Mommy Practicality

School break is almost over. Wait what? I hear my kids ask that question with somewhat a disbelief tone. Because! I also can't believe that school season is waiting for us around the curb. Yup, somewhere there! Okay, so let me shake off this shock and start to face reality that back to school means back-to-gastos for most parents sending more than one child to school. I would know, I am sending two now and in a few years, they will be three. But all's good.

Alam niyo the Back To School season brings a good nostalgic feeling to me. I remember as a child, I love coming back to my school to enroll and then head straight to National Book Store in Cubao to shop for school supplies. I love the sight and smell of new school stuff. I love running my hand through new pad papers and notebooks, trying out inks of different pens, and choosing the design of my pencil case myself. And I am always reminded of that every time I enter any National Book Store. It was a beautiful memory of my mom and I - which I have been passing on to my kids as well. Indeed you could say I am #LakingNational.

Everything you need for school is at National Book Store. You could find anything and everything here. From writing materials, arts and crafts, books, accessories, and now so much more new things for school is under the roof of National Book Store.

Admit it, who wouldn't trust National Book Store for having everything? They've been with every Filipino family supporting our school and office needs for 75 years! That's why it's also about time that they venture into the education field with the recent launch of their NBS College.

Also, to keep up with the times and needs of busy moms who have not time to go out or brave the traffic, they accept your school supply orders via their website www.nationalbookstore.com or via delivery hotline ‎‎8888-627. They will deliver right to your door step nationwide. Delivery is FREE for minimum of Php1,000 purchase in Metro Manila and Php2,500 in provinces. All these were announced during the Back-To-School event hosted by Patty Laurel-Filart.

As a practical mom, I highly appreciate their BEST BUY items and bundles which will make you save a few pesos compared to buying other branded items. The Best Buy is indeed Best Value for moms especially for those shopping Back-To-School on a budget. They have everything from folders, pad papers, glue, erasers, ball pens and so much more! This made me really happy.

If your're new to back to school shopping, National Book Store will never leave you clueless as to what to purchase for your kids because of their school level online shopping guide.

My school kids Wes and Dandre are incoming Grades 2 and Grade 9. Though I already knew what to buy because I came with a checklist of which to buy, the back to school shopping guide online is still a great idea. Such convenience for all National Book Store shoppers!

So, I recently went Back To School shopping and I had an awesome experience! I was able to complete my list for both Dandre and Wes for a total of Php 2,250.00. With this I was able to buy the following:

10 Writing Notebooks
10 Spiral Notebooks
1 Math Notebook
Best Buy Set of folders (short and long) with plastic cover
Best Buy Set of envelopes (short and long)
3 rolls of pre-cut plastic covers
2 rolls of tapes
A box of 24 Crayola crayons
1 Pencil Case
1 Crayon Case by Crayola
1 Cute arts and crafts scissors
1 box of Monggol #2 Pencils
3 Black Gel Pens
Eraser
Glue
2 packs of Art Paper
2 packs of Construction Paper
2 packs of Oslo Paper
2 packs of Colored Paper
1 expanded envelope with handle
Manila Paper
Best Buy pad paper set
Grade 2 pad paper set

Let me share with you what you could find at National Book Store:

Grab & Go Pack for Grades 1 to 3 for as low as Php100.

Grab & Go backpack for Grades 4 - 6 Php399

Writing notebooks. So many brands to choose from. Choose what fits your budget, fits your child's personality, what your child's favorite cartoon character is or favorite colors are! :)

Writing Pads for Grades 1 - 4. At the back you'll find Best Buy High School pad paper set which I conveniently grabbed and bought for my teenager.

A wide selection of pens, markers to choose from!

Water color and rulers.

Crayons!

I can't get over this Crayola 120 Crayon Colors! But didn't buy because my artsy son already has A LOT of crayons old and new around the house.

Safe scissors for those little hands. :)

Travel bags or vanity kits for teenagers. My varsity student son needs this for his hygiene kit every after his training.

Pencil cases and back packs galore!

Surprised to see that they now have school uniforms, shoes, socks, hair accessories, and hygiene kits required by school for younger kids!

School shoes, socks, and uniform for girls

Uniform for boys

Hair accessories and handkerchiefs

Hygiene Kits which has: alcohol, wipes, tissue, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, and one has insect repellent patches too!

Here's the back to school shopping scenario when I was completing my shopping check list at National Book Store. A lot of Filipino moms and dads trust National Book Store for complete back-to-school shopping experience. And why not? Everything you need for back to school is at National Book Store! Right?

National Book Store Promos and Causes

Get a FREE Tote Bag for every Php 1,000 spend at National Book Store. I love that they have this promo which is good for the environment, good for moms who carries something around every time she's out, and that it's reusable.

See those Drawstring Bags? They're only Php99 when you shop for P300 worth of items - including any participating product tagged with a National (N) sticker. There are 7 color combinations to choose from, and they're available in NBS branches nationwide.

Get the Grab and Go Pack for as low as Php100. Choose from sets for Grades 1 to 3, Grades 4 to 6, writing, and drawing in NBS branches nationwide or you may also purchase it online.

Also, upon checking out at the counter, you may want to donate to their Project Aral campaign. There are two kits available for purchase. The P30 kit includes two notebooks, two pencils, an eraser, and sharpener, while the P60 kits include the same contents - plus a pair of slippers! Project Aral Kits will be sent directly to National Book Store Foundation Office at 4th floor Quad Alpha Centrum Building, 125 Pioneer Street Mandaluyong City.

So moms and dads, have you done your Back To School shopping already? If not yet, whether online or offline, you know where to go - National Book Store! Don't forget to bring your Laking National Card! :)

For more information, follow their story using this hashtag #BackToSchoolwithNBS. Also follow them on Facebook: @nbsalert and Instagram: @nationalbookstore.

Happy Back-To-School Shopping!

Last Mother's Day I spent an overnight just to relax, watch movies, sleep, and eat at City Garden Suites Manila.

Honestly speaking, this opportunity to stay for a night came at a perfect time, not only because of the occasion but because I was having exhausting weeks before our stay. I said to myself that I just wanted to get away, relax, and do nothing. God heard my prayer indeed!

Our De Luxe room was upgraded to a One (1) Bedroom Suite, with a FREE massage for ME! Because it was Mother's Day! This was part of the hotel's Mother's Day promo. Unfortunately, nakakatawa, when the masseuse was right at our door during the schedule I booked her, I had to pass the chance because my period came at the most perfect time! I asked, BAKIT NGAYON PA? I badly needed the massage honestly speaking. So I sent her off. Sayang! But for those moms who stayed at City Garden Suites and availed of the massage, good for all of you moms!

City Garden Suites' lobby and reception area is mighty spacious to welcome guests comfortably. I remember having 2 huge lounge areas for guests. Checking in was easy and we were welcomed warmly by their front desk staff. We received two key cards and hurray - a WiFi password for our room.

While waiting shortly for the processing of our check in, we were treated to welcome drinks - a glass of orange juice - which the kids more especially enjoyed. Look at this little one, he already finished his and wanted to get a hand at his dad's glass. Of course we gave in. :)

As soon as we had checked in, we immediately headed to our room so that I could finally finally lie down on the bed and do nothing. Let me take you around our room in this "unrooming" photo series.

The one bedroom suite that we were checked in had the following:

One (1) Queen bed and one (1) single bed in room
An LED TV powered by cable and also HMDI/USB ready for movies
A desk with office supplies in its drawer (which was very useful for my second son)
High speed wireless internet
A living area with LED TV
A small refrigerator stocked with beverages and snacks
Mini-bar with more sweet treats for the kids
Four (4) complimentary water bottles
Coffee and tea making facility
Complete toiletries (dental kit, liquid soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, roll of tissue)
Towels
Safe and laundry basket inside the closet

WHAT THE KIDS DID

If you're a follower of my hotel staycation reviews, you know that our family chooses those that has swimming pools. City Garden Suites unfortunately has no swimming pool. But it was best at the time of our stay because as I've said, we just really wanted to rest, sleep, do nothing, and just eat.

Bath tubs are subject to availability. At the time of our check in, the rooms with bath tubs had already been booked. Too bad, we were looking forward to fun bath time during our stay. But that wasn't our priority anyway, so it's all good.

But nevertheless, we had a relaxing stay and the kids were never bored. Thanks to my husband's baon-baon na external hard disc where he downloaded new movies to watch during our staycation. And thanks as well to our room's high-speed WiFi.

No pool, no problem. Here are what the kids did during our stay that kept them busy:

Dandre is seen here Spotifying, watching YouTube videos, chatting with friends, and FB/IG-ing.

My second boy who's turning 8 this year is an artist! He loves to draw and color. Just make paper, pens, and coloring materials available, even scissors, he can create something really nice out of nothing. Happy to have a drawer filled with supplies that kept him busy creating. :)

Our dear bunso Damien is in his exploratory and experimental stage. He loves imitating his big brothers. But this time, he occupied the couch and lounged there to snack on his biscuits. When not eating, he joins his older brother and tries to draw something. He also played with the laundry basket by putting it on his head as a head gear and walked around the room with it.

WHAT MOM AND DAD DID

I was supposed to get a one hour full body massage as part of the promo we availed during our stay. But as I've mentioned earlier, I had to cancel LAST MINUTE!!! Huhuhu! Sayang, I badly needed the massage. So yeah, that plan was Xed from my list to achieve during my rest day.

So, we enjoyed the air-conditioning in the comfortable and spacious room, lied down the bed, cuddled while watching a movie or two. Ang saya ng moment na I really didn't do anything at all, no dishes to wash, no dinner to cook, no mess to organize and other errands. I achieved the objective of this stay - TO REST!

We went to the nearest mall which was Robinsons Place Manila because we were craving for some Korean BBQ for our Mother's Day dinner. But lo and behold, we were 19th in the waiting list. No can do. We were too HANGRY already, so we settled for the Filipino restaurant next to it, which unfortunately I didn't get the name - I just really wanted to eat, I didn't notice. Poor me. We ordered all our favorites and had a filling and sumptuous dinner! Who wouldn't with Crispy Pata, Sinigang na Hipon, and Sisig right? Extra rice please!

Back to the hotel, I was surprised with a FREE Kit-Kat Ice Cream plate! Perfect timing because we hadn't had dessert yet. So again, we all devoured this treat, especially the littlest one! :)

My husband and I had another round of movie before we dozed off to sleep.

BREAKFAST AT CITY GARDEN SUITES

Another objective achieved during our Mother's Day staycation was our delicious and heavy breakfast buffet at City Garden Suites' Cafe Miranda.

The cafe or dining area is well-lit because of the natural light coming through the glass walls - which I appreciate very much. Having natural light reminds me of positive vibes and love which of course only comes from God!

The tables are big enough to accommodate the diners' number of plates from their sumptuous spread of breakfast foods. The chairs are cushioned to ensure diners' are comfortable while having their meals. I like it that there are long couches, perfect for families like mine who still has small kids. I need not worry if they would fall.

Let's now talk about breakfast food, shall we?

Our family is group of heavy breakfast eaters. I got this from my own family, my mom makes sure she served us the heaviest breakfast every day when I was younger. This was passed on to me, so rice and viand plus breakfast, coffee and chocolate drink it is every morning in our household.

When staying in a hotel, we look forward to breakfast buffet. And let me tell you that one of the more filling and complete spread of breakfast choices that we've had is in Cafe Miranda of City Garden Suites!

For breakfast tribe like my family, their breakfast buffet spread is superb!

Some start their meal with salad and fruits. We don't we have it anytime during our breakfast meal!

They have a small egg station where you could request your eggs cooked the way you want them. We had sunny side ups and omelette as well. Though let me say that the omelette could still improve by stuffing it more with the available fillers like seen below. Or maybe I should've requested it?

Beverages available: Orange juice, Pineapple juice, Tea and Coffee.

Apart from rice in the morning, we also are bread lovers. Pan de sal is number one on the list then loaf bread (white or wheat - any would do!) Pancake and waffle is also my kids' favorite!

Pair the bread with any of the following: butter, strawberry jam, mango jam, peanut butter or orange marmalade. We tried them all!

If you are just a light eater with Muesli or Corn Flakes with milk for breakie, they have it too! My second son loves corn flakes with milk so he came back to this area twice.

BACON is one of my musts in a hotel breakfast buffet for me to say this breakfast buffet rocks! And YES they have BACON! So this makes breakfast all the more superb because my breakfast star is present to add more sunshine to my morning.

We didn't feel short-changed with the selection of viands or meals in their breakfast buffet.

For rice, we had a choice between garlic and plain rice, we chose both please!

They had chicken adobo, hash brown, mixed vegetables, bacon, pasta, and soup.

Wish list: champorado and lugaw please? :)

On my plate: almost All mentioned above! :)

CITY GARDEN SUITES AMENITIES:

Though City Garden Suites doesn't have a swimming pool for added fun during your staycation, they have a gym which you could have all to yourselves early in the morning! The have a treadmill and stationary bike (those that I could name only!) and other machines. Bench press, and weights are also available for use. But what I enjoyed was their massage chair. Hot and cold water is also within reach here.

At the ground floor is where you'll find their function room the Lotus Ballroom, which could be divided to three smaller rooms. This photo is without the divider and when I asked it can seat up to 300 pax. This could be an option for your next big party or corporate event. Food is good and usually, good food leaves good impressions on your event right?

OVERALL STAYCATION EXPERIENCE
If like me you're looking for a simple and relaxing stay with good food, then City Garden Suites is worth a try. The hotel is more great for business travelers who want to stay near convention or exhibition centers and the airport or tourists or families who would want to experience Manila's richness in culture by visiting the Luneta Park, Intramuros, and taking a kalesa ride.

Too bad it was the Barangay elections on our Day 2 of stay so we weren't able to take advantage of their FREE Walking Tour to Intramuros which starts at 9:00 am ti 11:30am every day. If you're also considering a full day of experiencing Old Manila as an educational tour or trip for yourself and your kids, consider staying at City Garden Suites because it's near historical places in Manila such as but not limited to: The National Museum, Intramuros, Luneta Park, Escolta, Binondo. Do your thrift shopping as well in Divisoria, the Lucky China Mall, and many more then come home to City Garden Suites to rest your tired eyes, feet, and pockets! Bring the kids to nearby kiddie attractions such as the Manila Ocean Park, Museo Pambata, CCP, and more!

Their staff is notably hospitable, pleasant, professional, and always smiling. Nothing but good customer service which is the heart of any establishment. Our room was clean and spacious, still I wish we were booked in a room with a bath tub! :) But aargh, FOOD was great! We definitely had a memorable breakfast buffet experience. Parking is limited though and on a first come first served basis. Room price is value for money! Will we come back? Yes we would!

FATHER'S DAY PROMO and MORE!
I experienced their Suite Treat For Moms promo, now they have another special promo for all the DADs out there! Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show dad how much you care and City Garden Suites is taking it up a notch by celebrating it the whole month of June!!!

From June 1-30, 2018, the whole family may spend quality time with dad with the following inclusions for only Php 3,998.00:

Instant room upgrade from Deluxe Room to a One Bedroom Suite
Buffet breakfast for two (2) adults and two (2) children
Relaxing one hour massage for dad
Complimentary bottle of wine

For bookings, other promos, and reservations, you may visit https://bit.ly/2kzEItF or call (+632) 835-3831 or (+632) 536-1451.

For updates and more information, visit their website www.citygardensuites.com/. You may also follow them on Facebook or Instagram: @citygardensuites. You may also call 02-536-1451 for other inquiries. City Garden Suites is located at 1158 A. Mabini St. Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines 1004.

Since the day I became a mom, all I want is to raise children well by taking careful measures to ensure they grow up healthy, strong, smart, kind-hearted and have a personal relationship with God. Fast forward to 14 years since I brought my first child into this world, I still have the same prayer in raising my children.

Being a working mom for more than a decade and now a more hands-on mom than ever, let me share that motherhood for me is beautiful but challenging. One of the challenges is to continually look for healthy alternatives in this world of all instant! You get what I mean? With the existence of instant meals, canned goods, packed noodles, and even fast foods, finding a healthy breakfast or snack for them could be a struggle.

But if you're like me who likes researching and experimenting on foods that could both be healthy yet fun and delicious to eat to ensure kids will like them, then you'd agree when I say that there are many available in the market. I've recently discovered a healthy and yummy recipe using yogurt.

And this isn't just any yogurt, it has the Real California Milk Seal! Why is this seal so important to me? It's because with this seal, I am assured that I am getting a top quality brand compared to the many dairy products that are available in stores right now. It also means the product is certified as having been made with 100% Real California Milk from Real California Dairy families. I feel that I cannot short change my children's nutrition so I look for this seal.

Sharing with you my Choco Pineapple Breakfast Yogurt Recipe:

Ingredients:

One (1) cup of Blue Isle Greek Yogurt (Honey or Honey Blueberry)
Pineapple slices (bite size)
One (1) cup of chocolate corn flakes
Dash of chocolate powder
1 - 2 tbsp of honey

Procedure:
Put the Blue Isle Greek Yogurt in a bowl

Add pineapple slices on one side

Add choco corn flakes on the other side

Top with chocolate powder

Drizzle the whole bowl with honey

Enjoy!

Nutritional Benefits of Yogurt:
What makes yogurt healthy for you and your kids? It's a mixture of milk fermented by bacterial cultures that produce lactic acid. It contains the same nutrients as milk but it still depends on the type and even brand of yogurt (kaya look for the seal!). A cup has many essential nutrients like protein, calcium and phosphorous to help build and maintain strong bones and teeth. It also has Zinc which boosts the immune system. Riboflavin and panthothenic acid also help the body with metabolism. Yogurt also has vitamin B12 to keep the nervous system healthy and blood functions normal.

For us adults, did you know that yogurt is recommended for weight loss and weight management? So for moms who like to go to #BalikAlindogProgram, yogurt is one of your healthy but yummy alternative.

The U.S. National Dairy Council reports that dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt are foundational foods in healthy eating patterns that contribute important shortfall nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and potassium. Healthy eating patterns are associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases including cardio vascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Here's more, the potassium in yogurt also helps regulate the balance of water and other nutrients, lowering your chances of having high blood pressure. A recent study in the American Journal of Hypertension found that eating two cups of yogurt a week lowered the risk associated with cardiovascular disease.

Yogurt is also a good option for the lactose intolerant to get the same health boosts of
milk. Its active cultures help the body digest lactose, which is a naturally occurring sugar in milk that not everyone can digest.

There are so many ways to enjoy yogurt than just having it plain and like my yogurt breakfast bowl, kids could enjoy it anytime as well. Yogurt can also be a base of a veggie or even chips dip or as a substitute for oil and mayonnaise as well.

Other Dairy Product with Real California Milk of Cheese Seal (And where to purchase):

We all know how healthy drinking milk and other dairy products such as cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream are right? I cannot stress how this will really help us and especially our kids to have stronger bones and teeth and even help prevent common illnesses! So the next time you buy any dairy products from the grocery, make sure that you look for the Real California Milk seal! This assures you that you’re getting dairy products made exclusively from nutrient-rich, high quality 100% California milk. California is US' leading producer of milk, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk and whey protein concentrate and is the second largest producer of cheese and yogurt. The Golden State is America’s leading milk producer with 1,300 dairy farms, 99% of which are family-owned. These California dairy farm families take precious care of their cows and their products.

Look for the seal momshies okay? You may purchase dairy products which has the Real California Milk or Cheese seal from groceries like Unimart, Robinsons Supermarket, Merkado and SM Hypermarket plus membership shopping giants S & R and Landers. They give you a wide range of dairy choices carrying the seal.

To know more about great dairy products, check out www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com or Facebook.com/RCMph/. You may also follow their stories by using these hashtags #LookForTheSeal and #RealCaliforniaMilkPhilippines.

*This post is sponsored by Real California Milk, but the recipe, photos and opinions are mine.

I was young when I first became a mom. Twenty-three is still young in today's standards. But I am thankful that motherhood came early in my life. I wasn't prepared to be one, I guess, nothing really prepares anyone how to be a mom. Motherhood also didn’t come with any instruction manual such as those I read and follow to the book when an appliance or a DIY furniture is purchased. Once that cute tiny human being was out of my womb, I was changed. Everything changed. I became a mother. Motherhood is a lifelong role which is added to my other roles such as a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a colleague or as a friend.

Fast forward to today, I am already a mom of three boys belonging to different stages. A teenager, a young child, and an incoming toddler. Having three children doesn’t make me an expert mom. I still find myself clueless on what to do hence I still do fail at some motherhood areas. I used to be pressured at what other moms would say, but not anymore. I compared myself with other moms too and oftentimes, I feel bad about myself. But, there’s no perfect mom, only real ones like you and me. Each of my children is unique which makes me learn so many things from them as they grow and transition from one childhood stage to another. All I can say is I love being a mom and all the lessons it taught me. Let me share some to you.

1. To love unconditionally. I never thought I could love another human being more than myself, three times over! My boys are all so rough and had made mistakes, but of course I still am in love with them like how I first saw them when they were born. No matter what happens, I will be there for them to love them with all my heart. I am sure most, if not all, mothers feel this way too.

2. To make family my first priority. Before becoming a mother, I admit to only thinking more about myself, what I need, want, and what would make me happy. When I became a mother, my needs and wants are set aside or are now second to my children, and my children’s happiness became my happiness. When I was working in a fast-paced environment as a marketing/campaigns specialist, the scenarios would be: travel vs. a highly-dependent mother or important meeting vs. sick child or work vs. family. It was a challenge at first because I believed I need to work harder to help provide for them and I need a good paying job for self-esteem. But I trusted GOD more and I’ve always prioritized my children over other things, which led me to resign from my 10-year corporate job. For them, all for them.

3. To be an intentional person. It’s easy to snap and lose temper over something that irritated me or when things don’t go my way or as expected. That was the old me. Old me, yes, we always have that old persona we compare our now selves especially when we know we’ve changed a lot right? So, since I became a mother, my words and actions are carefully thought of before executing them. They go through a process of thoughts – Will this be good for my child? Will this teach him good things? Will this hurt him? Will this please God? Everything is now more intentionally said and done to ensure that I, together with my husband, bring them up well.

4. To be more prayerful. We are not in control of everything. I’ve learned to accept that since I accepted Jesus in my heart. I also know that nothing happens by accident. Our sovereign God has planned everything in our timelines so we may use all events to glorify Him. Those minor or major accidents, the past holdup incident my teenager had, the successes and failures in school, and every difference in my children’s personalities which sometimes triggers me to lose patience (we all have these moments). So for everything else that we cannot control, I pray for. God loves all mothers. We are given our children to be our main ministry so we could serve Him by loving our children. He wants us to talk to Him to seek guidance and protection for our family especially our children. Being a mother taught me the power of prayers. It’s applicable to our husbands too, naku, that would be another long post.

5. To manage budget, save, and invest. I used to have a regular job. Having your own money makes you feel independent and financially capable. Due to my past childhood experiences, I grew up to be an impulsive shopper who found joy in acquiring things. That old me talaga no? But since I became a mother, I thought carefully of every spending not to the point of being too stingy nor extreme frugal, but more of practicality. I guess, hence my blog’s name/branding. So I learned to manage my spending more, became more conscious on saving some for the rainy days, and lastly to learn how to grow my extra money through pre-needs, investments and protection such as VULs, and mutual funds, and memorial plans.

6. To be selective in everything they use. I used to not care much about content there are in the products I use for myself. As long as I see celebrities use them, my old impulsive buyer self would purchase and use them, only to find out it’s not compatible to my skin. Since I became a mother, I am more selective to what I use on my children. From their diapers, to baby gears, to feeding bottles, and especially their bathing/hygiene products. I currently use Baby Dove range for my little one.

YES! Baby Dove is already in the Philippines! I used to buy Baby Dove products from PX stores or imported sections of the supermarket. Now, it’s available almost everywhere. These are the line of products we use: Baby Dove Rich Moisture Hair to Toe Baby Wash, Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Bar. Baby Dove Rich Moisture Nourishing Baby Lotion, Baby Dove Rich Moisture Shampoo, and Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Care Wipes. I’ve tried other products in the market which are gentle, safe, hypo-allergenic, and pediatrician/dermatologist-tested and approved, but not all met what we are looking for. Product safety is Baby Dove's top priority and I love that about it becuase it's by Unilever. Same as other personal care products of Unilever which are used by millions around the world Baby Dove is made with high standard ingredients, kaya kampante ako as a mom that Baby Dove is not only safe for my baby's use but also for our environment.

What I like about Baby Dove products

As a practical and selective mother, I like Baby Dove products because during bath time, my baby isn’t deprived of experiencing bubbles. Some of the products I tried, wala nang bubbles, for me where’s the fun in that? Iba pa rin ang bubble bath especially now that he’s almost two and is like a sponge absorbing new learnings through experiences. A small amount of Baby Dove Hair-to-Toe Baby Wash is enough to cover baby’s full bath, so tipid siya. It lathers easily, cleans well, and rinses quickly. The Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Bar smells good and leaves baby’s soft and moisturized. Baby Dove Rich Moisture Shampoo is tear-free, so even if the suds stay on his hair longer, I am not worried.

Our experience with Baby Dove after bath naman is as pleasant. Baby Dove Rich Moisture Shampoo keeps my baby’s hair softer than other baby products we use and it smells good longer. The Hair-to-Toe Baby Wash and Baby Bar leaves my baby’s skin soft and smooth. Nakakagigil! I rarely use the Baby Dove Rich Moisture after bath, because his skin is already soft, so I use it at bed time for baby massage. When we change diapers or clean up soiled hands and feet, we use the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Care Wipes. His bums are not only clean but instantly moisturized so less chances for irritation and rashes. Best of all, ang pinakanagustuhan ko in all of the Baby Dove products – all are suitable for newborns! We all know how sensitive newborns’ skin are right? So meaning if Baby Dove is okay for newborn use, the ingredients are gentle and safe.

To know more about Baby Dove and where to purchase, visit HERE TODAY!

Now here’s one of the most important Motherhood lessons…
One of the most important lessons motherhood has taught me? Motherhood has taught me humility. I may be a mother of three boys of different stages, but I admit that I am not perfect and I still make mistakes and struggle every day at making motherhood work. I will never see myself a better mother than any one. There are days when I feel like I am enough and when that comes, I just pray and ask for strength. And if you are also feeling down or guilty or see yourself as a failure at motherhood, don’t. Because there are no perfect moms, only real ones. Happy Mother’s Day! 😊

It's June alright but still we can all feel the summery heat deep down our skins right? It's still humid and the best way to beat the heat is to be in an air-conditioned room (but sayang electricity if it's open all day) or go to a mall (but mapapagastos ka rin with all the sales around) or bathe as much as you can in a day or eat and drink something cold.

One good idea is to buy halo-halo, banana con yelo or ice candy or mais con yelo from our seasonal neighbor entrepreneurs. They, together with the residential sari-sari stores, pop-up tiangges belong to the huge population of Filipino microenterprises.

“Every summer, we see the Filipino entrepreneur spirit thrive to turn the summer heat into an opportunity. With the right mindset, tools, and ingredients, microentrepreneurs can grow their business and take it to another level,” says Marilou Acuña, Fly Ace Corporation Group Product Manager for Jolly.

I remember when I was younger, my mom and my cousins also had a pop-up halo-halo and mais con yelo stand right in front of our driveway facing the street. I had good memories back then when they allowed me to experience being a tindera for a day or two or more! We sold a number of glasses back then but looking back, I know that that small business could have been bigger if we did these 5 tips from Jolly Corn.

Location, location, location
We had a small stall in front of our house because of logistical convenience, but foot traffic wasn't that good. We could have sold in front of schools near our place. For sure potential income would have doubled or even tripled.

Leverage on influencers
Entrepreneurs should identify who the influencers are within the community. By inviting these key individuals to try the product, entrepreneurs encourage good word of mouth from credible persons within the neighborhood.

Microentrepreneurs can then support this good word of mouth through easy-to-do promotional activities such as community bulletin board, flyering, and social media.

Sell during community events, cater to groups
Microentrepreneurs can hold pop-up stalls during community events such as the annual basketball game and Santacruzan. Another opportunity is catering private groups, such as prayer meetings or the birthday of a neighbor. If all goes well, these events will provide a great platform for referrals and exposure for the business.

Avoid too much credit
Cash is the lifeblood of the business. Microentrepreneurs should avoid allowing too much credit since they still need cash to buy supplies and sustain operations. If offering credit cannot be avoided, microentrepreneurs should find the right balance and understand its limitation.

Find the right partner to perfect the product
Product quality is integral to the success of microenterprises. If the product is excellent, people will follow. Quality also includes the health benefits of the product. These days, even microentrepreneurs venture into the healthy food segment as more people become conscious of what they eat.

In the case of mais con yelo, Jolly Corn provides microentrepreneurs with cream corn packed with the same wholesome sweet goodness of freshly harvested corn.

What if I just want a Mais Con Yelo Now?
Now, if you don't plan to have a small business selling mais con yelo or halo halo or banana con yelo, then you can simply make it at home!

Sharing with you how to make MAIS CON YELO:
Ingredients:
1 425g Jolly Cream Corn, partitioned
1 can Jolly Cow Condensada, partitioned
6 cups shaved ice, partitioned
1 cup corn flakes, partitioned or waffle strips

Procedure:

1. Scoop 3 tablespoons Jolly Cream Corn in a tall glass.

2. Add 1 ½ cups shaved ice. Leave an empty space on top for the toppings, about half an inch.

3. Top shaved ice with 3 tablespoons of Jolly Cream Corn, 2-3 tablespoons condensada, and corn flakes or waffle strips. Serve immediately.

Easy peasy right?

But again, since it's already June and it also rains sometimes, we can't have Mais Con Yelo right? Well, that's what's so versatile about Jolly Sweet Corn! It can be with Team Sunny or Team Rainy! What comfort food could you think of during rainy season? Hot soup or any hot food right?

Jolly Corn could also be your partner in bringing you this comfort food with this easy recipe:

CORN SOUP RECIPE:
Ingredients:
1 425g Jolly Cream Corn
1 can water
6 pc egg
1 dash salt and pepper

Procedure:
1. In a pot, put together 1 can of Jolly Cream Corn and water. Bring it to boil.
2. Add egg when boiling and stir soup.
3. Add dash of salt and pepper to season. Serve hot in a bowl on a rainy day!

So whether it's summer or rainy season, Jolly Cream Corn is our partner in bringing us quality food ingredients which we could use at home. For more recipes visit their website http://jolly.com.ph or follow them on Facebook: @JollyFoods

It's back to school time and it's one of the most exciting part of the year for the kids because they will see their classmates and friends again, wear their crisp uniforms, bring their new bags and also share what's in their lunch boxes.

It also means, it's time for parents to brace themselves and create a baon plan for their kids that's nutritious, easy to prepare, and of course delicious as well! When creating a baon plan, I think of the food pyramid or the Go, Grow, and Glow chart which they study in their Science subjects. You may find this amusing, but yes, I am always reminded that they need Go food for energy (Fats and Carbohydrates), Grow food to help them grow tall and strong (Protein), and Glow food to keep their bodies well (Multivitamins and minerals). It's easy for me to think of what to give them based on their need.

My growing and energetic boys need a lot of Grow foods because they are into sports. My eldest is a basketball varsity player and he really needs protein-rich food to help him with his muscle development and keep him growing taller and taller. He needs to because of the sport he's into. When you think of protein, you think of milk, cheese, yogurt, seafood, and meats, to name a few. Now, let me share with you a protein-rich baon idea which they will surely love!

GRILLED CHEESY SAUSAGE SANDWICH (Pinoy Style)
INGREDIENTS:

2 pcs monay or pan de sal
3 to 4 pcs vienna sausages
2 pcs tomatoes, sliced
California Yanni Grilling Cheese (Jalapeno or Regular)

PROCEDURE:

Slice the buns and sausages into halves.
Prepare sliced Yanni Grilling Cheese.
Pan-fry or grill the ingredients.
Put the grilled/pan-fried sausages, tomato slices and Grilling Cheese on top of the bun. Enjoy!

Did you see how the Yanni Cheese formed a golden crust? When eaten right away, biting it becomes a remarkable experience itself! Why? It's a bit crispy at the bite and gooey cheesy in your mouth. I didn't put any spread anymore because it's already so tasty. Putting spread is optional. In this preparation, I used the one with Jalapeno which gave the sandwich a spicy kick. For kids, use the regular grilling cheese.

Anything with cheese is LOVE right? Think of macaroni, pizza, nachos, fries, omelette and many more! But, when buying cheese in the market, make sure it's got the Real California Cheese or Milk Seal! With this seal, I am assured that I am getting a top quality brand compared to the many dairy products that are available in stores right now. It also means the product is certified as having been made with 100% Real California Milk from Real California Dairy families.

You may ask why California? California is US' leading producer of milk, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk and whey protein concentrate and is the second largest producer of cheese and yogurt. The Golden State is America’s leading milk producer with 1,300 dairy farms, 99% of which are family-owned. These California dairy farm families take precious care of their cows and their products.

Here are other Dairy Products with Real California Cheese or Milk Seal which you could consider grabbing on your next grocery trip (they all have THE seal mommies!)

You may purchase dairy products which has the Real California Milk or Cheese seal from these membership shopping outlets and groceries:

S&R Membership Shopping

California Sunshine Milk (homogenized, reduced-fat, low-fat and chocolate milk)
A wide selection of California Cheeses
Yogurt

Landers Superstore

Coolhaus pints and sammies
A wide selection of California Cheeses

Robinsons Supermarket

A wide selection of California Cheeses

SM Hypermarket

A wide selection of California Cheeses

Merkado Supermarket

Coolhaus pints and sammies

Unimart Supermarket

Coolhaus pints and sammies

To know more about great dairy products, check out www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com or Facebook.com/RCMph/. You may also follow their stories by using these hashtags #LookForTheSeal and #RealCaliforniaMilkPhilippines.

*This post is sponsored by Real California Milk, but the recipe, photos and opinions are mine.

Oh what do you know, it's already 11:00am and it's the first time I sat for more than five minutes. I haven't done this in a while (sit, face my laptop in peace, and write/blog - for as long as I can without interruption). Welcome to my new normal.

It's been more than a month since I lost our recent yaya and guess what, it's by choice that we didn't get another one. Why? Apart from it's hard to get a reliable one, having a household help is a lot more stressful. The last one we had got my baby undergo surgery because of incisions on his finger because of a running electric fan blade, facial wound, and more. She went on an allowed vacation to her province, but I already had an feeling she won't come back anymore. And yes, my hunches were right. She didn't. Then again, I knew that was again part of God's plan to teach me something.

Since then, we decided not to get one anymore. I can get things done without the stress of relying on somebody I can't fully rely nor trust. Secondly, my kids learn to be more responsible and helpful around the house. Third, there's a weekly system in our household. Lastly, I discovered that we are SAVING on expenses a lot more. I now live under God's Economy (read on to know what that means).

HOW MY NEW NORMAL IS LIKE

My daily uniform, and yes I still wear make up.

I wake up earlier than usual. To be honest, my normal is waking up at 6 to 6:30am. I know ang late na ano? Well, lumaki akong may yaya and may helper I could depend on every day. Now is the time I could say I am independently a homemaker. So timely with the recent Independence Day celebration of the country right? Damang dama ko yun.

Now, I wake up between 5:15 am (alm ko may tawad pa instead of 5am) to 5:30am, especially it's back to school already. Let me tell you guys, I am not a morning person, my husband knows and accepts this. But when you're all by yourself (I know kinanta mo rin yang line na yan!) you suddenly become a morning person. I cook breakfast (we're heavy breakfast eaters, so it's rice and ulam), I prepare my grade-schooler's baon (recess and lunch - check my #WESBAONTODAY posts for reference), feed my kids, have breakfast with my husband (part of our intentional asawa bonding), bring son to school. Sometime this busy morning, Damien my youngest wakes up and demands to be fed (I still breastfeed and he's already 2! hurray!).

By around 8 to 8:30am, I get to have some peace in the house, everyone's out of the house (school and office), but the sink is full of dishes to wash. I feed Damien his breakfast. He eats by himself now, hurray again! While he eats, I look for things I can do like wash clothes, sweep the floor, organize stuff, sometimes fold dry clothes (I do laundry bi-weekly now), and when I am free of these other things-to-do-first-before-you-check-your-social-media, I get to sit, have my second cup of coffee, and check my email, my social media pages, blog (if I have at least an hour to do just a draft - writer needs concentration and uninterrupted writing time - which is impossible sobra lately), or just rest and stare at the walls or plan for the week.

By 11:30am, I start to cook our lunch which sometimes extends to dinner or when there's breakfast surplus, we finish breakfast viand and I add veggies or soup, para iba ang dinner. We eat right away. By around 2pm, Damien takes his nap, I do more cleaning or start to work (blog, planning, other stuff). By 4 to 5pm my grade-schooler arrives, I prepare meryenda. We all eat. Then time to prepare for dinner, cook it by 6pm. Before dinner, I take a bath, my 2 younger ones take a bath too.

By 7pm, hubby arrives, panganay sometimes arrives around this time too, but usually he arrives 8pm from his basketball training. My second son sets the table then we all eat dinner at the same time. After dinner, the eldest helps me with the dishes. I clean the rest of the house, and try to put everything back to order (if this is ever possible).

By 9pm, we're off to some bedroom bonding by watching a movie or by reading a book or by playing. Then 10pm is strictly bedtime. We all pray together before going to bed. By this time, my katawang lupa is walwal already sa pagod. My bed becomes my BFF. But wait there's more, I still have wife duties, on call yan mga momshies! Hehehe! I always give in and never decline. This is for another blog post.

LIVING UNDER GOD's ECONOMY

I am extremely exhausted but HAPPY. I am beyond drained, but FULFILLED. I now live under God's economy. It's not a "Bahala na si Batman" mentality that most Filipinos say when they don't know what to do or expect in the coming days when faced with a situation. It's "Bahala na si God!" But of course it should be Ora Et Labora, Prayer and Work. You cannot pray to have money if in the fist place you're not doing anything to make or earn it. Right?

Living under God's economy is trusting in HIS provision at all times and knowing that He will give everything you need in His most perfect time. Since I resigned, I'm never empty-handed. Not once. And when I am about to be, God puts money in my bank account the next day. When I was supposed to pay for my insurance and my account didn't have that needed amount of money yet (because I just spent for our food and groceries and meeting children's needs), I didn't worry at all. And when you put ALL YOUR TRUST in God, you will experience His loving embrace and you'll know in your heart that He is indeed taking care of all your family's needs. It's hard to believe nor imagine nor even think that it's possible to NOT WORRY AT ALL even when you have nothing to regularly expect in the coming days.

In my more than 17 years of working experience, now's just the first time that I've prayed hard for our decision to leave corporate without a replacement work. It's also the first time that I've fully embraced my role as a homemaker and as a full-time MOM to my kids.

I've never felt so physically drained yet I feel so full. My life right now is totally different from how it used to be before. I am used to having a regular paying job where of course I expect a bi-monthly salary. Even before the pay arrives, everything's calculated and there's allocation for all our bills. I am used to this kind of financially stable and comfortable living. But I was too self-reliant that I sometimes forget to invest in my personal relationship with God. Kaya naman He tapped me and my husband the last few years and He called us for a greater purpose. This is the reason WHY I LEFT MY CORPORATE JOB (click the link to read my story).

LITTLE IS NOW MORE
I realized so many things one is that when I had a lot, I still worried. When I had a lot I am guilty of not being content. When I had a lot, I was too proud. When I had a lot, I didn't submit to my husband. All these things didn't please God and I am guilty especially for that PRIDE chicken I always carry with me with gravy or catsup on top pa. How foolish was I.

Now, I am happy to share that even when I have little, I am joyful. Even when I have little, I give more. Now that I have little, I worry less. Even when I have little I am more grateful. Now I have little I desire earthly things less. When I have little I find it easier to be joyful in the simple things.

It is when I have little that I am not distracted with the things I possess and with what I can acquire. It is when I have little that I see more of what's important in my life. First things first, it's GOD, then my husband, then my children, then my work, and my ministry.

It's when I have little that I am closest to HIM. It's when I have little that I trust God more than ever. It's when I have little that I feel I have MORE.

This is what living under God's economy is. It's pure deep-seated bliss.

So this is my new and more beautiful normal loves. If you want to intimately know more about how happy I feel right now amidst all the chaos, the non-stop household chores, the in between normal and occasional disagreements with my husband, the less of me more of others kind of life, message me or comment below, I'd love to share more.

~How's your normal like loves? How do you find joy in your every day?~

Among my three boys, my youngest Damien is the most active, most naughty in a cute way, and his likes are combination of his two elder brothers. In short, he's the too-much-to-handle, the patience-meter-testing and energized-to-the-max toddler. He will turn two soon and NO he's not terrible but YES he is terribly cute and parang kiti-kiti especially when we are out.

Damien can stay in the playground almost the whole day, sliding and climbing on repeat!

Do you also have a toddler? Don't they move non-stop the minute they open their eyes in the morning? And especially when they experience going out and seeing the world outside the home. Oh my, it's always like the first time that they've been out right? Super explore. Non-stop walking. Non-stop jumping. Non-stop running - as in pahabol levels. Kaya when we're out, there are five things that I make sure we do, sharing them with you

Event day with Damien

5 Important Things To Do:
1. Dress toddler comfortably and appropriately.
Personally, when I choose clothes to wear when going out, I go for comfort then style. Same with my toddler, I make sure his movements won't be restricted or be restrained with the clothes he wears. Make sure his clothes won't be too thick which can make him feel too hot nor to thin which will make him feel cold especially when going to the mall. Check the weather and dress your child appropriately.

Speaking of wearing comfort over style, make sure you make him wear a snug-fit, leak-free, and won't sag or less law-law diaper. Damien uses Pampers Baby Dry. Because of its magic gel channels which helps in absorbing the liquid faster and evenly kaya no saggy diapers. Less lawlaw diaper means Damien could move around better, comfortably, and happily. Less law-law also means less cranky and irritable toddler.

2. Fill diaper bag with essentials.
When going out with your toddler for a day, pack practically. Don't over-stuff your diaper bag with items which aren't needed for a day. Just pack the essentials such as extra clothes, bib, hand or face towel, few pieces of Pampers Baby Dry diapers (I just pack 2 to 3 for a day's worth which we don't end up finishing because super absorbent and matipid sa gamit one can actually last the whole day), wipes, bug repellent, travel-sized toiletries (cologne, alcohol, sanitizer, liquid soap), and changing pad. Never forget to bring snacks (and his milk if he bottle-feeds) and up to two toys or books.

3. Apply insect repellent.
Never leave the house without applying insect repellent. You'll never know what kind of insect may bite. Prevention is always better than cure. Re-apply after 4 hours or depending on the longevity of your repellent's effectiveness.

4. Pack lots of energy and give full attention
I know moms of toddlers would agree, walang katapusan na habulan when you're out with your child. Damien has been happily exploring places and things around him. Fear is out of his vocabulary I guess. Feeling niya he's older than he really is. I guess that's the beauty of having older brothers around. He likes to run around, jump when there are steps, and even play hide and seek. When he does that he's really happy because I am the type of mom that when I feel his environment is safe naman, I let him go go galaw. Kaya it's important to make him wear a Pampers Baby Dry for comfortable and unrestrained movement when we're out. Actually, ako ang natatakot baka sa sobrang likot saan mag-hide hindi ko na ma-seek. That's why it's important to give your full attention to your toddler when you're out.

Here are some of the places we've been for a day:

Snacking with Kuya Wes in the columbary during a visit to his Lola

Mini carousel in the mall's amusement center

Just like his Kuya Dandre, he likes basketball

Dining out with the one alone. Date kami.

He also loves cars like his Kuyas Dandre and Wes

Museum and posing for an OOTD shot with Kuya Dandre.

Going Out Is Good For Young Children
Some parents with toddlers dahil sa kalikutan ng bata at their age would rather stay at home so they won't have to deal with the child's (sometimes if not most of the time) uncontrollable kalikutan. But mommies, alam niyo ba, going out with your toddler helps develop social or emotional skills, motor or physical skills/abilities, and boosts self-esteem. According to experts toddlers need to be active (as in moving around) at least 180 minutes a day. Let your toddler walk and move around when out with them instead of being carried or in a stroller most of the time. Limit use of handheld gadgets (better if none) because early child development experts say it's really not good for your children and may affect their brain development. Go out and be active together, it's an enjoyable bonding time with your child.

Unrestrained movement is highly recommended for toddlers to keep them healthy and active. Remember to use Pampers Baby Dry for that comfortable dry feeling and less law law, snug fit so toddler can move around as much as he can happily.

#ChoosePampers

#PampersGoGalaw

Facebook: facebook.com/PampersPh

Instagram: @PampersPH

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Pampers PH but opinions and reviews are purely my own and are not influenced by partner.

I am a mother of three boys, a teenager, a school-aged, and a toddler. Three childhood stages, different parenting styles, different identities, personalities, characters, likes, hobbies - each of them are unique. But if there's one thing in common among my children is they all LOVE playing.

My teenager vividly recalls up to this day how happy he was during his childhood because he remembers all the times we played together. Those were his HAPPY times. That's why I repeated this with my second and now enjoying play time with my toddler.

Play is important in my children's lives. It's when they are happiest. It's when they are most imaginative. It's when they all learn and discover things around them. Play is the time when they develop not only their motor skills but also their critical thinking and creativity. I highly believe that pre-school PLAY with their loved ones plays an important role in developing their social skills, intellectual capabilities, and self-expression.

I learned from a few parenting workshops I've attended before that kids should be given time to have unstructured play - this means letting them play on their own. What then is our role as parents during this? Of course it doesn't mean that we let them play unsupervised. As parents we need to ensure that they play autonomously in a safe and stimulating environment to make learning through play successful.

Damien loves singing, dancing, running, hopping, exploring and of course playing. He needs all the support and unrestrained play time he needs as a toddler. Here are some tips on how play time could be successful for your little ones.

How Can Kids Learn Through Play Successfully:
1. Provide a safe play area. We don't want a wet floor our little ones could slip and bump heads. We don't want glass home decors to be around when they play and broken to pieces which could cut them nor sharp table edges which could possible cause injuries on our little ones. Make sure we keep the play are dry and cushioned. You may use play mats available in stores and online. Reserve those glass home decors for some other years ahead or areas out of their reach. Cover table edges with tapes or foams (if DIY) or purchase online for table edge safety covers. Keep sharp and small objects away to prevent injuries or accidental swallowing or insertion in their noses, ears, etc. Electric fan blades could cause accidental injury, purchase a fan cover as well. Keep the area fit for uninterrupted play.

2. Give age-appropriate toys. Two early childhood development experts who spoke during the workshops I attended both said that kids should be provided with toys which will challenge them but not too much to frustrate them nor discourage them. That's why it's important to check the age appropriateness labels on the toy packages when you purchase toys. Experts also shared that it's important not to present over-stimulating toys to children. Expose toddlers to 4-6 toys at a time.

3. Encourage Dramatic/Pretend Play. Experts say, dramatic or pretend plays is important in the social or emotional and physical development of the child. It is when they make sense of the world when they act out and copy what they see around them. My eldest and I used to do role playing by pretending he's my dad and I was his baby. He copies how I care for him and it's a really good exercise also for parents to see how our children see us as their parents.

4. Wear clothes and diaper which don't restrain movements. The last thing we want to happen during their play is to get interrupted just because their movements are restrained due to their clothes or the diaper that they use. For diaper, my toddler uses Pampers Baby Dry because it's Less Lawlaw with its new and improved magic gel channels which quickly absorbs wee-wee and distributed evenly. When our little ones are uncomfortable because of a diaper's poor absorption quality, they become irritable and their movements are restricted. This then results to lesser happy play time and lesser time to learn. With Pampers Baby Dry, Damien is comfortable and happy, making movements during singing and dancing more active, so Go Galaw lang si baby. When go galaw ang baby, more fun and more learning!

5. Always be present during play. It's easy to say na nakakapag-bonding tayo with our little ones just because we are physically with them. But when we say "present" dapat tayo din unrestrained play time with our kids. Set aside work, keep your mobile phones and social media away. Our kids need quality time with us, real play time with us. I know you may be excited to post a snippet of your play time with your kids on either FB or IG, delay that and enjoy your play time (as in down on your knees kind of play with a red cape around your neck, a mask on your face or a crown on your head pa!).

With all these things, apart from their learning, your little one will surely remember how fun and happy their childhood was because you let them play and be kids at the time they need to be. As parents, let's give importance to unrestrained physical play because it's through play that they learn a lot and develop skills they need to be equipped as they grow up.

#ChoosePampers

#PampersGoGalaw

Facebook: facebook.com/PampersPh

Instagram: @PampersPH

*This blog is in partnership with Pampers. All shared insights are my own.

Just before school started, my family and I had a much-needed out of town staycation at Kasa Luntian in Tagaytay City. I readily said yes to this invitation especially after finding out that it's managed and operated by Hospitality Innovators, Inc. (HII) who also manages KL Serviced Residences and Y2 Residences Hotel - both of which I've already stayed in and had good experiences.

The Serviced Residences at Kasa Luntian boasts of their cascading pools.

Kasa Luntian is located along Tagaytay-Calamba Road which is about 1.5 to 2 hours away from Manila via Nuvali, Sta. Rosa. We checked in earlier than 2 pm because to avoid rush hour traffic in Manila. I know Kasa Luntian from the photos on their social media and website but I didn't expect what my family and I saw upon entering the gate. It's true what they said in their website that it's a tranquil escape from the busy life in the urban city. I know we're in Tagaytay, but it felt different being there. It seemed as if we were farther from where we actually are, could pass being transported in another country. I love the fresh air and cool breeze, well-planned landscape, large space for recreation, and smiles from the people we meet - all these and more, we experienced at Kasa Luntian.

CHECKING IN
Okay, first and foremost, check-in time. We arrived at around 1pm, we were supposed to check in at 2pm just like how it is in all hotels, but we were allowed an early check in to our 1BR Suite. At this time, super excited na kami ng family to see our room. Oh by the way I loved the reception of the front desk staff when we arrived, even manong guards, they were warm and efficient.

Reception pa lang already looked so relaxing because of the "green" wall. This made us even more excited to see their nature-inspired room. Upon our swift check-in which didn't take longer than 10 minutes, we were given two key cards, our WiFi details, and breakfast stubs.

We were greeted warmly by Ms. Roz and Ms. Paula of Kasa Luntian. They even escorted us to our building. This photo was taken by my son Wes. :)

Upon entering our One (1) Bedroom Suite, this surprised us:

Thank you Kasa Luntian for the welcome treat! Sakto we were craving for a local delicacy at our time of arrival. Now let me take you to our spacious unit.

ROOM TOUR

King-sized Bed

Dining and Living Area with Balcony and view of the pools

View from the balcony. There's a sliding door to separate the bedroom from the rest of the unit.

Our balcony view of their cascading swimming pools! :)

Lounge chair by the balcony and faux grassy floor mat

Complimentary water bottles and coffee and tea making facility.

Full kitchen.

If we are to soon buy our own house, I would like to have a kitchen such as this. Complete, plenty of cupboards to put food, condiments, snacks, other food supplies. Just a bigger ref for a big family. :)

Cooking tools, tableware, rice cooker, and glasses.

Gas-range oven, and more cooking tools.

Each room is equipped with their Island Breeze Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel and Lotion

Clean bath, hand, and face towels

Inside the closet, you'll find their safety deposit box, bath robes, slippers, ironing board, iron, and hair dryer.

Clean sheets and soft pillows

Which my Damien readily posed on with his swim trunks!

Hurray for a beautiful day! Sun is out time to swim!

While kids are out to swim, we bonded over NETFLIX in the unit!

We were so happy to find out that apart from FREE WiFi in the room, our TV has digital box and is also equipped with Netflix. We watched some series, movies, short clips, and many others which we failed to catch at home. There's something for everyone while you stay at Kasa Luntian. For this, kudos to the management! Galing talaga ng HII! :)

FUN IN THE SUN

This boy swam with his brothers right away!

Nice view of the buildings/towers and one of the pools on a sunny afternoon. Imagine while staying out in the sun, I didn't feel skin irritability, Tagaytay breeze - thank you! Kasa Luntian, what an energizing sight! Blues and Greens!

After swimming, we roamed a little to see what else the kids could do. We were delighted to see the safe play area near the pool. Safe because the floor is non-slip which makes it safe even for kids who are wet coming from the pool to run a little or walk faster.

There's my Wessie boy in his role playing mood. Presenting Capt. Wessie! :)

I'll never grow tired watching him play!

It was around 5pm and it's time to go back to the unit to ready ourselves for dinner.

DINNER TIME

Whenever we go to Tagaytay, we look for something really local. We want the real deal bulalo and tawilis. Where else could we get fresh beef meat for the hot bulalo soup but straight from the market right? So we went out that windy Saturday night to go to Mahogany Market to devour our family favorite Bulalo and Crispy Tawilis! :)

Mahogany Market is about 10 to 15 minutes away from Kasa Luntian

Crispy Tawilis is best with vinegar and steamed rice. Don't forget to leave space for Senorita bananas as panghimagas! Oh, and a cup of Kape Barako is FREE for every guest who would request for one. Food is Happiness! Happiness is Life!

Bbbuuuuurrrp! We came back to Kasa Luntian to freshen up, dim the lights and NETFLIX all the waaaay! Good night!

GOOD MORNING!

It's an understatement to say that we had a good night's sleep. It's not every night that we get to sleep on clean white sheets, soft pillows, super air-conditioned room and Netflix all we want right? So look at these two making lambing to each other the moment they woke up...

Instead of going to Taza Mia, the cafe which breakfast will be served, we got the other option to have ours delivered so we could really just sit back, relax and enjoy the remaining hours we have at Kasa Luntian.

Meanwhile...

Wes busied himself with drawing while waiting for our breakfast. I make sure to bring his drawing and coloring materials whenever we have a staycation to keep themselves from saying I am bored. Though we also brought his tablet, but its use is regulated.

It's our Damien's turn to test drive the outdoor playground. The sun is good for our bodies and children get little good sun exposure these days! I am a believer of the health benefits of the morning sun, so out we went!

Our Little Explorer

Our legit "We Woke Up Like This" family portrait! Haha!

Here's what we ordered:HEAVY HEAVY BREAKFAST with sidings and drinks.

We had bacon, tocino, spam, and tapa meals (with rice, egg, atsara, and drinks)

I won't check out without taking a dip in their main attraction their cascading pool! I am such a water baby and the pool experience won't have a chance to escape me. :)

And also from taking solo "project pa more" shots. Thanks to my supportive and number one fan, my husband. :)

After taking a shower, checking out was no hassle at all. Overall, our stay was the exact definition of relaxation to the point of laziness to move our butts (Hello unli-Netflix, food delivery, cascading pools, spacious and cool ventilation, the view - what more could we ask for?). If your family is looking for an escape from the busyness of city life, I highly recommend The Serviced Residences At Kasa Luntian, Tagaytay City.

Book with them your next out-of-town staycation and get the best rates by emailing reservations@kasaluntianservicedresidences.com. Kasa Luntian is developed by Alveo Land, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, and managed by Hospitality Innovators Inc. (HII).

The Serviced Residences at Kasa Luntian
Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Tagaytay City
046.412.1323 / 046.412.1324 / +63 917 807 0445
www.kasaluntianservicedresidences.com
Facebook: @kasaluntianhii/ | Instagram: @kasaluntianhii/

I became a fan of online selling since 2009 when I set up my own online store on social media. Back then, I built a circle of returning customers and business was good for a while. My buyers didn't grow exponentially until I stopped selling. It lasted a good one and a half years.

As an online shopper myself, I am very careful of all my transactions because there are trust issues when it comes to delivery of my item in excellent condition. Another thing I am quite worried about shopping online especially for items sourced abroad or those which are for pre-orders, is mode of payment. I've heard horror stories from my family and friends about non-COD transactions (they had to pay first before getting their ordered items) and I fear it might happen to me as well.

After realizing these personal fears of mine, I have attributed these main reasons why my online shop didn't work back then: 1) Trust issues on trusted and reliable mode of payment; and 2) Item delivery in tip-top shape.

Gladly, LBC launched the Cash on Pickup (COP) /Cash on Delivery (COD) solutions aimed at addressing the growing market trend of online and e-commerce business. I was there during its official launch and I tinkered endlessly on relaunching my online business now that I am a work-at-home-mom who needs extra income! :)

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

COP and COD utilizes two of LBC’s core services: as a courier of parcels & boxes, and as a payment collection channel. As a trading place of the buyer and the seller, LBC’s COP guarantees convenient and seamless transactions between seller and buyer. With this, buyer can now add LBC as a pick up point, instead of the traditional delivery scheme -like delivered at home, office, or meet ups. The online transactions are also guaranteed safe and reliable as sellers are assured that he or she will get paid, while the buyer will get the products in mint condition. LBC’s wide network and serviceable areas also allows for buyers to shop from anywhere in the Philippines and reach more customers nationwide. LBC’s rates has promises to be more competitive as it hopes to provide value for money for every buyer and seller. For LBC’s COD, on the other hand, the buyer simply pays the item ordered online upon delivery. And LBC takes care of remitting the payment to the seller.

Ang ganda these two new services of LBC because they answer both the online sellers' and online buyers' needs and demands in this dynamic digital age! Both services spell CONVENIENCE and RELIABILITY for all e-commerce participants (sellers and buyers).

And the best thing about Retail COP and COD is that sellers only need to go to any LBC branch. They don’t even need to register their business to start availing of the services right away.

Oliver Valentin, LBC Express PH Retail Operations Senior Vice President says: “This service targets both small online sellers like stay-at-home moms, students and starting entrepreneurs. On the side of online buyers, LBC aims to enable customers enjoy and maximize their shopping experience, with just a few taps on their mobile phones or computers. The entry of COP and COD is a testament to how LBC is willing and able to answer the new demands of the digital age- as well as the ever evolving needs of the market. With these new services, we are committed to provide the Filipino market with the same brand of reliability and convenience that LBC has long been known for”.

Ayan kami mga momshies! Mrs. LBC candidates (joke lang po!) Kaming mga digital moms na definitely we recognize the importance and beauty of these new services launched by LBC to the e-commerce industry which we are all part of as well. Mga nanay na madalas nasa bahay, hindi makalabas basta basta and find convenience in shopping online. At the same time dahil madalas sa bahay, madalas magdeclutter and sell items online as well.

At last, with LBC's Cash on Pickup (COP) and Cash on Delivery (COD) there's no need to be too concerned that items won't be delivered on time in excellent condition or our hard-earned money will be robbed from us by scrupulous online sellers.

To know more about this and other updates, visit their website www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and like LBC on Facebook or Twitter

One of the things a mom cannot tolerate to see is her child in pain. A stomach pain is one example because by just being an observer,one cannot really tell the degree of pain, where the pain is coming from, what causes the pain, and how serious it is. Nakakakaba talaga. So it's really important for our kids to have healthy tummies to avoid this unimaginable nakaka-panic na scenario at home. Kids tend to have a higher risk kasi of getting digestive health-related diseases such as diarrhea and constipation from harmful bacteria. A stomachache isn’t only uncomfortable; it alters the child’s mood and his or her attitude for the day.

That's why apart from daily food supplements that my kids take such as their multi-vitamins and additional dosage of Vitamin C with Zinc, they take Erceflora Probibears 2-in-1 Probiotic Supplement for kids.

ABOUT PROBIOTICS
Why do we need Probiotics? Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract. Did you know that a human digestive tract has about 100 trillion healthy bacteria. Bacteria aid in digestion and help the body defend itself against illness.

Thus, probiotics can aid with immunity and help protect us and our kids from common colds and flu.
But because of poor diet, stress or by taking antibiotics and other medication, balance couldn't be achieved most times. We can get probiotics from food such as yogurt and beverages, but the quality in those may not be enough. So how do we get the right amount of probiotics for our children?

ERCEFLORA PROBIBEARS NOW AVAILABLE!

Erceflora ProbiBears, a yummy tummy supplement with the combined 2-in-1 PROBIO-BOOSTER
(Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis)
These are good bacteria that help prevent gut problems such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and other digestive illnesses to help keep kids happy and healthy everyday.
Lactobacillus is an effective treatment against infant colic and even helped improve immunity.
Bifidobacterium helps ease digestive issues such as bloating and flatulence. It also has a longer shelf life.
It’s the delicious and healthy way to strengthen your child’s tummy in yummy chewable bears!
It has NO Preservatives
It is Trans Free
It is Gluten Free
It is Nut Free
It is Kosher and Halal Certified

Since Wes has been taking it, he has not complained of tummy aches, he regularly poos with ease. He also said it tastes good that he wants to have more than just one (one ProbiBear per day is the suggested dosage). We're happy to be trying Erceflora ProbiBears and will now be part of his daily must-haves! Prevention is better than cure!

Erceflora ProbiBears is available at select Mercury Drug and South Star Drug branches for only Php540 SRP per Box of 20s. To know more about Erceflora ProbiBears follow their story on social media with the hashtags #Erceflora #Probibears.

Jollibee is one of the top choices of party venue for parents who want to celebrate their child's birthday to make it truly special and memorable. I know so because we've celebrated my children's and nephew's birthdays in Jollibee! In 2005, still a first-time mom back then, I celebrated my panganay's 2nd birthday there. A lot has changes since then - but all for the better.

Celebrate your child's next birthday with a Jollibee Kids Party

Recently, my nephew celebrated his 7th birthday and his parents gave him a surprise party. I was there to attend this special occasion and experience the fun of the surprise and games for the kids, witness my own kids participate and exemplify sportsmanship during games, and of course enjoy the meal!

PARTY THEMES
There are new themes and packages for a memorable Jollibee Kiddie Party. Here they are:

Jollibee Kidde Party Themes: Jollibee's FUN-tastic Factory, JolliTown, JolliRace, and Hello Kitty Fun Carnival

When you choose a theme from these, you have to pay either Php1,500 or Php2000 (with 10 loot bags) for the Party Favors which are the following:

30 Name tags
30 Balloons
15 Assorted game prizes
15 Party hats
15 Invitation cards
10 Trayliners
5 Boxes of crayons
1 Message board
Jollibee Mascot appearance

You may however add more theme party favors here are its individual/set prices:

Loot Bags - Php 60.00 each
1 Set of Party Favors (Invitation card, Party hat, Name tag, Trayliner) Php 7.00 each
CAKE (from Red Ribbon)

Medium (8 X 12) Php 900
Large (12 X 12) Php 1,100

Additional Mascot - Php 1,000 each with 30 minutes appearance

OUR PERSONAL JOLLIBEE KIDDIE PARTY EXPERIENCE
My brother chose the JolliRace Party Theme and let me show you now the party favors and what to expect when you book a Jollibee Kids Party for your child:

Personalized Birthday Banner

Fully decorated party venue

15 invitations, 15 name tags 15 party hats, and 15 tray liners (Php 7.00 for each additional set of these favors)

15 assorted game prizes

Here are some of the game prizes PLUS five boxes of crayons

Message board to write your wishes for the celebrator!

Get all those mentioned above for Php 1,500 Party Fee. Get 10 loot bags if you pay the Php2,000 Party Fee

Loot bag or giveaway content. You may get more loot bags for Php 60.00 each

You may opt to get your cake from Jollibee for only Php 900 (Medium 8 X 12 in) or Php 1,100 (Large 12 x 12 in)
If cake will be coming from outside, candle blowing during singing of birthday song is okay, but not to be eaten.

Jollibee Kids Party has leveled up their party balloon decors with balloon cake arc, balloon pillars and balloon ceiling decor.

I didn't get her name but this party host was so energetic, so fun to watch, so nice to kids, and funny!

The venue was filled with kids who enjoyed so much in games! There were about six games in total

Some of the games played were Bring Me, Boat is Sinking, Stop Dance, and Coin Collecting

Mascot appearance is part of the Party Theme. Jollibee had a dance number and stayed for candle blowing, and photo ops.

Dance number by Jollibee with matching blinking eyes pa!

During candle blowing and birthday wishes, Jollibee mascot stayed

FOOD

There's a minimum food purchase of Php5,000. You may avail the food party packages or Create Your Own Package (with minimum of Php5,000 SOLO food items or those not part of value meals).

The package that we got was Food Package C costing us Php 206.00/pax which consists of the following:

Jolly Spaghetti

Regular Fries

Cheesy Yumburger

Regular Softdrinks

Chocolate Sundae

Other packages available are the following:

Jolly Spaghetti

Regular Fries

Regular Softdrinks

Sundae

PHP 161.00 each

1 pc Chickenjoy with

Jolly Spaghetti

Regular Fries

Regular Softdrinks

Sundae

PHP 210.00 each

1 pc Chickenjoy with rice

Joilly Spaghetti

Regular Fries

Regular Softdrink

Sundae

PHP 236.00 each

I am not sure if the prices vary per branch because I read different prices for the same food packages. So it's better to check with the Jollibee branch of your choice.

OVERALL PARTY EXPERIENCE

We all love Jollibee and my youngest had a #Sepanx moment with Jollibee during the party, which I posted on my Instagram story and feed. He's just adorable aarrgh! :) Love your own ang peg!

To the single ladies out there, pray for that someone to come into your life who looks at you the way my little one looks at @jollibee and lovingly embraces you (as if not wanting to let you go) the way he embraces Jollibee too. If you already found him, you definitely found a gem! #lovequotes #lovestory #DamienLouie1 #loves #Jollibee #notsponsored
A post shared by Louise Fandiño-Santos (@mommypracticality) on Jul 3, 2018 at 5:15am PDT

We all had fun, kids and kids-at-heart. Games though were the usual party formula which no host would ever go wrong but it's still fun. In my experience, if you have other games in mind, you may coordinate this with the program host. During this party, we just left all the program to the host - and boy she definitely rocked it. She was energetic and very patient with the kids. She was also entertaining the adults and made them participate in the games. For sure they have a party program formula including the timing and I am happy that the program went smoothly and on time as well. Food this time (compared to the previous parties I had at Jollibee) were served with speed, spoon/fork/sundae spoon/table napkin/straw were packed and easily distributed to all the guests. It definitely is an improved process because it saved a lot of time compared to giving guests those one by one. Food was served hot and fast. I am amazed the party is more organized and service is faster now! The loot bags made the kids giddy excited! Everybody had a great time at the party! Kudos Jollibee!

For more information about Jollibee

and to book your party at Jollibee visit the nearest branch

Like them on Facebook and Instagram.

My kids are spaced pretty well, 7 and 6 years apart. It is an ideal spacing for us and indeed helped ease our budgeting and other financial needs for each child. I said this because, belonging in different childhood stages mean they have different needs tied with financial needs. Hindi sabay sabay ang gastusin for school or milk and diaper needs. While it helped us personally, I didn't know that in the business world Family Planning Programs are being taken seriously by some business organizations in our country.

According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at the 1st National Conference on Family Planning in the Workplace, Family planning makes good business sense as it urged companies to start implementing family planning programs.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Usec. Atty. Claro Arellano talked abut the role of the government sector in advocating reproductive health and rights across all workplaces and encouraged employers to be part of the initiative for the growth of the country.

The conference, the first-ever to tackle the private sector’s role in supporting the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, brought together the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Commission on Population (POPCOM). The event also gathered 200 participants from a wide variety of industries who shared their experiences and learned best practices from UNFPA’s Business Action for Family Planning Access (BAFP) project.

A total of 200 delegates from a wide variety of industries and regional chapters of ECOP, DOLE, and POPCOM joined the 1 st National Conference on Family Planning in the Workplace.

Launched in 2014, the Business Action for Family Planning Access (BAFP) project encourages private sector engagement in family planning either in the workplace, community-based or as a core business. Thirteen companies are currently enrolled in the program, representing various sectors such as export garment manufacturing, microfinance, canning, semi-conductor production for export, pastries, agro-industries, automotive and high-end aerospace products.

The program has been able to reach almost 1.4 million individuals through family planning sessions in the workplace and in communities.

Business benefits from family planning
ECOP President Donald G. Dee discussed how the topic was quite timely as businesses aim to remain
competitive amidst a changing labor and employment landscape.

Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Donald G. Dee as he delivered his opening remarks about ECOP’s initiative on mainstreaming reproductive health in the corporate agenda as a tool for business productivity and competitiveness

In the Philippines, the entrance of new young workers has significantly affected the current working
environment. According to 2015 labor force survey (LFS 2015), almost half of the labor force population consists of young workers. Over 42 million Filipinos aged 15 years and above are part of the labor force, 47.1% of which are workers in their prime reproductive age.

Meanwhile, one in ten young Filipino women aged 15-19 have begun childbearing, with 8 per cent of
these age groups already mothers and another 2 per cent already pregnant with their first child, according 'to the results of the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
“As young people, particularly women, move into wage labor they are faced with larger difficulties
associated with pregnancy and later on caring for their infants and young children. Women in the formal sector, the wage and salary workers, are sometimes ill-equipped and unable to provide the proper health care especially during stages of pregnancy,” said Dee.

In tough economic times, Dee said, “it’s important to remember that the absence of concrete workplace health program costs money. What’s more, our case studies show that a sound health program including family planning program in the workplace is linked to improved performance and profitability.”

Dee cited the benefits companies can gain through better policies and practices such as improved
productivity through less sickness absence, cutting healthcare costs, keeping skilled workers in employment and reducing the number of people who have to cut their working hours to care for more
family members.

Bridging the Gap in Access

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Klaus Beck emphasizes how investing on workplace family planning makes good business and how companies can help employees plan the timing and size of their family.

According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey in the Philippines, 49 per cent of
unmarried, sexually active women and 17 per cent of married women still have an unmet need for family planning “Today, working couples are faced with the challenge of a lack of time to access quality family planning and reproductive health services, especially in public health centers that provide these services only during working hours,” shared UNFPA Country Representative Klaus Beck in his talk. “A workplace program ensures that these services are available where the employees are, and that they are closely supported by their co-employees on a regular basis. Workplace programs are intended to reach the working couples at their work places,” he added.
Through the BAFP program, the UNFPA hope to provide further speed to a nascent movement on family planning in the workplace so that more companies join in helping their employees, themselves and the country in the process.

My Family Planning and Work Experience
I used to be in the work force in all my three pregnancies, though spaced ideally for us, it still somehow affected my productivity at work. It's may seem unfair or may look as if it's a discrimination to women giving birth, but it actually makes sense and it's the economic reality. So, it's either mothers quit their jobs to focus on caring for their children (especially when there was not family planning) or continue with affected productivity and performance.

It makes sense, business or not. It does.

Ever since I became a stay-at-home mom beginning mid-February of this year, I started to cook every single meal of every day. No complaints at all because I grew up in a family who has a love affair with food and home-cooked meals. During this time, I discovered how using Oyster Sauce in my recipes boosts the flavor of our meal. I use SARSAYA® Oyster Sauce in cooking and not because of Coco Martin alone ha (kilig!) but because it really has a big hint of oyster in it versus other brands.

SARSAYA's Brand Ambassador, the Prometime King, Mr. Coco Martin

And how fortunate that I was invited to witness the launch of SARSAYA's latest TVC with Coco Martin last week at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City. It was a beautiful Filipiniana-themed event dubbed Exploring Local Flavors with SARSAYA®. The program started with an exclusive #kaSASAYAn Filipino Food Walking Tour led by award-winning food writer Ige Ramos featuring local street food and carinderia favorites within the storied walls of Las Casas. Participants were able to sample fishballs, squidballs, traditional pancit habhab served on banana leaves, and carinderia-style adobo complemented by SARSAYA® oyster sauce.

Senior Brand Assistant Rhenz Villanueva shared that “SARSAYA® has reached the number three spot in the oyster sauce category within only one year of being in the market. Wow, that's quite an achievement for a newcomer brand.

The highlight of course of the event came when the handsome Primetime king and SARSAYA® ambassador Coco arrived and charmed everyone in attendance, including me and my sleeping baby. He shared stories from the set of his most recent brand commercial. In it, Coco happily chimes the catchy jingle, “Lasang Oyster na Oyster, SARSAYA®!”

The Lizardos (Jace, Japoy, and Jan), Primetime King Coco Martin, myself and sleeping Damien

With Jan Lizardo and Baby Jace

When asked what his take on the success of Sarsaya® being 3rd leading brand, he shared, ”Siyempre po masayang-masaya ako. Nakaka-proud na sabihin na ang pagtitiwala ng Ajinomoto sa akin bilang endorser ng kanilang bagong produktong Sarsaya® ay nagbunga ng maganda, at naging positibo ang pagtanggap ng mga mamimili rito.”

When I got home from the event, hay, nagluto agad ako, pati the following day using SARSAYA Oyster Sauce, na-inspire kay Coco Martin. Here they are:

Pork Adobo Con Patatas in SARSAYA Oyster Sauce

Ginisang Kangkong in SARSAYA Oyster Sauce

Will share the recipe on another post loves !:)

For Coco’s new SARSAYA® commercial and other updates, like them on Facebook: facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH and visit www.ajinomoto.com.ph.

UNIQLO has invaded my closet in the last two years and has also become my comfortable, practical and quality Mommy Uniform. When I started capsule wardrobe-ing, I got rid of those that I purchased because they were trendy which I got to use once or not more than three times. And since then, my closet, if it was alive, was able to get a breath of fresh air and welcomed just few pieces of quality and comfortable pieces which bring joy to me whenever I wear them. Most of these pieces are UNIQLO.

I also have a shopping confession to make.

When I like a style in one shop, I buy it in different colors, be it top, dress or pants.

I have this Uniqlo top in three colors (Navy Blue, Grey, and Maroon)
What I love about this is its classic boat neckline cut, it's so great with breastfeeding (no need for cover), the fabric stretches when needed yet comes back to its original form right away! Pair it with jeans, skirts or pants. It's so versatile.

I have this dress in two colors. I even wore this when I was pregnant with my youngest!

This is the other color! I love that it hides the bulges plus it's perfect for mommies who like to carry small stuff in their pockets. Yup this dress had two large pockets on its sides. Lovely right?

I have this Uniqlo dress pants in two colors, cream and black! So versatile as well!

Team Santos in matching Uniqlo shirt! There's something for everyone in the family at UNIQLO! Happiness!

INES DE LA FRESSANGE Fall/Winter 2018 Collection
So here's the exciting part, UNIQLO announces that it will launch the UNIQLO / INES DE LA FRESSANGE Fall/Winter 2018 Collection on Friday, August 31. The collaboration with world-renowned fashion icon Ines de la Fressange is now in its 10th season and will be available exclusively in UNIQLO at SM Megamall.

Wait, who is Ines de la Fressange?
Born in France, Ines de La Fressange was a fashion model and an international fashion brand muse. Her diverse pursuits include design, entrepreneurship, and journalism. In 2013, she re-launched her own brand, and continues to embody modern Parisian chic as a creative director.

I think I lived in France in my past life. I have a special spot for French cuisine and fashion in my heart. So looking at the preview of the collection excites me!

The newest collection is Ines’ modern interpretation of fashions in 1920s Montmartre, when the congeniality and delightfully cobble-stoned streets of this hilltop Parisian neighborhood made it a hub of effortless social and artistic interactions. Tweed, melton, cashmere, and corduroy fabrics underscore Ines’ paean to daily life in autumnal Paris in this authentic and elegantly tailored range of comfortable wardrobe essentials. The new kids’ line enables both mothers and children to enjoy French chic, a goal that Ines has held since the inception of the collection.

Key Items
New women’s suits capture the exuberance and elegance of 1920s styling. The coat lineup has expanded to seven items in classical styles, including a tweed double face Chester coat, light short duffle coat, and quilted coat. There are also some playful pieces, such as a vintage style Motorcycle Sweater. The sleepwear is fashionably comfortable.

The kids’ range retains the quality fabrics, designs, and finishes of women’s items and includes pea coats, velvet tailor-made jackets, dresses, cardigans, and other stylish pieces inspired by French cinema.

LOOKS

You could find the full lineup from here: www.uniqlo.com/ines18fw/ph

About UNIQLO LifeWear
Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

As parents we all want to raise a happy and healthy child. Personally, when I became a new mom, I would do endless research on how to make this happen. There were so many parenting and nutritional tips to achieve raising a happy and healthy child. But it all boils down to keeping kids active at play and giving nutritious drinks and food. PLUS a lot of love and bonding time with the kids and that equally means they grow up in a healthy and happy environment.

NESTOKID® FOUR advocates the importance of providing children not only with the right nutrition needed to support their crucial developmental years, but also a happy environment where they can grow, flourish, and enjoy time with the family. That's why, last weekend, they had a Grow Happy Nation event at the Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Place Manila.

Grow Happy Nation event at Robinsons Place Manila

With Ms. Melai Cantiveros, Nestokid Four Brand Ambassador

With mom blogger friends Serene and Nerissa

Nice to see you again Serene! :)

I was there to see the Grow Happy Nation event myself and I felt like I was a kid all over again. The event is not only for kids to enjoy but for the parents as well because there were exciting activities and fun, learning opportunities in the different booths.

Entrance to the grand Grow Happy event by NESTOKID® FOUR

Be part of the Grow Happy Nation!

Join the Grow Happy Movement by joining the event prepared by NESTOKID® FOUR. Parents and their kids can enter the activity area and learn more about how they can Grow Happy through four major stations:

Laro (Play) allows kids to be physically active through a friendly game of ring toss
Likha (Art) gives participants the freedom to express themselves through lines and colors.
Musika (Music) challenges kids to a fun game of musical chairs with a twist.
Nutrisyon (Nutrition) NESTOKID® FOUR reminds parents about the importance of raising happy, healthy kids with a storytelling video.

Here are the booths for you to see and experience the fun with your growing and happy kid/s:

LARO Station

Challenges the kids to shoot the giant rings to the poles

LIKHA Station

Get coloring materials before entering the area.

Color with your child in this station.

MUSIKA Station

A musical chair game with a twist

Nutrisyon Station where both parents and children learn about eating right and drinking milk AND how to raise happy and healthy kids as well.

NESTOKID® FOUR believes that raising happy and healthy children can start with something as simple as with choosing the right milk, as nutrition is vital for good health and well-being. NESTOKID® FOUR is specially formulated with L. Comfortis, a probiotic that helps strengthen tummies to provide better digestion and help in absorption of nutrients, making sure that kids get the nutrition they need during their growing-up years. It is also packed with Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and DHA for overall growth and development.

NESTOKID® FOUR, however, acknowledges that milk is just one of the key components to raising a happy and healthy child, and therefore encourages parents to complement proper nutrition with providing their children a nurturing environment where they can play, imagine, and bond with loved ones.

The brand’s newest endorser and proud mommy of two, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco agrees saying, “I learned from my experience with Amelia that proper nutrition should go hand-in-hand with a happy home talaga. I really think it makes all the difference, lalo na ngayon na nakikita ko kung gaano siya ka-confident sa school at kung gaano kadali sa kanya makipagkaibigan. Daig pa ako sa pagiging Ms. Congeniality!”

Be part of the movement and drop by one of the two NESTOKID® FOUR Grow Happy Nation runs. Get a chance to also win a 1-year supply of NESTOKID® FOUR when you post photos from inside the Grow Happy Nation activity area using the hashtags #GrowHappy and #NESTOKID. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/NESTOKIDPH

Peanut butter is one of our staple spreads at home and is always in our grocery list. I don't remember a day without peanut butter in sight, Lily's Peanut Butter to be exact, since I was a child. Good memories abound when I think about peanut butter. My mom used to prepare me peanut butter sandwich as baon in all my school years and during my summer swimming lessons when I was an incoming grade 5 student. Being a mom myself, I know how important it is to pass on good traditions and create happy memories for the kids. Even when there was a craze in imported peanut butters, our family stayed loyal to that familiar, nutty yet creamy, and classic Lily's Peanut Butter.

This is the important message during the event I attended with other moms and kids last weekend at Warehouse 8 Makati of Lily's Peanut Butter, to create fab meals and lasting family memories.

Enjoying Lily's Peanut Butter In Many Ways

Lily's Peanut Butter is no longer known for just a spread used for breakfast and merienda. In fact, it has become a kitchen staple because of the endless possibilities we could do with it to make our recipes tastier and actually even healthier.

I personally use Lily's Peanut Butter in one of my specialty recipes Kare-Kare. If I couldn't find a stall which grinds peanuts in the palengke or if I need to find my ingredients fast, easy, and practical, there's no other peanut butter for me but Lily's. It is sweet but unlike other brands it's not too sweet. I mix it with a Kare-Kare powder to give my recipe a legit peanut sauce taste.

My family's favorite, Kare-Kare using Lily's Peanut Butter

According to Jennifer Liza, Brand Manager for Lily's Peanut Butter, you can actually use peanut butter as a dip, as an ingredient to baking goods such as cookies, cupcakes and even brownies, as a topper for pancakes or waffles, in homemade ice cream, smoothies and many other weight-loss snacks.

Lily's Peanut Butter Lite for health conscious like us

Lily's Peanut Butter Chocolate, my panganay's favorite

Lily's Peanut Butter Crunchy

At present Lily's Peanut Butter has expanded its market and has spawned an array of variants such as Lily's Coco Jam (made from fresh coconut mild and brown sugar slow-cooked the traditional way), Lily's Chocolate Peanut Butter (with cocoa powder) my teenager's favorite, the Lily's Peanut Butter Crunchy (with real peanut bits for texture), and Lily's Peanut Spread Lite for me and hubby who are now both diet conscious and for those who have health issues but still want to have generous serving of their favorite peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Is Healthy.

Yes, myth debunked that peanut butter, especially those with pool of oil on top of a newly opened jar/bottle, is unhealthy. In fact, the reason that it has that oil is evidence that the product is free from chemicals, emulsifiers or stabilizers. Lily's Peanut Butter is made from carefully selected premium peanuts, and its Lily's Crunchy Peanut butter is 100 percent natural and free from harmful additives. Only natural sugar and iodized salt are added to the main ingredient to create that wonderfully creamy and sweet peanut spread that Filipinos love.

Research shows that peanut butter contains brain-boosting vitamins and minerals to keep one's memory sharp. It also contains protein, dietary fiber, potassium ans iron, which makes for a healthy go-to food for the whole family.

Now I understand better why it's a brain food and a healthy alternative to other commercial cookies for baon. Happy that my school-aged son's favorite snack is peanut butter sandwich that I shape into bite-sized stars.

Making Family Memories
Like my mom who had impressed so many good childhood memories in me through food, I am doing that for my kids as well by serving them healthy and savory dishes,like my special Kare-Kare, they will want to come home to and serving them their favorite peanut butter sandwich - both through the help of the family's all-time and only favorite, Lily's Peanut Butter.

Baon and Snacks Idea with pastries and cookies using Lily's Peanut Butter which the whole family will enjoy!

To know more about Lily's Peanut Butter

Visit www.mylilys.com

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

~How about you, how have you been doing at creating good memories with your family?~

Who doesn't love food? We all do right? So why not go ahead and show some love to your favorites in this year's THE CHOICE.

In the first six months of this year alone, over 500 new restaurants opened … and that’s only all over Metro Manila!

Every month, every week, and almost every day it seems, there’s a new restaurant opening its doors. There are a lot of great new dining choices, side by side with the perennials, the classics that we grew up with.

As food bloggers, writers, and members of the F&B industry, we’re always very curious about the crowd favorites. The popular vote, if you will. What are the beloved favorites? Let the voice of the people be heard!

ABOUT THE AWARDS
Together, Our Awesome Planet, the country’s #1 food blog and one of the Top 50 travel blogs in the world; the Blogger and Influencer Collective known as the KTG (Kain Tulog Gang); and the prestigious World Food Expo (WOFEX), have partnered to conduct the People’s Choice for their Favorite Food, Restaurants, Hotels, and Chefs …. or simply, “The Choice”.
We conducted an intense first round of voting among ourselves, and our resulting Finalist Lists have made us very pleased: we feel it’s a very diverse and fair representation of all our favorites from many diverse categories.

However, we’d like to emphasize that this is NOT a “Best of…” list. Taste, after all, is subjective. This is a vote for YOUR FAVORITES.

The Choice 2018 voting will be for two weeks starting on July 15, Sunday and ends on July 30, Monday. Awarding Ceremonies will be at the SMX Mall of Asia on Saturday, August 4, 2018, from 2pm to 5pm.

Vote for your CHOICE here:

https://awesm.pl/TheChoice2018

The Survey Parameters

For the Favorite New Restaurant category, our coverage period includes restaurants that opened between July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018.
There are 40 questions in this survey and answering this survey should take only around 10-15 minutes. It is best to give a definitive answer to each question and feel free to skip if you can’t decide.
All answers are treated as confidential and final once you click on the submit button.
One survey response for one person only.
Please give us your name and email address for our random validation of the survey responses.

Here’s the link to the survey: https://awesm.pl/TheChoice2018

The Hall of Fame Awardees

Consecutive Winners in their respective categories in 2015, 2016, and 2017, the following establishments have now been elevated to The Choice Hall of Fame, and thus, will not be eligible for further awards this year and in the years ahead. Congratulations to the Hall of Famers!!!

Food Favorites

Fast Food Burger: Burger King
Gourmet Burger : 8 Cuts
Fried Chicken : KFC
Sisig : Gerry’s Gril
BBQ : Aristocrat
Hotdog/Sausage : S&R
Ramen : Ramen Nagi
Donut : Krispy Kreme
Ensaymada : Mary Grace
Frozen Dessert : Dairy Queen
Pastries/Cakes: Conti’s
Coffee : Starbucks

Restaurant Favorites

Chinese : Gloria Maris
Thai : People’s Palace
Korean : Bulgogi Brothers
Mexican : El Chupacabra
Fine Dining : Antonio’s
24/7 Dining : North Park
Family Dining : Chili’s
Hotel Buffet: Spiral
Fast Food : Jollibee

Since the time when online shopping became popular in the Philippines, I've become a fan of it for many reasons and one of them is convenience. But I make sure that I only transact or purchase from trusted and secure online shops or those recommended by family and friends.

Sa totoo lang there's a very popular (I'm sure you've shopped from there countless times too) one which carries thousands of brands from official brand stores and also from small-medium-enterprises. But sa dami ng products, items, it gets too overwhelming sometimes. I end up confused and frustrated or buying things I don't really need. When most of the time I only look for Mommy/Baby/Kids stuff. So for these items, one of my go-to online shop is Kids Company.

As a practical mom shopper, I like shopping at Kids Company for the following reasons:

1. Convenience. Online shopping for me spells convenience especially now that I cannot leave the house anytime I want to since I became a stay-at-home-mom. Having an online store such as Kids Company saves me travel time (and you know how worse our traffic has become), expense for gas or cab, effort to dress and make up. With just few clicks and minutes, shopping for mom and baby essentials, and toys is done. Time is not wasted on traffic but spent with what matters most, my family.

2. Availability of over 50 trusted licensed brands. There are more than 50 available, popular, and authentic brands and products such as Mega Bloks, VTech, Chicco, Bright Starts, Barbie, Ben10, Cars (my sons' favorite), Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, Disney, MiFold,Sanosan, Joie, and many more! And what gives you peace of mind pa is that you're assured they are ALL AUTHENTIC. So sure ka of what you buy and that you are buying your money's worth, lalo kapag naka-SALE. Unlike buying from the popular online store I mentioned earlier, sometimes even if it's posted as authentic, when you get the item, you still doubt if it really is.

3. There's something for every family member. This is so true because though it's called Kids Company, hindi lang naman pang-kids ang available items. Mom care brands are available, baby gears (cribs, carriers, strollers, car seats) and feeding/nursing items (baby bottles, sterilizers, nursing pillows) are there too. Developmental toys,infant toys, play mats, and toys for collectors are available as well. Pati clothes and costumes available din. And again, everything is authentic. Matunog sa atin yan mga momsh right?

4. Regular SALE of items all year-round. Practical moms represent. Naku yang ang favorite word natin when we shop. Better that the things we need are on sale. You don't need to wait for the quarterly mall sales, at Kids Company, regular ang sale nila. In fact, as I write this, overlapping ang Back-To-School sale nila (June 1 - July 31, 2018) and Mid-year Sale (July 25 - August 3, 2018). In fact, even when these two sales are done, they have a year-round sale if you don't mind dented boxes of the items you need but still brand new. They also have clean-up promos and marked-downs promos. So meaning, all year they have SALEs and this is a feature that's close to every moms on a budget but still want to give their best to themselves and their family.

5. FREE shipping option nationwide. You read that right! Free shipping if you order Php1000 and above for Metro Manila and Php2000 and above provincial. Imagine how much it would cost you to ship a big item let's say a stroller or a crib right? This feature makes online shopping a lot more inviting especially if you want to practically save as much pesos as you can.

6. Multiple payment methods including COD. For those who are quite skeptical about using online payment channels whenever you shop online, there's a Cash On Delivery (COD) option when you purchase at Kids Company. Happy ako also that you can pay electronically via VISA, MasterCard, mobile payment, online banking, 7-Eleven, M.Lhuiller, and even 0% installment on selected credit cards. Kahit payment is so convenient and secure.

7. There's Loyalty/Rewards Program. Alam ng mga practical mommies that we really use the points in our loyalty or rewards cards. Ako personally, I've used my loyalty points in my numerous rewards cards such as in groceries, department stores, drug stores, and also gas stations! Every time you purchase at Kids Company for mom, baby, kids, and gifts needs, you earn points which of course you could use in the future to purchase stuff for FREE! Love talaga ng mga practical mommies and rewards program. Agree?

NOW, Here are what I don't Like about Kids Company
Of course I meant this as an exaggeration of all the things I love about Kids Company. Because, it's too much that I couldn't handle it. Haha! Share ko muna some of the brands I have with me from Kids Company:

VTech Playtime Bus with Phonics which is currently on sale on the website! :)

Hot Wheels Speedtropolis Set

1. The year-round SALE make sends me indescribable feeling. You know the excitement feeling as if seeing your crush whenever you're browsing through their site, ganun! The kilig feeling makes me eat more kasi. That means more pounds added to my weight!

2. Too convenient. The convenience makes me tired - pero happy. Because I can shop even when at home without any worry, then I get to do more at home - more time to do the laundry, wash dishes, clean the house. But though I get tired, I feel accomplished and happy to be able to fulfill and spend my time to things that matter more rather than the traffic or the hassle of commute or finding an available parking space.

Do take a look and experience the convenience of shopping. My reviews are just words you read it's better if you experience them yourselves (lalo na yung SALE!) For more information, visit their website: www.kidscompany.com.ph/ and follow their updates and stories on social media:

Stories here: #KidsCompanyPH

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsCompanyPh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidscompanyph/

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Choco Pineapple Breakfast Yogurt Recipe With Real California Milk Seal

What Motherhood Has Taught Me

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Baon Idea: Grilled Cheesy Sausage Sandwich, Pinoy Style

Living Under God's Economy, It's When I Have Little That I Have MORE!

Spending A Day Out With Damien

How Kids Learn Through Play Successfully

Family Staycation at The Serviced Residences At Kasa Luntian

LBC Launches Cash on Pickup And Cash on Delivery

Erceflora ProbiBears 2-in-1 Probiotic Supplement For Kids

Our Jollibee Kiddie Party Experience And Jollibee Party Packages 2018

Family Planning Makes Good Business Sense - UNFPA

SARSAYA® Explores PH Flavors and Latest TVC with Coco Martin

UNIQLO To Launch Ines De La Fressange Collection

NESTOKID® FOUR's Grow Happy Nation Event

Meals And Memories with Lily's Peanut Butter

THE CHOICE : YEAR IV, Vote For Your Favorites

Kids Company, Convenient Online Shopping For Family's Needs