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/

Recently, Honestbee announced its newest partnership with S&R Membership Shopping.  Honest bee is a shopping mobile app and Asia's leading online concierge and delivery service which helps people who are looking for convenience to shop without leaving the house and with just the use of their smartphones.  And  I really think the best people who appreciate this all the more are the super busy and intentional full time moms - that's US!

I cannot stop raving about this on my IG stories when I shopped some groceries at S&R via the Honest Bee App, not only once, but twice!  I've been saying that convenience could be so addicting.  Don't worry, I bought everything I really needed.  If there was a want, I guess that would be just the can of chips.
In this post, I will take you through my personal experience, what I like about Honestbee, and my S&R shopping haul.  Are you ready?  I am giddy excited too!

DOWNLOAD THE HONESTBEE APP AND SHOP AT S&R MEMBERSHIP SHOPPING
First of all, when you download the Honestbee app for free via Play Store or Apple Store, you'd be asked to sign up.  It's so easy to sign up, just input your name, your address, your email address and your mobile phone.  Once done, you'll see the two main shopping/delivery categories - GROCERIES and FOOD.
S&R as I've mentioned is now the newest partner of Honestbee among others like Robinsons Supermarket, Farmers Market, SouthStar Drug, The Parenting Emporium, Mustela, Tiny Buds, La Petite Parisienne, and many more.  But with S&R now among them, I said, I've got to really try this because at S&R Membership Shopping, through Honestbee, you may now also access high-quality and hard to find merchandises only made available to its members (with a minimal 5% non-member fee.)  Now even if you're not a member, you get an access to world-class products, high quality wines and spirits, your favorite imported chocolates, and many more!  You may even shop for fresh produce which I tried as well.  Oh important notice to S&R members, please make sure you input your membership number on your Honestbee profile (look for the Your Store Memberships tab).

Not only that, you may also avail of their famous New York style pizza, chicken and churros through their app. “We are always looking for establishments to partner with to deliver your favorite food and grocery items straight to your doorstep,” said Crystal Gonzalez, Managing Director.
“We’re happy to have found one in S&R which allows you to enjoy its world class and high quality products and the freshest seafood, meats and vegetables to you with just a press of a button.”  Ang saya diba?  This was announced during the Honestbee - S&R Membership Shopping partnership launch.

Here are some photos from the launch:

1. It's not complicated.  Imagine yourself breezing through each numbered grocery isle.  The Honestbee app will take you through the departments and even filter categories in each department.  Let's say you choose Baby Care department, you may filter what you need from that section such as diapering, feeding, etc.
2. Enjoy lower prices.  In my personal experience, I bought the 68 pack of Pampers Baby Dry Diaper for only Php599 on my first shopping and Php 649 (but with free 4 pc pack bundled) on my second grocery.  Both prices still cheaper compared to other supermarkets where a 68 pack Pampers Baby Dry L costs Php679.
3. Availability of items not found anywhere.  There are many unique items in S&R Membership Shopping we all know that that's why members pay for a fee to shop there right?  You get that same access now through Honestbee.  I was able to buy S&R  Baker's Bread Pullman loaf (which is one of the best loaf of bread we've ever tried kasi it's soft, it's fresh, hindi siya mahangin, and with spread or not, masarap siya!), S&R 1 Gal Fabric Conditioner, and a big 5kg S&R Laundry Detergent, to name a few - which you cannot find elsewhere of course.  But knowing they come from S&R, you're assured of their quality.  
4. Friendly Honestbee shopper. Professional and well-trained.  All my orders were picked correctly.  It felt as if I had a clone.  Ang saya!
5. On-time and even early delivery.  If you order via Honestbee in the morning, you may have your groceries delivered within the day.  You may choose from the delivery schedules which will appear on your app once you finalize all your orders.  In both of my experiences, my orders came earlier than expected.  
   
6. Merchandise packed properly in nice eco bags.  My orders came to me in bright yellow and thick Honestbee eco-bags which are reusable.  Savings din yun because imagine how much each eco bag costs in other supermarkets right?  The fresh produce and food are separate from non-food.  My breads weren't dented/be-dimpled.  
7. Regular shopping and delivery updates via text.  My concierge updated me one time when one of my orders were not available, so she asked if I want to cancel or replace.  She also updated me on the delivery schedule and if I am amenable to an earlier delivery.  She was pleasant and professional as well.  I felt like I have an assistant, for a SAHM, parang naging donya ako for a moment.  The rider was also pleasant and presentable. 
8. Justifiable fees.  As mentioned, if you are not a member, you pay for 5% surcharge fee, so it's really better if you're a member.  You also pay for concierge fee (I paid Php120.00) and if your order is below Php2500, you pay for the delivery fee (I paid for Php99).  These fees are justifiable and I would say convenience fee.  I would definitely spend more if I did the grocery myself because Grab or gas fee, parking fee, food because grocery could make me hungry, and I am tired pa.  Plus my time and energy spent grocery shopping is priceless - happy that I was able to "do" my grocery while staying at home with my kids.
9. COD as payment option.  For most who are skeptical about technology shopping or online/mobile shopping, having COD as one of payment options would make them shout Hallelujah!  You pay when your merchandise arrives.  But you may also pay with card.
10. Convenience guaranteed.  No wasted time.  No traffic horror stories.  No transportation hassles.  No long queues.  No distracted nor out of budget purchases.  Get groceries done right at the convenience of your home with your loved ones.  

MY S&R SHOPPING HAULS
You can say that I was a satisfied Honestbee customer. 

WHO WOULD LIKELY TO SHOP VIA HONESTBEE?

If you are a busy mom like me who:

• Wants to spend their time for more important matters like their kids/family rather than the traffic
• Is not up to driving and look tirelessly for a parking space
• Doesn't like the hassle of commuting or spending for surged transportation fee
• Doesn't like going out when rain is heavily pouring
• Is tired and would rather relax while still doing an errand
• Is tech-savvy and take advantage of the convenience of shopping via mobile

For more information, visit https://www.honestbee.ph/ for more information.  Enjoy shopping!

UNIQLO has invaded my closet in the last two years and has also become my comfortable, practical and quality Mommy Uniform.  When I started capsule wardrobe-ing, I got rid of those that I purchased because they were trendy which I got to use once or not more than three times.  And since then, my closet, if it was alive, was able to get a breath of fresh air and welcomed just few pieces of quality and comfortable pieces which bring joy to me whenever I wear them.  Most of these pieces are UNIQLO.

I also have a shopping confession to make.

When I like a style in one shop, I buy it in different colors, be it top, dress or pants.

I have this Uniqlo top in three colors (Navy Blue, Grey, and Maroon) What I love about this is its classic boat neckline cut, it's so great with breastfeeding (no need for cover), the fabric stretches when needed yet comes back to its original form right away!  Pair it with jeans, skirts or pants.  It's so versatile.

I have this dress in two colors.  I even wore this when I was pregnant with my youngest!

This is the other color!  I love that it hides the bulges plus it's perfect for mommies who like to carry small stuff in their pockets.  Yup this dress had two large pockets on its sides.  Lovely right?

I have this Uniqlo dress pants in two colors, cream and black!  So versatile as well!

Team Santos in matching Uniqlo shirt!  There's something for everyone in the family at UNIQLO!  Happiness!

INES DE LA FRESSANGE Fall/Winter 2018 Collection
So here's the exciting part, UNIQLO announces that it will launch the UNIQLO / INES DE LA FRESSANGE Fall/Winter 2018 Collection on Friday, August 31. The collaboration with world-renowned fashion icon Ines de la Fressange is now in its 10th season and will be available exclusively in UNIQLO at SM Megamall.
Wait, who is Ines de la Fressange?
Born in France, Ines de La Fressange was a fashion model and an international fashion brand muse. Her diverse pursuits include design, entrepreneurship, and journalism. In 2013, she re-launched her own brand, and continues to embody modern Parisian chic as a creative director.
I think I lived in France in my past life.  I have a special spot for French cuisine and fashion in my heart.  So looking at the preview of the collection excites me!

The newest collection is Ines’ modern interpretation of fashions in 1920s Montmartre, when the congeniality and delightfully cobble-stoned streets of this hilltop Parisian neighborhood made it a hub of effortless social and artistic interactions. Tweed, melton, cashmere, and corduroy fabrics underscore Ines’ paean to daily life in autumnal Paris in this authentic and elegantly tailored range of comfortable wardrobe essentials. The new kids’ line enables both mothers and children to enjoy French chic, a goal that Ines has held since the inception of the collection.

Key Items
New women’s suits capture the exuberance and elegance of 1920s styling. The coat lineup has expanded to seven items in classical styles, including a tweed double face Chester coat, light short duffle coat, and quilted coat. There are also some playful pieces, such as a vintage style Motorcycle Sweater. The sleepwear is fashionably comfortable.
The kids’ range retains the quality fabrics, designs, and finishes of women’s items and includes pea coats, velvet tailor-made jackets, dresses, cardigans, and other stylish pieces inspired by French cinema.
LOOKS
You could find the full lineup from here: www.uniqlo.com/ines18fw/ph

About UNIQLO LifeWear
Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

One of the things a mom cannot tolerate to see is her child in pain.  A stomach pain is one example because by just being an observer,one cannot really tell the degree of pain, where the pain is coming from, what causes the pain, and how serious it is.  Nakakakaba talaga.  So it's really important for our kids to have healthy tummies to avoid this unimaginable nakaka-panic na scenario at home.  Kids tend to have a higher risk kasi of getting digestive health-related diseases such as diarrhea and constipation from harmful bacteria. A stomachache isn’t only uncomfortable; it alters the child’s mood and his or her attitude for the day.

That's why apart from daily food supplements that my kids take such as their multi-vitamins and additional dosage of Vitamin C with Zinc, they take Erceflora Probibears 2-in-1 Probiotic Supplement for kids.

ABOUT PROBIOTICS
Why do we need Probiotics?  Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract.  Did you know that a human digestive tract has about 100 trillion healthy bacteria. Bacteria aid in digestion and help the body defend itself against illness.

Thus, probiotics can aid with immunity and help protect us and our kids from common colds and flu.
But because of poor diet, stress or by taking antibiotics and other medication, balance couldn't be achieved most times.  We can get probiotics from food such as yogurt and beverages, but the quality in those may not be enough.  So how do we get the right amount of probiotics for our children?

ERCEFLORA PROBIBEARS NOW AVAILABLE!

• Erceflora ProbiBears, a yummy tummy supplement with the combined 2-in-1 PROBIO-BOOSTER
• (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis)
• These are good bacteria that help prevent gut problems such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and other digestive illnesses to help keep kids happy and healthy everyday.
• Lactobacillus is an effective treatment against infant colic and even helped improve immunity. 
• Bifidobacterium helps ease digestive issues such as bloating and flatulence. It also has a longer shelf life.
• It’s the delicious and healthy way to strengthen your child’s tummy in yummy chewable bears!
• It has NO Preservatives
• It is Trans Free
• It is Gluten Free
• It is Nut Free
• It is Kosher and Halal Certified

Since Wes has been taking it, he has not complained of tummy aches, he regularly poos with ease.  He also said it tastes good that he wants to have more than just one (one ProbiBear per day is the suggested dosage). We're happy to be trying Erceflora ProbiBears and will now be part of his daily must-haves!  Prevention is better than cure!  
Erceflora ProbiBears is available at select Mercury Drug and South Star Drug branches for only Php540 SRP per Box of 20s.  To know more about Erceflora ProbiBears follow their story on social media with the hashtags #Erceflora #Probibears.

I became a fan of online selling since 2009 when I set up my own online store on social media.  Back then, I built a circle of returning customers and business was good for a while.  My buyers didn't grow exponentially until I stopped selling.  It lasted a good one and a half years. 

As an online shopper myself, I am very careful of all my transactions because there are trust issues when it comes to delivery of my item in excellent condition.  Another thing I am quite worried about shopping online especially for items sourced abroad or those which are for pre-orders, is mode of payment.  I've heard horror stories from my family and friends about non-COD transactions (they had to pay first before getting their ordered items) and I fear it might happen to me as well.

After realizing these personal fears of mine, I have attributed these main reasons why my online shop didn't work back then: 1) Trust issues on trusted and reliable mode of payment; and 2) Item delivery in tip-top shape.

Gladly, LBC launched the Cash on Pickup (COP) /Cash on Delivery (COD) solutions aimed at addressing the growing market trend of online and e-commerce business.  I was there during its official launch and I tinkered endlessly on relaunching my online business now that I am a work-at-home-mom who needs extra income!  :)
Ayan kami mga momshies!  Mrs. LBC candidates (joke lang po!)  Kaming mga digital moms na definitely we recognize the importance and beauty of these new services launched by LBC to the e-commerce industry which we are all part of as well.  Mga nanay na madalas nasa bahay, hindi makalabas basta basta and find convenience in shopping online.  At the same time dahil madalas sa bahay, madalas magdeclutter and sell items online as well.

At last, with LBC's Cash on Pickup (COP) and Cash on Delivery (COD) there's no need to be too concerned that items won't be delivered on time in excellent condition or our hard-earned money will be robbed from us by scrupulous online sellers.

To know more about this and other updates, visit their website www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and like LBC on Facebook or Twitter