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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • Easy and Delicious Recipes with Olive Oil by Chef Mikel Zaguirre

    Easy and Delicious Recipes with Olive Oil by Chef Mikel Zaguirre

    For the longest time, we’ve been using only avocado oil for healthy cooking at home. My husband especially favors avocado oil above all else since it has a very high smoke point which makes it great to use for frying. Also, it has an extremely beneficial fatty acid profile, good levels of antioxidants and other healthy compounds.

    Since we’re now exploring more recipes to try when cooking at home, we found that one of the next best types of oil is olive oil. With similar nutrition profile consisting of 120-124 calories per tablespoon and 14 grams of fat as avocado oil, olive oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats, which are the heart-healthy kind that promote good cholesterol. It’s rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which are largely resistant to heat, thus there’s less or minimal carcinogenic compounds that will be formed during cooking.

    There’s so much arguments and debate going on whether cooking with olive oil is safe or bad for the health. I’ve gone through several articles and found a scientists’ report in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry which states that “olive oil withstands the heat of the fryer or pan better than several seed oils to yield more healthful food.” Another study points that “olive oil—both extra-virgin and refined—produced fumes with fewer volatile aldehydes than canola oil. Furthermore, most scientific studies show that olive oil is able to retain its nutritional properties and resist deterioration despite high heat.

    So for now, the bottom line I choose to believe is that using olive oil for cooking is safe, and it’s probably safer and better when you can avoid reaching the smoke point. While it’s not harmful to the health, cooking oil past its smoke point can cause nutrient loss and create unpleasant off-flavors that’ll affect the taste of the finished dish. Note the slightly different smoke points of each type of olive oil:

    • Extra virgin: 375 to 405°F
    • Virgin: 390°F
    • Pure: 410°F
    • Light: 470°F

    In the Philippines, one of the brands for olive oils we came across with recently is Doña Elena. Doña Elena uses two varieties of olives (hojiblanca and picual) and these are grown in Andalucia, Spain, which is known to be the global leader in terms of olive oil. These two varieties are delicately blended, producing a mild and fruity taste that is perfect for the Filipino palate.

    Below are two easy and delicious recipes which make use of olive oil. What’s great is that these require only minimum effort so you won’t be stressed out and won’t have a difficult time in preparing for the family.

    Fettucine with Seared Beef and Sour Cream by Chef Mikel Zaguirre

    Yield: 3-4 persons, Time it takes to prepare: 30 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 200g Marinated Beef Tenderloin, Cleaned
    • 2 Tbsp White Onion, Finely Chopped
    • 1 Tbsp Garlic, Peeled and Finely Chopped
    • 1 Tbsp Dona Elena Capers
    • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire
    • 150 g Doña Elena Fettucine
    • 2 Tbsp Doña Elena Red Wine
    • 3 Tbsp Doña Elena Olive Oil
    • 3 Tbsp Sour Cream
    • Beef Dry Rub
    • 1 tsp Pimenton, Sweet
    • 1 tsp Cocoa Powder, Unsweetened
    • 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder
    • 1/4 tsp All Spice Powder
    • 1/8 tsp Cinnamon Powder
    • 1/8 Cayenne Pepper Powder

    Combine all ingredients together and set aside to use for marinating beef tenderloin.

    Procedure

    1. Sear beef tenderloin with Dona Elena Pomace Olive Oil until desired doneness is achieved and let the meat rest.
    2. In a pot, boil 2L of water and add salt. Cook Doña Elena fettucine for 7-8 minutes and set aside.
    3. Using the oil from the seared meat, saute the onion and garlic briefly.
    4. Add the capers and deglaze with red wine.
    5. Add the cooked pasta and season with worcestershire.
    6. Slice the beef tenderloin.
    7. Plate the pasta and add the slices of beef tenderloin
    8. Add the sour cream and serve.

    Chocolate Penne Rigate with Dried Fruits and Walnuts by Chef Mikel Zaguirre

    Yield: 2 persons

    Ingredients:

    • Belgian Chocolate, melted 1 Cup
    • Penne Rigate 1/2 Cup
    • Dried Apricot, chopped 1 Tablespoon Dried Cranberries, chopped 1 Tablespoon Walnuts, chopped 1 Tablespoon

    Procedure:

    1. Cook the penne rigate until Al Dente. Set aside until cool.
    2. Line up the cooked penne rigate in a foil or mesh then pour in the melted chocolate.
    3. Sprinkle the apricot, cranberries, and walnuts.
    4. Let it cool for 30 minutes then ready to serve.

    Doña Elena Olive Oil is exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation in the Philippines. It is the consistent no. 1 Olive Oil brand according to A.C. Nielsen. Available in three (3) variants, extra virgin, pure and pomace which comes in 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 L glass bottles and 5L PET bottle sizes. For more tips, recipes, and promos visit @donaelenacuisineraclub on Facebook and Instagram.

  • Review of Providence Hospital (Quezon Avenue) Maternity Package

    Review of Providence Hospital (Quezon Avenue) Maternity Package

    Deciding on a hospital to delivery our baby wasn’t so difficult for us. We only had two choices: St. Luke’s Medical Center and Providence Hospital (both in Quezon City) as my obstetrician is affiliated with these. After reading the experiences and recommendations of moms in online forums and knowing the rates of maternity packages available, the choice was clear. It was Providence Hospital along Quezon Avenue. In this blog post, I’m sharing my thoughts and our experience with Providence Hospital.

    Review of Providence Hospital (Quezon Avenue) Maternity Package

    We intended to have a maternity tour to know what to expect during our stay. Unfortunately, since our bundle of joy has arrived three weeks earlier than the due date, I had to be admitted to the hospital without getting all the information I thought I needed. Anyway, I’m grateful that everything went well. We’re very pleased with the facilities and services in Providence Hospital. Here’s a more in-depth review.

    Providence Hospital isn’t one of the most popular choices when it comes to delivering a baby in Metro Manila. I’ve read only a few inquiries and information about their maternity package online, but most of them were quite positive and promising. Netizens agree that Providence Hospital is prominent when it comes to delivering high-risk pregnancies. It boasts a multidisciplinary perinatal team on standby around the clock and specially trained nurses in its obstetric wards.

    me, two hours before delivery

    Travel Distance from Home

    Providence Hospital is just about 15-20 minutes of drive away from our home. I didn’t have to worry about traffic when baby is on the way.

    Admission

    Prior going to the hospital, we called Providence Hospital to check if there’s any private room available and learned there was none. All rooms were occupied and the worst case would be me staying in the delivery room until one becomes free. It was like being a chance passenger and we were okay with it.

    Reception Area

    Admission was a bit of a setback since there was only one person in the reception. It was evident that he could not entertain and accommodate incoming patients and attend to calls at the same time. Then I knew why the phone kept ringing and nobody was answering when I was on the other end of the line before.

    Another surprising part of admission was that the hospital requires patients to pay the cost of maternal package upfront before they can continue with any accommodation. Additions (in case of complications) or deductions (PhilHealth discount) in cost will be adjusted/settled upon checkout.

    Billing Department

    There’s no going to the ER first for labor and delivery. So I spent half an hour feeling the contractions and ready to give birth while still having to fill up forms and go through the process of payment in the billing department. The receptionist received the copy of payment confirmation and luckily, one of the small private rooms (for postpartum recovery) was freed. 10-15 minutes later, the attending nurse guided us to the room for check-in. We were given a welcome kit and stayed in the small private room.

    Freebies from the Hospital

    Labor and Delivery

    In case you haven’t read about our birthing story, click here. When we first came into the room, the nurse immediately told me to change into their hospital gown and slippers. Then, she wheeled me to the Labor Room where a resident doctor performed an internal examination (IE) on me to determine my body’s readiness for labor. My cervix was already dilated at 7 centimeters that time. A couple of minutes later, our obstetrician-gynecologist reached the hospital and gave me labor tips to ease my worries.

    Labor Room

    The nurses checked the fetal monitors almost every 5-15 minutes to see the baby’s heartbeat as well as my contractions. Our doctor did a cervical check every 30 minutes. I was very glad that my husband was allowed to me by my side the entire time during labor. And I was even more relieved when he was also allowed to enter the operating room to see all the action. I knew not many hospitals in Metro Manila permit that.

    The ambiance in the delivery room wasn’t at all stressful. Everything went well and under control. The doctors told me when to push, counted to 10 in every push, and kept me informed with the progress. Since the birthing process can be like an athletic endeavor, it’s great to have the nurses, doctors, and my husband as cheerleaders and coaches. Happy songs were played when the baby was out.

    Adequate Nurses

    The staff-to-patient ratio was okay and the nurses did not seem overworked. Rather, they were energized and engaged. The assignments were clearly defined and attention was given to the right patient at the right time.

    There was also sufficient staff handling post-delivery care during odd hours. We rang the bell to call the nurse every other two hours to help us feed the baby and there was always at least one who would come.

    Photography and Videography

    We didn’t hire any professional photographers. My husband used his phone camera and the anesthesiologist also helped us capture the most precious moments during delivery. Taking photos and videos was allowed in the labor room and delivery room.

    Small Private Room

    The room was neat and was spacious enough for us. It was furnished with a single bed (for the patient), air conditioner, mini fridge, and a sofa bed so the dad-to-be can welcome the newborn together. Providence Hospital encourages “room-ins” so healthy babies can stay with their parents for better bonding from birth, with a lactation nurse to visit new moms and nurses available on call. The restroom was just across and a few steps away from the room. I didn’t use a catheter since I was able to walk slowly to the restroom hours after after delivery.

    My first attempt to walk

    Visitors were allowed anytime, so we didn’t feel obligated to pack visitors into every minute. Food for me was delivered on time for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner–and amazingly, all the dishes served were yummy unlike the typical “hospital food.” A copy of the daily newspaper was also sent for my reading leisure.

    Lactation Support

    After attending a seminar that discussed about the benefits of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact right after delivery, I chose to breastfeed right away. Thankfully, Providence Hospital has an in-house lactation support nurse who massaged my breasts to help lactate. She was a big help indeed.

    Maternity Package Rates

    I gave birth via NSD on October 20, 2018. Normal Spontaneous Delivery Package costs P33,000 without PhilHealth and P28,750 with PhilHealth. Caesarean Section Basic Package costs PhP 44,500 without PhilHealth and P31,850 with PhilHealth.

    The package already includes use of labor room, delivery room, and post-operative care, pre and post-delivery medicines and supplies, newborn care which consists of the newborn screening test, newborn hearing test, vitamin K, BCG, and eye ointment. Professional fees (obstetrician, anesthesiology, and pediatrician) are not included. To avail the maternity package, secure and sign the maternity package form from the OPD reception or at the Admitting Section (lobby area) and present the signed form and admission order on the day of admission.

    Day 2 at the hospital, photo-op before going home :)

    Wrap Up

    When preparing for birth, choosing the right hospital to welcome the young one is important. A maternity hospital where would-be-moms will comfortable should be planned in advance. Overall, our experience in Providence was satisfactory. For more information about their maternity services, you may check out their website or contact them at (02) 558 6999 to inquire about detailed descriptions of the packages.

  • Hiking Essentials You Need to Hit the Trail

    Hiking Essentials You Need to Hit the Trail

    So you’ve decided to head out into the wilderness and test your prowess as an explorer of nature’s numerous hiking trails. You want to go, but maybe you’re not quite sure of the type of items you might need while you’re out there.

    Going hiking with at least an idea of the essential things you will need is smart, and with this list of items, you’ll be out enjoying the trail while saving yourself undue stress.

    hiking in the philippines

    Hiking Essentials You Need to Hit the Trail

    1. Nutrition and Hydration

    Hiking, depending on what kind of trail you tackle, isn’t a walk in the park. Chances are you are going to expend a great deal of energy on your journey and you’re going to need some kind of sustenance.

    Obviously you are going to need some water to stay hydrated, no matter the conditions. Check to see if your trail has stops along the way so you can get and idea how much to bring. When it comes to food, you are going to want to bring food that energizes you like nuts, fruits, and protein bars. They don’t take a lot of space and give you the boost you need.

    2. Navigation

    Yeah, you could rely on your phone like most people do when they’re lost or need directions, but having a compass and/or map will be a much better option.

    Chances are where you’re going, there won’t be great reception for your GPS systems. Going the ol’ analog route leaves little room for error and all it takes is for you to have at least a basic sense of direction. Studying the area you’ll be in before hand will also give you a great advantage in the event of disaster striking or getting lost.

    3. First Aid

    Even on the most easy trails, anything can happen that calls on the need for medical assistance. You could cut yourself on a rock or branch. Maybe you twist your ankle or break finger trying to brace yourself for a fall.

    Things like that could be immediately addressed if you have a first aid kit handy for such situations. You don’t have to bring an ambulance worth of medical supplies, so check the difficulty of the trail and plan accordingly. Things like splints, bandages, gloves,and scissors should be in every kit.

    4. Light Source

    Imagine being out on the trail, you lose your way and the path slowly starts to get dark and unrecognizable in the fall of night. That would be a very nerve-wracking situation to be in.

    Having the even the most simple of light sources could be all you need to illuminate your path and guide you out. A small Led light or a lantern you can hang on your bag could do wonders.

    Let’s say you don’t bring any source of light. Another thing you should bring is a way to start up a fire. That could be a matches, a lighter, or the trusty flint to spark up a fire to keep you warm on case you are stranded.

    5. Decent Hiking Boots

    Not having a decent pair of boots made for hiking could make your entire trip extremely uncomfortable and disastrous. You use your feet 100% of the time while hiking so making an investment into buying some quality boots will alleviate potential pain by wearing shoes not suitable for this type of activity.

    You can assess the type of boots you’re going to need by the type of terrain your going to be facing. Are you going to be on a trail that’s pretty flat and straight forward? Then you could probably get away with some walking boots. If you’re climbing over rocks and moving uphill, then that will call for some more heavy duty hiking boots like the ones discussed here: https://bootbomb.com/the-best-hiking-boots-for-men-and-women-comparison/mountaineering-boots/

    Either way, make sure you get some that you are comfortable in and can last a grueling hike. You can also visit authorizedboots.com for more tips, gears and ideas!”

  • Shopwise is Now on Honestbee!

    Shopwise is Now on Honestbee!

    We usually buy groceries from regular physical supermarkets, and I’ve always preferred shopping in a brick-and-mortar store rather than online. Despite the accessibility e-commerce offers and the surge in its capabilities, tactile experiences we get in physical retail stores make a difference. There’s a lot to explore and it’s nice to be able to see, touch, smell, and feel the products. Sometimes, brands feature new items or new variants of existing products and offer free samples of food for tasting or small packs for consumers to test and take home. 

    The only time I was swayed to try online shopping for food stuff was two months ago–when I was put in bed rest. Since I was stuck at home, honestbee has become one of my go-to applications to get things I wanted. 

    Honestbee is Asia’s fastest growing food service powered by community and technology. It is an online grocery concierge service that offers delivery services across different specialty stores, supermarkets, and farm-to-table marketplaces with a team of trained personal shoppers or “shopper bees” and riders or “delivery bees.”

    Store categories include grocery and wet market, local delicacies, wines and spirits, desserts, medicine, internal groceries and deli, flowers and party needs, office, school and art supplies, babies and maternity, pet care, home and hardware, healthy choices, personal care, and there’s even payments and services. The availability of stores though depends on the location of the delivery address or the postal code.

    Honestbee can be accessed both via desktop and mobile. The interface is intuitive and the app is easy to use, which makes shopping a snap. Searching for pantry essentials is faster, there’s no need to queue to pay, and more time can be saved as there’s no need to brave the traffic and drive to the store. If something on your shopping list isn’t available in the store, the Honestbee shopper will contact you to ask about alternatives. The app also lets you choose a backup for every item upon checkout. 

    This holiday season, when you just want the comfort of your own couch, getting honestbee run errands and deliver items at your doorstep would be wise. It’s also a great help when you need something urgently as they offer same-day delivery. What’s more, there’s free delivery for orders over P3000.

    Another good thing about honestbee is that the number of partner retailers keeps on adding up almost every month as they expand their business offering. Recently, Shopwise has joined honestbee. Prices are exactly the same as in the store!

    In the Philippines, Shopwise has pioneered the hypermarket concept in 1998. It is known for its affordable quality, everyday freshness, budget-friendly variety, and fast, friendly, and fun service. “We’re living up to our promise of giving our customers more choices for their online grocery shopping, especially if they are looking for more affordable options for their daily essentials” said Crystal Gonzalez, Managing Director of honestbee Philippines.

    With the partnership, users may now choose from Shopwise’s wide selection of groceries, clothes, toys, and home essentials that are easy on the budget. These include notable brands such as Papa Alfredo, Sunharvest, SnapMax and Southdale Farm, and also quality affordable wines from French Cellar, Wine Makers Reserve, and Red Peak to complete your holiday dinners.

    As you know, holiday shopping in the Philippines can be stressful and exhausting. If you don’t have the time to go to the malls or supermarket this season, shopping on honestbee would be a wise move. So go on, give it a try and free up your time for more family bonding activities. 🙂

    
Shopwise is now on honestbee!

    My honestbee Shopping Cart
    Items arrived on time!

    Holiday Items for Noche Buena

    my shopwise loot

    Download the honestbee app for free on the Apple AppStore or Google PlayStore and sign up for an account now. All first-time users can enjoy P500 off with a minimum purchase of P2,500. Visit www.honestbee.ph for more information.

    As you know, holiday shopping in the Philippines can be stressful and exhausting. If you don’t have the time to go to the malls or supermarket this season, shopping on honestbee would be a wise move. So go on, give it a try and free up your time for more family bonding activities. 🙂

    
Shopwise is now on honestbee!

    My honestbee Shopping Cart
    Items arrived on time!

    Holiday Items for Noche Buena

    my shopwise loot

    Download the honestbee app for free on the Apple AppStore or Google PlayStore and sign up for an account now. All first-time users can enjoy P500 off with a minimum purchase of P2,500. Visit www.honestbee.ph for more information.

  • 5 Timeless Fashion Trends That Never Go Out of Style

    5 Timeless Fashion Trends That Never Go Out of Style

    When it comes to the fashion industry, everyone loves talking about some timeless and essential items. Such an amazing phenomenon like classic fashion really merits attention because it can be quite challenging to find something invest-worthy in a load of new arrivals.

    What Is Classic Fashion?

    Generally speaking, classic fashion is a style that stays in fashion for decades or even centuries! More to the point, you commonly divide all the clothes in your wardrobe into two groups: the seasonal trendy items and the classics (or essentials). Both groups are crucial for you and your image, but you should focus more on the second one.

    The classics are such pieces in your wardrobe which you can wear over and over again and don’t be afraid of getting them out of style.  So, the classic fashion consists of the items which can stand the test of time and become the lasting part of your wardrobe. The wardrobe basics help you create a more confident personal style and, moreover, stop wasting your money on seasonal trends.

    Are Animal Prints Still In Style?

    Animal prints are one of the oldest classic fashion trends. Animal-print clothing has long been a wardrobe essential for stylish women. Europeans started colonizing Africa and Asia in the 18th century, since then the exotic patterns of tiger, zebra, snake and leopard skins were reproduced on fabrics. Thus, animal prints began to be more and more popular with each passing year. And this year has been no exception!

    Why are animal prints still in style in 2018?

    The answer is very simple. Animal prints are considered the neutrals because they are usually made up of black, beige and brown. So you can wear animal-print items with almost anything and look fabulous.

    Below you’ll find 5 more timeless fashion trends that every woman needs to have in her wardrobe.

    Classic Fashion Trends That Never Go Out of Style

    1. Blue Skinny Jeans

    It is hard to imagine the woman’s wardrobe without a lovely pair of classic skinny jeans. That’s really amazing how women could live without jeans before they were created! This truly timeless fashion trend never goes out of style because it can transform the way you look and feel in a matter of seconds. You can match your blue skinny jeans with a silk blouse and heels or with your favorite shirt and comfortable ballet flats. And in any case, you will look sexy and stylish.

    2. Collared Shirt

    Universal, simple and trendy… You can dress a collared shirt everywhere and it fits perfectly almost all outfits you own in your wardrobe. A collared shirt is a great option if you’re going to work. You can wear it under your sweater, suit or blazer. And if you want to feel comfortable sitting in a café with your boyfriend, you can put on your cool collared shirt with jeans or pants and open up several top buttons to look hotter.

    3. Little Black Dress

    What piece of clothing can make most ladies look slimmer than usual? Of course, it is a pretty little black dress (LBD)! The black dress is an ideal option for any season of the year. Besides, it comes in a lot of various styles. You can choose between the fitted and the loose options, the casual and the embellished dresses. You can wear your nice LBD with or without some cute accessories (in most cases, this depends on the event) and be sure that nobody notices that your perfect outfit isn’t new.

    4. Blazer

    A blazer is another essential and one of the most versatile items in the woman’s wardrobe. The outfit options with the blazer are endless. The blazer is a perfect addition to any outfit and it actually can be worn for any occasion as it is considered high fashion. The well-fitted blazer matched with a cute dress or skirt, a pair of pants or jeans makes you look polished and elegant.

    5. Black Pumps

    One more wardrobe essential that never goes out of style is a pair of black pumps. If you invest in quality, classic style, black pumps, you`ll make the right decision. Such pumps will be trendy for a good many years and there is no limit to what you can wear these basics with. So, the pair of black pumps (no matter leather or suede ones) is a safe solution when you want to look feminine and charming.

    Fashion Trends that are Out of Style

    You should also know the fashion trends that are out of style now in order not to look ridiculous! Go through the list of outdated clothing and be ready to say goodbye to the top 10 trends that are out of fashion today:

    • Off The Shoulder Tops
    • Crop Tops
    • Pom Poms
    • Corset Belts
    • White Sneakers
    • Kardashian Outfits
    • Overly Ripped Jeans
    • Chokers
    • T-shirts with Silly Statements
    • Bucket Bags

    Image Credits: pinterest.com

  • Newborn Photography at Home with The Story Company

    Newborn Photography at Home with The Story Company

    Our little one has turned one month new yesterday. Time flies fast! And it’s exactly for this reason that I take photos of him every day. I want to remember every part of our bundle of joy for years to come. 🙂  I also didn’t think twice about having a newborn photography session with a reputable team of professional photographers. When it comes to positioning the baby, shooting the best angles, and catching those super cute details like toes and fingers, I know these experts can be trusted.

    I looked up online for photography studios offering newborn photography packages in Metro Manila and inquired about their rates and availability. Instead of shooting in a studio, I prefer an “on-location” photoshoot—done in the comfort and convenience of our home. Out of the many, The Story Company sent out the most appealing deal with the best value. Also, I absolutely love how they describe what they do.

    As stated in their website, The Story Company “turns moments into minutes by creating an expressive and heart moving piece that combines your life’s special moments, intimate feelings of love and gratitude, and values, all tied in through a narration by you.” Photos that tell stories are a visual treat and a great way to capture a baby’s sweet moments.

    Lance Wolfe (November 7, 2018)

    In this post, I’m sharing our favorite shots and our wonderful experience in shooting The Newborn Tribute by The Story Company.

    Newborn On-Location Photo and Video Shoot with The Story Company

    Some of our favorites:

    Review of The Story Company and Some Behind-the-Scenes Photos 

    1. Communication

    From our initial contact, The Story Company has been a pleasure to work with. They responded to emails and text messages immediately throughout the whole process. They’re also very informative as to how to prepare for the shoot and what to expect, which is helpful especially for first-time parents like us.

    2. Professionalism

    The team arrived about an hour earlier and began setting up in our bedroom. They did some test shots with natural lighting and engaged with us well. Their professionalism shone through from the setup to the care and connection they shared with our little one. It goes beyond words and it’s something we’re happy about.

    3. Newborn Photography Expertise

    Iza Berenguer, the creative brand manager, is a baby whisperer! She was incredibly in tune with our baby’s mood and has managed to pacify and calm him down when he was crying. She didn’t budge a bit when he pooped (whoops!).

    Overall, the team took proper care and was patient during the shoot, so my husband and I were able to just sit back and relax in the room. It’s obvious that this team is an expert in handling babies and has a natural eye for taking beautiful shots (despite our baby’s fussiness). They know how to comfortably pose the baby, and they also gave enough time in between setups for feedings and cuddles to make sure the baby is 100% happy, safe, and relaxed.

    4. Props

    I sent them my pegs and they also provided a shot list through email. I’m happy I didn’t have to buy the props since The Story Company has all the baskets, fabrics, warm and fuzzy wraps and blankets you’d hope for. With their props, you have one less thing to worry about. 😉

    5. Price for Value

    The on-location newborn photo and video session with The Story Company is definitely a worthwhile investment. The Newborn Portrait Session package comes with 40 digital image files (edited), 1 teaser video (30 seconder), 1 full video (3 minutes), and a keepsake box with 3 pieces 5×7″ photo and matting. Their outputs turned out great, and we received them on time. We’re so thrilled and we’ll cherish them for a lifetime. It’s evident that they paid attention to the cute and tiny details.

    I highly recommend The Story Company to parents looking for a baby photographer in Metro Manila. Visit them on Facebook and Instagram to see some more sample pictures and get an idea of the kind of magic they create. If you have time, drop by at their newly opened store in Level 3 SM Aura Premier. For inquiries about newborn photography packages and rates, contact  share@thestorycompany.com.ph or call 0995 2323282 / (02) 4038067.

  • How to Choose the Right Rug Material for Your Home

    How to Choose the Right Rug Material for Your Home

    When it comes to interior design, there are many factors that need to be taken into account. Not only must you think about the color (where the majority of people spend their time), but also the theme or style, the materials, the size, and the price of your design choices. This is a very enjoyable process for most people, but there are certain key elements that even seasoned experts overlook from time to time. One of those elements is the environment in which you live.

    How to Choose the Right Rug Material for Your Home

    In ancient times, people were limited in the colors and textures they could use. Without the advancements in technology that we today take for granted, people had to use the materials that came to hand, and focused on the function, more than the form. As technology progressed, the emphasis shifted from the practical to the beautiful, and people began to consider their home decor more for how it looked than what it could do for them.

    But with the economy being what it is, and more families working on tighter budgets than ever before, I think it’s high time we returned to the lessons that our ancestors can teach us. In particular, they understood that different materials fit better in certain environments, and could help to keep themselves cooler or warmer, depending on the environment, particularly in their choice of rugs.

    Armed with this same knowledge, we can make an informed decision when choosing a rug that will not only be beautiful for your home, but help you save money on your heating bill.

    Leather Rugs

    Leather is a durable material that is very resistant to a wide variety of elements. It serves as a natural buffer against dirt and moisture, making it perfect for places that see a large percentage of rain, and as a result, a lot of mud. At the same time, leather is extremely breathable, having been made from animal skin (or mimicked through synthetic leather), and will help control sweating.

    However, because of its porous nature, some leather doesn’t insulate heat very well, and may not be a good choice for colder living conditions. In fact, leather will dry out quickly if justify close to heat sources, or exposed to prolonged sunlight.

    Wool Rugs

    Wool has been a staple of rugs for centuries, ever since humans started to domestic livestock. A thick and durable material, wool is perfect for insulating heat, and keeping dirt and moisture at bay. If you live in an environment that stays cold or cool year round, wool is the natural insulator that will help you save on your heating costs. Wool is also easy to color, meaning that wool rugs come in a wide variety of beautiful designs, and you’ll be sure to find one that not only keeps your family warm, but fits naturally in your home.

    Using several wool rugs, you can insulate the key points in your home where you and your family tend to congregate, like the living room. Be aware: wool is difficult to maintain, can feel itchy, and can trigger allergies and sensitive skin.

    Cotton

    One of the most commonly used materials in the world, cotton is among the softest of decor materials, and one of the coolest. Even in the thickest of weaves, cotton rugs are extremely breathable, meaning that these kinds of rugs are perfect for conditions where the temperature ranges from warm to hot consistently.

    The only real downside to cotton is that it can be damaged easily, and isn’t very resistant to stains. To maintain your cotton rug over the years, use them in areas that don’t see the most traffic in your home, but where you still want to have a sense of comfort, and keep the temperature down, like your bedroom.

  • 6 Outfit Ideas for Your New Year’s Eve Party

    6 Outfit Ideas for Your New Year’s Eve Party

    New Year’s Eve parties are the best. They give you the opportunity to play with your outfit, dress up, and mix up your wardrobe in ways that you normally wouldn’t. When everyone is in a festive mood, reminiscing about the previous 365 days and thinking about the year to come, the opportunity to wear a standout outfit is a way to jump start whatever changes you want to make in 2019.

    However, when the night approaches, most people encounter a small roadblock. With so many options to choose from and the seemingly endless wardrobe possibilities, which is the right outfit to settle on? Another caveat is that New Year’s outfits, while exciting to wear, don’t get a lot of airtime during the rest of the year so you haven’t been able to figure out, through trial and error, which combination is going to work best. All this stress and you haven’t even started to think about what to do with your hair.

    However, there are some tried-and-true combinations that work for every New Years, no matter if you’re in a warm location or a wintry climate. Just remember that the key is to balance flash with comfort. New Year’s parties, by design, run late into the night, and you don’t want to be standing around incredibly uncomfortable with five to six hours justify to go. What to wear in New Year Eve’s party? Here are some ideas.

    6 Outfit Ideas for Your New Year’s Eve Party

    Trousers & Blouse

    This is a classic combination that can be executed in countless ways. However, the benefit is that each possible iteration is designed for comfort. Trousers can be incredibly cozy, and when you’re picking out a blouse choose one that has a little added flair—maybe some sequins or sparkle—and pair it with some metallic flats or some sandal heels. It’s hard to go wrong, and you’re guaranteed to turn heads and feel comfortable.

    Skirt & Turtle Neck

    Done right, the skirts and turtleneck outfit can be both formal and sexy. Many celebrities have opted for this look in the past, partly because it’s so darn comfortable and partly because it can be augmented with several shoe combinations. You can wear boots, heels—really, anything will look cool below a miniskirt. If you’re going to be in a cold location or you’ve traveled somewhere far, you’ll also be grateful that you wore a turtleneck.

    Jumpsuit

    Honestly, how often do you get to wear a jumpsuit and not stand out? While you’re sure to still turn heads, this incredibly comfortable outfit option will make everyone else jealous. Jumpsuits are basically a pajama onesie on steroids. They’re easy to put on, can be worn with literally any type of shoe, and are both incredibly elegant and very laid back at the same time.

    Mini Dress & Boots

    This classic combination is not only timeless but also subtle and sexy. Over-the-knee boots are the perfect example of more-is-more, and when they’re paired with a mini dress they can equal a knockout fit. This outfit is perfect for people who might be hopping around from party to party, because it’s versatile and can be worn in settings that are both formal and casual.

    Maxi Dress

    Going with the theme of more-is-more, a maxi dress, something that is long and that flows down to your ankles, is ideal for a New Year’s party. It’s flashy but also low-key and can be incredibly comfortable. While some people may have the impression that a maxi dress is old school, it can actually offer a degree of elegance that few other outfits can. It’s a timeless piece, and if done right will be sure to turn heads. There’re also a lot of them out there, so getting one on short notice won’t be an issue.

    Bold Sleeve Dress

    If you want to feel like a princess or queen, there’s no better night than New Years to dress the part. There’s also no better outfit than a bold sleeve dress to give you that royal aura. Loaded with frills and designed with bold colors, this type of dress will create an impression on every person around you. It’s elegant, classic, and anything but subtle. Check out Lulus for a variety of cute options!

    No matter what you choose to wear, remember to stay safe and have fun. New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration, and should be a memorable night year after year!