STRIPES RUN 2019: Run for Reading!

This year, McDonald's once again invites families and friends to pledge their support for children's literacy at Stripes Run 2019. Now on its 10th year, McDonald’s Stripes Run 2019 run for reading will be help on December 1, 2019 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

For the past 10 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in the Philippines has been the beneficiary of McDonald's Stripes Run. Proceeds of the annual fun run go to the Ronald McDonald Read to Learn - a beginning reading program for Grade 1 and 2 public elementary school students. In partnership with DepEd, it aims to eradicate illiteracy among Filipino children. To date, the Ronald McDonald Read To Learn program has reached over 12 million students, trained over 28 thousand educators, and distributed more than 367 thousand books.

Registration is quick and easy, with three possible options to choose from:

1. Register and pay online at mcdostripesrun.com.ph.

2. Download the form on mcdostripesrun.com.ph and pay for the registration fee at select McDonald’s stores.

3. Register and pay at select McDonald’s stores (View list of stores at https://mcdostripesrun.com.ph/how-to-join)

At an affordable price, you get a race kit with a Stripes Run shirt, 1 pair of Stripes Socks, 1 Race Bib, 1 McDonald’s Longgadesal, and 1 Race Map. Exciting game booths and activities also await the entire family and barkada during the run!

Kids and adults alike are welcome to run for reading with the various running categories to choose from:

• Kiddie stripes (1K) – 8 years old and below
• Young stripes (3K) – 8-15 years old
• 3K stripes – 16 years old and up
• Family stripes (3K) – 2 kids (15 years old and below) and 2 adults (16 years old and up)
• 5K stripes – 16 years old and up 
• Squad stripes (5K) – 4 adults (16 years old and up)
• 10K stripes – 16 years old and up

Get your family and friends to run with you at Stripes Run 2019! Share your experience by using the hashtag #McDoStripesRun and tagging @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram. For more information on Stripes Run 2019, visit mcdostripesrun.com.ph or follow McDonald's Philippines on Facebook.

How We Make Toothbrush Time a Hapee Time!

October went by so fast! It only seems like yesterday when I was dressing up the kids with their Halloween costumes DIYed by me, of course. This year, we celebrated Haloween here in the condo again, that's two times in a row already. Though this year, we didn't go trick or treating, the kids still got a lot of candies from the party! I haven't stored their pumpkin pails yet, as there are still candies in it! Yes, I allow my kids to eat candy, but only 1 to 2 pieces a day, there are days when they don't get any. 

And, just right in time after Halloween, we got this box of Hapee-ness filled with Hapee Kiddie toothpaste! With so many candies waiting to be eaten, this box is a perfect reminder for Tristan, Athena, and Brianna to brush their teeth.

Well, I don't have any trouble getting them to brush their teeth anyway.

Okay, I said, "don't" not "didn't." I've also experienced, forcing a crying toddler to get to brush their teeth at one point (multiply it by 3 lol). I've been there too, so I know the struggle. And I'm glad we got passed that stage. Right now, the only setback is when they forget to brush their teeth, so I have to remind them sometimes, and they'd do it without any drama. 

How We Make Toothbrush Time a Hapee Time!

How did we do it? Well, it took a reasonable amount of time, a handful of patience, and some good old' techniques to make it work. Let me share some that worked for us!

1. Ever heard of the phrase "brushing alone is not enough"? Took it literally, so we brush our teeth together! One way to get the kids to do what you want is to lead by example. This way, we also get to show them how it is done correctly. 

2. Brushing may be fun when we do it together, but we also have to teach them how to do it independently. Let them do it alone (still with your supervision, of course) even if they are not doing it right the first few times. Let them enjoy it, they will learn eventually. Now, both Tristan and Athena are teaching their little sister Brianna how to brush her teeth!

3. Teaching them the importance of brushing their teeth and the benefit they will get out of it. Let them know that a happy and healthy kid has a clean and strong set of teeth. Instead of scaring them and telling them, "your teeth will fall off if you don't brush" or "you won't have any of this if you don't brush your teeth." 

4. Play fun music or set a timer when brushing your teeth to make sure they brush their teeth for 2 minutes.

5. Let them choose their toothbrushes or buy the ones in their favorite color or characters! 

6. This may be the last, but I believe it is a vital one. Make sure to choose the right toothpaste for kids. Make it colorful and flavorful, because if kids say it's yucky, they won't do it. 

Aside from that, the right toothpaste for kids contains a safe level of fluoride, just like Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste.

Look at all the colorful packaging and flavorful variants you and your kids can choose from! 

Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste is available in fruity flavors; Apple Crunch, Juicy Grapes Orange Squeeze, Strawberry Bloom, and Tutti Frutti Twist. There are also other sweet treats that kids love- the Bubblegum Pop, and Cookies and Cream Ahoy.

Kids can have one flavor every day! Isn't that exciting?

#MakeBrushTimeHapeeTime and your kids will surely not look at tooth brushing as a dreaded task. 

If this won't make your kids look forward to brushing their teeth, then I don't know what else will! 

Find out more about Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste, you may visit their Facebook Page here.

Add color to your diet with Australian Navel Oranges + Facts

The main variety of orange is the Navel which is usually seedless, easy to peel, skin, very sweet juicy

flesh, and a small protrusion at one end that resembles a human navel (hence the name of this variety)

Australian Navel Oranges are available and in season from June to October each year. Hort Innovation’s Taste Australia campaign is bringing the highest quality Navel Oranges back from Australia’s southeast regions to the Philippines. It aims to cement existing trade relations and develop new partnerships between the two countries.

Only sourced from the highest quality crops, Australian oranges are at their prime and Taste Australia encourages consumers to make the most of the peak season and indulge in this colorful, sweet, juicy and nutritious fruit.

And just in time for Trick or Treat, we received a small box of Australian Navel Oranges. I added it on top of the candies the kids got from the Halloween party!

Health benefits

Australian oranges are famous for its high Vitamin C content and natural flu-fighting properties. They are also high in antioxidants, fibre, folate and potassium. Australian oranges have numerous health and nutritional benefits including:

● Nutrient density which is great for weight control

● Good source of folate which is perfect for pregnant women (may help prevent spina bifida) and the rest of the family (helps the immune system and heart)

● Great for blood pressure control with high potassium and low salt

● Rich in antioxidants which helps keep you fit and healthy throughout the year.

Application and recipes

Australian oranges are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect anytime snack or addition to sweet or savory dishes. Oranges are a great alternative to a quick fix sugary drink or a chocolate bar as they contain carbohydrates and B vitamins.

Must-try recipes can be found at http://www.oranges.com.au/recipes.

Selection and storage at home

1. Make sure to select fruit that has bright orange skin, is firm, and feels heavy for its size (avoid

dry, wrinkled or softer looking orangesas they do not ripen further after harvest.).

2. Oranges can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature, and longer when refrigerated.

● Store oranges unwashed as moisture on the skin can lead to mould.

● Either peel or wash oranges in cool water before slicing. If cutting, use a clean cutting board to prevent cross-contamination.

● Do not freeze oranges or store them below 3°C.

You still have time to try this delectable fruit at in-store and sampling sessions taking place at participating retailers such as Rustan’s, Shopwise, Wellcome, S&R, Robinson’s, SM and other major supermarkets. Consumers can also find participating retailers, view trending recipes, learn helpful tips and tricks, or be involved in the latest conversations by following Taste Australia - Philippines on @TasteAustraliaPhilippines on Facebook and @TasteAustraliaPH on Instagram.