I've been on and off social media these days which isn't the case for some moms I know. Why? Maybe because they think there's nothing else better to do.

Wrong.

Being on enhanced community quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic could really make anyone get bored easily.  If I still am an office kind of working mom, I would definitely feel the same way!  It's different when you're used to going out every day for work compared to someone (like me or most work at home moms and stay at home moms) who sees community quarantine quite similar to her daily life (except the freedom of going out anytime).

I've read so many rants or funny comments from moms not knowing what to do for the rest of the quarantine days.  That's why I came up with a list of 100 things you could do during this period.  You may be doing some already, but feel free to read the other things on the list in case you come to a point when you don't know what to do next. 

Here it goes:

1. Start a daily devotion.  I use Simple Joys App (free download on Play Store or App Store).
2. Set a weekly family meeting to ask how they are doing.  Ask the kids what they understand about what's happening to our country and the whole world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This is a teaching moment for parents.
3. Write in your journal daily. 
4. Start an "Answered Prayers" notebook to teach you to be more grateful each day.
5. Start a blog or a vlog sharing what you're passionate about.
6. Read blogs or watch vlogs that inspire you and bring value to your life.  
7. Finish that scrapbook you started 5 (or more) years ago.
8. Organize your family or children's photos on your phone, desktop computer, cloud storage, CDs.  
9. Layout these photos for a nice photo book or print them on large canvass materials (Photobook PH has these!) the printing you may do after the quarantine.
10. Organize your personal files on your laptop or desktop computer.  Want to purge files?  This is the best time.
11. Do some art projects you've been dying to do but have no time such as but not limited to macrame, cross-stitch, painting, and crochet.
12. Read books or finish books you've longed to finish.
13. Cover your books with the leftover plastic covers from last year.
14. Manicure/Pedicure at home.
15. Foot scrub/foot spa yourself.
16. Teach everyone at home how to wash hands properly and thoroughly.
17. Create a Spotify Playlist of all your favorite songs (songs from teenage years, songs that uplift you, Praise and Worship songs)
18. Netflix and chill - I started watching K-dramas/Series and I never went back.  Current loves: Crash Landing On you, Kingdom, Something In The Rain, and Itaewon Class.  Also watch Money Heist, Elite, and other Netflix original movies. :)
19. Edit the travel or milestone videos on your phone or computer.  I use InShot for Android phones.
20. Download educational and entertaining apps for your kids' tablets.  Check each app your child uses and discern if you should uninstall or retain on the gadget.
21. Defrost and clean your refrigerator.
22. Take out all the dinnerwares from your dish drainer and clean it as well.
23. Use those nice plates, and utensils you've kept for special occasions. They are not to be kept anyway.  Life is too short to reserve beautiful things for tomorrow.  
24. Remove the hiding accumulated dirt in your washing machine.  You have to check in between the silicones/rubbers to see the dirt.  Remove and disinfect as well.
25. Konmari your closet.
26. Organize your closet apart from folding your clothes nicely.  Segregate to keep, to give away/donate or for selling.
27. Organize your husband's and kids' closets and rooms too.
28. Revisit your makeup and skincare products' expiration dates and throw the expired.  If you have too much, give it away or use them.
29. Practice putting on make up especially your eyebrows, kilay is life!
30. Start a nightly skincare routine if you have none.  If you do, start using the face masks you got as gifts last Christmas.
31. Satisfy that #PlantTita spirit in you.  Start caring for existing plants at home.  Talk to them, water them, make sure they are given enough sunlight exposure.
32. Grow a sustainable garden.  Easy to plant and grow are: Eggplants, Okra and Saluyot.  You may also try ginger, tomatoes, kangkong, malunggay, and ampalaya.
33. Rewrite your mom's or grandmother's recipes.
34. Revisit your family's financial budget or plans and see if you're on track or deficit.
35. Start populating an expense sheet and a budget tracker.
36. Discuss financial planning with your husband.
37. List down accounts receivables and schedule of remittance or payment.
38. Hang your small children's artworks on a dedicated wall mural.
39. Re-arrange your living area or dining area.  This is applicable to your bedroom and kitchen too.
40. Create a TikTok account and start filming funny videos you, your family and friends could laugh about to take your minds off the pandemic.
41. Share your TikTok funny videos on social media. 
42. Redecorate your room.
43. Redecorate your children's room
44. Call your parents and siblings and ask how their families are doing.
45. Reconnect with old friends.
46. Make new ones.
47. Make amends to those whom you may have hurt in the past.
48. Forgive those who had hurt you even if they didn't ask for it.  You're setting yourself free.
49. Write your husband a love letter.  Rekindle your beautiful love story together.
50. Start a home workout to keep fit, try yoga, weight lifting, and cardio routines.
51. Spread COVID-19 news and words of encouragement.  Please validate and make sure it's not fake news or something that would spread fear, anxiety, and worries.
52. Donate to our frontliners (hospital workers, military and policemen) and the homeless through different and legitimate organizations.  One is Brand Buzz PH.
53. Share on your social media accounts donation or fundraising drives organized by different communities, groups, establishments, companies, etc.
54. Sanitize your house especially frequently held/touched surfaces like doorknobs, staircase railing, switches, ref handle, etc.  I used UV Care, alcohol, bleach, and sanitizer.
55. Change your bedsheets and pillowcases.
56. Change curtains in all rooms.
57. Try baking easy recipes.  You may use your oven toaster or turbo if you don't have an oven.
58. Get some morning sun with the kids, just step out of the house.  This does not necessarily mean you have to go out in your neighborhood.  
59. Prepare your family's Emergency GO Bags in case you haven't done this.
60. Charge all existing powerbanks in the house and all other rechargeable small appliances.  You'll never know when you'll need them.
61. Advance your weekly menu-planning.
62. Cook your husband's and children's favorite meal.
63. Teach your kids how to cook.  Pancakes for little ones and easy viand recipes for older kids.
64. Start using your expensive planner/s (you redeemed for buying all those cups of coffee!).  Sell or give away your extra planners.
65. Calendar all your billing due dates (teleco, electricity, water, internet, insurance, health cards, memorial plans, etc
66. Teach your children some physical games you used to play as a child (that most probably they have no idea how to play it today) such as piko, patintero, tumbang preso, pitik-bulag, luksong-tinik, Chinese garter, chinese jackstones, etc.)
67. Teach boardgames and also card games to your child (Snakes and Ladders, Connect 4, Sungka, Memory Game, Pekwa, Ungguy-Ungguyan, and many more).
68. Learn your kids' games too and even lingos (have you heard of Roblox, Minecraft, Subway Surfer, Uno, etc.?).
69. File your kids' artworks and put their age or date they were made.  Putting them on a clear book is a nice idea.
70. Teach your kids some easy household chores appropriate for their age.  My toddler could throw trash in the garbage and pack away his toys.  My school-aged son can wash the dishes, sweep the floor, and help me with laundry.  My eldest is the official dishwasher, clothes folder, can do the laundry, tidy up his rooms, and run errands for me.
71. Do arts and crafts with the kiddos. There are many free printouts you could find on the internet.
72. Polish your wooden floor and furniture.  This can also be considered a workout for us moms!
73. Polish your jewels.  I use and highly recommend Kurin Water.  
74. Revisit all your PIN numbers/codes of your different accounts.  You may be forgetting some or some of your accounts may be compromised, so for security, change your PIN codes or at least try to remember them.
75. Revisit all the policies you've bought.  Take note of documents needed for claims, write down due dates, list down policy summary, etc.
76. List down important details about yourself and all the important assets you have, should anything happen to you in the future.
77. Wash your make-up brushes and tools.
78. Clean all your bags.
79. Wash or polish all your shoes.
80. Stitch your children's names on their handkerchiefs or towels.
81. Support a friend's business or blog or vlog by visiting and liking their websites or pages.  
82. Take your support a notch higher by purchasing their goods or hiring them for their services.
83. Take your support another step higher by promoting them to your other networks too.
84. Write your own dreams.  It's never too late to dream big and make it happen.  That's what I learned from Robert Kiyosaki.
85. Update your resume or Linked In profile/info.  
86. If you're a blogger/content creator like me, create a media kit.  A media kit contains information about yourself, your brand/blog, your stats, past projects and brand partners, awards, recognitions, and features.  
87. You could also create a rate card.  For all design needs, I use Canva.
88. Enroll in an online course or join an online activity or webinar on topics that interest you.
89. Plot your loved ones' and friends' birthdays on calendar.
90. Create signage at home as visual reminders on the following: Sanitation, Conserving Water, Garbage Segregation, Kids' things to do, etc.
91. Answer fun surveys on IG and share them on your stories.
92. Watch and support live concerts or shows online.
93. If you have talent in singing or playing an instrument, why not perform live too?
94. While you're at it, you could start your own fundraising event online as well.
95. Get a complete 8-hour sleep.
96. Listen to Praise and Worship songs, especially when you feel sad, worried, anxious, uncertain, or confused.
97. Read the Bible and get to know more about Jesus.
98. Memorize some biblical verses.
99. Share inspirational verses to loved ones and friends.
100. PRAY.

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Hello Loves!  Here's my very first blog entry for the year 2020.  It's a bit late compared to how I used to write my first entry of the year in the previous years though.  Medyo admittedly, I took slowing down a bit more seriously more than I should.  In short, ang tamad ko after the holiday break.  And. It. Is. Not. A. Good. Sign.

ANYWAY.

My 2019 had been a year of both ups and downs in my health, blog, and life in general.  I couldn't say it's been good o bad to me.  All I know is God has been faithful through last year and had been providing me and my family more than enough even though I don't bring as much bacon to the family's table as much as I did when I was still working.  So much have changed (this I will reserve for another blog post!), but it's all good.  I didn't feel the change that much because God's been so good to us, in good and bad times.  I pray that you also experience the same love, grace, and goodness of God just like how He manifested Himself to me.

So here's a quick review of my 2019's roller-coaster ride:

Duing the first week of February, my family and I took a 4-day trip to Baguio (which I haven't written about in my blog!) and it was definitely a family trip which I still remember so vividly.  This was one of the best highlights of my 2019 because it was spent with my whole family.  I promise to share experiences like budget, where to go, where to stay, where to eat, and many more! 
During this month, I availed of Adajar Dental Clinic's Laser Teeth Whitening Promo influenced by my good friend Jaya Gacia.  I also haven't written about my experience, but this post served as a reminder for me! :)  Look at my photo, it seemed like an alien's mini UFO is sucking something out of my system diba?
This was also the time when #BringMeMoms was institutionalized (Whoa, word!) during Mommy Mundo's Mommy Mundo World.  We set up a booth and also presented our group on stage.  It's a group formed among us friends which of course started with a game called BRING ME in one of the parties we all participated.  Follow us on Instagram
It went downhill when two of my kids had to be hospitalized.  The youngest was an emergency case and was due to seizure caused by high fever because of pneumonia.
While the other one was a scheduled operation.  This operation was God's revelation to us that nothing is impossible with HIM.  I cried buckets of tears when God showed His faithfulness when He said He is in control and that He will provide.  My son's HMO primarily said they will only cover Php10K worth.  I prayed hard and well and asked God to take care of this and help me find funds to complete the Php150K plus we need for his operation.  His response was quick, the Maxicare officer who told me of the coverage called right away and said she escalated my son's case to the doctors and gave us a GO that they will cover his operation 100%.  I asked many doctors who gave my son's medical clearance and said, it's rare that they cover cases such as my son's.  This is GOD's work and nothing else. 

This is one of my Christian life's breakthroughs and personal experience of God's greatness and love.  For anything no matter how big, worry not.  Just keep on praying and trusting in Him to do wonders and miracles, even if we don't deserve it. 

By the way, my eldest celebrated his 16th birthday in the hospital because his two brothers were hospitalized within the same week, one after the other, on his birthday week as well.  But even if we didn't have a grand celebration, what mattered was we were complete and the love for each other was deeply felt.

Giving and receiving flowers when there's a special occasion is one of the best feelings in the world.  But it feels so much better to receive flowers even if there's no occassion.  Agree?

There are times when words aren't enough to express one's feelings which flowers could only articulate best such as:

• Thoughtfulness
• Attraction
• Appreciation
• Adoration
• Respect
• Celebration
• L-O-V-E

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That's right!  I am already 41.  It seems like just yesterday that I celebrated a milestone (turning 4-0 that is) with a catered swimming kiddie-party-themed-party, which my husband surprised me with. It seemed like not long ago I just turned 30 with a very aggressive mindset of a go-getter and fighter spirited woman who wanted to reach for the stars.  It seemed like turning 20 and graduating from college was just a few years ago - a woman full of idealistic dreams and who seemed like she had a lot to prove to people.

I've come a long way since then.  I've changed a lot.  I've transformed 180 degrees.  From being too ambitious - to being happily content.  To someone who was too stubborn and proud - to just being submissive and humbled.  To someone close to being bitchy (slight lang) - to being someone people trust and come to for comfort and encouragement.

I transformed not for anything else but because of God's grace.  I never knew that being simple, content, obedient, humble, and knowing and accepting Christ could bring me so much joy.

I used to think I should acquire a lot of material things so people will look up to me.  I used to think I should hold a title or an intimidating job function so that people will respect me.  I used to think that I should have lots of savings so that people will not belittle me.  I used to think I should always show a stern or bitchy face so people will not take me for a fool.  Now I am too embarrassed to even think that I thought of those things.

At 40, I've never been so content in my life.

I don't have a job.  I am a simple stay-at-home-mom.  I blog and create content because it's what I love doing and entertaining or inspiring others makes me happy.  I earn from doing what I love.  I am NOW a submissive wife, I used to be so stubborn and quite a handful for my husband (I can't be tamed, a lioness always ready to attack).  I am still a milk machine to my three and a half year old son.  I serve the music ministry in our church.  I still dream.  I am 41.

My life is now simpler and slower.  But I've never been happier.

But my life is far from perfect.  It wasn't a smooth road that I took to be at the state of peace it is right now.  To tell you honestly, my corporate career didn't fly to the height I wanted it to be, but I learned a lot.  My marriage almost didn't happen and when it did, it almost failed more than twice.  I also almost hit my car to an electric post to harm myself because of depression.  I had some regrets because my mom passed away too at a time I thought I wasn't as good of a daughter I know she wished me to be.  I lost many friends and I didn't understand why.

I was broken.  Piece by piece, God picked them up and made me whole again.   I relied on His strength and His sovereignty to lead me to the life I deserve and find joy in Him alone.

I thought I should gain a lot in order for me to be happy.  But instead, as I grew my faith in Christ, I learned that I should, in fact, Let Go and Give More, so I could gain more - not of material things but of more happiness and peace.  My transformation and new life perspective didn't come as easy as others thought it did.  I was pruned hard because at first, I was in denial about my brokenness.  Such a shame.  But as months and years went by since I first accepted Him, I learned more about myself.


I've never looked at my husband the way I look at him now.  I love him more than ever.  I've also never intentionally love my children the way I do them now and it's one of the greatest gifts of all as a mother.  I believe I've never affected my friends the way I do now as I pray whenever I would talk to each one of them saying only encouraging words according to what Jesus would have wanted me to say them.  I've never loved my life more than I do it right now.

Yes, I am happy and content at this state of my life.  But I also know that time will come that I need more pruning in order to grow more and deeper in faith.  I commit so many mistakes and still lose my temper and still gossip at times (kasi naman the Barretto sissums!), I still get irritated with my husband's trivial habits, and so many more, but I know I would've been worse if I had not accepted and met my savior.

Psalm 62:5-6 says "Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on Him. God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure."

Countless miracles and provisions happened in my life since I decided to follow Him.  I just cry each time in awe at how great He is in loving me.  There's no turning back, I say.

THANK YOU to everyone who remembered.  First of all to my loving and selfless husband, you are my rock.  Thank you to my children, who love me unconditionally and who say can't live without my hugs and kisses and I-Love-Yous.  To my family who is there always, I pray that I may also be able to share the love of Christ with you someday.  To all my brothers and sisters in Christ, thank you for guiding me and my husband in growing our faiths deeper and just totally surrendering all to Him.  Thank you to my friends whom I share and open up to.  Thank you to my blog followers and readers who are still here a large part of my journey.

Thank you Lord for this life.  I just pray for the best of health so I may still take care of my family and still be able to share God's grace and love to many.

Proverbs 31:25  She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Happy Birthday to me.  God bless everyone! :)

These days, more and more people give importance to their health and wellness.  This is a good sign because not only serious illnesses due to chronic stress may be minimized, but mindful people develop good relationships with themselves and their loved ones.  After all, if you ask any parent such as myself, I'm more conscious now to choose a stress-free life and look after my well-being because I want to live longer for my children.

That's why I am intentional in managing stress, slow down when life takes over me, and stop to smell the flowers when busy days come.  One of the best solutions to destress when I become exhausted because of the demands of being a wife, being a mother, and being a WAHM  is to get a massage.  One of my favorite go-to spa is The Spa, and I'm glad they've opened a new branch somewhere close to my location - The Podium in the Ortigas district.
I'm happy to be invited to its ribbon cutting, I came with my cute date Damien.

Sharing with you now what to expect in The Spa Podium:

Upon entering The Spa Podium, you'll be greeted with their signature ambiance complemented by the relaxing scent of essential oils and soft music ready to lull you to total surrender as you lay down your tired body on their massage beds.
The Spa Podium is their 7th branch and it's consistent with The Spa's opulent and luxurious interior design.  Its design showcases tropical sanctuary where British colonial design meets contemporary Asian elements, a lot of green and teal, and natural patterns of wood and weaves.

Each door of their rooms is like an entrance to the escape from the busyness of your daily grind.  It feels as if you're about to enter a door to your beachfront room.  It certainly takes you away from the city for a blissful relaxation experience whether it be massage, facial, body treatment or any of their foot services.
There are a total of 6 Junior Suites.  It also offers three Premier Suites for those who wish to have an elevated experience because these suites offer steam/shower facilities.

Below are photos of their Premier Suite

This room is complete with bath and hygiene needs.
It has handsoap, lotion, powder, and cotton buds.  Hairdryer is also available for use.
 The bath tub is available for use in this room.
This is The Spa's executive private room for those who want to relax and getaway for a short while solo.  You'll see Damien, checking out its room facilities, he said it's all working and passes his standards by the way! :)
The Spa Podium offers massages (Shiatsu, Swedish, Combination, and Deep Tisue), body treatments (Crystalline Skin Body Treatment, Coffee Rub, and Sea Salt Scrub), facials (Restorative Water Lily facial, The Spa Signature Age Defense Treatment, and the Light & Luminous facial), and foot services (Oriental Foot Therapy, Thai Foot massage, and Peppermint Foot scrub).

They also offer gold (semi-annual) and platinum (annual) memberships.  For retail are their popular The Spa Wellness Gift Cards, GCs, burner and essential oil sets, and their famous The Spa signature ginger tea packs.

Good news to those who also look for a complete wellness experience through excercise, The Podium branch has a brand new barre3 studio that can accommodate 15 students per class.  Students can expect a 60-minute full-body workout that combines strength conditioning using bodyweight and handheld weights, cardio, and mindfulness focused on alignment and breath.  They offer classes for beginners and seasoned exercisers alike.

The clean, spacious, and beautiful barre3 studio.
Secured lockers for class attendees where you could put your belongings while busy with the workout.
The barre3 studio is equipped with weights, mats, sound system and other workout essentials to help class attendees reach their wellness and fitness goals.