Monday, May 28, 2018

7 Gift Suggestions for Father's Day

Father's Day is around the corner. Yep, our Mother's Day month is almost over and (typical of us mommies) we're already thinking of how to honor the daddy of our kids! There are a lot of amazing stuff out there that your husband may want to have. Mine wants a PS4 and/or Lego Star Wars sets. Medyo mahal haha I'm still working on it, Vince!

Anyway, what does your husband want, mamas? I always like finding out what other women give their husbands for their birthday, Christmas, and Father's Day. It says a lot about the man, their marriage, you know? I have a guest post today by Clarissa Caouette where she lists 7 gift suggestions your husband may want this Father's Day. Check it out:

* * * * * * *

You know how much your husband does for you and your family, so you know that he occasionally deserves a reward. However, buying gifts for your husband can be a challenge because he seems to have everything he wants. The old saying goes “What do you get the man who has everything”? If you are having trouble deciding what to get your husband, this guide will definitely help you. There are going to be some things in this list your husband probably didn’t even know he wanted. 

A New Phone 
Your husband may appreciate the phone he already has, but is is always good to have that shiny new upgrade. It is even more useful if his phone is already a few years old. In that case an upgrade can really make a difference. In a day and age where our phone is used for everything, this will really be appreciated. 

Fitbit Wristband If you’ve never heard of these little wristbands, they basically track your workouts, the amount of calories you burned, the distance you traveled, how many steps you’ve taken and the number of minutes you have been active. They also track how long you have been sleep as well. These are great for the health conscious husband or a husband trying to get in shape.

Amazon Echo 
The Amazon Echo is one of the most revolutionary pieces of consumer technology that has been released in a while. It is completely voice activated and can give you the answers to pretty much any question that can be answered on the web. You can even use it to order things online, play music, and even turn the lights on and off if you get the proper equipment. It’s pretty cool. 

Slip-on Loafers 
If he does not have these, he needs them. If he already has them, he needs more. Slip-on loafers are just great to have, quick and easy to slip into and he can wear them on any occasion. You can even slip them on to go check the mail if you chose to.

A New Wallet 
A wallet can seem like a boring, unthoughtful gift. However, men’s wallets are always falling apart and it is nice to have a wallet that your money will not fall out of. No man wants that to happen. He will definitely appreciate this gift. 

Over-Ear Headphones 
Earbuds seem to be the most popular these days. However, you really do miss out on sound quality and part of the musical experience when you use earbuds. You will get a more balanced sound than you usually get with in-ear headphones. Using over ear headphones is an entirely different experience that your husband will appreciate, especially if he is a music lover or audiophile. You can go tho this link for more information on picking headphones. 

A Diamond Watch 
Watches are always great for every occasion and make the perfect accessory. Diamond watches are even better. The best part is that he will always think of you whenever he looks at the time. You can get the best deal on real diamond watches by shopping online. 

There are a lot of options out there and deciding what gift to get can be tough. However, don’t stress. These are just a few options, but you really can’t go wrong with them. Have fun shopping, your husband is going to be happy with whatever you get him. 

* This is a guest post, with my edits. To place a guest post, email frances@topazhorizon.com for my rates. 
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Saturday, May 26, 2018

Here's why you should do your back-to-school shopping at National Book Store

I am done with my back-to-school shopping, mamas! Haaay, nakaraos din! If you're in the midst of shopping for the new school year or hindi ka pa nakapag-uumpisa hehe, head on to National Book Store, the best and most convenient one-stop-shop for everything your child needs for school! Here's why:

1. They have a Grand Back to School Fair that will make shopping for school supplies easier.
National Book Store is inviting everyone to complete their back-to-school shopping at their Grand Back to School Fair. The first leg is happening right now (May 25 to 27, 2018) at the TriNoma Activity Center. The second leg is from June 1 to 3, 2018, at the Glorietta Activity Center. 


2.  National Book Store has everything!
Pati uniforms! Saan ka pa? From all sorts of pens imaginable to paper of various thicknesses and colors, from affordable notebooks to the fanciest journals, from the practical to the sosyal—lahat yan nasa National! 

I know there are many places that sell school supplies but I like the ease and convenience and locations of NBS. Usually sa malls so there's aircon, parking, there are nice places to eat, and they're relatively safe for families. 


3. You get freebies and fab deals!
I love the Grab & Go packs! Starting at P145, these are bundled supplies for every grade level. So instead of me hunting around the store for glue, scissors, eraser, etc, I just grab and go the pack I need. Haaaay, sobrang dali! There are also Backpacks to School, conveniently filled with student the essentials like brown envelopes, notebooks, pens, pencils, and more. Two kinds are available: one for Grades 1 to 3 (P329) and one for Grades 4 to 6 (P399).

And yes, may rewards, mamas! You can get a free tote bag for every P1,000 worth of purchase. Get a drawstring bag for only P99 for every P300 worth of purchase. Get a lunch bag for just P75 for every P500 worth of purchase of participating items. 


We totally love the lunch bag! It's compact but roomy so kasya ang lunch, merienda and water bottle. It's light and stain-resistant because it's made of nylon. And it comes in those bright and happy colors! Winner in my mama book! 

May I take this moment to share the news that my son Vito is a model for National Book Store's lunch bag??? I haven't seen the final campaign photos yet but NBS sent me one outtake:

He's looking at me! #lookoflove
So another reason is to please tell me if you see Vito's photos anywhere in the NBS branches and please please send me pictures!

3. Because everyone shops there!
From the most wais-tipid mommies to the most glam mamas, everyone shops at National Book Store especially during back-to-school season! Mga ilang beses na rin ako nakakita ng mga celebs sa NBS, usually if I go to the Power Plant Mall and Shangri-la Plaza branches. So one perk can be celebrity sightings while you're buying notebooks and plastic covers!

Celebrity mom-barkada: Nicole De Los Angeles, Patty Laurel-Filart, Kelly Misa-Fernandez, Bianca Santiago-Reinoso

There you go! Three reasons why you ought to do your back-to-school shopping at National Book Store!

Remember: This weekend, the Grand Back to School Fair is at TriNoma Activity Center for the northerners and easterners. If you're from the south and west, go to Glorietta Activity Center next weekend because the Grand Back to School Fair will be there. Registration starts at 10:00 am and continues throughout the day. Admission is free!


I'll share my back-to-school haul next week. Share yours, too! Use the hashtag #BacktoSchoolwithNBS and tag @nationalbookstore on Instagram and @nbsalert on Facebook and Twitter. NBS is also on Viber and YouTube. You can also shop through their delivery hotline 8888-627, or online at www.nationalbookstore.com.

*This post is brought to you by National Book Store.

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Friday, May 25, 2018

4 things our kids need for a healthy and happy childhood (+1 they don't need)

I'm not a pediatrician so I feel weird when people ask me what multivitamins I give to my kids. On one hand, I love sharing my mom finds. On the other hand, I still think mamas should ask their child's pedia first before giving kids any supplements. But if gusto niyo talaga malaman, I give my kids probiotics (sometimes), iron supplements (with great difficulty but I have to because the kids are anemic), Vitamin C with Zinc (for increased resistance to germs and faster healing), and multivitamins (for general good health).


Their vitamins now is my new find, FERN Kiddimin. I just discovered this new product this summer when I was invited by my friends at FERN C to check it out. Because of my mother n law, my husband Vince and I have been taking FERN C for about 8 years now. So when FERN C kidz came out mga two years ago, we got for our kids. Yes, loyal FERN C family! Yun nga lang, walang multivitamins ang FERN so when I was told na meron na, of course I got for my kids! That's how much I believe in FERN, mamas!

Yes, bilib talaga ako sa FERN C. Joke yan lagi ni Vince na kaya kami nabuntis kasi binibigyan kami ng FERN C ni Mom. Okay, hindi fertility pill yan, ha. What he meant is I've always been a sickly girl. Underweight, asthmatic, in the hospital once or twice a year—that's me! Si Vince din, because of stress sa work and unhealthy habits, he also didn't feel like he was in top form. Kaya siguro hindi kami nabubuntis. Then Mom gave us FERN C and after mga 3 months, we not only looked and felt better, nabuntis pa ako! So if you see me gushing over these vitamins, it's really because we feel we owe them a lot!

Anyway, back to FERN Kiddimin! At the intimate event for mom bloggers at Museum Café, the FERN family treated us to a really enlightening talk by Dr. Rita Paz Rowena A. De Guzman, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician. She's such a good speaker, mamas! Nakinig talaga kami sa talk niya. Ramdam na ramdam namin na she cares for kids and for parents, too, that she's a partner talaga in raising healthy and happy kids.

Dr. Rita discussed with us how we can make our home a wonderful environment for our kids to flourish in. And, mamas, may mga points siya na natamaan talaga ako. Here they are!

FERN Kiddimin has a tasty orange flavor. Doesn't taste medicinal.

1. Time: quality or quantity? 
It shouldn't be a contest! For example, I'm a working mom so I'm with my kids a lot. But because I'm doing chores and working on articles and blog posts naman, I'm not actually spending time with them. Other parents naman, because they work all week, every weekend bakasyon grande to compensate for the time they don't spend with their kids. Beach! Staycation! Hong Kong! Or mall buong araw at mega shopping. Pagod ang buong family, magastos pa. 

Our kids need our time and presence. They don't need us to be there 24/7, but one day a week isn't ideal either. Let's try to spend an hour or two with them, talking with them, reading books, playing games. Simply sharing a relaxed and hearty meal every day is great!

2. Talk, talk, talk!
Dr. Rita said our kids need to hear (exchange?) 30,000 words a day to develop a good vocabulary and to learn comprehension and the ability to express themselves. So we need to talk with our kids! My kids LOVE to talk so I usually sit in when they're chatting and insert my opinion here, correct grammar there, define a word here, answer life questions there. Then there's my husband who loves to read books to the boys at bedtime. So 30,000 words? Check!

3. No screen time! 
For kids 2 and below, no TV and mobile devices because it is linked to speech delays. Why? Well, when kids are just watching, they don't speak. When we don't engage them, they don't learn to talk.

Me, because I'm with my kids a lot, I let them watch TV and play games on the iPad, and then I guide everything. "What's happening to the princess? Where's the hero? What color is the dragon? Why is the villain angry?" For games and apps, it's "Turn right! Jump up! Go down! Tap all the color red! Let's sing ABC, too!" I guess that's why my kids are so madaldal because I was there all along talking and talking with them!

However, now that they're older, I'm seeing bad behavior when they're on the iPad. They fight mainly. So we're lessening the iPad use anyway.

4. Play, play, play! 
For kids, play is work. That's when their muscles and bones develop, their balance and agility honed, their reflexes sharpened. Now, we live in a condo, and our playground and recreation areas are under renovation for 2 years. So the kids have been indoors for months. I feel so guilty about this! I know sometimes when they're super magulo sa bahay or they fight a lot, that's because hindi nagagamit ang energy nila. 

Bringing kids to Kidzoona or to ballet class isn't enough, however. Dr. Rita says the kids have to play outside. Kids (and parents included) these days belong to what is called the "indoor generation." We play in indoor playgrounds. We exercise in gyms. We use tanning lotions to get a tan. We need the sun! Sunlight is needed to produce Vitamin D. Sunlight also improves our mood. Behavioral problems, depression and other mental illness are eased when we are out in the sun.

5. Eat healthy.
We all know that everyone needs a balanced diet. Every plate at every meal should have a combination of fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains. This is not easy! Especially when you're a busy mom with busy kids. Meal times are such a challenge for me because I try to serve vegetables but the kids pick at them. Or if bigyan mo ng banana or mango, akala mo lason ang pinapakain mo. Sobrang ayaw ng fruits and veggies! Nakaka-iyak siya! 

To make sure their nutrition isn't compromised, I have to give them vitamin supplements. Hence, my happiness at dicovering FERN Kiddimin! It's a food supplement with Vitamin B Complex, Lysine, Vitamin D3, Chlorella, Vitamin A, and Taurine. All of these vitamins and amino acids help our kids have a healthy appetite, develop and strengthen their bones, and promote mental acuity. So my kids will be "Magana, Matangkad, and Matalino" with FERN Kiddimin! Plus, my kids love the orange flavor.

Since Vito is 7, he takes 2 teaspoons of FERN Kiddimin every day.

So what do our kids need for a healthy and happy childhood? Time, talk, play, and good food. And they don't need screen time! Good luck to us, mamas!

FERN Kiddimin is available in 60ml (P88.00 SRP) and 120ml (P158.00 SRP) bottles at drugstores, supermarkets, and FERN kiosks nationwide. For more information, like their Facebook page or visit www.fern-inc.com. 

*This post is brought to you by FERN Kiddimin.

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Thursday, May 24, 2018

5 Ways Blogging can Bring in More Income at Home

As you all know, a chunk of my income comes from blogging. I've even registered my blog business with the BIR and pay taxes through Taxumo. I'm very proud of this, mamas. I think everyone who's turned their hobby into a legitimate income-generating venture should celebrate that fact and also encourage others to do the same. After all, as the adage goes, "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life!"

That's not true. Work is still work haha! It can still get exhausting and frustrating many times. But at least since it's work that you enjoy, then it doesn't hurt so much! 

Blogging brought me many opportunities I'll always be grateful for.

A lot of mommies ask me how to earn from blogging, too. Aaaaand that's why I have blogging workshops! Well, I haven't done any this year yet. Too busy with my work as beauty editor at L'Oréal, but I do miss doing blogging workshops. It's so nice sharing with other people how to make money from blogging. I want my success to be every blogger's success! Especially if it's a mommy blogger. Any income is always welcome to moms, right? And if it's enough income that lets you stay home with your kids, then it's the best kind of income!

Since I'm not doing a blogging workshop soon, let my guest writer Clarissa Caouette share with you 5 ways blogging can earn you extra money. Take notes, mamas! 

* * * * * * *

Is your budget a little tight at home? Perhaps you aren’t working right now in order to take care of kids and there’s only one wage earner in the house. But you want to contribute to that take-home pay. How can you do it? Taking a job outside the house kind of defeats the purpose. It means paying for gas and parking, lunches out, new clothes and shoes, so that income can be eaten up in added expenses. What you really need is a way to earn money at home.

One way to make some cash at home is blogging. Yes, you can make money at it, although it is certainly not guaranteed. But if you want a flexible method that lets you stay home, this one fits. So first thing to do is to set up your blog, then we’ll talk about how it can bring home some cash. 

Getting Started 
This is the short version, so make sure to check out a more in depth tutorial if you need one. First two things you need: your own domain and a web hosting service. Often the hosting company will offer domain registration as part of their charge, so factor that into your research. Make sure you get a domain that you own, don’t go with a free hosting service with a tacked on name. Either you control your site or someone else does. Free sites can be shut down at any time and have many restrictions on how you can make money from them. Take control, you’ll be glad you did. 

Now install WordPress, it’s by far the most common blogging platform and very easy to use, and a framework. Consider a premium framework, they aren’t very expensive and come with a much better design which is easier to use and more powerful. Choose your topic and your schedule and start writing. You’ll need some articles posted, content as it’s known, and some readers before you can really make much money from your blog. So post useful articles and draw as many people to your blog as you can. 

Affiliates 
Once you’ve got some readers, you can start with one of the easiest ways to ‘monetize’ your blog, affiliate marketing. Simply put, you sign up for an affiliate program for a company you like and direct your readers to it to purchase things there. If they do, you get a commission. Your reader doesn’t pay any extra, the commission is directly from the affiliate. A common example is Amazon. Reviewing or recommending products that are available through Amazon lets you earn that commission if your reader uses your link to buy the product you talk about. 

Pretty simple! Make sure you would honestly recommend the product or you may lose readers who feel you are simply pushing those items to make money. And be sure to disclose that you are an affiliate and are earning a commission. It’s best to be upfront and honest about that. 

Digital Sales 
Another great way to go is to create a digital product, an eBook, video seminar, or artwork for example, and sell that through your blog. Digital is a great way to go since there is only the initial cost of creating the item and you don’t have to manufacture it each time to sell it again. Be sure the product is something worthwhile, something valuable to your audience. One way to convince people to buy is to offer a free item first. A short eBook where the only cost is signing up for your mailing list for example. Then market your longer books later on. 

Physical Sales 
If you do crafts or are willing to buy items wholesale for resale, you can sell physical items over the internet as well. Be sure to budget in shipping costs, but as long as you set it up properly, you can still manage most of this from your home. Another option is setting up a system where you take orders then have them drop shipped directly from the producer to your customer. Selling physical items does have some extra expenses associated with it, shipping, inventory, materials, etc., but if you are willing to invest in those you can make it work. 

Memberships 
If your blog itself is enough of a draw, you can charge a membership fee for people to access it. This is usually a way to earn from either a very popular site, or one which has a great deal of expertise and experience behind it. If you happen to have experience or training in a field you could set up a members only site for your most useful articles. Some pay sites will allow any reader to see the first few paragraphs but ask for registration to see the rest. As with any of these tips, there are several ways this could work. 

Advertising 
Finally, there is simple advertising. Placing ads along the border of your blog is an easy and low maintenance way to bring in some income but be prepared for it to be small. Click through ads only deliver a small amount each time a reader uses them, and CPM ads need huge numbers of viewers to return large amounts of money. Most internet users pay little attention to ads, although if an inappropriate one appears on your site you will probably hear about it. Be sure to screen the companies on your ad feed to prevent offensive content. 

As you can see, all five of these allow you to stay at home and work from there. There is a fair amount of work to be successful, though. You may need to spend several hours a day researching and writing your articles, so don’t over commit to your blogging schedule. If you can only manage one post a week don’t say you’ll do more. Missing your schedule is worse than having a relatively long update cycle. Now that you know what to do, get to work! Set up your site and blog!

* This is a guest post, with my edits. To place a guest post, email frances@topazhorizon.com for my rates.

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Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Why we switched Piero to pull-up pants

I'm a mommy of three boys and the third one, Piero, is still not ready to be toilet-trained. We've talked about it, been super enthusiastic, tried bribing—nothing's working. What worked with his two older brothers is not working this third time around. So we need all the help we can get, mamas! Leave your toilet-training tips in the comments below!

"No toilet until I'm 5, Mama!"

One tip I saw at the start of summer was to use pull-up pants, or training pants. I've not used pull-ups before because my first two kids took to potty training fast. Like so: "Hey, you want to use the toilet now like a big boy? Yes? Great!" Three days later: "We're done! Good job!"

With Piero, it's taking a bit more time and tools so we got BabyLove Premium Gold Pants (you can check out my reasons for switching to BabyLove here and my review of the Premium Gold Pants here) to help us out.

If you're wondering how pull-up pants help with potty training, it's really for two simple but big reasons:

1) Pull-up pants mimic the pull-up/pull-down action used with briefs/panties. Once your kids know how to pull down their pants to go weewee or poopoo, they can transition faster to the real thing; and

2) Pull-up pants make babies feel grown up. That change in mindset is what's essential to transitioning them from diapers to real underwear.

Piero loves his BabyLove Premium Gold Pants so much. He likes them because they're soft and smells good and has "cute dwawings on the fwont and on the butt, Mama!" I'll update you when we finally successfully potty train my last baby. So wish us luck!

If you want to try out BabyLove diapers, too, there's a current promo now at Shopee. From May 21-24, 2018, the first 100 customers buying any BabyLove diapers will also receive a free sample of a preschool milk as well as a voucher discount for the next purchase of other milk supplements with the value of P350.

 Shop here!

Check out the Facebook page of BabyLove Philippines for more info!

*This post is brought to you by BabyLove Diapers.
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