Since I resigned from my decade long corporate job to become a full-time mom, I've never felt so fulfilled in what I accomplish on a daily basis.  I also shared in this blog before the reason why I resigned hence, our intentional decision to not get a helper or yaya for my kids anymore.  I am here to focus on my family and magpaka-nanay to its truest sense.  I am joyful of our decision and if you would ask me if I want to go back to corporate, it never crossed my mind at all since I left it last February.

The only challenge that I face is when I need to go out to attend meetings or events where my constant toddler date can't come.  But everything else is manageable which kept my days busier more than ever.  My love language is SERVICE, I guess that's why I find joy in my heart whenever I do something for my family.  I do everything myself at home with the special help of my husband and kids (small and easy chores) and of reliable appliances and dependable and effective cleaning products.  One of these newest product discovery is Bubble Man Dishwashing Liquid.
I have never washed as many dishes as I have in the last 7 months compared to my entire existence.  That's why I now experiment and try different brands to see which ones are really effective in removing grease easily, is gentle on hands, rinses quickly to save on water consumption and energy, and economical too.  I really need a trusted partner who will help me do the washing job and one that will also save me time.
I have seen Bubble Man in supermarkets but I've never given it a try until recently.  These are the things I learned about it which made me use it:

• It's non-flammable and non-toxic.
• It is 97% Biodegradable - meaning it's environment-friendly and leaves nothing harmful behind because its ingredients break down easily rather than taking it years to decompose. 
• It's Sodium Hydroxide -free, this is the chemical that leaves skin dry.
• It is Phosphate-free formula.(Phosphate is harmful to the environment)
• It's effective even on 3% dilution in water (30ml of Bubble Man to 1000ml/1L of water) and has long lasting bubbles.
• It's inexpensive - It's priced lower compared to known brands.  

Daiso Japan has unveiled their newest flagship store where cherry blossom or pink lovers will surely be fond of.  It's located at the third floor of Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City.  I was there with my son to witness its launch and the vibes of the pink store uplifted my shopping spirits!
You will find this newest Daiso Japan's interiors inviting with its pink-splashed designs and racks filled with all things kawii.  They took inspiration from the lovely flower, the Sakura or popularly known as cherry blossom.  I haven't been to Japan (praying soon!) so I don't exactly know how it feels to see it for real, but Daiso Japan is bringing all Japan feels to us practical shoppers with its newest flagship store.
Before I went shopping, we were treated to a fun and simple bento-making workshop facilitated by my friend Lourdes Vindollo-Labii of Nanay's Lunches with Love. 
I was so happy to be one of her excited audiences.  I have been following her bento creations online and my son's #WesBaonToday is inspired by it, but I haven't really done a real bento. 
Thanks to this event, I was able to for the very first time.  I am happy with the result of my creation, though it didn't win as one of the best-looking bento, it won the heart of my son that afternoon. 
Going back to Daiso Japan's Pink store, if you haven't been there, now's the perfect time because their new polished and bright look will greet you and invite you to shop to your heart's content - just like what it did to me.
Expect cute and functional items on display which range from home and kitchen essentials to stationery products, all quirky collections that promises quality, variety, uniqueness and let me add - practicality.  Who doesn't love Daiso? I don't know any for sure. 

Here's my Daiso Japan haul by the way:
Yaaasss!  Very #TitaHits my shopping haul right!  All of these for Php1,500 only.  Let me share what I got:

• 4 rolls of Kitchen Towel - Php 88
• 3 packs of interfolded paper towel Php 88
• 12 rolls of 2-ply Bathroom Tissue Php 88
• 3 pcs dish washing sponges/scrubs Php 88
• Desk LED lamp Php 88
• 4 pcs grass floor mats (for my flat lays) Php 88 each
• Pocky Choco/Cookies and Cream biscuit sticks 4 pcs
• Yan-Yan 4 pcs
• Choco Baby 4 pcs
• Fishing Toy - Php88
• Puppet - Php 188
• Grabber Toy Php 88

You have truly found a gem in your life if you've got your girl best friend who would always say #GotYouGirl every time you needed someone to empathize with you, cry with you, feel the pain you're going through, validate your feelings, and even celebrate achievements and milestones with you.  After all, no one could understand the complexities of a woman, but another woman right?

I found not only a gem, but gems in my life.  First my mother, who really has got my back from the very beginning.  She was there from the very beginning I started to blossom as a woman.  She taught me everything I needed to know and protect myself from.  She also equipped me with tips, tricks, and lessons in life which had formed me into the woman that I am today, a wife and a mother myself.  She may have left her earthly life but her presence and voice will remain forever in my heart.  I am blessed to have a mother like her.

My late mother Elizabeth, my BFF since birth until her last breath

Other than my mom, I am blessed to have my best friends who had been with me during almost all my highs and more especially my lows. 

Joy, my soul sister from another mother since 1997

I've heard them say I #GotYouGirl countless times in countless seasons of my life and I will forever be grateful to God for sending these angels to me. 

My "Maders" Karina, JC, and Trish, since 2002

They were there during my dating days, my countless heartbreak s, the time I tested for positive pregnancy the first time, during my first up to third childbirth, my life celebrations, during my wedding, when I had the worst days in my life and needed a drink or getaway, and even my career highs and lows.

My super friendships - Anne and Anna, since 2007

Like Our Women Best Friends, pHCare's Got Us Girls
This holds true when it comes to women’s most intricate body part: the feminine area. As the most sensitive organ, it’s always exposed to bacteria which lead to us experiencing discomforts like odor, itch, and irritation. We may think that our regular routine of washing our feminine area with soap and water is enough, but little did we know, it needs better TLC. Thus, for a body part which requires special attention, women need a gentle partner that’s specifically made to care— this is what pH Care is all about.
Like my best friends, pHCare is my daily partner in caring for my intimate area.  pHCare is also present during my monthly periods, my pregnancy, my postnatal days, and in many other important and trivial days.  It never lets me down, it's always there for me!  I get the exact kind of care I need and is there every step of the way.
As the country’s leading brand of feminine wash, pH Care has always had an inherent connection with women. I love the new pH Care variant infused with Natural Guava Leaf Extracts, a natural anti-bacterial solution proven to provide protection against odor, itch and irritation, giving us that right care like how our fellow women show us.

There’s nothing like someone who’s there for you every step of the way. For understanding and care like no other, pH Care definitely has #GotYouGirl.  Watch this heartfelt video about how having someone who understands us a woman is a life essential:
pH Care is available in all leading supermarkets, department stores, and convenience stores nationwide. Prices range of the 50ml pH Care bottle is PHP 50.00 to PHP 52.00, the price range of the 150ml pH Care bottle is PHP 111.00 to PHP 115.00 and the price range of the 250ml pH Care bottle is PHP 142.00 to PHP 148.00. Price range for the feminine wipes is from PHP39.00 to PHP 45.00.

Visit pH Care’s page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/phcarephilippines for more information.

Ask every mom's wish on how to make their mom life easier and an automatic washing machine would always be top of mind.  I know so because I once prayed for it and when I had it, I couldn't thank heavens enough for making my life easier, more convenient, and more practical!  Indeed a time and energy saver my Electrolux Philippines washing machine.
Indeed washing machines have become a reliable partner of many Filipino households in doing their laundry as it saves more time than washing by hand. You would rarely see me wash by hand because my hands are sensitive not only to detergents but to the motion of pagkukusot.  But I would still hand wash delicate clothes, my intimate wears, and baby clothes sometimes because these are just things which I can't trust washing machines to do.  I guess this is true for most of us lalo if nakasanayan na right?
But during Electrolux FashionCare Campaign launch I attended recently, I learned that we now don't need to worry about these issues anymore!  These concerns were addressed during the event during a panel discussion, a demonstration and some video presentation.  I was so happy to be there because I learned a lot from esteemed guests such as Electrolux Philippines FashionCare Ambassador Rajo Laurel and FashionCare Council Members Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Janice Villanueva.
Let's Talk About Laundry Woes
Electrolux Philippines conducted a research in partnership with Mommy Mundo, one of the country’s leading mom communities I am part of.  When asked about what fabrics they were afraid to wash using their washing machine, 67% of the respondent moms say that they are afraid to machine wash their silk clothing, followed by delicate wear (52%), cashmere clothing (40%), and wool clothing (39%).

Among the top reasons why women hesitate to put their clothes in washing machines are more than half of them or 58% think it might ruin the clothes, while some think that machine wash can cause fabric shrinkage (17%) or fading of colors (4%).

When it comes to doing laundry, moms worry about more than just cleaning. Among their top 3 laundry concerns are pilling of clothes or what we call himulmol, stubborn stains and misshaping of clothes - two of them are related to caring for the fabric. Fabric care remains one of the unfulfilled needs of moms as 77% of these women look for fabric care features when they buy washing machines.

The FashionCare Challenge
With women’s laundry concerns in mind, Electrolux created the UltimateCare line of washing machines and dryers, designed to help women care for their clothes.

At the FashionCare Season 2 Launch Party, Electrolux Philippines FashionCare Ambassador Rajo Laurel and FashionCare Council Members Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Janice Villanueva put the UltimateCare washer-dryer to the test.
Renowned fashion designer and Electrolux FashionCare Ambassador Rajo Laurel challenged Electrolux to wash one of his designer pieces.

“My passion for clothes extends to how I take care of them. Doing your laundry is more than just about making your clothes clean. It’s making sure that your clothes look better, newer, longer,” shared Rajo during the event.

Meanwhile Amina Aranaz-Alunan, founder, executive director and teacher of SoFA Design Institute, and Creative Director of fashion accessories and bag label ARANÁZ, put in a silk scarf, saying that she normally wouldn’t wash silk tops, scarves, knitted items and sweaters in the wash as they “might break, have holes or snag.”

Janice Villlanueva, successful mompreneur and founder of Mommy Mundo, likewise shared the same apprehensions.

“For items like formal wear, underwear, and knits, I’m always afraid to put it in the wash because it can damage the fabric and it will fade or get deformed,” Villanueva said. “Especially if the bras have underwire, or for formal clothes, it might shrink, or for knitwear, it might stretch out of shape.”

Designed to care for clothes
I have an Electrolux Vapour Action Automatic Washing Machine which is my laundry BFF for years.  But now I want to upgrade it to the latest line of its washing machines, UltimateCare.  It comes with UltraMix™ technology to help moms not only get better stain removal but better fabric care, helping them retain the color, shape, and softness of their clothes from delicate wear to designer pieces.

The UltraMix™ technology gives women the results of a hot wash for better stain and dirt removal, yet uses a lower, gentler temperature. Detergent and water are pre-mixed in a special chamber before the beginning of the cycle to maximize cleaning power at a lower temperature. It delivers deeper clean and 31% better colour care, to ensure your favorites look newer for longer.

Besides the powerful yet gentle cleaning of UltraMix™, Electrolux UltimateCare washing machines extend the life of clothes with Vapour Action, designed to soften fabric while reducing allergens by up to 99.9% that’s gives women the assurance of better care for your clothes for years to come. The Woolmark certified cycle approved by the Woolmark Company, the global authority on wool, will safely launder these precious garments.

Electrolux UltimateCare washing machines also has Eco Inverter technology that offers high energy efficiency that reduces energy consumption by 75% and save time by 44%. Women can also enjoy the flexibility and convenience to toss in forgotten items during the washing cycle with add clothes feature.

“As a mom, I understand that many women still prefer to handwash certain items of clothing but we at Electrolux want to share that now, there is a washing machine that cares for your clothes and your family’s clothes as much as you do,” shared Andrea Pionilla, Country Marketing Manager of Electrolux. “With the FashionCare Campaign, Electrolux wants to introduce a better way of taking care of our machine wash-sensitive clothes. With the Electrolux UltimateCare washing machines and dryers, you not only get cleaning but fabric care that makes clothes look newer for longer.”

ON-GOING BUNDLE AND 25% OFF PROMO
In line with its FashionCare campaign, Electrolux is offering several great deals on its washing machines, with offers up to 25% off on selected front load washing machines and washer dryers.  Women can also avail of selected Electrolux Front Load Washing Machines and get 25% off on an Electrolux Front Load Dryer. Also included is a free stacking kit and installation valued at PhP 3,049 with this fantastic bundle deal. Promo period runs from July 1 to September 30, 2018.

Avail of fantastic deals on Electrolux washing machines and dryers until September 30, 2018.

To learn more how Electrolux can help keep favourites clothes looking new for longer, vist at bit.ly/ElectroluxFashionCare and follow @ElectroluxPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram or @ElectroluxPH on Twitter.

Having a husband whose asthma only developed in adulthood means the kids are also at risk of developing this condition once the allergen triggers set in.  Mostly, these allergens come from dust or polluted areas.  That's why, we have a regular cleaning routine to avoid the accumulation of dirt and dust.

But as much as we want to protect our kids from the pollutants that may possibly trigger their asthma attacks, I really cannot be with them 24/7. I also can't ensure that they will be pollutant-free all the time.  For one, we live in the very heart of Metro Manila with outside pollution practically coming from everywhere:  smoke from vehicles, dust on the streets, garbage, etc. My eldest commutes already, my second though takes a bus service going home and is still exposed to outdoor pollutants day in day out.

Concrete example are the invisible specks from food we cook, it’s not enough that we eliminate the smell but we make sure that there are no  lingering particles in the air.
Allow me to share with you some of the things we do at home to protect kids from these harmful indoor pollutants.

Tips to To Protect Kids from Indoor Pollutants

• Invest in air purifier such as Dyson Pure Cool. They say, prevention is better than cure. TRUE!  These things we do regularly are to clean the things we can see that are dirty or dusty, but what about the pollutants we don't see?  How do we clean them? How do we protect the kids from these? The answer is air purifiers, but not just any air purifier, make that Dyson Pure Cool.  

• NO smoking rule in the house. Thankfully, none of us smoke. But for our visiting relatives and friends in the house, we really impose a NO SMOKING rule, especially in enclosed spaces such as the toilet as secondhand smoke may trigger asthma attacks (which we are trying our best to avoid), coughing/wheezing, and other lung problems 

• Wash and change sheets often. Dirt and dust accumulate in our pillowcases and bed sheets.  Bed sheets should be replaced every week while pillow cases every three to four days. These sheets are what we lie down on every night and the dirt (sweat, dead skin cells, and more) from our own bodies gets trapped or accumulates over time. If we don't change the sheets regularly, pimples, eczema flare ups, itchiness, skin irritability, asthma (our fear) could be among the bad effects. 

• DAILY CLEAN UP is necessary, use natural cleaners Cleaning surfaces, (like tables, kitchen counters, etc), items we often touch (door knobs, staircase rail, closet handles, etc) and the floor is a big help in protecting the whole family from buildup of bacteria, mold and dirt - which are harmful and could make us sick.  As a stay-at-home mom since February of this year, I've never cleaned so much.  I realized how much I relied on the household help, who might not have the same concern for my child as much as I do. I use natural ingredients such as baking soda paste to clean ovens, sea salt and lemon juice for pots and pans, and more.  Less chemicals mean less exposure to indoor pollutants.  A cleaner home means fewer chances of kids getting sick due to pollutants.

Why Dyson Pure Cool?
I found out in the first few days how "polluted" our room is through Dyson Pure Cool Air's reports. The good thing about having an app to capture the condition of the air we regularly breathe is that I can access it anywhere, and it gives me some peace of mind that the once unclean air is now being purified.  This then relieves my usual fear of bad air circulation, especially in our room which usually has poor ventilation (it’s always enclosed). I get to know the room's temperature, the quality of air in the room, the humidity level, which are all vital in ensuring that my family is protected.
        


See the spikes in these graphs? I noticed whenever we open the windows in the morning, it spikes to that level. I figured it must be the dust in the wind from outside upon opening the windows plus the smoke coming from the cars’ engine pipes along our common garage. I also noticed there’s spike in the afternoon at early evening when I cook our meals.

We badly needed this technology at home. My husband, who regularly couldn't breathe properly at night, now has a more peaceful sleep. My kids, who I fear might acquire asthma if allergens like dust and dirt trigger it, are a little bit safer now can be protected from these indoor air pollutants. Thanks to the technology of Dyson Pure Cool, I can finally say that HOME is not only where the heart is, but also where the health is.

To know more about Dyson Pure Cool, like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DysonPH/ or visit their website https://www.dyson.ph/fans-and-purifiers/purifiers/dyson-pure-cool/overview.aspx.

This blog also appears on theAsianparent PH

As if the stars and the whole universe conspired to give me an awesome fashion show concert night because I believe I deserve an unforgettable Mommy Me Time.  Yes, the Tita of Manila in me, got a once in a lifetime chance to be seated in the VIP section during Natasha's 25th Anniversary Fashion Show-Concert held last August 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Natasha delivered a night of wonderful music from popular artists from the past and present, and showcased the trendiest styles in fashion today through a fashion show concert.  Actually, I was taken back to my younger years, and the happy nostalgic feeling of reminiscing my youthful days gave me shivers!  I am sure those of the same age as I am (saw a lot of titas and titos in the crowd) also felt the same way.

Screaming out of delight, Natasha members in the Smart Araneta Coliseum saw in person and on the expensive-looking and bonggang stage (hi-tech laser mood lighting and video backdrops) their Natasha’s ambassadors: Piolo Pascual, Bela Padilla, Ejay Falcon, Jessy Mendiola, Sue
Ramirez, Elisse Joson and McCoy de Leon, who gave their all during their performances.

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Natasha – one of the country’s top direct selling
company – hosted an anniversary concert called “Ikaw ang Star” on August 25, 2018 at the
Smart Araneta Coliseum. The concert was Natasha’s grand celebration to thank its members in making the company shine over the years.
The concert was definitely a star-studded one and an event worth remembering throughout the coming years.  It's definitely a great milestone marker for the Natasha business and I am blessed to be there to celebrate it with the Natasha family.
It was like a glorious apparition when Papa Piolo Pascual, who dressed like Hugh Jackman in the movie The Greatest Showman, appeared from the crane.
Papa P was welcomed back to the stage by the eloquent host Robi Domingo.

Piolo sang a number of classic songs before introducing his son Iñigo Pascual as Natasha's newest ambassador.
Jessy Mendiola performed a sexy dance number.  She is one of Natasha's brand ambassadors.
The younger Natasha members (and even the young at hearts) screamed when #McLisse danced so together.  They really looked so good as a love team!  Nakakakilig talaga!
Maneouvres performed their popular dances (OMG!  Nagsayaw sila ng ALWAYS and many other dances from my teenager years the glorious 90s).  The younger generation Hashtag also sent kilig vibes to the younger women in the audience.
Sue Ramirez performed a beautiful song number which got the attention of the whole Araneta Coliseum.
Neocolours sang their lakas maka-LSS "Hold On" which again brought me back to yesterday once more!  Among the performers was Moonstar88 who sang my all-time fave OPM song "Torete" and when they did, they had the whole Smart Araneta sing with them.  Gracenote and DJ Arra provided the music during the fashion show of ladies, gents, and kids.
The fashion show concert was the celebrities' way to personally thank the Natasha members for their continuous support.

Prior to the concert, Natasha had a mix of pre-concert activities such as the Stars Walk of Fame, a photo exhibit showcasing the past 25 years, a Rookie Membership mini-event.

This event is made possible by its major sponsors: Freego, Disney, and Petrol; minor sponsors:
Shoetech General Mdsg Inc., Nonito Shoes and Bags Inc., New York Gear Footwear Haus,
Mylene Garment Manufacturing Corp., B T T Fashion Enterprises, Accuwork, David’s Salon,
Velprint, The House Printer, Printwell, Monte Cruz Enterprises Inc., Sprintasia (La Colors),
Unilab, Inc. (Ceelin, Enervon Syrup), Ulssi (Myra & PH Care), Nivea, Tiki-Tiki, Lex Media Digital,
Or’s Clothingtech Corp., Solea Shoes Manufacturing, Maxl Enterprises, and Soleace Trading
Corp.; and media partner: WheninManila.com

THANK YOU Natasha for letting me experience this once in a lifetime concert!  I had an awesome Me-Time!  Congratulations for the success of your business which you are now celebrating!  Happy 25th Anniversary Natasha! :)

For more stories about the 25th Anniversary Concert, updates, product availability, promos, and more, visit the Natasha official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/natashabusiness/