It is always the season for skin care and sun protection

Besides being the season to be merry, 'tis also the season to be healthy starting with your skin. Harmful elements don't stop being harmful during summer. Read on up and learn more about how to protect your skin all-year round!

It is always the season for skin care and sun protection

Taking care of your skin during the holidays

With the holidays fast-approaching come the different how-to-dos on surviving this merry yet frenzied season. These range from managing work and play, recovering from a dreadful hangover, getting back into shape, but nothing focuses on how the stress of the season actually affects your skin.

Imagine having parties lined on your social calendar for the week, but then you suddenly wake up with flared-up skin one morning. What a nightmare! Due to excessive celebrations, sleepless nights, exposure to harsh elements and the holiday stress, it’s the time of the year where puffy eyes, tired-looking skin and breakouts appear more than usual. What do you do when your skin gets the holiday blues?

Cleanse and moisturize. Make sure you cleanse and prep your face properly before hitting the sack. The all-time, no-no rule of sleeping with your makeup on still tops the list. And if the colder weather begins to dry out your skin, double up the potency of your current moisturizer by switching to a richer version. After all, nothing says happy holidays more than having healthy skin in time for all the celebrations!    

Exfoliate weekly. Partying all night means you tend to reapply make up more frequently than usual. Through gentle exfoliation, you can clear the impurities in your pores plus scrub off dead skin cells that may lead to breakouts.

Use cold packs. Alcohol and sodium dilate the blood vessels, and consuming them in large amounts before bed causes puffy eyes due to water retention. Cold packs can constrict the blood vessels, reducing the flow of liquid into soft tissue. Also, try sleeping with your head elevated to reduce the bloat in your eyes.

Apply sunscreen daily. Repeat. Every single day. If you still think that sunscreen products are only useful during the summer season, then it’s about time you reconsider. Dermatologists have long revealed the ultimate secret to keeping skin as healthy as possible through daily use of sunscreen.

Daylong, from the makers of Cetaphil, is a new sun care range that advocates the use of sun protection every day. Accumulated skin damage from daily sun exposure causes your skin to lose its suppleness and moisture, and ultimately results to premature skin aging.  Daylong is clinically proven to protect the skin from UVA, UVB and IR radiation down to the cellular level which is crucial in preventing long-term damage.

  

Keeping your skin healthy is a tough job, especially during this season when the level of stress and distraction is higher. Maintain your skin’s radiance in spite of the holiday rush by noting in mind these practical tips – and perhaps make it a year-round habit.

Daylong sunscreen products are available in Watson’s and SM Department Store branches with Watson’s, and in Mercury Drug branches. For more information, visit www.Daylong.ph, LIKE DaylongPH on Facebook and follow @DaylongPH on Twitter and Instagram.

From Long Workdays to Long Drives

Keeping yourself a​ctive and alert especially that the holiday season is near is really a challenge.​ Good to know that Cobra Energy Drink is here to ​help us sustain our energy.

Pulling off an all-nighter is not always a good idea, but when you’re in circumstances that call for it, you forge on, keep on trucking, and do what you have to do, whatever it takes. Whether it's long workdays that require less to no sleep but more mental and physical tasks, or long drives that demand full focus and attention, your mind and body should be ready for battle.

In conditions when you’re expected to accomplish more within a limited period, here are simple life hacks to get you going - either with minimum or with downright lack of sleep - and going while doing it right.

If you know an all-nighter is coming up, load up on the right snacks by cutting out the carbs, and going for protein. Skipping meals won’t do you good since your body needs fuel for the night. But carbo-loading won’t help since its short-time effects make you doze off. Go for beef, shrimp, or even eggs, and drop that bag of potato chips. If you need snacks to munch on, a bag of peanuts, walnuts, and almonds are good alternatives.

 

If your snacks are not enough to keep you awake, take a nap. Harvard Medical School reveals that naps can bring more productivity to the workplace, and at home, too. Napping, based on research, makes people more effective problem solvers and allows for better retention of information. Plan a 20-to-30-minute nap in a dark, quiet place, which is just the right amount of time needed for a brain boost.

 

This may seem counterintuitive, but caffeine is your best friend especially when paired before a nap. It takes 20 minutes before caffeine is absorbed by your body so a quick buzz before a nap maximizes your alertness level.

 

Coffee is not the only source of caffeine, as one bottle of energy drink is equivalent to one cup – but only with added value. To keep you through the night, grab an energy drink like Cobra, which contains world-class, pharma-grade quality ingredients.

Cobra not only pumps up your energy; it also supplies your body with vitamins to help your brain maintain its focus and alertness. It also contains Ginseng for improved cognition, and to manage stress in the body; Taurine for mental alertness; and Inositol for healthy metabolism, with good effects in nervous system modulation. To add, Cobra Smart has Ginkgo Biloba, which aids in brain function for better memory and cognitive speed. However, moderate drinking is advisable when taking energy drinks, as anything in excess is not good for the body.

Just remember that once the all-nighter task has been completed, it is important to get enough sleep for recovery. Nothing can replace a well-rested mind and body to effectively perform any given activity, whether it be work or leisure.

About Cobra
Cobra is the Philippines’ number one and best-selling energy drink, powering Filipinos to be extraordinary. It contains world-class quality ingredients like B Group-Vitamins sourced from Qualiblends, the world's leading supplier of pharma-grade vitamins, as well as ginseng, taurine, inositol and other ingredients to help Filipinos achieve more in a single day, everyday. It has several variants to serve different energy needs, namely: Cobra Original for instant energy, Cobra Fit with ActivBurn technology plus L-Carnitinefor Power Fitness, Cobra Smart with ginkgo bilobafor Power Thinking, Cobra Defense with Vitamins A to E and Zinc for Power Immunity and Cobra Berry for that Power Rush.(For more information on Cobra visitwww.facebook.com/cobraphilippines.)

Water You Waiting For?

Throughout the day, we are constantly losing water from our bodies due strenuous activities, warm weather, & other factors. Our bodies are made up of roughly 60% water, so majority of our systems is affected when we do not get proper water intake.

Drinking enough water maintains the body’s fluid balance, helping with the distribution of nutrients, regulation of body temperature, digestion of food, and more. For this reason, medical professionals suggest drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Aside from being one of our basic needs, the benefits of proper hydration are endless.

Brain booster. Our brains are made up of around 80% water so it is vital to stay hydrated in order to stay alert, manage stress levels, and help us focus better.[1] A study in London suggests that students who bring water into exam rooms get better grades, suggesting that it promotes clearer thinking.[2]

Relieves fatigue and headaches.[3] Dehydration also often results in headaches and fatigue. Drinking enough water can help refresh and relieve your body, aiding your organs to function better.

Promotes healthy skin. Adequate water consumption helps moisturize and replenish skin tissues resulting in softer and younger-looking skin. It also helps flush out the toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes, giving us clearer and smoother skin.

Keeps things flowing. Water not only aids food move through your digestive system, it also keeps your intestines smooth and flexible, preventing constipation. It also helps reduce the risk of kidney stones by diluting salts, minerals, and other wastes.

Proper distillation of drinking water safely removes all contaminants, making it a top drink of choice. Moms all over the country are keeping their families healthy and safely hydrated with Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water. Ensuring that their families get only the best, they choose the only local brand with an international certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Located in Michigan, USA, NSF is an independent organization recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) that is accredited to test, audit, and certify products and systems meeting safety and health standards. With NSF’s vote of confidence, moms and their families can say cheers to good health with every glass of Absolute.

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About Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water

Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water is certified and approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs for meeting the country’s highest and strictest bottled drinking water standards. The #1 most trusted brand by moms, it is a member of the International Bottled Water Association, and is also the first and currently the only brand in the country to receive a National Sanitation Foundation certification. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/AbsoluteDistilledWater.

Y&R Philippines Releases Latest Study on Filipino Attitudes

Leading advertising agency Y&R Philippines recently conducted a study that aims to understand two generations that brands want to connect with nowadays - the Potentials (18-35 years old, also known as "Millennials"), & the Powers (36-60 years old, next generation of leaders & consumers). Read on to learn more about the similarities & differences of these two groups & how this information can help Y&R & their brands adapt to their markets' needs.

Y&R Philippines Releases Latest Study on Filipino Attitudes

Cites Viralnihan as a Multi-generational Driving Force

(Manila, Philippines) Two years ago, Y&R Advertising, one of the world’s leading advertising agencies, conducted a landmark study to explore what drove a generation that brands have been trying hard to connect with: millennials. However, millennials as depicted in popular media are different in Asia – they are exposed to economic, cultural, and social norms that are markedly dissimilar to their Western counterparts. For Y&R, it made more sense to define these 18-to-35-year-olds as Generation Asia Potential, the next generation of leaders and consumers.

In 2014, Y&R expanded its study to include Generation Asia Power. Aged between 36 and 60, they are established, the current set of movers. Exploring 16 life topics ranging from love to media to travel, Y&R immersed itself where these two generations gathered, discovering where both diverged, and surprisingly, converged.

Says Mary Buenaventura, President/CEO of Y&R Philippines, “Despite the media barrage on the difference between the two generations, our study found an intersection that cut across the gap. We call this Grassroots Culturalism, which is a resurgence of interest in our local culture, but with a twist. Being Filipino now is a celebration of the everyday – from the neighborhood hole in the wall to the global footprint of sports and fashion icons. This convergence evolved the traditional Filipino value of ‘bayanihan’ or the spirit of communal unity, into Viralnihan, a digital explosion that shattered the boundaries of the traditional generation gap.”

Around 85% of both GenAsia Potential and GenAsia Power showed a distinct positive attitude about their personal future. Given the age difference, 93% of the former are looking forward to achievements that improve the lives of people, while 78% of the latter felt they have contributed positively to society.

The two generations also share similarities in terms of investment outlook, coming at the heels of the country’s first investment-grade rating. 75% of GenAsia Potential and 91% of GenAsia Power are on investment mode, differing only in type. The former focus on passionate investments that reflect their interests, while the latter focus on stability for the long term. The similarity extends to clothing as well, with over 80% on both sides valuing personal style over clothing labels, and even local designers and influencers over international names.

Meanwhile, on the thorny subject of love, the divide is more discernible, with 91% of GenAsia Power seeing marriage as a lifelong commitment and 86% of GenAsia Potential seeing marriage as dependent on mutual happiness. The difference is attributed to the younger cohort’s exposure to a more Western influence, moving away from traditional beliefs to more individual values.

 “Understanding what unites and divides these two generations – GenAsia Potential and GenAsia Power – drove us to expand Y&R’s GenAsia study,” concludes Buenaventura. “By unraveling attitudes and perceptions, Y&R, and the brands we work with, are more able to adapt to the varying needs of society and the fast-changing pace in which our message is delivered. Discovering a thread that unites GenAsia Potential and Power – Grassroots Culturalismamplified through Viralnihan – was refreshing and something that the nation can be proud of. “

Summit Water New Packaging to Save 1.5M Tons in CO2

350 ml and 500 ml bottle caps to have less plastic

 Summit Natural Drinking Water, in its continuing effort to inspire Filipinos to thirst for more, has reached for a new goal – to lower its carbon footprint. In a simple but effective packaging change, Summit 500 ml and 350 ml bottles now sport a more streamlined cap that saves almost 500,000 tons of manufactured PET a year.

This is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by 3.7 million trees, or removing over 100,000 cars from the road for one year. The initiative is part of Summit Water’s latest campaign – Thirst for More, by defying limits, stepping out of comfort zones, and going beyond the norm. By being conscious of the environment, Summit Water has upped its game, encouraging Filipinos to do the same.

Says Abe Cipriano, AVP for Marketing, Non-Alcoholic Beverages at Asia Brewery, “Thirst for more is about pushing your boundaries and finding new ways to one-up yourself. For Summit Natural Drinking Water, this small change has a great positive effect on the environment, and ultimately, on all of us. We encourage everyone to start with small steps to achieve even bigger goals.”

The Secret to Taking The Plunge? Confidence!

Living the life you’ve always dreamed of begins with confidence. If you feel that it’s the one thing you’re missing, here are a few steps that will help you gain self-assurance.

Know your strengths and weaknesses. Confidence comes from knowing who you are, which means being able to determine both your strengths and weaknesses. By being in touch with both, you can make better life choices. This is also a good gauge on things you need to improve on and work hard at, helping you create a better version of yourself which you can be proud of.

Expect your success. Pessimism is not just draining: it also undermines your performance. Expecting the worst possible outcome can dampen your spirits and make you more worrisome rather than hopeful. Choosing to think that the outcome will be positive and successful helps in building your confidence.

Take risks. Ironically, taking risks helps develop us into becoming better people. There’s no confidence found in doing the same things over and over again. We develop who we are by doing things that we don’t naturally do. By overcoming things that used to scare us, we develop a stronger sense of self, something needed in becoming more confident.

Confidence also comes from having a strong support system, like your friends and family. A longtime partner of risk-takers everywhere who like taking the plunge is Nestea in a Bottle.

Nestea’s convenient, easy-to-bring bottle makes it easy to go from one adventure to another without any hassle. Coming in three exciting flavors of Apple, Lemon Ice, and Lemon, there’s one for all kinds of risk-taking adventures.

When Your Second Time Seems Like the First Time...

This week, my body's new resident enters his/her 10th week and is doing good in making me feel sleepy all day and sleepy all night which leaves the house and the work late on due. I actually have a valid reason to just lay there and read a book.

This is not my first time but I could vouch now that every pregnancy sure is uniquely special. I think it's easier and harder for the second time. Easier because you kinda have a clue of what's to expect and harder because before it's the baby inside, the house and the work. Now it's the baby inside, the house, the work, and the toddler, who can't stop himself from running around. Ha! Twists like these makes me smile and cringe at the same time, I am loving this roller coaster ride of life called motherhood!

To make this expansion of our nuclear family extra extra special, I'll end up this post with a little giveaway.

I will be giving away one spiral Belle de Jour Power Planner 2015 which includes a Perks of a Bella booklet, a BDJ Lifestyle card and stickers inside. I've been a BDJ bella for a couple of years now and it did help me organize my chaotic lifestyle being a freelance work-at-home mom without any helper.

This giveaway will run for 10 days, is open to all Philippine residents and is of legal age. Minors should have permission from their guardian.

Mandatory rules:
Subscribe to "The Chronicles of a Young Wife" 1point

Like "The Chronicles of a Young Wife" on Facebook 1point

Comment below Name and Your guess if its a boy or a girl. Any pretty advice is welcome too! ^_^ 1point

That's it your done! But if you want more chances of winning here are the

Additional Points:

Like GeriLen on Facebook 5points

like Gerilen Elizabeth boutique 5points
Follow GeriLen on Twitter 5points
Follow GeriLen on Instagram 5points
Subscribe to Elinessete 10points

Comment on any Elizabeth post on Elinessete 10points - daily
Comment on any of our previous posts 10points - daily

To make things easier, enter your entries on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: Prize in this giveaway is not sponsored. Don't forget to Comment below Name and Your guess if its a boy or a girl. I will announce the winner on IG, Twitter and FB page and will ship the prize on the 28th.

Since I'm not yet sure if it's a boy or a girl, I will also add surprises to the prize! Woohoo! Hope you enjoy this small giveaway as much as I do. :)

***UPDATE***
Giveaway extended until December 26th! Announcement of winner will be on the 27th and the winner will have 24hours to respond. Prizes to be shipped on the 27th or the 28th. :)

Enjoy Even More Sunkist Saya at Mini Stop

Your day is about to get better with Sunkist Carbonated Juice Drink’s price off promo in all Ministop outlets. Save P6.00 when you buy Sunkist CJ in 330ml afford saya bottle, available in Orange and Apple flavors. Pair it with your favorite snacks or meals, and enjoy the Sunkist Saya experience, anytime, anywhere!

 Promo runs from November 10 to January 04 only, so hurry and visit any Ministop branch near you.

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 About Sunkist CJ (Carbonated Juice) Drink

SUNKIST CJ is a carbonated juice drink that offers full-flavored, real fruit taste that everybody can enjoy anytime, anywhere. It has real juice and immunity booster vitamin D, and it comes in three flavors - Orange, Lemonade, and Apple. The product also bears the Sunkist name - a brand which started more than a hundred years ago in the US, and has built a strong heritage when it comes to producing high quality oranges and juice. 

Puree Love: Feeding Your Baby the Healthiest Way

The transition between milk to solid food is a fun time for mommies everywhere. It’s the perfect time to experiment with fruits and vegetables as you slowly introduce new food groups to your child. When it comes to feeding babies, mommies have long relied on pureed fruits and vegetables to get the job done. Below are some age-appropriate mommy puree favorites for every stage.

 

Baby applesauce for 4 months and above [1]. With just the right amount of baby apples and a reliable food processor or blender, you can let your little one enjoy the many benefits of apples. Babies love its sweet taste while enjoying the abundance of vitamin C and fiber.

 

Avocado puree for 4 months and above. Avocado is a quick-serve fix that requires no cooking. Packed with Omega-3, avocado is best served with fresh banana puree.

 Plum puree for 6 months and above. Plum is a favorite because it’s a natural defense against constipation, a problem most babies encounter. The fiber-filled puree’s sweet and tart flavors will be something that your little one will surely enjoy.

 Blueberry puree for 6 months and above. Blueberry is nature’s greatest antioxidant and also happens have a very sweet taste that your baby will love. It can be enjoyed in different ways as you partner it with different fruits such as bananas, apples, and pears.

 Make sure your purees are safe by using the best ingredients including the water that mothers trust, Absolute Distilled Drinking Water. Certified and approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs for meeting the country’s highest and strictest bottled drinking water standards, moms have long used Absolute both for drinking and in preparing things for the kitchen. With Absolute, you are sure that you are giving your child the best.

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About Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water

Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water is certified and approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs for meeting the country’s highest and strictest bottled drinking water standards. The #1 most trusted brand by moms, it is a member of the International Bottled Water Association, and is also the first and currently the only brand in the country to receive a National Sanitation Foundation certification. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/AbsoluteDistilledWater.

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[1] http://www.parents.com/recipes/baby-food/how-to-fruit-puree/#page=2

Join The Mind Museum This November!

Sharing to you the Mind Museum activities this month of November!

Camping trip and more!

CYW Photo Blog: Tunisair Express

 

Photo Taken By: JEP

Location: Djerba Airport, Tunisia

Launch of the New Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection plus Sugar Acid Neutralizer

Another breakthrough technology had been launched at Manila Marriott Hotel last October 19.

Edmark's Red Yeast Coffee

Red yeast rice, beet root and barley powder - these are what this coffee is made of. Not your ordinary 3-in-1, made from imported premium coffee beans, this is an excellent blend that rejuvenates and revitalizes our body and mind. Perfect for starting the day on a healthy note without compromising our love for caffeine.

"A cup of Healthy Coffee a day keeps the doctor AWAY."

Benefits of Red Yeast Coffee:

1- It reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides

2- It raises levels of good cholesterol

3-It enhances circulation of the blood and digestion

4-It soothes abdominal pain

5-It invigorates the function of the spleen

6-It has anti-oxidant

7-It has anti-aging properties

Deep full-bodied with a complex flavor that is bold and unanticipated. This coffee's intensity has a crisp finish that lingers in your taste buds. You can't help but just get another cup of Red Yeast Coffee.

Although some herbal coffee makes my dad palpitate, it's good to announce that he loves his Red Yeast coffee since he hasn't had sudden acceleration of the heart. ;) I personally enjoy this hot cup right before bedtime, as it sends warm yummy calmness without leaving me up all night.

You could get this at Php355.00 for a box of 20 sticks. Also,this coffee is included on Edmark's Power 4 Healthy Slimming Program that I'll be sharing in a while. Stay tuned! :)

A Pair of Camel

Click photo to enlarge.

Photo Taken by: JEP

Location: Sahara Desert, Djerba, Tunisia, North Africa

XForex

I finally joined the boat of foreign exchange trade with only a limited knowledge about the ferocious sea I'm about to cross. My paddles aren't that big enough and I believe the waves are huge. I'm courageous and I'm nervously patting my back with my hands for the bravery.

Is XForex a scam?

- Is it? I wish they are not as I blindly gave it a shot with my last $100.  I don't really know but I have a hunch that it is not. I found out that they are included in the Top 100 forex broker companies. If you know about XForex, feel free to comment down below.

How to withdraw money?

- I haven't tried withdrawing yet but they are quite strict when it comes to withdrawing as you have to submit legal documents to prove that you are who you really are. That's a thumbs up for me. The agent told me that for the first withdrawal it will usually take 10 days and the succeeding withdrawals will be more or less than a week probably 3 days. I just don't know yet how much is the minimum amount to withdraw. If you know comment down below. If you tried withdrawing your earnings in XForex, share your experience below.

XForex is a broker company that earns from every transaction we (online traders) made, be it selling or buying whatever in the market. The XForex agent told me that as a standard trader, they will be charging me 5pips for every transaction made. I just learned awhile ago that that was too high since other brokers only charge 2-3pips per transaction and since I'm already in, and I'm in the middle of the sea, I might as well go with it. *heavy breathing

For the first day of my voyage, I got an $8.00 profit from buying gold. I didn't know what's the entire story about my very first earning, since I just rely on their support system that's calling me every now and then, (which will may you think that they are scammers but they really are just there to help since almost every one entering forex didn't know a thing about it anyway, right?) I will not say that it was a success, a good deal maybe? I could simply say that that was just a beginner's luck. In a nutshell, I realized that XForex is more like gambling, you could lose the $100.00 you invest or more in a blink of an eye. Owemgee. *nervous laugh

This is an emotional roller coaster ride that as I read from the comments on a blog about XForex usually end up in disaster. I really don't know what boat I jumped in to and I don't want to sink. *heavy breathing

If you know more about how forex is all about, feel free to comment down below. If you are a member of XForex, feel free to share your experiences below, I would really love to read about it, and hopefully encourage me to paddle forward and not get back to the shore. I also would love to think that in here, Patience is a virtue.

Your comments will be very much appreciated. :)

Noob trader,

GeriLen

Absolute Adventures: Activities to Do During Rainy Weather

The rainy weather can bring gloom to any household. Dreary days are often spent in the comforts of home, but that can be dragging, especially for moms who don’t want their kids to spend the whole day glued to their gadgets.

Rainy days no longer have to be a problem for moms, especially with these creative ideas that are sure to take the rainy weather blues away[1].

Engage in can bowling. While some kids can spend the entire day reading or just curling up in bed, most children have energy that just doesn’t allow for a peaceful and quiet afternoon. Mix it up by engaging them in a game of can bowling; all you need are stacked up empty tin cans and a little floor space. This will not only make use of all their energy, but it will create vibrant noise and bonding moments that your house may have been missing for a while.

Create your own little villages. Whether your tot is a boy or a girl, they would surely enjoy their own “personal” space. Allow them to create their own forts using blankets, wooden blocks, or even cardboard boxes. Creating their little villages by making their own forts will also stimulate and creativity in your children that will definitely build a lot of memories.

Set up a puppet theater. Stimulate your child’s imagination even more by engaging them in a puppet show. Put out your old socks and any materials you can find lying around: buttons, old markers, and yarn. Bigger households may even enjoy more than one stage production and be even more exciting.

Have a cook-a-thon. It’s never too early for your kids to get started in the kitchen, especially when you’re around. Make this an exciting activity by first creating a special cookbook and choosing what you want to try cooking for the day. When it comes to cooking special meals, mothers only use the best ingredients including Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water. The only brand in the country to receive a National Sanitation Foundation certification, Absolute is perfect for any moment.

With these tips, surely, the rainy days will bring joy instead of gloom.

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 About Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water

Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water is certified and approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs for meeting the country’s highest and strictest bottled drinking water standards. The #1 most trusted brand by moms, it is a member of the International Bottled Water Association, and is also the first and currently the only brand in the country to receive a National Sanitation Foundation certification. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/AbsoluteDistilledWater.

[1] http://www.momshavequestionstoo.com/how-to-keep-children-happy-on-rainy-days-guest-post/

TGIFriday's "A Taste of America"

In celebration of 20 years of loads of great food and fun, TGIFriday's Philippines takes guests on a culinary journey featuring some of the best dishes across the USA. Have a "Taste of America" until November 30, 2014 and savor new dishes that are popular in Chicago, Kansas and Miami and take pleasure in delicious Southwest comfort food. First up is

 

 Kansas Mashed  Potato Cakes

Taste deep-fried potato cakes that are stuffed with caramelized onions and mixed cheese, further topped with Colby cheese, crisp bacon and drizzled with horseradish cream. It is served with special aioli sriracha dip.

You may get on a road trip Kansas to Florida and discover why the latter is one of America's hot spots. Or you may grab a plate of...

 

Miami Cubano Chicken Stack

Two lightly breaded chicken breasts that are stacked high with shredded mozerella, sliced ham, and stir fry mushrooms to find out why. This all-star Cuban-style fare is drizzled with a lemon cream sauce, garnished with fresh tomato  basil mix ans served with rice pilaf.

Then there's rustic Southwestern cuisine.Start with the...

 

Southwestern Shrimp Caesar Salad  

That has grilled blackened plump shrimps sitting atop a Southwestern salad. This dish is served with a crispy tortilla chips to make the experience more colorful and authentic. Also a must try is...

 

Chicago Braised Pork Belly

Braised pork belly topped with rich brown sauce served with mashed potatoes and sauteed broccoli.

What to partner these American treats? The famous Fridays Mojitos two new flavors! The Chili Pineapple Mojito with mint leaves, Bacardi white rum, fresh sour rocks mix, pineapple juice, simple syrup, lime, chili and soda or the more soothing Apple Cucumber Mojito with mint leaves, Barcadi white rum, fresh apple juice, simple syrup, cucumber, apple slics and soda.

Savor "Taste of America", have a fun dining experience and find out why it's always Friday at TGIFriday's for the last 20 years!
To know more about TGIFriday's, check out:

Facebook - TGIFridaysPhilippines
Twitter and Instagram - @tgifridaysph
Website - www.Fridays.com.ph

Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection plus Sugar Acid Neutralizer

Despite continuing education on the importance of good oral care habits to prevent tooth decay, cavities still affect nearly 100% of adults worldwide. In the Philippines, 9 out of 10 Filipinos suffer from cavities, regardless of age or socio-economic background.

A new standard of care is now introduced that makes a cavity-free future possible by the latest breakthrough technology from Colgate, NEW Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection plus Sugar Acid Neutralizer toothpaste. It is the first and only anti-cavity toothpaste that goes beyond the protection of fluoride that directly fights sugar acids in plaque - the #1 cause of cavities.

A common misconception is that sugar is the main cause of cavities; however any kind of food can be culprits - even healthy food such as fruits and vegetables - due to sugar acids. Sugar acids are created in the mouth when common oral bacteria feed on starchy food residue, causing the acid level in the mouth to rise and enabling sugar acids to attack, therefore weakening the teeth and causing cavities.

A large part of the food in Filipinos' daily diet contains starch like our everyday food staples such as rice, fruits, and even vegetables, which converts into acids that weaken the teeth and eventually cause cavities. The latest breakthrough in cavity protection from Colgate fights cavities in two ways with the unique combination of Sugar Acid Neutralizer and Fluoride. Sugar Acid Neutralizer helps deactivate the sugar acids in plaque making it easier for Fluoride to strengthen and repair the teeth, thus preventing cavity formation.

via

Give your family a chance to be cavity-free with new Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection plus Sugar Acid Neutralizer.

Easy-palit with #HuggiesPantsUp

We used to be okay with ordinary diapers, until he learned how to use his hands to explore...

He always snap out the sticky tabs of his diaper until alas, the sticky part is not sticky anymore and the new diaper is useless. Not if you are ready to snip the sides off and use it on your heavy days, my aunts tried it but I haven't. I'm a tampon-fan but that's another story. The thing is, we started wasting money because of that. Plus the fact that because he is always "on-the-go", he can't wait to get his diaper done before rolling on the side, reach for this and grab that!

I would not change the world, but I did change my baby's diaper according to his needs! And I'm very much thankful to Huggies Dry Pants!

Sleeping

and

playing

is now easy-peasy! Changing diaper is a breeze!

How to change soiled Huggies dry pants?
- Tear both side of the seam, remove and flush the poo on the loo.
- Wrap it up and throw to the bin.

How to change to Huggies dry pants?
-After the above, I let him decide which position he wants, laying or standing.

• When he just want to lay down, I just put my hands inside each hole and gently ease my way up his legs
• When he want to stand up, I just sing him my out-of-tune song of raise his left foot, enter the left hole, raise your right foot, enter the right hole and wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.

Tip: to ease things up, I pull the diaper up by cupping the diaper in my hands inbetween his legs.

- Finally, I adjust the sides, and the elastic waistband to make sure he could play all day, dance all night without leaks or half his butt bun showing. ;)

Emergency Tip: Another tip was when he gets too big for his diaper, I tear a small part of the seam (the one touching his thighs) so he could still feel comfortable for a diaper smaller of his size.

I would like to end this post with videos of our attempt to play and dance to the tune of Huggies Dry Pants Jingle on our makeshift studio aka bed! In these videos, Jerson Clyde is wearing his Huggies Dry Pants, just woke up and wants to jump like the five little monkeys jumping on the bed.

We did had fun! 

Huggies has been helpful for me for the past year and now that I'm expecting another baby on the way, I would definitely be ready with a diaper that is easy to palit, easy pa sa bulsa! ;)

BDJ FAIR 2014 #LiveItUp

My October won't be complete without the BDJ Fair!

BrainFit Philippines

What do we know about the success secret of  top performers in class?

For one, we know the pick up the lessons faster and they remember them more.  Outside of the class setting, top performers in arts or sports also have above average abilities on attention to detail, balance and coordination, speed, among many other traits. These traits are the ones that make the difference between the average and the best!

One class, many minds

In a class where their environment is the same, the teacher is the same – why do some do very well while others don’t? There are several bright, lively children who seem unable to focus in school and are turning in unsatisfactory grades. We also know kids who seem to excel in one subject, say English, but are unable to perform well in others, like Math.  Some children “switch off” or “day-dream” in class when a teacher is giving verbal instructions.

       And as any concerned and loving parent or teacher would, we want the best for our kids and so we enroll them in several after-school  tuition/ enrichment courses.  Fact is, these do help in some cases, but at other times – it’s still the same.

10 hours of “work” during school days

       In the Philippines, children start the day roughly at 6am to get ready for school. School ends between 2-4pm and after that – they still have to go to tutor.

That’s easily 10 hours of “work” during school days.  So, who says “children don’t get stressed”?

A life-changing experience

We walked into BrainFit Studio one afternoon, expecting to find the typical classroom in session, with teachers guiding students in standard tasks.

       Instead, what we saw was that, within the same hour, the children – even those in the same class -  were working on a different exercise as they focused in meeting their own learning needs, at their own pace.

       And it makes complete sense.

“Each individual has a unique brain profile,” according to Ms. Cheryl Chia, Singapore-based clinical physiotherapist and founder of BrainFit Studio. “We assess each brain’s strengthsand weakness with a CognitiveMAP™, an evaluation tool that determines which of your child’s 5 Brain Pillars* need enhancement.”

Here is an example on the importance of evaluation and customization. A child deemed to be “inattentive” and “careless” in school may be displaying these behaviors due to several possibilities. One possibility may be a weakness in the eye coordination muscles (Sensory-Motor Brain Pillar) leading to weak visual focus and missing out of information as a child reads a parangraph or scans a worksheet. This is often picked up as “careless” behavior.When we strengthen the way how knowledge is absorbed, the result is a life-changing experience for the child.

       Snapshot of Brain Fitness Training

In all exercises, there is simultaneous development of skills. For example in SMART Vision, one may be working on his visual attention, visual spatial sense and muscle co-ordination all at the same time. A girl may be asked to jump on the trampoline (muscle coordination training) and focus on the directional arrows on the wall at the same time (visual attention and visual spatial training). The aim: cells that fire together, wire together!

Rewire your brain

In one computer lab, children facing different learning needs were seated individually, working on customized brain training exercise from SMART Listening. A Brain Fitness specialist hovered attentively at each workstation, ready to assist the children if helped was needed.

A mum to a Grade 4 student (left, in photo) shares: “My son has been attending BrainFit since he wasin Grade 2. Then, hewas getting just borderline passes in his subjects. This is his third boosting round (about 40 lessons each round).Ever since attending the sessions here, he has consistently maintained 90 per cent plus for Math.

Apart from class performance, good Sensory-Fitness has helped another child aged 12 to swim her first medal in swimming!  She has been in swimming class for several summer. There’s always a certain ’stroke’ which she can’t quite right. The same summer when she enrolled into SMART Moves – the coach noticed significant improvement on her strokes and she went on to win first medal in swimming that summer.

What are Brain Pillars*?

BrainFit Studio seeks to build in each child the 5 Brain Pillars, which comprise key cognitive abilities that form the foundations for all learning. The Brain Pillars are

• Attention & Memory
• Sensory Motor Coordination
• Auditory & Language Processing
• Visual & Spatial Processing
• Social-Emotional Self-regulation

SMART Learning

All the programmes at BrainFit Studio are run according to the SMART^TM Protocol:

• Set personal objectives;
• Measure with CognitiveMAP^TM,
• Adapt activities to abilities;
• Re-wire through focused practice;
• Transform brain for total performance

Click Photo to Enlarge

For inquires, contact BrainFitStudio^TM at 725,8500, 0917-5991992 or email us at brainfitph@gmail.com