When you come across 3M, what comes to your minds?  For me, I think of Post-it Notes, Scotch, and Scotch-Brite.  I bet most of us do because these are just some of the most iconic brands that nearly everyone across the globe grew up with.  I started using post-its in high school and still use it to this day!  These all come from their mother company - 3M, which applies science in collaborative ways to improve our daily lives whether you're a mom, a career person, a student, and just about anything - we use 3M's innovative products.  3M is one of the strongest science advocates in the market.

We encounter 3M products every day, everywhere. In fact, the most recognizable products like the colorful Post-it® Notes we’ve come to rely on as great reminders, the supreme adhesive quality of Scotch® Magic Tape we often use for wrapping gifts, and the iconic yellow and green dishwashing sponges by Scotch-Brite Brand that is a staple at the kitchen sink. These are all so embedded in our daily lives as Filipinos. 

In a recent 3M Virtual Innovation Tour I attended, I was amazed to know how much 3M I've been using in my life and how it's truly embedded in our everyday lives.  I learned that our mobile phones and laptops likely have multiple 3M applications inside it. The tint in our car is also 3M and it's been there for 5 years but still looks new with almost no sign of wear!  Even the road signs are made possible with science and technology from 3M (called retro-reflective, by the way). The vast breadth of 3M’s products and technologies continue to grow and even as we transition to a changed reality due to the pandemic, the innovation company shows no sign of stopping.

There's science behind every 3M products.  While each product was produced to make our lives easier, safer and more convenient, all of 3M products were thoroughly studied to bring magic to our lives and ensure highest efficiency with every use.  For example, when washing dishes, abrasive minerals were embedded in their scouring pads to allow for superior cleaning of our pots and pans.  Their Command™ Hooks have the best adhesives that won’t damage walls yet still holds on strongly.  Seeing and understanding what makes the classic disposable N95 particulate respirator of 3M special was also eye-opening. It is their unique filter media technology that goes into their respirators that allows for greater passage of air, while keeping us safe from the nasty contaminants. This also offered better appreciation on why face masks are for general public and why the N95 respirators are better left for the healthcare workers. 

It was also refreshing to know that a big company like 3M still manages to be active in supporting the country through various charitable activities and also sharing their knowledge in science like their Science at Home program, ultimately staying true to their vision of improving lives. 

We were also given a taste of one Science at Home experiment by the 3M engineers, on chromatography which is definitely doable with kids at home with available materials. 3M is  actively advocating for continuing education with Science at Home, a series of science education modules that parents and kids can do together, to supplement science lessons in school. 

Financial grants have also been provided for Project Damayan of Caritas Manila and Philippine Business for Social Progress. On the other hand, personal protection equipment (PPE) donations have been made to Philippine National Red Cross and several private and public hospitals in the country aimed to support those affected by the pandemic. Earlier in the year during the height of the Taal Volcano eruption, 3M Philippines also provided PPE donations to World Vision Philippines, the Philippine National Red Cross and other first responders. 

To know more about 3M Philippines, its products, and advocacies head over to https://www.3mphilippines.com.ph/ for more information.

When you order a kit, you'll receive the complete set of ingredients to be able to make Quaker Oats Cream Pie Recipe except butter and egg.  The recipe card is even easy to follow!  The result is even better!  Instructions said to use a mixer, but I don't have one so I mixed it by hand.   Make sure that while you're mixing all the ingredients, you're pre-heating the oven to get ready for baking.
Look at that!

Everything seems to be online these days diba? Online learning, online meetings, online events, online workshops and talks, and my favorite of all - ONLINE SHOPPING.  I love doing things online and to be honest, I am embracing this new normal with open arms because as I grow more mature, I enjoy the comforts of home and just being with my loved ones.  My favorite of all those online activities is: ONLINE SHOPPING!

Why?  First, it's convenient I don't need to go out, fall in line, brave the traffic or look for parking.  Second, it's practical for me because it saves time, effort, and even expense (no unnecessary spending on food kahit hindi naman ako gutom or impulse buying and no travel expense which is more expensive than courier fees.)  Lastly mommies like me na madiskarte, did you know that you can actually SAVE MONEY while you SPEND it for shopping?  Pwede yan with ShopBack!  

What is ShopBack?

Shopback is the #1 rewards and discovery platform in APAC. It's a platform that lets users earn up to 30% cashback when shopping online.  In short, you get cashback whenever you shop using your favorite shopping platforms.  Shopback has partnered kasi with 500+ merchants including our favorites like Shopee, Zalora, Nike, Aliexpress, Foodpanda, Booking.com, Lazada, etc.  Each time you make a transaction, you get a percentage of your money back. Aside from redeeming discounts and promo codes, cashback is another way of getting savings from online purchases.

How To Use ShopBack?

1. DOWNLOAD ShopBack APP for free via Play Store or Apple Store or you could also sign up via web.  SIGN UP for a free-to-use ShopBack account.  Signing up is easy peasy too!
   
   
2. BROWSE on the shops, explore categories (food, groceries, fashion, electronics, beauty, and more!), check exclusive voucher offerings. Click on your chosen online store and SHOP as usual.
   
   
3. GET CASHBACK in your ShopBack account in 72 hours!

Could there be anything cuter than these?  I've used Tiny Buds and purchased PatPat items for my little ones before and I guarantee that you'll be getting your money's worth for your purchases!

So mommies and soon to be moms, are you up for saving or earning while you spend for shopping?  Who isn't?  I AM! Basta don't forget to open ShopBack first when you're planning to do your online shopping (especially during the SALE periods), so you can maximize potential savings in every peso you spend.  Yan ang totoong practical right?  Hindi lang basta nagtitipid, kailangan nag-e-earn din kahit pa nag-sspend for shopping.  That's only possible through ShopBack!

Download the app today and sign-up easily!  Your cashbacks from Shopback, you can treat it as your secret mommy savings para guilt-free shopping ka na by the time you withdraw from ShopBack.  For more information, visit https://www.shopback.ph/ and follow them on their social media accounts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbackph/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopBackPhilippines

Hello!  It's been a while since I've written something very personal on my first digital love - my blog.  I am glad I am typing away my vulnerability, openness, and honesty.  I may be someone you know or maybe not.  I maybe an inspiration to some, a source of strength and encouragement, but I am also human and just another regular mom - experiencing the same things that you do, day in and day out.

I recently experienced social media or digital anxiety - I'm not sure if there's such a thing.  But that's what I've been through these past couple of weeks.

To be exact, I felt overwhelmed, fearful, unsure, worried, insecure, and it seemed like all my efforts were not enough.  

I battled with all those feelings or mental state in the days and weeks that went by.  You may or may not notice it but if you know me well - you'd know that I took a break.

Yes, I was still present, but if you could read between the lines of some of my posts, you'd know there's something quite off.

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CARRYING A HEAVY LOAD? Mid-week thoughts from a busy, overwhelmed, peace-yearning, and tired momma. It's always the way we carry it, isn't it? These past few days, I've been quiet here and there. I'm carrying a load of all sorts. I've been re-chanelling my energies and attention to things that make me happy - my family, my plants, my small biz, my oils, my cooking, and also my Kdramas. I'm shying away from the noise, from the pressure some people put on another. I'm shying away maybe from you who's still reading this. It's not you, it's me. Haha. I know exactly why I'm doing this and my pausing and slowing down is intentional. It's the way I am carrying the load. It's the way I'm coping. I'll be back, stronger, happier, more energized, more focused, and more open. We all cope with what's going on in our lives in different ways. Let's cope and not give up. If you're tired, rest. If things are moving on a fast pace that you couldn't keep up, pause. If there's too much on your plate, select the healthy ones and save the others for later. Prioritize, delegate, you can even decline. The important thing is to cope. Lastly,never think you're all alone in carrying all the load, God's with you every step of the way. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT Have a great week ahead!

A post shared by LOUISE-Mom & Lifestyle Blogger (@mommypracticality) on Aug 12, 2020 at 1:04am PDT

I'm the person people come to for consultation, for encouragement, for good vibes, and inspiration.  I'm that person and yet, there I was needing those things I give to others.

No one really noticed, unless I kind of gave some clues through my posts.

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MENTAL HEALTH Do what makes you happy. Divert your attention elsewhere if you think where you are isn't working well for you or when what used to bring you joy now tires you. Step back. Pause. Detox. But don't quit. Don't lose hope. Just take a break. As shared in my last post on coping these days. I've been refocusing my energies on things that make me really happy. My family is already a given. Sharing with you what's keeping me busy these days in case you're wondering what I've been up to. I'm just here, just detoxing. There's too much noise, still getting used to it again. I am coping. I'm taking care of my mental health as well. So these past few weeks were spent most on learning new skills. I baked my first-ever choco cuppies, baked more chocolate chip cookies, tended to my lovely plants (to which I was baptized a new title by my husband at home - a budding botanist), my small retail biz (reselling trolleys and UV Care products), and my YL oils too How have you been loves? Hope all is well with you.

A post shared by LOUISE-Mom & Lifestyle Blogger (@mommypracticality) on Aug 12, 2020 at 9:43pm PDT

But that's okay, because I didn't battle this anxiety alone, I had an ally fighting with me - I have GOD.  I battled everything in prayer.  I wasn't really alone.  

The first practical thing I did to help me with my mental health was - Social Media Detox.  What is it?  My personal definitions are any of the following: 

• It's taking a conscious and intentional break from your regular social media groove to take care of your mental and emotional health.  
• It's a much-needed pause when you feel there's too much noise or things are going too fast that you can't live your real life.
• It's practically putting your depleting digital energies somewhere or to something else (before it becomes empty) so you could recharge.
• It's simply staying away from social media to be more busy with your offline life.

How Social Media Detox Can Save You From Anxiety And Depression

Sometimes in life, stepping back or seeing ourselves from a different perspective is healthy.  It will make you realize many things, assess where you are and where you want to go, it will let you discover that YOU ARE MORE THAN WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE, and that whatever happens, whether you decide that you want to exit from the digital limelight or press on, that YOU ARE ENOUGH and that you are where you are for a PURPOSE.  

So if you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, take a break and detox from what stresses you.  Don't quit, don't lose hope.  Breathe in deeply, breathe out.

Then carry on.

    Things can ask our teenagers:
    - What are their learning style or what method of learning helps them better?
    -  Do they work better when tasks are given daily or for projects do they want open deadlines?
    -  Do they feel more confident when they ask their classmates or teachers regarding their lessons or can they do self-study or work better alone?

    Things we can ask our teenagers:
    -  What are they uncertain of?  
    -  Do they sometimes feel alone or helpless?
    -  Can they identify themselves well when at home?  With peers?  

    How we can help as parents:
    - Teach them kindness and forgiveness not only of other but of themselves.
    - Teach them life skills by making them decide on certain matters at home to encourage critical thinking.
    - Show interest in what they do and asking how they are doing.
    - Train how to make daily or weekly plans and sticking to them.
    - Teach importance of complete sleep and teaching mindfulness in every thing they do.

Moms like us always make sure that in everything we do in our lives, for ourselves or for our families, we always have a plan.  If Plan A doesn't work, we have Plans B, C, and so on.  That's how moms think most of the time.

I am really hoping that it's the same mentality when it comes to protection for ourselves and our families as well.  When I say protection, I mean emergency funds, savings, and also life insurance.  Yes, for me, those are smart and practical decisions to make in order to prepare ourselves for life's What Ifs.

What if I get sick?

What if my husband gets sick?

What if the children get sick?

What if my children want to become a doctor?

What if I retire early?

What if I want pursue my own dreams?

What if...

For all of our life's What Ifs, BDO Life got our back.

Not everything that happens in our lives are desirable right?  Our choices in our lives affect the outcome which can either be good or bad.  We all pray it's always the good that happens, but we can't control life.  Question is, are we ready and prepared to make the right moves?

One expert who advocates the necessity of financial protection for “what if” moments is Mr. Renato A. Vergel de Dios, President and CEO of BDO Life Assurance Company, Inc. He explains how we can make “what if” moments work to our advantage with the correct mindset.

“When we are faced with a ‘what if’ moment, we are also confronted with potential benefits and risks. The most reasonable course of action is to make a decision that maximizes the potential benefits and minimizes the potential risks,” he says.   

Vergel de Dios points out that the entire country experienced a crucial “what if” moment when the pandemic struck. “On top of dealing with our own survival, we also have to help others. Taking an ‘every-man-for-himself’ attitude is unacceptable. We are all in this together. As they say, ‘we must heal as one,’” he says. 

A protection mindset

According to Vergel de Dios, “We expose ourselves to greater risk if we don’t understand a potential threat or choose to ignore it. For example, now that COVID-19 is here, are we going to behave like before? Will we refuse to wear masks, touch our faces with unwashed hands, or gather together in a closed environment? Those who ignore current health protocols neither recognize nor accept the consequences of the threat to themselves and others,” he adds. 

This is why Vergel de Dios advocates a way of thinking and living that is proactive as well as protection-oriented. Insurance awareness and belief is about having a mindset that recognizes the risks and uncertainties of life, accepts that such perils could harm us, and compels us to act in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

From the ludicrous to the serious

Vergel de Dios has probably heard all the possible reasons of people who don’t want to adopt this protection mindset when it comes to insurance. To get them to think otherwise, he sometimes resorts to ludicrous analogies that drive home the real wisdom of his point.

“When you buy car insurance, do you pray to have an accident so you can get your money’s worth? How about fire insurance? When it’s time to renew your coverage, do you ever feel bad your house didn’t burn down? Of course not,” he says.

Insurance as a financial protection instrument, Vergel de Dios says, has an ironic side. “Life insurance is something you need but would rather not use. Sure, there’s a cost to pay for such protection, but would you rather that your family pay a higher price when you fail to maintain adequate insurance coverage.”

Vergel de Dios continues: “You get insurance primarily for financial protection. Some insurance products also provide investment opportunities. To me, the potential investment earning component, while is highly desirable, is a bonus. By this, I mean that you shouldn’t relish the bonus benefit more than the primary benefit. Think of it like a cake. The investment feature is the icing while the protection coverage is the body. You share and enjoy the entire cake. The icing is just the extra satisfaction on top,” he says.

Insurance helps achieve our dreams

Now that we are in a period of crisis, it’s time to re-examine our beliefs and plans. Your specific future goals in mind such as buying a house, having the funds to finance your children’s education, family overseas trips, or retiring securely—that’s your Plan A, your offense strategy. Vergel de Dios asserts that insurance should be part of one’s overall financial preparedness program. It’s your Plan B, your defensive strategy that will ensure that your aspirations can be achieved even if untoward situations should arise. 

“If you secure insurance as part of an overall life goal or dream that you want to realize, then you will see it as part of a greater context: that of achieving the life you want for yourself and those you love. Whatever may come next, your ‘what if’ moment moves forward, broadens, and becomes a source of hope instead of anxiety.”

“With insurance, the ‘what if’ worries and consequences of dying too soon become a way to move forward with optimism and security. And even if the risk passes without having to avail of your insurance protection, it doesn’t mean you lost money. Rather, because you remained healthy, safe, and protected, you had the time, energy, and fortitude to fulfill your financial goals,” 

Such is the power of a “what if” that is turned from a risk into an opportunity.

BDO Life has financial advisers ready to help you turn the “what ifs” in your life into a way to make your goals and dreams a reality: whether it’s buying a house, getting an education, protecting your health, or providing a secure and worry-free future for your loved ones. It’s so easy. You can get in touch with them at www.bdo.com.ph/bdolife/connect-financial-advisor

We all didn't expect this pandemic to happen.  In the past four months, we've seen many shift from office work to work from home.  There were a lot who lost their jobs.  Businesses closed down.  Parents panicked and worried about their children's education.  Lastly, almost everyone fears both their health and financial conditions - and their family's future.

Whether you have something to celebrate or just craving for cakes, yet you still don't want to go out, you can always order cakes of all kinds through Cake Rush PH!  Amazing right?  I know almost everything is now sold and available online but to shop for cakes online is something delightfully new to me and I'm sure for you too!
I had a chance to experience this due to my cake cravings one time.  I received Mommy Lucy's Red Wine Moist Dark Chocolate Cake in a can with pearl design (which are all edible by the way) and it instantly melted in my mouth!  Perfect for coffee or tea.  It has a sophisticated taste of the healthier dark chocolate and wine - a combination I love.


But that's just one of the many cake bakers and cake flavors you could shop for on Cake Rush PH.  The newest cake delivery platform in Metro Manila supporting local bakers who offers different cakes and designs for different occasions and budget range.

Here are the reasons why I recommend Cake Rush PH:

1.  Variety of Cake Suppliers - As mentioned Cake Rush Supports local bakers and this includes the following:

• Red Ribbon
• Goldilocks
• Conti's
• Mommy Lucy's
• Bakepertise
• Cheesecakerie
• Fraiche Patisserie
• Homebake Mom
• Indulge Patisserie
• Shamy Cakes
• Sweet Samthings

2.  Availability of flavors - Since we all have different tastes or favorites, Cake Rush PH knows this as well.  Choose from Salted Caramel, Carrot, Chocolate, Mango, Oreo, Red Velvet, and Ube.

3.  Offers different cake types - Although their name suggests only cakes, they also have cakes in cans, brownies, cheesecakes, cupcakes, and also cookies.  So whatever dessert you crave for, they have something to offer on their website.

4.  FREE Delivery within Metro Manila - Yes you read that right!  FREE delivery on ALL orders within Metro Manila.

5.  Same day or Next Day delivery schedule - You may even select the time slot of your cake delivery.  Plus you could also choose your cakes to be delivered for later (up to three days from date of order).

6.  Safe and Convenient Payment Channels - All major credit cards and debit cards are accepted.  You can even pay via bank transfer.  It's safe at the same time really convenient!

7.  Personalize cake with a message - Not on the cake itself though, but you can write your message on the card that Cake Rush Ph will provide.

8.  Available Customer Service Channel - What's great about this is you can contact someone for your inquiries and concerns because they have customer service team.  They are open from Mondays to Saturdays from 9AM - 7PM.

Aren't these enough reasons why you should get your cakes from Cake Rush PH?  I could go on loves!  You could even choose cakes based on your budget!  So there's absolutely a cake for everybody!  So on your next celebration or craving, shop online via https://cakerush.ph!

One of the amazing gifts this quarantine gave me is TIME. Time well-spent building or rebuilding relationships with my loved ones, improving my prayer life, doing what I love and lastly learning new skills. For me, it was baking.

I've always dreamed of baking my own cookies because I love cookies! Baking was an achievement unlocked for me and has taught me some of life's important lessons: To keep on trying; To be exact and consistent; and to be resourceful. After three tries, I was able to perfect my Chocolate Chip Cookies which I am now sharing with you.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter at room temperature (you may use a baking margarine)
- 1 cup brown or washed sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla flavor
- 1 cup chocolate chips

Procedure:

1. Mix Butter with sugar in a bowl until creamy.
2. Put egg and add vanilla. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix all the dry ingredients, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
4. Slowly pour dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Continue mixing.
5. Pour the chocolate chip cookies.
6. Cover with cling wrap then chill for 2 hours.
7. After chilling, scoop to the size you want and lay on cookie sheets.
8. Preheat oven to 175 degree Celsius.
9. Bake for 15 minutes.
10. Take out the cookies and let it cool.

Enjoy! I never thought that I would achieve this baking momma hat I proudly wore this quarantine. Just like you, I sometimes worry where to get baking ingredients especially if I don't really want to go out. Glad to let you know that you can purchase and pay for them online at these websites.

• Lazada - www.lazada.com.ph
• Landers - www.landers.ph
• Metromart - www.metromart.com
• MyKuya - www.mykuya.com
• Fresh Produce - www.freshproduce.com.ph
• Online Palengke - www.onlinepalengke.com

For my online purchases, I usually use my PayMaya account for safe and convenient cashless transactions. This way, I don’t have to worry about transmitting the virus through cash handling or long exposure to other people.

You can easily do use PayMaya too for your own transactions. Here’s how:

1. After adding items to your cart from your choice of shopping app, proceed to the checkout page.
2. Choose credit card as the payment option.
3. Open your PayMaya app and select ‘My Cards’ then note online payment card number.
4. Go back to the shopping app and choose Online Payment card number
5. Input your card details and confirm your payment
6. An SMS notification will be sent by PayMaya, confirming your transaction

Done! It's easy, convenient, and best of all, safe! All you have to do is wait for the delivery right at your doorstep.

As we smoothly adapt to the new normal, I'm glad PayMaya is here to help us transition to contactless, secure, and cashless payments. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.  To know more, visit: https://www.paymaya.com/quick-guide. Download the app for free today, click this link: https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and use my referral code: Igs628.

Remember, don't pay cash, PayMaya!