Tuesday, October 31, 2017

NEVER LET LOSE A STRAND OF YOUR PATIENCE


Have you ever been in a situation wherein nothing seems to go well, that no matter how you try to choose the right path, you keep making the wrong turn? Just like having a bad hair day, no matter how many times you comb your hair, it just would not budge.

Life can be challenging at times but there will always be a way to resolve these challenges and come out victorious. Having this in mind will be easy to keep your patience and continue to move forward.

Just like losing strands of your hair due to factors beyond your control, you too can do something.
  • Eat healthy – Eating the right food can alter your mood. Having low-level of folic acid in your body can cause anxiety, hence, food such as asparagus, avocado, salmon, and almond are recommended to fight stress hormones.
  • Stay calm – Listen to comforting music and reading feel-good stories can help switch you to a calm mood.
  • Exercise – Exercise releases endorphins that can relieve you from stress and anxiety.
  • Supplement –Taking Vitamins such as B-complex can alter mood swings.
Don’t let your stress factors contribute to your hair loss. Letting yourself succumb to anxiety will definitely show up to your follicles and this can lead to more hair loss.

Hectic schedules and pressure from work, not to mention the pollution and filth outside easily make you feel unease and, at times, irritable. Slow down a bit, have fun and relax. 

Tip 1: The stroke of a comb can give you a soothing feeling while, at the same time, help unleash the natural oil in your hair.

Tip 2: Stay away from getting pigtails, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers, which can pull and stress your hair.

Tip 3: Avoid perming, straightening or coloring because they contain toxic chemicals that could cause damage to your locks.
Tip 4: Choose natural. Use NOVUHAIR topical solution. Apply a liberal amount on to your scalp and hair. Massage it gently for -10 minutes to help permeate deeply from root to tip. NOVUHAIR is packed with 19 natural ingredients that help promote growth, nourishment, and rejuvenation of your tress.

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information, please contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575 from Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm or visit www.novuhair.com.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Say Yes To May's Indoor Party!


It's the rainy season and it's the perfect reason to party with your loved ones. Whether you’re thinking of a grand gathering or an intimate celebration, May got tips on how you can add a personalized touch to your indoor party. Together with today’s famous and favored non-alcoholic delightful drink, May 100% Sparkling Grape Juice, check out the following useful tips on how you can pull off a simple but stand out get together with your family and friends. 

1. Get your theme on.

Catch the attention of your guests in a flash by thinking about a theme they can follow. From the Classic 80’s to Star Wars, from James Bond to Avengers, or from Sesame Street to Harry Potter, think of something out-of-the-box! We promise it’s a great way to kick off your rainy day of fun.

2. Play the right music.

From small talks to nap-inducing activity, an indoor party has a way of boring your guests. Music change that. Start off with a mellow music then pump it up with a playlist that will encourage everyone to tear it up on the dance floor!

3. Impress your guests with finger foods and fondue.

Serve foods like a heaping cheese plate, corndogs, or mini muffins. Easy to prepare, simple to arrange, and exciting to assemble, it’s also crowd-pleasing and sufficiently satisfying. And elevate your indoor entertaining efforts with an epic chocolate fondue to chocolate-cover everything, of course. Try this easy-peasy recipe: In a bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate bar and chop into small pieces. Add ½ cup milk or cream and melt gently in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and add milk if the sauce is too thick. Add vanilla ½ teaspoon of a vanilla extract and stir. Dippers could be brownie cubes, pineapple chunks, apple slices, and marshmallows!

4. Let the games begin.

The best way to gather all your favorite people together is to spruce things up with a fun game. Check out Heads Up that’s best for injecting life to the party and bringing some order to chaos! Simply download the app on your phone and divide groups into two for a hilarious guessing game that’s perfect for both adults and kids.

5. Set up a non-alcoholic bar area.

Bring together your guests by setting up a mocktail corner to put your guests in a cheery mood! Fizzy and bubbly, this drink is also guaranteed kid-friendly. So pass around some bottles of certified non-alcoholic red and white variants of May 100% Sparkling Grape Juice that’s made of selected, high-quality grapes from Belgium. You can also up the ante by installing a bar area where guest can pour out unlimited refills of this fun and wholesome drink. To make it even more memorable, serve a mocktail made of May 100% Sparkling Grape Juice and let your guests delight into something fancy. Refreshing and can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age and dietary restrictions, May 100% Sparkling Grape Juice is delightfully ideal for joyful events filled with light-hearted cheer.

This rainy season, celebrate with people who are close to your heart. Plan out a seriously fun party because there’s always a reason to say Yes to May and raise your spirits when you need a dose of festive fun during the rainy months!

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Alden Richards taught kids proper hand-washing with Safeguard in Global Hand-washing Day


Guarding Your Health Starts With Washing Your Hands! (L-R) Leila Florento, PAMET Former President, Leila Florento; Gina Noble, PAMET Executive Secretary; Edna Vidal-Nito Officer in Charge, Division Chief Media and External Relations Division Health Promotion and Communication Service, Department of Health; David Khoo, Safeguard Science Expert; Alden Richards; Carolyn Moore, Secretariat Director of the Global Handwashing Partnership; Jia Salindong-Du, Safeguard Philippines Brand Manager; Ronaldo Puno, PAMET President, and Lito Atienza, Chair of the Committee on Outreach.

In this year’s Global Handwashing Day celebration, Safeguard has partnered with one of the most prominent personalities in the country today to bring attention to the importance of proper and habitual handwashing. The nation’s leading soap together with the “Pambasang Bae” Alden Richards join forces to educate Filipinos on the importance of handwashing through the power of a song.



Alden himself sang the handwashing song and invites every Filipino to make it a habit to unfailingly wash their hands with Safeguard in these 5 “hugas non-negotiables” -- before “mano”, after using the toilet, before eating, after playing and before bonding. And more importantly, to spread the love and not the germs this holiday season.

If you’ve ever wondered the kind of impact personal hygiene really makes on the spread of germs and general health of the public, consider these sobering statistics gathered from the first Philippines Handwashing Index, a breakthrough study recently commissioned by the nation’s leading soap brand, Safeguard.

It has been discovered that Filipinos touch more than 23 other people per day, summing up to more than 90 ‘touches’ a day on average. However, they wash our hands only 5 times a day! There are other shocking findings that show opportunities for improvement on handwashing habits particular on specific occasions:

After using the toilet:
  • 7 out of 10 Filipinos CLAIM to wash their hands after using the toilet but—ONLY 2 out of 10 really do.
  • A shocking 64% of Filipinas DO NOT wash their hands at all after using a mall toilet.
Before eating and cooking
  • It was observed that 60% of females washed their hands with water ONLY before cooking.
  • Before feeding the kids, 40% washed their hands with water ONLY.
Before and after bonding:
  • 80% of Filipinos DO NOT wash their hands after shaking hands with another person
  • 40% of Filipinos DO NOT wash their hands before touching young children

After playing or traveling
  • 49% DO NOT wash their hands after using their mobile phones
  • 50% DO NOT wash their hands after traveling on public transportation
If these statistics seem particularly innocuous, keep in mind that one of the fastest ways to spread germs and diseases is by human contact and ingesting contaminated food. Clearly, Filipinos haven’t nurtured the habit of proper hand washing, and based on statistics, a great number do not care. There’s a great opportunity to educate citizens that washing hands with soap can effectively remove disease-causing germs and is the most basic way to prevent oneself from getting sick.

Did you know that 1.5 million children around the world die every year due to diarrhea? As shocking as it may seem, diarrhea is the second most common cause of death among kids. UNICEF has declared that pneumonia takes the lives 1.8 million children globally each year. Furthermore, in a study done by DOH locally, it has been found out that pneumonia is the number one cause of death among Filipino children of age 1-14 years. Believe it or not, the simple habit of proper handwashing with an anti-bacterial soap can be an effective way of reducing these incidents.

Bawat hugas, dapat Safeguard hugas

With the arrival of the ber months, these facts will become even more worrisome. The holidays mean more frequent gatherings with friends and family—and with it, the chances of you spreading germs to others increase. “The results of the Philippine Handwashing Index indicate that Filipinos clearly haven’t nurtured the habit of proper handwashing. Which is why Safeguard continues to take active steps to spread awareness on its relevance specifically through the Global Handwashing Day and through the new handwashing song with Alden Richards,” explains Jia Salindong- Du, Safeguard Philippines Brand Manager.

Ultimately, this is a call for every Filipino to do their part in promoting handwashing to keep everyone healthy and protected from germs throughout this season. Make it a habit to wash your hands with Safeguard in these 5 “hugas non-negotiables” -- before “mano”, after using the toilet, before eating, after playing and before bonding.

Share the newest Safeguard handwashing song led by Alden to remind your friends and family about the significance of handwashing especially during the Christmas season:

Made especially for the holidays, Safeguard is launching its Christmas gift sets, which contain Safeguard Pure White Body Wash (400ML), Pure White Liquid Handsoap (225ML) and a FREE loofa. These limited editions packs will be available for only PHP 199 beginning October 15, 2017.

Pregnancy After Miscarriage: How to Ease Your Mind

Most people may expect you to be overjoyed with your pregnancy news after previously suffering from a miscarriage. But, getting pregnant after a miscarriage is usually fraught with worry. In fact, for the first trimester at least, you may be feeling downright miserable. That isn’t because you’re displeased with the news of being pregnant, but you may be terrified that you’ll go through the same thing again. It isn’t uncommon for pregnant women who have suffered from miscarriages to detach themselves from their new pregnancy as a way of putting a guard up. So, how do you deal with it all?


Find Distraction

One of the best ways of getting out of your own head is to find some really good distractions. During your first trimester you may not feel like doing anything exciting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t distract yourself close to home. If you already have young children, they may be enough of a distraction anyway, but there are other things you can do. For instance, reading a book or watching a movie you know you’ll love. Even playing a board game with your partner could be enough to ease your mind a bit.

Get Professional Help

If you’ve been through a miscarriage before, you may need some extra assurance this time around. That’s perfectly normal, and most midwives are willing to do whatever it takes to put your mind at rest. That may mean additional scans at your clinic, additional antenatal appointments with your midwife and even some counselling if you see the benefit. However, if you don’t feel like you’re getting what you need, you can always take matters into your own hands. At FME you can purchase fetal monitors that allow you to hear your baby’s heartbeat from the comfort of your own home. There’s nothing as reassuring as that sound when you’re worried.


Wait Before You Tell People

The last thing you need is other people getting excited around you when you can’t be. Many women wait until after the first trimester to tell people they’re expecting, even if they haven’t had a miscarriage before. So, keep your precious secret a little longer until you feel more secure in your pregnancy. However, it can help to tell close family and friends who will understand what you’re going through. It’s a large burden to try and carry on your own, so the more support you have during this critical time, the better.

Relaxation Exercises

Your mind is so full of thoughts and your body is going through a tough transition; it can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. Doing some relaxation exercises, like pregnancy yoga, can really help you to quiet your mind and get some well-deserved rest. It’s also a great coping mechanism for morning sickness and fatigue, so it could benefit you immensely during those tough first few weeks.

The best thing you can do is listen to your body and try to give it what it needs. Don’t be afraid to disappoint people. You come first!

Do You Protect Your Tech?

Most of us have a wealth of gizmos and gadgets in our homes. We might even have a few in our bags when we’re out and about! Without a doubt, you have an arsenal of tricky-to-remember passwords for each one. On top of that, you have to remember all the other passwords for your apps and online accounts. It’s good to protect your personal information and data like that. But what about the device itself?

Lots of us have had a mishap with a smartphone or tablet in the past. Perhaps you just shrugged it off and carried on using it until your contract renewed? After all, we get a new device every year with most contracts. No wonder these devices can feel so disposable! Technology develops at such a pace that it renders devices unusable after just three or four years anyway.

No matter how much you spend on your devices, you shouldn’t really be flippant about it. It’s your hard-earned cash after all. And if you got it on credit, chances are you’re paying well over the retail price for it anyway. Taking care of portable devices is never easy to do. Think about all the places you go with it. Is it tucked safely in a rugged case? You can’t encase everything in bubble wrap, but there are a few ways you can increase your protection.


The first, and most obvious, is with insurance. Household insurance rarely covers the full value of your device, and might not cover it if you take it from the house. Try to find specialist insurance for that type of gadget. 

The second level of protection is a ruggedized case. This can sometimes restrict the use of the device, though. It won’t protect against every serious knock or water accident either. But it’s a good start for daily use.

The third way to protect your device is to actually repair it if you damage it. With companies like Forever Wireless cell phone repair is quick, painless and affordable. Glass continues to crack and leave your device vulnerable once it is damaged. Get it fixed to protect your tech straight away. 

What about your other devices at home, like TVs and sound systems? This type of tech doesn’t tend to be upgraded nearly as often as phones, tablets and computers. That means it might be even more important to ensure your technology is in good working order. Most of our home tech is just as connected as anything else. Bluetooth and WiFi are the most common ways to connect to these devices. Software and operating system updates should benefit the equipment. Make sure you’re up to date.

Positioning is everything at home. Sturdy shelves, no heat sources, and sensible socket use are essential to protect your tech. Keep kids and pets well away from any of your wires to ensure nobody gets hurt, and nothing gets damaged. How do you protect your tech at home and away?

Friday, October 27, 2017

Avoid Fall House Maintenance Faux Pas


Fall is finally here, and that means that it’s time to get the pumpkins for carving, stock up sweets for trick or treaters and make sure you have a pantry full of food for thanksgiving. However, it also means that we’re approaching the time whether the wind and rain take their shots at our homes, attempting to do some damage and maybe blow a few tiles from the roof. As such, you have to make sure that your home is prepared for the fall season with a little maintenance work. There are a few tips we can recommend here. 

Get Some Shutter Gutters

Wind and heavy rain equal one thing: blocked gutters. Usually, this is due to the fact that the wind blows up the leaves and other muck to the roof. The rain pushes it into the gutters, the gutters get clogged, and before long you have a smelly mess. That’s right, if gutters are left clogged up for too long, they can and will start to small. 

That said, there is an easy fix. You can get shutter gutters from http://www.guttershutter.com/. Shutter gutters fit over the gutters of your home like simple plastic coverings. Since they have holes in them, the rainwater seeps through, but the muck and mess of leaves and other dirt is kept out completely. As such it is the perfect solution, and the best part is that they are totally easy to install. 

Check Your Roof Regularly 

You might find that there is a hole in your roof, damage left over from a recent storm. It’s important to get this fixed well before the fall weather really kicks into high gear. An issue with the roof can leave your house more vulnerable and may cause issues with damp or even allow animals to enter. Don’t forget, as the weather starts to turn animals will be looking for shelter and if there’s an entrance point to your attic, this could be the perfect place. 

The answer here then is to get a roof inspection. If there is any damage, make sure it is fixed as quickly as possible before the weather starts to turn. Luckily, there are companies like https://www.crownremodelingllc.com/, that can take care of this type of storm damage for you. That way, you won’t have to worry about attempting a weird and potentially dangerous DIY repair. 

Prep The Yard 

You won't get much of a chance to get out in the garden through the fall and especially as the winter winds arrive. So make sure you are preparing your garden. You can cut the grass short, and you won’t have to cut it again until after winter. Grass tends to grow slower through the winter season, much to the joy of all gardeners. As for the rest of your garden, it’s probably time to let it go until spring arrives. 

We hope this helps you prepare your home for the fall season and ensure that everything is in place before winter comes.

Big, Black Mold: The Home Horror You Have To Avoid


Mold is not a particularly nice topic. It’s something we’d all rather pretend doesn’t exist; we know it’s possible, but that doesn’t mean that we’re entirely comfortable discussing the idea of it. 

However, one thing that’s worse than just discussing mold is living with mold-- especially the pernicious and ruinous black mold. So, in an effort to ensure that your home is always mold-free, it’s necessary to have a discussion about this fungal invader-- and ensure that your home is always a mold-free zone. 

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Healthy or Hoax? Rethink These Common Health Tips

Health is a complicated thing. It seems like everywhere you look, you can find advice on how to be healthier. And if it's not telling you how to be healthy, it's trying to convince you that looking a certain way is better for you. It can be really difficult to know what to believe and what to dismiss. Even things that are widely accepted as being good for you can turn out to not be true. The best thing to do is to look at what scientists and dieticians say about how to stay healthy. The health industry is just trying to sell you various products, so they're not the best people to rely on. 

Take a look at these common tips and the truth behind them.


Take Lots of Vitamins

Taking vitamins, on top of what you get from your diet, is recommended for lots of things. It's true that we all need to get a range of vitamins to help our bodies in the right away. And taking supplements can help you if you're not getting what you need from your diet. Many people take a multivitamin or one particular vitamin to help them stay healthy. However, at some point, taking more vitamins isn't going to do anything. For example, vitamin C helps your immune system. But if you have a cold or other illness, taking vitamin C supplements is unlikely to help you, beyond a placebo effect. High doses of vitamin C could help slightly but ultimately won't cure your cold.

Dark Chocolate Is Really Good For You

We all love to believe that the things we're told are bad for us are actually good for us. Unfortunately, you can usually find matching stories for pretty much any food or drink. If there's one story saying it's good for you, you're almost guaranteed to find another that says it gives you cancer or increases your risk of heart disease. One example is dark chocolate. Chocolate does actually contain something called flavanols, which are good for your brain. But to benefit from them, you'd have to eat an awful lot of chocolate. However, chocolate can still give you a little boost by making you happy.


Cleaner Water Is Better Water

A lot of people worry about what's in their water. Aside from conspiracy theories about fluoride, you still might think that perhaps your water isn't as clean as you would like it to be. Some people think that super clean water is better, and opt to drink distilled water. However, distilled water has pretty much nothing in it. That means all the good minerals are removed, alongside the things you actually want to be removed that can affect the taste and safety of your water. A better option is to buy a water filter, which will remove the bad stuff but leave all the good stuff behind.

Navigating the world of health and diet can be difficult. But if you listen to the experts and look for evidence, you can find out what's true and what isn't.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Transform Your Garage Into The Perfect Children's Play Shed


If you’ve got a garage that you’re not using for much other than to store junk, and kids that just love to make a mess, why not consider transforming your garage into the perfect children’s play shed? There are a few things you’ll need to do before it’s suitable to play in, and some considerations you’ll need to make along the way. Read on if this sounds like something you and your children would like!

Choosing A Theme 

If you want to transform your garage into a playroom, first consider the sort of theme that you want to create. This will depend largely on your kids, what they are into, and how long you think they’ll be using the space. Turning it into a room based on their favorite kids' TV show is all well and good, but you need to remember that kids change their minds and grow out of things quickly. It might simply be better to go with a theme or decor idea that will last much longer, so you don’t have to redecorate every year. 

If your children are old enough, you could even get them involved by asking them what colors to use. That is if you’re not having the playroom as a surprise! 

Making The Garage Suitable For Children

The garage isn’t often the most suitable place for children to play. This means you’ll need to make some changes before you can let them go in and play out their wildest dreams! Consider the temperature of the garage to start. If it’s freezing, there are ways you can insulate it to make it a more suitable temperature for kids to play. Of course, there are also personal heaters you can use. 

Making sure the garage is clean and tidy is important, so set about having a huge clean and clear out. Ensure there are no pests lurking that could pose a danger to your kids. You may need to get professional squirrel removal or find a similar service. Having the room assessed by a pro could be a good idea, as you may miss some of the signs of an infestation.

The flooring in the garage is crucial. Concrete is fine for parking your car on, but for your kids to play on? Nope! You can look at replacing the floor you have with laminate or carpet. Carpet is the best option if you want something soft and warm that your kids will avoid hurting themselves on. It’s also a great noise muffler, so you’re not going to hear excited cries from your children as they play, and neither will your neighbors. Bear in mind a dark color is usually best, as you won’t always be able to oversee their playtime and make sure they’re not spilling things! If you’d rather not install a carpet permanently, you could purchase a large rug or something to soften and warm up the floor instead. This way, once your kids have grown up, it won’t be too much trouble to remove them and continue using the garage for your car. 

Thinking about installing windows is also a good idea. After all, wouldn’t you like your kids to play somewhere light and airy? Natural light is important for health and development! Installing windows won’t be cheap, but it’ll make all the difference to the play shed. 

Installing a secure TV is another good option. If you also provide comfortable seating, then your kids will able to enjoy their programs and films here, without disturbing you as you watch yours. The TV must be secure, as kids can get a little rowdy at times and you’d hate to find it smashed to smithereens one day. Attaching it to the wall could be a good idea for this reason. 

Lastly, it may be a good idea to get down to your kids level and assess what needs to be changed from there. Are there ways you can childproof the shed further? What will they likely see/bump into when they enter? 

Hiring A Decorator Vs. DIY

Consider how much time you have to dedicate to this project, as well as the budget you’ll allow. This will help you to decide whether hiring a decorator or doing it yourself is a good idea. While hiring a decorator is more expensive, you’ll likely have the play shed up and running much sooner, not to mention completely to a higher standard. Make sure you spend as much as you can afford - don’t automatically go for the cheapest decorator. 

This play shed will be somewhere your kids make memories to last a lifetime, so you want it to look suitable. 

Getting As Organized As Possible

Finally, getting organized is a must. Your kids have plenty of toys, books, arts, crafts, and other items that you’ll want to store. Being as organized as possible is the only way to ensure that the room stays tidy, even when you’re not there to supervise. Stacking boxes are the perfect solution for this, depending on how much stuff you have to store. Make sure you label absolutely everything so that your kids have no excuse for making a mess when looking for certain things or putting things back in the wrong place. 

Ensuring Your Children’s Safety

While childproofing, as mentioned before, can keep the play shed safe, you’ll also want to take other safety precautions to ensure that your kids are as safe as can be while playing. Make sure there are no cords or anything that they can get tangled up in, and install alarms so that you are alerted should anything happen. 

The perfect children’s play shed will be comfortable, warm, look great, and be as safe as possible. You don’t want to have to worry about your kids when they’re supposed to be having fun! Take some of the tips here and you’ll end up with a room that both you and your kids fall in love with. 

Leave your own thoughts and ideas below!

Fine-Tuning Your Home For A Toddler


Getting yourself a new home is fantastic, it's a new start, and it's a great opportunity to make this home a much safer one, especially if you have a young family. A lot of modern parents have to rent properties a lot of the time, meaning they can only make superficial changes to the house. So if your last home was a bit cramped with lots of items piling up everywhere, what can you do to make it safe, and more importantly, livable for you and your toddlers? Toddlers are very keen to get themselves into dangerous situations of course, so here are a few little nuggets of information to take on board.

Removing Trip Hazards 

There are wires everywhere now, from your television to your iPad, to your laptop, to everything. The one main thing to take away from this is not just to tuck the cables behind things because you know that your toddler can get into so many small spaces, but they will be grabbing those wires and chewing them before you can say Paw Patrol! Instead, cable ties are the way forward, they are cheap, and they will keep everything together. The other trip hazard is usually the toys that your children take out of the toy box and leave everywhere, so a solid solution to this is to create a playpen area where your children can make as much mess as possible. If you can try and limit it to their room, that would be great. The other main thing to be aware of is putting the expensive items out of reach. So this means making the most of the shelves, and putting up shelving where you can, during the first few years of any kids life, danger hazards are everywhere!

The Electrics 

Children love to stick their fingers in sockets so you can purchase some socket covers that go over your plugs easily, which will give you peace of mind. It's also important to check the voltage, and usually, the sockets are low voltage nowadays, but if you have moved into an old house, there is no point in running the risk. Make sure you get the lowdown on the best electricians in your area, for them to do a check on the electrics in your home. The other thing to think about is making sure that large bulky electrical items are stable and secure, such as the television, especially as these high-definition televisions now are very thin and can be easily pushed over. It's important to develop boundaries with your child in this respect (if they will listen to you)!

Baby Gates 

A lot of baby gates aren't built to last, so make sure you get strong ones. If you've got a strong toddler, they will be opening them soon enough. So if you can get good quality ones at the outset, this will give you a bit more peace of mind before they develop that superhuman strength! It is also important to be aware of them climbing over things when they are tall enough, so make sure the baby gates are at the bottom of the steps, not at the top.

The Bathroom 

There are plenty of slippery surfaces in the bathroom, and this applies to every room when you clean your home, and if you've got laminate flooring or material that takes a long time to dry. In the bathroom, the slippery-ness of these surfaces will be a big factor in accidents, so make sure you put down rugs as well as bath mats in the bath.

The safety of your children is always something that will cross your mind, but do you have enough things in place to make sure that they are safe? Try a few of these if you don't have them already.

Freshen Up With These Small Bathroom Changes

Your bathroom is one of the rooms you spend a lot of time in. You're in and out of it all the time, so it should be a room you enjoy being inside. While a big renovation of your bathroom can improve it, you don't always have to take on a big project to make it look and feel better. Some small changes can make all the difference and give you a better bathroom experience. If you think your bathroom could do with being elevated by a new look or just some additional accessories, try some of these easy ideas to give everything a refresh.

Wallpaper Patterns

In the past, wallpaper in the bathroom wouldn't have been a great idea. It would quickly have disintegrated, making the whole exercise of putting it up pointless. But now there are waterproof wallpapers available, which are perfect for use in the bathroom. Feel free to get steamy in the shower when you don't have to worry about soggy wallpaper. You can even use temporary wallpaper, which you can peel off when you no longer want it. Wallpaper will allow you to add fun patterns to your bathroom without any hassle.


A Stylish Mirror

A bathroom mirror is an essential item for a number of reasons. Whether you're styling your hair or checking your teeth, it helps you with your daily tasks. A lot of people might just have a plain mirror mounted on the wall or perhaps one on the front of their medicine cabinet. But if you want to improve the look of your bathroom, you can make a big difference with a new mirror. One thing it can do is make your bathroom look bigger, which is great if it's a small room. It can also add extra style, improving the overall look and feel.

Monday, October 23, 2017

It's Time To Get Neighbourly

When you move into a new area, you tend to spend time on the home you’ve just purchased making improvements and changes to suit your taste and style. You may tag on an extension or add a few interesting features into the garden – all with planning permission, of course. One of the biggest adjustments to moving into a new area is integrating with the neighborhood and the community that already exists there. The last thing you want to do is be the odd one out for your new neighbors and the best thing you can do to avoid that is to get to know people and immerse yourself into the community in a way that gives you a place.

Being the newbie of the neighborhood means that people are going to be curious about you. In neighborhoods where children play together often, they’ll always eyeball new people and wonder their background and whether you would be a good neighbor. You want to be the type of neighbor that really gets involved in the spirit of group activities such as neighborhood watch, bake sales and community outreach groups that may be present in the area. Making a point of smiling, saying hello and introducing yourself can help to reassure the people you are moving next to that you’re not likely to be someone who won’t take in packages and be someone instead who can be relied on in a crisis.


There are many fantastic ways you can and should make yourself a part of the neighborhood that goes beyond adding curb appeal to the outside of the home. A good neighbor always has a tidy exterior, as it brings down the value of a neighborhood as a whole if the outside of a home is unkempt. It also shows you have a little bit of pride in the appearance of your house. So, how can you bring something new and exciting into a new neighborhood? How could you stand out as a great neighbor?


Community Outreach

If you are aware of the community and whether it needs some improvement, you could get stuck in from the moment you move in. Set up a local recycling group so that as a neighborhood, you take it in turns to take the recycling of the community over to the centers that provide recycling services. Contract a civil engineer and as a group, get the local authority’s permission to build something new in the area, whether that’s a park or a new community center. Being involved in the community can include anything from running clubs to litter picking rotas to get everyone involved in keeping the area tidy. When you all chip in together to run things in the street you’ve moved into, you get to know your new support system outside your family, help to make improvements and be a pillar of the community that people can rely on.

Neighborhood Watch

Almost every neighborhood has some sort of look-out service for each other, and it’s one that is revered among many people. Local enforcement like the police force in the city is a wonderful asset, but having people on your doorstep looking out for each other every single day and taking the time out of their lives to volunteer to keep an eye on the neighborhood is a comfort. If you join the local neighborhood watch team, you can reassure your new friends that you are a good neighbor and that you care about their welfare. Taking an interest in a neighborhood watch alliance can really show people you are unlikely to be that house that parties until 3am with the music up as loud as possible. You want to be perceived as a good source of reliability, so join your local watch group and volunteer for shifts.


Controlling The Kids

If you have children and you’re headed to a new, suburban home, you’re going to be acutely aware of how your neighbors will judge you based on their behavior. It may not seem very fair to be judged on the behavior of the kids, but they are your reflection. If you have children playing out until very late at night and screaming outside at the crack of dawn, you’re going to come up against neighbors. Keeping an eye on your children is imperative anyway, but in a close-knit community, it’s important to teach them about noise levels and what times they are allowed to be out until. If you find out your children are being too boisterous; pulling up flowers and knocking down mailboxes etc, nip it in the bud as soon as possible and make a point of apologizing to the neighbors affected. Children are always going to be out and having fun and making noise – everyone knows this. However, that doesn’t mean being disrespectful by allowing them out at 6am or after 7pm. Make people aware they can come to you with any concerns or issues and you will be respected in your neighborhood.

Controlling The Pets

Dog mess is a huge issue for a lot of neighborhoods, especially those where dogs are the pet of choice. Cats are a little trickier, as you cannot control where they mess, but you can check out this advice as to how to keep an eye on the cats better. Sometimes, you may find your neighbors are not keen on animals and as you get to know them you’ll learn who you should and shouldn’t bring your pet around. Don’t let your animal bark, howl and cry for hours on end, either. Being a nuisance neighbor is not how you want to be known so attend to animals and their mess and you can keep nice in the neighborhood.


Park Right

Neighbours who want to know about you will notice if you are a troublesome driver. They’ll notice straight away if you park on their drive, over their drive or generally drive in a manner that is unsafe. If you block their access to their garage or home, you could find yourself in hot water about it. The bad feeling that this creates can lead to parking disputes and it’s just not something you want to be involved in! If you have a driveway or garage of your own, park on that and keep yourself out of the line of fire for dispute. Perhaps your neighborhood project could be a parking lot if there’s enough land? Either way, you could come together as a community to discuss any niggles or issues that may be brewing. Doing this prevents a huge argument in the street and gets everyone on a respectful page with the same point of view.

Look Good!

Okay, so this doesn’t refer to you, but to your home. We talked earlier about curb appeal and the importance of it. You’ll have noticed when you looked around the neighborhood to buy your home whether you are moving into a place that has little to no care for their front yard, or whether they have perfectly manicured lawns. If the latter, you need to confirm. This means no rubbish-strewn front yard. No dog or cat mess in the front of the home or the back if you can avoid it and it also means a new lick of paint if the front door is peeling. You want your home to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood, as it doesn’t just affect the value you have, but theirs, too.

Noise Issues

When you want to have a celebration and you know it’s going to go on for quite late, speak to the neighbors about it. You could even invite them along! Summer BBQs tend to go down a lot better if they can be involved and included, and if they cannot come you still get kudos for asking them along and notifying them of the festivities you’re about to have. If you want to avoid getting too noisy or upsetting anyone, perhaps offer to organize group evenings for the big celebrations in the year for fireworks and general merriment. This way, everyone has a chance to integrate and be together in a community way that is very social.

Your neighbors can be the key to safety in some instances and by immersing yourself into the community, you can create lifelong friendships, links to improving the environment around you and a way to really put down some roots. Relying on your neighbors can mean extending your family in ways you didn’t think possible. Being neighborly can be far more than bringing a hot pie to a potluck dinner. It could be your lifeline in times of trouble or crisis. Make yourself a part of the community and get comfortable getting to know new people, and everyone will appreciate your presence for what it is.

Why You Can't Nod Off Even When The Kids Are Sleeping Through

If you’re a mom, you may be used to sleepless nights. In the early stages, parents tend to run on adrenaline, and it can take a long time to get back into the swing of getting enough rest. As children go through stages of development, there are different causes of disturbed nights, and for some parents, it can take years to regain those precious moments of peace. As a parent, you’re probably geared up for restless nights, but what happens when the kids are sleeping through, and you still can’t sleep? If teething, nightmares or feeding are no longer a valid excuse, here are some of the reasons you may be struggling to nod off. 

Your routine

If you have kids, you’ve probably devoted a lot of time and effort into getting them into a routine. The trouble is that many parents neglect their own regime. Your body has an internal clock, and if you’re going to bed at a different time every night, you’re taking naps during the day or your alarm is set for a different time each morning, you’re going to struggle to establish patterns. Once the kids are in bed, take a bit of time to chill out and unwind. Put some soothing music on, run a bath or read a book. Go to bed at a similar time each night and keep your alarm set for the same hour each morning. You should find that your body gets used to the new pattern and you find it easier to doze off and get up the next day. 


Anxiety

Do you find it hard to sleep because you can’t switch off? Do you lie in bed with thoughts whizzing around in your head? Do you feel anxious about leaving your children, do you worry about things at work or do you simply feel like you can relax? Anxiety is a natural human response to certain scenarios, but if you feel uneasy all the time, this could be a sign that you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a common mental health disorder, which can be treated using medication, talking therapies and in severe cases, rehabilitation and support programs. It’s wise to talk to your doctor if you can’t switch off. You may also find it beneficial to research facilities online and read pages with articles with titles like learn about our partial hospitalization program or find out more about what we do. Often, there’s no need for intensive treatment, and anxiety is part and parcel of becoming a parent. However, it’s important to differentiate between feeling anxious and suffering from anxiety. 

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Your lifestyle

Your lifestyle can have a significant influence on your ability to sleep. Try and exercise on a regular basis and avoid eating or drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks late at night. Leave work at the office, and try and refrain from checking emails or looking at your social media timelines when you get into bed. If you’re feeling stressed, do something that enables you to have fun, release tension or burn off excess energy. Go to a yoga class, do a fitness session at home, call a friend for a chat or put your favorite funny movie on. 


Are you struggling to sleep, even though the kids are sleeping through? If you’re running on empty, hopefully, these tips will help you get some rest.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Eye Problems Aren't Just For Old People

Eye problems are a regular health concern for the older generation. As you start to age, your eyesight will naturally start to degenerate and most of us are prepared for it. However, people often forget about kids when it comes to eye health. They consider it something that only affects the elderly but the truth is, children can develop all sorts of eye conditions and if they aren’t dealt with quickly they can lead to lifelong sight problems. Look out for the signs of any of these eye conditions in your kids and get them to a doctor straight away if you spot any. 

No Chill: Keeping the Heat in Your Home This Winter


Winter is fast approaching. If you've grown used to mild temperatures and amiable weather, but reaching that time of year when temperatures drop rapidly and, more often than not, you will find yourself tackling winds, rain and frost each time you leave your home. Now, there might not be all too much that you can do to heat things up when you’re stood at a bus stop or on a train platform waiting for your transport to arrive. You might have to grin and bear short walks against the elements into the office. But there is one aspect of your life that you can hold a little more control over when it comes to keeping things warm and comfortable: your home. Your home should be your safe haven, where you can kick back and relax without tensing up, shivering and huddling into whatever layers you have on in order to preserve heat. Here are a few hot tips to keep the heat within your property over the coming winter months.

Friday, October 20, 2017

The Problem With Pests- Kick Out These Uninvited Guests!

Tempted into our homes by warmth, shelter, and food- pests are a common nuisance even in tidy and well-kept homes. As well as being unpleasant to be around, pests can cause expensive damage to the home and in some cases spread diseases in humans as well. Insects and rodents can carry bacteria that cause serious health problems in humans and in some cases, even death. Dysentery, salmonella, and gastroenteritis are just a few illnesses that can come about from pests in the home. Plus, if you have respiratory issues or allergies already, pests will certainly make them worse. Here are some things to bear in mind if you’re dealing with pests or looking to prevent them. 

Common Pests

Common pests that you might come up against are insects such as ants, cockroaches, termites, beetles, and moths. Rodents are also common, particularly if you live near areas of wild, undisturbed land such as fields or woods. Even some species of birds can be considered pests, pigeons, for example, can nest in the eaves of buildings and cause damage with their corrosive droppings. This can lead to leaks, structural damage and damage to the outside such as on bricks or rendering. 


Repairing Damage

In many cases, you might spot pest activity before you see the pests themselves. This could be damaged electrical cables, ripped open food in the pantry and droppings caused by rodents- click here for more information on this. It could be dead insects, balding carpets and holes in textiles caused by beetles and moths. As soon as you see any indication of pest activity it’s important to act quickly- since they can multiply so quickly, a small problem can fast become a very large one. There are plenty of DIY products which can help to kill pests. However, it’s often best to leave it to the professionals. Since the problem can re-emerge from just a few eggs or live pests being left behind you can find yourself in a vicious cycle. Contact an exterminator and find out if they deal with the type of pests you have, you will save yourself hassle in the long run. 

Preventing Future Pests

Any home can be invaded by pests, even clean and tidy homes. However it’s always best to keep your home clean and tidy since you reduce your chances of being infested, and you will also notice pest activity more quickly, If you’re surrounded by clutter and mess, it could be long before you spot the signs which mean the infestation has more time to spread. 

Since food is one of the driving forces for pests entering homes, make sure that this is always stored away. In your pantry, put dried food into glass lidded jars since pests aren’t able to gnaw through. Make sure crumbs, general food mess and even pet food are put away at the end of each day to prevent pests targeting your home.

What steps do you take to prevent pests in the home? If you keep away from chemicals, do you use screens, traps, or any other method to stop them from invading?

Winter Family Occasions You Can Count On

It often seems as though once it gets to winter you can’t really go out and do much with the family. But this doesn’t really need to be the case. As long as you use your imagination and widen your view a little, you should easily be able to come across some great family outing ideas which are great for this time of year as well as any other. The good news is that there is plenty to choose between - you just need to make sure you choose one that really works for your family. In this post, we are going to look at some of the best ideas for winter family occasions which you might want to consider.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Brilliant Breakfasts to Boost Your Brittle Winter Health

Here in the Philippines, we do not have the winter season. I don't know if I'll survive the winter because I'm the type of person who easily feels cold and loves wrapping myself with a blanket when I sleep. Winter season is coming up in some parts of the world and it affects their health in many ways. You probably know how your immune system weakens when the temperatures drop, but being cold isn’t too healthy for your heart either. And to top it all up, there’s the hazard of slippery roads as well, making it easier just to stay inside rather than facing the horror of snow and ice. 

Image source: Pexels

Staying inside is, sadly not always an option, so it’s a good idea to start your day with a health-boosting breakfast - perfect for those early winter mornings. 

Assemble your own ideal winter breakfast by making sure each is a combination of good fats to help your skin hydrate, some antioxidants to mop up your system, and a generous portion of fiber for a healthy heart. Here are three examples to get you started. 

Porridge with blueberries and yogurt

Winter demands a lot of attention - not just in terms of breakfast choices. Cold temperatures make your blood vessels narrow, first of all, putting you at an increased risk for heart attacks. It’s crucial that you dress properly when you’re outside, get someone to inspect your heating system at home, and have a look at Triumph Roofing before the first snow falls. 

Freezing is terrible news for your health, so stay warm and dry by taking care of your home and start your day with a warm bowl of porridge. It has, by many dietitians, been hailed as the king of breakfasts - and for excellent reasons. High in fiber, low in sugar, and full of slowly released energy, porridge will keep you full until it’s time for lunch.

That these lovely warm bowls are packed to the brim with fiber is great news in terms of heart health, too, reducing blood pressure as well as cholesterol. 

Sprinkle a handful of blueberries over it and top it up with a scoop of greek yogurt if you’re interested in that extra protein. It keeps you full too, you know. 

Danish rye bread with egg, avo, and apple

Since we’re already talking protein, you can follow up with this easy breakfast the next day. Eggs are very quick to cook and even hailed as the best breakfast for children, while Danish rye bread is nourishing and, of course, bursting with fiber. 

Image source: Pexels

Layer the bread with some avo, for example, for a dose of healthy fats to keep your skin glowing - at least that’s what the avo fanatics claim. Have an apple afterward or snack on one while you’re still eating your eggs, whatever floats your boat. 

Apples are full of flavonoids which is excellent for your heart, and you’ll have an ideal flavor combination with that egg - in addition to being perfectly nourished throughout the day. With so many benefits, you’re going to need another fifteen minutes to enjoy those early mornings.

Remember that you can swap whatever you want to with something else; just keep the theme rolling. Stay warm, wash your hands often, and look forward to one of these mood-lifters in the morning and you might make it through the season without all the sniffles. 

Here's How Throwing An Outdoor Party In The Winter Is Snow Joke!


In countries that experience winter season, the chilly weather is starting to settle in, but that doesn’t mean you need to scurry indoors just yet. The air may be cold, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego the idea of a garden party. Okay, this may sound like madness, but there are still excuses for social gatherings that could take place outdoors. Bonfire Night is almost upon us, as is Christmas and New Year, with social events that could easily happen outdoors. Furthermore, you won’t need to worry about your guests spilling drinks on your beautifully plush carpet!

Still, think the idea of a winter garden party is a crazy one? Keep reading, and you may change your mind.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Cold Days, Smooth Skin


So long as you slap on the sunscreen, the summer rays help your skin glow and fizz with youthfulness. And then comes the woe of winter/rainy season to shut this down. To put it bluntly, winter or cold weather is no fun for your skin. The cocktail of cold weather, lower humidity, and air so dry it puts your favorite white wine to shame, your skin is being robbed of all moisture it needs. The bad news is, the bad news isn’t over yet because indoors, where you enjoy having the heating on and taking hot baths with harsh cleansers, makes life even harsher for your skin. 

So, this holiday season, we recommend you try these tips to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful this winter. 

Lucky Luke

One of the best things about the winter months is standing beneath the hot waterfall that is a shower or soaking in an excessively steaming bath. However, you should try and stick to lukewarm temperatures when you can, such as when you are washing your hands or face. This is because hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, which isn’t ideal. 


Magical Moisturizer

As soon as you are done washing or soaking, slap on the moisturizer straightaway. This is because applying moisturizer to damp skin will help you seal that dampness in your skin, which is just what your body wants and needs in winter. As a little tip, choose a cream that has retinol in which, as www.retinol.com explains, is the number one anti-aging ingredient. Then pop a bottle in your bathroom and then use liberally after every variation of wash going, 

Wonderful Water

It’s no wonder that we drink less water in the winter when there are so many mug-warming options out there like pumpkin-spiced lattes, hot chocolate, English tea and whatever else warms your belly. However, you need to remember to drink water as well because hydrating your skin from the inside out is just as important. Don’t worry, you can still go down warm route by drinking hot water and lemon- which has lots of benefits according to www.gyanunlimited.com - or green tea, both of which are nutritious, delicious, hydrating and refreshing. 

Excellent Exfoliator

Once upon a time, there was moisture that was trying to get into your skin, but it couldn’t because your dead skin cells were too thick and too plentiful. Luckily for you, Prince Exfoliation turned up to save the day, helping the dead cells disappear and your skin gets the moisture needed. That is why we recommend you find yourself a good exfoliator and then apply, focussing on your face, hands, and lips. Once you’ve washed this off, apply some moisturizing cream and smile at your soft and smooth skin. So, stock on exfoliating masks and body washes and fight back against the winter months. 

And there we have it, everything you need to protect and love your skin all year round, from summer through winter. All you have to do is remember these tips and you’re skin will smile like never before. Until next time.

Garage Ideas And Inspiration For Renovators

How do you want to feel when you open up your garage? How do you want to feel even before you’ve done that, and you’re simply gazing upon it just raring to open it up and enjoy what’s inside? The fact is, most people don’t feel the way they want to feel. They have a sense of dread because the garage is messy, and isn’t nearly organized enough. Not only that, it has no real purpose - is it a junk room? Is it a playroom for the kids? A garage gives a homeowner the opportunity to create another room that they can play with, so you need to make sure you’re taking advantage! 

Here are some garage ideas and inspiration for renovators - prepare to have your mind blown!

Go Minimal

The garage can actually be a minimally designed room where you store things without making a mess. Isn’t that incredible? Don’t use it as an excuse to store junk, like many people do. Get rid of the things you never ever use. Neatly tuck everything you want to keep away with hooks, cubbies, and storage bins. Think carefully about what you put in the garage, just as you would every other room in your home. You can even consider painting it a nice bright color so it doesn’t make you feel gloomy every time you open the door. Minimal could very well be the decor idea of choice for the modern garage! 


Go Monica

If you have a lot of stuff, you can’t go minimal. But you can go Monica. Now, if any of you are wondering what or who Monica is, we can only assume you’ve never watched the hilarious and legendary TV show ‘Friends.’ If you had, you’d know that Monica is a neat freak who loves nothing more than cleaning, organizing, and making sure that everything is in its right place - at all times. If you have lots of stuff, then find a way to organize it properly. You can find boxes and label them things like ‘Beach’, ‘wreaths’, ‘ornaments’, ‘camping’, ‘emergency’, and so on and so forth. 

Create Your Very Own Hobby Den

If you have a hobby or two that you like to spend time on, why not use the garage as an opportunity to create your very own hobby den? You could turn it into the perfect place to create wooden ornaments, items of jewelry, or any other craft you want to try your hand at. 

Make An Exciting Children’s Playroom

How about creating an exciting children’s playroom for your little ones? This could be the perfect place for them to go and use their imaginations (without messing up your home, might we add). You can paint the walls and make it fun and colorful. 

Put Together A Productive Home Office

Work from home permanently or occasionally? A productive home office could be the perfect use for your garage. Make it nice and bright so that you stay awake while you work, and include things like plants to give it a homey feel. 


Create An Awesome Exterior To Match

You must create an awesome exterior to match the interior of your garage. You need to start with the right garage, ensuring it’s a door fit for purpose. For example, a side hinged door if the room will get heavy foot traffic, recommend A-1 Door Company. You can visit the website for more inspiration on the right door. Keeping the outside of your garage clean is also important! 

Here are a few other ways you can create a better garage:

  • Make it super modern - some people have wooden and glass garages that look totally modern these days. 
  • Paint a mural - love art? Paint a mural inside and outside of your garage. 
  • Hide it away - cover your garage with winding plants and vines to create a cozy, hidden away feel.
Which of these ideas do you like the best?

Friday, October 13, 2017

Give Your Child A Head Start


Your child is your most precious possession. They’re one of the only things you’d do absolutely everything for, and give your all to. You’ll be there for them in their time of need, as will they be for you. You’ll help them through every stage of life and won’t stop until the time comes when they need to start caring for you. There are obvious things you need to do as they’re growing up, e.g. feeding, washing, roof over their head etc. But what can you do to make sure their future is bright as well? 

Read on to find out.