I've long contemplated what to do with my long locks.  Should I cut it short?  Should I chop my full bangs again?  Should I have it rebonded again at my suking neighborhood hairstylist?  Should I go for curls this time?  Should I color it with a lighter shade of brown bordering to medium blond?  Aha!  You could tell that I am getting bored with the long hair which I've been sporting since 2006.  See different styles of hair I tried in the photos below:

Rebonded - Side Bangs

Wash n' Wear Straight Hair - Full Bangs - Ponytail

LONG HAIR MYTHS
Having a long hair does make one more beautiful and more attractive, according to hubby.  For me, it depends on the face shape of the person.  That's why I think he will be the first person to give me a violent reaction if I say I want to cut it short.

Having a long hair is quite high in maintenance.  Some say it's more expensive to maintain it because you use more shampoo and conditioner. That could be partly true.  In my case, I use just a sachet of shampoo (every two days) and once sachet of conditioner everyday.  I buy shampoos and conditioners in sachets because it's measured in just the right amount when we consume it.

LHBS - What?
So now, this brings me back to my Long-Hair-Boredom-Syndrome (LHBS).  What to do with my thick long locks?  I would want to have it rebonded again so I don't have to trouble myself keeping it silky straight.  But there are times I feel the flirty vibe (sa hair lang ha!) and I braid it to achieve a curly/wavy effect when it's loose.  I don't want to perm it digitally because I find it really expensive and hence not practical.

The solution?  Not do anything about it.  Yes, I decided not to have it treated or cut or permed.  But to ease my LHBS, I used a quality 2-in-1 (straightener and curler) hair tool.  It's a gift from Tough Mama last Christmas.  I was ecstatic with the result when I tried curling my hair the first time.  I received compliments from family and friends.  Here are some hair and face tight shots aka #SELVIES (madaming #SELFIE haha!) to show you my flirty waves.


Diba?  Ang BONGGA at ang gara!  Macky was speechless after seeing my curls and simple made up face.  Sana raw ganito araw araw!  lol!  Secret lang ha, he even made one of the photos above his phone's screensaver.

Here's what I used for this hairstyle: Tough Mama 2-in-1 Hair Beauty Set (Straightener and Curler)
It took me less than 30 minutes to curl my long locks.  So I said to myself, it's doable to go to work with this hairstyle (if I'm not rushing in the morning though!).  I don't need to have it digitally permed nor rebonded because I can have both hairstyles in this hair tool.  It's practical because it costs 10th of a digital perm treatment from a reputable salon or a third of a rebond treatment.

This 2014, I plan to keep my hair as low maintenance as possible.  I am okay with wash and go, wash and blow dry, wash and pony tail or up in a bun.  Should I need to go to a special occasion or have a gig, I could style my hair using this Tough Mama 2-in-1 Beauty Set!  Thanks again  to Nikon Home Appliances - Tough Mama for this Christmas gift.  Such a Long-Hair-Boredom-Syndrome saver! :)

As a young family, we constantly dream for better things to happen, especially for the children.  We dream of being able to give the same (or even more}comforts to our own children just like what our parents were able to give us when we were younger.  One of those dreams that hubby and I want to fulfill someday is to be able to own a home we could exclusively call ours.

I've shared in my past post that we've been through some tours in several condos in the city to check out what they offer to young families like ours.  I'm sure most of you, like myself, dream of having her own kitchen to whip up delicious meals for the family on weekends, or maybe also dream of having her own dining and living area she could personally style.  I am actually having my own dilemma in the latter because as much as I want to redecorate the living room where we stay, it's not our house.

I will be sharing the condos I visited and inquired about around Mandaluyong-Makati area.  This will then serve as your reference should you need a review of condos in these areas.  I'll be showing pictures of the featured condos then will follow it with information and what I think about its: location and accessibility, types or units and their prices.

Pioneer Woodlands (Empire East)

Photo from MRT Boni Station

1 BR Model Unit

Toilet and Bath

2BR Model Unit

Location and Accessibility :
Pioneer Woodlands is located along EDSA corner Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City.  It has a direct access to MRT Boni Station.  Having said that, Pioneer Woodlands is very accessible to public transportation.  It has commercial establishments at the first two levels of Tower 1 facing EDSA.  If you are riding a PUJ going to let's say Manila or other parts of Mandaluyong, it's available upon crossing EDSA via the MRT station.  Robinsons Forum/Pioneer is just beside the condominium which makes it very convenient for the residents to do their grocery shopping, malling or bonding with kids.

Types of Units/Sizes:
There are three types of units that are available: Studio (22.5 sqm) 1BR (26 sqm) and 2BR (36 and 50 sqms).  All units upon turnover come with the following:

• Wood grain vinyl planks in living, dining, kitchen and bedroom areas
• Ceramic tiles in toilet and bath
• Custom built under-counter kitchen cabinets
• Provision for mechanical ventilation for kitchen and toilet
• Provision for air-conditioning unit opening for bedroom/s

Availability and Price:
Tower 1 will start its turnover in 2014, while Towers 2 & 3 will be ready for occupancy in 2017 and 2018 respectively.  Towers 4 to 6 is still under construction and turnovers are TBC.
Studio costs around Php 2.2M
1 BR costs around Php 2.6M
2BR (36 sqm) costs around Php 3.5M
2BR (50 sqm) costs around Php 4.9M

Look and Feel:
I felt that it lacked breathable space.  Something that a family with young children needs.  Although their seventh level amenities for swimming pools, garden and gym will be available, I think it's not enough.  But accessibility is a win for this condo.

SMDC Light Residences

1BR Unit (turned over by agent)

Swimming Pools at their amenity area (8/F)

Location and Accessibility:
SMDC Light Residences is located along EDSA cor. Madison Street, Mandaluyong City.  Just as any SMDC projects, it has commercial establishments found at the ground level of the condominiums, Savemore Supermarket being the flagship establishment.  It is right beside Pioneer Woodlands and is accessible via MRT and buses that pass by EDSA.  Victor Potenciano Hospital, EDSA Central public market and a church may be found within the vicinity.

Types of Units and Sizes:
Available units are Studio (20sqm), 1BR without balcony (23sqm) 1BR without balcony (27 sqm) and 2BR (52 sqm) respectively.

Availability and Prices:
Tower 1 which is facing EDSA has started its turn over this year.  The others are TBC.  Prices range from 1.9M for Studio to about 3.8M for 1BR to 5M for 2BR.

Look and Feel:
SMDC Light Residences' 40-storey towers, when looked from afar, actually scare me.  I used to see their Mezza Residences being built almost everyday back then.  Looking at how fast it was built gave me an impression that it was rushed.  But upon seeing the actual unit turned over, it looked okay, but just a typical closed condominium which lacked breathable space too.  Not for a family of four to five.  However, their amenities area found at the 8/F balances this, but with three towers surrounding it, I think it's not enough.

Flair Towers (DMCI)

LumiVentt Technology of DMCI (Light and Ventilation)

Grand Lobby/Lounge Area

Facing the pool area in between North and South Towers

Checking out the 2BR De Luxe

Location and Accessibility:
Flair Towers of DMCI is located at Reliance St. corner Pines Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.  It's near EDSA and strategically located not along the highway to remain its exclusivity feel for the residents.  It may be accessible through buses and also MRT, plus a tricycle ride coming from EDSA-Reliance Street.  It's few minutes away from malls, schools and hospitals.

Types of Units/Sizes/Price:
When I went there, the South Tower is already full and what was being offered for reservation is the North Tower which is currently still being constructed.  Full turnover of the South Tower will be on February 2014 while the North Tower's promise is to turn over its units to its owners on December 2014.

Look and Feel:
I love that DMCI uses only 30% of the whole land for their building structures and 70% dedicated to open spaces and amenities.  What's more is that DMCI is known to build resort-lthemed and modern urban designs in most of their developments.  Their Lumiventt Design Technology is what got me as well.  It's condo but a livable and breathable one.  Perfect for starting and young families like ours.  Their amenities are almost, if not already, complete.  I don't mind the exclusivity of its location, making it not very accessible to main roads because, I felt important when I was there.  Their amenities are complete and serves residents of all ages.  There are kiddie and adult pools, playgrounds and a basketball court, gym, sky garden and lounges, pavilions, game and music rooms, and an observatory at the roof deck of both towers.  Security is also guaranteed and that's an important factor for any buyers.  For me that is convenient and comfortable living.

This is Part 1 of 2 featuring the condominiums we visited in Mandaluyong City.  Why Mandaluyong you ask? It's right smack in the middle of the Metro Manila.  Hubby works in Ortigas and I in Makati, perfect venue for us.  It's near business districts, malls, churches, schools and supermarkets.  A strategic venue for the lifestyle that we already have right now.  Stay tuned for five more condos I will feature on the blog loves! :)

Hello loves!  How's the start of working week for you?  And for those not working, how's the first week of 2014 for you?  I do hope everything's perfectly doing great for all of you!

As for me, I had a great Monday, my first working day for the year!  But at first, I really thought it was going to be a stressful day for me because I was scheduled to present a partnership proposal to Gardenia.  I went to work early to finish my presentation.  Our team left early for our 1:00 pm meeting at their Biñan, Laguna Plant.

When we were at the venue, we had an impromptu Gardenia Plant Tour!   It was my first time and I've always wanted to go there.   Buti na lang may project ako with them!  Hahaha!  Deep inside I felt like a kid given a chance to sit on Santa's lap telling him my Christmas wishes.   True, I'm such a kid at heart!   I don't know if may mga ka-batch ako sa inyo, but remember the Goya Chocolate Fun Factory?  It's a chocolate heaven where chocolate trees grow, where bridges are made of chocolates and where you could dip your fingers in the chocolate river and get as much chocolates as you want and eat or drink them?  Matagal kong hinanap yun!  Wala naman palang ganun talaga!   But the Gardenia Plant Tour is somewhat close to that!  Puro bread nga lang.

It's a new year once again and looking back, 2013 flew by so fast.  Don't you agree?  Questions that run through my mind now are: "Did I meet the goals I set for myself last year?"; "Did I accomplish something that changed my life for the better?";  "Did I do well at work?";  "Was I the person I envisioned myself to be - like a better wife or mother?"  Do you find yourself asking those questions too?  Honestly, not all of my questions were answered with a resounding YES.  In fact, I fell short at some of my targets.  But you see, even if it feels bad, there is no point in turning back and regretting the things I did or didn't do.  There's no point in getting disappointed for not accomplishing all the goals I set for myself (one of which is to lose weight, instead I gained these unimaginable kilos).

Goodbye 2013.  Hello 2014.  Where do I start? Source

So what is the point?  The point is, today is a brand new start!  You can always re-calibrate your goals and make it more specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound!  This post is not meant to list my new goals this year.  I will do that on my offline journal and imprint it in my mind and heart with prayers of achieving it.

If you are like myself, who have unmet resolutions or goals last year, here are Five simple ways to ensure a positive brand new spanking year this 2014!

Forgive.  This does not only apply to people whom had hurt you in the past which could be a friend who betrayed you, a partner who cheated on you, a boss who thought you're not good enough or a neighbor who spread nasty rumors about you.  But you should also forgive YOURSELF.  Sometimes, we could be too harsh on ourselves.  Most of the time we blame or put down ourselves when things didn't turn out the way we wanted it to.  This is also true when you've hurt someone and you know in your heart that you're sorry for what you did.  Forgive yourself for whatever it is you've done whether intentionally or unintentionally and of course make sure you apologize to the hurting party too.  In forgiving, you clear your mind and open your heart for new things to happen in your life.  What a great way to start the year!

Source

Let It Go.  The pain, the hurt, the disappointments, the failures, the fear and the hate should have no more room in your heart, in your life.  Let them go.  Start anew.  Don't drag yourself down with these extra baggage.  How could you open yourself to a new and better beginning if your heart is occupied with these negative feelings?  What happened in the past, had happened.  Let it go.  The job interview to your dream company you didn't pass, let it go.  The relationship that didn't work out, let it go.  Let go of everything that's keeping you from moving on.  When you do that, you are opening yourself to a new adventure and to a positive change.   That positive energy you'll emit will attract the same energy to your life.  So start this year right by letting it all go!

Learn.  It's good if you have chosen to let go of the bad experiences, the losses whether in your business or matters of the heart, and the failures in your life battles.  But it's better, if you bring with you the lessons so you learned from them.  Leave the ill feelings, but bring the learning with you this year.  Apply them to become the new and better you.  You could also choose to LEARN something new, something different.  Learn a skill you've always wanted to do.  Discover what other things you could do aside from what you're used to.  You'll never know your full potential until you try it.  Keep on learning!

Source

Be Better.  Now is the best time to aim to become the new you.  Beat the negatives of yesteryear by coming out of those challenges as a Better You and definitely not a Bitter You.  I know all of us could be very competitive with other people and questions like who looks better, who wore it better or who has a better career float.  But don't get me wrong.  This isn't about competing nor comparing yourself with another person. This is about becoming the BETTER VERSION OF YOU.

Start.  Lastly, nothing will happen and nothing will be achieved if you don't START acting on your goals.  Yes, START!  You want a leaner body?  Start dieting or going to the gym.  You want a better relationship with your husband/partner?  Start loving, respecting and trusting more.  You want to be richer this year?  Start saving, accumulating and investing.  You want a better career?  Start looking for the job you want.  You want to lead a healthier lifestyle?  Start giving up the junk and start choosing healthier options.  Whatever your goals are for this year, you could only make it happen if you START.  The goal may be Big, Long and Hard (I know what you're thinking!  I meant, Big in magnitude, Long in terms of timeline to achieve  it and Hard to attain) but you have to take the first step.  The first step to anything is to START.

Source

So, are you ready to become the sexier, fitter and healthier you this year?  Are you ready to earn and save more for your family's future?  Are you ready to ace your performance scores at work?  Are you ready to learn to whip up your husband's favorite restaurant meal or play your favorite song on guitar?  I am.  So let's forget the past and move on to the new year!  

Have a Bolder, Better, Brand New Year Loves!  May we all achieve our heart's desires, goals or resolutions this year!

Advertorial
If you are a working mom like myself, you know the frustration I sometimes feel when I don't get to prepare my family a good home-cooked meal.  When I say good, that means any of the following dishes: Menudo, Afritada, Tinola or Sinigang.  I am always in a hurry and the best that I can do for cooking our baon is to fry, because it's the easiest and quickest way to cook a meal.

Deep Fried Chicken

Deep Fried Lumpiang Shanghai

We do all know that fried foods could be very unhealthy for our bodies right?  I believe that too!  But I also know better now, that it actually depends on what type of cooking oil you use, also that everything should be in moderation.  Researches in the past show that it could cause obesity, heart attacks or diabetes.  But recently, a long-term study was made in Spain among 40,000 adults, and it showed that:

"...those who ate the most fried foods had no greater risk of heart disease or premature death. Another study, this one in obese women, even found a beneficial effect of fried foods on insulin levels.  The type of oil or fat is just one factor that can affect the healthfulness of a fried food." (Source: Time.com)

What a way to start my 2014 here at Mommy Practicality.  The very first blog post will announce the winners to the recently concluded Mommy Practicality Christmas Giveaway!  Baka suwertehin din ako because bongga ang first post, WINNERS agad!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you my dear readers, followers and online friends!  I can't thank you all enough for your support from the time I started up until now.  I will be turning two this year and I have a lot of other plans for my humble blog.  Plans to be able to reach more and inspire more women and practical moms as well.  My heartfelt thank you message could also be found HERE.

Anyways, grabe ang turnout of those who joined the Christmas Giveaway!  Thank you, the entries made were overwhelming!  So without further adieu, CONGRATULATIONS to the winners:


Kindly wait for an email from me to know how to claim your prizes.  As stated in my terms and conditions before, all prizes should be picked up by you or a representative and strictly can't be requested to be sent via courier.  To give you a recap on what you've just won, here's the list of your prizes:

• Php 500 worth of Gift Card from SM Accessories
• One Pack of CHAMPS Multivitamins
• Fun Ranch Ride-All-You-Can Tag
• Playdium Unlimited Play
• One month supply of Sangobion Multivitamins
• One Physiogel Gift Pack
• One Stuffify Gift

Thanks so much once again to everyone who joined!  Until our next bonggang giveaway!  Happy New Year everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I know it's quite late for a Christmas gift wishlist.  But what can a hectic, stressed, pressured, crazy working momma do if she has a lot on her hands lately that she didn't prioritize her needs, wants or wishes this season?  Hahaha!

Well, unlike most of the people I know who got their bonuses already and shopped for what they've been wanting to purchase for their families, I haven't.  I actually am just starting to jot down what I really want to have for myself.  So here it goes:

A Mobile Phone and Tablet Power Bank
I am one of the heaviest mobile phone users I know in my own network of colleagues and friends.  I always use mobile internet to check on my personal Facebook account, Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram to connect to family, friends and online buddies.  I also write blog drafts using my phone on idle or waiting times, making every minute productive.  I also love taking photos here and there.  I travel a lot due to work duties.  The thing that I hate most when I'm always on the go is a DEAD PHONE!  Waaah!  I always run out of battery and I tell you it gets really so frustrating!  I can't call, I can't text, I can't take photos, I can't connect on line.  I can't do anything.  That's why, I badly need a power bank (a red 8000 to 12000 mah capacity.)

Source

Home Office Desk
Although currently, we have a work station/table in the room, most of the time since hubby is an IT guy, he uses that area and I just bring my laptop anywhere to do what I got to do.  When that happens, I lose focus and I feel like a squatter in my own room.  Hahaha!  This time, I would like to get my very own office desk, a black one so it would complement our room color (shades of black, white and grey.)  I'm excited to get myself one and start "working" more efficiently at home (when kids are asleep and when home duties are done.)  When I say work, it's mostly blogging by the way and I love every moment of it.
A Red Comfortable Victorian Chair
I've always been fascinated with curves, swirls, Old English or French designs or themes.  I like what feels to be grand and majestic yet practical at the same time.  Anyway, with that, I wish to match my home office table with a comfortable red Victorian chair.  Red is color for love and passion and it's my favorite color.  It's also close to my personality as I could get really passionate about the things I do.  For my chair, I would want it to be really comfortable and majestic-queen-looking at the same time. It's where I will sit and think.  Sit and read.  Sit and write.  Sit and daydream.  Sit and do other passionate things.  So it has to be a really nice chair. :)

Like this in RED. Photo Source

Nikon 1 J1 Camera
In my Christmas wish last year, I just listed a red point and shoot camera which I was able to buy for myself.  When unexpectedly, my blog was noticed by more brands and I got invited to more events, I realized the need for a better camera.  I am not into DSLR cameras because for me it's heavy and bulky thus making it impractical for me to carry around.  I'm more of a point and shoot kind of gal.  I heard that this camera has the convenience of a point and shoot but the quality of its photos are like of DSLR cameras.
The bags, shoes and clothes are some of which I don't really wish for anymore.  Not because I have too many of those mentioned, in fact marami na akong hindi kasyang clothes because I gained a looooot of weight, but I guess my wants right now have matured to help me in my personal and professional development.  I also realized, that this year's gift wishlist has something to do with blogging.  I'm happy that I have these wants because it just means one thing, that I am pursuing a better, more active, more informative and more inspiring blog.  That I am serious about growing this craft.  That I have bolder plans and that I am dreaming of taking it to a higher level so that I may be able to reach more moms and women like myself who want the best out of life for themselves and their families but at the same time choose to achieve those by virtue of practicality.  Pray with me that I may be able to achieve my blog goal for next year.  Also that I may be able to purchase (or better if hubby does the purchasing - although he'd given me his Christmas gift already) everything on my holiday wishlist! :)

2014 is just few days shy away from today.  Let me be one of the first ones to greet you a CHEERFUL, SUCCESSFUL and POSITIVE NEW YEAR!  Sama-sama pa rin tayo in 2014 muthers ha?

Cheers!

Advertorial

Christmas is really  here loves!  What better to celebrate it than have a family reunion over lunch or dinner at home with good old home-cooked meal!  It's a tradition in our family that my brothers and their families, as well as ours, get together every Christmas at my parents house.  I can say we can actually be called "Family Practicality" because we have pot luck Christmas lunch.  Each brings a meal or two to share to everyone.  This way, we don't need to spend too much by dining outside or buying food from restaurants.  Besides, nothing beats tasting each family's specialty menu!

My wacky and crazy beautiful family - Christmas Time

Speaking of which, I have said in the past that I may be a busy working mom who doesn't have time to cook anymore, but again, that doesn't mean I don't know how to cook.  In fact, when I do find time to cook, you've got to write down your name before you eat my mean meal, because you might forget your name or your spouse's name because of my sumptuous meal!  Let me share with you the staple in any of our family celebration, my Filipino-Italian Spaghetti!

Wow it's a hybrid of the usual kid-loved-Filipino Style spaghetti but with a zesty twist because it's got an Italian taste too.  Today's your lucky day love because I'll be sharing my recipe.  This spaghetti is much loved among the family, I'm a little proud to say that.  Are you ready?  First, here's how my meaty and yummy spaghetti looks like:

Filipino-Italian Spaghetti Recipe 

Ingredients:

• 1 kg cooked Spaghetti Noodles (any brand)
• 1-2 tsp of MINOLA Coconut Oil
• 1 large sized onion, peeled and diced
• 5-6 cloves of garlic, peeled and diced
• 3 medium sized tomatoes, cut in halves
• 1 small can of button mushrooms
• 3/4 kg lean ground pork/beef
• 3-4 pieces regular hotdog, sliced diagonally
• 1.5 kg Italian Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 cup of broth
• 1/2 tsp of Sugar
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, heat MINOLA Coconut Oil.  Add onions, tomatoes then garlic and stir occasionally until onions caramelized in color.
2. Add the hotdogs and cook for a minute then ground pork and cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally to break into small pieces.
3. Add the Italian Spaghetti Sauce and bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.
4. Once boiled, lower down fire then let it simmer for a few more minutes until the meat is fully cooked.
5. Add mushrooms to the sauce.
6. Add water especially when the sauce thickens.  Add sugar.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.