Year-End Round-up: Favorite Finds in 2013

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds / Faves

Mom-Friday's Favorite Finds Year-End Round Up
From food to fashion, these products and services became personal favorites, earned raves from the family, and also got featured on the blog. 

It's the last Friday of 2013 and year three of my round-up of favorite Mom-Finds for the year.  As usual, it was difficult to do a shortlist especially with so many fantastic finds this year! So, here goes my list in no particular order, beginning with my latest find.

Mom-Friday's Favorite Finds 2013

PRODUCTS

Lock & Lock Speed Cook Grill Pan
My latest Mom-Finds for December:  Speed Cook pots and pans
You know I'm all for 15-minute (or less) meals and having the right kitchen tools will help me make that happen. Made with environment-friendly alumina-film coating, non-stick lightweight material, absorbs and spreads heat quickly and evenly.  Hence, Speed Cook promises to cut cooking time in half.  No oil needed too.  The rim of the pots and pans feature a spout for easy pouring, and has rubber covered handles.

It's usage and care is similar to any non-stick pans - you can't leave the pan empty over high heat, don't use any cooking utensils that may scratch surface, use soft sponge for cleaning.  

This grill pan, in particular, has been calling me as soon as I saw it displayed at the store.  Just a word of caution:  the handles can get too hot while cooking so you'd need pot holders to grip.  The base, when turned over, is slightly concave so the oils from your food will run down the grooves going to the sides of the pan where there's a well.  It's perfect for cooking bacon, Korean beef strips, sautéed shrimps, even thin cuts of streak and fillets!

SRP : PhP 1,699.75

I attended the new store opening and launch of Lock & Lock's new collections which include Speed Cook under Cookplus cookware.  I will feature more of their latest lines in another post. Lock & Lock, our favorite food keeper brand, has recently opened it's newest store at Level 6, East Wing of Shangri-la mall, with their holiday sale still ongoing until December 31! 

(Click on the brand/name to read more info and details about each item on the list below.)

CURE Natural Aqua Gel Exfoliant

If I can use it more than twice a week, I would.  Cure makes my dull skin look and feel cleaner, clearer, and healthier in between cleansing and moisturizing.  One of the best skin care products ever!

Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Cream and Lipid Balm

Not just for babies, Mustela's Stelatopia cream is heaven-sent.  My daughter and I occasionally suffer from atopic dermatitis / eczema and we are currently using the Lipid Balm which relieves us from our itchy, scaly spots.

Vapor Soove

This is our nighttime companion when attacked with coughs and colds.  The cool, soothing, minty vapor gives instant relief for our stuffy nose and headache.

Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara

After discovering how amazing this makes my lashes look, my eyes now feel naked without a coat or two of this lash-lengthening mascara! Doing this extra step to my basic make-up routine makes a big difference for my chinky eyes.

Elin Clothing

Basic, understated, comfortable women's clothing.  I love their casual tees and cool maxi dresses. I'm a happy customer and blog affiliate of Elin.

FOOD

Biscoff Spread (cookie butter)

My foodie list will not be complete without this sweet spread that swept the country by storm early this year - the cookie butter! Biscoff by Lotus is my top choice over other brands of cookie butter spreads.

Milkbox Hokkaido Cupcake

I've only posted about this latest foodie addiction to this cupcake on Instagram.  I have to buy at least 1 dozen each time since the boy and the girl are also hooked on these light, fluffy, creamy cupcakes.  I even displayed and served these cupcakes at my boy's 10th birthday recently.

SERVICES / ESTABLISHMENTS

Taste Central Online Shopping
Ever since I discovered Taste Central last summer, I've been regularly shopping for an assortment of goods - from food to toys, to home and women's items.  I really like the premium selection on offer.

The Fun Farm in Sta. Elena

Hands down the favorite outdoor recreation destination of the kids this year.  They can't get enough of the cute animals and various activities that await them at the farm.  No boring moment here! I also included Fun Farm in our list of places to visit this holiday break.

Do you have your favorite finds from the blog?

* * *

With the highs and lows as a blogger, I am counting all my blessings in 2013:
THANKFUL for the online community that has become my support group even offline; for the unwavering support and trust of readers and sponsors even beyond the blog; and for the encouragement of family and friends who continue to inspire me to share my journey and discoveries as a homemaker - from the mundane to the fascinating kinds. =)

2013 has been a roller coaster ride!

I plan to make My Mom-Friday bigger and better for you this 2014.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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