My friends always ask me how I manage to stay sane after twelve years of being a stay-at-home mom. I tell them that within those years of ups and downs, I learn to choose and prioritize what truly matters. Over my personal concerns and aspirations, I always put my family first. To keep the household running smoothly and my loved ones keep going while attending to my freelancing responsibilities, I never stop learning, experimenting, and keeping in mind the things and practices that work for my family. 

However, no matter how mindful I am when it comes to my duties as a mom, it is inevitable that sickness sometimes inflict me or my family members. This is the situation that I really, really don't want. Sickness is part of life, as they say, but it disrupts the smooth flow of the household and family mechanics. It is more difficult especially when the family has no helper or relative to depend on to look after the kids or do important errands while parents attend to their sick child. It is most difficult when parents themselves are the ones who are sick. When kids get sick, they miss school attendance. Furthermore, catching up after recovery causes stress not just on the kids but the entire family as well. These scenarios, like in other families, have happened to us a few times already that's why having a sick family member or getting sick seems to be traumatic for me.

Speaking of keeping in mind the things and practices that work to keep the smooth flow of our family life which includes staying healthy and well, we rely on eating a balanced meal, practicing a regular exercise regimen, staying hydrated, avoiding food and activities that aggravate our health weaknesses, having the right sleep, and of course, taking the safe and effective supplements to enhance our sound well-being. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, isn't it? That's why in our home, taking Vitamin C is a staple part of our health practices. For Loley, Paps, and I, our most trusted Vitamin C brand is Fern-C while Bunso takes its version for young kids, Fern-C kidz.

I am a meticulous mom and I only want what's best for my family especially for my kids. "Silipin ang C" matters to me that's why I choose Fern-C kidz. Through the years, its reliability, quality, and safety remain the same. 

Fern-C kidz is Bunso's dependable daily immunity buddy, a quality Vitamin C with Zinc that helps improve immunity, has non-acidic Vitamin C that doesn't disturb his tummy's integrity, and has Quali-C seal that ensures superb quality. 

Fern-C kidz is a Sodium Ascorbate syrup for kids with the same Vitamin C used in Fern-C, the number one Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C in the market today.

I noticed a big change in our family's health and wellness when we chose Fern-C kidz kaya hindi ito mawawala kailanman sa aming tahanan. Like our family, always "Silipin ang C". Have your kids take Fern-C kidz and you'll never go wrong. 

For more information, follow Fern-C kidz on Facebook.

Calling red as a head-turner is an understatement. No color has the same impact as red. Red represents a myriad of emotions and occasions from both ends of the spectrum. But global smartphone brand Vivo owns the color by highlighting its elegance that transcends trends. 

Vivo has released its flagship smartphone, the V9, in Velvet Red. 

The Vivo V9 in Velvet Red has the same power as its previously released Pearl Black and Gold colors. It has a 24-megapixel AI selfie camera, 16MP+5MP dual rear camera, and a 6.3-inch FullView™ Display with a 90 percent screen-to-body ratio—only in a more eye-catching finish. 

With its standout color, the Vivo V9 in Velvet Red is as good as any glitzy fashion accessory. Pair it up with a monochromatic outfit, the smartphone can add a pop of color to your look. It will also go best with your outfits in green, blue, yellow, orange, and earthy hues. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can wear any color you wish with your Velvet Red in hand.

Vivo Philippines Vice President for Sales Hazel Bascon explained that the Velvet Red represents the youthful vibe of the global smartphone brand. 

“Red is for the bold, for the adventurous, for the youthful, for the fashion-forward, for the energetic. Our ardent users are mostly young, hip, and spirited and the Vivo V9 in Velvet Red is a fitting nod to them,” she said. 

The Vivo V9 Velvet Red is also retailed at Php17,990 at authorized shops nationwide. 

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. It now has over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top 3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide.

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out its Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.

Photos and information courtesy of Vivo Philippines and Village Pipol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Helps deodorize and prevent body odor

- Provides deep exfoliation

- Effectively cleanses and unclogs blocked pores

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

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

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

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

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

I know that you will agree that is feels frustrating to be rejected on different transactions here in the Philippines because every institution or business entity requires you to have a valid primary identification card (ID). 

If you are not working and doesn't have a license like the ones issued by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and Land Transportation Office (LTO), you still need to have a primary ID with you.

Philippine Postal ID or PHLpost ID is considered as a primary ID here in the Philippines. Aside from using it as a primary ID to do your transactions, you can use it to get discounts, freebies, services, and exclusive deals at different partner merchants across the country. 

Applying for Philippine Postal ID is quick and easy! (Courtesy: www.phlpost.gov.ph)

Do you know that it is so quick and easy to get your own? It will only take you less than 20 minutes granted that you bring all the necessary requirements with you when you apply. You can apply it via any PHLpost Branch or Extension Office near you. But I recommend that you apply in SM City Manila (located in 5th Floor) if you are near the place. The transaction there is so fast, easy, and hassle-free. The staff is very nice and accommodating too.

What are the steps and requirements needed?

The following are the basic requirements:

Birth Certificate issued by National Statistics Office (NSO)

Government issued ID like valid passport or driver's license, GSIS or SSS UMID card

Certificate of Marriage (for married female)

Barangay Clearance 

Filled-up Philpost ID Application form downloadable from www.postalidph.com

Application Fee: Php504.00

* When applying for a Barangay Clearance, you have to bring a proof of billing with your name and address written on it or Proof of Residency when you live in a condominium of townhouse. Your Voter's ID is another proof of residency, as long as you vote in the barangay where you live. It only takes you a few minutes to apply for this. I suggest that you go to your Barangay Hall early to finish your transaction quickly. If I remember it right, I only paid Php35.00 for this. 

*Bring the photocopy of proofs of identity/address for submission and original copies  for verification purposes.

Having proofs of your identity with you when you apply is very important. If you don't have the following primary proofs of identity: passport, PRC ID, or Driver's License, you must have a copy of Birth Certificate issued by NSO. If still you don't have a birth certificate or any government issued ID, you have to bring any of the following to prove your address and identity: Baptismal Certificate, Confirmation Certificate, Transcript of Records, Elementary or High School Form, School ID, Alumni ID, Work ID, Credit Card Statement, Water Bill, Electric Bill, or any proof of billing that is named under you.

Why do I recommend downloading, printing, and filling-up the form before you go to any PHLpost Branch or Extension Office and have your requirements photocopied ahead of time? It will save you more time. That's the main reason. 

Applying for Philippine Postal ID is quick and easy! If your requirements are ready, it can take you less than 20 minutes to apply and have your photo and biometrics taken when the line is not that long. The ID is delivered by mail within 10 to 15 working days. In case it doesn't arrive on time, follow it up in your City's PHLpost Central Office only.

Philippine Postal ID is valid for three years. 

Have you experienced applying for a Phlippine Postal ID? If yes, how was it?

I am a pen and paper type of "planerista". The digital age is here and it's advancing hastily. For a non-techie and a sort of "digital phobic", I can use my android phone planner but still, I resort to the old-fashioned planning. 

For this reason, I searched for and wrote about the best planners available in Philippines because I was looking for the best for my own perusal. I was eyeing for a Moonleaf Planner due to the outstanding planning experience that it gave me in 2015. It would cost me Php399 for it to land on my hands. At the back of my mind, I was willing to purchase it but still hoping that someone would give me that planner or any planner to use so that I wouldn't spend anymore. That happened for the last two years and again this year. Paps got me a present for Christmas then it came with a free planner. 

I will tell you more about that gift soon but for now, I just want to make chika about the "waging-waging" planner that I decided to use this year. This planner reminded me so much about Moonleaf 2015 Planner and its format was the one that I would like to have for this year. Visualizing really works! Yay! I love it!

What makes me love my O Shopping 2018 Planner?

- It has a thick vinyl cover with card slots inside.

- It has annual calendars from 2018 to 2019 making it easier for me to look for dates at a glance.

- Every month is thematic that makes the planner more attractive and fun to write on.

- The monthly and daily calendars have ample spaces making detailed planning so convenient.

- There's a page for notes per week perfect for drafting articles.

- Planner pages are made of high quality paper that is thick, smooth, and easy to write on.

- A voucher code can be used to purchase selected items on the official O Shopping website that is valid for the given month.

- Two bookmarks are included. The first one is attached to the notebook itself while the other one is magnetic. 

To sum it all up, the O Shopping Planner is very simple yet functional and beautiful. Like me, anyone can be motivated to use it as his planning partner this year.

I am so glad that it's the freebie when Paps shopped in O Shopping a few days before Christmas. I really love my O Shopping 2018 Planner! 

Stay tuned on Paps' O Shopping experience. 

Do you also use an O Shopping 2018 Planner and loving it? 

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

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

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

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

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

Included in the kit are the following: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jord Dark Sandalwood & Blue Carbon set

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

I was asked by Wendy Dessler of altitudebranding.com a few days ago about my morning routines that was included in her published article, The Morning Routine of Successful Professionals.

Yes, I do it daily for the last four years since Bunso, my seven year old son with Autism Spectrum Disorder, started attending school. My morning routine may be the same in context but always unique depending on Bunso's mood. Sometimes his rigidity in routines can cause unforeseen circumstances that affect his mood or punctuality in school which requires more patience and understanding on my part. Sickness in the family may also hinder in the smooth flow of my morning routines since as a family we don't have a helper to depend on. To keep my sanity intact and avoid being in the state of panic that is very, very tiring, the following are the things that I do to start the day right.

I start my day right! (Courtesy: Pixabay)

I prepare the things that my family needs the night before. 

It saves time when the apparel, food to eat or cook, and things to bring to work or school are in place for the following day.

I say a little prayer. 

Starting the day with the heart full of gratitude fills the entire day with joy and purpose.

I face the day with a positive mind set. 

According to the book, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, "Positive thoughts attract positive things. Negative thoughts attract negative things. What you think you will attract." I am practicing the teachings of The Secret and it gives a great impact on how my day begins and ends.

I never whine over trivial things.

There are circumstances that I can't control. The things I have planned may not happen as I want them to be but there is no reason for me to whine. Based on experience, whining keeps me away from thinking rationally. What I do is to look at the brighter side of the situation, keep going, and be flexible.

I focus on my priorities. 

I go for quality versus quantity. I take care of what my family needs over what I have to do for myself first. When they are in their respective schools and work, that's the time when I can focus on my personal goals. In that way, I can cover everything without sacrificing the things that truly matter. 

How about you? How do you start your day?