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  • Healthy Options Products from Shangri-la Mall (November 2018)

    Healthy Options Products from Shangri-la Mall (November 2018)

    This is another huge haul of products we got from Healthy Options Shangri-la Mall. I think the last time I visited the mall to shop was three months ago (before I was put on bed rest), so it felt like freedom to walk without restrictions while shopping for organic and all-natural goodies in our favorite store. 🙂 I’m also happy to find that the store is now adorned with Christmas decorations and that Healthy Options Christmas gift sets are already available. Below I’m sharing a haul post of what we got from our two-hour shopping spree. 😍 We also ended up picking some awesome items for my baby.

    Healthy Options Products from Shangri-la Mall (November 2018)

    Healthy Options in Shangri-la Mall is my favorite branch because it carries the most complete lines of products and the store itself looks very bright, beautiful, and spacious but still organized. Also, the staff are nice, helpful, and accommodating so it’s easier to find items and learn what’s best for every concern. We walked around all the aisles, took our usual essentials, and checked out new products on the shelves. It’s funny that we enjoyed shopping so much that we didn’t notice the time; we were the last customers in the store and the doors were almost closing!

    Holiday Shopping at Healthy Options

    Grocery

    • Audrey’s Chia Cookies – These deliciously thin and crispy cookies are made with chia seeds with plenty of omega 3s, Chia seeds contain a dense concentration of vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
    • Field Day Organic Pasta Sauce (Tomato Basil) – We’ve tried the three other variants of Field Day organic pasta sauce before, and we like them all. We add the tomato basil sauce to pasta for a quick and easy meal.
    • Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta – This whole-grain pasta cooks up to a perfect al dente texture. It’s great for those looking for gluten-free, and wheat-free alternatives. The best thing is that it’s made from brown rice with added rice bran for fiber which is much better than the ordinary (refined) wheat pasta.
    • Follow Your Heart Pesto Vegenaise Dipping Sauce and Spread – The elegance of fresh basil meets the creaminess of heart-healthy, soy-free Vegenaise. We love slathering this spread on pan de sal whenever we crave a creamy pesto topping.
    • NuGobar Stronger Protein Bar – My husband is currently trying different brands and flavors of protein bars for quick muscle recovery after working out. NuGo Stronger is one of the tastier ones. It’s also great that it’s gluten-free and packed with 25 grams or more of non-GMO premium-grade whey protein.
    • Rhythm Roasted Kale (Sea Salt and Vinegar) – Made with 100% fresh organic Lacinato kale, these crispy kale snacks are tasty and toasty with crunchy bits of goodness, salty enough to satisfy.
    • Lotus Biscoff Spread (Crunchy) – This stuff is heaven in a jar! We love that there are bits and pieces of lotus biscoff cookies here that serve as the “crunch” in the crunchy cookie spread. Try it on bread, toast, muffins, and bananas.
    • Chocolove’s Strong Dark Chocolate – This bar of strong, bittersweet Belgian dark chocolate is a special treat for lovers of higher-cocoa-content chocolate. It has intense, well-rounded cocoa flavors that melt smoothly in the mouth then transition to a pleasant cocoa aftertaste.
    • Good Health Avocado Oil Potato Chips (Lime Ranch and Barbecue) – These gluten-free, non-GMO chips pack amazing flavors and they aren’t too salty either. We like the crunch and light seasoning.
    • PopCorners Jalapeno Cheddar Popped Corn Snacks – For the nth time, we got these addicting popped corn snacks. Drizzled in sunflower oil, these chips have the perfect mix of sweet and salty. These are made with non-GMO corn, no gluten, and no nuts.

    • Pacific Foods Organic Coconut Milk – The natural goodness of organic coconuts shine through. This coconut milk delivers a creamy and refreshing flavor with no sugar added. We add it to chia seeds to create chia seeds pudding or over cereal for a simple yet nourishing breakfast.
    • Pacific Foods Barista Series Soy Milk – This is the best plant-based milk we tried for lattes. It works great in both cold and hot beverages.
    • Traditional Medicinals Ginger Aid – If you’re a fan of the spice, or just dig ginger’s digestive soothing properties, you’re going to love this robust herbal blend. With plenty of zesty ginger, combined with mellow blackberry leaf and lemon myrtle leaf, this tea is great to drink before meals to warm up your digestive system. It’s also good after dinner to promote healthy digestion, especially if you’ve over indulged.
    • Knudsen Simply Nutritious Mega Green – Packed with vitamins and essential minerals, this juice blends the finest fruits, herbal ingredients, and nutrients (apple, banana, pineapple, peach, mango, green algae, spirulina, and chlorella). A six-ounce serving of Mega Green is the equivalent of one serving of fruit, according to the USDA.
    • Lakewood Organic Pure Black Cherry Juice – This contains 100% organic pure black cherry fruit juice. It is health in a glass! Black cherry is a powerhouse full of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals that medical research suggests helps control gout, arthritis, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose. This juice is not too sweet and not tart and actually tastes as if you are eating fresh organic black cherries and as it should as this is not from concentrate.

    • Healthy Options Sparkling Juices – My mom and sister had a hard time choosing which sparkling juices to give to family and friends. In the end, they got these five: apple mango, wildberry, rose, gold apple, and acai. We’ll get more next time! What we like about these HO sparkling juices is that they’re made from 100% natural grape juice harvested with no artificial flavors added. They’re non-alcoholic as well.

    Chilled and Frozen

    • Woodstock Organic Whole Blackberries – My mom was so thrilled to find organic blackberries in the freezer. She plans to mix it with her smoothies. These yummy and plump blackberries provide an excellent source of fiber. They’re also good on cereals, pancakes, waffles, or fruit salad.
    • Sophie’s Kitchen Breaded Vegan Shrimp – For my dad, I got this gourmet plant-based seafood. The instructions on the package state to place the “vegan shrimp” in pan, drizzle with fresh squeezed lemon juice, and sautĂ© until vegan shrimp is lightly browned. It’s gluten-free, soy-free, no preservatives, no MSG, no artificial flavoring, no sugar added, low in calories, and high in fiber.

    Personal Care

    • Nature’s Gate Shampoo (Jojoba and Sacred Lotus) – For hair care, Nature’s Gate is really one of the top brands I prefer. This particular variant has a unique blend of jojoba, sacred lotus, and horsetail extract which is ideal for thin and dry hair. It smells amazing, no icky ingredients, and no animal testing (cruelty-free). My hair feels healthy and clean with no residue.
    • Nature’s Gate Conditioner for Color-treated Hair – This is my second favorite only next to Giovanni Cosmetics’ hair conditioner. With herbal extracts to naturally invigorate and revive tone and highlights, Nature’s Gate Conditioner effectively conditions hair to help bring back the vibrancy of color and highlights. Hair is replenished with essential nutrients and moisture from Wheat Protein and Panthenol (pro-vitamins B-5). It deeply moisturizes to help amplify color and highlights, ideal for hair needing added strength and luster.
    • Nature’s Gate Lotion (Papaya) – This is a great lotion with a nice, velvety-texture. With restorative enzymes, it soaks in fast and it’s so healing. The scent is light, a bit sweet but not overwhelming.
    • Nature’s Gate Body Wash (Lavender) – Made with coconut water, this hydrating lavender body wash awakens the senses with a blend of lavender, lupine seed, and frangipani. It’s vegan, paraben-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free. It lathers well with just one pump but I usually use two pumps for my entire body.
    • Nature’s Gate Original Moisturizing Liquid Soap – This is what we have in our kitchen and bathrooms for hand washing. It contains fennel for its moisturizing properties which leaves the hands thoroughly clea n and soft. I also love that this liquid soap provides a rich, abundant lather even with half a pump.
    • Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub – Our holy grail! This natural exfoliate lifts away micro-pollutants and impurities for a fresh, healthy radiance. It’s a daily deep detox that draws out toxins such as environmental pollutants (exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, heavy metals).
    • Jason Power Smile Whitening Toothpaste (Powerful Peppermint) – This fluoride-free and SLS-free toothpaste features an exclusive blend of polishers that help prevent tartar build-up. Jason Power Smile toothpaste has stain-fighting botanicals that gently whiten and brighten your smile. The Grapefruit seed and perilla seed extracts help fight the bacteria that create damaging sugar acids and keep your smile bright without harsh abrasives or irritating chemicals.

    Baby and Kids

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BqbPVNzFKTm/

    • Babyganics Moisturizing Daily Lotion (Fragrance Free) – This product is safe for newborns. It’s pediatrician and dermatologist tested and exclusively 100% natural. Plant-based ingredients include shea butter, olive, and avocado oils to help nurture and support baby’s skin. It free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, artificial fragrances or dyes.
    • Nature’s Gate Shampoo and Body Wash – I’m in love with the scent! Nature’s Gate Soothing Baby Shampoo has herbal extracts that naturally soothe, smooth and soften fine delicate hair. It contains certified organic ingredients, including sage, nettle, yarrow and rosemary. Mild and gentle for delicate hair and sensitive skin, this shampoo and body wash is hypo-allergenic, 100% paraben, colorant, aluminum chlorohydrate and alcohol free.
    • Country Comfort Baby Powder (Talc Free, No Fillfers) – It’s very absorbant and non-abrasive. The gentle healing properties of five herbal powders are combined with the fragrant subtle scents of pure orange and lavender oils. These pure ingredients absorb moisture than can cause irritation and chafing, without the use of harmful talc.
    • Lafe’s Baby Insect Repellent – This baby-friendly insect repellent is citronella free, chemical and DEET free. It’s made of a special blend of certified organic geranium and lavender essential oils to repel nasty insects.

    Farm Produce

    • Healthy Options Kale (Flat and Curly) – Mommy was so happy that there’s kale in Healthy Options. Kale is a superfood packed with protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, fiber, and anti-cancer properties. It has more vitamin C than any other leafy green. Besides its good looks, flavor, and benefits to garden ecology, kale is good food!
    • Healthy Options Eggs – We bought four trays of all-natural eggs in different sizes (medium, large, and extra large). The eggs came from chickens fed with food free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, and hormones.
  • 4 Tips on How to Set a Budget for Long-Term Travel

    4 Tips on How to Set a Budget for Long-Term Travel

    Planning for any trip or vacation can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to financial considerations. Now, you can amplify that stress even more if you’re thinking about a long-term trip. Long-term travel might mean you’re going to be away for weeks or months. So how do you appropriately plan for the amount of money you’ll need?

    You don’t want to run out of funds or not have access to the money you need while you’re abroad, so some planning ahead can be helpful. The following are some tips and things to keep in mind if you’re budgeting for long-term travel.

    4 Tips on How to Set a Budget for Long-Term Travel

    1. Consider Your Overall Travel Style

    Some people have no problem maintaining their budget when they’re traveling, even on a long-term trip. They may have a travel style that lends itself to budgeting and keeping costs low. Not everyone is going to be the same, however.

    If you’re used to traveling on short but relatively luxurious vacations, you’re going to have to adjust your style. Staying on a budget for a long-term trip might require that you shop at local stores and markets for food instead of going out for meals.

    You might have to change the type of lodging options you utilize, and you may have to skip some of the tourist attractions that you might normally gravitate toward.

    2. Learn About Your Location

    Where you’re going to be traveling is going to have a much more significant impact on how you should budget above any other factor. You need to learn about where you’re going in the sense that you research how much the cost of living is.

    How much are you typically going to spend on a meal or transportation? What are the other costs that you might have to consider that are unique to your specific destination?

    3. Create an Actual Budget

    Before you leave for your trip, try to use a budgeting app or budgeting software and create an actual formalized budget. Some things you’ll need to consider include your rent, Internet and utilities, groceries, going out for dinner or drinks, transportation, and miscellaneous costs.

    You can create a few different sample budgets that will allow you to compare how different options could change how much money you’re spending.

    When you’re creating a budget one of the best resources you can use are blog posts from people who have gone to your destination. Check out what they say, how much they spent while there were there and see what might seem reasonable for you.

    4. Think About Saving Money Back At Home

    Finally, with long-term trip planning, you’re not just thinking about how to budget for where you’re going. Unless you’re getting rid of everything, you’re probably going to have expenses back home you need to maintain while you’re away such as things like a car or mortgage payment.

    While there are some expenses you may have to keep up, part of your budget planning should also include finding ways to save money back at home while you’re away. For example, go through and make sure you cancel all those monthly subscriptions you won’t need while you’re gone and your cell phone as well.

  • Our Birth Story: Surviving Preterm Labor, Bed Rest, and Other Pregnancy Challenges

    Our Birth Story: Surviving Preterm Labor, Bed Rest, and Other Pregnancy Challenges

    Here goes the story of Lance coming into this world, and of my husband Louie and me becoming parents. I’m writing this blog post to share how he made his grand entrance into our lives and also to inspire all those women experiencing a preterm labor, winding up stuck in bed, and struggling with a high-risk pregnancy. I hope this piece gives you the strength, courage, and hope to keep moving forward.

    Our Birth Story: Surviving Preterm Labor, Bed Rest, and Other Pregnancy Challenges

    My Roller Coaster Pregnancy Journey

    Going through labor and delivery was seriously one of my biggest fears. Blood, pain, needles, surgery, stitches, and complications are all part of the equation. To feel relieved, I like rehearsing the process of labor and delivery over and over in my mind so I’d be more prepared when the day finally comes.

    I spent hours nightly doing heaps of research to arm myself with as much information as possible regarding labor, various childbirth practices, recommendations of healthcare providers, and personal stories of mothers. After stressing over what-ifs, expectations, and checklists, I realized there was one thing that couldn’t be controlled: our son’s birth.

    As mentioned in my previous post, I felt totally fine during the first two trimesters of pregnancy except for the fact that I suffered from heartburn after every meal. I still drove to work every day and did my job as usual. And then I woke up one day a little past midnight having sharp abdominal pains which I thought were merely caused by indigestion, constipation, or a stomach virus.

    The cramps went steadily as the morning progressed. By phone, our OB said that the cramps (contractions) could be a sign of early labor (premature labor). She instructed us to head immediately to the Labor Room of the hospital so my condition could be further assessed.

    Preterm Labor at 30 Weeks, Confined in the Hospital for 2 Weeks

    We arrived mid-morning at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. A resident doctor asked me interview questions (medical history) and checked to see if my cervix was dilated through an internal exam (IE). I also had a transvaginal ultrasound to have a more accurate measurement of the cervical length. The findings? At 30 weeks, I was already 2-3 centimeters dilated and 70% effaced. My heart sank. I quickly panicked since I wasn’t yet ready and I knew the consequences of a preterm delivery. I’ve never been so terrified!

    On the other hand, I was happy to find out that the amniotic fluid was still normal, the baby was already head down (and not anymore in breech) in posterior position, and the fetal height and weight were okay. There could still be a chance to slow down labor and delay a premature birth or an early delivery.

    Upon admission, two doses of steroids, 12 hours apart, were injected to me to speed up the development of the baby’s lungs. Different tocolytic drugs were provided via the IV and orally to help stop labor from progressing. Out of the many, magnesium sulfate gave me the worst headache, blurry vision, and the urge to vomit. I also took antibiotics in case the labor was brought on by infection.

    My belly was strapped with wide stretchy bands, which held against two electronic disks connected to a machine called an electronic fetal monitor. The first disk monitored my contractions, and the other kept track of the baby’s heart rate. The machine recorded the information onto paper, and the resident nurses and doctors would periodically come to review the document and report to my OB.

    Every day felt like torture. No technical gadgets (tablet, laptop, mobile phone), no food, and no guests were allowed inside the labor room. I felt helpless with the desire to talk and share my feelings with my family, eat food I like (instead of hospital food), and know more. Why is this happening to me? What are the causes of preterm labor? What are the risks? What are the treatments available? Can I actually have a healthy baby?

    Also, since I was in the labor room beside other pregnant women in labor (separated only by curtains), I could hear their screams and strains that were all very traumatizing. Some were pretty intense which heightened my worries about labor pain and my fear of childbirth. For sure, I had plenty of sleepless nights that led to mental and physical fatigue and greatly elaborated on increased anxiety.

    Looking at the positive side of the situation, I began to have a clearer view and imagination of what it’s like to go through labor, with about 4-6 women going in and out of the labor room daily. It was like being fully immersed in different pregnancy and labor cases live and in real time (not only learning about them online).

    The right combination and dose of tocolytic agents (nifedipine and terbutaline sulfate) decreased the frequency and intensity of contractions on the 13th day. I just had to stay one more day for observation and was finally released from the hospital the next day. However, I had to remain on absolute bed rest for the rest of my pregnancy.

    Surviving Bed Rest

    A bed rest sounds like a dream, particularly to a busy and tired pregnant woman. But when reality hits, it means being stranded for weeks and weeks while having high risks of a preemie. Following my doctor’s advice, I stayed on bed all day at home with limited movements (except when going to the bathroom) and took on medications on time as prescribed to prevent labor contractions and the advancement of cervical length.

    Being on bed rest for a month is not an easy vacation; it can take a toll on both emotional and mental well-being. Sleepless nights continued since the baby was becoming more active inside the womb. I felt uncomfortable whenever he wriggled around. Sometimes the pain was constant and powerful as if he’s practicing acrobatics. My OB reassured me that the pains associated with kicks, jabs, and baby movements were perfectly normal sensations.

    Meals were also a challenge since I still experienced heartburn and had the pressure of gaining more weight after losing seven pounds during my confinement in the hospital. Eating a lot and taking in more food and calories than my stomach and appetite could manage are my least favorite things to do.

    The first time I went out again was for a quick checkup with the OB. My doctor and I were already thankful that I reached 34 weeks without having a bloody show, my waters breaking, or a premature rupture of membranes. We discussed our birth plan, and the doctor advised me to stop the medications. All we had to do was wait.

    The Waiting Game, Overcoming My Fear of Childbirth

    The few weeks leading to a baby’s due date are usually the most exciting. Days felt longer with less to do, so I kept myself busy preparing my mind for childbirth. My favorite pastime then was reading through even more similar experiences of moms-to-be and stories of moms in online forums and Facebook groups. With this routine, my fear of labor and delivery had somewhat diminished. Instead of worrying about pain and possible complications, I chose to nix negativity and prayed and hoped that everything will be okay.

    Two days before the 37th week, we visited our OB for another checkup. I was screened for Group B streptococcus (GBS), a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum. Although GBS is said to be generally harmless to healthy adults, it may cause stillbirth and serious infections in babies. If found positive, being treated with antibiotics during labor if necessary greatly reduces the baby’s risk of becoming infected. Results would be out five days later.

    Per usual during prenatal visits, our OB checked the fundal height and said the fetal growth was just right. Then, she inspected my cervix through an internal examination to check the cervical dilation. We were surprised when she said my cervix was already 5 centimeters dilated and we would need to deliver our baby on the same day. What?! She asked if I had been feeling the contractions, and I said no—only baby movements. I did not feel any labor pain all this time; I must be so used to having contractions at that point. 😛

    I researched online about how long or how fast it takes pregnant women to progress from 6cm to 10cm. Most answered pretty quickly—baby is usually out within 12 hours. Convinced, we returned home to grab our hospital bags and told our families…it’s game time!

    Painless Normal Delivery Achieved

    When I knew it was actual labor, I became “out-of-my-mind” excited! I couldn’t believe it was really happening on that day and that we would meet our baby in a matter of hours.

    We drove to Providence Hospital in Quezon Avenue for admission. At 7:30pm, I was moved to the labor room, 7 centimeters dilated. I started feeling the contractions becoming stronger and closer together, but they weren’t painful as I was expecting. I did not need to indulge in a gentle massage, soothing music, or a warm or cold compress to relieve the pain. The nurses and doctors made me realize I have a high pain tolerance. My husband was on my side for support, regularly reading the fetal heart rate and contractions monitor.

    After an hour, my OB arrived in the labor room and checked my cervix for dilation. I was 8 centimeters. The anesthesiologist followed suit and administered a standard diluted epinephrine infusion on epidural anesthesia for a vaginal birth in the delivery room. I was surprised the injection did not hurt even a bit, far from what I was mentally and physically prepared for! The procedure took only 5 minutes and I started feeling a mild numb sensation from waist down in 30 minutes.

    At 10pm, our OB came in to examine me again. My cervix was fully dilated at 10 centimeters, and the doctor could already feel the baby’s head. Great, I didn’t have to be induced, have a membrane sweep, put to sleep, or walk to speed up labor. A great support team of nurses helped me practice patterned breathing and pushing techniques for labor. Whenever I felt the contractions, they counted to ten, while I pushed as hard as I could for those ten seconds. I tried three times and the doctor said we were ready. They transferred me to the table in the delivery room. I was ecstatic and felt more than ready.

    Everyone gave a hearty cheer and tons of encouragement. I was silent and my eyes were closed the entire time as I focused solely on my breathing and pushing. After three more pushes, something warm was put on my stomach. The baby was out so fast (in 10 minutes or less)! I thought we were just continuing to practice some more breathing and pushing exercises. I opened my eyes and saw the baby wet and crying. The anesthesiologist took our first family photo. It was such a touching and thrilling moment. 🙂 I couldn’t be happier. Life is good. God is good.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpvoj2jFdqQ/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpLfPVElVv5/

    The nurse took Lance to weigh and clean him, while our OB did some stitching on me as I had a third-degree laceration after vaginal delivery. I felt some pressure but there was no pain at all! Our family waited outside the delivery room and welcomed the baby once he was out. We were sent back to our private room after two hours.

    I was able to walk and pee in the next 24 hours. A lactation nurse taught me different positions to hold my baby while breastfeeding, what a proper latch looks like, and also how to express milk in a laid-back style. Every two hours, a resident nurse checked on us to make sure we were doing it right. Our relatives came to visit us in the hospital and showed their support. We went home after two days.

    Recovery: I took pain relievers and antibiotics for a week, and my physical body has recovered remarkably well. I was back at my pre-pregnancy weight and there’s not a stretch mark on my belly. Amazing! Right now, I’m practicing po ge lai (Chinese postpartum recovery).

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpWx8d2F3QC/

    Wrap Up

    Our baby Lance’s birth story is one I really enjoy telling, partially because I’m still in shock (over 2 weeks later) with how it all happened. I’m often told before that lightening quick deliveries are hardly the norm, especially for first-time moms; in real life, progression of labor is much slower with a whole lot of screaming. Well, I guess I’m one of the lucky first-time moms to have a stress-free, pain-free, worry-free labor and delivery. We were so blessed that it all worked out and that we now have a beautiful and healthy son. 🙂

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BpUMcanFrlq/

    To expecting moms: Pregnancy may be a long, rough road, but this road can end in happiness, in the form of a healthy child. Every birth story has its own beauty, and much of that beauty comes in the strength pregnancy challenges give us as women and as mothers.

  • 5 Tips for Travelling Around Cities

    5 Tips for Travelling Around Cities

    City travelling offers up some of the best experiences, as you’ll never be stuck for things to do and see. When we went to Dubai for our honeymoon, we found it hard to pick just 12 of our favorite tourist attractions there. However, travelling around cities isn’t like your typical beach holiday. There are plenty more things to think about to make the most out of your city break. Here are five top tips for travelling around cities and experiencing all they have to offer.

    Source

    5 Tips for Travelling Around Cities

    1. Do your research

    Before you set off on your city break, make sure you do your research first. What is there to see? What are the top-rated attractions? Where are the best places to eat and drink? It’s unlikely you’ll have enough time to see and do everything, so you’re going to have to be selective. You may find that some of the biggest tourist hot spots are actually quite disappointing – The Secret Traveller at 1Cover has listed places like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Spanish Steps in Rome as just some of the most disappointing tourist attractions in the world.

    2. Think outside the box

    With those disappointing tourist attractions in mind, you may want to consider thinking outside of the box when it comes to travelling around cities. Instead of getting on a sightseeing bus to experience the city, opt for walking around and getting lost within it instead. Take the road less traveled and look for ‘off the beaten track’ guides that will let you know about all of those hidden gems you won’t see in regular guide books. You could even ask the locals where they recommend, as they’ll have plenty of advice for less touristy attractions to visit.

    3. Watch your budget

    Cities can be far more expensive than other types of holiday, so you’re going to want to keep a close eye on your budget. Look for ways of making your money go further, such as special offers on multiple attractions or investing in a weekly metro card instead of buying a travel ticket every day. Make yourself a travel budget and ensure you stick to it, so you don’t have to take money out while you’re abroad – no one needs those foreign exchange bank fees when they get home.

    4. Pack light

    There’s nothing worse than lugging a heavy suitcase over the cobbled streets of some European city because cars can’t reach your hotel
 Trust me! If you want to make the most of your city break, then you’re going to want to pack lightly. This will also save you some money on extra baggage charges, too. You can use the handy trick of bringing outfits that can be layered so that you will have plenty of outfit choices, whatever the weather, without having to carry a huge suitcase.

    5. Look up

    Exploring a city can be so much fun, but many of us forget to look up. We’re so busy taking photos or shooting Instagram stories that we forget to actually experience the destination. Of course, taking photos is an excellent way of preserving memories, but maybe limit yourself to just a few hundred a day. 😉 This way you can really enjoy all that your beautiful city break has to offer you. You’ll also find yourself less likely to bump into people or get targeted by pickpockets – which are quite common in popular cities – if you spend less time with your phone or camera in your hands.

    These are just five top tips for travelling around cities and making the most out of your city break. Do you have any others to add? Just let me know in the comments.

  • 3 Most Common Gift Ideas for Every Occasion

    3 Most Common Gift Ideas for Every Occasion

    People say that “if you love someone, you just want to see them happy.” Showing love and affection has many forms. According to Dr. Chapman, author of the popular relationship book The Five Love Languages, there are five universal ways that all people express and interpret love: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, and physical touch, and gift-giving.

    In this post, we will discuss and focus on showing love and happiness by giving thoughtful presents to make loved ones them feel appreciated. Below is a list of the common gift ideas for every occasion.

     3 Most Common Gift Ideas for Every Occasion

    1. A greeting card with a bunch of flowers

    In today’s modern world where people can easily chit-chat with instant messaging and video call applications, offering a greeting card to someone seems an old way of gifting. But, that’s not true at all!

    A beautiful greeting card has its own special place and still acts as a great messenger of your emotions. This gift never goes out of the style. Your words written on the greeting card can spell your heartfelt feelings for your dear one. So, take a pen and write down what you feel for them. Note down your best wishes and greetings and present the card and flowers as online Diwali gifts, anniversary gifts, or get well soon gifts.

    Don’t forget to buy a beautiful bouquet or a bunch of elegant flowers to go with your message. A sleek flower bouquet will be a perfect add-on as its lovely fragrance, and adorable beauty will be the excellent way to remember the day with happiness.

    1. Gift hampers

    Please the mind and soul of your dear one by presenting a basket of happiness. This amazing gift can serve as a box of joy filled with some fantastic delights that can bring a sweet smile to everyone’s face and cherish the beautiful memories you have spent with your close friends and family members.

    The range of items can be from sweet delicacies like chocolates, cookies, candies to some fun gift items such as a bunch of flowers, photo frame, personalized mugs and other fantastic products. Gift hampers are usually crafted during festive season like Christmas, but you can prepare it on your own. Just select the items and wrap them with beautiful, attractive and colorful packing.

    1. A delicious theme cake

    A celebration is incomplete without a delicious cake. We all are familiar with the fact that cake is one of the best delights in both taste and charm. If your dear one’s birthday is near and you are looking for the perfect gift, nothing could be better than this extra delicious cake. The good news is that that are more and more online cake delivery services offered by many companies that market their products through Instagram and other online sites apart from those cake suppliers that traditionally serve cakes in bakeshops.

    Wrap Up

    During the walks of life, numerous events and festivals are marked with the exchange of gifts in different sizes, shapes, and values to show love and happiness. But searching and buying the perfect gift for a loved one can be daunting. If you’re uncertain about how he or she will feel about it, sending these gifts with a thoughtful message is safe enough and wonderful to be treasured for a lifetime. Yes, sometimes the simplest things mean the most!

  • Po Ge Lai (Chinese Postpartum Recovery): 10 “Rules” to Follow

    Po Ge Lai (Chinese Postpartum Recovery): 10 “Rules” to Follow

    I gave birth to a healthy baby boy last Saturday, October 20, 2018 via NSD (Normal Spontaneous Delivery). For one month, I need to stay in my parents’ house and practice the Chinese traditional method of postpartum recovery, known as “po ge lai” or “ge lai” for short, as strictly “enforced” by my mom. It involves not bathing for 30 days, keeping away from anything cold, doing strenuous tasks, etc. In my mind, I really can’t stand not taking a bath for even two days, but for all it’s worth, I would just have to abide by this “recovery ritual” so my wound would heal faster—but more so, to avoid hearing the nags of my mom if I didn’t otherwise. 😛

    Po ge lai has been followed by all my aunts, grandmothers, and other predecessors for years. Basically, it is believed to help protect the mother’s health and help the body recover from the rigors of childbirth. How? The warmth of the body are taken out of the woman’s body during childbirth. Ge lai brings this warmth or chi (the balance of cold and heat) back.

    Whether you’re interested in considering to practice ge lai, currently pregnant, know someone who’s expecting a baby, or simply curious about ge lai, this post is for you.

    Po Ge Lai (Chinese Postpartum Recovery): 10 “Rules” to Follow

    1. Stay warm and dry. No baths!

    Besides not taking a bath/shower for a month, po ge lai requires covering the entire body and wearing long pants or pajamas and socks all day. This is to prevent chills or “wind” from entering the body so you won’t get easily sick or weakened. Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s bones, joints and muscles expand to accommodate the growing child. In this phase of “looseness,” the mother’s body is more vulnerable to “coldness,” which, when left untreated, will haunt a woman in her golden years in the form of arthritis and rheumatism.

    In my case, I stay inside the room and lay on bed almost the entire day, so there’s no worry about getting perspired or wet. An electric fan is enough to sleep comfortably.

    My only gripe is that my scalp and hair are becoming greasier every day. I’d like to try using a dry shampoo I got from Healthy Options. For now, I tie my hair in a ponytail so it gets out of the way especially while breastfeeding.

    2. Stay home.

    I was put on bed rest from my 30th week of pregnancy because of the risks of pre-term labor. (Story will soon be posted in another blog post.) The only times I got to see the outdoors were during checkups with my OB. So with ge lai, being on “house arrest” is nothing new. Staying indoors for a straight whole month could sound boring, but this can promote healing and soon enough, you’ll get used to it. 😉

    3. Rest as much as you can.

    New mothers should not be involved in any vigorous activities and try not to strain their loosened joints. No carrying of heavy objects, no taking the stairs, and no carrying children. If possible, have someone else do errands and house chores.

    I’m lucky to have my family here at home to do everything for me, including taking care of the baby for most times. My tasks are to eat well, breastfeed the baby, and help myself also heal better. I spend the rest of the day watching TV and YouTube videos, surfing the net, writing/blogging, and reading (minimal movements).

    4. Take herbal teas, medicinal soups, and tonic drinks.

    Just when I thought that I could take anything after giving birth, my mom advised to take only nutritious drinks following the ge lai plan. This is to flush out the dirty blood from the body, help increase breast milk production, keep the body warm, enhance tissue repair, and complete the mother’s recovery overall. In more traditional cases, even drinking ordinary water is considered “cold” and is thus forbidden.

    Fortunately, I have two very supportive mothers. My mother-in-law provides the ingredients to make herbal teas like o-tso tong sim and seng hwa teng. We live in Binondo close to Chinatown so all these are very accessible. My mom is a great cook and knows how to make a lot of Chinese medicinal soups, such as black chicken (native chicken) soup, ginger soup, si but, anything with sesame oil, etc.

    5. Eat prescribed “hot” food (dyet) for ge lai.

    “Hot” food doesn’t mean spicy in general; rather, it refers to anything that can produce heat in the body to restore balance and rebuild blood supply. Popular examples are lamb, beef, duck, ginger, and chocolate (native tablea and dark chocolate) which also help replenish important nutrients like protein, iron, and calcium.

    6. Avoid eating “cold” (tsin) food.

    Cold food examples are fruits like pear, banana, orange, lemon, grapefruit, pomelo, watermelon, and coconut and vegetables likes cucumber, sponge gourd, winter melon, Chinese cabbage, white turnip, eggplant, bamboo shoot, seaweed, mung bean, lotus root.

    7. Sit on boiled guava leaves.

    The recommendation is sitting on boiling guava leaves two times a day. The steam of the guava leaves helps hasten the healing of wounds down under and will make the uterus contract faster.

    8. Wear an abdominal binder or a girdle.

    A binder or a girdle is like a postpartum corset that should be worn 24/7. It feels like a huge hug that tightens the stomach area, decreases bloating, helps with postpartum cramping, and speeds up recovery.

    9. After the sitting month, bathe in water boiled with herbs.

    Taking a bath with regular tap water is a no-no. After waiting for a whole month for a refreshing shower, the end is near. Po ge lai also requires bathing in brewed tea for the first bath and then waiting a couple of days before taking the next baths which should be done every other day (and not daily).

    10. Limit interaction with other people.

    For an even faster recovery, mothers in this “sitting month” are discouraged from having unnecessary human contact (i.e. interacting with visitors). This is to avoid contact with a possible source of infection as new mothers and newborns are immunologically vulnerable.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Po Ge Lai (Chinese Postpartum Recovery): 10 “Rules” to Follow” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2018-10-26″ ]

  • Know the Best Hair Removal Procedure that Works Best For You

    Know the Best Hair Removal Procedure that Works Best For You

    When you have body hair that is embarrassing, your first reaction may be to shave it off. Alternatively, you may turn to other at-home methods like waxing or sugaring. But there are also other hair removal options to consider, including clinical hair removal procedures. Here are some of the most popular hair removal techniques and how they differ from one another.

    Comparing Home and Clinical Hair Removal Procedures

    Using a Razor to Remove Body Hair

    Shaving body hair off with a razor may seem like the most convenient and easiest option on the surface, and that is exactly what it is. That is, a razor blade can only remove the parts of each hair visible above the surface. The hairs below the surface remain untouched. Think of it much like mowing the lawn. Grass roots and lower portions of blades remain behind. The same is true of shaved hair. For that reason, when you shave it off, it has a tendency to grow back quickly. It may only take a few days to reappear.

    Waxing or Sugaring to Remove Annoying Body Hair

    Sugaring and waxing are popular body hair removal methods you can do on your own at home or have performed on you in a clinic. The latter tends to be more accurate and keep hair away longer because clinicians are trained in popular sugaring and waxing techniques. Clinical waxing or sugaring is also recommended if the hair you want to remove is in a sensitive area or one you cannot easily reach on your own, such as on your back.

    Sugaring and waxing essentially rip the hairs out, which means more of the invisible part of each hair is removed than when you shave. Therefore, hair will take longer to regrow. In fact, regrowth after such procedures can take several weeks. 

    Depilatory Cream and Epilator Use for Hair Removal

    Another way to remove unwanted body hair is with an epilator. An epilator is a hand-held device that works like tweezers except it plucks multiple hairs at once. I used to have a Braun Silk Epilator with 20 tweezers that remove hair at the root for a long-lasting smoothness. Using an epilator, you can remove unwanted hair from almost any part of your body you can reach. The process is quite efficient, but it is also quite uncomfortable (and quite painful especially for the first few times). When you have a clinical hair removal procedure like laser treatment your clinician can use numbing agents to minimize discomfort. There is no such option with home epilator use.

    You can also try an at-home product called depilatory cream for hair removal. There are various brands available in local drugstores. It is a cream or lotion you apply consistently to your body according to the directions. Over time, use of such a cream can remove hairs. It can also help delay the regrowth of hair after other procedures, such as waxing. However, you must remember to use it on a regular basis, which makes it one of the less convenient hair removal options.

    Also, note that the main risk with applying a depilatory cream is having chemical burns because they are strongly alkaline. If you have sensitive skin, it may be best to stay away from these creams and make sure you’re removing them thoroughly or you risk developing a “slow burn.” I know, I’ve been there, too. Ouch!

    Getting Rid of Each Entire Hair with Laser Treatment

    If you are sick of shaving, waxing, and/or using depilatory creams, you may want to head to your local clinic for laser treatment. I’ve gone through about 8 sessions of the painless diode laser for underarm hair removal at Skin Station several years ago, and it’s very effective until now. Compared with a lifetime of shaving, waxing or plucking, diode laser can save you both time and money.

    What was once thought as impossible, virtually painless laser hair removal treatment is now available. Basically, a laser penetrates down deep below your epidermis, or outer skin layer. By doing so, it can weaken each entire hair down to its follicle, or root. The sheer number of laser hair removal machines for sale in the skincare industry is staggering, so you will find different machines in use in each of your local skincare clinics. Some may be better suited than others to treat your skin type or color, so you need to discuss your options with a clinician before scheduling an appointment.

  • Your Guide to Being The Best Godparent You Can Be

    Your Guide to Being The Best Godparent You Can Be

    Being a godparent is perceived as an honor for Christian people. When parents ask you to be a godparent, it means they recognize you as a good role model. The parents trust you enough that they perceive you as person worthy to share the responsibility of guiding, nourishing and cherishing their most precious child.

    Bear in mind that you have a unique position to influence your godchild. Someday, when they grow old enough to recognize you, they will surely look up to you and model their behavior after yours. As a responsible godparent we take the role as serious as possible. The journey can be exciting and nerve-racking; I mean, how do we really know we are having a positive impact as a godparent? What makes a great godparent? I happen to have three godchildren, so let me share to you my guide to be the best godparent anyone can have.

    Your Guide to Being The Best Godparent You Can Be

    Time

    Remember that one of the godparent’s main functions is to guide the children to the right path in life. How can you build rapport and influence if you are rarely seen, and your presence is hardly felt? Spend time with your godchild and be consistent with your presence. Attend special occasions for your godchild including religious celebrations like birthdays and Christmas, or even school and sports activities.

    Offer Spiritual Guidance

    Be a role model on how to live a Christian life. Set an example and show your godchild the proper way to conduct oneself base on your faith. Display moral values that will set him up for good in the future.

    Be a Life Coach

    A child needs more than the influence of their parents and relatives to shape their character; outside factors like a godparent can greatly help mold the child. More than just a spiritual guide, godparents can be their godchild’s life coach. You are in a good position to give a different perspective and provide solid advice in their life with a different outlook. Actively taking part in their life events will create great opportunities that are perfect for passing on wisdom.

    Give Them Gifts

    The giving of gifts has been a proven way to build affection, and express devotion, since mankind’s early days. Remember those special occasions, events, and milestones in your godchild’s life because these are the best times to give those gifts. I remember as a child, I regarded my godparents as real-life Santa Clauses. Every gift I received from them were extra special, and they made simple events into special occasions that I always looked forward to.

    Godparents should actively participate in gift-giving holidays and occasions like birthdays and Christmas. Usually, godchildren expect a whole lot more from godparents, so make an effort to buy presents that are of great value, quality, and something personal to them, such as a perfect new shirt or pair of pants for their wardrobe. We are in a position to make things more special.

    Support the Parents

    In a way, as a godparent, you were hired by the parents to help them raise their child. Some stages of life can be tricky, especially those rebellious teenage years. This is a time in life where your godchild needs direction more than ever, and for them, listening to their parents is an annoying obligation.

    As a godparent, you are in a spot where you can influence them, but without the pressure. As a result, they will listen to and heed your advice. But don’t forget: your primary obligation is to support the parents as they raise their child, and reinforce their decisions with your godchild.

    It is a spectacle to see your godchild grow and mature before your eyes, so keep in touch with them throughout their lives. View your position more than just a commitment until they reach independent age. Yes, they can fend for themselves, but the reality of life is harsh and it can be easy to lose direction. You are their guiding light. You are their godparent.