Sunday, May 22, 2016

Reading is a good habit for children to learn at an early age. From the first few months after birth, babies greatly benefit when their parents read to them. As the child goes into the toddler stage, they learn to appreciate a storybook. The habit of reading has been proven to help increase a child's academic aptitude.

However, what if you notice your child struggling with reading and comprehension? They may not openly admit, but their report cards would show it. If the parents find this frustrating, it is even more frustrating for the child.

As parents, we only want the best for our children. Helping them to reach their dreams is our penultimate goal. 

Where do we start?

Start at the core - help them improve their reading and comprehension skills. Once this has been achieved, the child will have more confidence in themselves and excel in other academic subjects too. 

I understand that we need to make a living and run a household, which leaves not enough time for us to sit down and help a child improve his reading ability. An option is to hire a tutor. But that would burn a big hole in the budget. We can also check downloadable apps to encourage a child to read, however, most of them are not interactive, which makes the child lose interest.

Have you heard of Reading Buddy Software™? If not, then read on.

"Reading Buddy Software™ is advanced speech recognition technology that listens, responds, and teaches as your child reads. It’s like having a tutor in your computer"

How does it work? Watch this:



Amazing, huh?

Reading Buddy Software™ improves reading fluency through repetition. It listens and responds when your child reads. It is user friendly and highly interactive. A child can navigate through the program and earn "prizes" for a job well done.

The stories are fun and engaging, making it easy for the child to be eager and interested to keep on reading. Their reading and comprehension skills will definitely show marked improvement in as little as three months!


This summer, give your child a gift that would give them a brighter future. Purchase the Reading Buddy Software™ today and take advantage of a 50% discount by clicking the link below:



Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

It is Mother's day once again. 

One special day to honor to the women who unselfishly dedicate their lives to raise a family. Mother's day has a special significance for me, because I gave birth to my youngest son on Mother's day in 1993.

Just a few days ago, I was sitting in my home office, typing away, trying to complete an essay when I suddenly remembered my grandmother. A woman of strength, definitely. She was widowed at the age of 32. She was pregnant with her fifth child when my grandfather died. She alone raised all her five daughters. With her hard work, she was able to send all of them through college. All by herself.

This is a picture of my grandmother and grandfather with my two older aunts.

My grandmother, "Lola Piday," passed away years ago. She lived a full life, leaving this world at a ripe old age of 92. My only regret was that I was not able to say "Thank you" for raising my mom and my aunts. Thank you, Lola Piday, because if it wasn't for you, I would not have a wonderful mom who raised me, nurtured and loved me just the way you did when my mom was growing up. My mom has taught us values and life lessons about perseverance, patience, and faith in God. Lessons passed on from my beloved grandmother. 

This year, I was given the opportunity to join the Thank a Mom Movement campaign of Century City Mall. How timely! My mom is now 77 years old, hard of hearing (because of her diabetes) but is still unbelievably active and strong. I have been thinking of a special gift for her this Mother's day, and the days are going by so fast I have not yet decided on what to get for her.

I know my mom appreciates every little token, but I would try something different this year. I will write her a Thank You note. Many times we take our mothers for granted. In her twilight years, I will give her something that I should have done every day, every year. I will say, 

"Thank You, Mama. For everything. I am what I am now because you loved me and you believed in me."


I will treat her to a beauty spa treatment. She can have her hair and nails done, get a spa massage, and a little gift. She loves anything in red! Maybe a nice little red leather pouch bag would make her happy. I'll treat her to dinner at a restaurant she chooses. I can do all of these in one place - at the Century City Mall in Makati. 

I joined the Thank A Mom Movement at Century City Mall. By doing so, I can share with others that I am thankful for having a great mother! Registering and leaving a note qualified me for freebies I can claim at the Century City Mall. I also have the chance to win prizes for the most wonderful woman in my life - my Mama. 


Click here to get started! (https://www.facebook.com/CenturyCityMall/app/269862423359705/) I did and I almost immediately got a reply in my email inbox. They sent me a voucher code to present at the Thank A Mom booth to claim my free gifts! Amazing. I'm heading over there tomorrow with my Mama. 

Don't forget to like their Facebook page and get updates on discounts, gastronomic adventures, and upcoming sales. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter too!

It is only four more days till Mother's day...

Have you thanked your Mother yet?



Friday, April 29, 2016

Have you ever wondered how external noise is eliminated when recording a song? The sound engineers' work has limitations, so, the need to have a microphone isolator is must in every recording studio.



Browse Musicians Friend Microphone isolation shield choices. They offer an array of products from well known manufacturers that guarantee the best results. Made from only the best foam materials to decrease external noise, giving excellent quality recording. 

Now you know the purpose of those "accordion-looking" things in front of a microphone in a recording studio. 

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Search The Web and Earn With Qmee!

Every minute of the day, people are online searching for stuff they need, discounts and coupons, services they wish to avail of, or even search for a job. And yet there are others who simply pass their time away browsing the web.

Whether you are online for a purpose or just browsing through, wouldn't it be cool to make some money without much effort? I have found a way to do that! Some extra cash in your pocket would be nice, right? Maybe you are saving towards a nice summer vacation, a new outfit or that dream bag. Maybe you'd want to take the kids out or get them some new clothes but you really have a tight budget.

Look no further. The answer is right here!



Qmee is an free app you can download on your browser. It works with search engines such as Google, Amazon, EBay, Yahoo and Bing. Whenever you search online, Qmee will also show similar and relevant search results alongside your screen. The amount you will earn once you click on the results are also shown to you. If you are interested in the search provided by Qmee, and click on it, you earn and collect the reward! Simple and easy! 



The cash rewards you earn are kept in a virtual piggy bank which you can easily manage by logging into your account. There is no minimum withdrawal amount, and your earning will be deposited into your Paypal account. Whenever you want to avail of your balance is up to you. Cool. Not only that. You are also provided with an option to donate your earnings to a worthy charity.     

Go ahead and sign up for Qmee. There is no limit as to how much you can earn by doing simple searches over the web. Make Qmee your new companion in saving money!

Monday, April 18, 2016

Every year, on the first Sunday of May, we honor the woman who nurtured, cared, and loved us from the time we were conceived in her womb. Her love and sacrifice cannot be replaced by anything else in the world. This is why we dedicate a special day for her every year.

As a child, I made my own Mothers Day card to give my mom. I secretly bought art materials and worked on my "masterpiece" when mom was busy doing the laundry or cooking supper. I can vividly remember how her face lit up with joy when I gave the card to her. 

I draw strength and inspiration from my mom. She was widowed at the age of 53. My brother was only 14 years old when my dad passed away. With some savings in the bank, my mom was able to find means to start a small business. It was tough for her to do things on her own, as she has never known how to live without my dad. But my mom did it. She was determined to succeed. She was able to support me and my three siblings through college. 

My mom is now 72 years old. Still strong and energetic, she attends exercise classes for senior citizens, does the grocery shopping by herself, and squeezes in some tea time or mall time with her friends.

Now I am a mom (and grandma) too, I still continue to surprise her with a small token of appreciation for love for me and my siblings. Last year, on Mother's Day, I got her a pair of sneakers with red trim. She wears them every time she attends her exercise class.

My mom is also fond of jewelry. My dad showered her with expensive jewelry when he was still with us. Now, mom keeps her heirloom pieces locked away in a safety deposit box in the bank. She said those things are not just jewelry. They are memories.

This year, I wanted to give her something she can wear for special occasions. A charm bracelet would be the perfect gift. And I know exactly where to get it.

At Glamulet, I found exquisite pieces that would make any mom happy. Their Mothers Day collection showcases beautiful charms that can be set on a sterling silver bangle. 


The craftsmanship is superb! Glamulet designs, manufactures and markets hand-finished and modern jewelry made from genuine materials at affordable prices. I love the heart designs and the ones with the inscription "Mom" and "I love Mom." It will be a constant reminder of my love and appreciation for mom.

As a token of appreciation for all mothers, Glamulet is offering a 15% discount! Simply type in the code BB-MOM at check out. This code is available for orders $70 and up and valid until May 9th, 2016.

Here's one more bonus. Simply share any of Glamulet's pieces on your social media pages and you get to be entered automatically in a sweepstakes to win a Glamulet bracelet worth $200! Head on over to http://www.glamulet.com/share-to-win-a-free-bracelets and start sharing!


Do you agree that this is the perfect gift for mom? I do.

I love you Mom. Happy Mothers Day.

Note: This is a sponsored post for Glamulet powered by Brandbacker. I have received discounts to purchase these special Mothers Day charms.

A Letter To My Son On His Graduation Day

Hi.

Today you donned your graduation robe and mortarboard. I was the happiest person on the planet. Probably happier than you. 

Today was the culmination of your four years of hard work. You have earned your Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management. Congratulations, Mickey!


My second college graduate. My youngest child. You are now a grown man, equipped with skills to make your mark in your chosen field.

Where did all the years go? It was just yesterday that you were a baby. Always quiet, forever content with a few toy cars and building blocks. You had your share of childhood accidents. That scar on your forehead will always remind you that jumping off a chair was never a good idea.

Did you know how much my heart broke when I left to work abroad? I remember you reached out to hug me before I went in the check in counter at the airport. I pinched your nose and ruffled your hair. I remember saying, "Be a good boy always." How I wished I could have said, "I love you" instead.

Remember the times we used to disagree when you showed lack of interest in your studies? That was when you were in high school. You kept telling me, "I don't want to go to school anymore. My classmates keep teasing me because I can't catch up with the lessons. My teachers keep screaming at me. I'm dumb. I'm not like my siblings. I'm just that. Dumb."

You are not dumb. It was just that time when your siblings were doing very well in school. I did not compare you with them. Each one of you is unique. I never lost hope. I knew we'd find a solution. It took three transfers to different schools before you finally found your confidence. The right school and a pair of prescription glasses and you were back on the right path. 

Another four years after that, here we are, at the Philippine International Convention Center. My heart was full of joy as I watched you get up that stage and accept your diploma. To witness your graduation was enough to forget decades of working the graveyard shift to earn money for your education.



May I ask you for one thing? Just one thing. 

Never forget the people who helped you to get to this day. No, they do not want you to repay them with material things. All they need is a heartfelt "Thank you for believing in me and supporting me through all these years."

Fly high, anak. 

I love you.


Monday, April 4, 2016

I would have never imagined to experience such close to real sound quality in film, TV, and video games. It is definitely a science in itself!

It is just mind boggling to think about how these sound effects were created and now I have an idea of the process. Although my understanding of technology is rather vague, I am still at awe with the creative genius of sound engineers, game developers, and film directors. 
With the aid of computer software, musical scoring and sound effects have really given the industry a boost! A must have tool is gravity scoring. It is more than a modern scoring virtual instrument, it is the top choice for sound quality and for its easy to use interface!

Here are just some of its awesome features:
  • Modern scoring virtual instrument
  • 100 complex pads each with 3 distinct layers
  • 48 intricately crafted hits each with 4 distinct parts
  • 450 unique transitional stings to enhance compositions
  • 72 complex, hybrid risers and 45 orchestral string risers
  • All sounds are completely customizable
  • A must-have tool for film, TV and video game compositions

If you are thinking of establishing a rewarding career as a sound engineer, musical scorer or video game developer, this is the tool you need to propel you towards success!

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Promotional Printing: An Effective Advertising Tool

When I was a young child, I was thrilled to receive pens and stationery with a company's logo, especially if it was from my favorite cookie and cereal brand. I would beg my mother to buy the same product over and over because I wanted to collect all the pens in different designs and colors.

I believe that promotional merchandise is a great way to advertise. It can be used to bring in more sales to a business; increase awareness for a campaign; or just to make a new company and its product be known to consumers. 

It would also be great to have small personalized tokens to commemorate an occasion, like a college graduation, a quincenara, or a wedding. In addition to that, this election season has flooded the market with campaign give-aways.

These promotional items are usually inexpensive and can come in many forms, such as key chains, pens, coasters, mugs, caps or mouse pads. Wearable items such as shirts, scarves, and totes are also very popular. 


Since promotional items are globally accepted as a form of advertising, there are entrepreneurs who have honed their craft in this industry, and most, if not all are great! However, as consumers, our concerns would always be quality of the product, pricing, and timeliness in delivery. 

Having done my research, I am confident that the promotional printing at PrintGlobe is one of the leaders in the industry. They have a wide selection of products to choose from and the cost of their service is very reasonable. Choose an item, upload your logo and they will work on it ASAP. No logo or design in mind? No problem! They have a great team of graphic designers who will help you with that!

If you are currently working with an advertising agency, or if you are a campaign manager, or if you are simply looking for small personalized give-away items for an upcoming event, consider promotional merchandise. You will be surprised at the power these small items can bring to your brand, company or event.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

I am turning my back on the company I have worked for these past three years. I am giving up my health insurance; I have no back up plan, and very little savings. 

Don't get me wrong. I love my job. Its the management I cannot take. The stress level has taken a big toll on my health and before I suffer from a more serious stress-induced chronic illness, I'd rather stay home and be a housewife, a mother, a part time grandmother and go for my lifelong dream to be a successful blogger/writer.

In my ten year stay in the BPO industry, I have had great leaders and good leaders. However, I have had my share of the worst leaders in the industry. 

Here are seven responses you never ever dreamed to come out of the mouth of a so-called manager. 

1. "I can't tell you."
When I asked my manager why was I given a performance rating of only "Average" when I know I did my job well. She simply said, "I can't tell you." Keeping secrets and being lied to is so unethical and has no place in the corporate world. I am very certain that VISIBILITY is one of the company's core values. 


2. "Management does not need your opinion."
During a meeting, we were informed that we would be moved to a different shift schedule. The change would mean losing our transportation allowance. I said, "I think you should have asked us first how these changes would impact our paycheck before you made the final decision?" 
Her response: "Management does not need your opinion."


3. "You cannot have a copy of the email. It is company property."
I was placed on redeployment status (similar to being temporarily laid-off) because the account I was supporting did not renew its contract with the company. I asked my manager why I was not informed earlier so that I could have requested for transfer to a more stable account. I asked for a copy of the email which stated the reason for the account's pull out. I was the one directly impacted but I was kept in the dark. When I demanded to be copied in the email thread, her response was: "You cannot have a copy of the email. It is company property."


4. "Why can't you stop asking questions?"
I always ask questions. I guess it was part of my upbringing. I was taught never to be afraid to ask questions when things are not clear or beyond my understanding. My mom never grew tired answering my whys and hows. She said being inquisitive was a sign of intelligence. I would say I have an insatiable thirst for learning, so questions were always part of my daily life. 

In the corporate world, asking questions is frowned upon by management. They want employees who are blind followers. People who post questions are labeled as smart asses. I don't know how asking a question for clarification can be so offensive for others. Are they afraid to find out that their subordinates are better than them? Are they scared of losing their ground? During meetings, I try my best to keep mum and act dumb, because I was told, "Why can't you stop asking questions?"


5. "Can't you email the stakeholders yourself?"
I am all for empowerment. However, there are certain tasks that are supposed to be the responsibility of managers. 

To cite an example, there have been numerous times that I lost connection with the remote server. When this happens, I immediately create a ticket for the local I.T. people to determine if it is a site issue. I email my manager and U.S. counterparts informing them of the issue and I include the ticket number for their reference. In most cases, the issue was resolved on site. However, on two to three occasions, the issue was on-shore. Taking into consideration the proper chain of command, emailing an I.T. Supervisor in the U.S. must be done by a manager. Whenever I ask my manager to please email the appropriate contact, she would say,  "Can't you email the stakeholders yourself?"


6. "Why are you so negative?"
I am not a negative person. Anybody who really knows me will say I am a great friend, I am easy to get along with, and a hard worker. 

I am opinionated, I speak my mind, and I am not afraid to tell someone that they are doing things the wrong way. I provide suggestions on how to resolve an issue. I am a "people person," therefore, I always look out for the good of everyone.

If that is negativity, then, I rest my case. 


7. "You have to attend the team building or else it will be taken against your performance rating."
Team building activities are sponsored by the company. Usually, we can expect to dole out a few hundred pesos to add to the fund, usually for food, or to pay for transportation. 

What goes on in this so called "team building" activity? It is usually an overnight or two day weekend affair in a resort. After driving several hours to get to the venue, you are required to participate in parlor games and relays to win small prizes. After that, you eat lunch and then it is "free time." The women do videoke, and the men drink. You have dinner and then go back to videoke and drinking. The following morning, you drive back home.

Why don't I attend team building activities? Because I would rather stay home and spend time with my family than to be in a far away place doing nothing but singing and drinking. That is not my kind of fun. If I would want to drink, I'd do it here. At home. With.My.Family. 

If I will be sanctioned for deciding to spend the weekend with my family instead, then I think their priorities are different from mine.


I have asked God's blessing in this major decision I made in my life. I will hold on to my faith in God and hope that everything will be for the best. I will miss my friends, however, I know they are just a text message or phone call away. 

I'll be keeping my chin up and moving forward. No regrets. No worries. I am setting my priorities straight, and I am sticking to it, no matter what happens.

In His time. In God's Perfect Time. 







Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Over time, it’s easy to get into habits that are a little on the unhealthy side, such as having a takeaway every Friday night. However, if you’re conscious about your health and want to give your body a boost, it’s important to put a stop to those unhealthy habits. Don’t attempt to tackle all your ‘bad’ habits at once, focus on one at a time. Else, you may end up getting a little overwhelmed.

To help make it easier to choose which habits to quit first, here’s a list of four things to quit. (Many of us forget that our habits often affect our mental health as well as our physical health.)

1. Smoking

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Of all the nasty habits, smoking is by far the worst. Not only the worst in terms of how it damages your health, but also regarding the other effects that come with it. Think yellow, stained teeth, bad breath and skin that’s twice as prone to early aging.

If you’re someone who smokes, the best thing that you can do to become healthier is quit. It might not be easy, but if you want a healthier, happier body, the cigarettes have to go. To make the process easier for yourself, consider switching to vaping. This method has proved successful for thousands of ex-smokers, so it’s definitely worth a go.

2. Alcohol and drugs

If you’re someone who drinks a lot and often uses drugs, this is a habit that you have to kick. Alcohol can cause all sorts of health problems, as can drugs. If you’re serious about wanting to become healthier, you need to make an effort to stop drinking and using drugs.

It might be hard at first, but if you’re serious about wanting to be healthier, it’s a change you have to make. As well as affecting your physical health, excessive use of drugs and alcohol are linked to many mental health conditions. From anxiety to depression, alcohol and drugs significantly increase your risk of these conditions. If you want to be healthier, inside and out, book yourself into a treatment center and get off the drugs and alcohol.

3. Processed foods

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Every so often, we all fancy unhealthy foods. Be it a burger and chips or crisps and squirty cheese dip, processed foods aren’t good for you. Not only are they packed full of trans fats, but they’re also full of sugar, salt and all sorts of other nastiness.

Processed foods are the most common cause of weight gain because of how packed full of empty calories they are. If you want a healthier body, swapping the processed foods for healthy alternatives is a must. Make a conscious effort only to eat fresh foods, and you’ll soon feel healthier.

4. Failing to exercise

Putting off exercise is far too easy, but if you want a healthy body, keeping active is crucial. Did you know that not only does exercise help with weight and toning but also prevents many health conditions?

For instance, people who exercise regularly, are less prone to diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Make exercise a part of your day - walk to work and always take the stairs, and you’ll find staying in shape much easier.

For a healthier mind and body, it’s crucial that you make these changes, as soon as possible.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Awesome Baby Shower Gifts



If you know someone who is expecting, you need to get them the perfect baby gift. Just think that the gift you present them at the baby shower could make their first days as a parent bearable. Wouldn’t that be something! All joking aside, it is always a nice gesture to give them a gift that they can use or cherish when the baby arrives. If you don’t know where to begin, the thought could fill you with dread. Luckily, there are a few ideas below that will help you in your time of need.

Baby Shoes

Baby shoes are great because every baby needs to protect their tiny feet no matter their age. Plus, tiny shoes are adorable! If they are expecting a boy, go for something a little more mannish. And, if they are expecting a girl, go for something pink and shiny. It is not rocket science, but it will make all of the difference in the long-run.

A Personalized T-shirt

You can put anything on a personalized t-shirt, which makes them a blank slate. An easy but effective message is something like ‘My Mom Is Awesome!’ or something along those lines. If that slogan doesn’t float your boat, visit Zoey's Attic for ideas and designs. A t-shirt is a nice idea because it is a constant reminder of your gift. Gifts should be something that is functional and fun, just like personalized clothing.

A Photo Album

With the new arrival on the way, the doting couple may lose sight of the past. Although no one wants to live in the past, it is always nice to remember the good times. Thanks to a photo album, they can always remember their life before the baby. And, you can leave space towards the end so that they can create new memories with the new arrival. All you have to do is get hold of a photo album and a collection of old pictures that you can put in the book. There is no better gift than a thoughtful one that doesn’t cost a fortune!

A BabyBjorn

Okay, what is a BabyBjorn? A BabyBjorn is a baby carrier that you see lots of parents wearing. They are an awesome piece of Swedish engineering that makes going out with a little one ten times easier. Instead of pushing a pram around all day, the mother can strap the BabyBjorn to the front and fit the child comfortably inside. The great thing is that it is also comfortable for the wearer. You can bet that almost every new mother will secretly wish that someone buys them one of these gifts. Go on, make their wish a reality.

A Baby Bag

Babies may only be small, but they need a lot of stuff. Instead of adding to their stuff, give them something that will help them carry it around. Without a baby bag, the mom won’t be able to leave the house without the fear of leaving something essential behind. Thanks to a bag, they can go about their normal lives with their young child in tow.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

I am a Virtual Assistant: You Write, I Spread The Word

I work as a Virtual Assistant for Bloggers, helping them increase their readership by posting their links in blogging network groups and reciprocating on their behalf.

Hiring a virtual assistant allows you more time to come up with creative content, product reviews and delicious recipe ideas or DIY crafts. In addition to that, you get to have more time with the people who matter the most - your family.


If you are interested to avail of my services, here are my daily rates:

Combo Package # 1 - Maximum of 10 threads daily ($10/day)
-Twitter retweets
-Google plus
-Instagram likes
-FB post like

Combo Package # 1 - Maximum of 10 threads daily ($10/day)
-Alexa
-FB like and comment/share (FB reach increase)
-Pinterest
-Click throughs/Link Support
-Google Search

Combo Package # 3 Maximum of 2 threads daily ($15/day)
-Comments (I guarantee relevant, meaningful comments)

You can mix and match any of the above Combo Package. Email me at eileen.layno@gmail.com or add me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/eileen.mendoza.loya) and send a message. I would love to discuss and answer any questions you have for me.

Here is a list of the Facebook Groups I am a member of:
-Awesome Bloggers
-Promote Your Website
-Social Marketing Blogs
-Social Media Network Group
-Twitter Marketing Group
-Blog Big
-We Love Blog Comments
-Alexa Only
-Blogging Opps
-Filipino Bloggers Forum
-BC Bloggers
-Tweeting for Us (#T4US)


Let me help you to power up your blog. Talk to you soon! :)

Friday, February 12, 2016

We all know that staying healthy is a primary concern in every family. We eat a balanced diet, get enough rest, exercise, take vitamins supplements and have regular wellness check ups with doctors and dentists. We keep our homes clean and teach our kids proper hygiene.

When I was a kid, I often heard my mom say, "Don't put that in your mouth! Its dirty!" Now, as an adult, I realized that I have overlooked one "dirty" thing that I stick in my mouth everyday.

My toothbrush.

That thing that is supposed to keep my teeth and gums clean may actually even be the reason for me to get sick.

Did you know that toothbrushes can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses? Yes they do, and we must seriously consider keeping them clean.

My sister and her husband are both dentists, so I know a thing or two about oral and dental health. They recommend that we (1) replace our toothbrushes every two to three months or when the bristles start to get frayed; (2) rinse them out thoroughly in tap water after every use; (3) shake out excess water and store in upright toothbrush holders; (4) clean toothbrushes by soaking them in antibacterial mouthwash.

I have also read that we should, (1) replace our toothbrush when we get sick to avoid a repeat infection; (2) rinse our mouth with antibacterial mouthwash BEFORE we brush our teeth; and (3) we should keep our toothbrushes as far away from the toilet as possible. (We would not want to have that "mist" get into our toothbrush!)

I follow all these and yet, I still feel vulnerable and fearful of those unseen creatures that may be thriving in my toothbrush.

Fortunately, I was offered to do a review for IntelliDent® Toothbrush Shield. It is an amazing product that ensures a 99.9% barrier protection against surface and airborne bacteria!




The package contains 10 disposable shields, each individually wrapped in cold seal wrapper. Each breathable, quick drying shield can be used up to 7 days, acting like a surgical mask to protect your toothbrush.



This toothbrush shield is so easy to use. Simply peel open a pack, slide the shield over your toothbrush and you're done! Your toothbrush is now safely covered and protected from bacteria and viruses!





This is the second day I have used it and I would say I am very impressed! Because it is made of breathable material, it allows my toothbrush to dry completely after every use thereby preventing bacterial growth. I can rest assured that I won't get any toilet "mist" in my toothbrush too!

I gave my sister and her husband one shield each for them to try and recommend to their patients. I strongly suggest you try them out too! Remember, as cliche as it may sound, "Health is Wealth."

I can now do away with plastic toothbrush caps and holders that trap moisture! My toothbrush is no longer a breeding ground for bacteria. I now keep it protected whether I am home or out traveling! My children can also keep their toothbrushes bacteria free when they travel to places doing thesis research. The other great feature I love is that each sleeve provides protection for up to 7 days!

IntelliDent®'s Toothbrush Shields are 100% made in the USA and available in Walmart stores around the country. You can also purchase them online through Drugstore.com, Walmart.com, Walgreens.com, Riteaid.com.


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post IntelliDent® Toothbrush Shield. I have been compensated and received the samples for free in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, February 8, 2016

I was walking our dog Bitey Bear one morning when I saw a rather large caterpillar on the sidewalk. I run back to the house, grabbed my camera, focused and pressed on the shutter. What a beautiful creature it was! 

I took several shots while trying to keep our dog from gobbling up the caterpillar. Thankfully, one of the photos turned out fine. 


All of a sudden, it dawned upon me. I was not looking at a caterpillar. I was looking at a representation of ME! 

As I write this post, I am the lowly caterpillar. Crawling... feeling in all directions... tentative... vulnerable... moving in slow, coordinated movements. One step at a time. A continuous effort to move forward. To reach for something. TO FULFILL A DESTINY.

The time will come when I have to shut myself from the world... to build myself a safe haven... to allow change and to embrace that change. I will do this not because I am incapable of loving. I will do this BECAUSE I LOVE.
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It may take some time. I may be missed, or I may be forgotten. I will be patient and those who truly love me will likewise be patient enough to wait for me to come out of my cocoon. They will be there when I bask in the glorious brightness of the morning. They will welcome me and see a new ME.

I may not become the most beautiful butterfly. 

I may just turn out to be a moth. 

The important thing is I will grow my own wings and be strong enough to fly and reach greater heights. 

I will look back to my humble beginnings as a lowly caterpillar. My heart will be full of love and gratitude for those who are willing to wait for me. I will give them the honor of being the very first ones to witness the change. 

I will be blessed with the gift of flight. I will be a symbol of hope. 

I will reach my dreams.

I WILL SUCCEED.

Note: The caterpillar I photographed above is the larvae of the Daphnis nerii, or the Oleander Hawk Moth. 

"The strikingly colourful oleander hawk-moth (Daphnis nerii) is one of the most widely distributed Sphingidae species in the world. Adults of this large, attractive moth have intricately decorated forewings, displaying a mixture of olive greens, covered with small blotches of pink and white. They also have a pale streak on the tip of each forewing."(Source:http://www.arkive.org/oleander-hawk-moth/daphnis-nerii/)

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Creating Music with High Technology Devices

There are a lot of talented youth trying to make their mark in the music industry. They form small bands, accept some gigs, and make every effort count to earn recognition and hopefully, get that much needed break.

Thankfully, technology has made revolutionary devices that help enhance original compositions. With the right software, you can make your own musical composition, and who knows, it might just be the song producers are looking for. 


The novation launchpad mini is a keyboardless MIDI controller, used in conjunction with the Ableton Live software. It contains a grid of 8x8 buttons, illuminated, to trigger sounds, effects and loops and other marvelous things. 

Its compact size enables you to carry it anywhere. Simply plug into your laptop or even your iPad (via the Camera Connection Kit) and create your music! No need for power cables or device drivers! This device is practically plug and play.

A shout out to parents supporting their child's dream to make it into the music industry, this is something that would help propel your child's dreams into reality! 

Lasting Friendships: 31 Years and Counting

Last week, I got a text message from an unknown number. I initially thought it would be one of those spam messages. To my surprise, it was a message from one of my college besties!

Oh.My.God. How did she find me? I have been wanting to find out how my best college buddies have been doing all these years, but for some reason, I lost contact with them.

Thirty-one long years! It was 1985 since we were last together. It was the day when we were given confirmation for graduation. 

Our class picture
(University of Santo Tomas, B.S. Zoology 4-C)
Initially, I was scared to meet up with them. I told my husband, "They might all be successful. They were filthy rich when we were in college. They might be even richer now. Look at me. What is there to be proud of in me? I'm nothing." Tears started to fall. I felt so insignificant. So small, so unsuccessful.

My husband said, "Stop thinking that way. You are successful. You raised your children. You sent them through college. That alone is a success. Go ahead and tell them you will meet up with them. Trust me, you will have a good time."

And so I went. We were to meet up for dinner at the Seven Corners Restaurant of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. On my way there, all sorts of thoughts were racing through my mind. I was both excited and shy. Excited to be with my friends whom I lost contact with for many many years, and shy because I felt I have not achieved much. 

And then it happened. We were all together once again and it just seemed like old times. There was a lot of catching up to do! The usual questions "How many kids do you have? How old are they now? Do you have pictures of them on your phone?" flooded our conversation.  

My fears flew out the window. This was nothing about achievements! This was not about how rich we became, or how many cars and houses we have amassed. It was about how we raised a family and what keeps us busy nowadays. We talked about how much fun we had in college, about trying to remember who our professors were and what we did after classes. We reminisced about our favorite hang outs and adventures. It was a fun, memorable evening. We all wished we could do this regularly, if our schedules would permit.

We talked about how each of us fell in love, got married, fell out of love, pulled through and stood tall. We found out about how two of us got seriously sick with cancer, courageously fought the disease and won the battle.

We exchanged email addresses, added each other on Facebook and Viber, and took pictures to remember this day. Lots and lots of pictures! Several pounds, grey hair and crow's feet after, here's what we look like now.

We used to be able to eat anything and everything, but now each one of us has a special dietary restriction.

Pose for posterity before we parted ways again.

Just like old times!

I got home at 11:00 pm that night. My husband asked how it went and I told him I had a good time and it was nice seeing my friends again.

However, the most important lesson I learned from this experience is this:

Success is only a perception of how people see the life you live. 
Having money and being rich is not success.
Holding an important position is not an effective measure of success.
It is how you stay strong despite the adversities 
It is how you manage to smile through the pain
It is how you have come out from your battles with your head held high.
Today, I achieved success.
I have reunited with long lost friends and kept that bond of friendship alive.



Sunday, January 24, 2016

"Learning" ~ My Word For The Year 2016

Learning is a continuous process. There are new things to discover everyday! From simple tasks to trivia, learning is so much fun.

I have been working in the corporate world for as long as I can remember, and mind you, doing a full time job, raising kids and running a household is no easy task. However, as tight as my schedule is, I always make time to improve a skill through online training.

There are numerous websites offering free courses, however, based on my experience, they do not offer much information and are sometimes not user friendly.

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Great news is I have a found a great website, Career Academy. They offer a unique Online Learning Membership for a low annual fee of only $29! Once you become a member, you will be getting unlimited access to over 1,100+ online courses for Information Technology, Project Management, Cyber Security and Business Skills. I have browsed the website and there are a lot of courses that I would be taking advantage of. I'd start with courses for Business Skills and follow through with Project Management!

This would also be a big help for my son who is in college majoring in Information Technology. There is a ton of knowledge he can get from Career Academy's expert trainers! More importantly, he may be able to earn 257 Professional Development Units (PDUs) and 30 college units that he can use to earn his Bachelor's degree! For $29! Awesome! Great savings right there!

One more thing that makes Career Academy better than the rest is that they offer a Member Referral Program. For every friend you refer and successfully completes the sign up process, you get to earn $10! There is no limit to the opportunities to earn through their referral program! You can even earn an additional $50 if you get 10 successful referrals in a month. That's an easy $150 in your pocket! 

What could be more amazing than having unlimited access to online courses and earning at the same time? Make 2016 the year to improve ourselves through learning! Remember, learning knows no age, no race, and no limits! 

Let Career Academy fuel your efforts to achieve success. Make that small investment towards a better, brighter future for you and your family! Make "Learning" your word for the year too!

Note: This is a sponsored post for Career Academy powered by Sponsored Reviews. I have been compensated for my time. All opinions contained in this article are 100% my own. 

Thursday, January 21, 2016

I am a proud grandmother to Alfonso Miguel. He was born on the 6th of December 2015. I have never felt so complete!

Holding my baby's baby in my arms gives me that overwhelming feeling of joy that is just so surreal.

He recently turned one month old and my daughter and her husband had a big clock digitally printed on a huge tarp. They laid the baby down on the tarp exactly on the part where it says "1."

We took lots and lots of pictures and I used this free online slideshow maker called Kizoa to put together a mini slideshow. It did not take long at all. I had a professional looking slideshow finished in 20 minutes or less!

Here's the finished product: 


I am so loving this grand-parenting thing! I know I will be taking will be tons and tons of pictures to document his every milestone, and I will definitely be making more slideshows!

If you have lots of pictures from a memorable trip, or just family pictures you would like to view over and over again, I would suggest you make a movie clip or slideshow out of them. At Kizoa, everything is fast and easy! Just drag and drop your photos, add animations or transitions and your choice of background music!

Hope you all enjoyed the slideshow. Isn't he a cutie? 

Read about my journey as a grandmother in my other blog entitled, "From Parent To Grandparent."

Friday, January 15, 2016

7 Ways to Help Your Child Get Over A Break-Up

Going through a break up is an unpleasant experience. I am sure most, if not all. experienced it at least once in the past.  My first marriage was not successful and I was more than relieved when the father of my children left. I was alone in my task of raising three kids. I stood firm and moved on. I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this article if I did not pull myself out of the rut I was in.

Strong momma. That’s what my friends have always known me to be.

I am a mother of three, a daughter and two sons. My daughter is married and has a son. I would say that she found herself a good husband. However, it is a different story with my two sons. They have been in and out of failed relationships. I’ve seen how they’ve had their hearts broken. I’ve seen their tears, their frustration, and the loss of self-esteem.

I’ve seen them through their pain, and it hurts me so much to see them suffer.

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If your child is going through a break up, how would you handle it? Here are some tips a strong momma should do:

1.       Stop the blame.
Do not find fault in either your child or his/her girlfriend/boyfriend. Remember that before the break-up, they were so much in love with each other. Bad-mouthing the other party will only bring more pain.

2.  Let the feelings flow.
Crying does not make your son less of a man. The same goes with your daughter. Crying will allow them to let go of the pain.
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3.  Empathize
Be the person willing to listen to what they have to say, no matter how senseless it may seem. Teens and young adults going through a break up tend to talk about the issue incessantly and they need someone to listen. Be there when they need to talk. Hold their hand and hug them. Be understanding when they don’t feel like talking yet. Always reassure them of your love.

4. Exercise and Endorphins
If you child enjoyed sports before the break up, encourage them to get back on track. Better yet, plan a family activity – hiking, a trip to the beach, even riding the bike a few times around the block. Exercise can stimulate the brain to release endorphins, also known as the “feel-good” hormone. An increased level of endorphins in the blood can lessen the physical manifestations of pain and therefore, your child will be able to manage stress better.

5. Prepare his/hers favorite healthy meals
Exposure to stress can give rise to poor eating habits, which in turn may give rise to disturbances in the body’s function.  Make sure he/she follows a regular eating schedule. Treat him/her to their “comfort food” - a bowl of chicken soup, a cup of hot cocoa, their favorite casserole or pasta dish.

6. Let them get enough sleep

Make your child realize that staying up will not change the situation there are in. A good night’s sleep will help repair the body, and make their thought process function better. When my child suffered his first break up and had trouble sleeping, I made him do this simple trick to fall asleep. I told him to lay on his back, arms on his side and legs straight. I told him to imagine that he is a sandbag and that the tips of his fingers and toes have little holes in them and the sand slowly escapes through those holes. I told him to concentrate and imagine that the sand slowly escaping represents all the hurt and pain he is feeling. It worked wonders for him. 

7. Be Positive
Be the "C" mom he/she expects you to be - cool, calm, collected. Remind him/her that everything happens for a reason, and that is what they need to find out. Encourage them to meet new people. Help them regain their confidence in themselves. Let them know that jumping into another relationship, just to spite their ex is not a good move. Let them heal their wounds first, pick up the broken pieces and be whole once more. The best advice I got from my parents was "Love yourself first. When you learn to do this, you will be able to love others." I use the same advice for my children, and I usually tweak it with, "Someone on this earth was born for you to love and love you back. Find that person. Be happy."

I know raising kids is not an easy task. Just take a step or two back and look at the issue from a wider perspective. Count to 10. Breathe. Relax.

Trust God. Everything will be fine.