Monday, July 30, 2018

We Partied at the SM Kids City 2018 in SM Dasmariñas!

It's been raining a lot lately which could mean suspended classes and kids have no choice but to stay indoors. Though it's really not a problem for our kids staying at home, but it is mandatory that we have at least 1 day out. More than the kids, I guess it's me who craved for it the most. You know, being a stay-at-home-mom (and without a helper) you really don't get to have a day off so at least make time to have some quality time with the family, right?


So when I get invites to mom and kids events, I get excited! And the most recent event that I attended with the kids is the launch of the biggest kiddie party in the Metro thrown by SM Market and Savemore - SM Kids City 2018 in SM Dasmariñas last July 20, 2018. It was a Friday and classes got suspended so I get to bring all 3 kids with me, of course, Jaear came with us (good thing his 1-day vacation leave request was approved). 

This event is a follow-through of SM Kids City 2017's success wherein we also got to attend when they launched it at SM Southmall, you can read about our experience here

We also saw Mommy Bloggers, Mommy Levy and Kaycee with her Macho Kid at the event.

It is already expected that it will be patronized by frequent mall goers and shoppers because the admission is FREE just register at the entrance area. But I was surprised because there were way many people compared to last year that it was actually a challenge to roam around. Nevertheless, everyone is determined to get in and when I say, everyone, I mean kids and parents alike. I can't blame them there's something for everyone to get busy with and to enjoy. 


Playground Area 



Kids just can't get enough play time. Many kids are waiting for their turn to enter the playground area.


 Kids can also crayon all they want.

Overflowing Food

What's a party without food? There are overflowing free food sample!

Kids grabbing some free food sample from participating brands.
There was also a great selection of kids' favorite food like Hen Lin and Waffle Time or kiddie treats like popcorn, cotton candy, pizza, and pasta.


Fresh Juices
Ang pambansang meryenda- Turon with langka. Yum!

Amazing Shows and Mascots



Just like last year, Pororo was there and the kids are just so happy and this time he is with Krong!

There were also amazing shows such as Clowning Around, Mad Science and Jiggles the Balloon Lady. 


The crowd also participated in exciting games to win prizes! I was thrilled watching the Spicy Noodle Challenge and was tempted to join. Haha!

Freebies and Exclusive Offers

To make the event memorable not just for the kids, there's also something for the parents. SM Markets has partnered with Pampers, Johnson's Baby, URC, Huggies, Koko Krunch, Lactum 3+ and 6+, Lucky Me!, Purefoods, Maggi, Knorr, Barilla, Federated Distributor Inc., Papa Catsup, American Garden, McCormick, Century Tuna Argentina Corned Beef, 555 Tuna, Angel Kremdensada, Ajinomoto, Nextrade Philippines, Inc., Delimondo and Samyang for exclusive offers and prizes. 

It was indeed a Friday well spent. We had so much fun and went home with a smile on our face. 

Missed this event? Fret not because this is just the first round. Treat your kids and the entire family at the biggest kiddie party ever! Catch SM Kids City 2018 in the following malls:
  • SM Fairview – August 4
  • SM Southmall – August 11
  • SM Center Angono – August 18
  • SM San Lazaro – September 1
  • SM Megamall – September 8
Enjoy!

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Yummy and Hearty Avocado Toast with Egg


It's true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I must admit though that I tend to miss breakfast on most days, but looks like this Avocado toast will make me look forward to breakfast from now on.

Alright, I know, this isn't something new, avocado toast has been a hype for quite a while now. Forgive me though for raving about it just now because I just recently tried it and fell in love with it! Haha, I'm such a late bloomer. 

Who doesn't love avocado? It's yummy and often said to be the most nutritious fruit in the world. I just didn't really think that avocado is good for savory dishes as I've been accustomed to eating it as a sweet treat by adding milk on it or as an ice cream. I've been seeing lost of posts about food with avocado in it and didn't bother, not until now. 

So one day as I was grocery shopping, I bought some avocados and the rest was history. Hahaha! As usual, I've searched and checked on different recipes online and came up with the easiest one to prepare. All you need is 5 ingredients!

I believe that caring is sharing so here's an easy peasy but yummy and hearty Avocado Toast with egg recipe. 

Avocado Toast with Egg


Ingredients:

1/2 or 1 whole medium ripe avocado
1 egg
1 slice whole wheat bread (for a healthier version but you can use any bread of your choice)
salt and pepper 

Instructions:

1. Mash ripe avocado. You can season it with salt and pepper or any other spices of your choice. As for me, I didn't season it with anything, just plain avocado.
2. Heat pan over medium heat, crack the egg on the pan and cook a sunny side up egg according to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
3. While cooking the egg, prepare your toast.
4. Spread mashed avocado on top of the toasted bread, top with egg and sprinkle some salt and pepper as desired.
5. Indulge!

In less than 10 minutes, you already have a healthy and yummy breakfast! Easy-peasy right? You may also use soft boiled egg, poached egg or scrambled egg instead of sunny side up. You may also add tomatoes or anything you wish to. Feel free to experiment with your toast.

Have you tried avocado toast yet? How do you like your avocado? If you have other avocado recipes aside from toast, feel free to comment down below. 

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Celebrating Every Life Stages at the Sanicare Play Day

Life Lately

...is all about balance.

Life lately has been challenging. It's been over 2 months now that we don't have a helper and since I quit my job. So as a stay at home mom, I get to do all the household chores and look after the kids, it seems like the job is never done. The struggles indeed is real and at some point, it feels like I'm on the verge of losing my sanity. Luckily, I still have it 'coz I don't have a choice! Hahahuhu. It's also a relief that the kids are on the stage wherein they are learning about becoming independent so I don't end up being a helicopter mom. They get to do some tasks on their own especially when it comes to their personal hygiene. The last thing I want to think about is dealing with sickness caused by neglect of basic hygiene such as hand washing, bathing and brushing their teeth, or else I might just really lose it (talking about my sanity, that is).

This current situation, especially during weekdays, is so exacting. This makes me look forward to weekends more so I could spend quality time with the family and take care of the small project that we've ventured into. This is also the reason as to why I don't get to attend events as much as I want to. 

So when I received an invitation to attend a mom and kids event for Sanicare (good thing it falls on a Saturday) I did not hesitate, even though June 30 was our 6th Wedding Anniversary. With how things are going, we really didn't have a concrete plan for the occasion. So I signed up for the event and tagged along Athena and Brianna with me. Tristan has Saturday class so Jaear stayed with him, we just met after the event to have dinner.

What is Sanicare?

When you hear the word Sanicare, what comes first into your mind? For me, it's Hygiene without a doubt. Sanicare is a popular household name known for producing quality hygiene products such as bathroom tissues, wet wipes, cotton, cotton balls and the like. These hygiene products are essentials in every home, but Sanicare is more than that, and that's something that I learned at the Sanicare Play Day which I will be sharing with you so read on.

So Much Fun at the Sanicare Play Day

The Sanicare Play Day was held at the Axon in Green Sun Hotel which was set up with booths highlighting different life stages so moms and kids can choose the best fit for them but we actually got to do almost all the activities. 


Alright, off to our first stop, the Lavender and Cotton Ball installation where we had our photos taken. Brianna is being her shy self again, timidly smiling.

Arts and Crafts at the Kids Corner

Next stop is the Kids corner where they showcased their artistic side. Most materials used are Sanicare products which is very creative I must say. 



Athena and Brianna made their own cotton ball sushi.


They also made a flower out of styrofoam ball and cotton buds. They also made a headband stand using the jumbo kitchen towel roll wrapped with a fabric. I forgot to take photos though. 


Athena and Brianna loves to draw. 

Play Hard and Get Artsy at the Toddler Corner


At the toddler corner, Athena and Brianna enjoyed designing their own eco bags.


But one of their favorite was the mini playground area with a wooden rocker/seesaw and obstacle course. 


Next to it is the sand box which seems to be a hit to most of the kids. There were many kids playing so Athena and Brianna didn't get to play for long, though I can sense they liked it too.

Lovely Baby Corner

On the same side of the fence was the Baby corner. It was set up with rubber mats, pillows and squishy plushies as if inviting me to just lounge around. Too bad I didn't get to take any photos of it.



There was also an activity area where the kids got their palms painted, pressed against a Sanicare paper towel and then had it framed. I really love the idea!


Oh by the way, since most of the activities could get messy, upon entering the venue, every kids were given hygiene kits but we didn't get to use one bit because every booth was equipped with Sanicare products and are manned by people who are assisting the kids with all the activities.

My Learning and Discoveries

While kids were busy playing, I together with my fellow mommies celebrated Bianca Gonzles-Intal's first anniversary as Sanicare's first brand ambassador, she is also expecting her second child. We also listened to her as she shared how Sanicare products have been there by her side during most of her life- from living with her parents to becoming a parent herself. It perfectly captured Sanicare's commitment of being everyone's hygiene companion in all life's adventure.


Bianca also shared a hygiene hack that is very helpful and that is to:
 "Keep hygiene fun and teach hygiene by example. Kids follow what they see and will definitely pick up on your hygiene habits!" 
I totally agree with Bianca, that is also what we practice at home with the kids and I'm so glad that it grows on them. Now that 2 of our kids are in preschool and 1 in grade school, they are fully aware about proper hygiene. They would wash their hands when it's necessary but if there's no access to soap and water, they make use of their hygiene kit (which we never leave the house without) containing their hand sanitizers and wipes. That's one less worry for me knowing that they'll be alright in times when I am not around.

I also learned that Sanicare is a homegrown, proudly Filipino-owned company that is already 20 years in the market. Also, Sanicare uses 100% virgin pulp that has no artificial whiteners and no elemental chlorine. True enough, they have our best interest in mind. 


At the event, I get to discover some products I never new existed such as the Toilet seat cover. This is definitely an addition to our hygiene kit essentials as I never let the kids sit on public toilets. What I like about it is that it is 100% biodegradable so you can just flush it down at the toilet.


We are also loving the Clean Hands Foaming sanitizer, the kids are fond of the bubbly surprise and according to Brianna it's just like soap! Plus it's alcohol free, another addition to our hygiene kit essentials.

Kudos to Sanicare for providing quality products designed for all life stages, they make sure that every hygiene woe meets its match! For a mom like me, having a go-to hygienic choice is a respite from all the decisions I have to make every day. 

So much fun and learning at the Sanicare Play Day. I'm really glad I brought the kids with me because aside from all the playing they were once again reminded of proper hygiene in the most fun way possible! After a mundane week of just school-home routine, Athena and Brianna really looked forward to the event and they weren't disappointed. It's been almost a month now and they still can't get over about it, that whenever they see Sanicare products, they would start talking about all the fun they had.

Thanks again Sanicare for having us!

Sanicare will continue to aspire to give its customers one less worry at every stage of their life by pursuing innovative hygiene products that will be every Filipino's companion in their life journey. 

To know more about how Sanicare can be your family's hygiene companion in all of life’s stages, you can visit the Sanicare Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/sanicare.ph.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Lazada-Unilever Mid Year Sale 2018

Love Dove products? They are on 30% Off!
Yes, you read it right! Your favorite Unilever products are on sale once again in Lazada. Enjoy heaps of surprises, exclusive treats and interact with your favorite celebrities from July 18-25, 2018.

To give you a glimpse, Here are EXCITING DEALS in store for you:
  • Destress your tresses with Tresemme: Enjoy runway ready hair with up to 30% OFF on Tresemme’s styling products &  up to 50% OFF on Tresemme’s Platinum Strength range
  • Get your glow on with treats from St. Ives, Pond’s & Dove.
    • Feed your skin with our yummy St. Ives deals up to 40% OFF
    • Get first dibs on limited edition Pond’s gift sets for as low as PHP 150 & up to 50% OFF on regular items
    • Nourish your skin & hair with up to 30% OFF on Dove products
  • Get ultimately beautiful hair with Cream Silk:
    • Buy the NEW Cream Silk Triple Keratin Range –3x the keratin in one ultimate solution
  • Celebrate what it means to be a REAL MOM with Baby Dove:
    • Grab new, limited edition Baby Dove bundles with an insulated lunch box for as low as PHP 797
  • Awesome deals from Surf, Breeze & Knorr
    • Always have a fresh & clean laundry with up to 30% OFF on Surf and Breeze products
    • Get a chance to win a Whirlpool washing machine when you purchase any of the Home Care packages
    • Whip-up delicious meals with discounted Knorr & Lady’s Choice bundles- up to 25% OFF
  • Always have clean & safe drinking water with Pureit. Get 20% on all Pureit Products.
EVERYDAY SURPRIZES!

The first daily 100 shoppers to use the code “ULMIDYR20” will automatically get a prize from Lazada! Which of these freebies will shoppers go crazy over?
  • Tresemme Split Repair Shampoo 340ml
  • Breeze Rose Gold Perfume 650g
  • Simple Micellar Water 400ml
  • St. Ives Face Scrub Blackhead Clearing Green Tea 6oz
  • Baby Dove Sampling Kit
  • Manifesto Box with Axe, Pond’s Men, Clear, Dove Men + Care, Master freebies
  • Surf Cherry Blossom 2.2 kg
  • o Simple Hydrating Moisturizer 125ml
*Winners to be announced and selected by Lazada

INTERACT WITH YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITIES ON FB LIVE!

July 19 | 12:00 noon –FB Live with Dimples Romana for Pureit. If you’re lucky, you can win 1 of the 3 Pureit Excella units up for a raffle! Each unit is worth PHP 4,998 !

July 20 | 3:00 PM –FB Live with Jessica Wilson for Tresemme. Lucky fans will receive a special surprise Tresemme and Jess herself!

But wait, there’s more!

Shoppers can get an additional 20% OFF on their basket* by simply using the voucher code "ULMIDYR20"

*Minimum purchase of PHP 1,000 worth of participating Unilever items. Valid for one-time use only


All roads lead to the #ULMidYrSale#LAZxULMidYrSale! Remember to visit this page from Jul 18-25, 2018: https://pages.lazada.com.ph/wow/i/ph/PHCampaign/brand-of-the-week-unilever

Friday, July 6, 2018

Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Thank God it's Friday! For a mom like me, I am thankful for Fridays because it's the last day of the school week which means, I don't have to wake up early the next day to attend to 3 kids for school. I am really not a morning person, I struggle to get up from the bed every day. So, yay for Fridays!!!!


Anyhow, last Friday, June 29, I planned a last minute little surprise for the husband for our 6th Wedding Anniversary (June 30). Just a short kwento, several months before our anniversary, we planned on having an out of town celebration, and Cebu was on top of our list. Good thing though that we weren't able to book airfare tickets right away, a lot of things had happened, Tristan has some troubles at school (which I would like to write about some other time), we are now a household without a helper (for more than a month now) so I have to quit my job and  become a stay at home mom again. 

So technically, we didn't have anything planned out for our anniversary because of how busy our household is and also few weeks prior, I have already committed to attending an event with Sanicare on the day of our anniversary. We just had dinner after the event. But, I was feeling extra and surprised Jaear with a banana with cream cheese frosting cake that I personally baked. 

No, I am not a kitchen diva, I cook because I don't have a choice (hahaha) kidding aside, I love cooking but I only know a few recipes so, thanks Google! Aside from cooking, Google also though me how to bake. 

This is not really my first time baking banana cake, I began baking 2 years ago but it sure is my first time making one with the frosting. So on the 29th, I searched Google for the easiest recipe for the frosting then whipped it that night so it could be ready when Jaear gets home around 1AM of June 30, 2018.

And as promised, whenever I learned something new, I'd gladly share it with you mommas. So here's an easy recipe for a banana cake with cream cheese frosting.

Banana Cake

Ingredients:



  • 1 cup white or brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter or 1 cup cooking oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 medium-sized bananas, 3 if large
  • 2 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 crushed almonds
Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 190 ℃
2. Mash the bananas
3. Beat eggs in a mixing bowl
3. Add the bananas and oil on the beaten egg. Continue to mix until the ingredients are well blended. Set aside.
4. On a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and almonds. Mix well.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture. Continue to fold until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Add the vanilla extract.
7. Grease a 9x13 pan (Two 9-inch round cake pans or two 8-inch square cake pans) then pour the mixture on it.
8. Bake for 40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool down. 

Take note that if you are using a disposable aluminum pan like this, you have to adjust your baking time 10 minutes shorter, perform the toothpick before 30 minutes because it may already be baked.
While waiting for the banana cake to cool, prepare the frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients: 


  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 package (8oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer, since I don't have one I made use of Tupperware Brands Speedy Chef- it's like a manual mixer.
2. Add vanilla, then occasionally stir in powdered sugar until frosting is a thick spreadable consistency.
3. Spread or pipe frosting on cooled cake.
4. Top with crushed almonds.

That's it! It's super easy and it tastes good. Though the banana cake was a bit dense however it was moist. Actually, this is not the original recipe that I used to bake. My original banana cake recipe was more fluffy than this. The thing is, I wasn't able to back up the recipe when we reset my old iPhone 5s. Since I am not a baker, I can't figure out which ingredients should I lessen or add more.  Could it be because I used a different pan size? The recipe calls for 9x13 pan but since I don't have one I used a smaller square pan which I guess was around 8 inch. And, instead of using 2 pans I poured all the cake batter in one pan. Lol! I'm going to try this again with some changes and will update this post. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a decent cake which the whole family enjoyed! 


I'm so glad that I was able to pull off this little surprise for the husband for our 6th Wedding Anniversary instead of buying a ready-made cake. Something with a personal touch and baked with love, that makes it special. I am really happy whenever I do something for my family. I guess that's our nature as a mom, noh?

Do you have a different banana cake recipe to share? Would love to hear about it!

Enjoy the weekend!