I always admit that I am too lazy when it comes to skincare that's why I find ways to get the effects that I want without spending so much time or resources. Just recently, I've started sharing my tried and tested skincare products that really work but don't break the bank and most of them are made in Korea. I haven't shared yet my fixation with using face masks whenever I feel so tired or when my facial skin needs to get rejuvenated. 

I am a fan of a wash-off mask because of the fact that I can apply and leave it on my face while I'm asleep then wash it off upon waking up. This is the type of mask that I use often. I also use a peel-off mask when I feel the need of making my face more moisturized and soft especially during special occasions when I have to apply makeup. Honestly, face masks are not on top of my list because the first face mask that I used made my face very oily and itchy. Not until a blogger friend, Momi Berlin, gave me a green tea mask from a popular Korean beauty brand that changed the way I looked at face masks. The one that she gave me was a bit pricey that prompted me to look for a cheaper alternative but could give the same best results. Then I found one. 

That cheaper brand is the one that I am still using today. Of course, I am fixated on that "green tea mask" that I don't want to try another variant or brand anymore. I'm kinda loyal when it comes to brands that I use especially when they give me the benefits that I really, really need. But I can't hide the fact that I am interested to try a face mask brand that I hear raves on. It is highly effective and of course, fit on a frugal girl's budget, according to the reviews that I've read.

Is it worth trying? Will I be satisfied when I try it? Well, after using the two face masks of that brand for four consecutive days, my answer is yes, yes, yes! Those two face masks, in my opinion, maybe at par with expensive brands and each cost Php45 only!

These are the face masks that I am talking about:

NOVELINA DEEP SEA COLLAGEN MASK WITH PURE SQUALENE

Novelina claims that this face mask is made with natural extracts that moisturize and hydrate skin for a radiant and youthful glow. The natural extract that piqued my curiosity was the fish scale collagen. According to www.renewalliance.com, "Fish collagen is made of Type I collagen, which is the building block for strong, flexible, and durable connective tissues, bones, and skin. It helps improve sagging skin by promoting and supporting natural collagen production in the skin, minimizing the loss of elasticity and helping the skin look smoother, suppler and more hydrated. The result is a reduction in the look of sagging skin and younger-looking skin overall." So obviously, this is the ingredient that made my facial skin supple and soft after initial use! Amazing! It could definitely bring back moisture to my very tired skin!

Aside from the fish scale collagen, it contains Aqua, Squalene, Glycerin, Algae Extract, DMDM Hydantoin, Allantoin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer 940, Triethanolamine, and Fragrance.

NOVELINA COENZYME ANTI-AGING & AGE-DEFYING FACE MASK

This face mask has almost the same ingredients as the one mentioned above but what makes it unique is the CoQ10 content also known as Coenzyme Q or Ubiquinone. According to www.perriconemd.com, this coenzyme is present naturally in every cell and tissue of the human body. It is involved in numerous biological functions like helping to produce energy, neutralizing free radicals, and keeping cells both inside the body and skin healthy. When the body is still young, it can produce as much CoQ10 as it needs. However, as the body ages and as it is exposed to stress, it can cause the lowering down of CoQ10 levels thus the inability of cells to regenerate and withstand stress declines.  The lack of CoQ10 results in the inability of the body to produce collagen and elastin which makes the skin firmer and flexible. Without these two, the skin sags and wrinkles. 

Due to the presence of Co-Q10 in Novelina Coenzyme Anti-Aging & Age-Defying Face Mask, it can serve as the source of an antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals that cause aging and help create collagen and elastin to defy aging, minimize pores, and even out skin tone. This face mask fits those women who are in their 30's and up! Shhh... That age group includes me! LOL! 

Aside from the unique ingredients found in both Novelina Face Masks, these are the reasons why I love them!

- The masks can be easily unfolded and put into place.

- They are super moist. I can even leave them on my face not just within 20 minutes but even longer because they have so much to be absorbed by the skin and they don't get easily removed.

- The contents penetrate quickly providing my skin with an immediate surge of active moisture to soothe dryness without leaving a greasy feel.

- They help my skin replenish its own essential fluids so it becomes softer, smoother, and more supple.

- They don't cause any irritations. They are ideal for my skin that is sensitive to some cosmetic ingredients.

- My skin becomes hydrated, healthier, smoother, youthful, and radiant.

- They are formulated in Japan, the country that is popular for its awesome beauty products.

- They are dermatologist-tested and paraben-free.

I've searched on Google that Novelina is available in the following stores: Waltermart, Emmaflor, NCCC, Gaisano, Makati Supermarket, South Supermarket, Cash & Carry Supermarket and Department Store, LCC Department Store, AFP Commissary & Exchange Services, Cebu Demelle Enterprises, Citimart Supermarket, South Seas Mall, Unimart Supermarket, Mart ne Supermarket, and Unitop.

Novelina Face Masks and other must-try Novelina products can also be bought online at 

https://tackthis.co/shop/novelina or Lazada PH.

Novelina Deep Sea Collagen with Pure Squalene and Coenzyme Anti-Aging & Age-Defying Face Masks are safe, effective, affordable, and can be easily bought! I love them!

References:

What is Marine Collagen and Why It Is Most Effective for Skin Rejuvenation. Retrieved from                              https://www.renewalliance.com/blogs/taut-collagen/marine-collagen-for-skin-rejuvenation

What is CoQ10? The Benefits to Skin & Weight Loss. Retrieved from                                                                          https://www.perriconemd.com/anti-aging-resources/what-is-coq10.html

I am sporting my very short hair for almost a year because my lifestyle can't maintain a long hair anymore. I have a very fine hair but it's unruly and imperfectly straight. Those are the reasons why despite having a super short hair, I still use a molding clay to style it after washing it with my favorite shampoo. I just go to my stylist for a monthly trim.

I am not a fan of salon hair treatments that may cause hair damage but there are days when I feel that my hair is very dry and lifeless maybe due to daily usage of molding clay. Environmental factors like the sudden shift in weather conditions, sun exposure, and pollution may add to my hair's dullness. Stress can also do harm, that's for sure! Whenever I feel the need to pamper my hair, I don't go to the salon anymore because I find it time-consuming and costly. I am using a particular brand of "keratin hair spa" and I must say, I love what it does to my hair. Unfortunately, I know that it happens that sometimes the product that we use may not work for us anymore at the moment. 'Yong tipong hindi na hiyang at dapat nang ipahinga muna. That's why it's timely that I've got the chance to try Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream.

I used Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream every other day for a total of seven days after I took a bath at night. I just applied it liberally on my clean wet hair, left it for 5-10 minutes, and rinsed it afterward. Ganyan lang siya kasimpleng gamitin kaya hindi ako na-stress. The experience was great because it brought back life to my limp hair! It became shinier and softer without causing hair fall!

With all honesty, I felt the effect after initial use. It instantly rejuvenated my dry and lifeless hair making it moist but not oily. Maybe it was due to the presence of the hydrating blend of emollients that could increase moisture retention. What makes this hair treatment special for me is that now I can feel that my hair is stronger and thicker. 

The formulation of this hair and scalp treatment cream has a very light fragrance and consistency. It 's not also very hard to rinse. 

If this product did those improvements on my hair, how much more to those who regularly go to the salon and have their hair treated with color, straightening solution, or heat? I have no scalp problems but the good condition of my hair now may attest to how it makes my scalp healthier. I encourage you to try this. For only Php455 at 500 grams, you can have a luxurious yet affordable hair and scalp treatment several times a week without going to the salon!

Now I have a new reliable aid in my hair pampering session in the comfort of our home. I love Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream! 

I've searched on Google that Novelina is available in the following stores: Waltermart, Emmaflor, NCCC, Gaisano, Makati Supermarket, South Supermarket, Cash & Carry Supermarket and Department Store, LCC Department Store, AFP Commissary & Exchange Services, Cebu Demelle Enterprises, Citimart Supermarket, South Seas Mall, Unimart Supermarket, Mart One Supermarket, and Unitop.

Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream and other must-try Novelina products can also be bought online at https://tackthis.co/shop/novelina or Lazada PH.

I haven't experienced having a facial treatment in my 40 years of existence. Friends would tell me to join them in their pampering sessions but I always decline. There was one time that a dermatologist friend of mine offered a Diamond Peel treatment but I said that I wasn't ready. Ang pakiyeme ko, 'di ba?

I feel that there is a need for me to visit her but I choose to delay it. I have the tendency to feel uneasy by just thinking that my face would undergo any procedure or treatment. I need to do something with my clogged pores and white heads especially on the nose area because they are really, really disturbing and don't look good at all. I have no choice but to look for a product that can get rid of my skin problems effortlessly and fit my laziness when it comes to skin care.

Who would have thought that the quick solution to my skin perennial problem would be solved buy a Korean skin care product worth Php18.00 only? The product that I am talking about is so tiny that when you go to your favorite beauty section in malls or drugstores, it's really hard to notice.

I had a chance to discover this product when I visited the Puregold branch near Bunso's school. I had ample time so instead of going home to work, I decided to have my quick "me time" to break my routines in a bit. In Puregold I spent time reading beauty product labels then I came across with this product placed in a very cute sachet but could do so much, I tell you. 

The name of the product that I am talking about is iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm. In just a small amount, smaller than pea-size, it effectively helps loosen up and absorb stubborn pore-clogging oils, dirt, and toxins present in the pores of my nose and my entire face as well.

As written on its packaging, these are its ingredients and what they can do.

It contains Kaolin to help control oil and improve skin's balance to fight breakouts. 

It's infused with antibacterial properties to ensure that your pores are purified after use.

It contains Salicylic Acid to effectively penetrate the pores and exfoliate from within making it effective in reducing breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.

These are the detailed ingredients of iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm:

Glycerin, Water, Stearic Acid, PEG-32, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Kaolin, Lauric Acid, Carica Papaya Extract, Mango Extract, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Oldenlandia Diffusa Extract, Honeysuckle Extract, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

This is how to use it:

Before washing the face, apply a small or generous amount on the T-zone or areas with enlarged pores and deep-seated dirt. Massage for one to two minutes. Wipe off with a clean tissue then wash the face.

Do you know that iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm is a great partner product to iWhite Korea Nose Pack or Whitening Pack? If you want a more fair or flawless face, use them hand-in-hand. In my case, I use iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm with iWhite Korea Nose Pack. Effective nga talaga! I'll try using it with the Whitening pack very soon!

iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm + Nose Pack = great beauty partner

On cleansed face, apply a generous amount on the T-zone or on areas with enlarged pores and deep-seated dirt. Leave it on for one minute then start massaging it in a circular motion for another one minute. Wipe the balm off completely with a clean tissue. Apply iWhite Korea Nose Pack or Whitening Pack for best results in eliminating blackheads and whiteheads.

Based on experience, one 2.2 ml sachet goes a long way. It lasts more than a week even if you use it daily. If I am not mistaken, I've emptied the sachet after two weeks kasi ginagamit ko lang siya madalas sa T-zone ko. With regular use, my pores become smaller and cleaner. Ganyan lang kasimple!

What is your holy grail when it comes to purifying your pores?

When I was very young, I began to be conscious of my body image at age 10. I heard my friends talking about menstruation, baby bra, pubic hair (Yes, they were talking about it.), spray net, body mists, and deodorants. I was so hesitant to ask my mom about that stuff. All I remember was she taught me to use Avon's Feeling Fresh Deodorant after taking a bath or shower because I was complaining that "Tawas", the antiperspirant/deodorant recommended by my grandmother, made my armpits sweaty and sticky. "Feeling Fesh" became my best partner in keeping myself free from body and armpit odor aside from using an antibacterial soap, Safeguard, to wash my body, and Palmolive Shampoo to wash my hair. These three products worked for my body chemistry and helped me to become free from body odor especially armpit odor at a very young age. That's why when I became a mom, I did the same thing with my boys. Like my mom did, starting them young worked.

Kuya and Bunso would easily get sweaty and their armpits would smell stinky or "maasim" when they reached the age of three. Paps and I encouraged them to use Arm and Hammer Deodorant after taking a bath using Safeguard Pink because after trying and testing, we discovered that these two brands suited their body chemistry. They would always stay fresh for the whole day. During that time when Arm & Hammer Advance Original would easily go out of stock, I would let them use Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder, which they would usually apply on their feet before putting their shoes on.

Preventing Armpit Odor

Our family uses Arm & Hammer Advance Original and Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder as deodorants for years. Why? They are safe to use, easy to find (Arm & Hammer doesn't go out of stock anymore.), versatile, don't stain clothing, keep the armpits dry and fresh-smelling, and protects the armpits from bacteria build-up and odor for 24 hours.

Instilling good grooming and hygiene in all forms should be done during our kids' formative years. Reminding them constantly and teaching by example are two of the best means to educate kids on practicing good grooming and hygiene. In doing so, they can never forget the importance of keeping themselves clean, neat, and well-groomed. Forming a habit can lead to better body image projection and not feeling inferior.

*****
The contents of this article were lifted from my messages to two teenage boys who asked me about my recommended deodorant brands a few years ago. To know some details about it, you may visit #AskAAPM for details.

After I discovered and experienced the gentleness and effectiveness of Betadine Fresh Bliss Feminine Wash, its first two variants, Pink Paradise and Lavender Dreams, become both my favorites. They smell good and I never experience itchiness and stickiness down there when I use any of them. I am also confident that my intimate area is protected from bacteria and fungi longer due to their antibacterial properties. 

Just recently when I visited the Mercury Drug branch near the hospital where Paps was confined, I bought a small bottle of Betadine Fresh Bliss Feminine Wash because I forgot to bring the one that I was using at home. This time, I got curious with one of its new variants, Betadine Fresh Bliss Odor Control Witch Hazel, which I really, really started to love. 

It's inevitable that sweat from my daily activities and certain foods that I eat can lead to undesirable feminine odor, thus making me conscious and uncomfortable. Like other women, this is also my hygiene concern. Then true to its claims, Betadine Fresh Bliss Odor Control Witch Hazel, keeps my intimate area fresh and protected from undesirable feminine odor longer! 

How is it possible?

Betadine Fresh Bliss Odor Control Witch Hazel is exclusively designed for effective odor control because it contains naturally extracted Witch Hazel from the Hamomelis virginiana plant that has deodorizing properties. It also contains the unique TRI-CARE+™ formulation that provides daily protection from itch, odor, and stickiness. 

Aside from smelling fresh and clean down there, I know that Betadine Fresh Bliss Odor Control Witch Hazel is so safe because it's hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and gynecologically tested.

Betadine Fresh Bliss Odor Control Witch Hazel is effective, safe, and affordable too. It's available in three sizes- 60 ml (₱56), 150 ml (₱121), and 250 ml (₱154), suited for every budget.

Why don't you try and experience it yourself? You'll love it too. I swear!

I am a type of person who stays loyal to a product and has a tendency not to look for other alternatives especially when I find it reliable and effective. A product that has those two qualities is a type of product that I can't live without. Sometimes it only takes someone to convince me to try a new product. Most often, new product discoveries happen when they are given as gifts. 

One of those products that was introduced to me that I became attached with was Pine-Sol Lavender. I am using it for three years. 

Obviously, it's one of my most favorite cleaning aids due to the following reasons:

- It's non-corrosive. It doesn't cause any irritation to my hands or damage on surfaces.

- It's economical. Only a small amount is needed to remove stubborn stains, grout, dirt, and oil on tiles, floors, and other surfaces.

- It's affordable. There are three sizes available that suit every budget.

- It's safe. The formula doesn't leave any sticky or slippery residue that can cause accidents.

- It's environment-friendly. It's made with ingredients that don't harm the environment.

- It's so easy to use. It removes dirt quickly and can be used concentrated or diluted depending on its purpose or my personal preference. 

- It's refreshing. It makes your home or office smell clean and really, really good for hours. 

- It's effective.  Our house stays clean longer. Dirt doesn't stick to the surfaces quickly. The absence of grout in our bathroom stays for days while our floor stays clean and non-sticky for hours.

I love everything about Pine-Sol Lavender except for its packaging. For me, the container is the only flaw that needs to be improved because it looks like a beverage bottle that makes it enticing for kids. That's the reason why I always keep it out of Bunso's reach. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it because it can aid in your cleaning needs. 

What is the cleaning aid that you can't live without? Feel free to share.

One early morning when I was still half awake, I forced myself to go to the washroom to pee. It was dark. The kitchen light was the only one turned on. As I switched on the washroom light, my sleepiness literally vanished when I saw my face in the mirror. It was beaming, flawless, and fair as if I was wearing a matte foundation. Then I remembered that I used a black soap that I just pulled out of the closet before I went to bed. 

To tell you frankly, I have a habit of using any soap on my face found in the washroom or kitchen. I am too lazy when it comes to facial care. What matters to me is to make my face clean and moisturized all the time. Good thing is that I am so blessed to have non-sensitive and acne prone facial skin. 

I am not exaggerating when I say that my face becomes whiter and fairer when I use that special black soap. That awesome soap is very uncommon like its name, Block Out Deodorant Soap. It's intended to be used for the body since it's an odor fighting and antibacterial soap. But then again, due to the wonders that it does to may facial skin, Block Out Deodorant Soap is therefore perfect as  facial soap too!

Block Out Deodorant Soap is a local brand manufactured by International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Cebu, City and distributed by its sister company, Beautiful Horizon Incorporated. International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the maker of Omega Pain Killer, Casino Rubbing Alcohol, Dr. Wong's Sulfur Soap, Bioderm, Broncho Rub, Efficascent Oil, and more popular health and wellness products.

Block Out Deodorant Soap is made of Natural Bamboo Charcoal and Peppermint Oil as the main ingredients. It provides the following benefits:

- Helps deodorize and prevent body odor

- Provides deep exfoliation

- Effectively cleanses and unclogs blocked pores

- Aids in the absorption of dirt and removal of excessive grease.

The Natural Bamboo Charcoal is the one that promotes an excellent absorption properties that effectively deodorizes and removes dirt, impurities, and excessive grease. Peppermint Oil gives a fresh, minty, and invigorating aroma. It also gives a light cooling effect as I lather the soap on my face. Since it's summer and the weather is extremely hot and humid, I experience excessive facial oil production. Block Out Deodorant Soap makes my face not oily for hours. My pores become cleaner and smaller. In line with this, due to my very busy schedule, I have the tendency to forget using my favorite nose pack to remove whiteheads, which is my perennial problem actually. Block Out Deodorant Soap is really doing its job well because it unclogs my pores quickly, reducing the presence of whiteheads to 40% in just two days. Using it initially for two days, twice daily, it has made a drastic improvement on my facial skin, and of course, on my entire body as well. To sum it all up, Block Out Deodorant Soap is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It's also economical because it goes a long way. Just a few strokes on the palm of my hands, it creates a great lather and the soap itself doesn't melt easily. I highly recommend it. 

It was such a heaven sent! It was given to Paps as a Christmas present last year. The one that we are using is almost gone. I feel sad because I can't find it in our favorite drugstore and supermarket. I checked out Google and found out that it could be purchased via direct selling through official Beautiful Horizons Inc. Distribution Centers and sellers nationwide or via sellers in Shopee or Ebay.  I hope that it's available on drugstores and supermarkets.

Block Out Deodorant Soap is so perfect as a facial soap and I wonder why it's underrated. 

What is your favorite soap as of now? Why do you love it?

Since time immemorial, men in particular have sought to express their presence and power through various means. Our tribal warriors in the past show their prominence and prowess through various tattoos on their bodies which act as proof of their mettle and degree of influence, such fashion statements were regarded as a proof of power. In every age of our history, fashion statements worn by men have been geared towards the expression of their sphere of influence or degree of stability. Unlike women, who have a wide variety of sources and choices when it comes to their fashion expression, men's repertoire of choices when it comes to self-expression is still simply very conservative. On one hand, men usually cannot over dress since it may send the wrong impression. On the other hand, down-dressing may also send a negative message. That is why for the most part, men seek to show their social status, financial standing, power, and dominance in a very unassuming but prominent way. Such criteria are best expressed on what they wear on their wrist. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, time pieces are an integral part of men's fashion, expression, and way of life. On such time piece that encapsulates everything that men want to express is offered by Jord Watches. Their time pieces cater to various types of expression, They exude elegance, fashionability, exclusivity, and power. Their designs are created to fit men's modern lifestyle without sacrificing functionality and versatility.

Jord Watches are exquisitely designed to cater every man's fashion taste and lifestyle. They are made of wood like Acacia, Bamboo, Ebony, Golden Camphor, Koa, Cosso, Maple, Olive, Purpleheart, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Walnut, and Cedarwood which promotes sustainability and eco-friendliness. Their movements are basically self-winding automatic mechanical battery powered movement, or battery powered chronograph, depending on the models or series. The face of the watches is made of Sapphire glass, a synthetic crystal (aluminum oxide) that is known in the luxury watch world as the definitive material for transparency and durability and second to diamond as the hardest and most scratch resistant material on earth. The sapphire glass's high modulus of elasticity and tensile strength makes all Jord watches extremely versatile, durable, and impact/abrasion resistant.

Furthermore, Jord as a company is being ran by artists, designers, marketers, and minders with a common goal of creating timepieces that are modeled after a modern lifestyle. It values sustainability, efficiency, and experiential living. Jord makes timepieces for men (and also women) who are passionate and driven, those who value time and what it brings. 

In line with this, my eldest son, who is now in his teenage years, is now seeking for his own identity. As a mom, I give him the liberty to choose what he wants to do and that includes the apparel that he wants to wear. In every choice that he makes, my husband and I make sure that his choices must be based on our values and needs as a family but would never loose his own identity. Just in time that he needs a new watch that would help him catch up with his busy schedule in school and extra curricular activities while telling a statement and expressing himself as a goal-driven young man, Jord has sent him a DARK SANDALWOOD & BLUE CARBON worth $159 (Delmar Series) that he has chosen for himself.

Isn't it beautiful? My son loved it at first sight!

Included in the kit are the following: 

*Jord Preserve Finishing Oil- It is a custom-formulated cleaning oil, 100% natural with no artificial chemicals, made specifically for the care of wood watches.

*Jord Polishing Cloth (thin and thick)- The thin cloth is intended for polishing the sapphire glass while the thick one is for polishing the watch's body.

*Comprehensive User's Manual- All you need to know about the watch and how to maintain it are written there.

*Jord Wooden Logo- It's a guarantee that you are receiving an original Jord Watch. It also makes the whole package prettier.

*Portion of the bracelet that was removed because upon ordering, Jord lets you measure your wrist  to make your watched tailored-fit for you (Free Sizing).

There is also a thin magnetic drawer under the box where you can store all the add-ons. When you flip the box upside-down or sideways, the contents are not going to fall down. Amazing, isn't it?

Jord Dark Sandalwood & Blue Carbon set

Since a Jord Watch is not just great for personal use, it can be a perfect gift choice for a friend or a loved one. The company offers Engraving Services to make any watch of your choice personalized.

What is curry? Where did it originate?

According to the dictionary, Curry is a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in an Indian-style sauce of strong spices and turmeric and typically served with rice.

Alan Davidson has stated in the Oxford Companion to Food that curry comes from the Tamil word kari, or spiced sauce, which originally a thin, soup-like, spiced dressing served in southern India, amongst many other stew-like dressings for meat and vegetables. It was also noted in an English cookbook published in 1390s, The Forme of Cury, that “cury” originated from the word cuire, meaning to cook. Chef Cyrus Todiwala from BBC Two's The Incredible Spice Men explained that even though Portuguese discovered India and was credited with popularizing Curry, the country Britain was the one that brought the spice to the world. There were evidences that traces of cooked ginger and turmeric were found in starch grains in human teeth and cooking pot seen in the town of Famana, west of Delhi. Anthropologists believed that they might have found the evidence of a 4,000-year old "proto-curry". (Taylor, 2013)

There are so many types of curries in the world and one of the most interesting is the Japanese’s Curry Roux Cube. Curry Roux Cubes have flavors similar to bouillon, concentrated hits of spices and "umami" that releases when mixed with a liquid. These cubes are milder in flavor and sweeter than other curry bases and tend to produce a thicker sauce due to the presence of thickeners like corn starch or flour. Dishes like kare raisu (rice with Japanese curry) and katsu kare (thin, fried pork or chicken with Japanese curry) are almost always made from a box of Japanese curry roux. (Delany, 2017)

Three weeks ago, Primer Media Inc. sent me three brands of curry roux cubes from House Foods Sauce Mix, Japan, a well-known company established in 1913 as a producer of herbal medicines. They are now the largest spice manufacturer in Japan, and one of the most prominent producers of Japanese food products.

I admit that I wasn't familiar with Vermont, Java, and Kokumaro Curry Roux Cubes until I searched Instagram and saw thousands of posts of people from all over the world featuring their curry dishes using these three brands! That, my friends, made me more excited to try them!

Hubby and I were confused on what to try first since it was our very first time to use curry roux cubes. After listening to a friend’s recommendation that we should try Vermont Curry first, which she rated five stars, and following the cooking instructions, we enjoyed the flavor and seasoning of our delectable curry dish! It was so delicious! The dish had the right amount of sweetness and spiciness.  Perfect! Super sarap with hot steamed rice! Mapapa-extra rice ka sa sobrang linamnam!

Let me share with you our very own version of Vermont Medium Hot Japanese Chicken Curry.

To show you in detail, here is how we cooked our Japanese Chicken Curry using Vermont Curry- Medium Hot:

Ingredients

Chicken breast: 500 grams

Onion: 800 grams

Potato: 450 grams 

Carrot: 200 grams

Cooking oil: 30 ml (2 tbsp) 

Water: 6 cups (1,400 ml)

One package of Vermont Curry- Med. Hot 185 grams

Procedure

1. Drizzle cooking oil into a pot and heat it up. 

2. Put chopped onion into and fry it. 

3. After it’s cooked, put chopped chicken. 

4. After chicken is cooked well, put chopped carrot and potato respectively.

5. After every ingredient is well cooked, put water. 

6. Boil with medium heat and put the lid of the pot. 

7. Remove scum with ladle. 

8. Boil till every ingredient becomes tender.

9. Stop heating. Break curry roux into small blocks and put them into the pot. 

10. Stir it till curry roux melts completely. 

11. Heat the pot again with low heat until the sauce is thick enough. 

12. Stir the sauce while heating to avoid burning it. 

13. Serve curry with steamed rice.

Tada! Our finished product may not look like your typical Chicken Curry that is bright yellow in color but this tastes really, really good! My food blogger friend, Joy Gurtiza, was the one who encouraged me to use Vermont Curry (Med. Hot) first which she rated five stars and she was right! I strongly agree!

For more details and information about Vermont, Java, and Kokumaro Curry Roux Cubes, visit House Foods Sauce Mix, Japan's official website.

Have you tried cooking your favorite dish using Vermont, Java, or Kokumaro Curry? If yes, I will be glad to know your chika about it! Feel free to leave a comment! Salamat!

References:

Taylor, A. (2013). Curry: Where did it come from?. Retrieved http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/0/24432750

I admit that I only drink plain milk daily during my two pregnancies because I wanted my babies to get the calcium for their developing bones and other nutrients for proper growth that they could only get from it. Then to sustain my own and family's milk requirements now, I just incorporate it with the dishes that I cook and drinks that I take. 

While I have milk taste fatigue, my sons' tummies have become sensitive to plain white milk but I am amazed that when milk is incorporated with other drinks and dishes, their tummies can tolerate it. There was also a time in their growing years that they drank milk chocolate but I decided to let them stop because I thought that milk chocolate as a substitute was bad for the health. But I was wrong.

According to healthyeating.org, milk chocolate (flavored and unflavored) is as healthy as plain white milk. Like the former, the latter has also the sugar lactose in it. In an eight-ounce glass of milk we can find 12 grams of lactose. Milk chocolate has between eight to 12 additional grams of sugar added. So about one-half of the sugar in chocolate milk is naturally-occurring lactose found in all milk. Only about 60 calories in chocolate milk are from added sugars, which is small relative to the powerhouse of nutrients it provides. (Source: www.healthyeating.org/Milk-Dairy/Dairy-Facts/Chocolate-Milk)

At first, my kids loved drinking chocolate milk everyday. I would allow them to take only one small tetra brick at least three times a week because I would still observe their tummies' reaction to it. Until finally, they manifested no negative reaction so I let them continue. But somehow, they experience an "umay factor" from time to time, finding their favorite milk chocolate drink very, very sweet.

Then a few weeks before the recent holidays, Jolly Cow of Fly Ace Corporation sent me a gift pack with Jolly Cow Chocolate Milk in it. Milk chocolate consumption was never the same. 

Our family began to like and recommended it to our friends due to the following reasons:

- It's not too sweet. It has the right amount of sweetness and creaminess that makes Jolly Cow Chocolate Milk different from other brands.

- I admit that it's addicting. It's delicious when stored in room temperature and even yummier when served chilled or with ice cubes.

- It's made of 100% pure cow's milk straight from Denmark added with real cocoa.

- It's loaded with calcium and essential nutrients for healthier bones, strong immune system, and well-functioning body organs. 

- It's versatile, best paired with our family's favorite snacks. We can enjoy our occasional milk chocolate indulgence without the guilt.

- I am a chocoholic and I drink this as a post workout booster without ruining my diet plan. It has a balanced protein and carbohydrate contents.

- It's guaranteed natural, no artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

- It’s shelf-stable packaging also allows the milk to be stored at room temperature to keep its freshness and creamy texture up to seven months or until the date code. It's Longlife Ultra Heat Treated which means it's safe and clean.

- New feature! It has a Junior version, 200 ml, that is perfect for my kids' baon for school. Hubby and I also bring one when we go out. 

- Affordable and sleek- a box of Jolly Cow Chocolate Milk Junior is also one of the best potluck contributions. One box contains 27 tetra bricks of real chocolate goodness that kids and adults can surely enjoy!

- I am conscious with what my family consumes. Nutritional information, ingredients, storing instructions, manufacturing date, expiration date, and manufacturer information are all printed on the packaging. It also has a printed educational activity at the back that kids can answer.

Jolly Cow Chocolate Milk is loaded with real chocolatey and milky goodness in every pack!

My family loves Jolly Cow Chocolate Milk. It is something that lifts the spirit and sends happiness! I know that when you try it, you'll love it too!