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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • Age is Just a Number: 5 Ways to Live and Look Youthful

    Age is Just a Number: 5 Ways to Live and Look Youthful

    Aging is inevitable. Everything in this universe ages and undergoes the curse of time. We marked it every year and even celebrate it – at least up to a certain number (haha). We give these numbers more credit and significance than we should. Why? Because as a person grows old, they restrict themselves more. They don’t do the things that they usually do, because it’s not age appropriate or because they have “graduated” from it. 

    A number shouldn’t defy how youthful you live. You can stay youthful no matter what age bracket you belong to. It is a lifestyle, a choice that anyone can have. Don’t let your age restrict you from living and looking young. 

    We may not have found the fountain of youth, but we can create our very own. Here are ways to live and look youthful because after all, age is just a number. 

    Eat healthily

    Looking young and feeling youthful needs to start from within and there is no better way to do that than by committing to healthy eating. Healthy eating habits does not necessarily mean you will never eat sweets or oily food nor will you get a chance to sip or drink your favorite beverage. It’s more about making sure adequate nutrition is present in your meal. It also helps if you always keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, around six to eight glasses of clean drinking water every day. 

    Give your body what it needs on the inside to look the way you want on the outside. 

    Exercise

    Don’t live a sedentary life and keep an active lifestyle. Eating healthy and regular exercise go hand and hand in order for you to achieve that youthful glow. In addition, proper weight, tone muscles, strong bones, and boosted immune system is a clear sign of being healthy and youthful.  Keeping yourself fit also helps you deal with stress, life problems, and anxiety all of which will age you. 

    De-stress and Find Zen

    Being under chronic stress can accelerate your aging. When a person is stressed, a number of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood your blood. These hormones can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. This is typically okay if it only goes on for a few moments, but chronic stress means experiencing it over a prolonged period of time. And having a great influx of these stress hormones have a negative impact on your body. 

    And so, it is important to always find your balance, ground yourself and stay zen. You can do this by regular relaxation such as a spa day, meditation, yoga or as simple as breathing exercises. These activities can melt away your stress and make you feel radiate from within. That feeling where you feel content, and happy just because. 

    Explore beauty through science

    There are some factors in aging that cannot be controlled like genes and for this aspect, I suggest exploring the prospect of aesthetic medicine. It’s 2019, we have the science and technology to change your appearance. There are many procedures available today that are non-invasive, invasive, and are out-patient, from body sculping, laser treatments, and augmentation. 

    Learn new things

    Nothing feels more youthful than going back to square one. Don’t forget what you learned or earned over the years, rather explore new things to use in the coming years. The perspective of learning new things invigorates our interest in life, thus can make us feel and look youthful. It doesn’t have to be a PhD program but could be as simple as learning a new language, how to paint, play musical instrument, dancing lessons, or voice lessons.

  • Review of Steak77 (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Review of Steak77 (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, we went to Steak77 for our date night. This restaurant near the Tomas Morato Circle looked really cozy and elegant. It specializes in premiere steak such as US Angus Fillet Mignon, Tomahawk, Kagoshima Wagyu A5 Ribeye. The question is: Is it a must-visit prime cut destination?

    Review of Steak77 (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Steak77 is a trendy steakhouse where you can wear your extra tight tuxedo shirt. The tables are topped with white linen cloths, and the setting is quite dark with an intimate vibe, yet it didn’t feel stuffy. This date-night spot pretty much exudes power, glamour, and romance. We enjoyed the smooth classical instrumental music playlist on the background and appreciated the quietness as well; we were the only customers at the time of visit, so it felt like we had the entire place reserved for us alone.

    Service:

    Service was prompt and attentive. My only gripe was that we weren’t informed beforehand that they don’t accept credit cards as payment for steak. :O We were surprised when they told us about this policy only when the bill came. Albeit the mishap, I give points to the waiter who was patient enough to take our photos repeatedly until we got a nice shot. The place was dim so we had difficulty adjusting the right camera shutter speed and ISO settings. The waiter was also apologetic when he informed us that the dish we initially wanted (risotto) was unavailable.

    Food:

    We had one piece each of their complimentary bread, which we paired with the French Onion Soup (PhP 290). While so many versions of the French Onion Soup taste like a cup of burnt-onion tea with melted cheese trying its best to cover up the flaws, this one was really nice and flavorful. Its broth had a base of rich beef and onion topped with crostini, mozzarella and toasted brown. Each spoonful was a mix of melted cheese, broth, tender onions, and bread. Love it!

    Two types of US Angus Prime Ribeye appeared on the menu: Classic and Steak77. When asked, the waiter said that the difference lies in the marinade. The class US angus prime ribeye was seasoned only with salt and pepper, while the Steak77 was made with their in-house special blend of sauces. So we ordered the latter without hesitation.

    The price on the menu was PhP 725 for 100g, but in reality, this steak is only available per 320g serving, which means we should multiply the cost by 3.2 to get the real price. It was confusing and misleading so I suggest that they include this information on the menu once and for all.

    Anyway, we requested for the steak to be cooked medium well, and it was perfect. Served with side veggies and mashed potato, the slab of steak dazzled our palate; it tasted great and even better without gravy. It was juicy, tender, moist, and with nice marbling, too. We could have ordered wine to go with the steak but didn’t since I’m breastfeeding and I can’t take anything with alcohol.

    Price for Value:

    We had high hopes and were pretty satisfied with the tastes of both food we had. The portions of the dishes were also enough to share for us two. But was the PhP 2,320-steak really worth it? Oh boy, the price tag attached to it was a head scratcher. I thought it was too much for that one piece and we could have scored a good-quality steak in another restaurant at half the price.

    My key takeaway: When in Steak77, prepare to dine on a “higher plane.” The serene ambiance in a luxurious setting may well justify the sky-high tab, so for a dream-come-true meal, it’s as good as it gets. Caution: It’s not for the weak of wallet.

    [schema type=”review” name=”Steak77, Tomas Morato, Quezon City” description=”66 Timog Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For more information, contact (02) 282 5522″ author=”Rochkirstin Sioco” pubdate=”2019-02-14″ user_review=”3.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • 2018 Top 10 Organic Skincare Favorites from Healthy Options

    2018 Top 10 Organic Skincare Favorites from Healthy Options

    We just celebrated Chinese New Year and it’s now officially the Year of the Pig! I got to try more organic and all-natural skincare items from Healthy Options throughout 2018. (Read my 2017 favorites here.) To be honest, I’ve been so busy with work and motherhood that I didn’t think this beauty post would go up today. I had to burn the midnight oil because I was really excited to share my top 10 personal favorites with you guys! Continue reading to learn more about my daily essentials. You may see something that will also fit your skin type, interest, and skincare routine. 🙂 Here it goes:

    skincare beauty healthy options

    Top 10 Organic Skincare Favorites from Healthy Options

    1. Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick

    Cocokind matcha stick is truly a game-changer and a holy grail beauty item! This organic moisturizing stick can be used while you’re on the go. It helps rejuvenate dry spots, protect skin from free radical damage, and moisturize skin all day long.

    The best thing is that it has so many functions in one sleek packaging: it can be used as an everyday lip balm, under eye balm, dark circle corrector, facial highlighter, dry area treatment…anywhere and everywhere! It’s so moisturizing and spreads beautifully, and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily or greasy. It’s also the best chapstick I’ve ever used. I also use it for dry areas of my face. I noticed that I have dry skin now that I’m breastfeeding.

    So yes, the Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick is a winner! Once you have it, you can’t leave home without it. Just pack it in a small bag or pouch and you’re ready to go. 🙂

    2. Cocokind MacaBeet Tinted Moisture Stick

    I got this stick at the same day I got the matcha stick. At first, I had my doubts since it will just have the same moisturizing effect as the first one. However, the main difference is color.

    cocokind macabeet

    Cocokind macabeet provides a subtle tint to the lips and cheeks. I love that the color is very subtle and I use it as a blush. It delivers antioxidants which fight free radical damage by delivering adaptogenic powers, and combined with maca root, macabeet helps create smooth and even skin. With a little touch of pink, it’s makeup and skincare in one. Love it!

    To use, glide onto lips and cheeks and gently tap in with fingertips if necessary, for a naturally tinted and rosy glow.

    3. Cocokind Turmeric Spot Treatment

    To complete the whole line of Cocokind sticks, I got curious to also try the turmeric spot treatment. The primary reason I got it is for emergency cases: to relieve breakouts. It’s said to work wonders as it helps bring down redness and the size of a pimple in a few hours.

    The good: It has amazing ingredients that aren’t only used for cooking (turmeric, ginger, and tea tree oil help to balance skin tone, while sunflower oil soothes and calms). It helps brighten and calm inflammation. The bad and the ugly: The stick doesn’t stain the skin but the yellowish color may transfer to clothing or fabrics, so just be careful. When applied on the face, it looks like you have jaundice but it will be okay once you take it off.

    If you don’t have it, get it. You need it. It’s like a magic pimple cure! To use, apply the turmeric spot treatment to blemishes, breakouts, or areas with uneven pigment for 20 minutes. To remove, spray toner onto a cotton pad and gently wipe over the area.

    4. Derma E Very Clear Acne Cleanser

    Derma E is one of my most favorite brands in Healthy Options because it’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, 100% vegan, gmo-free, and sustainable. Their products are formulated with the most potent natural antioxidants and targeted vitamin solutions to ensure they deliver unmatched results without the use of harmful chemicals. Also, the packaging looks really clean and nice.

    My new go-to cleanser, the Derma E Very Clear Acne Cleanser, makes my face feel clean without being stripped of moisture. It’s a a recommended daily cleanser for blemish-prone skin, as it removes built-up oil and debris to unclog pores. The best part is that it contains 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Medication, which can penetrate pores and eliminate pore-clogging impurities—like dead skin cells, makeup, excess oil and bacteria.

    To use, pour a small amount of cleanser onto dampened hands and apply to a wet face and neck. Work into a deep cleansing lather, concentrating on areas of congestion and oiliness. Cleanse entire face and neck.

    5. Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub with Charcoal

    As mentioned in my other product hauls, Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub with Charcoal is a great natural exfoliate that we use every day. It lifts away micro-pollutants and impurities for a fresh, healthy radiance. It’s gently enough to buff away dead skin and purge congested pores (forefathers of all breakouts). My mom is also a fan and asks me to buy a new one whenever she empties the product. 🙂

    To use, apply a small amount to wet or dry skin and gently massage in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

    6. Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask

    Everyone went gaga over the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask last year at Healthy Options, and for good reason. It’s a perfect product for deep pore cleansing of the skin, and you don’t have to go to a facial spa center to achieve all the benefits. The one thing I don’t like about it is that you have to mix it with apple cider vinegar or water before application. Sometimes, I just don’t have the time to prep. 😛 This is where Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask enters the picture.

    It find it simple and very easy to apply right out of the package. The instruction is to leave on the face for 5 minutes or until mask is completely dry, moisten fingertips, then massage mask gently in a circular motion to activate exfoliants.

    I’m not sure if it has 100% the same effect as Aztec, but the beauty of this natural clay mask is that it’s infused with Kimarine Wakame, Bladerwrack and Activated Charcoal that lift out dirt, oil and bacteria to decongest pores as the mask dries. Plus, it has Apricot Seed Powder that exfoliates away dead skin cells and captured debris upon removal. This 2-in-1 charcoal mask is perfect for those who want to simplify their beauty routine.

    7. Nature’s Gate Vitamin E Oil

    2018 was the year I got pregnant and gave birth. I researched for so many skincare solutions that can help reduce or prevent the onset of stretch marks on my belly, and I read so many good reviews about Nature’s Gate Vitamin E Oil. I applied this almost every day and I’m very happy with the results. I got no stretch marks! 🙂 It’s skin therapy in a bottle, formulated with a quickly absorbing blend of Vitamin E Acetate, grapeseed and safflower oil that helps provide renewed softness.

    Note: I asked my obstetrician before using the product so it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider too if you’re pregnant before application.

    8. Nature’s Gate Moisturizing Lotion (Papaya)

    Together with the Vitamin E oil, this lotion may also be part of the solution that helped prevent and battle stretch marks. I used to apply this every night on my arms, legs, and tummy without fail. I love the sweet smell and velvety texture. When you put it on it absorbs pretty fast and your hands don’t stay slimy.

    9. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera

    There’s so much rave and love about this product online that I can’t help to get one myself. True enough, this soothing rose toner delivers in spades. It’s free of alcohol, parabens, and propylene glycol, and it smells like roses! The natural astringent properties of rose petals work in tandem with witch hazel, tightening pores, controlling oil production, locking moisture in, and keeping free radicals out.

    The application of witch hazel reduces excess oil buildup and bacteria growth on the skin, heals infections, reduces redness and inflammation, and halts the development of blackheads and whiteheads. When looking for your next witch hazel item, settle for nothing less. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera is a good buy!

    My husband is also using Thayers witch hazel every night after taking beta-alanine supplements (a great option for athletes to work out harder in the gym).

    10. Alba Botanica Even Advanced Natural Moisturizer Sea Moss SPF 15

    Alba Botanica Even Advanced Natural Moisturizer is my secret for hydrating my skin throughout the day. The scent is mild and flowery that doesn’t hang around.I apply this moisturizer daily before putting makeup on and it wears beautifully under foundation. It’s a very rich, emollient cream that’s not greasy and absorbs really well. The good thing is that it has SPF 15, and it guards against UVA and UVB sun rays.

    Wrap Up

    I’m turning 30 this year and I realized starting a few years back that there’s no point in knowing what to put on your pretty face if you don’t have a clean, healthy canvas. Using organic and all-natural skincare reduces the amount of toxins and chemicals on your face and they’re an essential part of any beauty regime. Let these 2018 beauty favorites from Healthy Options Philippines give you insight and treat your skin the best you can. 🙂 Thanks for reading!

  • Then and Now: How the Wave of Technology Has Changed Our Everyday Lives

    Then and Now: How the Wave of Technology Has Changed Our Everyday Lives

    Over the years, technology has evolved from being that of caveman status to putting useful information, tools, and resources at our fingertips with a simple tap or swipe. If you sit back and think about it, the internet was a luxury that only a few households had. Kids today wouldn’t even be able to imagine a world without the internet.

    A study done by the (ITU) International Telecommunications Union showed that over 47% of people in the world have access to the internet and Europe has the highest number of users. With the internet being such a huge part of our daily lives, it can seem like it’s really taken over our lives… and to be quite honest, it truly has.

    Tap Instead of Talk

    There was a point in time where you had to send letters to people as the only form of communication. As technology advanced, we were able to use telephones. Telephones were a form of communication that forced people to have conversations with each other outside of being face to face with someone… those were the days.

    Now you can communicate with someone with just a few taps for a text message. To take it a step further, communication has been shortened even more with abbreviations:

    • WYD- What are you doing
    • IDK- I don’t know
    • HRU- How are you
    • TTYL- Talk to you later
    • OMW- On my way

    Text messaging is the most popular way to communicate among the younger generations. There are definitely pros and cons associated with it. For one, it allows you to communicate with someone when you’re not able to actually talk on the phone. On the other hand, it has replaced verbal communication altogether for some people.

    No More Standing in Long Lines

    If you can believe it, people used to stand in long lines to pay bills, shop, and transfer money! Now we have the capabilities to pay bills while watching TV, shop from your bed, and send money while enjoying a hot cup of joe. Apps have made all of this possible.

    Top Money Transfer Apps

    • PayPal
    • Apple Pay
    • Cash App

    Ease of Shopping

    From groceries to high-heel shoes, technology has allowed us to shop without having to leave our home. There are several apps and websites to choose from that allow you to pick out the items you want and put it in a digital shopping cart. Once you have the items you want, you simply input your credit/debit card information and just wait to get your items!

    Stress-Free Bill Pay

    We now have the ease of paying our bills by simply tapping “Submit.” Companies now are making paying bills easier and more convenient for customers by way of apps. A lot of credit card companies and even banking apps allow you to pay your bill through the app.

    This helps customers avoid late payments and keeps them from having to stand in long lines. The greatest convenience of paying bills online is that it’s immediate. You once had to pay bills by check and wait for the check to clear in your account! A fact that’s unheard of now!

    A New Form of Fun

    The way we used to watch TV, listen to music, watch movies, and play video games is definitely a thing of the past. The internet has introduced this thing called streaming. Ever since streaming was introduced, the way we enjoy online entertainment will never be the same.

    Video Games

    The evolution of gaming has come so far. It used to be you had one controller and one TV to play from. Now you can play with multiple players and play from a PC, not just a game console! There are even new ways to play the games! You’re no longer justify with the option of console controllers… You can now play tactical games with a PC keyboard and a gaming mouse with great performance and sensors.

    TV/Movies

    The advancements in technology now allow you to stream TV, music, and movies. Trips to Blockbuster Video and Hollywood video are long gone for movie entertainment at home. Meanwhile, the internet has taken our TV experience to a whole new level. You now have the capabilities to pause a show if you need to step away from the TV/computer for a bit, and you can also rewind a show if you think you missed something.

  • Pearly Whites: What’s the Price of Your Perfectly Imperfect Smile?

    Pearly Whites: What’s the Price of Your Perfectly Imperfect Smile?

    Have you ever been talking to someone and you’re making eye contact but then notice their eyes shift downward? I think we all have. Did you know what they were looking at? Nine times out of ten, they were looking at your teeth!

    How embarrassing! They’re looking at your teeth for one of two reasons: because you have something on them or because the overall appearance of your teeth is just distracting to them. Both of those reasons are why a lot of people don’t smile. Luckily, there have been so many advancements in the world of dentistry to help people with their dental dilemmas.

    Teeth Fetish?

    Forbes states that people have taken more of an interest and focus on the appearance of their teeth. Shape and color being the main focus. You see a lot of celebrities taking selfies and posting videos flashing their pearly whites. Some celebs even post videos of them visiting their dentist.

    In seeing celebrities taking extra care of their teeth, it has inspired a lot of consumers to do the same. You see more and more people getting teeth whitening services and fixing their crooked smiles. Whether this increase in dental care is coming from a cosmetic desire to be like their favorite celebrity or not, it ’s certainly making people be more attentive to their dental health.

    The Evolution of Teeth: Braces

    There was a point in time where if you wanted a pretty smile, you had to wear braces. Braces were the absolute worst for kids in school 30-40 years ago. Phrases like “brace face” and “metal mouth” would torment kids for the entire time they wore braces and were really hurtful but with all the teasing and ridicule, the finished product was a gorgeous smile.

    Now, these gorgeous smiles do come at a pretty price. According to oralb.com, traditional braces can run you anywhere from $3,000-$7,000. Ceramic braces can range from $4,000-$8,000 and Lingual braces can cost you a whopping $8,000-$10,000! The new form of braces are called Invisalign and they can run you $4,000-$7,400.

    How Braces Work

    Essentially, when braces are applied, it is a process of applied pressure moving your teeth in a certain direction. As your teeth move, your bone changes shape. This process is the same for traditional braces and Invisalign braces. The actual process of applying braces can be a little scary so you want to make sure you find the right dentist to meet your dental hygiene needs.

    Million Dollar Smile: Cosmetic Dentistry

    Most of us really want to have that “million dollar” smile but don’t want to pay the million dollar money that comes with that smile. What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are procedures that can enhance your smile without emptying out your bank account.

    The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry states that the number of cosmetic dental procedures has had a 12% increase in the last three to five years. That just goes to show you just how much people have taken an interest in their oral hygiene.

    Now, cosmetic dentistry costs do vary and can be dependent upon your location but on average, this is a good ballpark range of what you can expect to pay for some of the common and popular services.

    Porcelain Veneers: $900-$4,000 per tooth

    Porcelain veneers are great for cosmetic flaws. They can hide damages to teeth from injuries and they can improve any dental issues involving spacing and alignment. This procedure requires a lot of artistry to create a smile unique to you, that’s why this particular procedure can be the most expensive.

    Teeth Whitening: $250-$500

    Teeth whitening is a great way to give your teeth a full makeover in brightness. If your teeth don’t have any alignment issues, regularly getting them whitened is a quick and easy way for your smile to light up any room.

    Dental Bonding: $500-$700 per tooth

    This is a procedure for minor dental flaws. Dental bonding is great for covering stains, gaps, and cracked/chipped teeth. This is a procedure that is definitely more affordable for patients.

    The Perfect Smile

    There’s really no formula for what makes the perfect smile… it truly depends on your preference and what you feel will look natural on you and make you smile the most. Traditionally, to be considered as having a beautiful smile, it was all about how white your teeth were and how symmetrical they were.

    This perfect smile used to be described as “a mouth full of chiclets.” When it comes to going to the dentist, whether you’re going to get braces or have some type of cosmetic work done, you need to get the idea of “perfect” out of your mind and replace it “perfect for you.”

  • 3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Decorating Your Baby’s Nursery

    3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Decorating Your Baby’s Nursery

    Bringing your baby home is one of the most exciting experiences you will have in your life. While you want everything to be perfect, it can be difficult to manage your budget to accommodate for your new bundle of joy while making sure the baby’s bedroom has everything you want and need.

    Did you know the average bedroom renovation costs between $2,500 and $9,000? From college to a family vacation, think of all the other things you could spend that money in the future. You want your new baby’s nursery to be comfortable, beautiful and well-organized, but you don’t want to spend excessively on your baby’s room when you have so many other expenses to worry about during this amazing time in your life.

    After upgrading from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom apartment, you will want to make sure your baby’s room is all set before the baby arrives. But don’t get overwhelmed, there are ways to create an amazing space and keep to your budget.

    3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Decorating Your Baby’s Nursery

    1. Bring Your Memories into Your Baby’s Room

    More and more parents are looking for a sophisticated bedroom design for their little ones. One way you can achieve this on a budget is to use some of your existing furniture in the baby’s room. If you have a great leather ottoman, repurpose as a footrest with your rocking chair. Or bring in the recliner instead of a glider.

    Instead of buying baby art or generic baby decor, use photos you already have to decorate the baby’s room. This will give the nursery a more personalized feeling and bring some of your stories into the space.

    Your baby will wake up several times throughout the night: crying, screaming, and restless. You’re going to spend time rocking the baby back to sleep and nursing the baby. If you fill your baby’s room with memories from your life, you will feel more relaxed during these stressful times. As your baby grows, you can replace some photos with pictures of your baby and keep some, so you can share stories of your experiences with your baby as they grow.

    You can even design an art wall that you can update from time to time as you create more memories with your new baby.

    2. Purchase Convertible Furniture and Other Items

    It can be difficult to know what you’ll need for your baby in the future. But there are a few things you’ll only need for the first year or two. For your baby’s crib and changing table, think about how you can adapt them to work as your baby grows and ditch the classic diaper bag. Here’s a good resource on how to choose a diaper: Diapers guide by mybabiesplanet.com.

    When it comes to a crib, your newborn will only sleep in it for about a year and a half to two years before scaling the side and wandering about your home. Instead of investing in a crib and a kid’s bed, find a crib that will convert into a bed when the time comes. You can even find cribs that will go from a crib to a twin bed to a full or queen size.

    You will also want to find a crib with a changing table attachment that converts into a dresser or wardrobe. Then you can slowly replace diapers and rash cream with your baby’s clothes and toys.

    Another thing you will want to consider is your diaper bag. These can be quite cumbersome and look very ‘new mom.’ Instead of getting the powder pink diaper bag, (which might look silly if you have a second child and it’s a boy), purchase a backpack or tote that will work as your child grows. Backpacks are great because they won’t slip off your shoulder and they free up your hands.

    3. Create Your Own Decor

    While you’re waiting for the baby to arrive, spend your time creating some of those amazing baby wall decorations or bedroom designs yourself.

    Create a pennant wall-hanging with crafting or scrapbook paper, ribbon, and dowels. This is pretty straightforward: choose paper that has a color scheme that matches your theme. Then cut out your baby’s name or a word that will inspire the rest of your baby room decor. Some cute ideas include “girls rule” or “hello honey” with a bumblebee.  You can even do a one letter per pennant design and hang it over the crib.

    A D.I.Y. chalkboard is a great craft project that will last. You can paint a rectangular area over your baby’s crib, dresser, or toy box with chalkboard paint. Put an old picture frame around the painted area for a little more elegance, then having some fun with chalk. Draw a sailboat or flowers. Even a bunny rabbit is an adorable idea for a kid’s room. Include your child’s name or an inspirational quote. You can even write the first thing you thought when you saw your bundle of joy for the first time.

    Another way to bring in the with chalk paint is to paint the top of an old trunk and use it as a toy box. Update that old bulking furniture for some fun flair.

    When it comes to creating an inviting baby space that will grow with your little one, incorporate your past and think about the future. Repurpose what you have and purchase items that will grow with your little one.

    Congratulations on becoming a parent! And remember to save where you can so you can keep traveling and creating memories with your little one. 🙂

  • 5 Things to Look for in a Hotel When You’re Traveling with Family

    5 Things to Look for in a Hotel When You’re Traveling with Family

    Planning a vacation can be a lot of fun, but it can be a lot of work too. From activities to car rentals and plane rides, there’s a lot of planning that has to be done. And of course, don’t forget about the hotel! No matter where you stay, there is likely to be many different options. For example, Lake Tahoe has dozens of hotel choices, in addition to camping opportunities on the lake.

    The question is whether or not the hotel you choose is the right one when you’re traveling with family. Don’t just pick any old hotel if you’re traveling with children or the in-laws. Instead, follow these tips while you’re searching and you can ensure you find the perfect room for your crew.

    5 Things to Look for in a Hotel When You’re Traveling with Family

    The Right Room Setup

    A hotel room isn’t just a hotel room. There are many different types of hotel rooms, and some are better for families than others. If you’re traveling with your significant other, a standard room may be a great choice, but it isn’t a good choice if you’re traveling with your in-laws. Instead, you will want to consider a joint room or a suite. With bedroom doors, you can get a little privacy when you need it.

    If you’re traveling with very young children, a deluxe room might be a good choice as it provides you with the ability to stretch your legs and keep your eye on the kids at the same time. If they’re a little older, a joint room might be a better choice. The key is to consider who you’re traveling with and the level of privacy everyone requires when choosing your room.

    Fun Things for the Kids to Do

    There are a lot of fun things to do on vacation, but that doesn’t mean the kids won’t get bored! It’s a good idea to look for hotels that have fun things for the kids to do.

    A pool is a must. It doesn’t have to be a fancy show-stopping pool with a view either. A basic pool will be plenty of fun for older kids. If you have younger ones, look for a pool that will accommodate them.

    There are other fun things you can look for too! For example, some hotels have kids clubs, and some even have babysitting services! If you’re in the mood for unique locations or creepy experiences, check out this list for some Fall River activities.

    Convenient Perks

    There are many ways a hotel can provide you with perks. Some you probably know about, like the fact that you can request extra pillows or room service. Think outside the box and ask the hotel if they provide family-friendly perks that include:

    • Strollers
    • Playpens
    • Booster Seats
    • Netflix Access
    • Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Bike Rentals
    • Laundry Service
    • Travel Guides
    • Headphones
    • And Much More!

    A Good Location

    It is important to consider the details inside each hotel, but you should also consider where it’s located. Some hotels are located in a prime spot. These hotels may have great views and luxury amenities, but that doesn’t mean they’re a good choice for your family. Kids will take fun activities and a family-friendly pool over views any day!

    You also need to consider the proximity of the hotel’s location to the things you want to do. If you are going to theme parks, having to pack everyone in the car every day to drive there is going to be a hassle. You will want a closer hotel instead. Look for a location that works for your family.

    An Affordable Price

    There are a lot of fun things to think about when it comes to selecting a hotel. Unfortunately, you have to think about the not-so-fun things too. That means considering how much it’s going to cost. Just because you have saved up money for your vacation doesn’t mean you can afford to stay anywhere you want. Look for a hotel that fits your budget and your needs.

    That means you might have to skip splurging on a smaller room in a luxury hotel for a larger room in a less exciting hotel. No matter what your budget, make sure you consider it carefully so you don’t drain your savings to stay in a hotel you won’t spend a lot of time in anyway!

    Family vacations can be great, as long as everyone has their own space and feels comfortable. That means thinking carefully about what hotel you choose. With the tips on this list, you can ensure you book a room in a hotel the whole family will love.

  • Sky Plus Print: Business Card Printing in the Philippines (Plus a Giveaway!)

    Sky Plus Print: Business Card Printing in the Philippines (Plus a Giveaway!)

    It’s the digital era but people are still giving away the printed business cards. Why? Handing someone a business card may seem superfluous nowadays, since we can easily exchange messages on social media and email or just input a mobile phone number quickly and send a short text message. In any case, in the “business world” or corporate world, the “old-fashioned paper rectangle” is still the faster, easier and preferable way to share business contact information with prospect clients, partners and suppliers. Business card printing is culturally appropriate and it adds legitimacy and trust in the business.

    I have my own set of business cards for work, but I think I need a separate deck for my personal blogging profile. Whenever I attend bloggers’ events, I just state my name, email address, and phone number and hope that people won’t get any of the information spelled or typed incorrectly. Oh, trust me, they do—most of the time, so I almost always have to enunciate that it’s Kirstin and not Kristin. 🙂 This goes both for my name, email, and all of my social media account handles.

    Sometimes it’s great to have a unique name, but delivering it quickly in one breath wouldn’t save time. A calling card would minimize the room for error and smooth the process. Also, a well-designed one helps make a lasting good impression.

    Finding a Business Card Printing Company Online

    Thanks to Google search, finding a business card supplier in the Philippines didn’t require much time and effort. I browsed through about five sites and decided to try Sky Plus Print. Here’s why:

    • Templates and custom options: Sky Plus Print offers a range of well-designed and curated premade templates for both personal and professional branding, along with add-on features such as finishes, print sides, card orientation, etc. The site is also equipped with a design tool where users can edit a pre-designed template or upload their own from scratch. There are available stock images and icons to choose from. Users are able to upload designs and backgrounds and insert a QR code to personalize the card more. All changes are reflected and can be previewed in real time.
    • Intuitive web interface: It’s easy to figure out how to navigate the site. The flow is intuitive from choosing a design to work on to the checkout process (billing information → shipping information → shipping method via 2go Express → payment information: credit card, bank deposit, payment center, gcash, and PayPal → order review).

    Designing My Own Business Card

    The two primary purposes of my business card are to represent my brand and provide contact information. I believe that simplicity is powerful, hence after three revisions I made myself, I finally opted for a clean and minimal card design. Here are some screenshots of the customization page:

    Giveaway for Followers

    In case you’re interested to try Sky Plus Print’s service and are thrilled to join a contest, here’s a giveaway for you! Simply follow all the mandatory steps to get entries. Extra points will be credited when you also follow the optional steps. This will start from tomorrow, February 9, 2019, and a winner will be drawn on February 16, 2019. Prize is a free order of a premium stack of business cards by Sky Plus Print. 🙂

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    To know more about Sky Plus Print and their business card printing services, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.