The last time that I was able to update our family's photo album was in 2006, the year when digital cameras and camera phones dominate the market. Whenever I take photographs using my phone or digital camera, it would take me months before I could save them to our external hard drive or worse, not at all. I would always tell myself that I would find time printing those photos and compile them chronologically on separate photo albums, one solely for Kuya, another one for Bunso, and the last one for the entire family. The idea stayed as a plan and never been accomplished. It was really unfortunate that my old camera phone died and our first external hard drive was destroyed by ants. There were photos saved on those gadgets that could never be retrieved. It made me feel so sad and regretful up to this point. If only I could turn back time, I would find time to print all those precious moments frozen in time. Iba pa rin kasi ang may hard copies ka ng digital photos mo. The feeling of browsing your photos in an album arranged chronologically is priceless and blissful.

Well, yes, it is easier to say that but difficult to do with my current situation. A nanny-less household with only me and my husband in charge of the chores while doing our own jobs, when can we find time printing all those digital photos? Sabi nga, "Kung gusto may paraan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan." 

Maraming dahilan? Yes... To sum it all up, we're extremely busy.

I thought of getting the services of photo book companies a long time ago but honestly, I was doubtful. I browsed through so many photo book companies and I found them pretty expensive that made me more hesitant to try any of them. I was afraid that the finished product might not be worth the value of what I would be paying for. There was a time when I finally decided to try one due to the recommendation of a friend but I gave up because the website was difficult to navigate and use.

Moreover, last summer, I said to myself that I should really, really do my very best to print our digital photos. When I was about to do it, napaisip na naman ako. Will the hard copies that I am going to print last for decades? Like our old photos arranged by my mom, mas mabigat na naman ang album na gagawin ko. Those two realizations made me stop the endeavor. Then my mom said, " Kailan mo ba talaga ipi-print ang photos ng mga apo ko? Iba pa rin ang nakikita nila on print ang photos nila habang lumalaki sila. Baka mabura ang files mo. Malaking problema 'yan. Nasa huli ang pagsisisi."

Until last month, I had a chance to try getting the services of Storybook.ph. Since Kuya has a talent to arrange photos and edit videos, I asked him to arrange our family photos in a 40-page album. He was able to do it for one and a half hours and asked me to put the designs and background. Nadalian ako, promise! Although it took me more than three hours to finalize everything, sulit na sulit ang pagod!

Here are the reasons why Storybook.ph deserves two thumbs up! 


- The website www.storybook.ph is so easy to navigate. Our internet connection was very slow that time but it never glitched while I was registering, a prerequisite in creating our album, and while we were creating the album itself.

- There were so many simple but elegant backgrounds, templates, layouts, icons, and fonts to choose from. It's like creating our own scrapbook but in digital form. It was so much fun!

- Its wide array of packages were reasonably priced. You could work on a budget.

- It was easy to check-out and there were several modes of payment to choose from. Talking about convenience, Storybook.ph has ways and means to do it.

- I was informed every step of the way via email- from registration to check-out up to the delivery of the finished product. Even the courier sent a text message while my order was out for delivery.

- Mapapa-WOW ka sa finished product. We used some photos that were not high definition but Storybook.ph made the outcome more beautiful in actual. It was superb, carefully packed, and sealed. Talagang made and handled with tender loving care. Parang sosyal na hardcover coffee book in full color printed in glossy paper ang dating! 



Let me give you a glimpse of the finished product...

I chose the 40-page Hardcover Image Wrap Landscape Photo Book (11 x 8.5 inches) worth Php995.00.



See that various templates, backgrounds, layouts, icons, and fonts are easy to play with. Kuya and I also mixed different photos taken with different gadgets. Lahat lumabas halos na parang high definition. Ang galing!

It's not overrated! My mom, who's an OC (obsessive compulsive) when it comes to photo albums liked our very own Storybook.ph Family Photo Book. Sa totoo lang, uulit ako. I will create photo books for my two boys soon! Mom is also planning to turn her old photos and her photos with her best friend into Storybook.ph photo books! This shows how satisfied we are with its services!

To know more about Storybook.ph, visit its website and social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram).

Why are mosquitoes attracted to certain people? 

Scientists have proven that aside from genetics, certain elements in the body chemistry found in excess in the skin can make mosquitoes attracted to people. People with high cholesterol, lactic acid, and who emits more carbon dioxide can be mosquito magnets.

Despite keeping the surroundings free from the stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and maintaining a cleaner environment, it is inevitable that sometimes a few mosquitoes would still thrive and come from unseen sources. In order for susceptible individuals to be protected from being bitten by mosquitoes, one of the things that they should do is to use safe and effective insect repellent lotions or sprays. There are so many products that promise the best results but it also depends on the person's idiosyncrasy. In our case, we tried and tested too many brands in the past, both all-natural and the ones with DEET, but only one brand passed our standards. Since then, we make sure that we never run out of stock of that product at home especially during the rainy season when Dengue cases rise.

Paps, Bunso, and Kuya attract mosquitoes that's why for seven years, Green Cross Active Protect Insect Repellent Lotion (10 Hours), the variant that has a 10-hour effect is our reliable partner in repelling those pesky mosquitoes that may cause Dengue and another mosquito bite-related disease. 



Green Cross is the only one that we find very effective. What we like about it is that it's an anti-dengue and antibacterial protection in one. Its efficacy and continuous protection from day and night last up to 10 hours. We don't need to reapply often to keep ourselves protected. It provides 99.9% antibacterial protection for 10 hours without causing any irritation. It's cool and non-sticky to the skin, perfect for our active lifestyle. The formula smells great on the skin. It doesn't smell medicated or herbal. Only a small amount is needed to cover the exposed skin. It can be spread on skin evenly and easily. It's also reasonably priced, available in a sachet, small tube, and big tube, making it affordable for all. It's also available in leading drugstores and supermarkets where we can find and buy it conveniently. And also, it's made by Green Cross so we're sure that we are using a well-researched, tried and tested, and safe product.

I am hearing raves about Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Pads and Liners from friends! They keep on saying that the anion strip found in there has a lot of health benefits.

If I remember it right, it was during our Chemistry class in high school when I first heard the word, ANION or what Dr. Jacob, Professor of Physiology with the Public Sanitation Institute of Harvard University called the "Vitamins of the Air". Anions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain that can keep a person alert and energized and helps protect against germs. To learn more about it, you may go to HEALTH BENEFITS of ANIONS.

Claims:

Each Jeunesse pad has a special anion strip that brings a lot of benefits during that special time of the month and for your overall health as well.

- Prevention of bacteria

- Reduces feminine discomfort/dysmenorrhea

- Eliminates unwanted odor

- Fights against vaginal irritations and infections

- Improves blood.circulation

- Lowers stress levels and boosts energy levels

- Acts as a natural anti-depressant

- Strengthens the immune system

Benefits:

These new wonderful benefits were truly enjoyed by Jeunesse users all over the country, rating it as an excellent product which is extremely new and different.

- Majority of users rated the product as excellent and highly satisfying

- Jeunesse Sanitary Napkins deliver on prevention of bacteria, reduction of feminine discomfort/dysmenorrhea and elimination of odor.

- The strengths of the product were also identified no side effects, provides protection against itching and irritation and has a breathable bottom layer that eliminates heat.

- Dysmenorrhea, irritation, and mood swings were the top menstrual period conditions mentioned by users and all claim that the product was able to reduce the discomfort.


*The above-mentioned benefits were based on PSRC results in July 2012.

* Claims are based on clinical studies.

Source: Jeunesse Anion Brochure

Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkins and Liners are composed of the following variants:

Jeunesse Anion Ultra Day Pad

Length: 24.5 centimeters

Price: Php80/pack of 8 pads

You can stay active and protected without worries even on heavy days.

Jeunesse Anion Ultra Night Pad

Length: 28 centimeters

Price: Php60/pack of 5 pads

It gives you protection for medium days while you sleep.

Jeunesse Anion Panty Liners

Length: 15.5 centimeters

Price: Php40/pack of 10 pads

Jeunesse Anion Non-Wing Pad

Length: 23 centimeters

Price: Php78/pack of 8 pads

It gives you protection for medium days when you are less active.

Jeunesse Anion All-Night Pad

Length: 32 centimeters

Price: Php67.50/pack of 5 pads

It gives you maximum protection for heavy flow red days while you sleep.

Jeunesse Anion understands that every woman is unique and has her own preference. Keeping them in mind, Jeunesse Anion has a perfect product for the low, medium, and heavy days whether it is day or night time.

In my opinion...

I received Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Pad and Liners exactly 40 days ago upon doing this review. I tried and tested the liners first and the remaining four variants during my period.

I don't know if it's psychological but I really, really feel the difference. I remember a blogger friend of mine, Jhoanna Tacorda of Playful Life with Kids Blog told me, "Kapag gamit mo ang Jeunesse, para kang walang suot na napkin or liner." I strongly agree. I feel that I am just wearing my cotton underwear when I use Jeunesse Anion. Each pad and liner is cottony soft with no rough edges and has the right thickness that's why it doesn't cause irritations between the thighs and the intimate area as well. It contains a super absorbent polymer that gives superior liquid retention and quick-absorbing properties that sips moisture and wetness in an instant. The pads are non-bulky, unlike other brands that you can feel as if you are wearing diapers.



Yucky ito pero aaminin ko na. During my initial use of the liner, inamoy ko talaga after kong gamitin at may kakaibang amoy ang discharge. The foul-smelling discharge was evident for three days and on the fourth up to the seventh day, there wasn't a foul-smelling discharge anymore. Maybe it was due to one of the anion's health benefits that it prevents the growth of bacteria.  By the way, Jeunesse Sanitary Pads and Liners are unscented. They don't mask the real odor of your discharge.

It is a usual phenomenon that I feel the premenstrual discomfort within seven days before my period. I always feel dizzy, sluggish, and experiencing headache and cramps on my lower abdomen. Then one day, when I took off my undies with a Jeunesse Anion Liner on it, I was so surprised when I saw a tinge of blood. Grabe, may period na pala ako at hindi ko namalayan!

One more thing, I don't know if it was a placebo effect. During my period last month, I used Jeunesse Anion Pads, of course. I didn't experience any menstrual discomfort. Believe it or not, when I was out, I changed the anion pad that I was wearing with a brand that I normally use because I forgot to replace it with Jeunesse. After two hours, I experienced menstrual cramps. Then when I got home and changed to Jeunesse Anion again, the cramps were gone! Was it coincidental or was the anion strip doing its job? Maybe, the anion really worked!

So I guess, the anion strip in all Jeunesse Sanitary Pads and Liners does wonders! If it takes away simple menstrual discomfort, maybe it can also do more amazing health benefits in other body parts and other health concerns. Splendid!

Aside from the health benefits, I love Jeunesse's foil packaging! Ang lakas maka-sosyal at resealable pa! More than the looks, Jeunesse Pads and Liners are foil packed like food to make it hygienic. Aside from the foil packaging, each pad or liner is individually wrapped and it guarantees that it is very hygienic. That individual wrapper can be used to wrap the used pad or liner tightly because the tape sticks well. You can throw it without the need of wrapping it with old newspaper or scratch paper.



Of all variants, I prefer those who have wings. I use the 32 cm. All Night Pads from morning until bedtime especially during the first three days of my period when blood flow is heavy. The 28 cm. Ultra Thin Pad is good for the days when my period is almost ready to subside. I think I can use the non-wing variant, the shorter one when I am at home because I can't worry about staining my clothing.

The liner is my perfect freshness partner. I am always on the go and this keeps me protected from germs and odor down there.



Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Pads and Liners are now available in Shopwise, Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug, Watsons, and other leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide unlike before that they are just available online. But if you want to purchase it from the comfort of your own home, you may visit Lazada PH. 

Many people say that they are a bit pricey but I don't mind at all because of the health benefits they can give. I believe that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

All-day beauty, confidence, and freshness are possible with the best Anion Protection brought to us by Jeunesse!

Jeunesse Anion is a brand manufactured for and distributed by Wellgold International Inc.

Contact:

Hotline (+632) 470-1294
Twitter: twitter.com/JeunesseAnion
Facebook: facebook.com/JeunesseAnion
Website: www.jeunesseaniom.com

Have you tried using Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Pads and Liners? Kumusta naman ang inyong experience?

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?