It took us for a while to conclude the parent cook-off in Bunso's school due to the constant cancellation of classes. On July 25 we were able to push it through. Honestly, I was very excited. For the very first time, I would do something fun with my co-parents--- to cook something healthy for our kids in school and see whether they would like to eat the finished product or not. 

It was announced during the 2nd Parent Support Conference that we would be having this activity per grade level. Before the meeting was adjourned, we were asked to group ourselves and our group decided that we would bake something healthy for our kids. Since most were reluctant bakers, first we decided to use cake mixes and add fruits and vegetables as sweeteners instead of sugar. But we were so blessed to learn a few days after that we have a home baker group mate, Mem. She suggested that we should push-through with it but making the cakes healthier by using natural ingredients and everything would be prepared from scratch. To cut the story short, we agreed to bake Mem's version of two recipes that she learned from a world-renowned journalist and health and fitness guru, Candice Kumai: Banana-Raisin Cupcakes and Pumpkin Mochi Tea Cake.

Here are the ingredients and procedure for the Banana-Raisin Cupcakes:

1 cup All-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Mix these dry ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 large or 3 medium fully-riped bananas
raisins
cupcake liners

In a separate bowl, mix coconut oil and brown sugar until fully incorporated. Add in the egg and beat until fully mixed. Fold in mashed bananas. Stir in the dry ingredients and raisins. Scoop the mixture using ice cream scooper in lined cupcake tins until 3/4 full. Bake the cupcakes in a preheated oven (350 ̊F) until the toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.

The Banana-Raisin Cupcake was not too sweet. Its chewy texture was just right. Raisins balanced the flavors of banana and flour, making it perfectly delicious!


Moreover, here are the ingredients and procedure for the Pumpkin Mochi Tea Cake:

It was my very first time to see and taste a Pumpkin Mochi Tea Cake. Winner na winner ito sa akin! It tasted close to Yema Cake! It was moist, soft, and creamy! Super yummy! It didn't taste like pumpkin at all. By the way, instead of a canned pumpkin purée, we used the one that Mem processed the night before. Akalain mo 'yon? Sasarap pala talaga ang cake kapag may pumpkin purée!

If you want it to cook really fast, it can be baked as a cupcake too.

Musings and Healthy Recipes from a Parent Cook-Off (Photo Credit: Pixabay)

Most of the kids loved what we baked for them. Why most and not all of them? Because some kids, like Bunso, are picky eaters and have Sensory Perception Disorder. Those kids adjust longer when new things, environment, and food are being introduced to them.

In my case, I failed my mission of encouraging Bunso to eat what I prepared for him. Well, there is always the next time. I never lose hope. I know that someday he can surpass the stage of being too choosy in his food preferences.

We were very busy baking, washing, chatting, and making our kids eat what we baked that's why I forgot to take photos of our finished products. This "Parent Cook-Off" left me so much to ponder upon. It was really tiring and wasn't easy to pull off but for just a short time, I learned so much from my group mates about how they raise their own kids that might work for Bunso. I was able to do something productive with them while having fun. The mixing and measuring of ingredients were therapeutic for me. Most of all, the beauty of doing this activity was its intention to show our kids how much we love them--- to bake something healthy not just to nourish their delicate tummies but their hearts as well. I believe that my group mates and other groups who joined felt the same.

Are you someone who has always loved socks? You will not be disappointed with the sock trends for this year. There are a lot of people who would like to use fashion faux pas as an inspiration for the next trends that they would like the rest of the people to wear. There are some women who love wearing socks with their strappy sandals. It would be cool if the socks would be scrunched around the straps.

There are also some women who have seen through their women’s sock subscription that some cool socks can be worn with their trainers. It will be up to them to choose if the socks would be shown or not. Women can wear shorts or skirts in order to show off their socks. They can wear jeans or short socks if they do not want their statement socks to be too visible.

Probably the best thing about socks is that they are usually affordable. You can go to different stores and see their sock selection. You are bound to find a few that are cute and they will not cost too much.

Wear your sporty socks with your pumps. Are you sick and tired of the blisters that you get on your feet every time that you wear those cute pairs of pumps you have purchased before? You may lessen the pain that your feet can tolerate when you wear the right pair of socks.

If in case you are not too fond of wearing pumps, you can wear your socks with your ankle tie wrap sandals. It will look cute if the socks are scrunched up a bit. Some will even make sure that the length of their socks is not the same in order to look cool.

Wear colorful socks with your loafers. Your gem encrusted loafers may need to look a bit more dramatic with the right pair of socks. Your sock-of-choice will be up to you.

You can gain more inspiration about how you can wear socks in a trendy way if you would check out sock of the month club.

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

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

Claims:

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

- Prevention of bacteria

- Reduces feminine discomfort/dysmenorrhea

- Eliminates unwanted odor

- Fights against vaginal irritations and infections

- Improves blood.circulation

- Lowers stress levels and boosts energy levels

- Acts as a natural anti-depressant

- Strengthens the immune system

Benefits:

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

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

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

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

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


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

* Claims are based on clinical studies.

Source: Jeunesse Anion Brochure

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

Jeunesse Anion Ultra Day Pad

Length: 24.5 centimeters

Price: Php80/pack of 8 pads

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

Jeunesse Anion Ultra Night Pad

Length: 28 centimeters

Price: Php60/pack of 5 pads

It gives you protection for medium days while you sleep.

Jeunesse Anion Panty Liners

Length: 15.5 centimeters

Price: Php40/pack of 10 pads

Jeunesse Anion Non-Wing Pad

Length: 23 centimeters

Price: Php78/pack of 8 pads

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

Jeunesse Anion All-Night Pad

Length: 32 centimeters

Price: Php67.50/pack of 5 pads

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

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

In my opinion...

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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



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

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

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

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

Contact:

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

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

Global smartphone brand Vivo has made a good impression on tech enthusiasts at the SM Cyberzone’s Mobile Fest 2018.

Vivo is one of the key brands that participated in the Mobile Fest 2018.

To explain all the goods on Vivo’s latest flagship smartphone—the X21, the brand tapped respected tech experts Mark Macanas of TechPinas and Alora Uy Guerrero of Revu.

The experts discussed Vivo X21’s unlocking technologies, dual rear camera, AI Selfie Camera, AI Game Mode, Hi-Fi, performance, and design.

Macanas and Guerrero mentioned that there are two ways to unlock the Vivo X21, through the Face ID Access with Infrared that accurately identifies a user’s facial features even in nighttime and the In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology that replaces the rear fingerprint sensor. Vivo is the industry pioneer of In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology.

Aside from pioneering features, the pair also talked about Vivo X21’s photography-related specs. The 12 megapixel+5MP dual rear camera and the 12MP front camera with Dual Pixel Sensor. These impressive hardware specs are even boosted by the X21’s AI features like the AI Face Beauty and AI HDR.

In terms of performance, the Vivo X21 proved to be a hard worker, said Macanas and Guerrero. After all, the X21 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660AIE chip that can process complex AI and neural computing. It has a 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM to improve the speed of launching, loading, and switching including large and complex mobile games.

To complement all these, Vivo X21 has a 6.28-inch 19:9 FHD+ FullView™ Display with a 90.3% screen-to-body ratio for every user’s viewing pleasure.

Moreover, Guerrero, a music-lover, even praised Vivo for continuing its Hi-Fi legacy in the X21. The smartphone is equipped with Deep Field technology, which was developed by Vivo to provide panoramic surround, mega bass, clear voice effects and various environmental audio effects, allowing users to customize their audio experience.

The Vivo booth will be at the Mobile Fest until July 29 in SM City North EDSA.

***************

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 is 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 three (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 their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. 

Information and photo courtesy of Vivo Philippines and Village Pipol.

What Exactly Is a Conservatorship?

A conservatorship is a legal arrangement in which an individual is appointed to manage the legal and financial affairs of a person who is unable to do so independently, such as a minor or one who is incapacitated. The responsibilities of the conservator include filing federal and state taxes on that person's behalf using the IRS-EIN-Tax-ID.

How Conservatorships Are Established

A court order is required to create a conservatorship for either a minor or a person who has physical and mental disabilities that make independent legal and financial management impossible. This may include individuals who have Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia as well as those who have a severe mental illness with psychosis or suicidal tendencies. The conservatorship must be supported with the testimony of the person's physician, psychologist or psychiatrist for the court's decision to be valid.

Conservator Responsibilities

When a conservator is appointed for an incapacitated individual, he or she has the following financial responsibilities:

• Investigating the individual's liquid assets and appointing a financial advisor to invest them on his or her behalf
• Deciding whether to buy or sell real estate, vehicles, and other assets
• Paying the person's bills
• Filing the person's income tax returns
• Deciding where the individual will live and overseeing necessary care
• Filing annual reports about the care and oversight provided
• Requesting court approval for decisions as required
• The Tax Impact of Conservatorship

If you are a conservator, you must apply for an EIN number with the IRS to file taxes on behalf of the conservatorship. Using this ID number, you can file the individual's Form 1040 for federal income taxes. You must also file Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship, which lets the IRS know that you are the court-appointed conservator for the taxpayer in question.

Contact IRS-EIN-Tax-ID to apply for an estate tax ID number or EIN. With our secure online application, you can complete IRS Form SS-4 in minutes and receive your EIN via email. If you apply before 7 p.m. EST, you'll have your tax ID number the same day with no associated rush fee. 

I agree with the saying that parents today face an immense challenge. It is a common concern among them to figure out and plan the things that they should do to make sure that their kids grow up self-directed and ready to face what the future brings.

Technology can make the lives of the kids in this generation easier but it poses another challenge for parents and that is how they and their kids can keep up without losing their chances to socialize with other people and not to get dependent and addicted to their gadgets. Parents nowadays may be very busy with their work or personal struggles and their kids may be focused on their studies and school activities that lead to lack of exercise and physical activities. Furthermore, the advent of readily available fast-food chains and prepacked meals can also compromise their nutrition making the family especially kids manifesting health and psychosocial problems like obesity, social difficulties, attention problems, and learning deficiencies.

These concerns can be overwhelming, can't they? However, with consistency, dedication, patience, and a little guidance and support from fellow parents, experts and Parentology+, powered by NANKID, it's entirely possible for parents to ensure that their kids are ready for the future.

Like most parents do, it is a must for Paps and I to give time to our kids. We talk and spend quality time with them as a family or individually. We encourage them to do what makes them happy and expose them to activities that can enhance their fine and gross motor skills. We make sure that we are not busy with our gadgets when we interact with them. We focus on one another.

As parents try to navigate the new challenges presented by changing lifestyles and technological advancements, Parentology+ powered by NANKID, is making sure that parents are empowered with the tips that will help reshape their children's future.

Launched earlier this year, Parentology+ is anchored on three pillars--- proper nutrition, active lifestyle, and high social quotient. "The success of Parentology+, gave parents an opportunity to address challenges presented by modern parenting. We would like to go deeper into these issues and really flesh out the importance of these three pillars, as well as give parents the tools to establish this at home," exclaimed Jean Espino, Vice President for Marketing-Premium Milks of Nestle Philippines.

Understanding that parents seek guidance and tips from people they trust, Parentology+ sought the help of various experts to weigh in and give advice for the three pillars, partnered with the NANKID ambassadors.

Cat Arambulo-Antonio is skilled at juggling relationships in different situations, and with clinical psychologist, Dr. Cely Magpantay, the two believe that in order to help your child socialize, it's important to put your child in new situations where they can learn and listen to others. To better encourage kids to socialize with others, Dr. Cely says, "Warm up, be present at first, then be invisible during playtime. Join them at the start of the activity, and eventually let them be. Be a role model to them."

In the event, they have also prepared an activity that lets moms and kids do work together to see what traits their child already possess and how they can further build on them to make them more socially competent.

Nutrition can be challenging for parents, especially when kids need around 3,000 calories a day. However, Joy Sotti and Ms. Aleli Magtibay, Nestle's own Nutritionist, say that it can be done with moderation, balance, and variety of food options. Ms. Aleli further advises parents, "Follow portions by making sure to give a combination of go, grom, and glow foods in every meal, and practice variety, in terms of flavor, texture, color, and food preparation"

For Parentology+, a kitchen set-up was created for kids to be able to select different food in the pantry to create a balanced meal which then is verified by an interactive nutrition guide and scanner.

Playtime may seem like a regular activity for children, but benefits on the child's physical health is hard to ignore. Anton del Rosario and Dr. Edgar Eufemio, an orthopedist specializing in sports medicine, want parents and kids to realize that some activities are better than others. Through a fun goal kicking challenge, kids learned the different traits that are beneficial to their physical development and lifestyle.

When asked how to encourage kids to be more active, Dr. Edgar says, "Give them a taste of success by giving words of encouragement. Be supportive of your kids' activities, so they would just continue doing what they love to do. Also, play with them. if you expect them to be disciplined and grow up a certain way, do it with them."

Parents are encouraged to be a role model for their children, and participate in their various activities, may it be socializing, eating healthier and staying active. Through learning the style of modern parenting, Parentology+, can help parents create a customized model that can help reshape their child's future. These three pillars are essential to the development of a healthy, well-rounded child that's ready to take on the challenges the future holds.

The ambassadors and experts all encourage everyone to drop by Parentology+ to learn more about the three pillars, and how they can make their own home, a home of the future. With the different activities that await participants, exciting prizes such as digital instant cameras, premium tumblers, and other exclusive NANKID items can be won when they post their experience at Parentology+ on social media using the hashtags #NANKID, #PARENTOLOGY, and #ReShapeTheFuture.

Parentology+, powered by NANKID, will also be coming to SM Cebu on August 11 to 12 and Abreeza Davao on August 25 to 26.

For more details, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NANKIDOPTIPRO/.

*****

Nankid Optipro Four and Optipro HW Four are not breastmilk substitutes. These products are for healthy children above 3 years of age.

Our role as moms is not easy. We wear different hats one at a time but most of the time, all at once. We manage the house, tutor or assist our kids with their studies, help our husbands earn a living, nurse a sick family member, run errands, plan activities and parties, cook and bake, etcetera.

One of the main responsibilities that we have is to manage the family's finances. In my case, I do it with the help of Paps. With all honesty, we can do it but not effortlessly. We are not satisfied with how we perform as money managers. Paps and I are doing our very best to save despite the fact that we only live by the paycheck. We live by our means although there are times when we feel that what we have and what we do are not enough to achieve the financial freedom and stability that we dream of. That's why when I learned that Mamacademy.ph would be having a workshop that is perfect for moms, soon-to-be moms, or individuals who plainly want to feel empowered as MOMnagers/Stewards of their Family's Finances, I got really interested to join. What made me more motivated to attend the workshop was due to its speaker, Mommy Gracie Miranda-Maulion of Tipid Mommy Blog.

Mommy Gracie is one of my most favorite mommy bloggers because she is very open to her readers. She was never ashamed to admit that there were times in her married life that she and her husband made bad decisions, failed in their business, and got scammed. Despite it all, their family was able to get through those dark moments. Her family continued to live simply and frugally and realized that even though they don't have a definite monthly paycheck, they would always have a consistent God. Her award-winning blog, Tipid Mommy, inspires every mom and family to make practical choices and leads parents to be good examples of stewardship at home. It also won a prize from Sinag Awards - a financial literacy journalism writing contest. Ang galing, 'di ba? These prove that she is credible to talk about money management.

Furthermore, Mommy Gracie was featured at Chink Positive, a talk show hosted by Mr. Chinkee Tan, Kabuhayang Swak na Swak, and Money Wise. She is a full-time mom, freelance writer, and a businesswoman. She is a graduate of Enterprise Course at University of The Philippines (Distance Education).

Let's go back to the workshop details. The workshop that I have mentioned above is entitled Money MOMnagement.  It will be held on the 28th of July, 2018, Saturday, in Boardroom PH 31 Meralco Avenue Ortigas Center, Pasig, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. The workshop fee costs Php500 per participant inclusive of workshop registration and materials.

The following topics will be discussed in the workshop: 

Part I:

A. Family's Financial Status 

B. Determine the Home Budget

Part II: The Importance of Saving

A. Saving for the Rainy Days (Building your Family's Emergency Fund)

B. Practical Tips to Achieving your Family’s Financial Goals

C. Increasing the Family’s Cash Flow 

Part III: Grow your Money through Investment

A. Different investment options 

B. What investment suits your personality?

C. How to start investing

D. Do’s and Don’ts in investing

Part IV: Raising Kids with Money Values

A. Practical Tips in raising kids with Money Values (raising Wise Spenders, Savers and Future Investors)

This workshop is something that moms shouldn't miss kasi maraming aral about finances na matutuhan. There are only eight open slots as of July 24 so register HERE para makahabol pa.

For more details about it and other personal development courses and events for moms and aspiring moms,  you may visit and like Mamacademy PH on Facebook.