It's true, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  But one thing's for sure, in God's eyes, we are ALL beautiful.  Dark or white, short or tall, long or short hair, we're all beautiful.
In one of the brand marketing workshops I attended, a notable speaker said that one of the best-selling products (thanks to marketing and knowing exactly what its market wants) are skin whitening soaps and lotions.  Filipinas have a mentality that becoming light-skinned is beautiful.  I used to believe that when I was younger because I was really dark then due to my swimming lessons and training.  I've always thought I was ugly because I was dark.

Thankfully, I am past that stage and skin color shouldn't be anyone's standard of beauty.  I agree that dark or white, we're beautiful!  Dark Skin versus White Skin. Does it really matter? Does one always have to be superior over the other? SkinWhite is saying otherwise.

Dr. Rolando Hortaleza, Chairman and CEO, Splash Corporation

SkinWhite recently launched their newest campaign about women making their own choices when it comes to beauty.  And each of our choices should be respected and unquestioned.  Whether you go dark or white, skin color shouldn't be a characteristic to determine that one is better than the other.  I've witnessed friends and even celebrities get bullied or bashed online for their skin color.  Too white or too dark - they got body shaming.  It's a good thing that these women stood up for themselves and the choices they made.  I am with SkinWhite on no to body/hair/race/gender/skin shaming.

SkinWhite used real twins in their campaign to represent beauty, whether one is Dark or White.  It doesn't really matter.  It sent a powerful message that people should be well-respected for the choice they make on what beauty is.

Joy and Jean Negosa

Sheena and Brigitte McBride

Bianca and Diane Danga

Louise and Shen - not ad models, mukhang models only, event attendees

Louise and Michelle, again, not ad models event attendees only.  Michelle could pass as a celebrity and model!

Watch SkinWhite's boldest ad yet which sends a powerful message about beauty - whether you're Dark or White.
“It’s all about choice”, says Rachelle Layda, Marketing Manager for Whitening
of Splash Corporation. “SkinWhite is a brand that empowers women to choose. A choice to
define their own standard of beauty. If you choose to have dark skin, you are beautiful. If you
choose to have white skin, you are just as beautiful. The choice is yours, and SkinWhite
respects that choice”.

Remember, Dark or White - You are BEAUTIFUL!

Seeing differently as a SAHM makes my family happier and healthier.

When this family photo was taken, I was still working as a program manager and campaigns strategist in a fast paced industry - at a time when my life was already slowing down. Little did I know that during this time, God was preparing me to become a stay at home mom. The fast paced career no longer fit my life as a new mom to my third child. My priorities, my plans and my motivations slowly and beautifully changed.

As a SAHM, I now #CDifferently

Suddenly, what I thought was too important for me to give up (my stressful career) lost its luster that I turned my back on it and focused on what gave me fulfillment and happiness the most - my family, especially my children.  This was a major life and family decision I and my husband made.  It was beyond the comfort zone I have been living for almost 20 years (as a working mom with regular pay and generous company benefits).

A year into being a SAHM now, I see things very differently.  I was wrong into thinking that there's lesser life (to none at all) after resigning from the corporate jungle.  In fact, I blossomed, I made real connections to more people, I gained new friends, I rekindled old ones, I get to do things my heart yearns, and pursue more dreams too.  The fears I had shattered instantly as I continuously pray for God's guidance as I obey His will and achieve what we prayed for - His provisions and the realizations of His plans for me.

I love being with my youngest all the time!  Here's Damien with playmate Ysha.

To share with you, here are some of the things I now see differently as a Stay-At-Home-Mom or SAHM:

1.  Staying at home is harder than I thought. Being a corporate mom all my life made me too proud that I thought because I work in an office and bring home half the bacon, I was doing a lot for the family.  My career was too important to me that time and to be honest, I never ever imagined myself to resign and stay at home.  I've always envisioned myself to be working until I physically am able and to retire until all my kids finish school.  But God has other plans for me.  AND I am glad He did.  My life slowly transformed after my mom died, when I got married, and when my husband and I accepted Jesus in our hearts.  Now I realize how harder it really is to stay at home and do all the mom duties.  It's physically exhausting, mentally challenging, and patience testing.  I was humbled by this experience and though taxing as it is, I wouldn't ever regret deciding to stay home and focus on my ministry - my family.

2.  No amount of money could compensate a mom's presence for her children.  Like what I mentioned, I was full of myself when I was still working - I thought I could always compensate for lost time and spend quality time when I am physically present with my kids.  Now I see that both quantity and quality of time are important to help make your kids grow well-rounded, secured, and feel loved.  For how can I have quality time when quantity is compromised?  I learned this from a parenting talk I attended a few months ago.  It stuck in my head and helped me become more intentional in spending time with my kids and being really "present" for them by being with them in full attention and not half-wandering off to social media lalaland or other work commitments or getting dibs on online shopping sales!

3.  Work at home never ends. I used to be a project manager and campaigns strategist who used to create concepts and execute them given a well-calculated timetable.  But when office hours end, my work ends or maybe extend a bit, but it ends til the following day.  Now, I can attest and I am with many SAHMs in saying that work at home never ends.  From the moment my eyes are wide open in the morning, until it's about to close late night (and sometimes even in dreams), I work. I try to reach an extra mile in everything I do for the family and for the home, out of pure love for my family and obedience to God's plans for me.

4.  Self care is a NEED not a WANT.  Since work never ends at home and I tend to give my all to my children, I need to take a break by doing self care.  How can I give from an empty cup?  I need to refill that cup with self-love.  Having time for self-care or self-love is not selfish.  It's refocusing the used up energies from the daily draining grinds at least once a week so I would be rejuvenated and feel good about myself.  Most of the time, my number one enemy is myself.  I beat myself up with mom-guilt, with incompetency, with feeling I'm not enough, and feeling like a failure.  I realize that no one is perfect anyway.  A messy house is a sign of a home where real people live.  A mountain of dishes or laundry means a well-fed and well-dressed family.  I may not always have an Instagram-worthy house, but at least I know I am present for my family and they are happy to see me there, taking care of them.  I stopped beating myself with all these guilt because with God, my supportive husband, and smiling kids on my side, I know I am enough.  But still let's go back that though I know my value, I still get so exhausted and recharging is a must.  Happily my husband supports this and never sees this as a time away from them nor make me feel guilty for not spending time with them instead.  I do self-care by going to a nearby salon, by having an hour of massage for those overused and tired muscles, attend events or simply meet up with friends to connect to the world outside home.  Self-care is a need for every stay-at-home-moms and we shouldn't feel guilty about loving ourselves.

5.  Prioritizing Health Is Self Care Too.  Because as a SAHM I feel I am overworked, HEALTH becomes a priority self-care for me.  Now I see the importance of health all the more.  Among anyone in the household I feel that I should be the last one to get sick, my husband tells that too (at least we're on the same page!)  I've also never took our health and wellness more seriously when I became a SAHM.  Now, I take extra steps when it comes to my family's health. My husband and I never miss taking our dose of Vitamin C for immunity to sickness.  But this isn't any Vitamin C.  We recently switched from Ascorbic Acid to taking Sodium Ascorbate.  We switched to Vitagreen-C, a non-acidic and safer Vitamin C supplement which doesn't harm our bodily environment.  Prioritizing health is prioritizing ME.  Moms need this kind of self-care too!
Why Do We All Need Vitamin C?


Why Vitagreen-C?

• 100% plant-based Vitamic C
• It's non-acidic making it stomach-friendly.
• It's easily absorbed in our bodies and retains better.
• It's anti-stress, anti-aging, and anti-allergy.
• It protects against cancer (which thrives in an acidic environment)
• Helps in glycemic control and heart decease.

I learned that cancer and other critical illnesses I am so afraid of, thrive in an acidic environment in our bodies. That's why I switched our Vitamin C brand to a safer and non-acidic one -Vitagreen-C. I wouldn't have noticed these things and discover many more if I didn't turn my back from corporate and decide it's time to be a more present, involved, and become a more intentional mom.
I'm sure these wonderful moms also believe in the product and had made a switch as well! :)
But apart from taking this daily, it's also important to live a healthier lifestyle by doing these:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat vegetables and fruits daily.
• Exercise regularly - move move move!
• Avoid junk food and sodas.
• Be careful with sugar and salt intake.
• Steamed, boiled, grilled foods are better than fried.
• Take mental health seriously - always pray.

I recommend that you also make a healthier switch of your brand of Vitamin C.  Switch to a safer and non-acidic one, switch to Vitagreen C.  Vitagreen-C is available from BETTER HEALTH PH on Facebook and Instagram.

How about you? Have you made a life-changing decision that let you see things differently? Please do share!

Last weekend, I had a pleasure to learn more about the brand and its advocacy to not only love ourselves by taking care of our hair and skin, but to also love the planet. 

Pro-environment personalities/influencers were invited in front to share how we all could contribute in making our planet a cleaner and better place.  Small acts of love go a long way. 
As simple bringing our own reusable straws, utensils, and water bottles or bringing eco-bags for shopping, and supporting brands which are eco-friendly and cruelty-free, we can already make a difference.

So what makes Love Beauty and Planet different from other beauty brands and how do they really show love to the planet?   Here are some amazing and admirable facts about them:

1. The ingredients are sustainably sourced from around the world such as Morocco, Comoros and even the Philippines. Yes, the Philippine coconut is one of their main ingredients used globally.

2. Their products are easily rinsed saving 10 seconds of shower which may result to supporting the drinking water needs of millions of people.  How?  The brand infuses fast-rinse technology into their conditioners, which means that it will break down and wash off faster, leading us to use less water in the shower.

3. All their bottles are made with 100% post-consumer recycled made from 100% recyclable plastics.

4. Used bottles may be deposited in selected SM branches/Watsons so they may recycle, reuse, and reduce waste.

5. The hair care and body care products are also certified vegan and cruelty-free, with
zero silicones, dyes, parabens or colorants.

6. You get a FREE eco-bag for a limited time when you buy at least three bottles of their products!

Knowing all these intentional efforts from the brand to help save the planet, is enough to make me really love them and make room for their products in my favorite things on earth!

More photos from the launch: 

I hope many other brands will follow suit and think of how they will greatly contribute to preserving and healing our planet and not contribute more to wastes that many generations after our children will inherit. Thanks #LoveBeautyAndPlanetPH for coming up with well-thought eco-friendly products which help make us and our planet more beautiful each day.

Can't wait to celebrate the season with #SmallActsOfSummerLove with Love Beauty and Planet?  Head on to select Watsons stores and ecommerce retailers to experience Love Beauty and Planet’s summer collections today.

For more information, log on to www.lovebeautyandplanet.com/ph or follow them on FACEBOOK, and Instagram.

Ever since I became a full-time stay-at-home-mom, I realized three things about TIME.  First, I realized how much valuable TIME really is for the family. Second, I also realized how time management plays an important role in making sure that as a mom I am able to give more of myself to my children – the very reason why I left my corporate job last year.  Third, I realized time flies by so faster at home compared to sitting on a desk in an office ticking one corporate task after the other.
TIME also spells love in the family.  I became busier at home than I’ve ever been the office.  I thought I was already tired and stressed in the corporate setting managing and executing one nationwide project after the other, but it’s different at home.  It’s like I have so much to do and yet I have very limited time.  I do almost all the house chores from the time I wake up, until they fall asleep.  One of the chores I do more than three times a day at times is washing dishes, kasi naman hello sebo!  I don’t want to use a greasy plate or a half-cleaned pot or pan for cooking.  Believe me it takes a lot of TIME away from my husband and my kids.  Although, yes the home is organized and clean, but my husband and my kids feel less loved – because all I do is clean.  Nagtatampo na sila to be honest, and I feel guilty about it.
This 2019, I need to come up with a sure solution, especially the dishwashing part which takes too much time away from them. I need to make up for loss time of bonding with my husband and play with my kids and have Zero-Worries when it comes to managing our home and my precious time with my family.

Let me share with you some hacks that I do in dishwashing that will not only save time but money too (a practical mom knows well that she should get the best value-for-money on products she uses at home, isa na ditto ang JOY!):

1. One (1) drop of JOY goes a long way.  Make sure you also use quality sponge to partner with Joy.  Agitate or piga-pigain ang basang sponge para bumula.  Then you could start washing many dishes with just a small amount of JOY.
2. Separate pots and pans from dishes.  Pots and pans are greasier, so wash them after the dishes.  Don’t mix them with plates in the sink as well.  Put a drop of JOY and hot water for a few minutes before washing them.  Makikita mong nahihiwalay nang mas mabilis ang sebo.
3. Delegate or ask help.  Do you have a teenager like me?  Or a young child who’s old enough to handle dishes?  Teach them how to wash dishes properly using a dependable product such as JOY to save time, energy, and make you less physically exhausted or drained.  You hit three birds with one stone.  One, they learn life skills.  Two, you’re less tired.  Three, you save time and spend it with what matters more.

Ever since I became a stay at home mom, I cook a lot more.  It was also the time that I realized how important your cookwares are if you prepare and cook food for your loved ones.  To be honest, months into cooking more often, I wanted to throw everything I owned - the non-stick pans, and the old pans and pots.  I've always been looking for a cooking partner that will last for years and yet won't look old nor ugly, such as the Luminarc glass cookware my mom handed down to me, which my husband accidentally broke into pieces a few months ago.
WHAT?  Not only it had a sentimental value to me, it's the most durable piece of cookware I had.  So I went searching for Luminarc glass cookware (because believe me, the cookware my mom had lasted for years) and praise God, I received one last month!  Just in time for the holidays!

I road-tested it for weeks and I am happy to tell you that my chef-mom heart is beaming with joy and satisfaction for !  One, I am ecstatic that my broken Luminarc now has a replacement.  Two, because I know this is definitely something that would not leave me disappointment in the kitchen department for years to come.  Just like how a Luminarc didn't disappoint my mom.

Here are some of the reasons why I am raving about the Luminarc Vitro Blooming Casserole.

1. It's Versatile - The Luminarc Vitro Blooming may be used on top of any direct heat source.  Because of its unique high thermal resistance properties, it's suitable for use on the following:

• Gas stoves
• Electric stoves
• Induction stoves
• Oven
• Halogen
• Ceramic
• Microwave

2.  It's highly heat resistant.  it can withstand temperatures from -40C to 800C and tolerate fluctuations in temperature (up to 380C), which means it can be transferred directly from freezer to oven or direct flame for reheating, thus saving precious time and energy.  In fact this material was even used by N.A.S.A during the design of the external ties of the space shuttle.  Imagine the heat coming from a space ship!

3.  It's easy to clean and store.  Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, it fits modern lifestyles making it a perfect addition to small and large kitchens.  What I personally love about this is that because it's made of glass, left-over food or burnt foods could easily be removed.  I also didn't need to be extra concerned about scrubbing it fearing some layers or coats might be scraped off and make the pan/casserole less useful or less functional, unlike other cookware materials.

4.  It's Durable.  Luminarc Vitro is made of Vitro-ceramic material which guarantees exceptional thermal, mechanical and chemical reisistant.  Having tested or used in N.A.S.A. also says a lot about this casseroles durability.  Plus like what I've shared, my previous Luminarc cookware stood the test of time!

5. It's practical and convenient.  Instead of separate cookware to boil, stew, steam, fry, roast and grill, Luminarc Vitro does it all, which can go from the freezer to the fire and directly to the table. Ideal for those who do not want the hassle of  dishing food from cookware to serving ware, saving you time and less dishes to wash up later.  Us moms, we don't have the luxury of time and extra energy, so anything more convenient to do and use, we instantly fall in love with.  I am sure, like me you'll love the convenience of having the casserole too!

5.  I'ts environmentally safe.  It's 100% Hygienic / Non Porous.  Luminarc Vitro is produced with the latest technology and made from pure and natural materials with extremely fine pores, anti-bacterial, odor and stain free, making your food 100% safe and hygienic for consumption.

6.  New and Improved Design VITRO Blooming is inspired by French morning blooming rosebushes (water drop on flower) with a newly improved lid & bigger ears which allows you to hold it easily. With the lid that fits inside the rim, you will not have to face with problems of spilling when cooking. The improved rim design also prevents soup from spilling when pouring.

7.  Availability and Sizes.  The Luminarc Vitro Casseroles are available in selected SM, Robinsons, Metro Gaisano, Landmark, Gaisano Malls, Lazada, Shopee and other leading department stores nationwide.  It's also available in different sizes, from 1L, 1.5L, 2L, 3L, and 5L cassesroles.  Also available 1.5 saucepan.  There are also 2 designs or colors, Amber (the one I have) and White.  Both have the same durability and heat resistance.

I really love the Luminarc because of these qualities and I've been using it for weeks as you've seen in my IG stories. 

Some tips on handling or making the Vitro Blooming Casserole last for years:

1. It's still breakable because it's glass so to avoid unwanted breakage, use a potholder when cooking and handling the casserole and its cover.
2. Clean right away after use.
3. Store in a safe place away from small children.

For more information, visit http://www.luminarc.com or like them of Facebook.

Who didn't grow up receiving a Hallmark card or at least in their lifetime bought a card or more for their loved ones?  I sure remember receiving and giving out Hallmark cards my entire teenage and early adult years.  I still receive them from my dad whenever there's an occasion.  How happy it was to have lived during pre-email or pre-digital years.  But good news to millenials and even my kids, you'll be happy to know that card-giving still lives and Hallmark has even expanded its line of products for everyone to enjoy!  Plus, every purchase of a Hallmark product you know it's for a good cause just like this news I am bringing to you!
Through every celebration—may it be a birthday, an anniversary, or a wedding—Hallmark has been part of spreading the most precious messages of love and cheer. Their well-loved cards have connected and brought smiles throughout people all over the world. And this year’s holiday season is no exception.

For 23 years, Filstar Distributors Corporation (FDC), the country’s exclusive licensee of Hallmark USA together with the Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E.) Foundation created a charitable project called “Hallmark for L.I.F.E.” to help alleviate the condition of indigent children with Leukemia.

Every year, Hallmark collaborates with top local artists in creating special limited edition L.I.F.E. products such as greeting cards, gift wrappers, bags, and other giftable items where a portion from the sales of these products go straight to the foundation.

L-R Jose Martin Ramos Licauco, Management Trainee, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Mia Christina Licauco Alindogan, Vice President, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Carmela Gozon, Corporate Secretary, LIFE Foundation, Katrina M. Yatco, Business Co - Chair, LIFE Foundation, Winfred Huang, President, LIFE Foundation, Gabriel A. Felix, Treasurer, LIFE Foundation, Nanette M. Garcia, Assistant Vice President - Sales, Filstar Distributors Corporation

This holiday season, FDC will donate to the Foundation a portion from the sales of all Christmas products of Hallmark including the 2018 L.I.F.E. Christmas card collection Hallmark for L.I.F.E. sparks hope back into the lives of less fortunate children and helps them in their fight against leukemia. Since its inception in 1995, this charitable project has eased the burden of families experiencing the ordeal of both disease and poverty.

L-R Carmela Gozon, Corporate Secretary, LIFE Foundation, Winfred Huang, President, LIFE Foundation, Mia Christina Licauco Alindogan, Vice President, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Nanette M. Garcia, Assistant Vice President - Sales, Filstar Distributors Corporation

To formally launch Hallmark for L.I.F.E, an event was held last October 31 at the Ayala Malls 30th Cinema 1. It was attended by the Hallmark for L.I.F.E team and some of the kids of the foundation. Through this, the people behind Hallmark and L.I.F.E. Foundation hope to help uplift the spirits of the kids, put a smile on their faces, and give them the encouragement and support that they need.
Christmas is a time for families and loved ones to come together and celebrate the holidays. This season, may we be reminded of the spirit of giving—that even in the littlest ways, we make a conscious effort to support good causes. Because to someone, a gift is just a gift, and a greeting card is simply that, but to someone else, your purchase gives them more: hope, joy, and the best present you could possibly give, another chance at life.

Here are some Hallmark's Holiday Set 2018 which you may purchase: