OZ Naturals: Your Best Bet To Healthy, Youthful, Glowing Skin

Our skin naturally gets rid of dead surface cells every day. However, we sometimes have the need to show off healthy glowing skin without waiting for a month. It is known that new, healthy skin cells absorb nutrients better, therefore, to get the best results from moisturizers and anti-aging creams, it would be best to use an exfoliant preparation.

When choosing an exfoliant, we must go for an effective but gentle formulation. OZ Naturals Ancient Orient Rice Enzyme Dermafoliant is the best facial exfoliator available in the market. Formulated through years of research, it contains no harmful chemicals, only essential nutrients that would give you that healthy, glowing skin you have always desired.

OZ Naturals contain all natural ingredients, namely:

• BAMBOO - used as a natural, gentle scrub to exfoliate and unclog pores
• ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID - an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent that helps prevent skin damage caused by exposure to the sun
• LACTIC ACID - an alpha hydroxy acid found naturally in food. It enhances the skin exfoliation process to reveal a healthier skin
• PRO-VITAMIN B5 - helps retain moisture keeping skin supple.

Moreso, this product is safe for all skin types, even for sensitive skin. In addition to that, and is cruelty and paraben free!

I tried it on the day I received it and was very satisfied with the results. It helped get rid of the tiny blackheads on my nose. The skin on my face looked refreshed and felt smoother. The product instructions suggest using it 2-3 times a week for best results. I will definitely do that, especially after seeing positive results after the first use. See those nice little exfoliants? 

I am definitely recommending this product to my friends and family.

Note: This is a sponsored post powered by BrandBacker for OZ Naturals. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Be in Style This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July holiday is fast approaching and it will be a great time to spend it with family and friends we hold dear. Wouldn't it be great to show off your patriotism with t-shirts, caps, ribbons, light and even swimwear? Indeed it would be a memorable holiday weekend and a perfect photo op for families with themed attires.
Here are some items that may interest you and your family:

CafePress - Fourth of July Women's T-Shirt

For the ladies, a simple, white shirt with the flag printed in front is a great outfit for the outdoor Fourth of July barbeque parties. This CafePress - Fourth of July Women's T-Shirt in classic fit, crew neckline, made of 100% cotton is only $19.99!

CafePress - CafePress Fourth of July Dark T-Shirt

This shirt would be great for the men to wear. The nice blue color of this CafePress - CafePress Fourth of July Dark T-Shirt would be a great contrast to the female version shown above. Standard fit, crew neckline, 100% pre-shrunk cotton for only $24.00!

CafePress - My 1st Fourth of July Infant Bodysuit

For the youngest member of the family, the CafePress - My 1st Fourth of July Infant Bodysuit would definitely be a cute outfit. Made of 100% ring spun cotton jersey, this adorable outfit has a three-snap closure for easy diaper changes. Priced reasonably at $19.99, Daddy, Mommy and baby would look picture perfect in matching outfits!

ToBeInStyle - Women's Fourth of July One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit: US Flag/Small, Blue

Pool parties for the Fourth of July? Not to worry, show your patriotic side with ToBeInStyle - Women's Fourth of July One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit: US Flag/Small, Blue and have fun! Yours for only $32.99. Be chic, and be in style.

Oriental Trading Company - Paper Fourth of July Bags

Patriotic design paper bags that you can fill with favors, small toys, and treats to hand out during parades. Oriental Trading Company - Paper Fourth of July Bags can also be used as loot bags for the little nieces and nephews who will be celebrating the holidays with you. For only $3.75 a dozen, these paper bags will definitely make the occasion more memorable.

CafePress - Smiley Face Fourth Of July Cap

Shield yourself from the sun with the CafePress - Smiley Face Fourth Of July Cap when watching the wonderful Fourth of July parades. Grandma and Grandpa would also look great with these. With adjustable hook/loop tape closure, this cap fits 20" to 24". The brim also has a sweatband. Only $13.99!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Three Men and A Mommy

I have three children. One daughter and two sons. My daughter lives with my mom, whose house is just 150 meters away. I miss my daughter. I miss having someone to have crazy girl talks with, or exchange magazines, or even to just sit and watch chick flicks with. She is so busy with work that sometimes, during the weekends, all she does is sleep. Someday, when things are not so hectic anymore, maybe I can spend some time with her.

My daughter (in the red shirt) and my niece (white top)

Now, I live with my two sons and my husband, making me "the only thorn among the roses." Even our dog is a male!

What is it like for a woman to live in a house with three males? Let me sum it up in two words - Tired and Chaotic.

Men always expect someone to pick up after themselves. Every morning when I come home from work, the first thing that catches my eye are the used plates, bowls and utensils in the kitchen sink. And then there are the candy wrappers, empty foil packs of whatever, and a hamper full of dirty laundry. 

Men can actually cook, but they opt not to. For some reason, I am left with the task of cooking three full meals a day. I slave over the stove, making sure they have something yummy to eat. Sometimes, I am just so dead tired, I do not even have the appetite to eat what I prepared.

Men are the worst when it comes to budgeting. I am also the one in charge of minding the family budget. It is a mind-boggling task to make sure we have a little bit of savings, enough food, paid utility bills, tuition money and spending cash. I try to cut down on as much as I can, however, these boys think that I have found Yamashita's treasure!

Men have a knack for keeping the house dirty. It really makes me wonder if there was one point in time that I paid for the exclusive rights to use the bucket, the mop, the rag and the cleaning sponge. It seems these things have labels on them that says, "For the exclusive use of Mama."

Men are the noisiest creatures on earth. Put these three together in the living room, turn on the television and make them watch a  basketball game. Serve them cold beer and some chips and you no longer need to go to a stadium. Boy, can they scream! 

Men are scared of cockroaches. So very true. All those biceps, triceps and six pack abs are no match against a one inch crawler. Once you hear a "thump, thump, thump" better be ready with a broom, rolled up newspaper or the can of bug spray. Wonder woman to the rescue! My youngest son even said, "those things think they're butterflies!"

Men are not very handy. Maybe some are, but not mine. I am a part time plumber, electrician, and carpenter too. The toolbox is mine - my pliers, my set of screwdrivers, hammer, vise-grip and wrenches. My trusted companions to help me save money and a trip to the repair shop.

I know everyday is a challenge to cope up with all these tasks. As messy, noisy, lazy and weird these men are, I love them so much. They love teasing me, and share jokes with me. Sometimes, they volunteer to help me around the house. (Which sometimes makes me scared because I know there's something they will ask in exchange). They are concerned when my sugar levels are not good, and they never fail to end their text messages with "I love you."

The men in my life

My family is my treasure. They are the most beautiful blessing I have received from God. We are the perfectly imperfect family and tired as chaotic it may be everyday, I am still truly happy to have them in my life.

Giveaway Alert: Win a Microsoft - Surface 3 Tablet!

What a perfect way to kick off the summer! Log in with Facebook or use your email to join this giveaway and get the chance to win a Microsoft - Surface 3 - 10.8" - Intel Atom - 64GB, retailed at $499.99! With the integrated Kickstand, the ability to run desktop software and touch apps, and a full-size USB port, Surface 3 is a perfect mix of innovation and practicality. As thin and light as it is, you'll be amazed at all you can achieve with this device.

Product Features:

• 10.8" ClearType Full HD Plus Display - Makes navigation simple and presents media in rich detail.
• Windows 8.1 - Allows you to stay connected and productive. 
• 64GB storage capacity - Offers room for pictures, videos, music and more. Quad-core processor - Intel® Atom™ processor with 1.6GHz processor speed, up to 2.4GHz Burst speed and 2GB RAM for efficient performance. 
• Wi-Fi - Allows you to connect to the Web while within range of an available wireless network. Bluetooth interface - Lets you wirelessly link with compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices. 
• 8.0MP rear-facing and 3.5MP front-facing cameras - Enable you to capture important moments to share with your loved ones. 

• USB 3.0 port - Makes it easy to connect peripheral devices. Integrated kickstand - Allows you to prop up the tablet for a clear view of displayed content. Magnesium body - Creates a lightweight, yet durable, design. 

[Giveaway] Giveaway Botanica Science

Bringing Back The 60s Sound

Taking guitar playing to the next level entails getting a foot pedal. There are different kinds of foot pedals that give different kinds of effects, however, the effect of having a reverb foot pedals is simply stunning.

A reverb foot pedal makes it sound like playing in a large church, stadium or hall. If you feel that this is an essential piece of equipment for you, choosing the right kind of foot pedal is must. We must always go with the best out there and what else would you go for? Nothing else but boss fender reverb pedal. This compact guitar effect pedal gives that timeless tube driven reverb sound that provides that great musical boost for any time of music genre.

Keep The Cash Flowing With Qmee

Everyone wants to earn a little extra spending cash, however, our present lives have us tied down to our full time job, our household tasks and the responsibility of raising kids. That alone makes it close to impossible to find a second job as a source of income.

Luckily, there are other alternative ways to earn cash on the side. Blogging, for one is a great way to go, however, in order for you to drive traffic to your blog will also entail hard work. For me, I have made blogging a source of additional income. Its fun because I earn while doing what I love - writing. I also do paid surveys, and in exchange of my opinion as a consumer, I get to receive vouchers and gift cheques so it is still okay, at least I have grocery shopping money.

For those who do not have the benefit of free time, there is a new way to earn extra cash without putting in so much effort. Have you heard of Qmee?

Qmee is a free browser app that you can easily install into any major browser that gives you cash rewards for clicking results that you would otherwise click anyways for no reward. Now how does that work? Simple. Once you have Qmee installed in your browser and you use your favorite sites to search for something on the web, Qmee will show relevant results on the left side of your screen with cash rewards attached to them. You can opt to click on your original searched item or click on Qmee's results and collect your reward! All your earnings are kept in a "piggy bank" which you can empty out at any time into your paypal account. You can also opt to donate your earnings to charity.

It is a great way to earn and help others as well. Hurry over to Qmee and get started! 

Happy earning!

Once A Thomasian, Always a Thomasian

I get emotional every graduation season. 

I am a proud Thomasian. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest Catholic University in Asia. This is the same university where my parents met. Dad was a student in the College of Medicine, Mama was enrolled in the College of Commerce. Most of my aunts and uncles are Thomasians too. My sister graduated here with an degree in Economics. My daughter followed the same path and earned her Economics degree in 2007. My son opted out, not of his choice but because he was sidetracked by all his extra-curricular activities which took up most of his study time. He vows to come back and earn a master's degree.

There are many challenges to face attending classes at the University of Santo Tomas. The long commute, the flooding during rainy season, the commitment to learn and to be an embodiment of the Christian faith. Nevertheless, no matter how long ago it was since you've last been at the UST, the phrase, "Once a Thomasian, Always a Thomasian," stays with you forever. A visit to the campus gives you unexplainable joy. Memories of being a shy 16 year old college freshman comes alive. You would really want to retrace the steps you took everyday to get from the España gate to your building. You'd want to see the classrooms where you had your gym classes and kneel down in prayer inside the Santissimo Rosario church. The last time I visited the university, I peered through the wire fences of the botanical garden, where me and my friends spent hours trying to classify the different kinds of leaves and insects. I wanted to go up the 5th floor of the main building where the Anatomy and Chemistry laboratories were, however, the entrance says "Students and Professors only."

My only regret, is not attending the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony. I felt it was not yet the end of my academic journey, since I was going to enroll in the College of Medicine in the following school year. I told my parents that I am happy to have earned my Bachelor's degree, but will only attend the graduation ceremony when I earn my degree for Doctor of Medicine.

Sadly, I did not graduate from the College of Medicine. I have written about this before, and I will write about it again. I am content with what I have achieved in life and if I could go back in time, I would probably choose to finish my studies in Medicine, provided that it will be the only thing I would change in the past. I would have wanted to experience the passage through the Arch of the Centuries, the lighting of the candles, and the tearful good-byes to classmates.

Since we can not go back in time, I relive the joy every time I see videos of the Baccalaureate Mass in the University of Santo Tomas. I see myself in those smiling faces, I remember the "uniform signing," I remember the feeling of happiness upon seeing my name in the Official List of Candidates for Graduation.  What a great time that was.

I am sharing with you the video of the 2015 Baccalaureate Mass held in the University of Santo Tomas. Witness the hope and joy in the eyes of these youth. So heartwarming.

Congratulations to the graduates and a big pat on the back for the parents who stood behind and fueled the dreams of their sons and daughters. Mabuhay po kayo!

DHgate's Daily Deals Is The Real Deal

A month ago, I could hardly contain my excitement upon discovering a great e-commerce website called DHgate.com. I was amazed at the numerous categories of goods they offer for sale! The website is so user-friendly. Simply type in the search bar the item you are interested in and it will give you hundreds of options to choose from.

 DHgate.com caters to both individual and businesses, offering high quality goods at wholesale prices. It does not stop there. Most items offer free shipping, and if you purchase by volume, you'd get even more discounts. I love the fact that they offer per volume purchases, because this would foster small business enterprises. If you however, do not have that business streak in you, DHgate.com can be the go-to-place for shopping with family and friends. Buy in bulk and share with friends and family or re-sell and start you own business. 

One more great feature of DHgate.com is its Daily Deals. Simply hover and click "Daily Deals" in the Navigation bar and it takes you to the page where you can find great discounts on items that you would surely love. You can save up to 90%, however, you have to hurry because these items go really fast!

As a special bonus, DHgate.com offers a special $50 coupon for new customers who will spend $200 or more on their first order, valid through May 31st, 2015. 

At DHgate.com, every body is a winner!

My Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished ~ A Poor Man's Bucket List

I have been having lots of thoughts about growing old, looking back on what I have accomplished and on what I have missed. I read somewhere that if you visualize your goals every day, you will someday achieve them. Years ago, I watched that movie, "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It was a good movie, except I did not like the part that both of them were dying.

It is a nice thing to do, to list all those things you would want to accomplish before you get old (or die, as in the movie), however, in this day and age, when money is tight, I guess only millionaires would qualify to make bucket lists.

So I decided to not make a bucket list. I will make a "Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished." It will be my version of a poor-man's bucket list. It is free to dream, so here I go!

My Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished

In the evening of my life...

• I wish to reside in a simple but sturdy house near a beach. I love the sun, sand and sea and I absolutely adore the sunset.
• I wish to be an accomplished writer
• I wish to be able to live comfortably until it is time to go
• I wish to grow old watching sunsets with my hubby, with our very own "his and hers" walking canes.
• I wish to see my children all financially stable and successful. I would love to have lots of grandchildren too.
• I wish to have my own Ford F150 Raptor before I am too old to drive.
• I wish to visit Batanes, Palawan, Sagada, and Camiguin.
• I wish, (if my finances would cover it) to spend a year vacationing in Europe and the United States.

These are only 8 wishes, but who knows? I may add more to my wish list depending on how my life evolves. It has been a wild ride, this journey called life, but I'm pretty sure I'll keep truckin,' keep loving, keep living. It is a legacy I can be proud to call mine. 

Live simply, stay happy, fight for what you feel is right, share the love, and never forget to thank God for all He has given you.

Good-bye Pen and Paper! Hello Xiaomi Mi Fitness Wristband!

Keeping track of your daily activities and sleep patterns can help us to plan a more effective exercise regimen. Accomplishing this task is no longer difficult with fitness wristbands, specially the new Xiaomi Mi wristbands available at DHgate.com.

These wristbands are waterproof and a single charge can last up to 30 days. Great for monitoring activities like walking, jogging or running. It also keeps track of sleep patterns and doubles as a vibrating alarm giving us a more subtle way to wake up.  Its state of the art Bluetooth 4.0 technology and accelerometer allows compatibility with MIUI Android 4.4 and higher. All these great features are contained in a small alloy body measuring only 34x14x9 millimeters!

Another cool feature is that we can purchase different colors of the wristband and slip the small alloy device into the rubber wristband of our choice. Great for people who love color-coordinating their attires.

The Xiaomi Mi wristband is among the thousands of cool products we can find at DHgate.com. They offer goods at wholesale prices and usually free shipping too. If you are in search of any item, whether clothes, accessories, electronics, household products, appliances or what-nots, check out their user-friendly website. This is one great online marketplace that you would definitely keep coming back to.

Parenting Styles: Which Of These Do You Practice?

Raising children can drive parents nuts. From infancy to school age, parents have to deal with the sleepless nights, the illnesses, cuts and scrapes, and issues with their school. When your kids get into that "awkward age," to have to face the emotional roller coaster brought about by their hormonal surge, endless talks about "the birds and the bees," their choice of friends, the mess they make.

It is not easy being a parent. Most of us would just sigh and say, "Is this what my parents went through when they were raising me?" I must admit, I did say that phrase to myself many, many times in the past. We only want the best for our children and we strive to raise them the way they should be - a loving, responsible adult.

Studies in Psychology acknowledges different parenting styles. According to WebMd, there are three basic parenting styles - Authoritarian, Permissive and Authoritative.  

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Authoritarian Parenting is focused on obedience. Some people would regard this parenting style as a strict, "its that way because I said so," type. Children raised in this kind of parenting are focused, organized and goal-driven. The setback is that the children are usually withdrawn and lack the skill of deciding for themselves.

Permissive Parenting is when parents impose only a few rules for their children to follow, and an occasional behavior correction because they are afraid to upset their children. This style could be the result of one or both parents having an unhappy childhood. For them, they want to make sure that their own children would not have to "suffer" the same fate as them. Children raised in a permissive parenting household are extroverts.  They may have some issues though with following rules, (because they are not used to it) and may have the tendency to grow up to be manipulative adults.

Authoritative Parenting is a mixture of Authoritarian and Permissive Parenting styles. There is a lot of care and affection, however, children are expected to follow the rules and limitations set by their parents. Families who practice authoritative parenting apply a sort of "reward system" where additional privileges are provided when good behavior or academic goals are met. However, this "reward system" may confuse a growing child by having the mindset, "I will do good today so I can ask for a new bag." This may drive consistency down the drain unless parents nip it in the bud. Children raised in this environment are more happy, responsible and open to speak their minds. Parents have to be careful though, to stick to the limitations they have set for their children, because deviating from the rules will cause confusion and resentment.

Kendra Cherry, a psychology expert, wrote about a fourth parenting style, called Uninvolved Parenting. Children raised in households where their parents are "uninvolved" crave attention. Although the parents make sure the basic needs of the child are met, there is little communication and interaction between parent and child. Kendra writes, "An uninvolved parenting style is characterized by few demands, low responsiveness and little communication."

I was a single mother raising three children all on my own, until eight years ago, when I met a responsible man who my children now look up to as their dad. I would admit, I am 60% permissive and 40% authoritative. My children are now grown and the life lessons from our unhappy relationship with their biological father has made them learn to value the love and sacrifice that I have given them. 

We have to admit, there is no perfect parenting style. It is always a little of each. Whatever manner or style we raise our children, it is always for their best interest. Smother them with love and attention, but do not spare the rod. Put them on the right path and reap the rewards of having happy, caring, and responsible children.

It All Starts With A Good Mouthpiece

I love listening to jazz and classical music. It relaxes me and takes me to a place in my mind where everything is calm and perfect. Wind instruments and the violin are my favorite jazz and classical music instruments. Most modern day artists are saxophonists, however, we must not forget the beautiful sound a clarinet makes.

Did you know that aside from the precise finger work needed to play beautiful music on the clarinet, the mouthpiece also plays an important part in the quality of sound that is produced? It is true! An enthusiast can very well distinguish the kind of mouthpiece used on a clarinet by simply listening to the strength, focus and timbre of the sound.

If you are a clarinetist, or you know of someone who is, or simply one who appreciates music, a great mouthpiece guide will help you to choose what to use for the sound and type of music you would want to create and hear. Today's world is full of crazy, loud music and I, for one, would really appreciate budding artists in the field of jazz and classical music.

Still at a loss of what a clarinet is? Watch this video of an artist playing Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee."

Responsible Gaming and No Deposit Bonus Codes

Playing online casino games on occasion can be fun. When you find yourself with nothing worthwhile to do or read online, wouldn't it be nice to relax and try your luck with casino games? 

Of course, the next roadblock will be the need for cash. Here's where the good news comes in. Experience the thrill and fun of playing your favorite casino games with no deposit bonus! Yes, you read it right. Now you can interact with worldwide players on various online casino sites and get a chance to win real money.

At www.nodepositbonus.codes, you can choose to play with numerous online casinos and not worry about a cash outlay. This is a new site with free casino bonuses. It is updated daily with over fifty (50) new no deposit bonus codes that you can readily avail of.

So when you find yourself in a situation where you have some free time to spare and have nothing else to do, head on over to the site and who knows? You may be the next big winner!

As a wise reminder to everyone, it is always best to practice moderation and responsible gaming.

That Fault Line Beneath You: To Panic or To Prepare?

With all the strong earthquakes plaguing Nepal, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to worry about a similar scenario happening in the country.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region dotted with active volcanoes and numerous fault lines, therefore, every Filipino has had the experience of at least one major volcanic eruption and earthquakes in their entire lifetime.

Lately, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) released the "Valley Fault System Atlas," an informative collection of maps depicting the exact location of the two segments of this active fault line. 

The West Valley Fault line is 100 kilometers long, traversing the Greater Metro Manila Area's cities of Quezon, Pasig, Marikina, Makati, Taguig and Muntinlupa; and portions of the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite. Movement along this fault line may generate a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

The East Valley Fault is a lot shorter, 10 kilometers in length, and traversing the municipalities of Montalban and San Mateo in Rizal Province. Activity along this fault line may generate a magnitude 6.2 earthquake.

According to the government agency, PHILVOLCS, the Valley Fault System is "ripe for movement" as studies have shown that the fault line shows activity every 400 to 600 years. The last time activity was recorded 357 years ago, in 1658.

Metro Manila is where close to 12 million people live, work and study. The seat of government, commercial districts, residential high rises and countless schools, colleges and universities are concentrated in this area. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake will definitely bring the entire nation to a standstill.

It is a fact that we have no control over the forces of nature, however, what we should have done in the past was better urban planning. Since that cannot be undone at the present time, the best we can do is to prepare for the worst and pray. This is going to be a lot easier to do if you already have a faith of course, and you might be looking at Living Church of God reviews with this in mind as we speak. The important thing however is just to find the worship that works for you, that you can turn to in exactly these kinds of situations. Pray incessantly.

If you have relatives and friends living in the Metro and would like to find out if their residence or place of work is near or directly above the fault line, click on the links below to find out.

http://www.geoportal.gov.ph/viewer/

http://www.scribd.com/doc/265843406/The-Valley-Fault-System-Atlas#scribd

I appreciate this on-going awareness campaign of the PHILVOLCS. I personally believe that this was done not to create paranoia or fear. It is to educate us about the probability of an earthquake and what we can do to survive it.

Keep Calm, Prepare, and Pray.

A Hub To Have

Having the latest gadgets is such a nice thing, however, it is sometimes we are caught in a situation when our batteries run out. You may notice that the market is full of "power-on-the-go" devices offering such and what nots. With all our data connectivity needs, it gets to be a hassle when you have to carry with you a power bank, a card reader, a data cable, a usb hub, etc.

Thankfully, there is the new Hub+. Made with precision and quality in Germany, the Hub+ blends well with the new MacBook. The Hub+ 7 ports - 2 USB-C ports, 1 SDXC card reader, 1 display port and 3 USB-A ports.

The Hub+ is compact and lightweight, only 3.5 ounces, 4.8 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. It fits securely in your hand or pocket. The new MacBook users can use this product as a hub and connect other devices to it without compromising its effectivity. It is an ideal device for university students, business travelers, and other professionals to have.

Another great feature of the Hub+ is that you never have to worry about charging an external power source for your phone battery. The Hub+ when used as a charging port has a built in lithium ion battery that is always charged up and ready for use. It can provide up to 2 hours battery life for one phone when your battery goes dead.

Beautifully crafted with aluminum alloy, the Hub+ is reasonably priced starting at $79. Take it a notch further and check out the 24K gold plated version. A hub with charging capabilities. All we need to keep us connected while on the go.

"Mom"

Sharing a very touching song for Mothers Day. I had tears running down my face. This is for all mothers and their children to watch.

"Mom"

A little baby told God, "Hey, I'm kinda scared
Don't really know if I want to go down there
From here it looks like a little blue ball
That's a great big place and I'm so small"

"Why can't I just stay here with you
Did I make you mad, don't you want me to?"
God said, "Oh, child, of course I do
But there's somebody special waiting for you"

[Chorus:]
So, hush now baby don't you cry
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is makin' sure you're always gonna be alright
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong
It's almost time to go and meet your mom

[Chorus]

Now, when she's talking to you
Make sure you listen close
'Cause she's gonna teach you everything
You'll ever need to know
Like how to mind your manners
To love and laugh and dream
And she'll put you on the path
That'll bring you back to Me

So, hush now little baby don't you cry
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is making sure you're always gonna be alright
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong
Come on child
It's time to meet your mom

How To Care For Your Fur Babies

I love dogs! I call them "my furry grandchildren." We have a two year old Shih Tzu named "Bite." My eldest son has a Pomeranian-Japanese Spitz mix named "Fang." They are the gentlest, cutest, most loyal dogs!
Having a dog does not only mean feeding them and giving them a bath. Like children, they have to be given care and attention to keep them healthy. I walk Bite three times a day. It gives him time to explore the neighborhood and it helps me get my exercise too. He gets a thorough brushing every other day. I choose his meals and make sure there are no artificial additives.
Bite gets to see the vet once a month for his wellness check up. My vet recommended that I purchase some items for pet care. These are for eye and ear care, and for prevention of flea and tick infestation. I heeded her advice and would want to share them with you.
I know most of us are dog lovers and these products are really doing a great job keeping my furry grandchildren happy and healthy. They are my bundle of joy!

Eye Care

Just like little kids, dogs can get some things in their eyes or get irritated by dust, smoke or pollen. Flushing them out with a mild solution relieves your dog of eye irritation and discomfort. Only Natural Pet - Eye Care is also suitable to clean the eye stains around the corners of your dog's eyes. Safe and gentle for both dogs and cats.

Ear Care

Cleaning your dog's ears is not as easy as using a Q-Tip. So how would you promote ear healthy in your dog? We can use ear cleaning solutions like the Vet Basics General EAR CLEANSER 4oz bottle size. is a soothing, safe and effective ear cleansing solution specifically formulated to deodorize and gently clean, dry and acidify the pet's ear canal, providing a healthy environment for the ears. It also has aloe vera to soothe the ear canal. It can be used for both dogs and cats of any age.

Get Rid of Ticks and Fleas

It is not good if your dog gets ticks and fleas. For an especially active dog who loves running outside, it seems inevitable that one day, you'd find them scratching to no end because of ticks and fleas. Frontline - Plus 12 Pack Extra Large Dog is a special formulation that kills ticks, fleas, flea eggs and larvae. One tube = one month protection!

Deshedding Tool

Brushing your dog's coat can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you come across knots and tangles. I have bought several combs and brushes, however, the best one is still the FURminator - Medium Dog 2.65in. It effectively removes undercoat and loose hair. Recommended by professional groomers, this tool can be used for dogs and cats. There is a right FURminator to use for your pet's coat length.

Dog Shampoo

My little Bite loves his baths. He loves staying in the sink filled with lukewarm water. When choosing a dog shampoo, I opt for formulations that are not harsh on their coat and skin. A plus factor for me is a shampoo that gives my furry grandchildren a clean, fresh, long lasting scent. Only Kay - Lambert Kay Fresh n' Clean Scented Shampoo for Dogs 16 fl oz has given me all that I am looking for in a great dog shampoo. Hands down satisfied customer. Paws down happy dog!

Dog Treats

Just like taking care of little children, I make it a point to reward good behavior in Bite and Fang. They both love Purina - Beggin Thick-Cut Maple Flavor Dog Treats. It is a great way to help me to teach them to behave, and to learn some tricks. So far, so good. Their toys are still all over the apartment, they still hide the rugs under the table, and they still wipe their mouths on the kitchen rug. So what? I give them a reward nevertheless for just being downright cute!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Of Little Girls and Big Friendships

Real friends are hard to find and when you do, it is definitely a relationship you would want to keep for a lifetime. You know one more thing that is equally as beautiful? It is never losing contact with friendships you made in kindergarten and grade school. I am thankful for technology and of course, Facebook, which made me find my former classmates.

My Kindergarten class picture. Maryknoll College, 1970
I am in the second row, the 6th girl from the left

I treasure this picture so much and I have reconnected with most of these girls who are now also mothers (and grandmothers). I love viewing pictures of their families and I am happy for what they have grown up to be.

One of my grade school classmates, (not in the photo above because she was in a different section), is a very good and well established writer. She has a weekly column in a newspaper and is a proud mom of two children. I am a fan of hers, and two days ago, I ordered her third book. It came in the mail today and I just can't put it down. It is such a good book that speaks from the depths of a mother's heart. 

Cathy writes so beautifully and I dream of someday being able to reach at least 10% of what she has accomplished. I am proud that once upon a time, I sat in the same classroom with her. 

Her book, "Heart On My Sleeve" is a collection of some of her best articles in "Roots and Wings," her Sunday column of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The last part of the book is a short story entitled "Letter from Heaven," is a memoir of her son, Migi, whom she lost when he was just four years old.

If you are looking for a good read this Mother's Day, "Heart On My Sleeve" is one that you'd absolutely love.

Thank you Cathy for sharing your wisdom and talent. Looking forward to your next book.

About the author:

Cathy S. Babao has always worn her heart on her sleeve. Mother, author, grief coach and educator. She writes a Sunday column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled "Roots and Wings" and has written two books, "Heaven's Butterfly," a children's book on grief; and "Between Loss and Forever" which is about Filipina mothers on the grief journey, a 2012 National Book Award Nominee in the non-fiction category. In her other life, she is a communications manager for a multinational health care company. Email her at storiesbykate@gmail.com.

Everything A Woman Would Need, You'll Find It Here

Different seasons, different needs.

Women have the need to pamper themselves. It is not vanity, it is just the way women are. We want to feel good about ourselves by taking care of our skin, hair, and overall health. When we feel good about ourselves, we are more effective homemakers, wives, and moms. Raising a family is no easy job and a little pampering here and there is something we always look forward to.

There are times that we tend to go over our budget when buying our essentials. Often it is because we buy products one piece at a time. Thankfully, there is one way to keep within our means. What can be more exciting than to receive a curated box of full size beauty and health products from FabFitFun? These products have been carefully chosen and handpicked by the experts, guaranteed to make you feel fabulous all year round!

In each subscription box, you will find an assortment of products for skin care, cosmetics, hair care, fashion and fitness items. Every product suited for the season. Aside from these, FabFitFun also sells infuser water bottles. It is the new, healthy alternative to plain drinking water. Simply add your fruit or herb of choice into the perforated tube, fill the bottle with drinking water and enjoy!

Great products you can actually use valued at $200 can be yours for only $49.99. Best deal ever! Wouldn't it be great to sign up now and receive your #fabfitfunBI Spring Box shipped to your doorstep. No shipping fees too!


If you want to learn more tips on health and fitness, beauty, love and entertainment, you can also check out their website at fabfitfun.com

Recyclable Recipe #3 - Meatball Frenzy

This is my third "Recyclable Recipe." I hope you try this one too.

Two days ago, you served your family spaghetti and meatballs. And then you discover you made more meatballs than your family can put in their spaghetti. What to do? First, place your left over meatballs in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in the freezer for a new meal some other day.

Here's what I do with left over meatballs ~ I make a thick hearty soup! It is a delicious, easy to follow recipe that would really warm you up from the inside out. 

Ingredients:

Left over meatballs
3 cups beef or chicken stock
2 tablespoons vegetable/canola oil
1 one medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 small package Chinese vermicelli (thin rice noodles/misua)
scallions finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

In a large saucepan, brown the garlic in vegetable oil. Add the onions and saute until the onions are transparent. Add the tomatoes and continue to saute until the tomatoes are tender. Add the soup stock. Cover and bring to a boil. When the soup stock is briskly boiling, add the vermicelli. Add the left over meatballs and continue cooking until the meatballs are heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

Enjoy the smiles your family will have on their faces with the first spoonful! Guaranteed soul-food. Simple, easy and budget friendly!

Shopping For Swimwear In The Spring ~ Only at DHgate.com!

It is springtime! The weather is starting to warm up and blooms are everywhere. It is time to store the warm thick clothing and get ready for lighter clothing. 

I know that summer is still far off, but I want to share with you a budget saving tip: Shop for clothes when they are out of season. Sounds crazy? I don't think so. It is usually these items that are on sale. Since summer is only a few months away, wouldn't it be the best time to look for a nice swimsuit? I guess your next question would be, "Where can I buy swimwear when all the stores have spring clothing on display?"

Here's the answer to your question. At DHgate.com, you can find that perfect piece in their swimwear collection. They offer a wide variety of swimwear from bikinis, tankinis, one piece suits, vintage high waist, beach coveralls and more! They have swim wear for all women sizes, from free size, 2XS to 5XL and plus size. The designs are trendy and there is surely more than one piece you would definitely fall in love with.

This wonderful e-commerce website is easy to navigate, with a left sidebar that you can use to filter your choice according to material, color, size, and design. I am so happy to have learned about DHgate.

DHgate offers free shipping on some items and huge discounts for bulk orders, offering items as low as $5.00! Unbelievable!

For budget friendly moms like me, this is the ultimate online shop to go to! #DHgateSWBI yourself and you'll love every item you'll see.

Focus-Click-Share: From The Collection of a Photog Wannabe

I am great fan of photography. If I had my way, I would have majored in Media Arts/Journalism or Fine Arts-Photography. But of course, my father wanted me to follow his footsteps and enrolled me in Zoology for my preparatory course to the College of Medicine. 

I did not become a doctor, I dropped out in my junior year of Medical school. So now, I am a mother of three young adults, working to make a living in a call center and still loving the chance to take pictures of everything and anything. I use a cellphone, or a digicam, or a DSLR camera. Whatever is handy when something interests me. 

Here are some of the pictures I have taken over the past years. I guess you'd notice I love snapping photos of clouds, the skyline, the sunrise and sunset. Pardon the crudeness of the photos. I am saving up for a better camera. That will be my gift for myself at Christmas.

The Cloud Collection

 

 

A New Day Dawning

 

Clear Skies At Noon

 

The Beautiful Hues of Dusk

 

 

Hope you enjoyed viewing my pictures! :)