.  Free entry.  Lessons available.  Call Gerhard 081 159 5341 to find out more information.

Bridge Club

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Bowling Green, Soi X-Yte.  Tel 038 422 924 or 086 744 5386 or see www.pattayabridge.com

For more informations email: reservations@mantra-pattaya.com or call mantra: 038 429 591

Dr. Sucana Chavanich, first Thai female scientist in the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition 51, is seen here with P-1 to P-5 students of Oxford Junior School. The youngsters heard from the Chulalongkorn assistant professor on her adventures studying climate change in Antarctica.

Quick Tip

Want to get the maximum amount of juice out of your fresh lemons? Before squeezing, bring them to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter. Then cut and squeeze.

Pattaya’s Bad Eggs
Andy, my wife doesn’t keep track of how long eggs have been in our fridge  and I’m afraid some have gone bad. Is there any easy way to tell if an egg  is rotten (besides smelling it)?
Daniel

If you aren’t sure how fresh your eggs are, Daniel, here are three ways to test them.
* Place the eggs into a bowl filled with cold water. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom of the bowl, probably on their sides. Slightly older eggs (about one week) will lie on the bottom but bob slightly. If the egg balances on its smallest tip, with the large tip reaching for the top, it’s probably close to three weeks old. Eggs that float at the surface are bad and should be discarded.
* As an option, hold the egg up to your ear and shake it gently. If you can hear a distinct sloshing sound, it’s best not to eat the egg. If you can’t hear anything, it should be fine.
* Finally, you can crack the egg onto a flat surface, like a plate. If the yolk is slightly globe-shaped and sitting high, and the egg white is gathered closely around it, the egg is fresh. If the yolk is sitting a bit lower and the albumen is transparet but still gathered close, then the egg is a bit older, but still safe to eat. If the yolk is flat and the white is runny, toss it.
To keep eggs fresh longer, store them small end down in their original carton, toward rear of the refrigerator (NOT in the door rack).

Pillow Talk
We change and launder our bedding about once a week, Andy, but I can’t recall my wife ever washing our bed pillows (and we’ve been married nearly five years!) Coming up, my Mum would take them to the dry cleaner, but now we try to avoid dry cleaning, especially for items like pillows with all those chemicals right next to our heads every night. So, how do we get pillows clean?
Terry

Five years is a very long time to allow pillows to accumulate dust and mites and things that go bump in the night. So get to it today, Terry, and wash your pillows either by hand or in a machine. Fill the sink or washing machine with hot, not warm, water. Hot water kills dust mites without the need for bleach or other chemicals. Add mild, low-suds liquid detergent, then put in the pillows and agitate. It’s better to wash a pair of pillows together to keep the machine balanced. Rinse thoroughly (two cycles), remove excess water and air dry–either in a dryer or hanging outdoors. To prevent mold, make sure you dry them thoroughly. Fluff by hand. Make it a habit to launder bed pillows every six to twelve months. Goose down pillows should be dry cleaned.

Put a Lid On It
Tell me it isn’t so, Andy. There’s been some chatter lately about a new study that says flushing the toilet with the lid up spreads bacteria. Could it be that my better half maybe has been right all these years?
Harlan

No maybe about it, Harlan, and it’s not only because of that new UK study which shows that bacteria is sprayed about 10 inches above the toilet seat. Earlier research indicated that polluted water vapor erupts out of the flushing toilet bowl to a distance of as much as a meter or more. If your toothbrush is within range, you are brushing your teeth with what’s in your toilet. But just stashing your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet is not enough. If you flush without lowering the lid, the process of aerosolization may deposit microscopic bits of excrement and bacteria everywhere in your bathroom–on towels, soap and maybe even you. That’s reason enough to lower the lid. But there are other benefits as well. A closed lid prevents objects from accidentally falling into the bowl–things like hair dryers, mobile phones, etc. It helps keep children and animals from drinking or drowning in the toilet water. It may save you from serious injury in the event of slipping, falling and hitting your head on the hard surface of the bowl. And the final and critical benefit: a closed lid precludes your wife from falling into the toilet in the middle of the night, thus avoiding an  argument.

Wrinkly Turn-On
I have recently gotten turned on to raisins, Andy, and have found a place to buy them in quantity. Can you tell me anything about the best way to select them and the best way–and how long–to store them?
Mary Kathryn

Most raisins are sold in boxes or packages that you cannot see through so it is difficult to judge freshness by the eye, but if you’re buying in quantity they may be loose or in see-through plastic bags. If that’s the case, check to see that they are moist and undamaged. When buying raisins in a sealed, opaque container, make sure that the container is tightly sealed. If you can squeeze the container, do it. If soft, it indicates the product is fresh. Shake the box or container and avoid any that rattle loudly–which indicates the raisins have dried out. Once you get them home, put the raisins in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag and store them in a cool, dark place. Most kitchen cabinets are too warm, particularly here in Pattaya. A month on the shelf is maximum, after which they begin to dry out, darken, and lose their nutritional value. So if you won’t be eating them within a month, store them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for six months to a year. Inspect them periodically for any spoilage or insect infestation before using.

Say Watts?
Can you tell me how to convert watts into amps?
Dietrich

Only if you can tell me how to convert metres into litres. Kinda like comparing apples and orangutans. Maybe your assumption about converting watts to amps stems from the fact that where volts are more or less fixed–such as in house wiring and automotive wiring, technicians often have charts that relate amps to watts. The simplest answer I could find to your question, Dietrich, is that if you have at least two of the following three: amps, volts and watts, then the missing one can be calculated. That is to say, watts are amps multiplied by volts, so there is a simple relationship between them. The conversion of watts to amps at fixed voltage is governed by the equation amps = watts/volts. For example, 12 watts divided by 12 volts equals 1 amp.

Closing Laws
Law of the Result – When you try to prove to someone that a machine won’t work, it will.

–Handy Andy