Why Kids Need to Play for Real and Importance of Sensory Play

Having digital natives in our home, plus a techie daddy, make it really challenging to reintroduce organic games and active play, just like the games we used to play as kids. Gadgets have become a part of our daily lives so we are not depriving them of that. I can't even stop myself from using my gadgets, that's why I don't think I can tell them to stop either. But there is always a time for everything, and our kids know that. We all recognize the value of playing for real. Active sensorial play enhances a child's holistic development. That's a fact.

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Chef for a Day at Global Academy Cooking Workshop

One Saturday afternoon, nag-feeling chef ako...feeling lang.  =) It was an exciting, exhausting, yet super fun learning experience being in a professional kitchen with some of my fellow SoMoms. We have to thank Global Academy for this unique cooking workshop especially prepared for us. It was definitely a kitchen adventure for the six of us who took the cooking challenge.

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My Scott's MOMAZING Moments

It's still the month of May so I shall continue to celebrate motherhood with this special feature about one of my more memorable Mother's Day. This year, I was invited to be one of the guest moms at Scott's MOMAZING event to share some special moments I've had with my children. It's not everyday that I get interviewed by celebrity moms, and in a very public setting pa! =) So indulge me as I share my experience here.

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Fun Cooking Session with the Dole Chef Moms

I consider myself a struggling (lazy) home cook. I can say I know my way around the kitchen and happy to be able to whip up simple dishes in minutes. But the main challenge is to come up with dishes that are considered healthy and will also gain family's approval. I always welcome new ideas and tried-and-tested recipes from family and friends. That's why, when I was invited to be a part of the Dole Chef Mom Program, I quickly accepted. Why? First, I do buy Dole products for my family, and second, I'll be learning new dishes with my friends who share the same belief that cooking and preparing meals should be easy, fun, and healthy for the family.

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Family Friday: Cherished Holiday Gatherings

Second Friday of the month:  Friendship / Family

I love the holiday season.  I think all of us do, even if it's also quite stressful. Christmas is our favorite time of the year because of the festive mood, and bonus of having a cooler weather. It's when family members near and far come together, old and new friends wine and dine, children are showered with loads of presents, and a time for more generosity and thanksgiving.

With my oldest and best-est friends -- together since 1988!

We've only been into the first week of the new year, which means I still have a holiday hangover, heeheehee...it's just so hard getting out of bed when the weather is still chilly, and erasing the Christmas mood while our tree is still up (yes, until Chinese New Year)! Maybe next week I'll be back to "normal". Maybe. =)

Blogging mamas... real friends online and offline

Anyhoo, since I'm just easing back into blogging, I just wanted to share this short post on memorable moments with friends and loved ones over the holidays.

With our friends and family, it's all about spontaneity and simple get-togethers. No frills. It's really what I treasure most during this time of the year -- enjoying the company of people near and dear to me, reconnecting with old friends, or having a rare chance to get together with those who live across the seas.

With my balik-bayan cousins

With J's friends and our growing families 

Who had the most fun during the break?  These four kids!

I think this last holiday break was the busiest and most fun for them, having spent more time together playing, going on outdoor adventures, having a sleep-over, and trying new things -- like doing a song and dance number during our new year's eve dinner! That's something to look forward to, hopefully every year na!

How about you, what are your cherished moments during the recent holidays? =)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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10 Tips to Travel Safe and Save Fuel

We don't travel as much as we want to, but we try to have at least one out-of-town trip a year. This year, I was very fortunate to be able to bring my family down south for mini stay-cations and our recent Oreo Halloween Trip and Treats party in Tagaytay. All these road trips happened within the span of just four weeks! That said, it's critical that our vehicle is in tip-top shape with a full tank of gas, and we followed some travel and fuel-efficiency tips I'm sharing here with you.

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Halloween Trip and Treats Party Planning

It's the Halloween weekend and I'm sure there will be a lot of spooky-fun revelries around the globe. As I've mentioned in my past Halloween posts, we never really prepare for this event since it's not traditionally celebrated in my family. My kids only joined the fun at school parades or when they invited to go trick-or-treating. Anyhow, my boy and I just had our most memorable Halloween party yet, courtesy of Oreo!

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Blogs, Brands and Bloggers

"Social media is your family and friends without boundaries of time and space." That's coming from well-respected journalist and Rappler.com CEO, Maria Ressa, during last month's round table discussion (starstruck moment) with her and a few of my fellow SoMoms. We talked about about ethics in social media, relationship with brands, opened up on good and bad practices, our values and personal experiences as bloggers / online publishers, and how we can be a responsible netizen and a positive influence through our presence on social media. Blogging is not that simple after all.

In line with what Maria said, I believe that a blog is an extension of the blogger's lifestyle and personality. This is my own personal space in the world wide web where I get to communicate and engage with people around the globe, connect and keep in touch with friends and family. My blog always reflects my values and interests. 

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How to Make Oreo Bento Meals

Making bento for the first time was tedious, but fun. I can't think of any other word to describe how our Better Me session went yesterday -- it's just pure fun! My girl would agree with me too. The bonding activity was something different, creative, exciting, and pretty edible! =)  I'm too eager to share with you how we crafted our first #OreoBento meals, so here's a simple tutorial with tips and tricks I picked up from the workshop.

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Win a Trip to Universal Studios in Hollywood with Oreo Transformers

My family is still on an #OreoTransformers
 high. Last June 27, I had an awesome #OreoBetterTogether movie date with my parents as we were treated by Oreo to an exclusive screening of Transformers: Age of Extinction.  Meanwhile, my kids are enjoying the limited edition Oreo Transformers cookie flavors and collecting the stickers.  Oreo also launched the experience of a lifetime contest where a family of 4 can win an all-expense paid trip to Universal Studios, Hollywood, USA!

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Kid-Style: Paddington Bear™ Meets babyGap

Paddington bear was found by Mr. and Mrs. Brown at the Paddington Station in London. He's a very curious and polite bear, and loves going on adventures. Paddington wears an old bush hat, a hooded blue duffle coat fastened with wooden toggles, and sometimes, with a pair of Wellington boots.  Do you know the story of the Paddington Bear™?

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Mom-Friday OOTD: Blues and Stripes

I'm happy to be sharing with you my current favorite look for the second OOTD blog post, naks!!! =) Ever since I got this blue and white striped blouse, I think I've been wearing it almost every other week, hahaha... that's how much I like it!

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Mom-Finds: Cocktail and Formal Dresses from Karimadon

Last Friday of the month:  Shopping / Fashion

Are you looking for an elegant cocktail dress?
Do you need a formal evening gown in a few days?
Are you on a look-out for classic versatile pieces you can dress up for a special occasion?

Look no further -- Karimadon carries an extensive selection of beautiful party dresses for every occasion at friendly prices!

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How To Plan Summer Activites For Kids

"Ok, swimming for me!"
"I want drums."
"I like guitar better."
"I think I'll try ice skating."

The boy is 10 and the girl is 7. At this stage, they are more curious and more open to try new things. As coach Pia Acevedo advised, we have to let the child explore their talents before they reach high school.  Since summer season is about to start, it's time to map out how the kids can have a meaningful vacation time.

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New Year Pedi from Nail It! Salon - S&R Shaw

Before the holiday season, I was already planning on having some pampering session for myself and J.  We've been wanting to have a massage to de-stress and ease our body pains. Too bad for us, it never happened.  For my part, my feet were screaming for a pedicure since November.  I ended up doing it myself.  After new year, I was finally able to book a decent foot spa and pedi from the newly opened Nail It! Salon S&R branch along Shaw.

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Family Friday: How to Build the Self-Esteem of Children

Second Friday of the month:  Kids / Parenting

"Self-esteem of a parent affects the self-esteem of the child." - Coach Pia Acevedo

In our previous #BetterMe session with the SoMoms, we discussed parenting as a team where we had to analyze our own parenting styles and assess how we have have matured as a parent.  One of the main indicators is learning to provide a healthy space for your child to develop into the best individual they can be (and not a shadow of what the parents need and want).  As a follow up to that topic, here are ways on how to boost our kids' self-esteem.   

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More to Love with Mustela Bébé Reformulation

I used to think baby's skin don't need any form of moisturizers, as long as the skin care products are mild and hypoallergenic.  Their skin is already soft and supple, right?  Well, babies' skin is thin, sensitive, and dries easily.  More importantly, studies revealed that a newborn's skin has a reserve of stem cells! All the more we need to care and protect babies' skin.  This is where Mustela's new formulation can help.

During an intimate brunch for bloggers and media friends last month, I was introduced to the "rebirth" of Mustela, with their new patented ingredient that makes its products even more beneficial for babies' skin.  I've already shared with you why my kids and I love Mustela here.  We continue to use their shampoo, cologne, and emollients especially for our dry skin plagued with atopic dermatitis. Now, there's more to love with their reformulated skin care lines.

"Mustela, the expert on baby’s skin for 63 years, have now discovered that a newborn’s skin contains a rich cellular resource:  a reserve of stem cells at its highest potential at birth, yet remains extremely vulnerable during the first few years of life.  The scientific team at Expanscience Laboratories found an active ingredient capable of supporting the development of the barrier function and protecting the reserve of cells against day-to-day stresses."

Avocado Perseose® is the new active ingredient of Mustela Bébé and Mustela Sun Protection products.  What it does:

• Stimulates the production of the skin barrier’s key elements to promote its development and function.
• Protects the skin’s cellular reserve, Avocado Perseose® acts as a shield against daily external stresses, directly protecting the original cells.  Safely preserved, this cellular resource can continue to play its role of restoring and maintaining the overall balance in the skin throughout life.

Ms. Sharleen Cu-Unjieng shares the good news about natural active ingredient Avocado Perseose, exclusive to Mustela

Avocado Perseose® is exclusive to Mustela. It "protects baby's skin today and for tomorrow". I highly recommend these amazing skin care lines for babies.  I hope it's not too late for my big babies, heehee! My brother is expecting another baby this summer, so I'll surely send over some Mustela Bébé for the new bébé  in the family. =)

Aside from it's new patented ingredient, their products remain to be:

• Mild and Hypoallergenic
• Does NOT contain: SLS, paraben, phenoxyethanol, phthalate, EDTA, genetically modified plant extract, chlorphenesin, alcohol, etc.
• Naturalness: at least 92% of ingredients are from natural origins, on the average
• Socially responsible: Environment-friendly process used to design Mustela products, from supply and production to distribution and disposal

Mustela Bebe line

With Mustela's history and continuous dedication to babies' skin care, the innovative brand remains a top choice for discerning moms that only want the best for our kids, from birth onwards.  Here I am, in the company of Mustela-loving moms enjoying brunch, with our hosts Tammy (standing) and Sharleen (in white coat) of Pharmasafe Inc. (Mustela Philippines).

That's me on the left, with (l-r) Jenny Ong, Janice Villanueva, Tammy Tancinco, Shaleen Cu-Unjieng, Rome Kanapi, Ianne Evangelista, Michelle Aventajado, Christine Dychiao, and Jackie Go.

Mustela products are available here:
Stand Alone Kiosks: Alabang Town Center, Ayala Trinoma, Glorietta 4, Greenhills - The Shops, Robinson's Ermita, Shangrila Mall, SM Megamall-A,  SM Mall of Asia.
Shop-In-Shop: Rustan's Dept. Store, Landmark Dep't. Store, Mothercare, Numa Eco Baby Store, Medela House, Pure Beauty, and Chimes Dep't. Store - Davao.

Mustela is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Pharmasafe Inc.
For more inquiries: mustelaphilippines@yahoo.com
www.mustela.ph
Mustela Hotline 0917-8959988
Facebook:  Mustela Philippines

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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New Look, New Scent from Our Human Nature Favorites

Bath time for my kids has always been enjoyable and pleasant. The only issue they usually have is who goes first and where - shower or bath tub.  Ever since they were toddlers, head-to-toe liquid body wash have been their preferred form of cleanser.  We've been using different brands alternately, and one of our favorites is Human Nature.

SRP : Php 44.75 / 50ml; Php129.75 / 200ml; Php 289.75 / 500ml

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How to Build a Healthier Relationship with Your Partner

Second Friday of the month: Family Life / Marriage

I forgot when was the last time I wrote about marriage here.  Since it's Family Friday, I think it's the perfect time to share what I've learned from our SoMoms #BetterMe session last month conducted by Coach Pia Acevedo of One Core.  The talk was about building healthier relationships with our partner and children.  I'll focus on the partner portion for today.

 

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Lara's Little Skin Secret is Out -- Bio-Oil Now in the Philippines

It was a night of surprises and lots of mom-talk during an intimate affair I attended last Thursday.  My blogger friends and I had the pleasure of meeting the stunning beauty queen/actress and first-time-mom Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz who shared with us her experiences as a mom, wife, and even her beauty secrets.

Aside from meeting lovely Lara, our evening was made extra special when it was announced that we'll be having wine tasting and food pairing!  We were served Lebanese and Spanish dishes from The Wine Museum, and no less than the owner and wine connoisseur Ronald Joseph shared his expertise -- it was wine appreciation 101 for most of us.  That was my first time to visit the place and also my first wine tasting session, so I was really excited to eat, drink, and be merry! =)

From glass swirling, smelling and sipping, to food pairing, I'd say all of us left with a better appreciation and knowledge of the variety of wines.  I did not finish my tasting portions but I was already red as a beet! =)  

The relaxed setting was just perfect for all of us to enjoy each other's company.  It was like a moms' night out, and we were laughing and chatting away about motherhood joys and challenges, pregnancy and breastfeeding blues, to diets and beauty tips from the beauty queen herself.  Would you believe that Lara admitted to us about having stretch marks due to pregnancy?!

Towards the end of our wonderful dinner, as wine kept flowing, the final surprise of the evening arrived. It's the reason why we're all gathered that night, thanks to Aspen Philippines.  Lara's little skin secret has been revealed... Bio-Oil is the little miracle worker on her "battle scars" from pregnancy.

What is Bio-Oil?

Bio‑Oil is formulated with plant extracts and vitamins, and contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, making it light and non-greasy.  It also ensures that the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts is easily absorbed by the skin.

Bio‑Oil is a specialist skincare oil that helps improve appearance of:

• scars
• stretch marks
• uneven skin tone
• aging skin
• dehydrated skin

SRP @ PhP 495 / 60ml

When we asked how Lara went back to pre-pregnancy form, she said she went on a fitness and body care regimen with a popular slimming center, and then she started using Bio-Oil on her tummy.  After almost 2 months, she reported a marked improvement on the texture and color of the skin on her belly. She now swears by Bio-Oil and is proud to be it's brand endorser.

Bio-Oil can be applied on specific body parts, and also for the face.  Even Lara's husband uses it as his facial moisturizer!

I went through C-section twice, and although I was lucky to escape stretch marks, my scar from the operation is still there plus some dark spots and uneven skin tone.  I have now started to apply Bio-Oil after every shower, and even tried it on my face.  Bio-Oil is very light, non-greasy, and leaves a pleasant scent.  A small drop goes a long way.  I have to thank Aspen Philippines for making me a part of this unique experience with fellow blogging mamas and for tapping me to share this breakthrough product through my blog.  Bio-oil is one skin secret that deserves to be shared to everyone, especially for mothers like me.

"Bio‑Oil has won 135 skincare awards and has become the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product in 16 countries since its global launch in 2002." 

Learn more about Bio-Oil at www.bio-oil.com or email: laraslittleskinsecret@yahoo.com.ph.
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/biooilPH
Twitter Page:  twitter.com/BioOilPH
You Tube: Aspen Philippines YouTube Channel
Bio-Oil is distributed by Aspen Philippines, Inc. and is now available at leading drugstores and supermarkets (Mercury Drug Stores and Watsons nationwide).

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
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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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