Taking care of the skin is one of my beauty musts since I was in my 20s. Back then, products with natural ingredients weren't popular or weren't a thing. Of course I didn't know much about the harmful components or chemical ingredients of the products I put on my face and body. If I had known, I wouldn't have used them and would have right away switched to products with all-natural ingredients and those that are eco-friendly too.

Here's a rundown of the things I love about Farmskin:

• Natural Ingredients and Eco-friendly- Farmskin carefully selects and partners directly with local farmers in Korea where majority of our natural and eco-friendly ingredients come from.

• Cruelty-free - All of Farmskin products are safe on animals.

• Wide-range of products - They have skincare, haircare, and hand and body care, and even gift items to offer. Medical supplies are even available in their site.

• Affordability - You will be surprised to know that their products are priced fairly. Farmskin gives you value-for-money products that are clean and effective.

• Good for all skin types - All their skincare products have different variants for different skin types - Normal, Dry, Sensitive, and Oily.

Did I tell you that Farmskin is now on Shopee? Yes I did right? I'm just excited to share this great news with you. They are also having a Grand Launch Sale where you could get up to 50% off when you add to cart and purchase until December 9.

So what are you waiting for? Check out their products and add to cart what you think fits your type of skin. For more information, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Here is Farm Skin Official Store: https://shopee.ph/farmskin.  Happy Shopeeng! :) 

Feel like caring for your skin every single day or morning, go momma do it! Maybe some days you want to dare color your hair ash blonde like how I did quite recently? Go ahead momma! You deserve it! I believe that when moms care for themselves, they feel better inside! For all the sacrifices we do every single day for our family, we deserve the me-time, self-care, and self-love! For we can't give out love from empty cup right?

Used L'Oreal Paris Excellence Ash Supreme Haircolor

1. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift - Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Anti-Aging) I've used this a number of times and it's indeed effective! After all, it's the #1 Serum in the USA. Validated with Dermatologists and tested on Asian skin. A lightweight and fast-absorbing serum that intensely hydrates skin with our highest concentration of PURE Hyaluronic Acid. Helps refine pores and reduce fine lines for visibly smoother skin. Ideal for your anti-aging needs to give you that #YouthfulGlassSkin look. Powered with both Macro and Micro Hyaluronic Acid to plump your skin

Buy on Shopee Beauty here: https://shopee.ph/LOreal-Paris-Revitalift-Hyaluronic-Acid-Anti-Aging-Serum

2. NEW L'Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Anti Aging Plumping Day Cream - Face Cream/ Moisturizer I've always been curious about this anti-aging plumping day cream! This goes to my cart mama! I read that Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a major component driving skin hydration and starts to deplete as early as 20 years old — fine lines and rough texture starts to become noticeable. The L'Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Plumping Day Cream is a preventive anti-aging moisturiser / face cream that hydrates and plumps skin for youthful radiant skin. We all need this mommies!

Buy on Shopee Beauty here:

https://shopee.ph/NEW-LOreal-Paris-Hyaluronic-Acid-Plumping-Day-Cream-Face-Cream-Moisturizer

3. L'Oreal Paris Excellence Ash Supreme Haircolor with Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo When I colored my hair Ash Blonde a few months ago. My hairstylist used L'Oreal. He also gave me an advice to use a purple shampoo to maintain the lovely hair color and highlights of ash. But I've not found any good reco for a purple shampoo that comes with a good price as well! Glad that L'Oreal Paris now has a purple shampoo! The NEW L'Oreal Paris Excellence Ash Supreme comes in 7 Pure Cool Ash shades that are meant to last longer and be ashier than ever. Find one that fits any mood!

Buy on Shopee Beauty here: https://shopee.ph/product/85636461/10945757825 

4. L'Oreal Paris Ever Pure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner 200mL [ Sulfate Free ]

If you want to maintain your blonde hair color, you've got to add this to cart loves! Say bye to brassiness! Protect your colored hair with our ultimate anti-fading and anti-brassiness solution in one. Instantly neutralize brassy tones and nourish your colored hair with Ever Pure Brass Toning Shampoo and Conditioner made with salon-inspired Purple Care technology. I'm so glad that with this amazing hair care products from L'Oreal Paris, I can retouch or recolor my hair and actually maintain it looking great! This definitely goes in my cart mama! Try it too!

Buy on Shopee Beauty here: https://shopee.ph/L'Oreal-Paris-Ever-Pure-Brass-Toning-Purple-Shampoo-and-Conditioner-200mL-Sulfate-Free--i.85636461.5657373978?adsid=0&campaignid=0&position=-1

Let's me more intentional in loving ourselves mommies.  Self-care is needed so we could give more love to our loved ones.  Forget mom guilt for indulging in these beauty products from L'Oreal Paris - you deserve them!

Happy Shopee-ng!!!! :) 

When I had Covid last April, the first step we did is to have everyone at home tested as well. I remember calling the first home servicing medical team who can perform antigen testing even if costed me a big deal. Back then, antigen tests were far fetched. I was sick and worried for my family, plus expenses were quite a notch higher. Stress!

But now, I am happy to let you know that quality and affordable COVID-19 antigen tests kits are now available conveniently at Watsons!

photo source

Recognizing the importance of widespread testing, Watsons will sell FDA-certified COVID-19 antigen test kits with a price range of P399-P500 at select stores in Metro Manila starting October 25 and will be available in all stores nationwide by November 25.

Modern appliances such as televisions, along with more recent gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers, have contributed positively to childhood development by way of more accessible learning and educational content. However, too much exposure to these media devices have also been observed to have detrimental effects on children.

Primarily, looking at screens place a lot of strain on the eyes and affect healthy eyesight. Too much time spent watching also affects children’s study patterns and attention spans, which can affect how well they do in school. Experts have also found a link between excessive media consumption and health concerns  such as insomnia and childhood obesity, as well as mental and emotional conditions such as depression and anxiety.

This is why it is important that you help your child establish healthy viewing or media consumption habits when it comes to using televisions, handheld gadgets, and computers. 

Here are some tips on how to achieve this.

Know How Much Screen Time Your Child Should Have

Know the recommended allowable screen time according to your child’s age. Experts say that it’s a no-no for babies up to 18 months of age, except for some incidental exposure such as when in a family video call or some similar situation. As your toddler reaches 2 years old, he may then be allowed to directly participate in such instances. As they reach preschool age, they may be allowed up to an hour of screen time especially if it is related to schooling or education. Generally, from five years old and up, you can decide on TV and computer use upon your discretion. A good rule of thumb is to never allow screen time to interfere with proper sleep schedule and an active physical lifestyle.

Provide Other Recreational and Learning Resources

To help curb the tendency to watch TV or use gadgets, don’t place them in your child’s room where they are readily accessible. Place them in a designated viewing area that is a common space within the household. Moreover, in this area, fill the surroundings with books, magazines, and other types of educational toys and hobbies such as board games so that your child may have opportunities to be weaned off from watching TV constantly. 

Instill Discipline in Terms of When They Can Have Access to TV and Gadgets

Establish strict rules to turn off the TV, mobile phones, and other gadgets during specific times, such as at the dinner table, while lying in bed waiting to fall asleep, or while doing school work. Be sure to enforce them and to not allow any excuses, otherwise your child will not develop the discipline to keep away from these distractions.

Set Up a Reward System

It would be good to establish TV viewing and gadget use as a privilege or reward for doing their tasks right—like finishing their homework and cleaning their room—instead of caving in to their demands or to make them feel that it is their right to use these devices. This sets up positive reinforcement for prioritizing things other than watching TV, playing computer games, or browsing the Internet.

Walk the Talk

It is important to serve as a good example to your child by limiting your screen time yourself. You need to walk the talk in order to encourage your child not to spend too much time watching TV or using gadgets. Otherwise, they will not see the value of what they are doing or they might even reason out against your rules.

Turn It into a Family Affair

Do make TV viewing time a more enjoyable and positive experience by making it communal. Check out the available TV programs and develop a family-friendly repertoire that you and your child can look forward to on a regular basis. This also ensures that the content your child consumes is contributing positively to their mental development.

Set Up Boundaries to Protect Your Child from Inappropriate Material

Make use of technology such as apps or programs that can help filter what your child browses and watches on the computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Keep track of the content that your child is browsing to help them to steer clear of material and information that are inappropriate. You can also adjust the settings of your gadgets to limit their access to the Internet to certain sites and times of the day only.

Learn from Others

It would be good to keep abreast of techniques and tips that educators and other parents are employing in terms of keeping TV viewing and gadget use healthy and productive for kids. Engage in conversations with your loved ones and friends, and compare notes with how they are dealing with TV viewing in their own household. You might learn a thing or two that may be effective to implement with your own child.

It pays to establish good habits when it comes to TV viewing and using gadgets at home. As with other things in life, moderation is always key. Watching TV and using gadgets are not at all wrong, but it’s excessiveness that is detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of your child. Always strike a good balance between having fun and enjoying other aspects of life so that your child grows up to be a well-rounded and productive individual.

I grew up knowing this laundry detergent brand being used by a wais na nanay named Lumen. I see so much of myself in her now that I am a mom of three and deciding heavily on supermarket purchases, among other things.

Surf Cherry Blossom Laundry Powder Detergent with Active Clean Technology

It's tough on stains and odors and is formulated with ACTIVE CLEAN TECHNOLOGY that makes your laundry whiter and fragrant. It deeply cleans away dirt and unwanted odor while leaving long-lasting fragrance on clothes!

Surf Laundry Fabric Conditioner Blossom Fresh with Sun Bloom Technology

The WAIS choice for your laundry needs, Surf Laundry Fabric Conditioner Blossom Fresh leaves long-lasting fragrance on clothes and keeps them soft. Specially made with SUN BLOOM TECHNOLOGY, this fabric softerner keeps laundry smelling fresh. Mas bumabango ang damit under the init! It also has fast-drying action with every wash cycle.

Get a chance to win a Washing Machine Plus Special Deals!

When you add to cart Surf Products between October 14-16. you'll get up to 21% OFF plus FREEBIES, and vouchers up to Php100 off! To top this, you can enjoy FREE Shipping too!

And for every purchase of Surf's Power Combo products, you can also get a chance to win a FREE Washing Machine!

From K-pop, K-dramas, K-food, and K-beauty, I have a fascination about these Ks! And one of the beauty brands I truly vouch for is the premium-quality Korean brand called Face Republic! Now, you may get it at 50% off on Shopee Beauty!

From hair care to makeup, Shopee Beauty has all your makeup and skincare needs! Enjoy the most exclusive deals up to 90% off, new launches, and exciting offers fit from various brands for every makeup & skincare haul--only from Shopee Beauty! And Face Republic is one of the brands that's on sale!

Here are some of the Face Republic beauty products on my cart :

Face Republic Calming Blemish Madecassoside Serum | Vegan-certified 45mL

This serum is best for acne-prone and sensitive skin. My teenager son skin is troubled with zits and acnes popping here and there. He has tried Face Republic Calming Blemish Serum and it indeed helped in soothing his skin. Calming serum that soothes troubled skin and blemishes with madecassoside and tea tree extracts. It's best to use after applying toner on your face and neck.

Purchase on Shopee here: https://shopee.ph/Face-Republic-Calming-Blemish-Madecassoside-Serum-Vegan-certified-45mL-i.44792426.9859863443?position=1

Face Republic Calming Acne Salicylic Cleanser | Vegan-certified 100mL This cleanser is super versatile as it is perfect to use for all skin types. If you are acne-prone or have combination, oily, normal, or sensitive skin, you need not worry using this product as your cleanser! Its Mild pH gel cleanser that calms acne and blemishes as it gently removes dirt and excess oil. It's fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oil-free as well! It addresses acnes, blemishes, and even enlarged pores.

Purchase on Shopee here: https://shopee.ph/Face-Republic-Calming-Acne-Salicylic-Cleanser-Vegan-certified-100mL-i.44792426.4696676449?position=1

Face Republic Purity Sun Essence | Vegan-certified 50mL

May I just say that I love this product! I use this every single day! Yes, even if I just stay at home, my skin needs SPF! We all do! It's light and it's non-greasy too! It's our solution to a clean and mild daily sun protection. It's also Vegan-certified, making it a really good and safe for sensitive skin. It's water and swear-proof so we can use it even on humid days or during water activities. Formulated in the purest form, it contains no ingredient that could harm your skin nor the ocean. It provides intensive sun protection with SPF+ PA+++. It has no artificial fragrance and it's dermatologically tested.

Matured skin like mine will definitely benefit a lot from using sunscreen every day. And if we're using it every day, it has to be pure, light, and effective.

Face Republic AHA/BHA Toner 160mL

The Face Republic Toner is what I use every day and night to prep my skin for its much needed pampering. My son and I never do skincare without Face Republic Toner. It clears dull and rough skin making it safe for daily use. It's mild, alcohol-free, fragrance-free and doesn't contain harmful ingredients too such as Paraben, Benzophenone, and Chlorphenesin.

Purchase on Shopee Beauty here: https://shopee.ph/Face-Republic-Purity-Sun-Essence-Vegan-certified-50mL-i.44792426.6952906070?position=

I'm so happy to discover Face Republic beauty products and that they all work for my combination skin and especially my son's oily and acne-prone skin.  I have tried many skincare products and I can honestly say, that Face Republic is highly effective and safe to use even on sensitive skin.  

Fill your carts with Face Republic beauty products and get up to 50% off discount n Shopee Beauty!

Happy Shopee-ng!

For someone who had experienced being infected by COVID, I would like to stress how important it is to boost our immunities by being proactive when it comes to health. After recovering from Covid, I realized the hard truth what "Health is Wealth" truly means. Whether physical, mental. or emotional, we need to make sure they are in tip top shape.

Camille Prats, Puritan Pride's Official Ambassador for #HealthIsEveryday

As people navigate the new normal, Puritan’s Pride is promoting its #HealthIsEveryday campaign  with Camille Prats as official ambassador. Camille, who values good health by prioritizing her fitness routine, shares Puritan’s Pride vision,  as she inspires others to achieve a better and healthier lifestyle.  

A working mom of three, Camille religiously takes her supplements daily. Her daily routine  includes Puritan’s Pride’s Hydrolyzed Collagen, which has helped keep her skin, hair, and nails  healthy and has aided in alleviating signs of aging. To ensure that she has adequate rest, she  takes Melatonin, which supports restful sleep and helps regulate moods. She also takes immune  health boosters such as Puritan’s Pride’s Vitamin C with Citrus Bioflavonoids and Rose Hips,  which provides antioxidant support and prevents aging; Vitamin D3, a more potent and  bioavailable form of vitamin which supports bone health; and Zinc Gluconate, which assists in the  proper functioning of insulin and promotes healthy skin, vision, and smell. 

Camille takes these necessary steps to ensure that she is always ready and prepared to take on  daily tasks and protect her family from diseases, which Puritan’s Pride also advocates for. The  #HealthIsEveryday campaign encourages holistic wellness practices that combine a healthy diet,  an active lifestyle, and of course, ensuring that we meet our daily vitamin requirements with the  help of their wide range of supplements. Through its affordable line of high-quality health  supplements, Puritan’s Pride makes healthy living a reality for thousands of Filipinos. In fact, A  Healthy Life for Every Juan is the guiding vision of Alphacommerce Corporation, which introduced  Puritan’s Pride to the Philippines in 2015 and continues to democratize access to good health  and wellness among Filipinos. 

“Staying healthy is a form of self-love, and is also an act of love and concern for others. I choose  to stay well and healthy for my family, so that we can all get through these tough times, and so  that we can enjoy what life has to offer,” she said. 

Staying well and healthy is a must to get through these trying times. “Through the  #HealthIsEveryday campaign, we want to encourage more Filipinos to start living healthier lives,  and we want them to know that Puritan’s Pride can be someone they can depend on to support  their various health needs,” Jedrick Gatpayat, General Manager of Puritan’s Pride Philippines. 

Puritan's Pride is available nationwide in select Watsons stores, and online at Lazada, Shopee,  Zalora, BeautyMNL and Watsons Online.

Like most of you, I've always been extra careful when going out AND I DONT USUALLY GO OUT- I wear face masks, face shields, practice exaggerated social distancing, and almost bathe myself with alcohol - because I fear getting the virus.  I never became relaxed with these health protocols.  But sadly, I still tested positive last April.  

Second day since I showed symptoms, I had a high-grade fever which I thought was just regular flu.

At first I was in denial and thought it was just a regular flu.  It was a huge mistake to begin with because I didn't immediately isolate myself and exposed other people in the household including my 80 year old dad and my kids.

I experienced a number of Covid symptoms such as fever, terrible body pains especially my back, severe headache, dry cough, colds, and diarrhea.  Thank God, I didn't lose my sense of smell and taste.  Four days from the first show of symptoms, I decided to be tested.  I came home and just started to isolate then.

I decided to do RT-PCR test on my 4th day since symptoms came out at Chinese General Hospital.

GUILT - BLAME - ANGER

When the result came out POSITIVE the following day, my heart shattered to pieces.  I felt GUILTY and BLAMED myself for not isolating the moment I had fever.  I exposed my senior dad who is at high risk which may cause fatality.  I exposed my three kids, 2 of whom are below 10.  They all had antigen test immediately, my 2 kids, my nephew, and my dad tested positive.  The doctor advised to do RT PCR tests on them, praise God, the result yielded negative results. Immediately my dad, brother and nephew evacuated and stayed with my brother.  We decided that I do home care instead of staying in an LGU-assigned quarantine facility.  Days after my eldest progressed with Covid symptoms and also isolated himself in another room.

MENTAL and EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES

It's true that Covid doesn't only affect you physically, it affects the mental and emotional health of the patient.  3-4 days into isolation, I had a breakdown.  I wanted to scream, cry, go out of the room, it was like I couldn't contain my emotions, and my thoughts.  

These are just some of my medication and supplements while in isolation, recovering from Covid.

FEAR and ANXIETIES took over me.  What if my symptoms progress?  What if my oxygen saturation dropped? What if I need to be brought to the hospital - hospitals reached full capacity during that time.  What if this is the end of me?  I would have anxiety attacks each time I would check my temperature and oxygen saturation 3x a day.  I almost couldn't sleep well at night for overthinking.

TURNING POINT

I knew I had to do something about my fears and anxieties.  I turned to my one true healer - God.  I reminded myself that HE IS IN CONTROL.  I surrendered my Covid illness, fears, anxieties, guilt, to Him and rested in peace every night holding on to His promise of complete healing.  I have to let go of self-pity, guilt, blaming myself, and fear that were not helpful to my situation.

Daily video calls with my husband and kids and nightly prayer time sustained me while in isolation.

I listened to a Praise and Worship playlist of songs which greeted me every morning and puts me to sleep at night.  I announced and let everybody know that I was Covid-positive.  I broke free from fear of discrimination and self-pity.  Letting people know allowed them to practice kindness, compassion, concern, and show support.  Family and friends reached out and had food delivered and sent messages of concerns and even prayed for me and my family.  I surrounded myself with positive and filtered the negative.  I joined Covid-Survivors and Covid Home Care Facebook Groups to encourage other patients like me.  I talked to other friends who were also Covid positive that time but didn't want people to find out.  It became a mission to comfort them the way God's promise of healing comforted me.  I shared my experiences, encouraged them, and prayed for them as well while I was recovering from Covid.

FEELING OF GRATITUDE

Amidst having Covid, the GUILT, SELF-BLAMING, FEAR, ANXIETIES turned to GRATITUDE.  I am thankful Covid happened to me and not my husband who has asthma, I can't imagine if it happened to him.  Though one of my children got infected with the virus, God allowed my eldest who's physically fit and strong among the three, to have it and survive it too.  I'm thankful that even if the LGU or Barangay didn't handle Antigen and RT-PCR expenses, God blessed us enough to be able to afford a number of tests.  I'm thankful to have a cousin doctor who monitored me all throughout my 20 day isolation and recovery, and decided to do an aggressive management of the illness.  I'm grateful that because of the experience, my younger son stepped up and became the bigger brother- doing household chores and caring for the youngest too. I'm grateful to be in a position to openly talk about Covid on my platforms and turn their focus not on the illness and their fears alone but to God who's the greatest healer, our miracle worker, promise keeper, and light in the darkness, who's orchestrating everything that's happening to us, be it Covid or something else.  

Family reunited after my and my eldest's Covid recovery.  Praise God for His complete healing!

FORGIVENESS, ACCEPTANCE, AND LOVE

Along the process of recovery and healing, I've forgiven and stopped blaming myself for having Covid and risking my senior dad and my kids.  I've accepted the illness and turned the experience into something beautiful because I have something to talk about to encourage people and turn their eyes upon Jesus.  I now practice more self-love by eating well, embracing the sunlight, exercising, and become appreciative of people in my life - especially my family.   The Covid experience reminded me that indeed life is too short to be too occupied with things that we think matter a lot be it profession or possessions.   The experience reminded me to set my focus on what truly matters, my family and fortifying my relationship with God.  Praise God for His complete healing and for restoring me.  To God be the glory!

It's International Women's Day today!  Today, is an important day for us women as we celebrate our beauty, strength, uniqueness, and our contribution to the society we're in.  As somebody who's been championing self-love and self-care, I want to share with some beauty products that I have been using on days when I simply want to indulge in a soulful bath and after-bath routines.

As moms, I know we tend to get busy taking care of the family and as well the household with endless cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, teaching kids their school lessons, and tending to the little ones.  As wives, our duty is to be our husband's helpmate, bestfriend, and of course their partners for life.

But no matter how busy we may be wearing different hats all day, let's not forget ourselves.  Let's set aside time for self-care with products that celebrate us women and our authenticity such as DOVE.  

"But it's impossible to do self-caring throughout my day!"

Nothing's impossible if you really want to do it.  So decide to do it so you can know when to do it.  Let me share how I do it throughout my day.

When To Do Self-Care?

Morning

The moment I wake up, I thank God I'm alive with eyes to see my loved ones, ears to hear them call my name (Mahal or Mommy).  I do my quiet time for my daily devotions.  This way, I feed myself with God's grace and I'm able to start my day right.

Bath and After-Bath Time

Personally, bath time is sacred because it's the only time I get to really take care of myself and feel totally refreshed afterwards.  So I make sure I use  Dove Body Wash Invigorating Ritual Avocado 250ml.  I love its feminine and floral scent that instantly energizes me!  It has Avocado Oil and Calendula extract to make sure I achieve a naturally soft, smooth, revitalized skin with a really healthy glow.  Depending on my mood, I also use Dove Body Wash Glowing Ritual Lotus 250ml which has Lotus flower extract and rice water that has a fresh and invigorating scent that makes me feel special and loved.  It lifts my mood when I bathe with Dove Body Wash because the scents linger longer.  I usually use puff with body washes because it lathers well and it's more practical. 

After-bath

I go a little extra after bathing and make sure I moisturize with daily skin lotion to address dryness and uneven skin tone.  I also make sure I take proper care for my underarms.  I can't trust these with just any brand but Dove.  So I use Dove Ultimate Repair Dark Marks Corrector 150ml.  I've been a Dove deo user for years because with ¼ moisturizing cream and vitamin B3 it helps repair underarm damage and correct dark marks. It also gives you up to 48 hours of antiperspirant protection.  I know you've seen how I am quite conscious about my underarms.  Who isn't?  That's why I take proper care of them. This comes in two scents: Soothing Jasmine or Fresh Lily.   Your scent choice but any for me will do, they both smell fresh and make me feel more beautiful.

Do you know what works for my underarms too?  Dove Deodorant Dry Serum 50ml.  It absorbs quickly and contains serum ingredients that penetrate underarm skin 20 layers deep. Enriched with Collagen and vitamin concentrates, it is clinically proven to accelerate skin renewal and remove and prevent underarm dark marks for naturally beautiful, even-toned underarms within the epidermis.  It has collagen (responsible for renewal of skin), Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, and Omega 6 - which all work together for you to achieve an even, smooth, and whiter underarms.  I know you also have kili-kili goals like me.  So I'm sharing one of my underarm care secrets.

Community quarantine started March 15 of last year.  Almost a year has passed and we’re still in General Community Quarantine here in Manila.  I could never forget that day because it’s the day my dad turned 80.  We were supposed to plan a grand milestone birthday party for him where his friends from previous work and his new friends he met in AM radio program gatherings, events, and radio station visits. But because the pandemic happened, we had to strictly follow all health guidelines for everyone’s safety.

The first three to four months was the quietest the country had ever been.  I honestly had fears and even experienced anxiety attacks because I didn’t know what will and may happen.  But slowly, health and safety guidelines were set, implemented, and all we just have to do is simply FOLLOW.

Many lost their jobs, their businesses (both big and small companies), experienced deaths in the family, and even had depression.  But from this same season of our lives, rose many food trends, digital content creation ideas, instant celebrities or influencers, and the most important, are realizations of what are truly essential in our lives. 

THE ESSENTIALS.

Health.  We’ve never paid closer attention to our health until the pandemic began. I realized that it’s true that health is wealth.  I make sure our family’s well-being is prioritized.  Simple handwashing and sanitizing are observed.  We wear masks should there’s a need to go out to run errands.  We do social distancing, and avoid letting my dad and the kids go out.  Health supplements are religiously taken for immunity.

Food.  We all went back to the basic necessities especially when it comes to managing finances and expenses.  We all need food.  In fact, there was a rise of food entrepreneurs in the Philippines.  That’s why we are planning to put up ours soon and make sure our kitchen is sanitized and exhausts should be thoroughly clean such as how Express Hoods does it.

More than a decade ago, I almost accepted a job I was offered in Canada.  The job opportunity just came to me and my then-boyfriend-now-husband.  We didn’t really apply for it.  I’ve always believed that some opportunities knock just once, that’s why we grabbed it right away without any second thoughts.

We were supposed to migrate here - Edmonton, Alberta, CA

It just sank in to me a few days after submitting the required documents to our employer that this decision would also mean leaving everyone and everything behind.  Back then our eldest was just two years old and I couldn’t bring him with me.  I suddenly doubted my decision.

Part of me wanted to pursue that dream of finally being able to give our family a better future.  But the larger part of me didn’t want to leave my son.  The contract with our supposed employer stated that we’d have free board and lodging, and meals for the two-years we’ll be working for them.  But that we cannot bring the rest of the family just yet.

To cut the long story short, maybe also due to some divine intervention, we didn’t leave for Canada because of employer-related issues with some of the applicants in the batch we were supposed to leave with that year.  I may doubt my decision, but never the plans of God for me.  I knew it wasn’t for us.  We were able to let go of it without a heavy heart.  But there were some what ifs. 

Should everything had ran smoothly before:

I must now be a mortgage professional.  We were supposed to be hired for a mortgage company because of my past working experience in this field before.  I had little but for sure I’ll learn fast, like I always do.  And as long as there are CRM tools such as Blumortgage.ca that’ll make data entries easier, schedules, and tasks easier, I’d be able to ace this job.

My husband must now be a top commercial agent.  I must’ve shared about our dream house many times in this blog.  And a huge part of the planning and knowing what’s a good deal or not because my husband has a huge interest in residential and commercial real estates.  Finding a job opportunity in this field wouldn’t be hard especially if one has an experience and as long as there’s a site such as Truvizo that bridges buyers or leasers to commercial agents.

Our kids’ health care and education are guaranteed free.  This was one of the most important considerations we were weighing on before.  But I just couldn’t leave my toddler back then, I. Just. Can’t.  If there’s one regret, maybe it would be this.

We’d be eating healthier.  I know so because my relatives would always share how important food safety and high-quality food is brought to the tables in every home is in Canada because of regulations set by their Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada.  We are what we eat so we want to always eat healthy, to be healthy. 

We must be vaccinated by now.  Canada being one of the advanced and first world countries has better and faster access to health improvements, treatments, or prevention such as vaccines. 

We almost left for Canada, but didn’t.  Maybe it wasn’t really meant for us, but who knows maybe when all of these are over, we’ll pay a visit to our relatives and my best friend in Vancouver.   

It’s one thing that we’ve decided to finally move out of where we currently live, and another thing to actually process the purchasing of land, talking to contractors, and computing all costs.  It may be a tedious series of processes in buying a house but my husband and I look forward to the brighter side.  What’s that?  It gets us excited to look for home pegs on Pinterest, look for house inspirations on some port credit townhomes listings that makes our hearts giddy at the sights of wonderful homes for sale.

Here are some of the houses we’re eying for:

Now, from the exterior, let’s paint the interior picture.  I’ve always been fascinated with the minimalistic modern Scandinavian interior designs.  This will be best for a well-lit interior.  I see macrame wall backdrops and plant hangers for my trailing indoor plants.  I can imagine lots of my big-leafed plants enjoying its presence as complementing focal points in the living room.   The couch should be comfortable, spacious, and have lots of soft pillows and furry blanket on it.  Since we’ve started living intentionally, we want to have pieces of sustainable furniture in our house so that we help the environment and have a sense of giivng back.

Now let’s talk about security.

My husband takes special note on the family’s safety and security.  He plans to install security cameras or CCTVs in and out of our dream home.  This way we’ll be notified if ever there will be any intruders, trespassers or if there will be any incidents that may happen that needs documentation.  We’ve had this unfortunate experience before and this time we want to make it right.  My husband is even eyeing for the best crossbow cocking device for added protection.  But I said, maybe a steel baseball bat would do.  Of course, husbands and dads know best on protecting their families, so this I leave it up to him.

We’re just waiting for results of our housing loan applications to make all these dreams happen.  I’ll make sure to update my blog when we get our approval, when building finally happens, and when we’re going to have our housewarming too!