Year-End Round-up: Favorite Finds in 2011

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds / Raves


It's the last Friday of the year, so I'll be sharing more than one Mom-Finds. We're counting down to 2012 and I thought it's fitting that, aside from great new finds, I post a year-end review of my favorites in 2011.

From food to fashion, these products and services became my personal favorites, earned raves from my family, and got featured on the blog. So here are my fave finds in no particular order:

Mom-Friday's Favorite Finds 2011

PRODUCTS
(Click on name or photo to read more about each one below)

MacBook Air - 13"
My first ever Apple, for my birthday --  this one is truly special.  Need I say more?

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Images of Our Christmas 2011

Hello dear readers, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!


Our celebration this year has been more austere, but meaningful nonetheless, spent with family. Food, presents, trimmings all around... we still have them. But it's been all about the children, about thanksgiving, and sharing. 


Some images of our Christmas this year:

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Mom-Style: Dress Up for the Holidays

Freestyle Friday:  Fashion / Style

The reality is, I don't have anything special to wear for the holiday reunions and parties lined-up in the days leading to the new year.  I never had.  But wouldn't it be fun to get all glammed-up for the holidays?  I guess I'd have to settle on playing (virtual) dress-up for now.

For my regular readers, you know the drill -- anything goes for Freestyle Friday.  And what a way to end this year with 5 Fridays for December!  I decided on doing a fashion post and came up with several outfit ideas with a touch of holiday sparkle that's fit for the yuletide festivities.

Events, Parties & Reunions

FUNKY, GLITZY GLAM

HOT, SEXY-IN-JEANS LOOK

FLOWY, BRIGHT, BOHO-GLAM

Entertaining at Home

CASUAL, HIP MOM-ON-THE-MOVE

SOFT, EASY ELEGANCE

CHIC BOLD STATEMENT

Are you ready to usher in the new year?  =)
What are your favorite colors or style during the holidays?

Click on the photos to get the look.
Virtual styling via Miss-match.com.ph and Polyvore.com

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  

If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Egg-Mayo Scramble

Tired of your plain scrambled eggs? Here's one that's made extra savory, rich and fluffy!

You know I'm always on the look-out for quick and easy recipes -- proof of which is my Mom-Cook category in this blog.  Ergo, when I saw this video by Lady's Choice and Chef Bruce Lim, I did not hesitate to try this super simple dish that anybody, even kids, can make!

The surprise ingredient to this classic scrambled egg is the addition of mayonnaise into the mix.  In our kitchen cabinet, you will always find refill packs of Lady's Choice Sandwich spread (with the red label below), and a jar in our refrigerator. So I very much welcomed the addition of their Real Mayonnaise sent to us a while back, and happily tried their Scambulicious recipe with my girl. :)

We like our scrambled eggs more hearty and savory, that's why I always add fillings like the family-favorite Spam, mushrooms, asparagus, onions, or cheese, or a combination of these.

For this version, I tweaked the Chef's recipe and added Spam, chopped onions and button mushrooms.  Great for a filling breakfast, but we made this dish for dinner. =)

EGG-MAYO SCRAMBLE with SPAM

4 eggs

3 tablespoons Lady's Choice mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Lady's Choice sandwich spread

2 slices Spam, diced

1 tablespoon chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped button mushrooms

salt and pepper

cooking oil

I put in too much mayo and forgot the 4th egg so I added it in while she's beating...

To prepare:
Beat eggs with mayonnaise. Make sure they are mixed well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Set aside.
* I replaced 1 tablespoon of plain mayo with sandwich spread since we like the extra tang of the relish in the sandwich spread.  (Chef Bruce recommends 1:1 proportion for egg and mayo)
Heat pan.
Chop Spam, onions, mushrooms.

To cook:
Saute onions, Spam and mushrooms in about 1 tablespoon of oil until Spam and onions are cooked.
Pour over egg-mayo mixture and let it set a few seconds.
Push and toss around with frying spatula while scrambled eggs are forming.
Cook to your desired doneness.

Plate and serve immediately.
Good for 2 to 4.

I served this with ketchup. Even with too much mayo, it still turned out great! I had this with piping hot rice while hubby made a scrambled egg sandwich. :)

Watch the cooking video below featuring:
1. Chef Bruce Lim’s Twice Baked Potato with Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

2. Angel Aquino cooking scrambled eggs with Lady’s Choice mayonnaise 

3. Lady’s Choice Scrambulicious testimonials

 
http://www.youtube.com/user/MayoMakeover



Videos and recipes courtesy of Lady's Choice Mayonnaise.


I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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My Mom-Friday's Christmas Share & Win Giveaway

Third Friday of the month:  Fun Friday / Raffle


It's that most wonderful time of the year again and I always believe that Christmas is about giving... it's all about sharing our blessings. 2011 has been good to me and my family. 2011 also gave me wonderful opportunities and brought me new friends through my blog. For that, I am grateful.

My Mom-Friday's Christmas Share & Win Giveaway is my own simple way of thanking you all for being a part of my blogging journey.

One (1) lucky reader will win all these great items worth almost PhP 4,000!

Rose Quartz and Crystal Necklace

This is that last piece left from the sets I made when I was still into jewelry-making several years ago.  I hate to let this go since my girl grew fond of this sparkling rose pink choker.  This is priceless.  

I know this will make one lovely Christmas gift!

UNILAB Health & Beauty Gift Pack

Unilab-Innovitelle brands like Myra and Celeteque has been very good to me and my blog, and I personally use and enjoy their products.  I am thankful for their continued support and love for my blog readers.  Once again, Unilab will present a gift pack with an assortment of skin care products, plus, a special edition Alaxan FR Pacman Shirt!  

The Reflex Zone

I've been meaning to go back and indulge in another de-stressing treatment, but I don't think I'd be able to go back to Makati anytime soon.  This gift card is valid until January 20, 2012 and I'd hate to see it go to waste!  So, I reluctantly decided to include this special session in my Christmas giveaway for one of you to experience the healing wonders of foot reflexology only at The Reflex Zone.

PJs Sleepwear

One of my latest favorite things -- my PJs! I've received so many raves about these export-quality pajamas and this is something that anyone would appreciate to receive as a gift, especially this Christmas.  I recently featured PJs Sleepwear here on the blog and announced that they now carry a select line in adult sizes!  So if you win this, you get to choose you own pajama set when you claim at their shop. 

'Christmas Share and Win' is really all about sharing your blessings. So.... for the winner, all these are wonderful gifts to receive, and it would be nice too if you choose loved ones or friends whom you want to share your prizes with.  I'm sure your friends would love you for it! :)))

***

AND THE WINNER IS....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You will receive an email confirmation for your prizes :) Merry Christmas!!!

***
Here's how to join & win:

1. Support their new Facebook page and 'Like' here > PJs Sleepwear

2. On the Facebook 'Add a comment' box below, tell me which 2 prizes you will share and to whom you will share it with by tagging 2 of your Facebook friends and My Mom-Friday.
3. Leave your Name and Email on the Disqus box so I can verify your identity.

Do ALL 3 steps above to have a valid entry, and you're done!  :)
Sample:

'Post to Profile' box should be checked to appear on your FB wall so I can check (and should stay there until the draw) and to be valid.  

TAG properly by typing '@' before the names, and it will appear highlighted like on the sample above. 

I assume you already like my FB page so you're able tag me too :)

• Only one comment per reader will be counted.
• Entry Cut-off:  Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 12 noon (Manila time)
• Winner will be determined via actual draw by my boy or my girl.
• Announcement of winner before Christmas Day.
• Winner's name will be posted here so subscribe or follow the blog to be updated.
• Winner will receive the necklace and Reflex Zone GC via parcel after Christmas;  Unilab Gift Pack will be delivered directly to winner by Unilab in January 2012.
• Raffle is open to ALL my readers.  If you live outside Metro Manila, you can still join as long as you have a valid Metro Manila mailing/delivery address and an authorized representative to receive the prize on your behalf.
• Winner should claim PJs Sleepwear adult set from Shangri-la Mall branch only -- any time during mall hours, until February 29, 2012.

Note:
Unilab product photos are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual contents of the Gift Pack.
Photos of Unilab brands are taken from their corresponding Facebook pages.
Photos of PJs Sleepwear are taken from their Facebook page.


I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Sweet Dreams with PJs Sleepwear

Sweet dreams begin with these...

What began as a personal need for high quality sleepwear for children, PJs Sleepwear is now a familiar brand of fine sleepwear for kids especially for mall-goers.  PJs head mama Rosette developed and conceptualized the brand when she could not find well-made local brands of pajamas for her family.

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Family Friday: A Mom's Holiday Stress-Busters

Second Friday of the month:  Motherhood / Women's health


Are you feeling the Christmas rush? I do. As of this writing, I'm not even half way done with my gift shopping -- I used to be done by mid-November! Anyhow, I am dedicating this post to all the hardworking bodies out there who are feeling the pressure and stress while preparing for the holidays. 


This goes out to the wives and moms who decorate the home, prepare the meals, attend school programs, host parties, buy, and wrap all the presents! Whew! Are you feeling it now? =)

Here are a few of my stress-busting guilty pleasures, from head to toe:

FACIAL
Have a good cleansing facial.
I can't recall the last time I underwent a facial treatment.  I was still a single working girl then (which was eons ago).  Yesterday, I finally had one.

(Images above from Dermalogica website)

This was a complimentary facial at Dermalogica -- part of the perks from the Longchamp Citi-Rustan's credit card promo I availed last year.  Good thing I found the voucher before it expires next week, so I decided that it's now or never. I even got lots of samplers after the treatment!  Try their Classical Facial for only PhP900!

Basic facial with Face Mapping at Dermalogica, Shangri-la Mall - call (632) 637-1714

BODY MASSAGE
De-stress with a relaxing full body massage.
My most recent pampering was a prize I won from the promo of Pevonia Botanica and Miss-match.com!  Am I lucky or what!?  A few weeks ago, my friend and I were treated to a Crystalline Skin Treatment at The Spa -- full body scrub and Swedish massage that was completely invigorating!
Whether it's Thai, aromatherapy, Swedish or Shiatsu, a head-to-toe massage is always a winner.

At The Spa, ready for a full body scrub and massage

FOOT / NAIL SPA

Healthy feet, healthy body.

Our feet bears all the body's weight and features reflex zones connected to our bodies. I highly recommend getting a foot massage and manicure/pedicure or a rejuvenating foot reflexology. Doing this not only benefits our overall health, but also prettifies our feet when finished with a really nice polish!

Preparing for our foot reflexology treatment at The Relex Zone

Call for home service, go to your favorite salon or foot treatment center to give those tired feet and legs a respite.

Finishing off my food scrub with a pedicure from Cozy Nail Lounge

DINE WITH FRIENDS

Feed the mind...and body. 

Aside from Sunday family lunches at my mother's house, what I look forward to every month is my dinner with my girl friends, and impromptu meet-ups with online gal pals.

Nothing beats a good meal with great conversations, in the company of wonderful friends!

Cheers!

How do you unwind and relax after work (and gift shopping!)?

What do you do to de-stress during the holiday season? 

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Go Green, Go Organic with Green Sproutlets for Kids

Last Friday of the month:  Fashion finds / Shopping

Green Sproutlets was inspired by a husband and wife team who felt the need to provide their daughter and other children who have sensitive skin with soft, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly clothing, which promotes social and environmental awareness while being stylish and hip.

I have to be honest -- this is a shameless plug for Green Sproutlets, the brainchild of my sis-in-law and which we recently brought here to market. =)  We are now more aware about the environment and how we can start living a "green lifestyle" with our children. Going organic with our food, and even with our clothing, is a good start.  So with this limited organic clothing line, we are confident that you will like our very soft, cute and comfortable products -- only the best for your babies and kids.

Why you'll love Green Sproutlets :

Perfectly soft and comfortable, hip and contemporary. Good for baby’s sensitive skin, good for the environment.

• Made of high quality Certified Organic Cotton and Viscose from Bamboo and other sustainable fabrics like soy or hemp
• Absolutely no pesticides, lead or any other harmful chemicals
• Mix and match options
• Certified lead-free, making them safer for the children and the environment
• Water-based ink and low impact dyes for printing
• Cute, contemporary design
• Bold, vibrant colors
• Size range is from  0 to 5T

This collection features two colors, blue and pink, with polka print combination.

• Luxuriously soft reversible hooded blanket is essential for babies and toddlers during sleep time and is great when traveling.
• Baby bib and burp cloth set is indispensable for your babies during mealtime.  

Both are made with 2 layers of our organic material with polka print on one side and a solid color on the other.

• Modern Tees and Onesies with stitch-in contrasting layered sleeves 
• Perfect with our Tees are our solid-colored girls' ruffle or boys' cargo pants and other baby essentials

Design patterns are modern and colorful. Organic material is a blend of 70% viscose from bamboo for silky softness and 30% organic cotton for more substance.

Being natural doesn't mean we have to be boring.  Look, even Ben Affleck's daughter Violet was spotted in her Pink-Polka Tee! Now that's star quality for you! =)

www.popsugar.com/Photos-Jennifer-Garner-Lunching-Violet-Affleck-Ben-Affleck-LA-6777811?page=0,0,1

Go organic with Green Sproutlets!
These items make great gifts that would surely be appreciated by parents and kids alike.

Girl's Pink Polka Tee @ PhP 695

Shop now and buy Green Sproutlets online only thru:
Mothering Earthlings Shop
Zalora Philippines

See the full collection on Green Sproutlets Facebook page. We have limited quantities per size.

Did you know...

...organic bamboo fiber is cool and breathable, hypoallergenic, and has antibacterial properties?

That is why Green Sproutlets is an ideal clothing line especially for children with sensitive skin and with allergies like eczema/skin asthma.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
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What To Expect: Pregnancy & Parenting Guide Book GIVEAWAY

It's positive -- you're pregnant!
Recording first year milestones.
Getting ready for the 'terrible two'.

Are you in any of the situations mentioned above? Do you know people who are?  
I believe I have the perfect online resource site and guide books for you!

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Mom-Grocer: How Much are Your Grocery Items?

First Friday of the month:  Food / Grocery

Have you ever compared prices of goods from different supermarkets or grocery stores where you shop?
Do you consider the prices of regular items that you buy for your family?  
Are you conscious of price differences for goods and services that you avail of?

Photo from: http://www.indiamart.com/petals-concept/grocery-bag.html

Today's Foodie Friday post will be different. Instead of a recipe or food discovery, I'm sharing the prices of food and other items from the supermarket.

I've compiled this short list, a random selection, of common goods I purchased at different stores.  I noticed this while logging our weekly expenses and having all these receipts lying around the work table.

I hope you will find this useful and helpful the next time you go grocery-shopping. :)

See for yourself and you do the math!

Parking:
Cherry Foodarama - Shaw Blvd. Bgy. Wackwack, Mandaluyong City - Free open parking
Puregold Price Club - Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City - Free open parking
SM Shaw Hypermarket - Shaw Blvd. Bgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City - Free indoor parking
Unimart - Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City - Pay open parking = P30

This is not an attempt to hurt any of the establishments listed, nor is this a direct endorsement of any of the brands I've included in the chart, but rather an eye-opener for me.  My intention here is to show you a sample of items I bought during the past few months, with the realization that by simply checking and taking note of the prices, I can save a few hundreds along the way, parking fee included!

Receipts from all 4 supermarkets

I will try to update this list with more goods and comparative prices, so check back from time to time. :)

I love to know your thoughts.  If you also have grocery-shopping tips, and list of items with comparative prices, do share them here too!

Check out some of featured grocery items from my Mom-Grocer posts.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
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I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!

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