I Won a Samsung Flash Band!

I WON A SAMSUNG FLASH BAND! woohooo!

THANK YOU Ms. Jenni Epperson, you made my day again!

http://welovejenni.blogspot.com/2011/03/jennirosity-day-samsung-flash-bands.html

So here's the very first thing that greeted me this morning when I logged in on Twitter:

jenniepperson:  YOU WON! Batch 1: @mymomfriday (and 9 others)

See top left Tweet

I'd say "it pays" to be a loyal follower of some the fab blog sites on the web. And I am so fortunate to have won from Jenni's blog twice! The first one was this kyooot envelope pouch with the bear, and now this Samsung Flash band (photos above c/o Jenni's blog).

So I suggest you follow our blogs and on Twitter @mymomfriday and @jenniepperson to get the latest happenings, promos and contests you can join! :)

The first batch of gifts I won from the blogs I follow are from Folie A Deux and Frannywanny. Then the pouch from Jenni, and of course the recent beauty treatment from Animetric's World -- Obagi Diamond Peel and samplers, and finally this Samsung Flash Band. 

My tip to all of you is to just join blog contests hosted by your favorite sites and you might just get lucky, 5X over!!! :)

From the very apt 'iheartquotes' I received on Twitter: Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. - Og Mandino

I will return the favor and host my own giveaway for my followers, soon!

Have a great week ahead!


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Mom-Finds: Yuko Aqua Gold Hair Repair Spray

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds / Beauty product

"Ang kapal ng buhok mo" (your hair is thick).  This is how most, if not all, people describe my hair whenever I go to a salon or during the very few instances when people take notice.  It is thick, and dark, and dull.   Oh well...I never really fuss over my hair, or my appearance, as much as others would.  I often think my hair screams for my attention from time to time, especially when it poofs up and appears so dry.

Now let me warn you:  I do not claim this to be a miracle spray but I am just very happy and totally satisfied with what it can do for my hair, and my confidence! :)

Presenting...the Aqua Gold Repair Through by Yuko, hair treatment (leave-on) spray "for dry, sensitized, and damage hair". Made in Japan.

Available only at AHMS @ P1,800.00

I bought this spray at Akira Hair and Make-up Salon (AHMS) with the promise of giving my hair a healthier, softer, shinier look with regular use. Help with the Japanese description please! :)

My hair chronicles began with a new haircut and Yuko Yamashita hair treatment system from Akira salon which I got with a coupon deal. This was part of my 'pamper-me' project for my birthday month.  The conditioning treatment gave my hair a softer texture, making it more manageable. To maintain this, the stylist recommended the use of this convenient, home treatment spray.

As much as possible, I try to avoid featuring myself in any of my posts. I prefer to work behind the scenes. But (blog) duty calls and the inevitable happens.  So excuse the portraits and hair shots. I tried. Hard. No help.  Now here I am again, this time, featuring "The Hair". Sorry, I don't have "before" shots.

Finally....soft, tame head of hair!

You have to believe me when I say I really don't have the nicest hair and a I usually sport a ponytail for a clean, low-maintenance look.  The rare times I receive compliments for my hair was when I straighten it and wear it down.  The past couple of weeks that I've been meeting up with different sets of friends, "The Hair" has gotten raves, even on Twitter! LOL!  And so I thought I'd share my beauty find, especially for those who have a similar hair dilemma. Even for guys!

Truth be told, my hair instantly softens when sprayed, and leaves a very subtle sheen that livens up my usually plain, dull, dry hair.  Japanese hair technology at it's best?  It's not cheap so I just use it when I'm meeting people! =>  I am definitely saving every drop of this Yuko spray! Stocks must be limited now especially after the devastation in Japan.

On top of this, I sometimes use Citre Shine Anti-Frizz Spray Laminator. A shine mist that makes my hair look more polished and in place. I had this one for a longer time now and only use it after I style my hair with a straightening iron. It does create that glossy finish, though temporary.

Still, I dream of those lush, glossy, bouncy model-hair...in time, maybe...

There. I did it. Hopefully, I won't have to "model" for a post again! :)))

Yuko Hair Products
Akira Hair & Make-up Salon
A.Venue Events Mall
Makati Avenue, Makati City
Tel. (632) 621-3460 / 474-1819


p.s.
For those wondering what straightening iron I used, it's Conair with wider ceramic plates that are more gentle on hair over metal surfaces. I ordered thru Amazon several years ago.  It's cheaper now at only $20.40!!! Check it out!

Conair Flat Iron 2" Ceramic Straightener - Dual Voltage


I am also eyeing this 2-in-1! 

Infiniti by Conair CS54 Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curler & Straightener

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Easy Recipes with Century Boneless Bangus

Unique bangus degustation:  A salad, a burrito, and a pasta.

I have come to appreciate our national fish, Bangus (milk fish), even more after having a taste of these unique, delectable sampler dishes prepared for us during the test kitchen event last week, hosted by Century Pacific Group, using Century Premium Boneless Bangus.  This is the newest addition to their line of world-class quality products.  Century Premium Boneless Bangus are guaranteed fresh, with no muddy taste as they're processed and packed the same day. 

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Fun Friday: Watching Jellies at Manila Ocean Park

Third Friday of the Month:  Entertainment / Recreation

Jellies, a.k.a. jelly fish or sea jellies, are translucent soft-bodied sea creatures with a basic body structure resembling an umbrella made of gelatinous material called mesoglea. The jellies don't have a brain nor central nervous system. They only have a loose network or nerves stemming from their 'nerve net'. Many say the term 'jelly fish' is a misnomer since they are invertebrates, unlike a fish, so jellies are more appropriate. - Wikipedia

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Yummy Yoshinoya Century Bangus Kabayaki for Lent

Kabayaki: A generic Japanese term for a seafood dish that is filleted, deboned, and dipped in a sweet soy sauce-based sauce before being broiled on a grill. - Century Pacific Group (Century Bangus)

For a limited time only, this Bangus Kabayaki is the Lenten season offering of popular Japanese food chain Yoshinoya, known for their best-selling beef bowls.

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Sighted: Mom-Friday in PDI

Last Sunday, I received a text message from Tetcha, and few others, about our photo that made it in the papers -- on the Philippine Daily Inquirer no less, and under the fabulous Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdes' column!

It was this photo taken from the recent launch of the Ipanema Hot Sands Collection that was published.

(From left) ELRO's Millet & Cel (with red bag), with bloggers Pehpot, Tetcha, Tina, Mom-Friday

Thanks to ELRO, distributor of Ipanema sandals, my blogger friends and I had our modest 8x6cm. piece of fame on print, heehee!  In PR, that is how we compute the media value for press releases/photo release, plus extra value for full color! And that is exactly the size of the post-publicity photo on the Sunday papers last March 13.  I highlighted our shot below.

Truth is, it was a nice but weird feeling for me 'coz I used to be the one representing the agency (I used to work in advertising & PR) sitting at a contract-signing or shaking hands with clients during photo opps for publicity. And they usually appear on the business or people/events/places sections. I still have all my clippings from more than a decade ago!  :-)  This time around, I was "featured" as "media/blogger" and in the Lifestyle section!  So I guess I 'leveled-up'? :)))

(Thanks to Mrs. Martinez for the clipping).




Update:
A second post-publicity release appeared a week later in The Philippine Star.  Thanks again to Cel of Elro for the invite and for including us in the photo :)

22 March 2011, by Pepper Teehankee, The Philippine Star

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Family Friday: Mommy 'Me Time'

Second Friday of the month:  Motherhood

I had several things planned for myself as I was counting down towards my natal day this year. That was Wednesday and I was only able to tick off one 'to do' from my very short list.

I've been meaning to ask my girl friends what their favorite past time is, or rather, what they usually plan for themselves on their alone time, away from the stress of work and demands of family life.  Everyone deserves a "me time", especially moms! I never got the chance to ask them.

Honestly, I have nothing drafted for today's Family Friday post. I can't believe I did not prepare anything about kids and family for today.  And then I thought:  why not post some of the things that moms like me would love to do for ourselves but can't find the time? It's the most convenient reason, "no time", but it's actually the truth. Ok, I'm blabbering...

This is my realistic checklist of things I wanted to indulge in before my birthday month is over.

My Birthday Me-Time List:
   X  1. Hair Conditioning Treatment - availed of Akira Hair & Make-up Studio promo coupon from Awesome Deal @ P960!
   ?   2. Book full body massage at The Spa - GC gift from an event
   ?   3. Schedule appointment for Obagi Diamond Peel - won a GC from Animetric's World
   ?   4. Schedule Foot Spa & Pedi - from my friendly neighborhood salon

As you can see, most are for my "wellness and beautification project", heehee.  I just thought I owe it to myself to get pampered with these treats for my birthday this year since I feeeel soooo oooold now!

I'm not physically fit, I get aches and pains all over from time to time, I feel sluggish during the day, I look like a raccoon most days, and I am perpetually underweight.  I need a change. I need a lift. I need some glow. Okay that last one is a stretch...hehehe.

I have never tried #1 & #3, ever!  And I can't recall when was the last time I enjoyed a #2 and a #4. It was that long. I'm excited already!

As the saying goes, you have to love yourself first before you can give love to others. Mothers in particular, devote much of their time thinking about and doing things for their husbands, children, home, work, that many tend to forget how to take care of themselves and allow some "me time" to recharge.

With the support from family members, we really have to find the time to just do it. Aside from these pampering treatments above, there are many simple yet equally therapeutic ways to relax and rejuvenate our mind, body, and spirit.

Spend some quiet time alone:

• read a good book
• pray and read the bible
• take a long soothing bath
• take a nap

Entertain yourself:

• watch a good home movie
• write / blog
• play a musical instrument
• shop, shop, shop

Satisfy your cravings:

• cook / bake (many find working in the kitchen therapeutic)
• eat to your heart's delight

If you're wondering about my hair treatment, I really wanted to wait a week of washing and drying my hair on my own before I can give you feedback. I can safely say that my hair is still soft and healthy-looking.  It does not have that silky-shine quality to it but the Yuko Yamashita Hair Treatment worked well on improving the texture of my dry hair. I am maintaining it with the Yuko leave-on conditioning spray which I bought from the salon.  Buying deals from Awesome.ph was such a breeze so I'll be looking out for future offers.

So I'm giving myself 2 more weeks to be pampered and do the last three on my list. Tick-tock-tick-tock!

Go take a break mommies, you deserve it! How would you spend your alone time?


Note:
Top two images from Inmagine.com


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Healthy Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie

Nothing beats a cool, healthy and refreshing drink on a sizzling hot day! This simple blend of frozen-fresh strawberries and yogurt is the answer.

I did not plan to post this since it's just so simple and I'm sure most of you had already whipped up something close to this, or exactly the same smoothie. It was a month ago that I had this oh-so-good slush of frozen-fresh strawberries sent over by mother, blended with our last cup of fruit-flavored yogurt.

It's soooo humid and warm so I thought I'l publish this now on this sweltering summer day! My mix:

STRAWBERRY-YOGURT SMOOTHIE

1 cup frozen strawberries, tops trimmed
1/2 cup (125g) strawberry-flavored yogurt, or plain if you wish
1/2 cup crushed ice
3/4 cup cold water
1 - 2 tablespoons sugar (omit if you want it all-natural, sugar-free)

Dump everything in the blender then mix, mix, mix!

Pour, serve, slurp! Aaahhh...

Once again, I used my favorite cocktail glass I bought 12 years ago at Planet Hollywood in Singapore. It's just perfect for my smoothies. I tried it with my girl's swizzle straw (for styling purposes) but can't seem to sip my smoothie properly!  I ended up with this conventional one here below just so I can drink up heehee. :)

Cheers to summer! Bottoms up!

I will concoct a kiwi-strawberry or a grape slush next! What's your favorite mix?

Try more of my fruit shakes:
Any Day Fruit Shakes



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Foodie Friday: Spicy Tuyo Spaghetti

First Friday of the month: Mom-Cook / Recipe

As I write this food post, I'm already thinking of what variation I can do with this very simple yet flavorful pasta dish in garlic oil, which took me less than 30 minutes from prep to plating.

I rarely measure ingredients when I cook, so you could say it's always a hit or miss for me in the kitchen -- well, if you ask hubby, his answer would probably be all misses! :)))  I made this pasta dish twice and it was bland the first time. I took photos just in case but you now know it wasn't published 'til today.

Thankfully, it turned out much better the second time around, so I can now share this with you. Still no exact measurements though.  But I can guarantee, for those of you who like anchovies, garlic and olive oil in your pasta, this is worth a try! It's spaghetti with a Pinoy twist using bottled gourmet tuyo.

Slivers of bottled tuyo

SPICY TUYO SPAGHETTI

Cooked spaghetti
Approx. 4 - 5 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves of garlic
3 - 4 fillets of bottled spicy tuyo (dried salted fish) in oil

2 fillets of anchovies
black pepper
fresh basil leaves
grated parmesan or edam (queso de bola) cheese
capers

chili flakes (optional)

To prepare:
Heat oil in a saute pan
Mince garlic
Chiffonade basil leaves, around 6 - 10

To cook:
Sautee minced garlic in olive oil.
Add tuyo fillets and anchovies, sautee until crumbled. Pour a little of the oil from the bottled tuyo.
Gradually toss cooked spaghetti in the pan until well coated.
Add more tuyo and anchovies if you want it more salty.
Put in basil, some grated cheese and fresh cracked pepper.
Mix well.

Plate and sprinkle with bits of capers, more grated cheese, and chili flakes for more heat.
Serve immediately.
Good for 1 - 2 persons.

The addition of anchovies, basil and capers complemented very well and made this meal more exciting and extra savory. The pungent fragrance of toasted garlic in olive oil, blended with the unique taste and aroma of the bottled salted fish slivers created a dish that's truly appetizing!


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MacBook Air takes over Mom-Friday!

The Apple has landed!

Helloooo sexy!!!
I have to apologize for being a show off but I feel I need to post this now because, honestly, I rarely get excited with electronics. I am openly a non-techie-not-into-gadgets person and as long as my needs are met, I leave the model and specs for hubby to decide what I should get. I simply don't care.

It's obviously hard to deny that this one is truly special. This is my early birthday gift! A lovely surprise from the hubby, this spanking new matte silver 13" MacBook Air  just arrived this evening and by its looks alone, this laptop is such a stunning piece! Super slim and sleek.

As I've mentioned, I'm not techie, so don't expect any specs on this post. Learn more about the MacBook Air here instead:  http://www.apple.com/asia/macbookair/

I have a very strong feeling (okay, I'm sure of it!) that he is liking the gift more than I do! :))) This is my (our) first ever Apple Macintosh (the iPhone and iPod Touch do not count). So expect that we'll be quite busy toying with this one for next few weeks.

The Mac has now officially taken over My Mom-Friday!

Shop for your MacBook Air here:

Apple MacBook Air MC503LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop


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