The last time that I was able to update our family's photo album was in 2006, the year when digital cameras and camera phones dominate the market. Whenever I take photographs using my phone or digital camera, it would take me months before I could save them to our external hard drive or worse, not at all. I would always tell myself that I would find time printing those photos and compile them chronologically on separate photo albums, one solely for Kuya, another one for Bunso, and the last one for the entire family. The idea stayed as a plan and never been accomplished. It was really unfortunate that my old camera phone died and our first external hard drive was destroyed by ants. There were photos saved on those gadgets that could never be retrieved. It made me feel so sad and regretful up to this point. If only I could turn back time, I would find time to print all those precious moments frozen in time. Iba pa rin kasi ang may hard copies ka ng digital photos mo. The feeling of browsing your photos in an album arranged chronologically is priceless and blissful.

Well, yes, it is easier to say that but difficult to do with my current situation. A nanny-less household with only me and my husband in charge of the chores while doing our own jobs, when can we find time printing all those digital photos? Sabi nga, "Kung gusto may paraan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan." 

Maraming dahilan? Yes... To sum it all up, we're extremely busy.

I thought of getting the services of photo book companies a long time ago but honestly, I was doubtful. I browsed through so many photo book companies and I found them pretty expensive that made me more hesitant to try any of them. I was afraid that the finished product might not be worth the value of what I would be paying for. There was a time when I finally decided to try one due to the recommendation of a friend but I gave up because the website was difficult to navigate and use.

Moreover, last summer, I said to myself that I should really, really do my very best to print our digital photos. When I was about to do it, napaisip na naman ako. Will the hard copies that I am going to print last for decades? Like our old photos arranged by my mom, mas mabigat na naman ang album na gagawin ko. Those two realizations made me stop the endeavor. Then my mom said, " Kailan mo ba talaga ipi-print ang photos ng mga apo ko? Iba pa rin ang nakikita nila on print ang photos nila habang lumalaki sila. Baka mabura ang files mo. Malaking problema 'yan. Nasa huli ang pagsisisi."

Until last month, I had a chance to try getting the services of Storybook.ph. Since Kuya has a talent to arrange photos and edit videos, I asked him to arrange our family photos in a 40-page album. He was able to do it for one and a half hours and asked me to put the designs and background. Nadalian ako, promise! Although it took me more than three hours to finalize everything, sulit na sulit ang pagod!

Here are the reasons why Storybook.ph deserves two thumbs up! 


- The website www.storybook.ph is so easy to navigate. Our internet connection was very slow that time but it never glitched while I was registering, a prerequisite in creating our album, and while we were creating the album itself.

- There were so many simple but elegant backgrounds, templates, layouts, icons, and fonts to choose from. It's like creating our own scrapbook but in digital form. It was so much fun!

- Its wide array of packages were reasonably priced. You could work on a budget.

- It was easy to check-out and there were several modes of payment to choose from. Talking about convenience, Storybook.ph has ways and means to do it.

- I was informed every step of the way via email- from registration to check-out up to the delivery of the finished product. Even the courier sent a text message while my order was out for delivery.

- Mapapa-WOW ka sa finished product. We used some photos that were not high definition but Storybook.ph made the outcome more beautiful in actual. It was superb, carefully packed, and sealed. Talagang made and handled with tender loving care. Parang sosyal na hardcover coffee book in full color printed in glossy paper ang dating! 



Let me give you a glimpse of the finished product...

I chose the 40-page Hardcover Image Wrap Landscape Photo Book (11 x 8.5 inches) worth Php995.00.



See that various templates, backgrounds, layouts, icons, and fonts are easy to play with. Kuya and I also mixed different photos taken with different gadgets. Lahat lumabas halos na parang high definition. Ang galing!

It's not overrated! My mom, who's an OC (obsessive compulsive) when it comes to photo albums liked our very own Storybook.ph Family Photo Book. Sa totoo lang, uulit ako. I will create photo books for my two boys soon! Mom is also planning to turn her old photos and her photos with her best friend into Storybook.ph photo books! This shows how satisfied we are with its services!

To know more about Storybook.ph, visit its website and social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram).

Mouthwash Matters 

On television commercials and in magazine articles, people sing praise to the latest whitening fads, from kinds of toothpaste to strips to trays to tech devices. Everyone wants the look of a bright, beaming, beautiful smile. However, how often do you hear about oral health? 

Beyond brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash is the healthiest thing you can do for your smile. Mouthwash has a multitude of benefits. It: 

• Cleans hard-to-reach crevices of the tongue and cheeks

• Rinses bacteria

• Fights against tooth decay

• Counters gingivitis

• Promotes healthy teeth and gums

• Freshens breath 

Some varieties of mouthwash cater to special oral needs by reporting whitening benefits and dry mouth curing properties. They can also help with other issues like fungus, which can appear as a black spot on your tongue. In this particular example, make sure you check with your doctor if the spot does not go away after using your mouthwash regularly.

Despite the advantages of traditional over-the-counter varieties, these options have their downsides. The main disadvantage is that supermarket varieties are antiseptics that destroy the microbial balance in your mouth. Imagine consuming a daily antibiotic to avoid getting sick. That would wreak havoc on your body, so why do that to your mouth? Good bacteria are usually discussed in terms of the gut but do not neglect them in your mouth. Instead, use homemade mouthwash recipes to boost your dental routine. 

Have you heard suspicions about the artificial additives in the food we eat every day? From sodas to prepackaged foods, you have surely heard the criticisms. If you have cleaned up your diet, also consider your body, face, and mouth care products. 

Traditional mouthwashes are loaded with two pesky ingredients: artificial sweeteners and alcohol. Both of these ingredients can burn and irritate sensitive mouths. If you experience dry mouth, consider that the ingredients in your oral care products may be to blame. 

Alcohol—including the ever-popular ethanol—can exasperate dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. So, t turns out that parched mouth you are experiencing may not be from nerves or dehydration. If a health condition is contributing to your dry mouth, the alcohol in oral hygiene products on the market probably irritate and inflame the issue. Natural solutions avoid that issue entirely. Plus, alcohol-free options are proven to give people glossier, brighter, whiter teeth that will be in less need of dental restoration. Why wait to try out these healthier choices for a happier mouth? 

Now that you know most mouthwashes on the market do more harm than good in your mouth, consider going the DIY route. However, can you actually trust that mild, home crafted rinses will provide the benefits you need? Yes! Natural solutions offer four key benefits that you would want in any mouthwash. They work to: 

• Prevent plaque build-up

• Loosen food particles

• Health canker sores/ulcers in the mouth

• Help keep cavities away 

The best part is that the benefits can be customized by tweaking recipe ingredients. Experiment to tailor them to your needs and wants. So, what can those pre-made mouthwashes do those natural ones cannot? Not much. Keep reading for two great recipes to start your journey into natural oral care. 

The great thing about these two simple mouthwash recipes is that whether you are a seasoned natural health lover or new to the natural lifestyle, you will probably have these ingredients in your bathroom and kitchen cabinets. That makes these unbeatable in the convenience and accessibility departments. What can you lose by giving these a try? Make it a fun project with craft groups or kids to explore hands-on health hacks together. 

Want a quick tip? Just be sure to re-make homemade mouthwashes daily. The lack of preservatives means that these healthier options have a short shelf life. 

This is a mouthwash that packs the invigoration of traditional mouthwashes without the dryness, sensitivity, and disruption to your mouth. Hydrogen peroxide is the base of this quick fix. It is a natural antiseptic that berates the bad bacteria, sending gingivitis and plaque out your trap. Peppermint essential oil will work to freshen breath and treat canker sores, oral wounds, and swollen gums. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of filtered water

• 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide

• 6 drops of peppermint essential oil 

To make, combine water, hydrogen peroxide, and peppermint essential oil in a glass jar. Then, shake it. To use, swish approximately an ounce of the mixture in your mouth for ten seconds. Spit the rinse out, and reap the advantages. 

This recipe is another quick, easy, functional option. Baking soda is known as a tooth whitening back, but it is used in this recipe for its antibacterial properties that eliminate bad breath and prevent gum diseases including gingivitis. Tea tree oil is recommended to avoid bad breath and heal sores. Peppermint and spearmint oils will combat the heavy scent of tea tree oil and finish this rinse off with a refreshing note, much more palatable to those weaning off of pre-made oral care items. However, feel free to adapt the essential oils to meet your needs. Some people enjoy a citrus oil blend or a cinnamon oil blend. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

• Essential oils 

To make, in a mason jar, add warm water. To that, add in the baking soda. Once that has dissolved, add in desired essential oils. Try out 5 drops of tea tree oil and 7 drops of peppermint or spearmint oil. Shake or whisk together ingredients. To use, swish a big mouthful of the concoction in the mouth before spitting. 

Bonus: something completely different

If you can’t be bothered to mix your own mouthwash, there is an old Ayurvedic practice you might want to try: Oil Pulling. This basically means swishing a tablespoon of coconut, sesame or sunflower oil around your mouth for 20 minutes. Then you spit it out and rinse your mouth with salted water. After which you brush and floss. The oil is said to pull toxins from your mouth, as well as loosen up any debris and plaque. People have also reported getting whiter teeth. 

With such uncomplicated ways to experiment with better-for-you oral hygiene, mouthwash is an easy swap to make if you want to dip your toes into natural health and beauty options. 

Paired with a solid routine of brushing and flossing twice daily, this mouthwash can perfect your smile in terms of health and beauty. Try out these recipes and share your results.

When I see parent, mom, or baby memes on Google, natatawa talaga ako! Humuhugot at relateable naman talaga silang lahat! Different parents have different stories to tell but those memes make every parent stand on a common ground--- Parenting is challenging and it's up to us if we will give up or just laugh about it!

The challenges and difficulties of parenting are not alien to me. I am a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom for 13 years. Do I need to say more? Well, these are some of the things that I encounter as I face the day as a parent.

I feel most of the time that cleaning the house is never ending even the kids are not toddlers anymore. Ewan ko ba? Hindi pa ako natatapos sa nililigpit ko, may kalat na naman ang nauna kong niligpit!


The more the kids are noisier the better because once they are extremely quiet, #alamnathis! May ginagawang kapilyuhan! Proven na 'yan kaya paranoia to the highest level ang peg!


When my kids are still very young, dito ko na-prove sa sarili ko na talagang low maintenance ako kasi once every two months or minsan once a year na lang akong magpa-haircut. 'Yan lang naman ang luxury ko sa buhay ang magpunta sa parlor para magpagupit kasi I do my own manicure and pedicure, lahat halos DIY. Kaya naman gustung-gusto ko talaga when I do grocery shopping all  by myself when Paps has no work! Freedom! Then what I do when I go to the supermarket alone, diyan ako bumibili ng facial mask, facial wash, body scrub, at kapag may budget, lipstick. Minsan lang naman and I know that I deserve to pamper myself din naman. Buti na lang, Paps is very supportive and understanding. Well, sabi ko nga low maintenace wife naman ako so no problem! Hindi naman ako masyadong defensive, ano?


Aside from grocery shopping on my own, I look forward to my 20-minute hot bath before bedtime. Then when Paps is not that tired, I look forward to having coffee time with him while sitting down for more than 2 minutes! Yes, you read it right! Kasi naman ang mainit na kape na tinitimpla ko sa umaga, sa tanghali o hapon ko na naiinom! Kapag kumakain ako talagang mabilisan kasi ang daming gagawin. Noong maliliit pa ang kids, impossible talagang magkaroon ng oras na umupo ng matagal.

I also appreciate the days when I drop Bunso and fetch him from school, when I attend blogging related events, or catch up with my friends. At least nakakapagbihis ako ng panlabas na damit at nakakapag-kilay at lipstick ako kahit paano! Sa ganitong pagkakataon, pinatutunanayan ko talagang "Kilay is LIFE!" Ang saya, 'di ba?


Who says that weekends are less stressful? No parent especially moms will say that! The kids are more clingy and there are more things to do during weekends kasi kumpleto ang pamilya sa bahay!

Sa totoo lang, kapag may chance na makaunat sa bed ang likod ko or makaidlip man lang, para talaga akong nanalo sa lotto!


'Tapos nakaiinit ng ulo kapag kulang sa tulog pero kailangang gawin ang duties ng buong pasensya at pagmamahal kasi parte naman talaga ng parenting ang mga ganitong klase ng sakrispisyo. We do things out of love, 'ika nga. No explanation needed. Bonus na bonus talaga rin na may kabiyak kang maasahan sa ganitong pagkakataon kaya lucky me!


Kulang na sa tulog, pagkatapos gutom pa! Ay giyera na 'yan kung tutuusin lalo na kung walang nailutong pagkain.  Sa ganitong pagkakataon kailangang maging cool pa rin. The kids don't deserve to experience displacement of anger. Iniisip ko na lang, they just do what they do best.

Naalala ko bigla, Paps and I were parents of two clingy boys when they were still babies that's why our schedule and routines were spontaneous. During the time when when Kuya was born, grabe ang adjustment naming mag-asawa. We experienced finishing an Anime series for one straight week because we had to stay awake the whole time. Whenever we try to put Kuya down on the bed, he would wake up and cry on top of his lungs until we would pick him up and cuddle him again. Ang lakas ng pakiramdam niya at alam niya kapag isa sa amin ni Paps ang tulog na. Iiyak na naman siya! Hindi kami makapagluto, makapaglinis ng bahay, o makagawa ng mga bagay na gusto namin habang gising siya. Kapag naman tulog na siya, hindi namin mabitiwan kasi nagigising. It was also the case when Bunso was an infant. Their gap was six years and the adjustment that we had was the same. Sabi nga, those two boys suck-up our energy and sanity until now but our love for them keeps us going.

That's why when Paps and I saw the latest McDelivery video, talaga namang naka-relate kami ng bonggang-bongga! In a circumstance that you have to choose what is necessary at the moment, a reliable delivery service of your favorite comfort food truly saves the day! O mga, Mars at Pards, panoorin ninyo ito at tiyak na sasabihin ninyo sa sarili ninyo, "Ay, parang kami lang 'yan!"

Parents will do everything to keep their kids comfortable while sacrificing their own comfort. Pero kailangan din namang magkaroon ng time para sa sarili o kaya naman i-satisfy ang craving paminsan-minsan. Hmmm... Makapag-McDelivery nga. Now na!

Photo credit: someecards.com
Video credit: Mcdo Philippines

While parenting is filled with many highs and lows, nothing compares to the insurmountable love and joy it brings. And for moms, they will surely agree that it’s a love affair that knows no age or limits. That’s why this breastfeeding month, we’re taking time to honor all the devoted and passionate moms who make the world a better place to live. Get to know our mom of the month, childbirth educator Thammie Sy as she shares a closer look at pregnancy, childbirth, and how to make motherhood feel less scary.

Four unmedicated and natural childbirths brought Thammie Sy to formalize her passion for helping mothers through birthing, childcare, and parenting. “I want other moms to have beautiful, empowering experiences as well. There is no one way to have a beautiful and empowering birth. One thing we can all have though no matter our birth experience is the right attitude and mindset towards it,” says the US-certified doula and childbirth educator.

“It is my desire to help parents establish the right perspective about birth by giving them a better understanding of what happens during birth so they can make informed choices regarding throughout the process. And by equipping them with skills to help prepare them for labor and birth.”

1. Healthy pregnancy, healthy labor. 

This was one thing I should have taken seriously when I was pregnant. I made progress, in the sense that I became healthier and healthier with each succeeding pregnancy. If I had known then what I know now about the role of nutrition and exercises in preparing my body and in helping increase baby’s likelihood of positioning himself/herself optimally, I would have maintained a healthier diet and I would have done prenatal exercises to condition my body for labor and birth better.

2. Know how to filter what you hear and read. 

With all the information available to us now, we have to know which are reliable sources of information. I remember I used to panic after spending more time than I should have on Google and Facebook. There are many opinions and voices when it comes to your pregnancy and childbirth. Though most do raise valid points in their own right, you have to know which ones are aligned with your values and context, and which ones are not. We also have to understand that our story is unique, and one is not better than the other.

3. Use this time to discuss with your husband/partner how you want your family to be once the baby comes. 

There will be more changes once the baby arrives. Now would be a good time to discuss and have a vision for your family. What is most important to you? What are your negotiables and non-negotiables? How will the baby change the dynamics of your current set of priorities and your schedule? What lifestyle adjustments would you need to start making now before your baby comes?

4. Be wise about where you spend your money. 

There are so many new innovations now that are geared towards helping moms, babies, and even dads enjoy their transition to parenthood and having a newborn. I use the word “enjoy” because most of these products really do give us parents a sense of “wow, this is so nice to have!” But we have to know which ones are must-haves, and which ones are really just nice to have. Invest in a few essential must-haves, and more importantly, invest in building skills and knowledge and in your relationships.

5. Tune in. 

With all the changes in our pregnant bodies plus the necessary preparations we have to think of as our estimated time of giving birth draws near, it is not a surprise for many us to feel overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions. We are concerned with the baby who is still inside the womb, at the same time we are already thinking of how it will be like once he/she finally comes out. We are coping with the changes that pregnancy brings to our bodies, at the same time we are thinking about whether or not we can cope with the coming labor, or how we would be able to cope. Instead of ignoring all these emotions and thoughts, it is good to tune in and take time to explore and evaluate those feelings with your partner/husband, as well as birth professionals such as your care provider (OB or midwife), a doula, or a childbirth educator. Taking time to process your thoughts and emotions will make a huge difference in how you approach your birth and adjust to baby’s arrival.

6. Value having a birth team. 

During the time of our ancestors, giving birth was more than just getting a baby out of one’s womb. They knew that giving birth is like a rite of passage for parents. It is a celebration of life. As such, the mothers were surrounded by a community of people who supported and empowered her--body, mind, and spirit. We need to surround ourselves with a birth team we can trust and whom we know will support us in the same way that previous generations did for their new mothers. Choose care providers (obstetricians or midwives) who support the kind of birth you wish to have and whom you can trust--no matter how your labor progresses and how your birth story plays out. Communicate with your husband/partner and get him involved as much as possible. Your partner plays a key role before, during, and after labor. Consider getting a doula who can provide physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your labor and who can advocate for you and your partner. Connect with like-minded parents whom you can exchange notes with and even those who have more experience and so can encourage you as you go through the challenging moments of birth and parenting.

7. Prepare a birth plan. 

A birth plan is your vision for birth, written out and communicated with your birth team. It is a letter stating your wishes and preferences for birth. There you will describe the kind of management you wish to have, how you desire to cope with your labor, who you want to be involved in your birth, the kind of environment you want to birth in. A birth plan will help you, your partner, and your care provider clarifies and align your goals and beliefs and would help serve as a guide in making decisions during labor itself. A good birth plan will lay out options that would take into consideration variations in labor, should circumstances arise that would require a change of plans.

8. Attend a birth class. 

Ever since I gave birth to my firstborn, I would always tell my pregnant friends to attend a childbirth class. Knowledge is indeed power when it comes to giving birth. And when I talk about knowledge translating to power, I mean it almost in a literal sense. Much of the pain women experience come from their fears and anxieties; and much of their fears and anxieties are influenced by either a lack of knowledge or a lack of skill. I have seen how the atmosphere and calm during labor can potentially affect its progress, and how reduced fear increases a woman’s ability to cope with her labor. Birth classes help you embrace the right mindset, provide you with sufficient knowledge, and equip you with the necessary skills to help prepare you for your labor and birth experience.

As much as we love the role of being a mom, knowledge and proper preparation are crucial to ensure you always have it together from pregnancy to childbirth. That’s why for Thammie, having a reliable sanitary pad product as one of her everyday essentials help her to keep going and to stay on top of her game!

“As a wife, a mom, a homeschool teacher, a speaker, and now a student pursuing another diploma, a childbirth educator, and a doula, I need to manage not just my time, but my energy levels as well. I used to have terrible dysmenorrhea and could not function well on the days leading up to my period, more so during my period,” says Thammie. “Ever since I tried Jeunesse Anion, I have been loyal to it and have been recommending it to my friends. I do not remember the last time I experienced menstrual cramps or the last time I was confined to my bed because of my period. I could not imagine being able to stand for long hours during my classes and provide continuous labor support to parents if I was still experiencing the pain and loss of energy I used to experience before.”

Follow Thammie Sy at @birthingbeginningsph and birthingbeginnigs.com

Jeunesse Anion is available at Watsons, Mercury Drug Stores, and other leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide, Jeunesse Anion also offers ultra day non-wing, ultra day pad, ultra night pad, all-night pad, panty liner to and the all-new singles variant to help every woman to go through their period with ease and comfort. For hassle-free shopping with the convenience of free delivery straight to your doorstep, visit www.lazada.com.ph and www.shopee.ph.

Wellgold International Inc. distributes Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkin and Liners and currently available at Watsons, selected Mercury Drug and South Star Drug outlets, SM department store’s health and beauty section, Robinson’s Supermarket and selected department stores, Shopwise, Rustan’s Supermarket, Waltermart, Landmark Department Store, PCX stores, selected Metro Gaisano outlets, plus other selected stores in Visayas and Mindanao. You can also purchase online with free delivery via www.lazada.com.ph. For more health tips, visit www.jeunesseanion.com and follow YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: Jeunesse Anion. For inquiries, email: wellgoldinternational@gmail.com or call (02) 4701294.


Information and photos brought to us by Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Pads and Liners

Global smartphone brand Vivo has been known for its high-technology innovations that have wowed the world several times over. But it has also been a pioneer of various consumer-centric smartphone designs. 

Starting August 20, the fastest growing smartphone brand has teased tech-savvy followers with a series of mysterious videos posted on its social media pages. The latest was a video of the moon with its shape emphasized by a curved line, a hint of the look of the next flagship smartphone.

“The galaxies coalesced. Prepare for something greater. #GoBeyond,” Vivo wrote in its latest post.

For its latest smartphone releases, Vivo has pushed the boundaries of the screens based on various studies and insights into what its consumers want. 

In 2017, Vivo released the V7+, which has a 5.99-inch AllScreen Display that offers a wider visual experience without compromising a comfortable grip. This gives those on the go a chance to enjoy a bigger screen for gaming, reading, or watching videos. 

Vivo followed up the V7+ with the release of the V9 in 2018. It was their first flagship smartphone for the year with the notch. The V9 features the new 19:9 FullView™ Display that has a massive 90% screen-to-body ratio that gives users a wider look into the digital world. The Vivo V9 may be as compact as the 5.5-inch phone, but it was able to attain a 6.3-inch screen. 

Halfway through the year, Vivo released the Vivo X21, its first X-series smartphone in the Philippines. It still has the iconic 19:9 FullView™ Display. But it has a bigger screen-to-body ratio of 90.3% to provide a more impactful visual experience for gamers and video hoarders.

But Vivo was able to get closer to its target when the Vivo NEX was released in some markets in June. The NEX introduces the Ultra FullView™ Display experience with a whopping 91.24% screen-to-body ratio. Vivo was able to achieve this by pioneering the 8-megapixel Elevating Front Camera that hides in the body when not in use. It also introduces the Screen SoundCasting Technology that replaces the traditional earpiece speaker entirely and cutting the bezel size. 

With these releases, Vivo has proven that the window to the digital world has no limits. What barriers will the brand break next? 

Why are mosquitoes attracted to certain people? 

Scientists have proven that aside from genetics, certain elements in the body chemistry found in excess in the skin can make mosquitoes attracted to people. People with high cholesterol, lactic acid, and who emits more carbon dioxide can be mosquito magnets.

Despite keeping the surroundings free from the stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and maintaining a cleaner environment, it is inevitable that sometimes a few mosquitoes would still thrive and come from unseen sources. In order for susceptible individuals to be protected from being bitten by mosquitoes, one of the things that they should do is to use safe and effective insect repellent lotions or sprays. There are so many products that promise the best results but it also depends on the person's idiosyncrasy. In our case, we tried and tested too many brands in the past, both all-natural and the ones with DEET, but only one brand passed our standards. Since then, we make sure that we never run out of stock of that product at home especially during the rainy season when Dengue cases rise.

Paps, Bunso, and Kuya attract mosquitoes that's why for seven years, Green Cross Active Protect Insect Repellent Lotion (10 Hours), the variant that has a 10-hour effect is our reliable partner in repelling those pesky mosquitoes that may cause Dengue and another mosquito bite-related disease. 



Green Cross is the only one that we find very effective. What we like about it is that it's an anti-dengue and antibacterial protection in one. Its efficacy and continuous protection from day and night last up to 10 hours. We don't need to reapply often to keep ourselves protected. It provides 99.9% antibacterial protection for 10 hours without causing any irritation. It's cool and non-sticky to the skin, perfect for our active lifestyle. The formula smells great on the skin. It doesn't smell medicated or herbal. Only a small amount is needed to cover the exposed skin. It can be spread on skin evenly and easily. It's also reasonably priced, available in a sachet, small tube, and big tube, making it affordable for all. It's also available in leading drugstores and supermarkets where we can find and buy it conveniently. And also, it's made by Green Cross so we're sure that we are using a well-researched, tried and tested, and safe product.

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.