Mommy Tips to Save Time in the Kitchen

Mother's are often expected to be a superwoman, juggling roles as a mom, a wife, a cook, a housekeeper, and a caregiver for the elders, and many others. By learning ways to become more efficient in performing household chores, moms can also have time to take care of themselves, and enjoy more precious moments with their loved ones. 

Below are some tips for moms to save time in the kitchen:

Be organized. “A place for everything, and everything in its place” is an incredibly useful advice to stick to. By keeping things organized in the kitchen – from the kitchenware and cutlery, to the condiments and cleaning tools, mothers will not waste time looking for the things they need.

Scout for ready-made cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit the kitchen and serve as storage for various items. If you have the budget, you can hire a custom-maker of cabinets and a kitchen organizer, so that slots and nooks can be created to address the family’s unique makeup – for example, families with small children who want sharp objects in hard-to- reach places, or those who want to maximize a small space. This way, the arrangement of objects will be intuitive, and there will be less temptation to mess it up. Other members of the family must also be taught to respect the order of things, as their contribution to keeping the house tidy.

Prepare (and use) ingredients and cookware smartly. Related to the first tip, an organized mom prepares all the ingredients and cookware before she starts cooking. This way, she does not run to the pantry and to the fridge each time she needs something. Then, she uses time-saving kitchen tools, including food processor for faster slicing, or blender to puree ingredients that can serve as instant
sauce or soup thickener. Ingredients like garlic or onions should be prepared in batches, and stored for future use. The order of the cooking should be smart, too: dishes that only require light sauteeing should come before those that will have strong flavors, so that the same pan or cauldron can be used even without washing. Furthermore, cookware should be washed immediately after (or soaked in water) so that it is easier and faster to remove the dirt.

Plan a weekly menu. Having a weekly menu can excite the whole family. Even better, it lets the mom plan the cooking wisely. Planning to have vegetables as a siding for fish? The veggies can be placed in a steamer on top of the rice. Meat, which usually takes a long time to soften, can be used as a main dish, but some can be set aside to spice up the dishes for the next day.

A weekly menu can especially help moms who prepare packed lunch and snacks for the family. If they are particularly pressed for time, they can place the cooked dishes in microwaveable containers, and just reheat them on the day these will be eaten.

Use efficient fuel that’s safe for the family. For your cooking needs, choose an LPG brand that bears the mark of safety and quality. When fuel is manufactured according to the highest standards, it becomes every smart mother’s trusted partner for efficient cooking.

Go with a good brand like Solane, which is backed by its manufacturer’s guarantee of superior product quality, safety, and exact weight. To order today, call Solane’s Hatid Bahay hotline number 887-5555 or visit www.solane.com.ph.

Disclaimer: Photos are not mine. Photos are all from Google

Practical Fitness Hacks for Moms by Jeunesse Anion

While receiving gifts and arranging something special on Mother’s Day is lovely, there’s nothing like a fit and fabulous body as a mission to ensure you’re able to wear the many hats you juggle everyday. Whether you’re a new mom or firmly decided about being more active and healthy for yourself and your family, here are some practical tips that you can take heart to get you motivated and whip back into shape—right in the comfort of your own home especially when you’re on a period.

According to Dr. Ian, a dedicated multi-sport, endurance and CrossFit athlete, you can do exercises that will loosen up the cramps and dysmenorrhea. “Make sure to go slowly and choose workouts that you can sustain and safe for you. Mind your changing time every after four hours to prevent leaks and to keep yourself odor and bacteria-free. With Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkin, you’re armed with triple dose of comfort and protection since it’s liniment-free, uses non-toxic glue, thin but highly absorbent to keep your form on point. Apart from these, if you’re a mom who just gave birth, rest assured that the materials and process in developing Jeunesse Anion are totally safe and secure for you."

So here are few things to do and be your best: 

1. Don’t procrastinate.

Working out is hard and finding the motivation is harder. No matter how “blah” you feel, just put on your workout clothes and consider it as your sleep wear so you don’t have an excuse to work out as soon as you wake up. Guaranteed, after you look the part, you’ll feel the need and will have a greater excitement about it.

2. The internet is your best friend.

YouTube offers easy to follow to the most intense home exercises that will encourage movement and consistency without breaking the bank. Remember when navigating for a tutorial, choose to do workouts with equipment you already have at home such as dumbbells, jumping rope and a mat.

3. Free fitness apps are a-plenty.

From tracking down how many calories you consume and how many calories you burn to making sure you have a workout schedule to follow, fitness apps are great to have because it’s all there, right in the palm of your hands. What’s even better is they’re fee! Check out RunKeeper, Daily Yoga, StrongLifts 5x5, Nike + Training Club, Sworkit Lite Personal Workout, 7-Minute Workout, and Zombies Run!

4. Incorporate your family into your workout.

No dumbbells, no problem. Toddlers and babies make great substitutes for “weights” turning your workouts into a full-blown family affair and a great way to introduce fitness and a chance to have fun with exercise. When working out with your teens and husband, consider planking, squats, push-ups, crunches, side leg raises, burpees, mountain climber, and butterfly kicks as your basic exercise variations to regularly confuse your muscles and gain strength. Triathlete Ian Banzon, MD also suggests to do variety of exercises every two weeks.

5. Mind your diet.

Bear in mind that getting fit is not just about working out, 70% depends on a good diet. Philippine and US registered dietitian-nutritionist Cheshire Que, RND, RN, RDN, food and fluid are essential elements for the success of your workout. “An hour or two before exercise, eat a light snack that has a combination of carbohydrates for energy and some protein for muscle growth and repair. After the session, no need to eat with guilt as refueling within 15 minutesafter exercise is essential to replace fluid loss. However, it’s not an excuse to binge and aim to consume what’s only in your total caloric allowance for the day. Otherwise, you’ll gain weight and your exercise will be futile”, she adds.

There’s nothing like the month of moms that will ignite our commitment to wellness. As primary nurturers of the family, don’t miss on goals and activities that will add value to your calling. Because for us, a healthy and whole light of our homes mean a happy and vibrant family!

Wellgold International Inc. distributes Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkin and Liners and currently available at Watsons, selected Mercury Drug and South Star Drug outlets, SM department store’s health and beauty section, Robinson’s Supermarket, Shopwise, Rustan’s, Waltermart, Landmark Department store, UP Town Center’s Merkado Department Store, PCX stores, selected Metro Gaisano outlets, selected LCC Malls in Bicol, plus other stores nationwide. You can also purchase online with free delivery via www.lazada.com.ph. For more information, log on to www.jeunesseanion.com and follow Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: Jeunesse Anion. For inquiries, email: wellgoldinternational@gmail.com or call (02) 4701294.

Get Your Cashback when Shopping with Shopback

In this modern day and age almost anything can be done at the tip of our fingers, thanks to our smartphones, computers and other electronic gadgets.

Personally, I still get amazed with the fact that I am among those people who's working online at the comfort of our own home. It only means that I get to spend more time with my family while earning a living. Amazing right?

So basically, everyday I spend most of my time in front of the computer and because of that I take advantage of all the possible benefits it provide. As a mom, being practical is my thing, I weigh things first before making any decisions or any purchases that's why I'm glad that the world wide web has been a great help for me. All information are just a click away online. I can even score great deals online when shopping plus it saves me from the hassle of leaving the house with 3 kids, get stuck in a traffic jam and long queues, how convenient!

And just recently, as I was browsing online searching for great deals on hotel bookings to celebrate our upcoming wedding anniversary, I came across this website called Shopback.ph. Shopback.ph is an online shopping website that helps you get the best deals and discounts from over 300 popular merchants, plus Cashback! Yes you read it right. When you shop online through ShopBack.ph you get a portion of your purchase back as Cashback. How cool is that?

I know you are all as curious and excited as I am, who doesn't love getting discounts anyway? So now let me walk you through Shopback.ph

This banner welcomed me upon getting on Shopback.ph's website. All you have to do is sign up, create an account and you get P100 pesos bonus. Talk about instant savings! Next there's going to be a quick tutorial, I tell yah the website is user friendly.

Upon successful sign up you will be directed to its homepage wherein you will see over 300 merchants under different categories like Fashion, Travel, Food and beverage, Electronics, Home and Living and Lifestyle. Each categories also has its subcategories, so organized! What's even more fascinating is that Shopback.ph offers discount on top of the deals that the other merchants already offers.

Okay so going back to my plan of having a staycation for our upcoming wedding anniversary, I clicked on Travel to which I was directed to this page where I can choose from the subcategories; Hotels, Flight, Cruises, Car Rental, Tour Packages, Rail, Ferry and Coach. You can already conveniently plan your dream travel getaway with Shopback.ph while scoring great deals plus Cashback from 1.0% up to 8.0% depending on the merchant.

I clicked on Agoda which offers up to P400 cashback. Then you'll see different Agoda Promo Codes, Discount Codes, Deals & Offers to choose from.

Once you've chosen what Promo to avail just click on Shop Now and there's going to be a pop up screen. Take note that Bookings of USD50 (~P2400) & above P400 Cashback | Bookings USD50 (~P2400) & below 5% Cashback. To continue just click Shop Now. and you will automatically be redirected to the store's website.

Once on the redirected website, type in your preferred location, check in and check out dates of your Hotel bookings then choose from filtered promos and deals depending on your preference.

The Hotel Lake Tagaytay can be availed for only $79.52 or P3,700+ from $123.01 or  P5,700+  and don't forget about the P400 cashback! 

 Then shop as usual. Just follow the steps provided. Just remember to Complete purchase within the same window to qualify for cashback. Easy peasy!

Thinking of traveling anytime soon? Through Shopback.ph you can also booked your flight and get up to 8% cashback from Expedia.

Expedia offers Coupons, Discount Codes, Vouchers & Deals for Hotels with 8% cashback, 1% for Flights and P850 cashback for Packages (Hotels + Flights).

Click Shop Now and another pop up will show you a note that says:

Bookings of other categories (Cars, Things To Do) will not be eligible for cashback- Orders made on external partner pages or using external partner voucher or discount codes (eg. banks, telcos, loyalty networks) are NOT valid for cashback.

To proceed click Shop Now and again shop as usual just take note that you have to Complete purchase within the same window to qualify for cashback.

Within 48 hours after purchase your cashback will already reflect on your cashback account under Pending Tab.

Your Cashback will turn 'Redeemable' once your order is validated by the merchant. This will take 30-60 days to ensure that there is no order cancellation/return/exchange.

Shopback.ph also allows you to earn when you refer a friend You'll get a unique referral link and you'll earn P100 when 1 friend sign ups and spends a minimum of P500. And this whole month of May Shopback.ph will reward you with P1,000 bonus and GC's with just 3 invites. So start referring your friends now! Now the bonus you earned will also be redeemable once your Cashback reaches P300.

Then you can cash out your cashback + bonus to your PayPal or Bank Account

Shopping has never been this rewarding! Just imagine the extra, unlimited savings you get whenever you shop online. Indeed this is the modern way of shopping and is perfect for practical people like me. So what are you waiting for, check out Shopback.ph now shop and start earning!

Learn and Play at South Champs Learning Center, Las Piñas

I was 5 years old when I started going to school, by that time I already know how to read and write as my mom home schooled me for the first four years. 

Following the old tradition, I also enrolled Tristan in a real school when he was 5 years old. But I admit it wasn't really a good choice. Tristan had a bit of a hard time adapting. I disregarded the fact that we grew up in a different environment. Growing up in the province with extended family I was exposed to a lot of people, I played freely outdoors compared to my kids which are mostly confined indoors and has limited contact with other people. Also with the busy life we have now, without a house helper and especially now that I already started working at home I am guilty of not providing enough time to actually home school my kids. So this coming school year I am already decided to enroll Athena to school, she's 3 turning 4 years old. The only thing that needs to be decided upon is the school. 

Of course as a mom I want what's best for my kids, well that's what every parents want right? So I am searching and checking different schools to send Athena to since Tristan's school only accepts Kindergarten up to High School. And very timely, I found out through Mommy Bloggers Philippines a new school here in Las Piñas, the South Champs Learning Center. 

South Champs Learning Center is an educational institution established last August 2015 to provide quality early childhood education aligned with the K-12 program to develop and equip early learners for future studies. 

South Champs Learning Center offers Progressive education because they believe in establishing a strong foundation in learning both socially and academically to help preschoolers develop into bright and independent individuals, ready to take on the next level.

Progressive education is a reaction against the traditional style of teaching which teaches facts largely at the expense of understanding what is being taught. - www.about.com 
Progressive education emphasizes learning by doing. So it's going to be more engaging compared to the traditional way of learning.

Kids will learn how to pay and interact at an early age.

Mission

South Champs is committed to provide learning experiences for each child in preparation for early success and school readiness thru an effective and innovative curriculum that enrich each child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, intellectual and creative studies.

Vision

We strive to be a quality early childhood institution developing and shaping future champions.

Core Values

 C – Confident

H – Humble

               A – Active and Alert

         M – Motivational

P – Patient

     I – Innovative

     O – Organized

    N – Nurturing

South Champs Learning Center's classrooms are colorful, neat, air-conditioned, equipped with fun learning materials and is very conducive for learning. Each class only has a maximum of 6 pupils and will be facilitated by 2 teachers. 

This is one of the 2 classrooms in the main building which caters to Junior and Senior Toddlers. 

Athena during their first day of cooking workshop. 

This year, they were able to expand. The expansion building also has 2 classrooms in it which will cater to Nursery and Kindergarten. It also has its own play area. 

Lots of  books to choose from!

Learning materials that will surely get the kids engaged.

 Organized toys

 More toys that will allow them to have fun while learning.

Overview of South Champs Learning Center's Programs

School Preparedness Programs

        - This program aims to prepare toddlers for the big school by introducing basic                                       academic lessons and life skills, and supplementing these with fun and interactive activities.

• Junior Toddler – 1.8 to 2.6 years old
• Senior Toddler – 2.7 to 3.4 years old

Preschool

         - This program is for kids who are ready to take on a more intensive approach to learning with             daily classes and use of textbooks.

• Nursery – 3.5 to 4.5 years old
• Kinder – 4.5 to 5.5 years old

Tutorial Services
        - This service provides one-on- one, in-depth academic assistance and school review for students          in Preschool to Grade 6 to further enhance required skills to progress in school.

• Intensive tutorials
•  Read and Write Program

Admission Requirements:

1.  Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate
2. Two 1x1″ and two 2x2″ ID colored pictures of the child
3. Two 2x2” photo of the parents
4. Two long brown envelopes
5. Medical Certificate from pediatrician

Steps in Enrollment:

1. Registration
2. Assessment exam and interview
3. Payment of fees
4. Submission of requirements
5. Start with school

Last April I was able to explore the school as Tristan and Athena got to experience their first Summer Workshop because South Champs offered us to attend their Tiny Chef Cooking Workshop for free. I will be creating a separate blog post about that. 

If you are from Las Piñas or from neighboring towns, South Champs Learning Center is definitely worth checking especially if you want your children to experience quality education.

Learn and play at South Champs!

Enrollment for SCHOOL PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM is now open! Reserve now, limited slots only!

For more details you can contact them on the following:

Website: www.southchamps.com

Facebook: South Champs Learning Center - Las Pinas

Email: wearemindchamps@gmail.com

Phone: 800-8904

Mobile: (0917) 867-7779

South Champs Learning Center is located at  #467 Real St., Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City just near SM Southmall.

How dirty is your Keyboard?

On one average day a dirty secret surprised me! I was browsing online, playing some games and when i was about to do some blog posts the horror happened! The letter A, Z, Q and TAB keys suddenly stopped working and there's no way I'm gonna use the on screen keyboard. I was already thinking that it's maybe time to buy a new one. I tried to unplug and plugged the keyboard back again in hopes that it might have been just a loose connection but there was a far more sinister reason that i soon discovered.

Warning! Filthy images ahead:

It's definitely not a good sight upon checking under those keys mentioned. It's been 3-4 years since  we got this keyboard and this was the first time that i thought on cleaning deep below the keys. We normally just sweep away the dirt and dust on the side and top of each keys and sometimes even wiping it with alcohol but had forgotten to do some cleaning under.

The horror... Some might say. I Immediately remove the keys and cleaned under it. It was pretty easy but something I've neglected for the past years. 

I cleaned the main part first and did the same with the rest of the keys. It's not like it's spotlessly clean now but there's definitely a very BIG difference right?

Fortunately it worked again and I'm thankful that this keyboard lasted me for that long.

It's now time for some fresh clean ideas from my happy fingers

Just in case anyone else want to try it. Here's a video sample of how to remove the keys from this kind of keyboards. Try to give it a try and share on the comment if it worked for your keyboard too.
#CleaningKeyboards #HowtTo #TeamPoreber

~Daddy Poreber

Facts and Effective ways to avoid mosquitoes!

Small but terrible is practically the best way to describe a mosquito. It sips away your blood with a chance to cause either malaria or dengue. It’s considered as the deadliest insect in the world. We as parents are the protectors of our children. Here are some facts and tips to keep those bloodsuckers away:

• We have our color preferences for clothes but did you know that a mosquito does too? It’s more attracted to black or dark shades of clothing. (Black, Red, Blue) than light colors (white, khaki, green or yellow).

• Ever wondered why your parents wanted you to wash your feet before going to bed? (They used to tell me that I’ll have a nightmare of becoming a pig if I don’t. LOL!) Mosquitoes are actually attracted to smelly feet so make sure to tell you kids to clean theirs too.

• Sweats and Body Odors are like the go signals for mosquitoes to attack. Taking a bath daily is a good solution. Kids are naturally active and energetic which cause them to sweat a lot. You can remind them to always bring a small face towel to wipe their sweat and put some baby powder on them.

• Blood Type! Research shows that depending on your blood type our body secretes different scents. Mosquitoes are less attracted to A-types while more attracted to O-types. Oh my, the ever giving blood type O which is also the most requested in hospitals. Unfortunately we can’t change this. :(

• Aquariums! I have been wanting to get one and fill it with fishes. It’s gives the place a good ambiance and it’s fun to look at. Now if you’re worried that it might be a cause of Mosquitoes, what you can do is add a mosquitofish which feeds on mosquito larvae.

• Bug Zappers are pretty much useless against mosquitoes, unless it’s a swarm of mosquitoes flying in your house. It’s more likely to kill other insects like moths.

• These blood suckers are also like vampires. It avoids the smell of garlic but hey we wouldn’t want to smell like garlic right? 

I hope you had fun reading and if ever those are a little bit too much to remember you can always try ATC’s STRIKE

I first tried the mosquito liquid repellent starter kit.

You just plug it in a place that you want to be off limits to mosquitoes.

It can last up to 40 days with approximately 8 hours per day. I tested it in our bathroom which seems to have some mosquitoes flying here and there. It was very alarming indeed. I believe it might be because of some places that water have accumulated. Fair enough after using this product I've seen dead mosquitoes around the sink, the floor and shower area. It sounds nasty but thankfully now it's mosquito free. I'm currently using it on our bedroom whenever we're sleeping. The smell isn't that strong that you'll barely notice it even with airconditioner.

ATC's STRIKE Multi Insect Killer

A little bit on the heavy duty side? We've used a different brand before but seems to have been a failed attempt to get rid of mosquitoes. The last time we went out for a few hours, we sprayed the whole house with this water based insecticide spray and said goodbye to those pest.

Let's all STRIKE down those pest and say hello to a safer home.

~Daddy Poreber

Dare to shop at Divisoria, Tutuban and Quiapo? Here Are Some Tips!

I admit we do some shopping in these places whenever given the time. A mom has to be practical at some point right? We do some strolling mostly around divisoria and tutuban. There's lots of malls like 999, 168, Lucky China Mall and probably other malls. These places aren't for the light hearted. I'll be honest, those places are quite prone to snatchers and pickpoketers but if you come prepared I can assure you that you can save probably more than half of what you spend on regular malls and even get to save some extras for yourself.

Tips before going to war:

• Try to wear comfy clothes. You'll be walking a lot with many stores to choose from so try to be as comfortable as you can with what you wear especially your shoes or flipflops.

• Don't wear JEWELRIES! (atleast not the real ones) I know someone who got her earrings snatched in just 3 seconds or probably less. Good thing she wasn't hurt but it was too fast for her to react.

• Most if not all the things you can buy inside the malls can be found outside for a lower price. You need to exert more efforts, though.

• Don't wear your bag on you back. Try to keep it in your front as much as possible.

• Don't let those kids that sell plastic bags surround you. They could just be diverting your attention while some other kids pickpockets or snatch something from you.

• Whether inside or outside the mall don't be shy to bargain! Try to use words like, "Ang mahal naman! Wala ba tawad?" or "Last price?" It usually works.

Here are some of my hauls on my last trip at 168 mall. Would have love to do some shopping outside too but we brought the kids. The last thing i want to hear is my kids complaining how hot it was outside.

Dress for my youngest daughter (500 pesos) Shoes (150 pesos) Baby Brianna wouldn't let go of the shoes after trying it hahaha! She's growing up and making her choices for clothes.

Set (700 pesos)

Shorts (350 pesos each) Blouses ( Plain 130 pesos, Floral Design 100 pesos)

Shorts for hubby (199 each)

Shirts (150 pesos for 2) (75 pesos for 1)

50 pesos each (pambahay lang)

All these for P 3,203 only, will definitely go back again and again!

These tips will come in handy if ever you plan on going there. Just follow it all and you should be good to go for an affordable shopping experience especially since it's almost Christmas time. 

Have any tips to share? Comment it below :)

#168mall #999mall #Divisoria #Tutuban #shopping

When Mom and Dad goes Trick or Treating

Every year we hear kids knocking in our door saying trick or treat. We greet them with smiles and hand them candies. This year we thought of getting back at them for all the candies they took. *Evil laughs* (Kidding on the getting back part) We decided on trick or treating door to door and getting some candies for our kids. We asked our kids to come with us to say trick or treat while we surprise our neighbor with our costumes.

Here's some Scary Halloween Costume Ideas: Made with some props we bought and some DIY costume. :

Would you let this nurse help you?

Want a bite?

We borrowed my sister's nursing uniform which she hasn't used for 2 years. Good thing because we splashed some red acrylic paint on it. Blood here and there with wounds made out of tissue papers and a bit of make -up. I made gelatin last time which was an epic fail cause it didn't taste good at all haha. We used it as props for something that looks like human flesh. Also made a nurse paper cap and added the big nail on the head for a more dramatic feel. (Nail cost 30 pesos)

I actually had fun doing this. :))

I bought the horns which cost 30 pesos only (it actually lights up) Splash some acrylic paint from my face down to my chest. Added red lipstick on my teeth and made some paper claws which i've been making ever since i was in elementary school. It was scarily fun!

Here's our little boy with his ordinary clothes made to look like my costume. He won as one of the best costume in his school. Quite a shock actually since we bought him a costume last time but he didn't win. 

This is how we pretty much look every time we greet our neighbors in hopes to actually surprise them. We saw some smiles from the adults, heard some screams from the kids and laughing in between. :D It was fun all in all especially with the candies for our kids to enjoy at the end of the day. Now who says Halloween is just for kids?

~Daddy Poreber