All-Around Pinay Mama

Preserve Precious Photos and Make Something Personalized with Photobook PH

June 21, 2020

If we focus on the silver lining this pandemic has brought us, one of the perks of being under the community quarantine is having quality time with our families and aligning ourselves to the things that truly matter to us. In our case, this was the longest time our whole family spent time together 24/7 which made us happier. Then due to the presence of Paps and Kuya, we had a chance to do Swedish Death Cleaning that prompted us to dispose of the things that we didn't intend to use and organize our home including our analog and digital photos.

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I did #Dostadning or #Swedish Death Cleaning last month and it was so liberating. Now I can say that what we own is truly what we use. . You may visit my Facebook Page @allaroundpinaymama for more details by typing the hashtag #aapmtips. . #allaroundpinaymama #decluttering

A post shared by 𝙶𝚗𝚐. 𝚂𝙹 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚣, 𝙻𝙿𝚃 | 𝙰𝙰𝙿𝙼 🇵🇭 (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jun 7, 2020 at 5:10am PDT

With our analog photos, we were already updated in storing them chronologically but with our digital photos, they were so plenty that we didn't have the luxury of time of having them printed or compiled into a photo book. It was time-consuming for us to do the layout and printing it here at home. We were also hesitant in getting the services of a professional due to the cost aside from time constraints. Good thing, we heard from a friend that doing the layout in Photobook PH App and website would be easier and cost-efficient compared to other photo book services in the market today. Aside from being user and consumer-friendly, the finished product would be high-quality.

Buti naniwala kami. We were impressed with Photobook PH's services.

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A post shared by 𝙶𝚗𝚐. 𝚂𝙹 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚣, 𝙻𝙿𝚃 | 𝙰𝙰𝙿𝙼 🇵🇭 (@allaroundpinaymama) on May 18, 2020 at 12:26am PDT

There are so many pre-made layout options to choose from which makes creating an album or personalized merchandise quick and easy.
No available photos on your phone or personal computer, no problem! There is an option of getting your photos from your Facebook or Instagram account.
If you happen to choose a low-resolution photo or committed a mistake in your layout, there is a prompt that reminds you to change your photo or adjust the layout.
Checking out is easy and there are more paying options.
It offers promos often like free or discounted services. Just type the given promo code upon check-out to avail. In some cases, you'll get a free service and just pay for the shipping fee.
Aside from a photo book, you can also order personalized pillows, tumblers, name tags, and a lot more!
You are assured that your orders are delivered in good condition because they are packed neatly and properly.
You are reminded of the status of your orders through an email or text message.
The delivery is prompt and efficient.
All products have superb quality, worth every centavo! Kikiligin ka sa sobrang ganda, promise!

Let me show you what we got:

DISNEY FUN BOOK 6 x 6

Photobook PH, Photobook Fun Book, Photobook PH Review

Price: Php550

We got this for free by just typing FUNBOOK upon check-out! It was on promo until May 31, 2020. We shared the news with our friends. They availed it too and we got good feedback from them. The shipping fee was the only cost shouldered by the client.

PERSONALIZED TUMBLER

Photobook PH, Photobook Tumbler, Photobook PH Review

Price: Php1,800

Just recently, I broke Bunso's drinking cup that he was fixated with. This prompted us to order a personalized tumbler for him. It might be pricey pero super sulit na ito for Bunso! He is more inspired to drink more water kasi feel na feel niya ang pagkaka-personalize nitong tumbler for him! We were impressed with its insulating power. We left it full of cold water upon retiring then when we woke up in the morning, the water was still cold.

If I remember it right, the coldness lasted for more than eight hours! Amazing!

MEDIUM LANDSCAPE HARDCOVER PHOTOBOOK

Photobook PH, Photobook Landscape Hardcover, Photobook PH Review

Price: Php3,250

Kuya was so happy when he got this Disney-Marvel Inspired PhotoBook. For us, this is a type of "best pamana" that you can give to your kids when they decide to raise their own families. Iba pa rin na may ipakikita silang pictures nila sa kanilang mga anak while sharing the memories they created with you.

SINGLE PHOTO PILLOW

Photobook PH, Photobook Photo Pillow, Photobook PH Review

Price: Php1,200

We chose this design instead of a couple pillow so that we could place our family photos. Perfect siya for our living room. We don't have framed photos to showcase so this is a good substitute.

We're so happy with the different merchandise that we got from Photobook PH as well as with our experience creating them at its App and website. Kudos to Photobook PH and its partner courier, DHL, for the smooth and easy transaction and delivery!

Like we and our friends do, we suggest that you follow Photobook PH on Facebook to get updates about its latest promos. Also, never remove your Photobook PH App on your smartphones. Once you have experienced Photobook PH's services, I bet masusundan pa 'yan!

Top 5 Ideas to Use Your Kid's Mismatched Socks

June 19, 2020

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The average American family washes up to 10 loads of laundry each week. The more clothes you wash, the harder it will be to keep items like socks matched. Over time, you may start to notice more mismatched pairs of socks in your child’s drawers. Some people fail to realize there are a number of ways to repurpose these socks.

Rather than wasting your child’s mismatched socks, find a way to use them for other jobs. Below are some things you can do to turn your kid’s mismatched socks into useful items.

1. A Great Way to Protect Fragile Items in Storage

Moving is something millions of people do each year. As you start to pack up and move to a new residence, you may notice a number of things that need to be put into a storage unit. When placing fragile items in a storage unit, you need to focus on keeping them damage-free. With all of the different packing materials and techniques on the market, choosing the right way to protect your fragile items is not easy.

If you are looking for a way to offer your fragile items more protection, you need to think about using the mismatched socks of your children. Whether these are Elite Sports Socks or another brand, they can create a barrier of protection around smaller items. With the socks around them, items like cups or vases will be able to stay in one piece.

2. Use the Socks For Craft Clean Up

In the past few months, most of the world’s population has been locked away in quarantine. Finding ways to fill the hours of the day has become a struggle for many people. One of the best ways to put your time to good use is by taking on a crafting project with your children. During these crafts, you will probably need a few rags to wipe up paint and other common crafting materials. Instead of using fresh towels or wasting paper towels, you need to break out your kid’s mismatched socks.

With these socks, you will be able to clean up your crafting messes in no time. Once you are done wiping up your mess, you can simply throw the sock away.

Source-Pexels

3. Mismatched Socks Make Great Dust Rags

Keeping your home clean will require a lot of hard work. One of the main concerns you should have as a homeowner is keeping your indoor air supply free of dust and dirt. As dust starts to accumulate on the items in your home, you need to remove it before it has a chance to circulate. If you have a pile of mismatched socks, take a few out and use them as dust rags.

4. Give Your Blinds a Good Cleaning

You can also use old mismatched socks as cleaning rags when trying to remove dirt and grime from your blinds. The longer you have the same blinds mounted in your home, the harder it will be to keep them looking new and appealing. By routinely cleaning the blinds, you can keep them looking their best.

Source-Pexels

5. Polish Your Car With the Help of a Mismatched Sock

Is your car paint looking dull and lifeless? If so, it is time to invest in some quality wax. Using a mismatched sock to polish your vehicle with wax can help you repurpose this unused item. Once you have the wax applied, your car will look like it just rolled off of the showroom floor.

Use the Tips in This Article

By using the suggestions in this article, you can put your used socks to good use.

Give Your Dad a Day He Deserves

June 17, 2020

Father’s Day may look a little different this year because of the general community quarantine, but that doesn't mean you can't still devote the day to Dad. Got a special dad who deserves a special meal? Show him your appreciation with an exceptional family lunch or dinner with his favorite dishes. Whether you’re planning to fire up the grill or set up a sit-down meal indoors this Father’s Day, The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang Takeout service is here to help you create the perfect menu.

Express your gratitude and admiration to the greatest man in your life with an exceptional Father’s Day meal which you can easily make at home. Delight your dad with any of our Home Buffet options or A La Carte menu. Because the best dad deserves only the best, let him indulge with an enticing main course of any of its new Sous Vide Steaks offerings.

Eating steak is a sensorial gustatory experience: from the visual delight of seeing the marbling on your steak to the sizzle you hear as it cooks to the sensational smell of grilled meat. Dads will surely delight in its special imported meats. It's value-for-money, too. The cuts are enormous and good enough to share, for those who aren't voracious carnivores. Marbling is the main contributor to beef juiciness, flavor, and tenderness. The steaks are superb, juicy, perfectly tender, and so good.

The Manila Hotel's cooked sous vide steaks, with easy to re-cook instructions, are:

*U.S. Beef Rib Steak, 500 grams—Php2,300 nett

*U.S. Beef Tenderloin with Black Peppercorn Sauce, 180 grams—Php1,500 nett

*Prime U.S. Beef Striploin, 280 grams—Php2,100 nett

*Black Angus Beef Rib Eye, 340 grams—Php1,900 nett

The Manila Hotel Father's Day Promo 2020

Enjoy 20% discount if you make an advance order with a minimum amount of Php2,500 nett from The Manila Hotel's Home Buffet or A La Cart menu or any of its new Sous Vide Steak Offerings from now until June 19,2020 (Friday) for pick-up or delivery on Father’s Day (June 21, 2020).

End the meal on a sweet note with any of its Cake Creations: trio of chocolate mousse layered Opera Cake, Mango Cheesecake and Ohaina chocolate gateau -- alluring desserts that your dad will surely love.

Enjoy a 10% discount on its Cake Creations if pre-ordered with our Father’s Day promo.

Additional fee for delivery within Metro Manila only. Other discounts are not applicable for this promo.

You may call 85270011 or SMS/Viber at 0998-950-1912 for your pre-orders.

Helpful Tips for Floral Arrangement

June 13, 2020

Tulips, Flowers, Yellow Flowers, Arrangement, Floral

Arranging flowers can be a great diversionary activity for those who find joy in tending plants. Aside from indulging into an activity that takes away stress, flower arrangements give life and pop of color in a dull room. There is no doubt that they can brighten everybody’s day. To save you from replacing your arrangements often that can waste time, energy, effort, and money (if you don’t have your own garden to get your flowers), I have here some helpful tips for you.

- Flowers in different stages of bloom can provide more variety of form that is pleasant to the eyes than when they are in full bloom at the same time.

- Don’t cut flowers in same lengths. Stems of different lengths make the flower arrangement more full and interesting.

- Don’t forget to carry a bucket full of water with you when you cut flowers from your garden which to place them as soon as you cut them to retain their moisture.

- It’s best to cut flowers from your garden early in the morning when they are full of moisture from the previous night.

- Use a sharp knife and cut the stems slant. A pair of scissors can pinch some water channels closed. In case you are not comfortable in using a knife, make sure that your pair of scissors is very, very sharp, and don’t take too long in cutting the stems.

- Cutting the stems at an angle makes the cut flowers last longer. Use a very sharp knife to avoid mashing the stems. It is a must to cut the stems underwater to prevent air bubbles from forming within the stem.

- When you receive a bouquet of flowers as a gift, recut the stems at an angle to encourage maximum water intake.

- Make sure that your vase is directly proportional to the size and length of the flowers that you are going to out on it.

- Slide the short-stemmed flowers into plastic soft drink straws to give them more length before you put them into the vase.

- In order to speed up the opening of flower buds, place the stems in warm water.

- Remove all leaves at the portion of the stem that will be submerged underwater to extend flower life.

- Flowers should be arranged loosely in a vase to make it last longer. Tightly arranged flowers wilt easily because they compete in space and water intake.

- When you don’t have your own garden to get fresh flowers, the nearby florist is the best person to visit. Unfortunately, flowers are expensive. To cut your expenses, buy more leaves or foliage than flowers. Foliage is cheaper and lasts longer even for months than flowers. You may replace the flowers that wilt already to the foliage.

- Old branches, driftwood, or twigs cut from a tree or bush make a unique centerpiece.

- Don’t be confined in using a conventional vase. You may use a teacup, mug, tin can, small bucket, soup bowl, or any common container found in your home. Be creative and resourceful.

- Refrigerate your vase of flowers each night to make the flowers last longer.

Photo credit: Pixabay

12 Tips for Buying Food

June 06, 2020

Buying food is like choosing the right partner. You have to meticulously scrutinize every detail to ensure that you will choose something that will nourish you, keep you alive and energized, and will never break you in all aspects. I have here 12 tips to guide you for buying your food properly.

All-Around Pinay Mama: 12 Tips for Buying Food

- Always keep in mind that you pick up perishables last at the supermarket especially if you live far. Be careful in handling them between purchase and home storage. It’s a rule that if you are going to travel for at least 25 miles, bring an ice chest with you to keep your purchased perishables from getting stale.

- Follow the “First in, first out,” rule. It follows every food item, perishable or not. When you unload your grocery food purchases, be sure to place the new items behind previously purchased ones of the same kind. By doing this, it’s easier for you to reach for the older items in front of your refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.

- Don’t buy food items that are for sale after the expiration date.

- Food items on sale are usually nearly expiring. Make sure to consume them immediately after purchasing or within the time frame that they are still consumable.

- Always check the label. Be conscious about the food items’ manufacturing and expiration dates to make sure that you are buying new and best stocks.

- Never buy canned goods that have dents. This may indicate that the contents have problems.

- Never buy canned goods that are sticky. It is a sign of possible leaks.

- Never buy food items with broken seals, torn packages, or with the presence of holes because they are already contaminated. They are probably caused by pests or improper handling.

- If you accidentally purchased expired goods, canned goods with sticky or dented cans, food items whose wrappers are broken, it is your right to return them to the establishment where you have purchased them.

- Always check thoroughly the eggs that you are going to purchase. Buy the ones that are refrigerated or placed in the coldest portion of the establishment. Make sure that they have no cracks or foul smell.

- Buy meat, poultry, and seafood from markets supplied by the government-approved sources.

- Only buy food from clean and sanitized markets and stores. Check if they handle and store perishables properly.

Following the above-mentioned tips saves you from trouble and slashes your effort, time, and grocery bill.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Important Tips to Keep In Mind When Grocery Shopping

May 20, 2020

When everything comes to normal when the Covid-19 crisis is over, isn't it nice to go grocery shopping with your kids again? To make grocery shopping a worthwhile experience, I would like to share some tips to keep in mind when you do it. These will help you save more time, effort, energy, gas, and most of all, your hard-earned money.

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Purchase on a budget.

The questions that you have to ask yourself are, “What do I need? How much is my shopping budget?” Prioritizing your purchases is the key if you want to cover all the things that you need under your shopping budget. Wants can wait. Most of the time, those wants are just created needs, and buying them impulsively can only satisfy your urge temporarily. Don’t make yourself broke by giving in to your wants. Refrain from buying junk foods like chips, chocolates, candies, and the likes. It saves us from getting sick and spending so much.

Bring a shopping list.

Writing down the things that you need to buy and sticking to your list will refrain you from overspending. Be sure that your list is complete until your next visit to the market to save time, energy, gas, and money.

Parents, brief your kids.

If you are going with your kids, talk to them first. Make it clear to them that you will purchase items written on your list only. Normally, they insist that you buy what they want when you are already grocery shopping. You have to be firm and show them that you are not going to give in. Teach by example. Don’t deviate from sticking to the list. Don’t do a last-minute impulsive buying.

Go with a full stomach.

Grocery shopping while hungry can lead to spending for snacks or hot food that is not included in your shopping list to satisfy your craving. Just imagine how much you will spend when hungry family members go with you. You will end up spending more.

Bring a calculator and a pen.

You need a calculator to track down the costs of what you buy. The pen is used to cross-out what you already placed in your shopping cart. Make sure to bring both with you to save time. It is handier these days that a simple mobile phone has a calculator feature.

Bring a reusable shopping bag.

Be environmental friendly! Bringing reusable shopping bags or eco-bags helps cut down the usage of plastic bags.

I hope that these tips help!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Extra Special Mother’s Day at Home with The Manila Hotel

May 06, 2020

How to Stay Safe While Traveling

May 06, 2020

Summer break is here and everybody’s excited to unwind, relax, and enjoy alone or with friends and family. Traveling is one of the many ways to do it. It can provide so much satisfaction in your thirst for adventure, fun, and new learnings. It is inevitable to focus on the good things that it can bring but it is a must for you to be prepared and safe. Here are some ways to stay safe while traveling.

Be prepared.

Study your travel destination including culture, traffic routes, specialty dishes, historical landmarks, must-visit places, and the likes before your scheduled travel time. Bring a map with you and always keep it handy. Pack light and avoid bringing items that you don’t really need.

Be safe and vigilant.

If possible, avoid carrying too much cash. Just bring enough or use credit cards instead to cover your expenses. Put your wallet inside your jacket or front pants pocket and never at the back pocket. When you carry a shoulder or body bag, always hold the strap while the bag is placed in front of your body. You may put your wallet or purse under the car seat and it should not be displayed prominently while inside the car.

Never leave the car doors unlocked and windows down. Lock them and keep the windows up at all times especially when you are travelling with young children. If there’s a need for you to open the windows because it’s hot, you may do so as long as it’s not enough for someone to put an arm into the car.

Always park in a well-lighted area for safety reasons. When you are approaching your car, hold the keys already to open it and go inside immediately.

Never walk or drive alone and be careful in whom to deal or speak with. It pays to ask from the staff of your hotel about the people and places that you need to avoid.

Never dress inappropriately or act like a lost tourist because you can be spotted by thieves easily. When a person is trying to distract you, never entertain him. Walk hastily and keep in pace with many people or head straight to the nearby police station or highly secured establishment where you can ask the help of security guards when you feel that you are being followed. Be cautious and alert at all times.

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or showing your expensive gadgets while walking on the area. Bringing all your valuables with you is not advisable. You may store them in a hotel safe.

Keep your hotel room locked at all times. If someone is trying to enter your room and you haven’t called for a room service, ask for an identification card even if he is wearing a uniform or might as well call the front desk to be sure.

Furthermore, learning your hotel’s fire escape is a must to be prepared in case of emergency.

Enjoy!

Planning and being ready before you travel can make your stay worthwhile. Being adventurous is highly encouraged but be cautious with the things and food that you try. According to the former host of award-winning Born to be Wild and travel junkee, Kiko Rustia, if you are going to an unfamiliar place especially in remote areas, bring your own drinking water and food. In one of his television interviews, he taught the televiewers how to prepare a protein and carbohydrate-packed sandwich that would never go stale immediately while traveling. It was composed of toast, jam, and seared bacon. He also mentioned that never eat meat in your travel destination if you are not sure of its source. Only eat the food that you think is hygienically prepared and safe. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

How to Store and Use Pesticides Safely

April 29, 2020

Mosquitoes are rampant here in the Philippines for all seasons. If precautionary measures like keeping your place clean and free from stagnant water are already done and still you can’t control the mosquitoes coming into your homes due to other factors contributed by the environment, using pesticides is one of the easiest and convenient solutions to solve the problem. The following are the safe ways of storing and using them.

- Always keep insecticides out of children and pet’s reach. Keep them away from food items, cookware, kitchen utensils, dishes, drinking cups, and toys.

- Insecticides are flammable. Don’t spray them near the flame, lighted stove, light, electrical appliances, and furnace.

- Never smoke while using pesticides.

- Never flush insecticides down the sewers, toilet, or drains.

- Use the amount of pesticide required for a job when fumigating.

- Wear rubber gloves for protection when spraying with anything poisonous.

- Make sure that nobody is inside the room except you when you spray an insecticide.

- As soon as you’re done spraying insecticide in a room, leave immediately and shut the door tightly for at least half an hour before ventilating it.

- Never reuse insecticide containers. Wrap them in brown paper bags or newspapers and dispose of properly.

- Never use food and beverage containers in storing or transferring pesticides.

- Chemically pest strips or traps must be placed in an area where people especially the elderly, sick, or children are not always present.

- Avoid contact with any pesticide.

- Read the label of the pesticide that you are using and learn how to manage accidental ingestion or contact.

- Most pesticides should be tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. It is advisable to store them in a locked cabinet or very high shelves away from children’s reach.

Using and storing pesticides safely can avoid more serious problems and accidents in the household. To add to the above-mentioned tips, choosing the natural and water-based ones can lessen the harm they can do to one’s health and environment.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Hotel Sogo Supports Frontliners

April 23, 2020

In the crisis that we face today, our medical professionals are the ones carrying the load. Day and night, they tirelessly give their all, sacrificing their own health, wellness, and time for themselves and their families just to make sure that persons afflicted with Covid-19 are taken care of. The demands of their work may not be well-compensated but still, they do their best to fulfill their vocation without regrets. The dangers that they face may even lead to death and perhaps those are not their major concern anymore. Instead, they move forward, do their job, and keep on fighting until this pandemic is over.

It is a cliche that we say, "We Support Our Frontliners!" But are we deserving of shouting this out to the world? What have we done to support our words with actions? The answer is just by simply staying at home and following the protocols of our government, we show our support and love for our frontliners. By not getting sick to flatten the curve, we lighten their load.

While we are staying at home to protect ourselves from the virus, there are business establishments, institutions, and people with generous hearts who share their blessings and properties to aid our courageous frontliners who are facing the battle against Covid-19.

It was announced a few weeks ago that there were hotels that volunteered to house our frontliners in the different parts of Metro Manila and some municipalities in Luzon. Hotel Sogo was one of them. To date, Hotel Sogo already donated 60 million pesos worth of room accommodations for health workers during the Extended Community Quarantine (ECQ). The donation of 800 plus rooms for the use of our frontliners was in cooperation with 11 Hospital Directors and the mayors of Alabang, Caloocan, Makati, Manila, Molino, Naga, Pasay, and Quezon City.

Hotel Sogo, Sogo Cares, Dahil Mahal Kita Gusto Ko Safe Ka, So Clean So Good, We Fight As One, Salgado PR, We Heal As One, Covid-19 PH, Hotel Sogo Supports Frontliners,

Courtesy: Hotel Sogo Official on Twitter

Hotel Sogo helps protect our frontliners in the medical community and government. It aims to give them comfort, pampering, and service that they deserve because without them, our fight against Covid-19 is impossible.

Like us, Hotel Sogo is one with the country in fighting the battle against Covid-19! Thus, we heal as one!

Practical Tips for Weight Watchers

April 22, 2020

Losing weight is a matter of subtracting your food intake. Each pound of your body is worth 3,500 calories which means that for you to lose one pound, you have to cut 3,500 calories on your diet. It is also a must to make exercise part of your lifestyle. However, don’t expect to lose weight through unplanned and unorganized exercise and diet regimen alone. You must be sensible in deciding which routines to do or follow. Dieting can help you lose weight while exercising can increase your metabolism that burns fat, makes the different parts of your body in tip-top shape, and maintains firm and healthy muscles.

For weight watchers, the following tips might help you to lose that excess pounds.

- Remember that health clubs, body massages, saunas, vibrating machines, steam baths, fat burning soaps, most probably won’t help you lose fat despite the advertisers’ claims.

- Always make it a habit to check the nutrition information of all packaged food products and compare them with their competitors. Opt for the ones with the lowest calories and fat count.

- If your habit is to eat while working, stop the habit. If you feel hungry, drink water. Water makes you feel full, cuts down craving, improves digestion, and helps eliminate excess water that is retained inside your body due to eating too much salty food.

- Limit yourself from drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Caffeine slows down the burning of carbohydrates making it stored as lipids in your body which makes fat accumulate in areas such as tummy, arms, and thighs.

- Drinking alcohol adds up to your calorie intake. Some people lose weight by simply eliminating alcohol from their diet.

- Please don’t be tempted to eat leftovers to help meal clean-up.

- Record everything you eat to see if you are staying or straying on your diet. By doing this, it’s easier for you to achieve your goals for losing weight.

- Eating more servings or less makes you feel truly satisfied and full after 20 minutes. If you are tempted to get a second serving, tell yourself that you can do it later. After five minutes, you can feel that you don’t need it anymore.

- Use smaller plates when you eat. It conditions your mind that you are not starving yourself.

- Foods that take you to eat longer are more satisfying than those you can eat easily. For example, eating chicken with bones can make you busy than munching boneless ones or the same amount of corn in a cob seems like more than the cut ones.

- To remove excess grease or fat from your cooked food, prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. The grease will rise on top and it’s easier to take off when it’s in solid form before reheating.

- Non-fat or low-fat yogurt is a good substitute for artificial dessert toppings, whipped cream, or buttercream icing.

- Don’t eat in between meals. But if you can’t live without it, make sure that you eat healthy snacks under 100 calories.

- Substitute soda, artificial fruit juices, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages with water. The habit is also good for the kidneys.

- When dressing your salads, use low-fat or non-fat dressings. Kalamansi and lemon juice are also recommended.

- Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, are hard to resist but make sure that they are low fat. The fewer the fat content, the less calories. You can also substitute cow’s milk with almond or soya milk which is very high in protein.

The above-mentioned tips are not intimidating. They are very easy to understand and accomplish. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle is a good habit to keep yourself from getting the most common and complicated diseases and disorders. Getting back to your normal body weight and having a fit body can give you more confidence and inspiration to continue. Start changing your lifestyle now and never give up when you’re in it!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Exercising- How to Get Started and Stay Motivated

April 15, 2020

A consistent exercise regimen has a lot of health benefits. Among them are fighting coronary heart disease, helping in the treatment of high blood pressure, raising levels of good cholesterol or High- Density Lipoproteins, aiding in digestion, strengthening bones, and most probably even combating cancer. Aside from fighting heart disease, it also plays an important role in the treatment of respiratory disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Furthermore, exercise boosts your energy and makes prepping up in the morning easier. It improves muscle tone, burns body fat, and promotes flexibility. It can also make you feel strong, better, and relaxed.

How to Start Exercising for Beginners, How to Start Exercising, How to Start Exercising When You are Out of Shape, AAPM Tips, Health and Wellness, All-Around Pinay Mama blog, SJ Valdez, Pixabay

According to experts, devoting at least 20 minutes of exercise time to your daily routine can make exercise work for you. Consulting your physician and submitting yourself to a check-up or physical exam before you begin an exercise regimen is highly recommended to avoid experiencing more serious health problems in the future especially if you have been currently physically inactive. If you are obese, overweight, over 45 years old, or have any health problems, it is a must that your doctor permits you to begin any exercise routine. If you’ve been active, use these tips to guide you:

- You should be able to hold a conversation with someone when you exercise. If you are gasping for air or panting while you talk, it means that your exercise regimen is too difficult for your current fitness level.

- If you experience having pain in the middle of your chest that lasts more than two minutes, which may or may not be accompanied by pain in the arm, get medical help immediately.

- Exercising should be painless. If you experience heaviness in your chest, breathing difficulty, or any pain in your body parts like the nape, neck, back, chest, and limbs, you should slow down. If the pain is still there, you must stop exercising. Visit your physician and describe what happened including the time which the pain has occurred.

- If you feel exhausted for at least a day after exercising take it slow and easy. You’re pushing your body too hard. It’s okay to rest.

- If you feel like vomiting or are excessively tired for an hour or more after exercising, it was too strenuous for you. You should feel energized, not lethargic. If you feel a dizzy or light-headed feeling, it’s time to discontinue.

- If you are having sleepless nights or your nerves feel weak, it means that you’ve been pushing too hard. The same is true if you seem to have lost your vigor or if you can’t catch your breath after a few minutes of exercising.

- If you have any questions about excessive fatigue, pain, or discomfort, see your physician right away.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Five Easy Tips on Setting Personal Priorities

April 08, 2020

Sagip-Gutom Program: Fight Covid-19, A Fundraising Project to Feed 100 Indigent Families

April 03, 2020

I am on one of the believers of the power of the Law of Attraction.

The law of attraction is really obedient. When you think of the things that you want, and focus on them with all your intention, then the law of attraction will give you exactly what you want, every time." - Lisa Nichols, Author and Personal Empowerment Advocate

So, I always do my best to focus only on the good to attract goodness in my life. But I am only human. No matter what I do, there is a point that negativity has its way to consume me especially when I am tempted to open Facebook and browse hostile posts. This is the reason why I do my best to avoid watching the news or browse negative posts on social media. The frustration towards corrupt politicians, government leaders who lack political will, rants towards the government, broken friendships due to opposite political beliefs, fake news, and so much pessimism take its toll on my perceptions and beliefs that leads me to explain my side towards the issues that turns me into a pessimist for a while. Then upon realizing that my act attracts more negativity to my being, I would immediately put down my post and divert my emotions and thoughts into something positive. Aside from this, the tendency of ranting on my friends on our Messenger group chat could occur without me thinking that not all of my friends could handle cynicism.

So if you're anti-war, be pro-peace instead. If you're anti-hunger, be pro-people having more than enough to eat. If you are anti-a-particular politician, be pro-his opponent. Often elections are tipped in favor of the person that the people are really against because he's getting all the energy and all the focus." - Hale Drowskin, Author of the New York Times bestseller The Sedona Method

Moreover, this post by a friend hit me:

Life is full of stresses and uncertainty. As in 'fulll', sobrang nakapupuno na. Ang daming naapektuhang mga taong inosente na sumusunod naman. Haist.... Gabi-gabi nag-iisip na 'ko ng mga bagay na pwede kong magawa para makatulong ng simple sa mga taong sobrang wala. Sa totoo lang 'di sapat ang isang plastic na makakain para sa isang buwang pagkukulong sa bahay. Ang kailangan ngayon ay pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa, hindi pagsisilipan ng bulok na gawa.

She is right. In a time like this, we have to convert our efforts and divert our energy into something useful and beneficial for the needy. Then on a separate chat room, this is the exact message that she has sent to me:

Good evening po.
I want to consult something po sana.
Actually, I was praying for wisdom like "How can contribute and give others hope sa gitna ng pandemic na ito? Kasi sa totoo lang po I really want to help but I can't do it on my own. My means and my resources aren't fit at all. This time I am consulting you with this. Dito po sa kasi sa amin, dahil squatters kami, feel na feel ko 'yung emptiness and insufficiency ng mga tao rito. Yes, I'm much greatful kasi kahit paano my sahod ako. And I came up with the idea na possible po kaya makahingi ako ng help financially sa mga closest friends and co-teachers ko? At least kahit konti man o marami 'pag pinagsama-sama marami pa rin... Maraming matutulungn 'di man lahat. Sa tingin n'yo po? Possible po ba 'yun? Kayo po kasi ang naisip ko. Ilang araw na akong natambay and I feel like I have to do something. Ang daming namimigay sa TV, may Kapuso, Kapamilya, Kadamay, Kapatid pero kahit isa walang naligaw sa amin. 'Yung feeling mo na sa sobrang dami nila 'di mo alam kung 90% pa ba nakarating sa tao. Kasi 'di talaga makakarating 'yung 100% e. Sorry po ah. Haha."

Para akong binuhusan bigla ng malamig na tubig with all honesty. At the same time, I felt so honored because despite having so many friends, she thought about me in a time of discernment.

This friend of mine is thinking of ways to help her needy neighbors while most of us are busy being keyboard warriors. In my case, I always do my best to stay optimistic and share posts that speak of positivity and encouragement but I guess, they are not enough. As an individual, like my friend, I also have to do something more for others despite the fact that I am not rich.

During our conversation, she has mentioned that she's planning to help 100 families in her neighborhood who have nothing to feed their members. I've encouraged her that it is possible to help by making it simple but impactful. There are people out there who are willing to help but don't have the capacity to initiate a cause. There are also individuals who want to do something charitable but are not sure if their help can reach the right people.

Sagip-Gutom Program: Fight Covid-19 A Fundraising Project to Feed 100 Indigent Families, Fundraising Program for Coronavirus Crisis PH, Relief Goods PH for Indigent Families, Reflections, Campaign, Cristina Oguin, Covid-19 Relief Goods, All-Around Pinay Mama blog, SJ Valdez

In line with this, all of us have our own crosses to bear. All of us have our own concerns in this coronavirus crisis. But if we spend our time alleviating the sorrow and pain of our kababayans instead of ranting on social media, we can help change the lives of others in a positive way. My friend, I believe, serves an answered prayer for me. Like her, I also want to help but I don't know how to start. This is it. This is the time to make a difference. Instead of thinking ill of our government officials who lack the right judgment, ranting on Facebook, posting fake news, blaming other people for causing too much trouble, helping the needy is the best way to ward off negativity and to spread love.

Then "Sagip-Gutom Program: Fight COVID19, A Fundraising Project to Feed 100 Indigent Families" has been conceived by my friend, Teacher Cristina Oguin. She is my classmate and friend in Arellano University Graduate School, a resident of Quezon City. She has gathered her group of friends in a Messenger group chat to begin fundraising. In less than 12 hours, the group has raised Php9,000 from close friends and loved ones. Amazing, isn't it?

Sagip-Gutom program: Fight Covid-19 Poster created by Mr. Martin Cross Valdez

The group is planning to give 100 families a Php300 worth of grocery items each. But if the fund exceeds to the target amount, the group is going to double or triple the grocery items in order to sustain their needs not just for a week but for months until the lockdown is over.

I am so blessed and honored to be part of this project. I am so thankful to Cristina for including yours truly in her dream of helping the needy.

So, my dear friends, I don't want to pressure you but if you want to donate kahit magkano pang amount po 'yan, it is very much welcome and appreciated. Kapag ang maliit na halaga ay pinagsama-sama, malayo ang mararating.

Thank you so much in advance for your generosity. God bless you more. You may send your cash donations through the following:

*Palawan express

Name: Maria Cristina N. Oguin

Number: 09954577720

Relationship: friend

Purpose: donation

*BDO Online Banking

008540054235

Maria Cristina N. Oguin

*Gcash:

09954577720

Maria Cristina N. Oguin

By the way, we apologize for not disclosing the exact address in Quezon City where the help will be given due to security purposes. Rest assured that any amount that you will give will reach the needy. We will update you regarding the "Sagip-Gutom Program: Fight COVID-19, A Fundraising Project to Feed 100 Indigent Families" via my Facebook Page and through the comment section below. Transparency and honesty matter to both parties. Thank you very much.

Tipid Recipes to Cook for the Corona Virus Quarantine

April 01, 2020

Your Room Color Can Affect Your Mood

April 01, 2020

For instance, you are planning to repaint your plain white walls because you find them too overwhelming or boring. Then you want to add hints of color to create a new atmosphere.

You must keep in mind that colors are mood-setting. Choosing the colors that you want for your home or room must fit the mood that you want to create and imbibe. I am here to help you make the right choices because room colors can affect your mood and behavior.

RED

Red gives you feelings of love and being loved, promotes strength and power, and imbibes anger, passion, and aggressiveness. Having all these emotions signals your body to have high heart rate and blood pressure while stimulating your appetite. As you notice, this color is the favorite among restaurants and fast food chains. Moreover, it is advisable to paint your living and dining room walls red as it promotes togetherness, meaningful conversations, and warm relationships. Having a red hallway draws a feeling of powerful impressions too.

Room Color Psychology, Room Color Meanings, Psychological Effects of Color, Mood Effects of Color, Health and Wellness, SJ Valdez, Pixabay, All-Around Pinay Mama blog

“Red is such an interesting color to correlate with emotion, because it’s on both ends of the spectrum. On one end you have happiness, falling in love, infatuation with someone, passion, all that. On the other end, you’ve got obsession, jealousy, danger, fear, anger and frustration.” – Taylor Swift

ORANGE

An energetic, socially pleasant, and happy disposition is believed to happen while you stay in an orange room. It encourages movement and provides energy and vigor. It is suggested that exercise rooms or gyms must have orange as its major color to enhance the feeling of enthusiasm and uninhibited body movements.

"Orange is the happiest color.” – Frank Sinatra

YELLOW

Yellow uplifts the spirit, giving it a joyful feeling. Painting or decorating your kitchen, dining room, and bathroom with yellow paint and accents give them a hint of sunshine and brightness. Although yellow gives a cheerful and secure disposition, using it with caution is advised. There are cases when babies cry a lot when placed in a yellow room. When used in large areas, this color makes a person feel irritable.

"It is the color closest to light. In its utmost purity it always implies the nature of brightness and has a cheerful, serene, gently stimulating character. Hence, experience teaches us that yellow makes a thoroughly warm and comforting impression.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

BLUE

Do you notice that most offices, schools, and hospitals paint their walls blue? In line with health and wellness, blue is believed to enhance calmness, relaxation, coolness, peacefulness while lowering down blood pressure. Talking about the corporate or school setting, it keeps the place looking calm and conservative while the persons inside it loyal and trustworthy although isolated so that they can focus on their work while decreasing the urge to eat.

"Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight.” – John Ruskin

GREEN

Green is the most calming of all colors that makes it the most preferred color in any room of a house. On one hand, it creates a friendly, calming, balanced, or neutral ambience and enhances a person’s attentiveness and focus. On the other hand, too much of this color, which is the color of money, leads to feelings of jealousy, envy, avarice, and materialism.

"Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.” – Pedro Calderon de la Barca

PURPLE

Purple is associated with royalty and wealth. It was found out that during the ancient times, creating dyes to produce this color was rare in nature and only rich people could afford it.

Purple’s emotional effects are spiritual enlightenment, creativity, and artistry. It soothes the mind and body, keeping them calm and relaxed. The downside is, too much of it causes sadness and childishness.

"Purple puts us in touch with the part of ourselves that is regal. Purple is the queen in all women; it helps us keep our backs straight and heads held high.” – Byllye Avery

PINK

In 1982, according to Paul E. Boccumini, director of clinical services at San Bernandino County Probation Department in California, when children under detention were put in an eight-foot by four-foot bubble gum pink colored cell, they became relaxed then stopped yelling and banging their heads, and most often fell asleep within 10 minutes. Not all psychologists believed of the wonders of this color in enhancing the feelings of tenderness, love, sensitivity, and sympathy but 1,500 correctional institutions and hospitals became convinced of its pacifying effect (Gruson, 1982).

“Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.” – Lilly Pulitzer

NEUTRAL COLORS

“Neutrals (black, gray, white and brown) are basic to the decorator’s tool kit. All-neutral schemes fall in and out of fashion, but their virtue lies in their flexibility: Add color to liven things up; subtract it to calm things down. Black is best used in small doses as an accent. Indeed, some experts maintain that every room needs a touch of black to ground the color scheme and give it depth. To make the job easier, rely on the interior designer’s most important color tool: the color wheel (Mihai, 2015).”

"Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” – Pablo Picasso

Color preference is always a personal matter. It is up to you to decide for the right color because it is you who is going to utilize your newly painted or decorated space.

References:

Blue Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/color-blue.html

Cherry, K. (2017). The Color Psychology of Purple. Retrieved from https://www.verywell.com/the-color-psychology-of-purple-2795820

Frank Sinatra Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.azquotes.com/quote/568065

Green Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/green.html

Gruson, L. (1982). COLOR HAS A POWERFUL EFFECT ON BEHAVIOR, RESEARCHES ASSERT. http://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/19/science/color-has-a-powerful-effect-on-behavior-researchers-assert.html?pagewanted=all

Lilly Pulitzer Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.azquotes.com/author/23628-Lilly_Pulitzer

Mihai (2015). Room Color and How it Affects Your Mood. Retrieved from https://freshome.com/room-color-and-how-it-affects-your-mood/

Pablo Picasso Quotes. http://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/color.html

Purple Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/purple.html

Red Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/red.html

Room Color Mood Chart (2016). Retrieved from http://www.stevensonresidentialgroup.com/blog/room-color-mood-chart/

Yellow Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/yellow.html

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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SJ Valdez

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