Friday, November 03, 2017

Beautiful desks for work-at-home mamas

If you work from home like I do, you probably drool over those beautiful #deskgoals photos on Instagram (as I do haha). Pottery Barn sent me an article, "How To Organize Your Home Office for Increased Productivity," which I will publish below in a bit, but before I do that, lemme just show you mamas the desks and work tables available now at Pottery Barn. They are sooo nice!

This is the Juno Desk. I like its iron and wood aesthetic. As I get older and my life more full, I've found that I prefer to be surrounded by streamlined things—in design and function.


Although there is a thing about being too simple. I don't know how to feel about this Pittsburgh Crank Desk. It looks like it used to be a sewing machine. I do appreciate its lines. I think it appeals to the simplest design lovers, or steampunk fans.

Modern elegance—that's the Ava Metal Desk. It's so sleek and, my goodness, you have really keep this kind of table clear and uncluttered!

And this is me. My escritoire looks just like this except that mine doesn't have drawers. This Toulose Secretary Desk is right up my alley. It's simple and functional, has tons of storage space, and when my life gets too messy and chaotic, I can just hide it and lock it away hahaha. Totally love this desk!

Now here's the article Pottery Barn wants me to share with you, working mamas. Happy weekend, and rest well. Love lots from working mama me to working mama you!


* * * * * * *

How To Organize Your Home Office for Increased Productivity

PRESS RELEASE - If you work from home, you know that the setup of a home office space can directly influence how productive you are. Working from home has its challenges, as it can be much harder to focus than it is in a traditional office environment. With a few simple design changes, you can increase your focus and productivity, even if your space is full of distractions. Pottery Barn has the organizational tools you need to organize your home office and increase your output.

OPTIMIZE YOUR DESK SPACE
The desk is the area where most or all of work gets done, so it is the most important element of creating a productive home office. Declutter the space by removing unnecessary papers and objects from the desktop. Only keep what is necessary, like your computer and a notepad, and stow everything else in bins or drawers. A desktop organizer can keep pens and post-its in order, without overwhelming the space.

USE BINS
Clearing your desk space is important, but it can be counterproductive if you simply move everything that was on top of your desk into one of the side drawers. Use bins within your desk drawers to stay organized. Keep necessary items like scissors, highlighters, and tape in their own compartment close by, and then sort the rest of your items based on how often you need them.

ORGANIZE YOUR FILES
Deal with the paperwork every day by filing those things that are important and tossing the others. Use a paper tray for paperwork that needs to be addressed in the short term, and get a filing cabinet for organizing papers you need to save. 

USE THE RIGHT STORAGE
One obstacle of having a home office is that many people want the space to look more personal than what you might find in an office building. This can make designing the space tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Using stylish bins or wicker baskets for storage can soften the space. An attractive storage bin can play double-duty, holding cords or office items while giving the room a homey feeling.

FIND THE RIGHT LIGHTING
Lighting also plays a big role in staying organized and focused. If possible, place your desk by a window to maximize the use of natural light. Use lamps with soft lighting throughout the room to create a space that makes you comfortable and inspired to work.

USE BOOKSHELVES
If you have books or materials you depend on for your work, bookshelves are a must. Categorize your books to keep everything handy and easy to access. Also take advantage of open space to display photos or other items that can tie-in the office decor with the rest of your home.

ADD VARIETY
If you have the room, add an additional chair or sofa to your home office to give yourself a different view from time to time. If you don't have this option, rotate the lamp on your desk or occasionally switch out pictures on the wall. Even subtle changes can shift your brain and help you stay focused.

MAKE IT LOOK NICE
Sometimes, putting in the effort to make an area look nice can be a big boost to productivity. Use attractive items throughout the home office to help you stay motivated to keep the area clean. Use bookends to make a bookshelf more attractive, or opt for matching desk accessories to give the area a coordinated look.

In the Philippines, Pottery Barn is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. and is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central and at Estancia in Capitol Commons. 

Visit or follow www.facebook.com/PotteryBarnPH and @potterybarnPH on Instagram for more information.

*To be featured on Press Release Tuesdays, send it to frances@topazhorizon.com. Photos courtesy of Visions & Expressions.
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Thursday, October 26, 2017

Light therapy benefits on skin: Do they work?

Big confession: Before I get any treatment done, I devote a ton of research to it, but when I went to Flawless Face & Body Clinic for the Flawless Rejuvelite Mask Facial, I had been so busy I just said yes to it without knowing what it was. So when my aesthetician positioned what basically was a lamp on my face and I was bathed in blue light for 15 minutes, I went, "Okaaaaaaaay, what's this supposed to do?"


What just happened was my first every LED therapy. LED means light-emitting diode. These diodes are in the mask and they emit infrared light. There are different kinds of wavelengths per light, which is seen in the color of the light. Here's the list:

White reduces inflammation
Red promotes good blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
Amber stimulates production of collagen and elastin
Blue kills acne-causing bacteria on the surface and deep in the skin

The light is not your usual light because this penetrates deep into the skin and causes skin-beneficial reactions. And nope, this light doesn't damage skin at all. Because my main skin concern is acne, I agreed to the recommendation of Flawless to try the Flawless Rejuvelite Mask Acne Control Facial.

As you can see in my photo above, the light is blue. Blue light is beneficial to acne sufferers like me because it kills the bacteria present on the skin and also the ones deep in the layers, the bad bacteria that cause all the cystic acne that's so painful! I will admit that 15 minutes bathing under blue light was, well, not thrilling for me. But when I read the report made by the National Center for Biotechnology Information of the U.S. National Library of Medicine that blue light therapy does wonders to pimply skin, I was sold because I love science!

Here's the excerpt from the article on the NCBI website:
"Phototherapy with visible light, specifically blue light, has been shown to improve skin condition in cases of acne and blemishes. It is further reported to control the condition before an outbreak occurs. This blue light therapy is clinically shown to control acne without harsh chemicals or prescriptions and improves the skin’s appearance. "

I'll do a proper review soon since I just started Rejuvelite and I want to see its full effects after a week or so. Meanwhile, to learn more about the LED light therapy that Flawless is offering, read this and then maybe you should give it a try! Right now, a few days after my first Rejuvelite Mask Facial, my skin looks really glowing. I think I've found my new favorite Flawless treatment!

Come back soon for my review!

JAN. 2018 UPDATE: Sorry it took a while but here's my review!

*This post is brought to you by Flawless Face & Body Clinic.
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Friday, October 20, 2017

Feeling Comfortable In Your Skin: Tips For Success



Feeling comfortable in your skin is not a science. It is an art. Also, despite the title of this post detailing ‘tips for success,’ success is often defined in a much different way than any other form of goal setting. Feeling comfortable in your skin is not measurable. It is more of a felt experience, something you take stock of every day and become better at as your life develops.

It is a dynamic process which you must maintain at all times. It is something which can give you the means to pursue your goals with confidence. It could simply be standing up for yourself in a conflict. The only complete and total result you can bet on however, is the ability to feel satisfied in all avenues of your life.

Here are some tips for fostering this comfort:

Pay Attention To Your Health
While accepting your unhealthy lifestyle might give you peace from a mental perspective, your physical health will always be a cause for concern no matter who you are. Improving your health will result in your body feeling wonderful, Acceptance of a changeable flaw is always inferior to pride in what you have achieved. This could be as simple as following a diet plan, or working out in the gym three times a week to stay active.

People will often tell you that you should never change and instead accept yourself, but those people miss out on the joy of self-improvement, and the intrinsic confidence that brings. We need a burden to bear as humans, or we are not physically or mentally normal. Unless you are subject to a disease or your physician recommends you abstain from eating healthily and exercising, these two tips can go a long way in making your body feel a much more friendly place.

Consider Your Social Etiquette
How do you come across to people? Have you ever reflected on this fact? Most of us marvel at the prevalence of rude people in society, not thinking that we could ever be one of these people. Watch yourself and your interactions with people. How do you feel on the surface? How do you react to people around you? How do you communicate? Are there psychological or language barriers which keep you from fully integrating into the world around you?

This is common for people living in a society who are having trouble speaking the native tongue. Services like those offered by AJ Hoge can provide you with the tools and techniques to make a silver tongue part of your arsenal, not a weakness to make you feel insecure.

Dress Sense
Our clothing is not merely superfluous. It is something we wear every day, something which allows us to express ourselves. This can help you feel comfortable in your skin, because the clothing may as well be part of your form it’s so utilized. Clothing helps express who we are, how we’re feeling, among a whole other range of important emotional variables. If you don’t usually put much thought into your dress sense, consider working towards it and developing a sense of style you can be proud of. Not sure about your current look? Switch things up? Before long you might see your clothing style as a method of artistic expression, rather than the ‘vain adorning’ you may have previously considered it to be. When you find that perfect garment, you will feel the most confident wearing it than you could ever have done before.

With these tips, you will certainly feel more like yourself, and more able to enjoy your life.

* This is a guest post, with my edits. To place a guest post, email frances@topazhorizon.com for my rates. Photo from Pexels.
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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

A Grooming Guide For Gorgeous Husbands

I’m sure your husband or partner knows the basics of keeping clean and hygienic, because you wouldn't have been attracted to him if he was a slovenly pig. But does he know how to stay impeccably groomed? I'm writing this because these articles with variations of the title "A good barber is like a plastic surgeon" have been popping up on my Facebook feed and... Have you seen it? Here's a glimpse:

Click here for more amazing makeovers!

So inspiring, right??? Makes you want to drag your husband to the barber stat!

Good grooming is the very foundation of looking good. Thankfully, I'm married to a man who likes to keep himself well-maintained. Thankfully also, it's accepted these days for men to pamper themselves. Gone are the days when men were expected to look horrible to be called real men. Hubbies like David Beckham who likes sampling his wife's skincare products have made good grooming a good thing. Thank the heavens! 

Now if your hubby needs a few extra pointers on good grooming, you should pass on this guide to him.

Use the Right Hair Products
There is no doubt that you will have spent plenty of time trying to figure out which hair products work best for your hair. But has your partner? I wrote about the importance of knowing your hair and scalp type before buying products on Calyxta.com [How to Achieve Volume for Your Hair Length], in case you need more convincing.

Anyway, there are lots of shampoos and conditioners out there for men but, aside from the packaging and fragrances, they're not much different from products for women. Knwoing this, you can help your guy look for the products best for his hair and scalp type. The wrong ones could cause his hair to get too oily or dry.

Find A Barber
Why? Exhibit A above. There is no way your man will get a good haircut if he doesn’t go to a barber. My husband goes to a proper barber and I always find him wildly attractive after a haircut and shave. Truth! A barber can give your man a proper shave with a cutthroat blade—this shave will be a lot closer to the skin, so the hair will take longer to grow back. Smoother longer. Just run your hands all over that smooth face and neck mmmm.

Bare All Down There
A look at the article "Should Men Shave Their Legs? [https://99centrazor.com/trend-should-men-shave-their-legs/ ]" will make you see that this isn’t such a strange question at all. In fact, many men wonder about this one, especially if they're really hairy. And my trips to the waxing salon also tell me that men really do care about going completely bare down there. The waxing girls tell me that the guys believe a hairless groin makes the penis look bigger and the balls cuter. Well, we learn something new every day!

So should your hubby shave or wax, too? The truth is that it doesn’t really matter if they should or shouldn't unless they and their ladies care about hairiness. Going hairless doesn't serve any purpose except for aesthetics or for sexual pleasure. Yes, sexual pleasure! Let your hubby try going smooth and bare and see if you'll both like it. I bet you will! 

Don’t Forget Feet
Ok, so not many people will see your husband’s feet, but it’s good for him to get into a good care routine for his feet as it is good for hygienic reasons. Using a pumice stone [tips here: The Correct Use of a Pumice Stone] can help keep the skin on the feet smooth and soft, and it will also prevent callouses from developing. 

One of my favorite parts of my hubby's body is his feet. They're much nicer and softer than mine! He says it's because he drinks water a lot and he wears socks and shoes when he goes out. Unike me and my sandals and high heels and tight shoes.  

Always Moisturize
Think moisturizing is only for women? Think again! Everyone with skin should moisturize on a daily basis. So if your partner has this organ called skin, throw him a tub of moisturizer. It will help prevent his face from getting dry and will also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age lines. My husband says to exfoliate, too! A good marriage rests on good grooming, my mama friends, because the longer you look your best, the longer your marriage will last! Hahaha



Joking aside, keeping your hubby looking perfectly groomed isn’t so difficult. Just stock up on good hair and skincare products, find him a great barber, and maybe ask him to try going bare once in a while. Have fun!

*photo from Pixabay

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Monday, October 16, 2017

How I made peace with homework

I never liked homework when I was a kid. I hated it even more when I became a parent of school-age kids. Many reasons I was dismayed at the task of helping my kids with homework: 

1. As a working mama with no yaya and kasambahay, I’m super busy with work, chores and errands.
2. My kids and I are already tired from a long day at school and work.
3. Weekends are supposed to be spent relaxing!
4. Aren’t I supposed to be done with schoolwork already???

I was so upset with homework that my husband Vince offered to take over the job, but since I’m the parent who’s in touch with the teachers and fellow parents, it’s actually easier if I do homework duty. We take turns now, or we handle specific subjects. Homework duty did lighten up but I still resented it, until I realized recently this very important fact: My kids’ school is not in charge of their education—I AM.

Vince and I decided to send them to this school because it’s considered as one of the very best in the country. Why should I then be upset if the school gives my kids lessons??? 


 Yes, we’re being forced to spend time with our children but we’re spending that time doing something valuable: learning together. We have the incredible privilege of sharing our knowledge and wisdom. For example, our kindergartener Iñigo had homework about family. We don’t know how it happened but that turned into a discussion on how to make babies. Who better to teach our boys about sex than us, their parents?

The school is just the guide on what our kids should know academically, but when it comes to their real education, it’s up to Vince and me. In school, they are limited to 30 minutes per subject and lesson plans. At home, we take those lesson plans and expound on it. It’s Vince who patiently taught our sons to read, for example. The school may teach colors but I teach application through cooking and painting. The school teaches them handwriting but it’s Vince who strengthens the boys’ hands and fingers by making them play with Legos and and Play Doh. Their lessons don’t remain on the page because we make them come alive through daily teaching and practice. 

My activity sheets take a lot of time and effort so that lessons will be fun.

I realized that in many ways, we’re homeschoolers who send our kids to a learning institution for a few hours each day so that the boys have friends and learn to relate to people outside of family. But other than those few hours, their education rests mainly on Vince and me. Homework is homeschooling and, as parents and their first and most important teachers, I should never resent homework. 

Never underestimate the power of rewards!

I admit I still do! So we have little things that help ease the strain: We use their Legos for math lessons, we watch Batibot YouTube videos to learn Filipino, we play video games on the iPad to learn left/right/up/down/jump (and in Tagalog, too!), we test our knowledge on colors, counting and grouping when sorting the laundry, and all finished homework is rewarded by their favorite Nickelodeon TV show, three pieces of their favorite brain-fortifying Scott’s DHA Gummies, and a hug!
Always worth it to be my kids' teacher!

How about you, mamas? How do you feel about homework and how do you deal with it? If you have any tips on how to make homework easier for parents and kids alike, please share! 
Scott’s DHA Gummies is available in packs of 3 (a daily dose at P24.00), 15 (five days of healthy sweets at P117.50, and 60 (good for 20 days for just P433.00). You can find Scott's DHA Gummies at Mercury Drug, Watsons, and leading supermarkets nationwide.

For more information on how DHA helps your child's brain development, please go to www.scottskids.com/ph. You can also like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ScottsPh/.

This post is brought to you by Scott's DHA Gummies.

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