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/

My high school and grade school boys are both enrolled in traditional big schools.  But since I became a stay at home mom early this year, and upon seeing more and more of my friends are shifting to homeschooling their children, my curiosity and interest level on homeschooling rose.  Also, in Christian services and small group meetings with co-parents, they have shared countless times how our children will benefit from homeschooling. I also believe that parents are still the BEST teacher for their children.

Though yes, I truly believe in these to the point of even discussing this idea with my husband (to homeshool our second son and our toddler), questions like "Kaya mo ba?" or "Paano ma-aaccredit ang school tasks or performance ng mga bata?" or "Di kaya maapektuhan ang socialization skills nila?" - yang mga questions linger in our heads.

Gladly, there is a growing number of homeschooling orientation seminars and conventions almost year round, to educate parents about homeschooling - which my husband and I are very much interested to attend to learn more and finally have answers to our homeschooling worries and questions.  One is EFL's Philippine Homeschool Convention. 2018.

Educating For Life (EFL), in partnership with Moneygment and SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier is inviting us all to the 2018 Philippine Homeschool Convention on September 22, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.
EFL, a group composed of four homeschooling moms, organizes events for homeschoolers and other individuals or groups that are into homeschooling and what they'd like to call "intentional education." EFL has been organizing events for families—homeschoolers, in particular—since 2014.

The Convention, with the theme “On Fire!”, draws its inspiration from the quotation commonly attributed to the poet William Yeats, but is said to originate from Greek biographer and essayist Plutarch’s original words that say, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”

According to EFL, "As homeschoolers, we believe that our approach to education is characterized by this very concept. In homeschooling our children, we do not merely fill their minds with information. We aim for character-building that goes beyond the academics. We strive to guide our children to find what fuels them. We kindle these passions and vocations in the hopes that they find their meaning and purpose in life."

Thus, “On Fire!” is also a call to all Filipino homeschoolers—parents and children alike—to make a difference in a world that seems void of hope, empathy, and compassion. As we kindle the fire within our children and teach them life’s most important lessons, may all homeschooling families become tiny sparks that together will set the world ablaze.

To be held on September 22, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City, this year’s convention aims to gather Filipino parents and provide them with inspiration and encouragement to keep the flame burning as they fuel and kindle their children’s passion and purpose.

CONVENTION SPEAKERS
This year’s Philippine Homeschool Convention features inspirational speakers and seasoned homeschooling parents who aim to rally all homeschoolers to “Light the Fire”, “Fan the Flame,” and “Spread the Fire” of homeschooling within their families and communities.

Our line-up of speakers consists of both international and local speakers who will leave the participants inspired, encouraged, empowered, and equipped to start or continue their respective homeschooling journeys with even greater passion than before.

 Among them are homeschool student-turned-homeschooling veteran mom and advocate Cassandra Shepherd from New Zealand/Singapore, homeschooling dad, bestselling author and sought-after motivational speaker Jayson Lo, veteran homeschooling mom, author, and speaker at major U.S. homeschool conventions Dr. Teresa Moon from the U.S., and homeschool coach and author of the first homeschooling book in the Philippines Nove-Ann Tan.

If you are interested to know more about the program and topics during the convention, do visit http://www.educatingforlife.co/philippine-homeschool-convention-2018-program/ or http://www.educatingforlife.co/2018-convention-plenary-and-breakout-sessions/ for the plenary and breakout sessions.

CONVENTION EXPO/ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Apart from the talks, there will also be an expo featuring more than 50 merchants.  Educational toys and materials, tutorials, and classes which all aim to support both homeschoolers and  non-homeschoolers will be on sale or made available.

There will also be activities for kids and teens should you wish to bring them with you to be provided by Learning Lodge, Institute for Cultural Communicators, and YoutMax Plus.

PHC 2018 REGISTRATION PROCESS AND FEES
Currently, interested PHC participants can register online via this link:
http://www.educatingforlife.co/phc-2018-registration-page

Below are the registration fees:

• Early bird rate - Full access (With access to plenary talks, breakout sessions and expo) - P1000 per participant
• Expo only ticket - P100 per person
• Walk-in and on-site payment rate - Full access - P1200 per participant
• Kids 3 and below are free (lap seating only)

Physical tickets are also available at the following:

• Catholic Filipino Academy
• OMF Literature Bookstores
• Peniel Integrated Christian Academy of Rizal
• The Parenting Emporium

REMINDER: ALL TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. If you wish to pass on your ticket to another participant, please email registration@educatingforlife.co.

I am pumped up for this for sure it will be a day full of inspiration and learning!  Parents like us who are exploring homeschooling or are already homeschooling are encouraged to come. 

To know more about the convention and homeschooling inspirations and stories, visit
www.educatingforlife.co or follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/educatingforlifeco and Instagram: www.instagram.com/educatingforlife.co

Okay, okay, okay, so I heard that LAZADA and PAMPERS have exclusive product offers for mommy shoppers  on Super Brand day this coming August 29!  Aaack!  I seriously can't wait for that day!  PLUS!  We all could be part of the record-breaking #BabyMarathon!  WOW!  Two great news for us moms from 2 BIG brands, LAZADA, Southeast Asia’s biggest e-commerce portal, and the world’s top selling diaper brand (and my favorite diaper for my children) PAMPERS.
Okay, let me first tell you about Pampers' exclusive product offers on Lazada this coming August 29.  (Don't forget to mark that date momshies!) For one day only, Super Brand Day allows consumers to discover the best of what a brand offers, which includes exclusive gifts or vouchers, limited edition products and offers as well as offline experiences.

Be Part of the Record-Breaking #BabyMarathon with Seve 
A 42-minute video montage and first-ever virtual #BabyMarathon will also take place on August 29.  It's going to be a record-breaking activity featuring Pampers Ambassador Toni Gonzaga's baby Seve who will "run" in a marathon together with hundreds of babies and toddlers in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.  These cute babies will"run in a relay race and will be captured in the final video.

There will be five winners in the Philippines who get a chance to win a 6-month supply of Pampers diapers plus a grand winner of Php 30,000 cash. 

Ready, get set, go!
All diapering babies aged 5 months and above are welcome to join Lazada and Pampers in creating this one-of-a-kind record! The virtual #BabyMarathon video featuring all the little athletes who joined across Southeast Asia will be aired on Lazada on Super Brand Day on August 29.

My toddler Damien born and growing up with Pampers! :)

You can join the fun in two ways:

1. Take a video of your baby walking, playing or running about in their Pampers diaper and post on social media using the hashtags #PampersxLazadaPH, #BabyMarathon, and #SuperBrandDay.
2. You can also join through a professional crew at Gymboree Greenbelt 5 on August 27, to film your little one in action during the #BabyMarathon celebration.

Registration for the #BabyMarathon event in Gymboree is required in advance. You may check Pampers’ and Lazada’s social media accounts to find out more. 

Not all videos can be featured in the 42-minute video montage. But the most liked videos will win a
cash prize of PHP30,000 or 6-month supply of Pampers diapers.
Join a marathon of Pampers Deals on Lazada

To help babies enjoy their weekly marathons free from wetness and the discomfort of lawlaw diapers,
Pampers has put together a series of exclusive offers on 29 th August 2018:

Starting from 12am midnight, there are promotion offers up to 35% off on Pampers Baby Dry
Newborn Diapers and PHP100 discount vouchers for minimum PHP3000 purchases, which are
limited to a 1000 units only.

Lazada Philippines Chief Executive Officer, Ray Alimurung, said “We are proud to be partnering with Pampers, one of the world's leading diaper brands. This #BabyMarathon video collaboration excites us as this allows both brands and our customers to connect in the online and offline space. The campaign also strengthens Lazada’s continued commitment to be a one-stop shopping destination for all baby's needs.

Akhil Meshram, Pampers Philippines Brand Manager, said “Pampers recognizes that one of mom and baby’s biggest frustration are sagging diapers, and how this can affect babies’ ability to move and learn from their surroundings. The #BabyMarathon is part of our My Baby Can Do That Campaign, where we hope to show how babies can do nakaka-WOW and amazing things when they have the freedom to move, especially in a less lawlaw diaper. Lazada, given its massive footprint across Southeast Asia is the ideal platform to amplify our efforts.”

For more information on Super Brand Day, download and visit the Lazada mobile app, go to Lazada.com.ph and its social media pages:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines/ 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lazadaph/
Twitter: www.youtube.com/user/lazadaphilippines

For more information on Pampers, visit Pampers.ph and its social media pages.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PampersPh
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pampersph

I remember when my 2 older kids were toddlers and were still like huge sponges absorbing all the learning they could ever get. apart from ABCs and 123s, one of their interests is learning about animals.  This is the same with my youngest too.  There is something about the world of animals that definitely catches children's attention and imagination too.  The variety of their sizes, the way they move, and their different sounds, make animals very fascinating among kids.  I remember when I was little, I used to watch a local channel daily and I was so in love with Kiko Matsing and Pong Pagong.

Happy that ZooMoo, the first preschool channel which is all about wildlife and conservation, is now available on Solar Entertainment's latest digital platform, EasyTV.  ZooMoo brings funny and adorable puppet characters, stunning animation, breathtaking nature videos and interactive games that will help young children develop a love for animals. 
A collaboration between wildlife filmmakers and early childhood education experts from the University of Otago, New Zealand, ZooMoo features a lineup of more than 1,500 standalone episodes that are organized to make learning fun, easy, and effective for very young viewers.
The highlight of each show is the channel’s cast of funny animal puppet characters. Each furry friend has a unique personality, strength, and weakness the cast is able to overcome through teamwork. Some of these animal pals include the optimistic photographer Flash the dog, the wise and pedantic Owl, the skillful and expressive Ninja Gorilla, the inventive and adventurous Piglet, and the gentle giant Panda.
For additional content, the channel comes with a companion ZooMoo App that can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app lets kids explore a wildlife sanctuary called ZooMoo Island where they can look for and interact with up to 300 animals. Through the app, parents and their little ones can team up to complete games, puzzles, and other activities.

No Internet connection is required after the initial download, and parents don’t have to worry about in-app advertisements and purchases. ZooMoo’s ZooSync technology also enables users to sync their apps with the channel for more free content. Just run the app when a show flashes ‘ZooSync’ to receive gifts from the channel.

As a young child, I grew up knowing I have parents who love me and give everything I need and some wants.  I have brothers and cousins I used to play with.  I remember feeling secured and happy.  Until I went to school.
I still vividly recall up to this day how a classmate in Kinder teased and insulted me for not knowing what the color of the tree was.  I knew it was green, but I colored the leaves blue.  Not because I didn't know it should be green, but because I couldn't find the color green in my set of crayons.  That was the first time I felt disliked, rejected, unsafe, and insecure.
Unknowingly, it was the start of finding and shaping my identity through others' opinion and set of standards.  Call it peer pressure or pleasing others or just plain desire to be accepted and liked by people outside the family.  And I was just four years old then.

I have a morena skin and was sporting a short hair.  My classmates were mestizas and had long hairs adorned with pretty ribbons.  THEY became my standard of beauty.  So I asked my mom's help to grow my hair (used a lot of Gee! Your Hair Smells Terrific shampoo thinking it would help grow my hair faster) and put the nicest ribbons.  I had always felt ugly and insecure back then.

Looking back, and now that I am a mom myself, I realized how important it is to fill the LOVE TANK of our kids at home so that when they go out there in the wild (the unsure, the unknown, the critics, and the unforgiving real world) they are sure of themselves, they know they are loved, they know they are pretty or handsome, they know they are kind, talented, smart, they know they are enough being themselves because he/she is unique, and that he/she is fearfully and wonderfully created by God.

I used to blame my parents, especially my mom, for not making me feel beautiful or not doing everything she can to protect me, especially I am the only daughter, the only rose among thorns.  But now that I've come to know Jesus and that I've become older and a lot wiser through God's grace, everything was clearer to me - and I don't blame anyone at all.

NOT EVERYBODY WILL LIKE YOU - And that's okay.  That's what I have come to realize and this is what I also want to teach my children.  I know God's purpose for my resignation is to prioritize my ministry which is my family - my children.  He gave me a chance to correct my mistakes, make up for lost times and opportunities to show and tell them how much they are loved, and that they are enough.

Here are some things in my heart to teach and tell my boys:
To my teenager:

• You are good looking and those pimples will eventually go away. 
• You are making big progress in your basketball skills and that's something to be proud of.
• It's okay not to have a girlfriend or an MU even if your peers are already into a relationship.
• Never let clothes, new phone, new shoes or any material things define you.
• It's okay to not have too many friends.
• You are a responsible child and a good brother, keep it up.
• You have been very helpful to us, thank you.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

To my grade-schooler...

• You are making progress in socializing with other kids in Sunday school, keep it up.
• You have a big and wild imagination, keep on creating things.
• You have an exceptional drawing skills for your age.
• You are so different from your Kuya, but we love you just the same, like how we also love your baby brother.
• You have a big, kind, and compassionate heart.
• It's okay to not be like others, because you are special, you are unique in your own way.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

To my toddler...

• You bring joy to our family, you are like a glue which makes us all stick together.
• You are a good entertainer and you amaze us each day.
• Your learning skills in speech is so cute, you will learn to talk eventually.  Know that whatever you say, we understand you, your needs and wants.
• You have an exceptional driving and running skills.
• Your imagination this early is wild, keep on exercising your mind.
• You are the only one who exclusively breastfeeds from Mommy.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

MY CHILDREN - the world will have many expectations from you.  Expectations to keep up with the latest fashion and even gadget trends. Expectations to like what they like such as music artists, games to play or cartoon characters.  Expectations to have a girlfriend or a crush at a young age and engage in things (worse, vices) not appropriate for your ages.  Expectations to be cool or popular or stand out but not by doing what is good but what is different and harmful or hurtful to other people.

Mga anak, you don't need to meet those expectations.  You don't need to say, do, act, or have things just to be LIKED or to be popular.  Because honestly, you don't really have to make an effort to meet expectations just to be liked.  The fact is, not everybody will like you, and be rest assured, that is okay.

In our eyes, in our thoughts, in our hearts - YOU ARE ALL ENOUGH, and YOU ARE ALL LOVED.  We appreciate your presence in our lives.  We are thankful to God for bringing us such wonderful gifts that we don't deserve.  We are proud of who you all are.  We also acknowledge that no child is perfect and that's why we accept and love you just as you all are.  BUT as imperfect parents, it's our duty to raise up God-loving young men who will start their own families in the future and lead their children through their examples.  May we be able to show and teach you those examples well, through God's grace, even if we are imperfect parents to all of you.

But you know who accepts and not only likes but loves you the most?  God.  And He is enough.  Remember, not everybody will like you - and that is OKAY.

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!

If you've been a long time follower of my blog, thank you so much for your continuous support throughout the six years that I have been sharing my life online.  I pour out my heart in every milestone that I've shared on this cyber space where I feel safe and happy most of the time if not all the time.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You are one of the reasons why I am still blogging.

If you're a new follower or reader, thank you too for the 1.20 minutes (average reading time) you've spent on my blog. I sincerely hope that I was able to give you the information you need and inspire you as well.  I hope you stick around until I type the last word of my last blog entry (we can never can tell ika nga nila!)

So as my way of thanks, I am celebrating this with a simple giveaway, which I first ran a short and sweet survey among you guys on my Facebook Page.  Please do follow if you haven't (Mommy Practicality On Facebook).

I am giving away THREE (3) Packages to my lucky followers which will be randomly drawn via Google .Number Randomizer.

Here are the simple mechanics:

1. Follow/Subscribe to Mommy Practicality on:
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mommypracticality
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mommypracticalty
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/ldfandino
2. Like my IG feed post/photo and do the following:
1. Comment how many items in total I am giving away (combination of three packages) shown in the photo.
2. Repost the photo with this caption: "I am a loyal follower of @mommypracticality and she's celebrating her 6th year in blogging with a giveaway!  A chance to win one of the three packages by guessing how many items in all is she giving away in this photo.  Join her celebration giveaway too @TaggedFriend1 @TaggedFriend2.
3. Make sure you include the hashtag #MommyPracticalityTurns6 and make your IG profile public so I may track all your entries.
4. This celebration giveaway is happening until end of August.

I cannot stress enough how important play is for children.  In fact, I have written about it countless times on this blog.  During Warble's official opening of its first branch at 4th Floor of Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, I learned that while play is important in the lives of our children and it is work for them as how our jobs are to us, the toys and environment should still be carefully and intentionally selected and prepared for them.
According to Karen Pacia of projectmommyger.net, a well-prepared environment for play which teaches them life skills is a place where it's safe for our children to move around, explore, and experience real world.  This area should be clutter-free so the kids could focus on their tasks, teach them independence and self-discipline.
I honestly still have a long way to go in arranging the kids' room into a Montesorri-type area.  In fact, there are so many toys around the house that I know do not contribute a lot to valuable learning through play for my toddler.  I believe some of them may be overstimulating pa nga.  Too much colors, too much buttons, too much noise.  Kahit ako nadidistract na rin.  I should start sorting and storing soon.  Glad that I was able to learn this real play concept from Karen (and more!)
Warble, the newest concept store, offers kids creative and functional gear to make learning a fun experience.  Looking at the well-thought pieces of furniture from brands which encourage movements in a safe environment, Warble makes it possible for kids to develop their creativity, social skills, and motor skills as well.  Having safe kids' furniture for play maximizes their capacity to learn.

Iya Villania-Arellano, one of the brand’s ambassadors shared “We love the foldaway mats! Primo is such an active and curious kid so we’ve really “nested” a space where he can enjoy play time safely
and as creatively as he wants!”
My kids were able to experience playing and socializing with other kids using the furniture and equipment available for display during the opening of its first branch. My toddler spent most of his play time in the ball pit with mini-slide.
During the event, the kids were busy with activities prepared for them and this helped us moms become attentive to the talk made by Karen.  But in my case since I have a super active toddler that time who loved roaming around the place and enjoyed the Fold Away mats a little bit too much, I wished that I had a clone that day (eerr.. make that every day please!).

You'll see the kids all had so much fun.  Thanks Warble for this.
Warble introduces a selection of kids’ furniture and equipment specifically designed to integrate play with everyday living. Their product lines are dedicated to nurturing and encouraging innate curiosity in the early years. From furniture for indoor fun like multiple use foldaway mats, convertible chairs, and dollhouse or adventure themed furniture to world-renowned strollers and car seats by Babyzen for outdoor adventures, Warble truly puts to heart the value of play. “Creative play is critical to children’s development. We started Warble hinged on the idea that play ensures holistic development in children. We worked with other moms and did some research to curate a selection of furniture and equipment that can provide play spaces that are practical but also stylish and fun,” says owner Claudine Chan-Cobankiat.

As you can see in the next photos, my toddler enjoyed and got to try almost all the wooden kiddie furniture on display at Warble which made him really happy.  This little one loves exploring and is not afraid to try new things, and so DID HE! :)

Damien enjoying himself as if riding a real jeep in this Warble Jeep Table and Chair.

This Convertible Cube Chairs are available in three (3) sizes JULIE (infant), CASSIE (toddler), and KARA (pre-school)  Damien sat on this chair while Karen was demonstrating in front how this converts.  She got herself an instant demo kid. :)

This boy is full of imagination and I don't stop him when he takes interest in dollhouses, cooking or kitchen toys, cake decorating toys or even some girl toys.  This one below is dollhouse chair which makes part of the whole Warble Dollhouse Collection (Table, Shelf, and Chair).

Warble Dollhouse chair which doubles as a dollhouse toy already, better to get the whole set! :)

Warble is now open on the 4 th Floor, East Wing, Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, you may email them at warblekids@gmail.com, check them on Facebook and Instagram or follow their stories via hashtag #WarbleKids.

Since the time when online shopping became popular in the Philippines, I've become a fan of it for many reasons and one of them is convenience.  But I make sure that I only transact or purchase from trusted and secure online shops or those recommended by family and friends.

Sa totoo lang there's a very popular (I'm sure you've shopped from there countless times too) one which carries thousands of brands from official brand stores and also from small-medium-enterprises.  But sa dami ng products, items, it gets too overwhelming sometimes.  I end up confused and frustrated or buying things I don't really need.  When most of the time I only look for Mommy/Baby/Kids stuff.  So for these items, one of my go-to online shop is Kids Company.

As a practical mom shopper, I like shopping at Kids Company for the following reasons:

1. Convenience.  Online shopping for me spells convenience especially now that I cannot leave the house anytime I want to since I became a stay-at-home-mom.  Having an online store such as Kids Company saves me travel time (and you know how worse our traffic has become), expense for gas or cab, effort to dress and make up.  With just few clicks and minutes, shopping for mom and baby essentials, and toys is done.  Time is not wasted on traffic but spent with what matters most, my family.

2. Availability of over 50 trusted licensed brands.  There are more than 50 available, popular, and authentic brands and products such as Mega Bloks, VTech, Chicco, Bright Starts, Barbie, Ben10, Cars (my sons' favorite), Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, Disney, MiFold,Sanosan, Joie, and many more!  And what gives you peace of mind pa is that you're assured they are ALL AUTHENTIC.  So sure ka of what you buy and that you are buying your money's worth, lalo kapag naka-SALE.  Unlike buying from the popular online store I mentioned earlier, sometimes even if it's posted as authentic, when you get the item, you still doubt if it really is.

3. There's something for every family member.  This is so true because though it's called Kids Company, hindi lang naman pang-kids ang available items.  Mom care brands are available, baby gears (cribs, carriers, strollers, car seats) and feeding/nursing items (baby bottles, sterilizers, nursing pillows) are there too.  Developmental toys,infant toys, play mats, and toys for collectors are available as well.  Pati clothes and costumes available din.  And again, everything is authentic.  Matunog sa atin yan mga momsh right?

4. Regular SALE of items all year-round.  Practical moms represent.  Naku yang ang favorite word natin when we shop.  Better that the things we need are on sale.  You don't need to wait for the quarterly mall sales, at Kids Company, regular ang sale nila.  In fact, as I write this, overlapping ang Back-To-School sale nila (June 1 - July 31, 2018) and Mid-year Sale (July 25 - August 3, 2018).  In fact, even when these two sales are done, they have a year-round sale if you don't mind dented boxes of the items you need but still brand new.  They also have clean-up promos and marked-downs promos.  So meaning, all year they have SALEs and this is a feature that's close to every moms on a budget but still want to give their best to themselves and their family.

5. FREE shipping option nationwide.  You read that right!  Free shipping if you order Php1000 and above for Metro Manila and Php2000 and above provincial.  Imagine how much it would cost you to ship a big item let's say a stroller or a crib right?  This feature makes online shopping a lot more inviting especially if you want to practically save as much pesos as you can.

6. Multiple payment methods including COD.  For those who are quite skeptical about using online payment channels whenever you shop online, there's a Cash On Delivery (COD) option when you purchase at Kids Company.  Happy ako also that you can pay electronically via VISA, MasterCard, mobile payment, online banking, 7-Eleven, M.Lhuiller, and even 0% installment on selected credit cards.  Kahit payment is so convenient and secure.

7. There's Loyalty/Rewards Program.  Alam ng mga practical mommies that we really use the points in our loyalty or rewards cards.  Ako personally, I've used my loyalty points in my numerous rewards cards such as in groceries, department stores, drug stores, and also gas stations!  Every time you purchase at Kids Company for mom, baby, kids, and gifts needs, you earn points which of course you could use in the future to purchase stuff for FREE!  Love talaga ng mga practical mommies and rewards program. Agree?

NOW, Here are what I don't Like about Kids Company
Of course I meant this as an exaggeration of all the things I love about Kids Company.  Because, it's too much that I couldn't handle it.  Haha!  Share ko muna some of the brands I have with me from Kids Company:

VTech Playtime Bus with Phonics which is currently on sale on the website! :)

Hot Wheels Speedtropolis Set

1.  The year-round SALE make sends me indescribable feeling.  You know the excitement feeling as if seeing your crush whenever you're browsing through their site, ganun!  The kilig feeling makes me eat more kasi.  That means more pounds added to my weight!

2.  Too convenient. The convenience makes me tired - pero happy.  Because I can shop even when at home without any worry, then I get to do more at home - more time to do the laundry, wash dishes, clean the house.  But though I get tired, I feel accomplished and happy to be able to fulfill and spend my time to things that matter more rather than the traffic or the hassle of commute or finding an available parking space.

Do take a look and experience the convenience of shopping.  My reviews are just words you read it's better if you experience them yourselves (lalo na yung SALE!)  For more information, visit their website: www.kidscompany.com.ph/  and follow their updates and stories on social media: