Moms and Dads, if you've noticed these past few days promotions on the 11-11 Shopee Sale on social media have been very frequent right?  It makes us consumers and online shopping fans really excited about the huge discounts, exclusive deals, and tons vouchers which Shopee is going to have on November 11!  That's tomorrow!  Have you marked your calendars yet?  I encourage you to wait til 12 midnight and take advantage of the Shopee-wide 11-11 sale! 

Here's something really special about the sale because Unilever and Shopee will launch its campaign called All About Giving to take place on November 11, at 11 o' clock AM, which will feature exclusive Unilever deals only available on Shopee and nowhere else in this world or rather the universe!

All About Giving Campaign

What are these Hero Deals from Unilever?  Look!!!

• Tresemme: UP TO 50% OFF
• St. Ives: UP TO 50% OFF
• Dove: UP TO 40% OFF
• Unilever Homecare products: UP TO 30% OFF
• Unilever Foods products: UP TO 40% OFF

Enjoy exclusive deals on Unilever products on Shopee's 11.11 Sale

All About Giving Campaign of UnileverXShopee

Exclusive Unilever Deals on Shopee for the 11.11 Sale!

You could also use this Voucher Code: ShopeexUL valid for 11.11 only to get 20% OFF when you buy PHP1000 worth of Unilever items.  If you think those deals are superb, wait for it.... FREE SHIPPING on ALL Unilever products

Ready to SHOP?  Click this link to go to the Unilever Shopee page: https://shopee.ph/collections/116397

Happy 11.11 Unilever Shopping on Shopee loves! :)

A few weeks ago, I was invited to an intimate lunch mommy meet up dubbed as #StepsBySteph hosted by Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi with the help of Sanicare.  It was held in ultimately instagramable The Photo Kitchen at Poblacion, Makati.

When it comes to playtime, I don't know anyone who can get more active than my boys.  Playtime is life for them, from my eldest teenager to my youngest toddler. 

As parents, we highly encourage active play among them. Kids these days have to be encouraged to play and it takes intentional parents to make this happen.  Life is so different from how it was when I was a young little girl.  I used to be out with my neighborhood bff with my trusted rubber slippers to play Chinese Garter, Piko, Tumbang Preso, Habulan, and so much more.

Playing at home also means we have to equip them with the right footwear, with enough hydration, and be vigilant that sweat doesn't dry up at their backs.  Kids should be in comfortable clothes and rubber slippers that won't easily break.  We recently discovered Banana Peel's Crewe Junkyard Flip-Flops and found it durable and safe to use for the kids.
My first impression when I got a hold of these flip flops is that, it looks durable and not one that could easily wear even when user is unstoppable in play action.

Next, the Banana Peel embossed print and grids on the flip-flop's soles make it safe to use for kids who may sometimes be not so cautious when running on slippery surface.  The grids would produce friction and get a grip on the floor or wherever kids step on.  Safety first!
Our usual rubber slippers problem is that the strap easily breaks I guess it's mainly because the rubber used has poor quality.  But look at the double or criss-cross stitches on the inner straps of the Banana Peel flip flops, it obviously won't easily break.  Plus, inner strap is made of cloth so less marks and irritation, it's soft to my kids' skin.
I love that it's made of eco-friendly and non-harmful materials which make it environmentally safe.  Truly the brand care for their users' health and our dear Mother Earth.  The Banana Peel Crewe Junkyard Flip-Flops are mader of 100% rubber, and non-toxic paints were used to give colors to their every footwear. 
We got the Junkyard Quafflepockers (blue) and the Junkyard Circuit Breaker (red/maroon).  Here are closer looks of the Banana Peel flip-flops for kids:
Happy to receive these flip-flop for my kids and discover these for them.  It's an all-around cozy fit and soft feel like no other.  Plus, it's also stylish and colorful, definitely attractive to my visually motivated kids.
Happy that it's cruelty-free, it's not tested on animals.  When I tried it, it lathers on my hand easily, it smells good, and it's not sticky.  It made my skin velvety smooth.  So yes, this will be a new addition to my bedtime ritual.
I'd like to say thanks to Banana Peel for letting me and my kids experience their products first hand.  I highly recommend their durable Crewe Junkyard Flip-Flops for kids who are active at play!

For updates, promos and more info, you make follow them on their social media sites: Facebook and Instagram.

I remember my mom who used to take out soothing balms or an overpowering soothing liquid in a small bottle whenever they have headaches and most of the youngsters (like me back then) would think it smelled so "Lola".  I used to say, I wouldn't be caught doing that even when I get older.

Fast forward to this day, I ate my words.  Nabusog ako actually. Hahaha!  I am in constant search of soothing balms, essential oils, and roll-on aromatherapy solutions that would relieve my stresses and even a few physical pains away.  I didn't realize that this is a need right now in my mom life.
I recently discovered Danarra Aromatherapy Oil when a package was sent to me a few weeks ago.  Since my acquaintance with the oils, I couldn't stop sniffing and rolling it on myself, my husband and my kids!  I even actively tell my friends and online followers about it - because I am a convinced user and the aromatherapy oils don't disappoint me - and I sure it wouldn't disappoint you too!

We have different kinds of stresses.  I used to be a corporate "slave" and I know the stress at work especially when there are deadlines I had to meet or when I had to jump managing one project to another and even when I had to deal with difficult and power-tripping colleagues.  Stress right?  Lakas maka-sakit ng ulo swear!  I learned how to manage stress effectively and it takes a lot of discipline to do it.  These are lots or prayers and choosing battles.  But sometimes we need instant relief right?  That's when we need an aromatherapy oil to destress immediately.  Wish I had known Danarra back when I was working.  But all good, all good.
Oh and I haven't even mentioned stress from daily commutes to and from work, the travel time in traffic, the poor ventilation inside a commuter van, noisy or unapologetic sleepy heads (that rest on your shoulder) and busted air conditioning in the van.  Oh gosh, stress!  Even when you bring your own car, you still get stressed with other offensive drivers, with the traffic, parking, and parking fees.

Now that I am a stay-at-home mom/blogger/business woman, I experience a different kind and level of stress.  Plus WORK is non-stop.  Though more exhausting, it's more fulfilling.  But still - I experience stress.

Stress is everywhere and could happen to us anytime!  We do many things to cope with it but like what I mentioned earlier, it's not instant.


Since I used Danarra, my and my family's day isn't complete without applying it.  We have different stresses, different needs, and different pains and we have a Danarra for each need.  I am glad it comes in 6 variants which I totally get to use all.  They are all relaxing and refreshing fragrances.

What I like about it pa is that it comes in sleek and handy roll-on packaging, it's pocket-friendly, it's convenient to bring (no spills or leaks) perfect for people on the go!
Danarra Aromatherapy Oil, which is available in six variants, is in a sleek and handy roll-on packaging for a more convenient, purse- and pocket-friendly use (no spills or leaks) — just perfect for students and professionals on the go!

Danarra Classic Menthol Destress gives instant relief in the traditional and familiar camphor scent. It can provide sinus care and help with motion sickness and itchiness due to insect bites.  I personally use this most especially when I feel a headache is arriving or has arrived.  Instant relief with just a sniff of this.  Closed eyes pa, para damang dama!
Danarra Green Tea Clear Mind helps to relax, calm and soothe you making you feel fresh and energized.  When I want to keep my focus back to what I am doing and simply declutter, I specifically use this variant.  I love the scent of Green Tea, it's one of my favorite scents.
Danarra Lavender Relaxing Sleep help eliminates nervous tension and aids in providing relaxing sleep. Perfect for insomniacs.  This has become part of our bedtime routine.  My kids also look forward to applying this on their chests and inhale the relaxing scent of lavander for a good night's sleep. :)
Danarra Young Cool and Fresh has the cool wind effect and freshness of air. It is perfect for moments when your senses are hit by unpleasant aromas.  During the day, when I and the kids want to re-energize or want to reboot our olfactory senses, we sniff this variant.
Danarra Flowery Citrus Energy Giving uplifts your spirit with hint of citrus and flowers.  When I feel low or walang gana or just simply want to relax after doing a mental checklist of all the things I need to do for the day, I apply this on my pulse points.  I also rub it on my palm and inhale deeply.
Danarra Sport Mood Booster is perfect for your active lifestyle.  My husband and my eldest son shares this scent.  It's their choice of scent because if you sniff it, its scent is very masculine.  Perfect for boys.
USAGE TIPS :
Danarra Aromatherapy Oil puts importance in attaining relief as naturally as possible. You don’t really need to choose from the six variants. Bring one or two and have fun in combining which ones are perfect for your needs. For instance, Classic Menthol and Lavender could be a good combo for the professional who’s always under a lot of stress. Green Tea and Flowery Citrus keeps the stressed students smiling sweet. Young and Sport is the right combination for the guys who know how to balance working hard with playing hard.

On application, rub it on your palm then inhale deeply.  You may also roll on your pulse points such as back of ears, wrists, chest, back chest, nape and even temples for immediate effectiveness.

What I love about it pa, it's super affordably priced!  And availability is easy!  You can have fun with the combinations because Danarra Aromatherapy Oil is priced at P89.00 only and available at Mercury Drug Stores nationwide.

For more information, follow Danarra Aromatherapy Oil on Facebook or Instagram.

Do you know the saying in love, we don't know what we've got until it's gone?  I oftentimes think what if that happens to our natural resources like trees, mountains, worst - WATER!  I know this may seem way impossible to happen in the near future, but it is possible.  It saddens me to think of how men have abused the environment. I am guilty one way or another.  I bet you're thinking now of that candy wrapper or scratch paper you threw outside your car window or the large amount of water spills you caused for not turning off the faucet while not in use as you brush your teeth.
Speaking of the basic thing I think I cannot live without, WATER, thankfully, we have MAYNILAD which provides wastewater management services and facilities to every Filipino families.  It collects, transports, cleans and disposes used water so that it can be cleaned and safely discharged to receiving bodies of water.  It helps in making sure we get clean water and avoid further "waste" to also ensure we don't get sick.  So you see, Maynilad's role is important to protect its consumers from getting polluted water and in saving the environment.  So that the one I fear the most - TO LOSE WATER in my lifetime or lifetime of my children and the children of their children - won't happen.

Sadly, some people don't really understand how significant their services are.  Some think that the traffic they cause in the metro due to preventive maintenance or their tariff increases to happen this year are all inconveniences or burden.  Some fail to see the long term effect of this to our water systems and our environment as well.  Pero it's the same with our yearly car maintenance which we set aside budget for right?  Maynilad needs to enhance their water and wastewater services, which will ultimately improve the living conditions of Filipinos.  It's logical lang to think that improvements or developments in any organizations or services would imply little costs somewhere.
As consumers and concerned citizens we must do our parts in managing our personal water use to minimize the impact of their Tariff rate increases.

Simple lang naman actually, we all just have to be conscious and intentional, just like how we are with parenting and marriages right?  HOW?  By managing water use to conserve it.  Because LOW consumption also means LOWer rates charged.

Now, ilabas na ang pagiging practical mommies natin.  We want savings, avoid wastage, and always get the value of what we pay for.

PRACTICAL WATER USE MANAGEMENT AT HOME
1. Instead of using running water for cleaning - try pail and dipper or basin.
This is applicable to washing the dishes (make use of the basin instead), to washing the car at home (use pail and cotton rag instead), and to thawing food (get the food out from freezer at an earlier time instead).
2.  Turn off the faucet when not in use.  
This doesn't need any further explanation.  When shaving (saves 300 gallons a month), when brushing teeth (saves 25 gallons a month), washing dishes or washing your face.

3.  Use your broom instead of a hose when cleaning your driveway and sidewalk.
We have a long driveway and yes cleaning is needed everyday.  This could be achieved without wasting water, just sweep sweep away.  We lose calories as we save water use.

4.  Cut your shower by a minute or two to save around 150 gallons of water per month.
I know how us moms, especially when we get some me-time while kids are asleep, take longer period of time in the bathroom with running water or shower over our heads (lalo na if it's warm pa) while making muni-muni even if we're done na.  Let's just wake up to reality and save water - isipin natin the more water is wasted, the more we will be charged when water bill comes.  And while you are at it, keep a bucket near the shower head and use the collected water when flushing your toilet or clean the bathroom too.

5. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon when its cooler.
My mom taught me this and I do this early morning watering.  When the sun is high at noon, the hotter it is and more water is needed in caring for the plants.

6. Collect the water used in rinsing your laundry.  
This sudsy water could still be used in cleaning the driveway or garage or sidewalk, instead of using hose with clean water.
7.  Make sure that your faucet is tightly closed when not in use.

8.  Report pipe leaks and illegal connections
Report to Maynilad hotline 1626 or PM them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MayniladWater/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/maynilad).

These may be simple things to do but honestly, kahit ako I sometimes forget to do so.  We should take action and talk to the family about being disciplined and cooperative.  Great (savings) start from small beginnings right?  Eventually, these small efforts will go a long way and will be for the greater good.

Like what I said earlier, my fear of losing our basic need - WATER - won't happen if we start conserving water and contribute in preserving the environment.  And again, the more we conserve water, we will use less of it.  Less use means lower tariff rate charges.  Less charges mean great savings.

Always be informed about Maynilad's Tariff rate increase this year and advisories by visiting http://www.mayniladwater.com.ph/.  That's what practical moms like us do.  Let's drink (water only!) to that!  Cheers!