• One (1) Queen bed and one (1) single bed in room
• An LED TV powered by cable and also HMDI/USB ready for movies
• A desk with office supplies in its drawer (which was very useful for my second son)
• High speed wireless internet
• A living area with LED TV
• A small refrigerator stocked with beverages and snacks
• Mini-bar with more sweet treats for the kids
• Four (4) complimentary water bottles
• Coffee and tea making facility
• Complete toiletries (dental kit, liquid soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, roll of tissue)
• Towels
• Safe and laundry basket inside the closet

At the ground floor is where you'll find their function room the Lotus Ballroom, which could be divided to three smaller rooms.  This photo is without the divider and when I asked it can seat up to 300 pax.  This could be an option for your next big party or corporate event.  Food is good and usually, good food leaves good impressions on your event right?
OVERALL STAYCATION EXPERIENCE
If like me you're looking for a simple and relaxing stay with good food, then City Garden Suites is worth a try.  The hotel is more great for business travelers who want to stay near convention or exhibition centers and the airport or tourists or families who would want to experience Manila's richness in culture by visiting the Luneta Park, Intramuros, and taking a kalesa ride.

Too bad it was the Barangay elections on our Day 2 of stay so we weren't able to take advantage of their FREE Walking Tour to Intramuros which starts at 9:00 am ti 11:30am every day.  If you're also considering a full day of experiencing Old Manila as an educational tour or trip for yourself and your kids, consider staying at City Garden Suites because it's near historical places in Manila such as but not limited to: The National Museum, Intramuros, Luneta Park, Escolta, Binondo.  Do your thrift shopping as well in Divisoria, the Lucky China Mall, and many more then come home to City Garden Suites to rest your tired eyes, feet, and pockets!  Bring the kids to nearby kiddie attractions such as the Manila Ocean Park, Museo Pambata, CCP, and more!

Their staff is notably hospitable, pleasant, professional, and always smiling.  Nothing but good customer service which is the heart of any establishment.  Our room was clean and spacious, still I wish we were booked in a room with a bath tub! :)  But aargh, FOOD was great! We definitely had a memorable breakfast buffet experience. Parking is limited though and on a first come first served basis.  Room price is value for money!  Will we come back?  Yes we would!

FATHER'S DAY PROMO and MORE!
I experienced their Suite Treat For Moms promo, now they have another special promo for all the DADs out there!  Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show dad how much you care and City Garden Suites is taking it up a notch by celebrating it the whole month of June!!!

From June 1-30, 2018, the whole family may spend quality time with dad with the following inclusions for only Php 3,998.00:

• Instant room upgrade from Deluxe Room to a One Bedroom Suite
• Buffet breakfast for two (2) adults and two (2) children
• Relaxing one hour massage for dad
• Complimentary bottle of wine

For bookings, other promos, and reservations, you may visit https://bit.ly/2kzEItF or call (+632) 835-3831 or (+632) 536-1451.
For updates and more information, visit their website www.citygardensuites.com/.  You may also follow them on Facebook or Instagram: @citygardensuites.  You may also call 02-536-1451 for other inquiries.  City Garden Suites is located at 1158 A. Mabini St. Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines 1004.

School break is almost over.  Wait what?  I hear my kids ask that question with somewhat a disbelief tone.  Because!  I also can't believe that school season is waiting for us around the curb.  Yup, somewhere there!  Okay, so let me shake off this shock and start to face reality that back to school means back-to-gastos for most parents sending more than one child to school.  I would know, I am sending two now and in a few years, they will be three.  But all's good.

Alam niyo the Back To School season brings a good nostalgic feeling to me.  I remember as a child, I love coming back to my school to enroll and then head straight to National Book Store in Cubao to shop for school supplies.  I love the sight and smell of new school stuff.  I love running my hand through new pad papers and notebooks, trying out inks of different pens, and choosing the design of my pencil case myself.  And I am always reminded of that every time I enter any National Book Store.  It was a beautiful memory of my mom and I - which I have been passing on to my kids as well.  Indeed you could say I am #LakingNational.
Everything you need for school is at National Book Store.  You could find anything and everything here.  From writing materials, arts and crafts, books, accessories, and now so much more new things for school is under the roof of National Book Store.

Admit it, who wouldn't trust National Book Store for having everything?   They've been with every Filipino family supporting our school and office needs for 75 years!  That's why it's also about time that they venture into the education field with the recent launch of their NBS College.

Also, to keep up with the times and needs of busy moms who have not time to go out or brave the traffic, they accept your school supply orders via their website www.nationalbookstore.com or via delivery hotline ‎‎8888-627.  They will deliver right to your door step nationwide.  Delivery is FREE for minimum of Php1,000 purchase in Metro Manila and Php2,500 in provinces. All these were announced during the Back-To-School event hosted by Patty Laurel-Filart.
If your're new to back to school shopping, National Book Store will never leave you clueless as to what to purchase for your kids because of their school level online shopping guide.

My school kids Wes and Dandre are incoming Grades 2 and Grade 9.  Though I already knew what to buy because I came with a checklist of which to buy, the back to school shopping guide online is still a great  idea.  Such convenience for all National Book Store shoppers!
So, I recently went Back To School shopping and I had an awesome experience!  I was able to complete my list for both Dandre and Wes for a total of Php 2,250.00.  With this I was able to buy the following:

• 10 Writing Notebooks
• 10 Spiral Notebooks
• 1 Math Notebook
• Best Buy Set of folders (short and long) with plastic cover
• Best Buy Set of envelopes (short and long)
• 3 rolls of pre-cut plastic covers
• 2 rolls of tapes 
• A box of 24 Crayola crayons
• 1 Pencil Case
• 1 Crayon Case by Crayola
• 1 Cute arts and crafts scissors
• 1 box of Monggol #2 Pencils
• 3 Black Gel Pens
• Eraser
• Glue
• 2 packs of Art Paper
• 2 packs of Construction Paper
• 2 packs of Oslo Paper
• 2 packs of Colored Paper
• 1 expanded envelope with handle
• Manila Paper
• Best Buy pad paper set
• Grade 2 pad paper set

Let me share with you what you could find at National Book Store:
 So moms and dads, have you done your Back To School shopping already?  If not yet, whether online or offline, you know where to go - National Book Store!  Don't forget to bring your Laking National Card! :)
For more information, follow their story using this hashtag #BackToSchoolwithNBS.  Also follow them on Facebook: @nbsalert and Instagram: @nationalbookstore.

Happy Back-To-School Shopping!

Praise God that my kids don't get sick often.  I get really scared about illnesses that a mosquito bite may bring and another dreaded illness is anything related to their tummies.  Because when their tummies start aching and they couldn't describe how painful or which area, I think I would really panic.  I'm sure this worries any parents too right?
These tummy problems which are mostly digestive health-related diseases such as diarrhea and constipation, come from harmful bacteria. And boy, kahit tayo adults, our moods really change kapag tyan na ang pinag-uusapan, what more our children who couldn't articulate what exactly is going on in there? 

When our children become sick, how we wish tayo na lang sana, so this really causes us emotional stress.  Experts and moms in my community say probiotics may help ease your child’s digestive disorders and even make potty training more manageable.  Perfect timing for my baby Damien who will turn 2 in a few months. 

Okay, so let's now talk about Probiotics.

ABOUT 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?

INTRODUCING ERCEFLORA PROBIBEARS

Erceflora ProbiBears, a yummy tummy supplement with the combined 2-in-1 PROBIO-BOOSTER of not just Lactobacillus acidophilus, but also Bifidobacterium lactis – 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 good bacteria that are present in a lot of food. A study has shown that Lactobacillus was an effective treatment against infant colic and even helped improve immunity. Bifidobacterium, on the other hand, 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!  I opened one pack so you would know how it looks:
These cute Erceflora ProbiBears:

• Has NO Preservatives
• Is Trans Free
• Is Gluten Free
• Is Nut Free
• Kosher and Halal Certified

From the makers of the World’s #1 Probiotic, ProbiBears will reassure moms that their kids stay healthy in the tummy! Moreover, their kids will love it because it comes in fun and yummy chewable bears! Erceflora ProbiBears is the 2-in-1 Probiotic Supplement (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) that will help improve your child’s digestion.

Erceflora ProbiBears will be available in Mercury Drug by June for only Php540SRP per Box of 20s.

Now that I am a work at home mom, I get to manage the household very closely. By that I mean I take care of my children personally, I clean the house/dishes/clothes and whatever needs to be cleaned, and lastly, I get to plan, market, choose the food and cook at least twice every single day.

I feel fulfilled whenever I get to cook for my family.  Cooking is like an expression of my love through service to my husband and kids.  Though not a great cook, at least I can whip up a meal worth remembering and when I can't or don't have enough time but still want a delicious and healthy meal for my family, I get a convenient help from frozen food products I could get from the grocery and cook almost instantly - such as Fisher Farms PH.

Fisher Farms PH has a lot of frozen fish products and we're glad to receive some to try, but actually, we've already purchased a few of their products before and we really liked the taste.  So I got really excited to try their other frozen products.

My family is a heavy breakfast and fish or seafood eaters.  So having fish anytime of the day is a welcome treat!  And if you would be interested to ask if my kids like fish, YES, super!  And vegetables too.  So, how's the taste?  It is definitely crispy on the outside because of its  breading, and it's fully cooked and tender inside.  The taste reminds me of my mom who used to marinate Dinaing na Bangus herself.  This is 100% made of Bangus, breaded, deboned, and Garlic and Vinegar marinated.  The pack is good for 4-5 servings.  Serve it with garlic fried rice and slices of tomato, hot brewed coffee, and mag-kamay for the best Pinoy breakfast experience.  Of course don't forget to wash your hands! :)
Personally, more than dried fish and dinaing na Bangus, I like Tinapa so much ever since I was a child.  When I first tasted Fisher Farms PH's Smoked Deboned Milkfish, I instantly liked it.  The bangus meat is tender and fresh.  The serving size per pack is generous, could even feed 4-5 hungry persons.  Pair it with again, garlic fried rice, tomato/onion/cucumber side dish and voila, you're in for a delicious and inexpensive experience with your family.  Plus, it's no hassle to cook it.  I recommend this in your cart on your next grocery day.
Honestly like the Hungarian Sausage, I was expecting this to taste seafoody-sisig, because after all it's a frozen seafood product.  Other bangus sisig I've tried tastes like that, fish.  But THIS, oh my, it's Bangus but it didn't taste fishy or malansa.  It says microwaveable on its packaging, but in my case, since I ditched the microwave, cooking it in a pan did the trick.  Usually a Sisig would need toyo-mansi (soy sauce + kalamansi) to season it. Fisher Farms PH's Bangus Sisig do not need seasoning anymore because it's tasty and in fact, for a frozen product it passed my and husband's Sisig taste standards, this is in comparison to the Sisig in famous grill restos in Metro Manila. :)

FISHER FARMS PH's POGI POINTS
1.  TASTE - If you love food because you love the fusion of different tastes in your mouth as you savor a dish, then you would also like Fisher Farms PH's frozen products.  You could never go wrong buying Fisher Farms Ph's package, any of their product line actually, because it tastes good!  No need for seasoning, it stands out.  Extra rice please?

2.  DISTRIBUTION - Fisher Farms Ph's frozen products are available in select branches of the following supermarkets: Savemore, SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Allday Supermarket, Metro Gaisano, Rustans Supermarket, Shopwise, South Supermarket, Waltermart, Puregold, Daily Supermarket, Fishermall, LCC, Ayagold, Pioneer Centre, Robinsons, The Landmark, and Ng Chain.

3.  PRICE - Price points of their frozen products ranges from Php 120 - Php299.  Sometimes, they also have limited time promos where you could Buy 1 Take 1, such as the one I bought from All Day Supermarket last month.  It's Mommy Practicality approved because it's a value for money purchase.

4.  HEALTHY - Fisher Farms PH milkfish is a healthier choice! Bangus has lower fat content than pork belly.  Plus it's also a good source of heart-healthy Omega-3!

I recommend moms who are on the go who sometimes have little time to prepare healthy meals for their family, try Fisher Farms PH frozen products and make sure you include them in your next grocery list.  Above four are my favorites, but you may find your own favorite from the variety of their other milk fish products such categorized into:
- Gourmet Selections
- Microwaveable Meals
- All Natural Fish Sausages
- Regular Fish Deli
- Kiddie Fish Delis
- Deboned Milk Fish
- Frozen Whole Fish

Happy Healthy Eating! :)

Mother's Day is the most celebrated event for a mom's life in a year, next to her birthday and wedding anniversary.  Well this is the arrangement of occasion importance at least for me personally. :)  Do you agree to this?

Actually you know what, moms' selfless love and care, sacrifices, strength, and even resilience should be celebrated every day, all year round.  So should Valentine's Day right?  That's why, all these occasions are perfect timings to send us, Moms/Wives a beautiful bouquet of flowers, just like what I received last Mother's Day from Flower Chimp Philippines.

I received this with a large thick cellophane as protection

Beautiful and fresh flowers make me really happy!

Lovely combination of flowers for this particular bouquet

This Valleta bouquet came with a nice vase.  Look at the bouquet, it's HUGE and really pretty!

1. Go to www.flowerchimp.com.ph/
2. Find a bouquet that you like. On the product page, choose from options offered (e.g. including a glass vase). 
3. Add the bouquet to your cart.
4. Open the cart and input your special instructions like date of delivery, your personal message, and of course, sender name.
5. Proceed to checkout. Provide your email address and delivery plus contact details of the recipient.
6. Pick your shipping and payment method - Payment can be done via Visa and Master Card.

1. FREE delivery on ALL orders to ALL regions in the Philippines.
2. SAME DAY DELIVERY within Metro Manila for online orders made before 1pm (Mon-Sat).
3. They have a wide selection of ready made bouquets to choose from.
4. You could narrow down your bouquet selection based on the following filters:
• Occasion
• Color of flowers
• Price Range
• Flower Type
5. Guaranteed FRESH FLOWERS every day.
6. Practicality - you don't need to be hassled to go out of your way to go to flower shops yourself or even in Dangwa to choose the flowers yourself and have it arranged, wait until the arrangement finishes and only to pay almost the same price.  The premium you will pay to have your flowers delivered by Flower Chimp PH is for the convenience and comfort of just ordering it online.  You know how traffic could get the best of us right?

https://www.mommypracticality.com/2018/05/mommy-practicalitys-mothers-day-giveaway.html

Express your feelings and appreciation to the special persons in your life with flowers.  You can never go wrong with flowers.  Flower Chimp PH is your partner in bringing joy and brightening someone's day.  Flowers are guaranteed BEAUTIFUL and FRESH.  Thanks to technology, you don't need to go out of the comforts of your home to get big and pretty flowers, order it online.  Have it delivered for FREE same day pa!