I have so many reasons to be grateful for last year. I am strong and alive. I have a chance to wake up in the morning to see and serve my family while doing the things that I love. These are the blessings that I am grateful for. My life is very challenging and exhausting at times but the love of the supportive people that surround me makes me feel that I am on the right track.

My perfume business partnership with my BFF that started in late December 2016 is still ongoing. We always see each other and it's one of the best ways to take a break from our usual routines. It's a nice way to mix business and pleasure, isn't it?

I'm in a blogging hiatus for a month because of the new endeavor that I really, really enjoy and that is trying and testing perfume testers with my best friend and eventually selling our favorites. Who wouldn't love to smell good all the time using designer perfumes at a fraction of a price of those being sold on reputable malls? Our mini online store is open to our friends at the moment but we are planning to open it publicly soon. We are still working on it. 😊😉☺ . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #bargainhunter #perfume #eternityforwomen #jadore #jourdhermes #guccienvyme #perfumecollection #perfumetesters #onlinestoreph #igersmanila #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #momblogger #17january2016

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jan 16, 2017 at 11:10pm PST

I never thought that I would be fitter and stronger last year although I admit that I gained weight due to my "cheat eats" during the holidays.

I always see myself in front of the mirror that's why I can't gauge the huge transformation on my physique. One of my best friends that I didn't see for a long time told me that she hardly recognized me until she saw me walk. . What I am sure of is that I feel lighter and healthier right now compared three months ago. I lost 11 kilos after two months. Now I am enjoying the normal Body Mas Index for my height. . I'm also not used to taking selfies. To see the difference, I just use these photos taken during Blogapalooza 2016, while having my short talk about Bunso in his school on June 2016, and after my book hunting in Scholastic Warehouse Sale last summer. Kayo na po ang humusga. . For those who are asking, "Ano ang ginawa mo para pumayat ka?" I've written them in @psstphofficial and here are the links. Sana po ay makatulong sa inyo. . COMMON NUTRITIOUS FOODS THAT BURN BELLY FAT QUICKLY http://www.psst.ph/common-nutritious-foods-that-burn-belly-fat-quickly/ . HOW TO LOSE 52 POUNDS SAFELY IN 2 1/2 MONTHS http://www.psst.ph/lose-weight-safely/ . PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WEIGHT WATCHERS http://www.psst.ph/practical-tips-weight-watchers/ . EASY EXERCISE ROUTINE THAT BURNS BODY FAT QUICKLY http://www.psst.ph/easy-exercise-routine-that-burns-body-fat-quickly/ . Honestly, I am not that strict in following my previous diet but I refrain from eating the food items that are prohibited. I also cut down my exercise time due to my very busy schedule but I never let the day pass without stretching and exercising even for just 5-10 minutes. Dream ko na magkaroon ng magandang abs at mas toned na arm muscles. Uumpisahan ko na 'yan sa sem break. Hihi. . I was once a woman who accepted the fact that being fat was okay. Being married and having kids became the lame excuse for me. But sickness made me realize that I must do something about it and it was possible to bring back my body healthy inside and out.

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Oct 9, 2017 at 2:21am PDT

I blog and do freelance writing because they truly make me happy and sane that's why I don't feel that they're work.

In line with blogging, I never thought that it could be the channel for opportunities and collaborations to come way. 

It's almost my sixth year of blogging. I am not selling myself short but I am aware that I have so much more to learn. Despite of that shortcoming, I feel elated when there are amazing brands and people who contacted me last year for collaborations and opportunities. 

To the following, thanks for the love! I would like to thank you for making my blogging more colorful, meaningful, and purposeful in 2017.

One of the quotes that inspire me to find meaning in daily living is from William Morris. He once said, "The true secret to happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life." May it be a household chore, conversation with a friend, sight of nature, small act of kindness, mistake that has left a lesson, or compliment from someone I know or I don't even know personally, are some of the details in my life that I truly cherish. . In line with this, writing is part of my life since high school. I may not be the best writer but the endeavor makes me truly happy. I'm so glad to know that some people also find meaning in what I do. It's such a big blessing for me. Nakatataba ng puso. ❤❤❤ . Thank you, www.mykidsneedthat.com, the world's #1 resource for the best kids' toys & gift ideas, for including me on your list. There are thousands even millions of bloggers in the world and I am so blessed to be discovered by you. Being one of your 50 Top Parental Blogs in 2017 makes me feel purposeful. Sabi nga, may saysay naman pala ang pagbabahagi ko ng aking thoughts. 😁😁😁 . Sa totoo lang, Mars at Pards, gusto kong himatayin sa kilig na makasama ako sa list with New York Times Best Selling Author Jill Smokler of Scarymommy.com. Ayayay! Pasensya na po kayo, masayang-masaya lang po ako. Minsan lang po itong mangyari, pagbigyan ninyo na po ako! May kasama pang speech! 😅😅😅 . 50 PARENTAL BLOGS WORTH READING AND FOLLOWING IN 2017 https://www.mykidneedsthat.com/best-parental-blogs/ . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #momblogger #mommybloggersph #psstphofficial #psst

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Nov 6, 2017 at 8:41pm PST

Blogger friends na matagal ko ng kilala at bago pa lang nakilala, pagkadami-dami ninyo hindi ko na kayo iisa-isahin kasi bukas na ako matatapos, you know who you are. Love ko kayo.

Natupad ang dream ko na sumulat sa isang local online magazine. Thanks, Miss Kathy Ngo and Psst.ph family, for allowing me to be part of the team.

To the PRs and brands that I declined due to conflict in schedule due to mom duties, thank you for understanding and for still trusting this Mama.

Loyal readers and followers na naging friends ko na rin na nandiyan palagi to support hindi lang present kapag may giveaway ako. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Kung may nakalimutan po ako, ipagpaumanhin ninyo po at ako'y may memory gap. I hope I didn't miss anyone. 

It is part of life that sometimes we experience moments that are not favorable to us, circumstantial scenarios that we don’t want to happen but still they do. It’s like having a bad hair day. No matter how many times we fix and comb it, it just wouldn’t budge.

There are no problems that we can’t solve. As I always say, “Ang pagsubok ay parang birthday lang, dumarating at lumilipas din.” Undergoing tough situations builds our character. We become stronger, wiser, and victorious.

Keeping the lessons of our bad experiences in mind and moving forward are also like facing the factors that cause our hair’s bad shape. We can definitely do something about it. NOVUHAIR has practical tips for us to stay sane while managing life’s stress-causing factors that contribute to hair loss.

Eat healthy.

Eating the right food can alter our mood. Having low-level of folic acid in our body can cause anxiety, hence, food such as asparagus, avocado, salmon, and almond are recommended to fight stress hormones.

Stay calm.

Listening to comforting music and reading feel-good stories can help us switch to a calm mood.

Exercise daily.

Exercise releases endorphins that can relieve stress and anxiety.

Take supplements.

Taking in vitamins such as B-complex can alter mood swings.

If we succumb to anxiety, it definitely shows up to our hair follicles and this can lead to more hair loss. Hectic schedules, pressure from work, and pollution can easily make us feel uneasy and irritable. We should learn to slow down, have fun, and relax. There’s no better way to begin with our hair.

Tip 1:  The stroke of a comb can gives a soothing feeling while, at the same time, help unleash the hair’s natural oil.

Tip 2:  Stay away from getting pigtails, hair weaves, braids, and tight hair rollers, which can pull and stress the hair.

Tip 3: Avoid perming, straightening or coloring because they contain toxic chemicals that could cause damage to the locks.

Tip 4: Choose natural. Use NOVUHAIR topical solution. Apply liberal amount onto the scalp and hair. Massage it gently for 10 minutes to help permeate deeply from root to tip. NOVUHAIR is packed with 19 natural ingredients that help promote hair growth, nourishment, and rejuvenation.

#ChooseNatural! I guarantee that #NovuhairWorks!

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information, please contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575 from Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM or visit www.novuhair.com.

Yes, I found my tribe four years ago and love them hard!

It was December 13, 2013 to be exact when I was invited by the ever loving and kind, Mommy Lanie Lluch, Head Admin of Mommy Bloggers Philippines to be part of the group. Mommy Bloggers Philippines is one of the leading and sought after blogger groups in the country. Up to date, more than 500 mommy bloggers are under it and new members come each year making MBP a home of Pinay mommy bloggers from different parts of the world, ages, genres, and niches, making this group more holistic, well-rounded, and trusted by different brands. My blogging experience would never be the same without MBP. 

Every year, the admins of #MommyBloggersPH, Joy Gurtiza of Joybites, Louisa Mercado of Art of Being  a Mom, and of course, Lanie Lluch of Tweensel Mom, organize a one of a kind major event where members convene to relax, enjoy, and catch up! The get-together is a sort of a time to have "chika therapy" amidst their very busy schedule due to wearing so many hats at the same time. The event is always intimate, although it becomes bigger and hopefully becomes open for all its members in the years to come.

L-R: Lanie Lluch, Joy Gurtiza, and Louisa Mercado, Admins of Mommy Bloggers Philippines. (Courtesy: Louisa Mercado)

Last Saturday, December 9, Mommy Bloggers Philippines' A Christmas in Bloom Party was held in Vanilla Cafe near the premises of ABS-CBN, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. It was the only chance that we could be together as one so isinabay na rin ang baby shower ng aking first photography teacher and favorite food blogger na si Joy Gurtiza.


It was such a light and fun party! No pressure at all. Just pure bliss and non-stop chikahan!

#MBPChristmasParty2017 is a venue where moms of MBP find time to do their "chika therapy".  (Courtesy: @thesuper.momma)

Sabi ko nga kay Mommy Lanie, sumakit ang panga ko sa kachichika at kulang ang tatlong oras sa mga naipong kwento ng mga nanay na minsan lang magkita in person sa loob ng isang taon. We also had our simple "exchange gift-giving". Ganyan lang ka-simple pero enjoy na enjoy kaming lahat!

In MBP, we became close through the years. From online friends, we became offline friends too. It is a group where we could meet like-minded moms and could literally talk anything under the sun without any pretention. Ang saya lang talaga ng feeling! Every MBP member would look forward to an event like this kasi naman very therapeutic. 

As I mentioned, we were chatting the whole time but our bodies were fueled by a scrumptious dinner prepared by Vanilla Cafe. Sa dami ng serving ng kanilang soup, salad, appetizer, and pasta, and meat dish na lahat pagkasarap-sarap, hindi kami naubusan ng energy. Super yummy rin ng cupcakes and iced tea nila, promise! And of course, "Instagrammable" pa ang kanilang cozy ambience!

Vanilla Cafe is oozing with good food and relaxing ambience.

Our three hour, "Day-Off ni Inday"/#MBPChristmasParty2017 memories would be etched in my heart forever. Before I forget, buti na lang may mga #TitaProblem aids ako sa bahay! Sumakit ang braso at likod ko sa dami ng gifts and raffle prizes na pinauwi ng mga generous sponsors!

Our generous sponsors gave their support through giveaways and prizes. You may give them some love by visiting their websites and following their social media sites:

Holiday rush is a common problem as Christmas approaches. Filipinos always love last minute preparations. Lahat ay punung-abala, aligaga, at natataranta because we belong to a nation who considers celebrating Christmas a big deal. Why is it always like this? Because bonuses or 13th month pay are usually given a few weeks before Christmas. One more thing, most Filipinos are not used to planning ahead of time at umaasa sa bonus sa Disyembre bago magsimulang magplano and they will end up spending too much until finally, wala ng natitira.

If you are going to ask me, these scenarios can be avoided. It's plain and simple. First and foremost, before making and preparing your Christmas menu, gifts and shopping list, the questions are, "How much is your budget?", "How much time can you spend preparing?", "Who will do the preparations?" If you answer these questions, make sure that they are SMART- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, and Time-bound. Don't just focus on the idea na "May darating namang bonus. Minsan lang naman ang pasko sa loob ng isang taon kaya itodo na ito!"

Well, that's the other side of the coin. Let's just say that you are capable of spending too much for the holidays. It is a family tradition that you always prepare of annually. If you want to spend your hard earned money to make memories, it's fine and it's your choice as long as you still have spare money to spend after the holidays. 

For those living on a budget and for those who have much to spend, one thing's for sure. Everyone wants to save, get huge discounts, get the best deals, and still get the best choices. If you have already planned for your working budget, prepared your gift list, made your shopping list for gifts, food, decors, and anything that you are going to use for Christmas celebration, here are some tips that work well based on experience.

1. Why wait for December when you can prepare your gift and shopping list as early as January? 

Yes, it is advisable to plan ahead so that you can refrain yourself from spending too much due to impulsive buying.

2. When you have planned ahead and prepared your list already, you can shop all-year round during mall, supermarket, or warehouse sale events. There you can score amazing deals, huge discounts, and unique finds that you can store as gift items during emergency occasions and of course, for Christmas. Always make it a habit to buy extra gift items just in case that you've missed someone on your list. Bulk food items that can be stored for months like canned fruits, sauces, snacks, chocolates, coffee, creamer, and other non-perishables if you plan to prepare Christmas baskets as gifts to each family of your relatives, they are best bought in the middle of the year as the "Ber Month" approaches, Most of the sale events happen during "Sweldo Day". What you can do is to spare a few amounts for your shopping intended for the holidays. By doing this little by little you're going to be surprised that in December, you are already prepared for the holidays. You will no longer need to spend your bonus to shop. You may invest it instead.

3. You can start wrapping your gifts as soon as you have bought them. You can do this on your spare time during weekends or if you want to do something to unwind after a busy day. Gift wrapping is therapeutic too and doing it without rushing can give you more time to be creative in making your gifts personalized. If you are not an artsy type, you can purchase pretty boxes, crates, bags, or jars to house your gifts. You can also save the environment in doing so because they can be reused too. 

4. After purchasing the things and gifts that you need for the holidays, do you have a room, cabinet, or storage area where you can place them neatly and orderly? Doing a quarterly general cleaning is a must to keep your house neat and orderly. It will save you from cramming as the holiday season approaches. If you have a lot of items not being used for six months and up, it is time for you to sell them through a garage sale. The money that you can earn can be used as part of your budget for Christmas, can be donated to charity, or save as emergency fund. If you don't want to sell those items, you may donate them to charity or give them to someone that you think can use them. If you don't have time to do a quarterly general cleaning, make it a habit to declutter or organize on a daily basis so that your home is ready for unexpected guests or relatives who will spend a day or two with you during the holidays. This will lessen your worries during the holidays.

5. As early as October, if you expect relatives to celebrate Christmas with your family, check the inventory of your China, glassware, flat ware, utensils, kitchen towels, table cloth, table napkins, biodegradable trash liners, and other kitchen aids. If the dinner or lunch is informal and if you don't want to have trouble in washing the dishes for a huge number of guests, there are biodegradable disposable plates, utensils, and napkins that are decorated intended for Christmas which you can use to beautify your table setting too while keeping your kitchen, dining table, and guests clean and neat.

In line with this, one of my most trusted brands for my kitchen is Sanicare, a local brand that is also famous for its tissues and other hygiene products such as cotton, wipes, underpants, and toilet seat cover. Whenever I purchase kitchen towels, my first choice is always Sanicare. Sanicare Kitchen Towels are composed of moisture locking technology that makes them super absorbent, perfect in absorbing excess oil, water, and other liquids. They are also durable and stays intact while being used. I've been using them for years and I highly recommend them. To add class to the table setting, I recommend Sanicare Mood Dinner Napkins that are known to be luxuriously strong but very soft, making meals extraordinarily special. It comes in two colors, white and black, but I prefer the former than the latter.

Sanicare Mood Dinner Napkins in White is my favorite! So neat and clean!

Since it's Christmas preparation that I am talking about, what makes me excited is that Sanicare has launched again its very festive Kitchen Towel Christmas Edition as it usually does annually.

Nothing beats the absorbing power of Sanicare Kitchen Towels due to their moisture locking technology.

This year, Sanicare  Kitchen Towel Christmas Edition also goes hand in hand with the launch of a specially designed holiday facial tissue boxes called Liwanag Christmas Edition Boxes. This year, the boxes were designed by the very talented artist, Alex Eduque, founder of MovEd.

Sanicare Liwanag Christmas Edition Facial Tissues in white, red, blue, and green boxes

As you can see, Liwanag Christmas Edition Boxes are inspired by a world-class Filipino talent, promoting hope and happiness amidst all odds. Alex has chosen parols (lanterns) and stars as the center of her amazing designs. She believes that parols or lanterns are symbolic representation that expresses unification and a nation of promise while stars remind us that every person in the world share the same sky and despite our differences, conditions, and circumstances, each of us has a star shining brightly from within. The overall design speaks of equality among social classes that symbolically lights up all Filipino homes.

Those parols (lanters) and stars printed in every Sanicare Liwanag Christmas Edition Facial Tisue Boxes literally shine brightly! I love the way they are printed in gold foil.

Like our family this Christmas season, Sanicare would also like you to try its Christmas Edition Kitchen Towels and Facial Tissue Liwanag Series Boxes. By doing so, you don't just make your home and festivities to have "Christmas feels" but you can also have a chance to win awesome prizes by joining Starry Bright Christmas Promo.

To join this promo, here are the simple mechanics.

1. Interested participants need to post a creative photo on their Facebook account featuring the Sanicare Facial Tissue Liwanag Series Box.

2. The creative photo must include a caption that starts with a phrase, "My Christmas is extra bright this year because _______________!" and must tag three (3) other friends. Entries also should include the mandatory hashtags #SanicareLiwanagSeries #Sanicare #SCPA.

3. Once the photo was posted, the participant must go back to the Sanicare PH Facebook promo post and click the link provided in order to submit the entry.

They are so easy, aren't they?

The promo will run from November 22, 2017 to January 1, 2018. Deadline of submission is on  January 1 at 6:00 PM. Winners will be announced on January 15, 2018 on Sanicare PH Facebook Page. 

Luck winners will get the following prizes:

The grand prize winner will be given four (4) all day passes to Dream Play and Lunch Buffet for four (4) at The Cafe at the Hyatt City of Dreams Manila.

10 consolation prize winners will also be chosen and each will receive a Php2,000 Sodexo Gift Certificate from Sanicare.

For more details and updates about the promo, you may visit and like Sanicare PH Facebook Page. Starry Bright Christmas Promo is under DTI Permit No. 18311 Series of 2017. You may also follow @sanicare_ph on Instagram as well.

Join Sanicare Starry Bright Christmas Promo and get the chance to win awesome prizes!

Have a stress-free Christmas! I hope that you can join and win the promo too! 

Last Friday morning, I was able to talk to a pretty mom, a co-parent in Bunso's school, which I forgot to ask the name. We had a brief conversation about our kids. She asked me when and how Bunso learned to talk. I told her that Bunso could only say Mama and Papa when he started his therapy sessions three years ago. After three months of regular OT sessions, he knew how to talk in simple phrases. Amazing, isn't it?

Swimming is Bunso's way to exercise his body while reading is his habit to exercise his mind.

Aside from the help of his therapist and his education under the supervision of the Sped team, the advantage of Bunso's non-exposure to television because he doesn't like watching TV shows and limiting his gadget time have helped in the process too. Paps and I exposed him to books at an early age instead.

These  books were few of the many books that we got last summer from our visit to Scholastic Warehouse Sale. Bunso and his Kuya shares the passion for the love for reading through the years. Why do you see multiple copies of most of the books? They are nice gifts for all occasions. The gift of learning is priceless and timeless.

Believe it or not, two years ago I used to read aloud 45 books, 3 to 7 times a day to Bunso while pointing the words and showing him the illustrations. He memorized them all until our reading materials became more than 45 books. Every January, I would change his reading materials so that he could have a new learning experience. Until finally, he began reading the words on his own without memorizing the story. I would also ask him questions about the story to check his comprehension.

In line with this, Scholastic Warehouse Sale is our cheapest source of reading materials since 2014. I encourage you to visit its ongoing sale. I guarantee na sulit ang pagod ninyo sa pagpunta. You will find all the details below my Scholastic Warehouse Sale experiences and the ongoing Christmas sale.