I am a lip balm fanatic. It's a beauty staple that I am very dependent with. I can live without lipstick but not without lip balm. I am born with very dry lips despite of hydrating myself often. I've tried and tested various lip balm brands and only a few suit me well.

Moreover, lip balms that pass my standards have the following criteria:

1. Effectiveness

A lip balm's primary function is to make the lips free from dryness, chapping, and cracking, making them smooth, plump, and soft in no time. Smooth and soft lips look younger, fresher, and healthier. A lip balm also aids in making any lipstick especially the one with matte formula glide on smoothly, leaving lips moisturized and not dry at all.

2. Safety

Whenever I shop for lip balms, I check their ingredients. Are they made from natural and safe ingredients? Are they free from harmful or carcinogenic components? If yes, I go for them. I am now in a state that I am more conscious with what I apply on my face and body.

3. Great Taste

I always opt for a fruity lip balm with a hint of mint and vanilla or a just a plain minty one can do.

4. Light Consistency

I don't want my lips to look like I've just eaten greasy food. I want a lip balm that leaves a thin layer of gloss on my lips, not too shiny or greasy. 

5. Affordability

I am a frugal person. I believe that it doesn't necessarily mean that if a product is expensive, it's safe and effective already. Why spend more on a good product if you can purchase a better and cheaper alternative?

6. Availability

I am a loyal product user if it satisfies me and serves its purpose well. It breaks my heart when I ran out of a certain lip balm brand that I love and I can't readily purchase it in a nearby mall, drugstore,  or online. Online shopping may be an option. Additional shipping fee adds on the expenses but for me it's okay as long as the product is really worth purchasing. I admit that I am "kuripot" and I am not ashamed of being one. I don't mind adding an additional fee for shipping because it saves time, a thing that is always lacking due to mom duties, it's hassle-free, and convenient. I don't need to go out anymore because the product shall be delivered right on my doorstep.

7. Reliable and Convenient Packaging

For hygiene purposes, I prefer a tube type lip balm packaging than the tub type. I don't want to apply lip balm using my fingers because it's messy, unhygienic, and inconvenient. I love a lip balm packaging that is very light and not bulky so that I can slip it easily in my pocket, clutch, or small makeup case. I don't want something that takes so much space and weight of my bag. I also find a lip balm packaging reliable where I can read the detailed product information including claims, ingredients, manufacturer, distributor, batch number, manufacturing date, expiration date, and other important details that consumers need to know.

8. Amazing Staying Power

I am a type of girl who doesn't like retouching makeup often especially lipstick or lip balm because I find it inconvenient due to my not-so-conscious and on-the-go personality. The staying power of my lip balm matters to me. The longer that it stays on my lips to keep them smoother and softer, the better.

In line with this, I have discovered another lip balm brand that I've added to my top choices, and that is GEMZ LIP BALM. 

Gemz Lip Balm naturally moisturizes and smoothens my lips. It's enriched with Shea Butter, Vitamin E, and Jojoba Oil, three of my most favorite beauty product ingredients. It is infused with antioxidants and SPF 15, keeping my lips protected from harmful UV rays and other harsh environmental elements.

Gemz Lip Balm is hypoallergenic, 95% natural, 100% safe for kids and adults, and FDA approved. It has the following ingredients: Beeswax, Candelilla Cera, Copernica Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Squalene, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Benzophenone-3, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Fruit Oil/Extract (depending on the lip balm variant), Flavor, and Ci 77492. It's paraben-free, petrolatum-free, and gluten-free.

Gemz Lip Balm is so easy to use. All you have to do is twist off, smooch, apply, and smile! It's convenient to store. It's not bulky, not messy, and very handy. Just store in a cool, dry place between 20 C to 25 C. Remember to keep away from direct sunlight.

Just recently, I tried and tested the following variants: Citrine Lemon, Ruby Strawberry, and Peach Moonstone which I really, really like especially Ruby Strawberry. Their tastes are not too sweet or overwhelming, and very, very light. It has three more variants: Emerald Pineapple, Blue Amethyst, and Mint Zircon. I wonder how they taste? Hmmm... I will surely try them soon.

Gemz Lip Balm is exceptionally shaped to provide just the right amount of lip balm in every application, making my lips sweet, soft, and smooth longer without applying often.

This imported lip balm brand is made in China for London-based company, Dexe Group Ltd. It's exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Bellus Life Solutions, Inc., found in Unit 222 Cityland, 7648 Dela Rosa Street, Barangay Pio del Pilar, Makati City.

Every Gemz Lip Balm is safe to use for three years from the date of manufacturing. I encourage you to try and experience Gemz Lip Balm to see that it really works, making your lips fresh, shinier, softer, and younger-looking! 

Furthermore, Christmas time is fast approaching. Gemz Lip Balms as gifts for the holidays can be a great idea!  They are definitely affordable, practical, and useful gifts for your friends and loved ones. You can turn one into something more special by adding personalized "Christmas feels" on it just like making a nose of a reindeer in a DIY card? Isn't it nice?

How to avail these fabulous lip balms? They are available online at Php100 per piece only. Free shipping applies for five-piece and above orders. Php90 per piece for orders six pieces and above, while additional discounts apply for orders per box or twelve pieces.

You may send private messages at @gemzlipbalm on Instagram or Gemz Lip Balm on Facebook. You may also reach it at mobile number 09258250225 or email address gemzphofficial@yahoo.com with the information seen on the photo below.

Gemz Lip Balm is looking for resellers. If you are interested to start up your own Gemz Lip Balm Business, you may contact it through the above-mentioned contact details.

I hope that this list can help you choose the best Halloween Trick or Treat venue for your kids. Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

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You may also like to read the articles about Halloween that I've written for PSST.ph.

BEST HEALTHY AND PRACTICAL HALLOWEEN TREAT ALTERNATIVES

FIVE BEST ONLINE RESOURCES FOR EASY DIY HALLOWEEN FOOD, DECOR, AND COSTUME IDEAS

2017 BEST HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT VENUES IN THE METRO

Paps and I are the ones preparing and cooking meals for our family. We seldom eat-out or order food for delivery because our kids prefer what we cook for them.

The advantages of cooking and eating home-cooked meals are tremendous since we meticulously do the shopping, hand-picking, and preparing our own food. We know that what we serve to our loved ones is clean, safe, healthy, and most of all, delicious.

Preparing delicious meals doesn't necessary mean that we have to make it grand in amount or appearance. Anthony Bourdain, one of the most influential chefs, authors, and television personalities in the world, said, "Good food is very often, even most often, simple food."  Indeed, we agree because our food is always simple but its flavors that tickle our palates and the benefits that it contributes to our well-being are amazingly satisfying.

Aside from handling our food with so much love and care, I am going to reveal our family's secret to our delectable meals and that is no less than, MAGGI. We may be using various brands of herbs, spices, and sauces but Maggi products are always in our pantry.

Why is Maggi part of our meal preparations for years? 

Whenever we choose products especially for ingestion, we always check if they are from reputable brands. Maggi has been in the market for decades. It's among the most trusted food brands in the world. Most of all, it's a product of Nestle, one of the world's leader in health and nutrition. Nestle products including Maggi is research-based and proven to be safe and healthy to use.

Maggi is not just safe and healthy. Napapasasarap naman nito talaga ang mga pagkaing aming inihahanda para sa aming pamilya kahit hindi na lalagyan ng salt o iba pang pampaalat. Maggi balances and enhances the flavor of every meal without making it too salty.

Our vegetable dishes are incomplete without a dash of Maggi Savor Classic Liquid Seasoning. This variant in particular is also best as dip for dumplings, fried dishes, roasted meats, and steamed or boiled veggies. 

We put salt and pepper to our oil-less pan fried chicken. When we discovered Maggi Magic Sarap All-In-One Seasoning Granules and Maggi Magic Chicken Meaty Seasoning Granules, we use them interchangeably and don't use salt anymore. Furthermore, our fried rice is incomplete without Maggi Magic Sarap.

Seared Pork Chops are my mom's favorite. The pork taste is enhanced when Maggi Magic Pork Meaty Seasoning Granules are added to the milk marinade.

Then we tried using it in our Ginisang Monggo because we lessened the pork. Mas lalo pang naging meaty ang flavor at lalong sumarap at naging malinamnam ito!

Why is it that our barbecue dishes taste great? Maggi Oyster Sauce ang sikreto riyan! My best friend, Grace Yanzon, served her Pork Barbecue with Maggi Oyster Sauce when she invited me for lunch in her home. Sa sobrang sarap ng barbecue niya, I never forget to stock up Maggi Oyster Sauce at home. It also makes stir-fry dishes flavorful.

Another milestone was unlocked, Our search for affordable, tasty, and not too salty soy sauce was over because of the launch of Maggi Soy Sauce in the market a couple of months ago. Our Adobo, Menudo or Igado tastes even better with it.

To sum it up, Maggi makes simple dishes taste magical! Parang laging may handaan sa aming tahanan dahil sa Maggi. Sa simpleng Sinigang, pritong ulam, o inihaw, #AllWeNeedIsMagic!

Maggi Watermelon Surprise Soup Base Mix and Maggi Magic Isda All-In-One Seasoning Granules for Fish ang susunod kong susubukan. Ikaw, ano ang kwentong Maggi mo?

The Philippine Readers and Writers Festival was a three day event. Everyday was filled with workshops hosted by different publications which you could attend for free. Just register and you would be given a free pass to all the ballrooms where the workshops were held plus free entrance to the 38th Manila International Book Fair. This event encouraged aspiring and current writers to learn and be good in their craft. 

Due to my limited time, I had a chance to sit on a 2 1/2 hour workshop, "The Path to Possibilities: How Stories Can Reach a Global Audience" by Scholastic Asia and facilitated by five experts in the field of education, reading, editing, publishing, writing, and coaching. Let me give you their background and the insights that they imparted to inspire aspiring and current writers, bloggers, educators, students, and even parents to instill in themselves, to their kids and others the pointers on how to create a good story and love reading. Here they are:

Barry Cunningham is  the publisher of Chicken House Books, has had an impressive career in publishing. He has worked with the great names in children's books including Roald Dahl during the most popular years of his career. He soon became one of the best-known names in publishing after he signed up J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In 2010, he was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's Honours List for services in literature.

Mr. Cunningham prepared this video while on vacation. He was so enthusiastic to share his expertise and expressed his regret of not being able to see us in person. (Courtesy: Scholastic Asia)

Professors Sangil and Villanueva amazed the audience as they shared their insights. (Courtesy: Scholastic Asia)

Fondly called Teacher Vic, has spent 24 years doing literacy work in various roles. He was an Assistant Professor in the College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman, Executive Director of Wordlab School, Judge of National Book Development Board, Consultant of Wordprime, Founder of Read Ability Literacy Improvement Center, and School Director of The Builder's School. He is currently a Senior Educational Consultant of Grolier Scholastic Philippines, Board Member of The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), and Reading Assessment Specialist.

The following are the key points that he has mentioned in "Reading Landscape: What Readers Look for in a Good Story?"

 (Bruno Bettelheim, The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales)

Learning from the speakers could be refreshing and recharging. Even if we are writing for a couple of years now, learning should not stop. After all, we don't have the monopoly of knowledge.  All the insights that they said would mean that great writers started from reading at a very young age. They found it easier to express themselves effectively due to their exposure to good vocabulary, other writers' ideas through the books that they read, and most of all through their own experiences. 

All the tips that they've shared may sound easy but being great not just in writing entails a lot of hard work, enthusiasm, and perseverance. Furthermore, experience makes perfect and permanence. Learning is part of our lifetime and it shall only end as we die.

It's been a a while since I've shared my most favorite recipes. This Mama is very, very busy for a couple of months now. As you all now, I am writing for PSST!PH since July (It's a dream come true, actually.) and our home based family business is doing good. I am striking the iron while it's hot!

While my hands were tied, I also had a quick decision to have my blog get an overhaul. It so happened that a good blogger friend and a very talented software engineer, Celerhina Aubrey, had a very nice and reasonable proposal and I took advantage of the opportunity.

While Aubrey was fixing the look of my website, Paps and I were focused on our kids while doing our own jobs and helping each other with mom on our family business. Wala kaming hangin and a day is not enough to cover all our duties. Having a writer's block from time to time also refrains me from even touching the keyboard of our PC. Sakit ko na yata ito especially when the year is about to end.

Furthermore, there are so many ongoing issues and concerns in my life. To slow down a bit, I always write my musings on my Instagram account. By the way, it's my most updated social media account and I invite you to check it out. There I write almost anything that pops on my head. I also browse my past photos from time to time and that is when I came across with Mrs. Patty Cuyugan's Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe na pagkasarap-sarap!

It has an authentic taste of a cheesy, meaty, and spicy Mexican food. Dahil nakita ko na naman ang photo na ito on Instagram I have this urge to cook it again and enjoy it with my family. I also encourage you to try this. You'll surely love this too! Madali pang iluto.

When you cook this, tanya-tanya lang.

Ingredients

old rice 

 pork giniling 

 taco seasoning 

crushed tomatoes 

minced onions 

corn 

bell pepper 

cheese 

Procedure

Saute all the ingredients except cheese in taco seasoning. When everything was mixed thoroughly, place grated cheese and a little sauteed pork giniling on top and turned off the stove. 

Isn't it super easy? When you smell and taste it, feel na feel mo ang Mexican flavors. It fits perfectly what Kate Mclennan of thekateringshow.com once said, "Mexican food is so full of colour, life, and music. It's like a pinata exploding in your mouth."

Thanks for sharing this recipe, Patty! I will be sharing again more home cooked recipes in the days to come! Feel free to leave a comment once you have tried and tasted it. Maraming salamat, Mars at Pards!

Last August 26, it was such a blessing on my part to be given a chance to talk about Miss Meanne Mabesa Mijares's new book, Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord’s Way. If you remember, she was author of the award-winning book, Emma Kali-kaliwete! Emma U-utal-utal!, her first book that I reviewed a couple of months ago.

"Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps To Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord's Way by Meanne Mabesa Mijares" is the best book to read if you are currently in pain due to failed relationship, separation, or cycle of abuse. This book will bring you to your breakthrough because it will lead you to the right journey that is guided by the Lord. . It was such a wonderful feeling to be invited by the author herself and give a short talk about it during its launch last Saturday. That endeavor became the start of my vow to make this book reach those people who need the right answers and heal their broken hearts without going astray. . I will share my thoughts wishes for the book, where to purchase it, and Meanne's next book signing event on my blog. I will keep you posted. 💕 . #meannemabesamijares #heartbreakthroughbook #bookstagram #bookworm #book #inspirational #mommybloggersph #momblogger #readingadvocate #claretianpublications #claret #booklaunch #booksigning

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Aug 27, 2017 at 8:07pm PDT

Meanne and I became in touch online and her book launch was the first time that I met her in person. That made me more excited and elated. Imagine, an award-winning author would ask a simple blogger like me to talk about her book? She even sent me the manuscript and that was the proof to my claim that I was one of the very first persons to read the book. To be trusted my her to own the manuscript really meant so much.

The event was more than a book launch. It was an intimate, meaningful, fruitful, and very special moment for me because I met Meanne and her family in person, gained new friends like Anna Santana and the love of her life, and had an insightful conversation about life with the guests and other Claretians who graced the event. I would never forget this experience as long as I live.

Before further ado, let me share with you the brief content that I have spoken of during the talk that somehow can give you a backgrounder of what's in store for you.

I feel so elated and blessed to be one of the first persons to read this book. "Heartbreakthrough: 8 STEPS to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord's Way by Meanne Mabesa Mijares" talks about steps in recovering from being heart broken and starting anew by immersing yourself to the way that God wants it to be. . While reading this book, I remember my friends who are hurt right now due to failed marriages and relationships. This is the best book to read to ease their pain and find answers to their unresolved questions. . Thanks for being a blessing, Miss Meanne! God bless you in all your endeavors. I am so excited to witness your upcoming book launch! ❤❤❤ . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmustread #aapmfavorites #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #meannemabesamijares

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Aug 19, 2017 at 12:32am PDT

I have contemplated for some time on how I can give justice to the book, Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord’s Way by Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares as I share my insights on its contents without actually revealing too much that would spoil the surprises and intricacies that were presented in this book. However, having been tasked to share my insights and feelings on its content has created a dilemma on my part. If I may encapsulate my impression of the book, Barbara Streissand as Rose Morgan in the movie “The Mirror Has Two Faces” said in one of her lines, “True love has spiritual dimensions”.

In essence, it is what I believe is one of the many core points of the book. It will take you to a spiritual journey that will enable you to heal. This may sound unreal since break ups and heart brokenness create moments of weakness, vulnerability, and despair in us. However, the insights provided in the book present a different and more meaningful perspective, one that is anchored towards healing ourselves and putting ourselves under the loving presence of God. It is very enlightening to know that our moments of misery are indeed avenues to learn more about the love of God for us and a moment to learn and deepen our awareness of both ourselves and our spirituality.

Furthermore, one of the revealing insights that struck me in the book came from a Bible passage in one of the chapters which was from Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”. The question that came to me was “How can I be delighted if I am hurting inside?” The book provides a plan of action that teaches us self-internalization through prayer. Not only that, it can also lead us to the realization that when we commune and come to terms with our spirit and the events that lead us to our present circumstances, we are actually communicating with God.  As I continued my reading, I truly was amazed on the wisdom that was imparted within its pages.

It was a great privilege to speak in front of the audience about how helpful Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord’s Way by Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares is to those individuals looking for answers on how to heal their broken heart the right way. (Photo credit: Meanne Mabesa Mijares)

Many of the principles that were incorporated in its pages explained and rationalized the things that a heartbroken person were going through and how she or he would respond to his or her brokenness. Such as…

- Love comes with a risk---heartbreak. It makes you recover from a heartbreak with a stronger head , and a more advanced approach and disposed spirit, that is to love again.

- Don’t keep the pain inside. Don’t deny your grief and pain. Crying cleanses us.

- Learn from loses and mistakes. If we don’t learn from them, we are doomed to repeat them.

- Eat healthy. Do what makes you happy. Treat yourself. Exercise.

- Stop looking for happiness in the place you lost it.

- A breakthrough can’t happen if a broken heart is closed, arrogant, and adamant. When we acknowledge and need help in humility reaching out to our Lord, then things fall into  place, doors are opened, chains are broken, and we can move on.

- Remember, no person has the right to condemn you how you repair your broken heart or how you choose to grieve because no one knows how must you are hurting deep inside. Recovering takes time and everyone heals at their own pace. Happy is the person who learns to wait as he prays and never loses his patience for God’s time in his best time.

- The Lord leads you to where he wants you to lead.

- To win your personal battles against your personal demons to resolve your issues, you need to pray. Make good decisions that are strengthened by your faith.

-  Accepting the fact that the past cannot change is breathtaking launching pad for forgiveness.

- Choose to accept the past for what it was and look ahead to what is.

- Be wise in choosing who you invest your time in because wasted time is much worse than wasted money. If the Lord wants you to be with someone, He will make it happen at the right time with the right person.

- God is everywhere and in everything. The closer you get to God, you will start to look at life through your spiritual eyes more clearly. He will bless us by showing his hand and at others He will make us learn how to trust Him and His unlimited power.

- God will give us what we need not what we wanted. God surely lives up to His promise to always give back more than what we lose. All it takes is faith, hope, and trust.

The capacity of humans to love and feel attracted to another individual has birthed countless wisdom and realizations which has enriched our experience of love.

One of the most compelling point that struck me during my reading was the question “How do we get to enjoy the ultimate promise of God?”. It showed details on how we could turn our moment of misery to an enlightening moment that would enable us to see the goodness in such situation. It truly was a “WOW” moment for me. At my age I had my own moments of misery borne from loss, separation and wrong decisions, and in those instances, I had at some point felt the overwhelming feeling of anger, frustration and despair. Looking back I was thinking if I had access to such wisdom back in the day, probably I could have avoided doing so many senseless acts that made me loose so much. If I may use a little bit of what was presented in its pages, Miss Mijares stressed that the misery that we could feel during our moment of brokenness could be something that we must acknowledge and through that act, we could take time to:

Such acts can eventually lead to blessings, opportunities, probable new career, and new love. And lastly (I have to end it here because I might take away the excitement and mystery of the book), broken people always have the dilemma of finding the inspiration or spark that propels them to move forward. This aspect of healing poses a great threat since it has the tendency to deepen the pain and hurt to the extent of damaging the very perception of any one on the concept of love. In answer to this, the act or fact that a person choose to move forward and continue to take each step and breathe in spite of the pain means that the person has surrendered to the Lord’s will and is indeed looking forward to receiving God’s promise.  

In mathematical language the equation that is love can lead to different products and percentages of ecstasy and insanity. Today we are witness to a work done with utmost passion that centers on the very experience of the other side of love which is heart break. Exuding love, sharing one’s self and dedicating one’s life in pursuit of the happiness of another is one of the highlights of our lives. There is so much that we have learned from our experiences with our relationships many of us think that we have already moved forward... Have we? This masterpiece is am must read for it provides a perspective that put us closer to God and raise our awareness on our humanity.

Let me share with you the poem that speaks so much of letting go and letting God, the essence of finding the heartbreakthrough. This poem is found on pages 123-124.

Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision.

Let God guide you, it will be the right decision.

Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing.

Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion.

Let God help you, it will be the right care.

Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching.

Let God prepare you, it will be the right training.

Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective.

Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome.

Let God work in you, it will be the right result.

Let God work, don't block your blessings by moving to fast.

When God is working on your behalf, be patient. Good things take time.

Don't get weary and don't get in the way. 

(Source: https://elranchodelrey.org?p=820)

For me, Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps to Rise Above Heartbreak- The Lord’s Way, is the best book and companion that you should have when you are heart broken. It will never mislead you. It will lead you to the right path in finding your peace in times of pain and suffering. You may purchase this for a very affordable price of Php199.00 in any religious store catering books printed by Claretian Publications. You may also buy it online.

Php199.00 is unbelievably affordable for a very informative book.                                           (Photo credit: Meanne Mabesa Mijares)

If you will visit the upcoming Manila International Book Fair, Meanne will have her book signing on September 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 Pm at the Claretian Publications booth numbers 240 to 244 in SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Never miss this chance of meeting her and having your copy signed by her. Meanne is a very nice, approachable, and humble person.

Grab your copy now. Even if you are not heartbroken you will learn so much from the book.                                                                       (Photo credit: Meanne Mabesa Mijares)