Moms like us tend to do more for others and forget about rewarding ourselves.  We either lack time or we remember and actually go out, but feel guilty afterwards.  

Isn't that true for you?  If it is, you're not alone.  But mommas, we deserve a break and some pampering time - and we shouldn't feel any mom guilt for it.  Especially these past few months when we've been locked down at home.  Our skin have become drier, duller, and look more haggard than ever before.  I admit to having bad skin lately that's why I'm thankful for the break I took recently to have a Revitalight Facial at Skin Station PH.

It is the newest facial service of SkinStation that uses a combination of facial, diamond peel and Nd-Yag laser to refresh and rejuvenate tired, dull skin.  It revitalizes our skin in an instant to make it more youthful looking.  It also rejuvenates our skin to turn it from dull to glowing.  Since the laser's heat penetrates within, it promotes collagen formation.  Collagen is the one responsible for making our skin supple and having good elasticity.  Plus, for more mature individuals like me, it helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and minimizes pore size.

The Procedure.

Before visiting any SkinStation branch for the treatment, you have to first book your appointment.  You may contact Ms. Marga of SkinStation Marketing via their Instagram account.  Ms Marga is very responsive and also so nice to talk to.  Once you've booked an appointment, you'll receive an email confirmation/reminder of your schedule.  Be sure to reply with your health declaration form.  Be sure to also show up on your scheduled appointment day and time.

FACIAL - This is the very fist step of the Revitalight Facial treatment.  Every procedure should start with a clean face.  This is what facials do.  Cleansing is like how you do it when you apply facial soap or foam on your face, but in facials, of course a skin professional does it for you.   What I love about facials is the facial massage!  It relaxes my tensed facial muscles that usually are flexed during online learning and reviewing of the lessons or when you have to fix a messy room multiple times a day, like 100 times.  Pricking is part of facial.  I used to be traumatized just hearing that word because I had a bad experience in my 20s.  But I've come fat since, and now I know my acne, whiteheads, and blackheads are in good hands with SkinStation.  After extraction of the unwanted extras caused by our facial sebum seated in our pores, a procedure to close the pores will be done.

DIAMOND PEEL - Diamond peel works wonders for our skin especially when done regularly.  It is level up cleansing and clearing of our faces because it removes dead skin cells, deep-seated dirt, and also excess oil on our faces.  The motion I felt was like every centimeter of my face was being sucked by a small hole or pipe.  It felt good knowing that the other unwanted elements of my face are taken away.  This step is necessary before the laser treatment which is up next.

ND-YAG LASER - This is the last step of the whole Revitalight Facial treatment.  It uses a machine that has adjustable frequency or strength of the intense beam of light energy being emitted and directed at the skin. The laser beam heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates collagen production over time, resulting in better skin tone and texture.  This is the reason for glowing of the skin, tightening feeling, and minimized pores of the face after the treatment.

If you're new to laser facial treatment, you may feel a little shock but you'll get used to it. I've had more than five laser facial treatments before this, so my face quite knows what type of shock it should expect, so to speak.  But overall, the laser treatment went smoothly, no discomforts and no pain.

Instant Effects, after-treatment care, and Q/A

After the whole treatment, there was an instant lift or tightness of my skin.  It felt really clean and bright.  It's important not to wash the face for 6 hours after the treatment.  No application of make-up or creams after the treatment.  It's also important to apply sunblock every time you'd be going out.  As usual, do your skincare routine especially these three: Cleanse, Tone, and Moisturize.

I'll be answering some questions you may have: 

Overall, I had a pleasant experience during my very first visit at SkinStation.  I chose their Greenhills because it's one of the nearest branches to me.  The clinic was divinely clean.  The clinic practices strict health protocols to comply with the city's regulations. Ate Belle, my skin specialist was such an expert, she's so courteous, and you know she knows what she's doing.  Promos are available in the clinic as well as their website and social media accounts.  

So mommas, invest in yourselves.  Make sure you pamper yourselves and not feel any amount of guilt at all.  You deserve this!  For more information and inquiries, visit SkinStation's website: https://skinstation.ph/ or follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/skinstationph/and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/skinstationph

What? Potatoes come in different forms? The answer is, YES!  But first let me tell you about the time I fell in love with potatoes.

When I was a toddler, the potato is the first vegetable I ever ate and actually loved!  It was an introduction to the wonderful healthy veggie world.  I loved it because it didn’t taste bitter nor smelled funky.  And that’s what I did for my children, too!  I started their veggie journey with the simple yet super nutritious potatoes!

The humble spud is essentially a super food. Did you know that the nutrients in potatoes help boost our energy and strengthen our immune system? They are a good source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, and minerals such as protein and iron. All of which help keep us strong and protect us from common illnesses.  Yummy and healthy. That’s what the entire family needs!

And speaking of taters, make sure you’re consuming top-quality U.S. potatoes. They are delicious, versatile, easily available, and affordable. U.S. potatoes can be used in all types of dishes and cuisines. It’s your all-around kitchen partner.

Potatoes can be enjoyed fried, boiled, baked, steamed, grilled, and many other ways! This brings us to the initial question… Did you know that potatoes come in different forms?  I also was not aware of this. Then I read up more about this veggie I consume almost every day. Here’s what I found out.

U.S. Fresh / Table-stock Potatoes – these are the potatoes most of us are familiar with.  This is what we see in stores everywhere.  Did you know that there are more than a hundred U.S fresh potato varieties, but they fall under these seven categories: russet, red, white, yellow, blue-purple, fingerling, and petite. Now, U.S. fresh potatoes are not always available in the Philippines. Good news is they’re currently in stock in supermarkets in Manila and Cebu! Check them out in the produce section of the store nearest you.

Suggested Recipe: Porkchop with U.S. Potatoes in Gravy

U.S. Frozen Potatoes – these come in different varieties and are easily available in leading supermarkets nationwide. U.S. frozen potatoes use state-of-the-art technology to meet high industry standards and are instantly quick-frozen to lock in the flavor and nutrients. Some of the cuts available are frozen half shells, wedges, slices, straight cuts, crinkle cuts, loop/curly or popularly known as twister fries, lattice/basket weave, tater tots, and hash browns. We usually buy straight-cut fries and hash browns.  I am more comfortable cooking them at home because I know exactly what kind of cooking oil and how much salt I use. 

Good old-fashion Fries with Catsup or Mayo

U.S. Dehydrated Potatoes – I also didn’t know about this type until I read about them!  When you hear the word dehydrated it automatically means lack of water, right?  Dehydrated potatoes are real potatoes just with all the water removed.  U.S. dehydrated potato products deliver all the flavor, nutrition, and versatility of potatoes in a more convenient package – and are the perfect ingredient for everything from soups and salads to main dishes and desserts.  If you’re a newbie, like me, try making the basic mashed potato. It’ so quick and easy, you’d be done in minutes! Here in the Philippines, you can usually find them in baking supply stores. 

Suggested Recipe: Quick and Easy Mashed Potato

As a mom who loves to cook, knowing that one of my favorite veggies has this much to offer makes me giddy with excitement! U.S. potatoes truly present a world of POTATOBILITIES in the kitchen.

Make sure to include U.S. potatoes in your next grocery run! Find more information on U.S. potatoes by visiting their website. Like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more potato trivia and recipes.

Needless to say, the pandemic and the consequent quarantines it has caused are nothing short of stressful. Aside from having to adjust to working from home, most moms also have to take on the responsibility of being their kids’ primary educator on top of being the main manager of their homes. All these, and more, make it incredibly important for moms to take the time to care for themselves. After all, self-care is a necessary practice that promises benefits -- not just to the person doing it but also for the people around him or her.

If you are a busy mom who is at a loss as to how she can start engaging in self-care activities, here are some ideas that can help you get started:

Regulating your news intake 

While staying on top of things and of current events is of utmost importance during these trying times, exposing yourself to an unhealthy amount of bad news on a daily basis can be detrimental to your mental health. This practice can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability, fear and danger. Furthermore, it can also generate a sense of hopelessness, helplessness and feelings of not being enough. To keep such unfavorable emotions at bay, learn how to filter what you read. As highlighted in our previous post ‘How to Stay Positive While in Quarantine’, it would also be in your best interest to subscribe to positive and inspiring content that will either make you laugh or encourage you to do good things. Besides unplugging, Medical News Today noted that you can also try shifting your focus to the things that you can solve. For instance, you can put up small food drives that can help your immediate community or offer additional support to frontliners.

Establishing a skincare routine

There are many reasons why skincare is among one of the most popular activities that encourage self-care. As explained in an article published by Everyday Health, a skincare routine can provide stability, inhibit intrusive thoughts, boost self-esteem and trigger the release of feel-good hormones. If you are new to this activity, the best option for you would be to build a basic routine that includes the most important products like a gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer with SPF, a serum and a toner. It would also be a good idea to not limit yourself to just products that improve skin health from just the outside. Try to invest in items that can improve your skin from within such as supplements. Case in point: the Frozen Collagen Supplements on PrettyMe are said to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, the size of your pores and the likelihood of acne breakouts.

Engaging your sense of smell while meditating

Meditating as a way of engaging in self-care offers a myriad of physiological and psychological advantages. Healthline mentioned how this tried and tested activity can aid in reducing stress and age-related memory loss, controlling anxiety, enhancing self-awareness and lengthening attention span. Moreover, meditation in whatever form can also help fight addiction, improve sleep, regulate pain and decrease blood pressure. To make meditative sessions even more relaxing, you can accompany it with aromatherapy. Depending on the kind you want to use, essential oils can induce calm and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. For instance, Plant Therapy's set of essential oils featured on Elle calm the mind and the body, reduce anxiety, fight seasonal allergies and boost energy.

Although it may seem like things are slowly turning out for the better and the fear that people have over the pandemic is finally subsiding, those are not enough reasons for busy moms like you to slack off on caring for themselves. Try out some of the ideas we presented and take the time to look for a self-care activity that works best for you.

2020 is just around the corner, and yet we are still in quarantine plus a lot of unfortunate events happened all throughout the year.  Covid-19 hit us hard, typhoons Rolly and Ulysses devastated a number of cities and contributed to a number of homeless and hungry kababayans, a huge fire in our neighborhood displaced some 500 families, and a good friend passed away recently.

I could go on but still I am grateful for the gift of family and true friends, for God's provisions, for good health, for roof over our heads, for a stable job for my husband, projects here and there, and capability to help others in need.  

Thinking about it, there are still a lot to be thankful for and worth celebrating lalo na sa dadating na Pasko.  Kaya naman #TuloyPaRinAngPasko and what better way to celebrate it than to have the star of the Christmas table, ang Virginia Festive Hams and samahan na rin natin ng Virginia Noche Buena treats!

Virginia Food, Inc. helps us all be reminded that no matter what circumstances we may be in, this season is worth celebrating.  For me, the real reason for the season is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.  Even if 2020 wasn't that too good (for how can I feel good if others don't), I am still grateful that we're still alive.

Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko.  Though we cannot celebrate the way we used to like family gatherings and reunions, we can still celebrate safely at home or give gifts to our loved ones.  A good idea would be giving them one of these delectable Virginia Festive Hams:

• Virginia Pear-Shaped Ham
• Virginia Chicken Pear-Shaped Ham
• Virginia Hamon de Bola
• Virginia Black Forest Ham
• Virginia Season's Delight Ham
• Virginia Pineapple Ball Ham
• Virginia Brick Ham
• Virginia Chinese Fortune Ham

Imagine for as low as Pho150 you can already enjoy a feast with your family.  This is also an excellent gift idea this Christmas.

When you come across 3M, what comes to your minds?  For me, I think of Post-it Notes, Scotch, and Scotch-Brite.  I bet most of us do because these are just some of the most iconic brands that nearly everyone across the globe grew up with.  I started using post-its in high school and still use it to this day!  These all come from their mother company - 3M, which applies science in collaborative ways to improve our daily lives whether you're a mom, a career person, a student, and just about anything - we use 3M's innovative products.  3M is one of the strongest science advocates in the market.

We encounter 3M products every day, everywhere. In fact, the most recognizable products like the colorful Post-it® Notes we’ve come to rely on as great reminders, the supreme adhesive quality of Scotch® Magic Tape we often use for wrapping gifts, and the iconic yellow and green dishwashing sponges by Scotch-Brite Brand that is a staple at the kitchen sink. These are all so embedded in our daily lives as Filipinos. 

In a recent 3M Virtual Innovation Tour I attended, I was amazed to know how much 3M I've been using in my life and how it's truly embedded in our everyday lives.  I learned that our mobile phones and laptops likely have multiple 3M applications inside it. The tint in our car is also 3M and it's been there for 5 years but still looks new with almost no sign of wear!  Even the road signs are made possible with science and technology from 3M (called retro-reflective, by the way). The vast breadth of 3M’s products and technologies continue to grow and even as we transition to a changed reality due to the pandemic, the innovation company shows no sign of stopping.

There's science behind every 3M products.  While each product was produced to make our lives easier, safer and more convenient, all of 3M products were thoroughly studied to bring magic to our lives and ensure highest efficiency with every use.  For example, when washing dishes, abrasive minerals were embedded in their scouring pads to allow for superior cleaning of our pots and pans.  Their Command™ Hooks have the best adhesives that won’t damage walls yet still holds on strongly.  Seeing and understanding what makes the classic disposable N95 particulate respirator of 3M special was also eye-opening. It is their unique filter media technology that goes into their respirators that allows for greater passage of air, while keeping us safe from the nasty contaminants. This also offered better appreciation on why face masks are for general public and why the N95 respirators are better left for the healthcare workers. 

It was also refreshing to know that a big company like 3M still manages to be active in supporting the country through various charitable activities and also sharing their knowledge in science like their Science at Home program, ultimately staying true to their vision of improving lives. 

We were also given a taste of one Science at Home experiment by the 3M engineers, on chromatography which is definitely doable with kids at home with available materials. 3M is  actively advocating for continuing education with Science at Home, a series of science education modules that parents and kids can do together, to supplement science lessons in school. 

Financial grants have also been provided for Project Damayan of Caritas Manila and Philippine Business for Social Progress. On the other hand, personal protection equipment (PPE) donations have been made to Philippine National Red Cross and several private and public hospitals in the country aimed to support those affected by the pandemic. Earlier in the year during the height of the Taal Volcano eruption, 3M Philippines also provided PPE donations to World Vision Philippines, the Philippine National Red Cross and other first responders. 

To know more about 3M Philippines, its products, and advocacies head over to https://www.3mphilippines.com.ph/ for more information.

Everything seems to be online these days diba? Online learning, online meetings, online events, online workshops and talks, and my favorite of all - ONLINE SHOPPING.  I love doing things online and to be honest, I am embracing this new normal with open arms because as I grow more mature, I enjoy the comforts of home and just being with my loved ones.  My favorite of all those online activities is: ONLINE SHOPPING!

Why?  First, it's convenient I don't need to go out, fall in line, brave the traffic or look for parking.  Second, it's practical for me because it saves time, effort, and even expense (no unnecessary spending on food kahit hindi naman ako gutom or impulse buying and no travel expense which is more expensive than courier fees.)  Lastly mommies like me na madiskarte, did you know that you can actually SAVE MONEY while you SPEND it for shopping?  Pwede yan with ShopBack!  

What is ShopBack?

Shopback is the #1 rewards and discovery platform in APAC. It's a platform that lets users earn up to 30% cashback when shopping online.  In short, you get cashback whenever you shop using your favorite shopping platforms.  Shopback has partnered kasi with 500+ merchants including our favorites like Shopee, Zalora, Nike, Aliexpress, Foodpanda, Booking.com, Lazada, etc.  Each time you make a transaction, you get a percentage of your money back. Aside from redeeming discounts and promo codes, cashback is another way of getting savings from online purchases.

How To Use ShopBack?

1. DOWNLOAD ShopBack APP for free via Play Store or Apple Store or you could also sign up via web.  SIGN UP for a free-to-use ShopBack account.  Signing up is easy peasy too!
   
   
2. BROWSE on the shops, explore categories (food, groceries, fashion, electronics, beauty, and more!), check exclusive voucher offerings. Click on your chosen online store and SHOP as usual.
   
   
3. GET CASHBACK in your ShopBack account in 72 hours!

ShopBack also rolled out its annual mega year-end shopping festival in the Philippines called ShopBack ShopFest!  It's the first online stop for shoppers who want to get the most out of this year-end sales period (10.10, 11.11, and 12.12).  

Could there be anything cuter than these?  I've used Tiny Buds and purchased PatPat items for my little ones before and I guarantee that you'll be getting your money's worth for your purchases!

So mommies and soon to be moms, are you up for saving or earning while you spend for shopping?  Who isn't?  I AM! Basta don't forget to open ShopBack first when you're planning to do your online shopping (especially during the SALE periods), so you can maximize potential savings in every peso you spend.  Yan ang totoong practical right?  Hindi lang basta nagtitipid, kailangan nag-e-earn din kahit pa nag-sspend for shopping.  That's only possible through ShopBack!

Download the app today and sign-up easily!  Your cashbacks from Shopback, you can treat it as your secret mommy savings para guilt-free shopping ka na by the time you withdraw from ShopBack.  For more information, visit https://www.shopback.ph/ and follow them on their social media accounts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbackph/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopBackPhilippines

I recently experienced social media or digital anxiety - I'm not sure if there's such a thing.  But that's what I've been through these past couple of weeks.

To be exact, I felt overwhelmed, fearful, unsure, worried, insecure, and it seemed like all my efforts were not enough.  

I battled with all those feelings or mental state in the days and weeks that went by.  You may or may not notice it but if you know me well - you'd know that I took a break.

Yes, I was still present, but if you could read between the lines of some of my posts, you'd know there's something quite off.

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CARRYING A HEAVY LOAD? Mid-week thoughts from a busy, overwhelmed, peace-yearning, and tired momma. It's always the way we carry it, isn't it? These past few days, I've been quiet here and there. I'm carrying a load of all sorts. I've been re-chanelling my energies and attention to things that make me happy - my family, my plants, my small biz, my oils, my cooking, and also my Kdramas. I'm shying away from the noise, from the pressure some people put on another. I'm shying away maybe from you who's still reading this. It's not you, it's me. Haha. I know exactly why I'm doing this and my pausing and slowing down is intentional. It's the way I am carrying the load. It's the way I'm coping. I'll be back, stronger, happier, more energized, more focused, and more open. We all cope with what's going on in our lives in different ways. Let's cope and not give up. If you're tired, rest. If things are moving on a fast pace that you couldn't keep up, pause. If there's too much on your plate, select the healthy ones and save the others for later. Prioritize, delegate, you can even decline. The important thing is to cope. Lastly,never think you're all alone in carrying all the load, God's with you every step of the way. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT Have a great week ahead!

A post shared by LOUISE-Mom & Lifestyle Blogger (@mommypracticality) on Aug 12, 2020 at 1:04am PDT

I'm the person people come to for consultation, for encouragement, for good vibes, and inspiration.  I'm that person and yet, there I was needing those things I give to others.

No one really noticed, unless I kind of gave some clues through my posts.

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MENTAL HEALTH Do what makes you happy. Divert your attention elsewhere if you think where you are isn't working well for you or when what used to bring you joy now tires you. Step back. Pause. Detox. But don't quit. Don't lose hope. Just take a break. As shared in my last post on coping these days. I've been refocusing my energies on things that make me really happy. My family is already a given. Sharing with you what's keeping me busy these days in case you're wondering what I've been up to. I'm just here, just detoxing. There's too much noise, still getting used to it again. I am coping. I'm taking care of my mental health as well. So these past few weeks were spent most on learning new skills. I baked my first-ever choco cuppies, baked more chocolate chip cookies, tended to my lovely plants (to which I was baptized a new title by my husband at home - a budding botanist), my small retail biz (reselling trolleys and UV Care products), and my YL oils too How have you been loves? Hope all is well with you.

A post shared by LOUISE-Mom & Lifestyle Blogger (@mommypracticality) on Aug 12, 2020 at 9:43pm PDT

But that's okay, because I didn't battle this anxiety alone, I had an ally fighting with me - I have GOD.  I battled everything in prayer.  I wasn't really alone.  

The first practical thing I did to help me with my mental health was - Social Media Detox.  What is it?  My personal definitions are any of the following: 

• It's taking a conscious and intentional break from your regular social media groove to take care of your mental and emotional health.  
• It's a much-needed pause when you feel there's too much noise or things are going too fast that you can't live your real life.
• It's practically putting your depleting digital energies somewhere or to something else (before it becomes empty) so you could recharge.
• It's simply staying away from social media to be more busy with your offline life.

How Social Media Detox Can Save You From Anxiety And Depression

Sometimes in life, stepping back or seeing ourselves from a different perspective is healthy.  It will make you realize many things, assess where you are and where you want to go, it will let you discover that YOU ARE MORE THAN WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE, and that whatever happens, whether you decide that you want to exit from the digital limelight or press on, that YOU ARE ENOUGH and that you are where you are for a PURPOSE.  

So if you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, take a break and detox from what stresses you.  Don't quit, don't lose hope.  Breathe in deeply, breathe out.

Then carry on.

    Things can ask our teenagers:
    - What are their learning style or what method of learning helps them better?
    -  Do they work better when tasks are given daily or for projects do they want open deadlines?
    -  Do they feel more confident when they ask their classmates or teachers regarding their lessons or can they do self-study or work better alone?

    Things we can ask our teenagers:
    -  What are they uncertain of?  
    -  Do they sometimes feel alone or helpless?
    -  Can they identify themselves well when at home?  With peers?  

    How we can help as parents:
    - Teach them kindness and forgiveness not only of other but of themselves.
    - Teach them life skills by making them decide on certain matters at home to encourage critical thinking.
    - Show interest in what they do and asking how they are doing.
    - Train how to make daily or weekly plans and sticking to them.
    - Teach importance of complete sleep and teaching mindfulness in every thing they do.