A Token From The Principal

It's not an award, but this token means a lot. A handwritten note from the school principal makes my daughter beam proudly. I can feel just how happy she had been.

My kids' school principal had given my daughter a DVD copy of their school's Christmas program - Alice's Christmas Adventure. And I'm really surpised by such gesture! It's an appreciation of my daughter's participation during their Christmas presentation.

At their school, all students - from the Nursery to the Fourth Year level - are required to engage in every activity. No one should be left out. It's a way to develop the student's skills in different areas.

During the last Christmas program, I can say that my daughter performed well. She was even the dance choreographer for the Grade 1 girl students. They performed a wonderful butterfly dance and she was on center stage! I'm proud that her ballet lessons paid off!

dancing with Alice

She had a tiny acting part, but you can see her on-stage the entire duration of the program. She didn't mind the heat of the lights, the smoke effects and the tiredness that comes with it.

I know that this small token would always serve as an inspiration to my daughter.

Strength, Sickness and The Holy Water

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." - (Philippians 4:13)

I prayed and my prayers are answered. I asked for His help, for strength and he had given me encouragement.

It's hard when family members get sick. My daily routine got affected; still, I'm thankful I'm able to manage it all somehow.

My husband had minor health problems. I accompanied him to Medical City so he can get medical attention. His condition was nothing serious. He just needs medications for two weeks.

Then my kids. Their fever went on and off. My son's fever started before his last quarter school exam while my daughter's started after our Subic trip. There are days when they feel good, but their temperatures would rise in the afternoon and at night. My husband and I then decided to bring them to their pediatrician's clinic at Manila Doctor's hospital.

Good thing, their sickness isn't a symptom of anything. They don't have throat infection. They just need to drink more water and medicine for their cough. Of course, an increase in vitamin C intake would do help.

Thank God, now my kids are feeling good already. My son doesn't even need a skin test for Primary Complex.

+ Holy Water

I felt God's presence and I gained strength after our family heard a Saturday mass. The church inside our village isn't fully constructed yet, but it had never been a problem. It even paved way for my kids to be healed. The parish priest showered us with Holy water. He didn't know that my kids are sick, but he poured some holy water in his palm and touches the forehead of my son.

Indeed, God works in marvelous ways!

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord. - (Jeremiah 30:17)

Shower Filter For Healthier Shower Experience

I love taking showers, the same way, I prefer drinking water than taking soda. But since tap water isn't really safe for drinking, water filters and water stations are around to supply safe drinking water for the household. My family makes use of a water filter at home.

Honestly, I didn't realize that shower filters also exist, until I grabbed one for Free courtesy of Daphne's Diary, the blog of Ms. Daphne Osena-Paez! It's the first time that I've joined her blog contest (last January) and luckily, my name got picked.

Aquasana shower filter

I initially wondered, "Why do we need a shower filter?"

My question was answered when I learned from Aquasana's that the skin has the ability to absorb chemicals. Dermatologists around the world support Aquasana's claim that warm water and steam will open the pores of the skin to the extent of letting contaminants in.

This is where the shower filter plays a part. It uses an innovative two-stage filter process. First, it removes chlorine and enhances pH balance with a natural copper/zinc mineral media. Second, it uses a carbonized coconut shell medium for the removal of synthetic chemicals, THMs (trihalomethanes), and VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) that vaporize from tap water and are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, causing adverse health and cosmetic effects.

So there!

Shower filtration is one way to reduce our harmful exposure to chlorine and other tap water contaminants. Aquasana promises great benefits by reducing chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water. Without the negative effects, the skin and hair retain moisture more effectively. A shower filter is even recommended for people with asthma, respiratory problems, and those prone to water borne diseases.

Now, you can have the healthiest shower possible and get softer hair and skin!

Aquasana Store Philippines offers the best filtration systems. If you need a drinking water filter or a shower filter, you can call Aquasana at 506-1978.

If you'll be availing a water filter, you can use my referral code: czaroma

Thanks again to Aquasana and Ms.Daphne for the shower filter!

Shen's Addiction 3rd Anniversary Giveaway

Shen's Addiction is celebrating her 3rd Anniversary with a giveaway!

Up for grabs are great prizes from her generous sponsors-
Pond's, Bobbi Brown, Avon, Kiehl's, Ellana, The Body Shop, Kerastase, Neautrogena, House of Obagi, Revlon, Sakura Bella, One Naturales, Clinelle, Maybelline, L'oreal Paris, L'oreal Professionel, Myra and more!!!

Click here for contest details.
Contest runs from March 16 to April 13, 2011.
Hoping to get lucky and I hope you'll win too!

Summer Starts Early

It's Summer time!

It's the season when almost everyone enjoys taking a long vacation, either to escape the summer heat or have fun under the hot sun.

My family lives in a community where the swimming pool is just a few steps away. I can even see the clubhouse from our window. It means that we can always spend time at the pool everyday! Or we can drop by at my sister's place for another swimming pool enjoyment. Still, nothing compares to spending time with other family members and relatives.

Our summer started early this year! Our family and relatives already had a great time swimming at a private pool in Laguna. Not everyone were around though, but spending time with relatives - especially those living and working abroad - is worth it.

breakfast at Burger King



getting ready



swimming



...and more swimming



billiards game



videoke singing



endless happy, funny, and picture perfect moments



Have a great and fun-filled summer everyone!

Empower Your Beauty With The Body Shop

Join The Body Shop's Empower Your Beauty event at the SM Mall of Asia Main Mall. They're giving away a Free Makeover and skin consultation sessions from March 18-23, 2011.

Get to learn tips on how to give proper skin care and how to achieve the no make-up look.

There'll be freebies too! Get a Moisture White Shiso BB Cream Sample, a 50 ml. Rainforest Hair Butter and a Photo Shoot for FREE when you register!

Only 9 registrants will be accommodated per day. To register, email the following information to tbspromos@the-body-shop.com.ph:

Name
Age
Address
Contact No.
Preferred Make-over date and time:
Date: (indicate preferred date from March 18-23, 2011)
Time: (please choose one slot from the schedule - 11am-12nn, 12nn-1pm, 1pm-2pm, 2pm-3pm, 3pm-4pm, 4pm-5pm, 5pm-6pm, 6pm-7pm, 7pm-8pm)

Book your schedules now if you're interested in joining. Stay pretty everyone!

The Beauty of Being Busy

"To fill the hour -- that is happiness." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Whew! It's been a week filled with intensity! No, it's not because of the recent Japan earthquake and tsunami. (My prayer goes out to those affected by the devastation).

I am living my life in ‘tightly scheduled half-hour chunks’.

Since last week, I can only manage to sleep for just 4-5 hours a day, but I don't feel like complaining. That's good enough for me. In between working for clients and accepting another online project, there are kids and family matters to attend to. Kids need to review for the exams. I still work for clients on weekends (because I need to), yet still manage to accompany my daughter to her ballet class and spend time with my family.

Severe headache and my son getting sick was the worst. It's sad that he got sick during exam week. It's okay even if he won't get to review for the exams as long as he fully recovers from his sickness. Good thing, the school allowed my preschooler to take special exams.

I'm not caught up being busy doing worthless things.

I am enjoying my full plate.

Yet, some things had taken a back seat. There's a blog that needs post, Emails waiting to be read; Facebook messages and interview requests waiting for a reply, and then, some more. But, I'm not neglecting nor ignoring it all.

I know each of us is busy with lots of things too. However, sometimes the term busy varies from person to person. We are all at different stages in our lives with different sets of priorities, but there is one thing that we all have that is the save - We have the same amount of TIME each and every day.

I'm not busy being busy. But then, I'll be long-term busy. For the next couple of weeks, we'll be preparing and finalizing a big day, and then off for a big move (probably).

Transitions. Changes.

I feel good I didn't let time simply slip away from my finders. My time and my energy aren’t wasted. I am busy making the most of my time and this is one beauty of being alive!

This is how I live my life and I am happy living it to the fullest!

Just thinking, do you ever wish you have more time?

Joining Beautynomics 5th Year Anniversary

Beautynomics is celebrating her 5th Year Anniversary with a contest for her readers.

Win prizes from Avon, Pond’s, L’Oreal Paris, The Body Shop, PureDerm, Obagi, Beauty & Minerals, Goodskin Labs and Golla! Visit Beautynomics’ 5th Year Anniversary Contest entry to know how!

She's giving away all these beauty products:

1. 5 Pond’s Gift Packs ( full range of either Pond’s Gold Radiance, Flawless White, or Age Miracle )
2. 1 The Body Shop Shiso White Skin Care range
3. 5 L’Oreal Paris Gift Packs + Charm Luxe Kabuki Brush
4. 5 Avon Gift Packs mixed with Purederm Goodies
5. 5 Golla Bags with Pond’s Dual Action UV Therapy Eye Cream inside each bag!
6. 1 Obagi C-Rx Set ( Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer )
7. 1 Kerastase Hair Care Set ( Basic Nutritive Set )
8. 1 Special Gift Pack from Goodskin Labs

Be one of the 24 winners. Contest ends March 31.
Hoping to get lucky! If you'll be joining hope you'll win too!

International Women's Day 100th Anniversary

March 8, 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. It's an event that honour and celebrate the achievements of women all around the world.

This year, United Nations’ theme is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.” Thousands of events worldwide are held to inspire women. It recognizes women for their achievements irregardless of their cultural, ethnic, economic and political views.

This is our time!

There's also a large gathering happening. It's a fabulous LIVE celebration in 10 cities across America and will be simultaneously live-streamed to women in 176 counties!

Amazing women celebrities, athletes, political leaders, and experts will speak about women’s issues today and how we can “Enlighten Women’s Minds and Empower Women’s Hearts … for a Better World.”

It's a day where women will “Celebrate, Commit, and Connect.”

Visit Women’s Information Network to participate and learn more about this celebration. 

I'm proud to be a woman! Happy Women’s Day!

Fab Picks From The Flower Collection

When I claimed my Php 2,500 gift certificate from The Flower Collection last January, their items were on sale from 10% up 70% off. My mom and I dropped by their Robinson's Galleria branch after running a few errands around Ortigas area. 

I was thinking of buying the items from my Celebrating the Holiday Season in Style post, but later decided to chose other items instead. I bought two plain tops at 70% off - a light blue closed neck top with hemband and a round neck tangerine top with light ruffles and hemband. 

My mom got more items. She had a great time checking the sale items. She picked two dresses and two tops. She bought these black wrap-dress with ruffles and a red jersey halter dress. 

She also bought a semi butterfly-sleeved flowery top and a brown halter top with ruffles. 

All these items cost me Php 5,500. But since we picked items that were on 50% to 70% off, it only costs me Php 2,200. That's a huge savings, right?

We really love their collection of tops and dresses. These are items that you can wear all year round.

I still have with me a Php 500 gift certificate that I'll be using some other time. I'm thinking of buying an item from their new arrivals. You can check clothes from The Flower Collection here.

Late post, but I'm still thankful to Manila Shopaholic, Manila Reviews and The Flower Collection. This Php 2,500 gift certificate is the prize I've won from last December 2010's holiday contest.

Share and Win Ipanema GB Hot Sands

Like United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador Gisele Bundchen, you too can make a difference today. Join this mission to raise awareness and inspire action to protect our environment.

By sharing an eco-tip, you can get a chance to win a pair of Ipanema GB Hot Sands!

Follow this easy mechanics:

1. Log on to www.ipanemaphils.com
2. Click the Slip an Eco tip tab
3. Share a tip on how you can help the fight against climate change

Most helpful answer of the week wins a pair of Ipanema GB Hot Sands!

Promo runs until end of March.

Ipanema Hot Sands Collection

Ipanema, the fashionable Brazilian flip-flop brand, unveiled the Gisele Bundchen Hot Sands Collection.

The collection features colorful, summery and simply stunning nature-themed footwear, inspired by brilliant visions of Brazilian life.  This collection will surely fire up everyone's summer fashion.

It was launched via a short fashion show held at the SM Prestige Lounge, SM Megamall. Models sashay in Coco Cabaña’s swim wear creations.

The adorable trademark bow design will surely add sizzle to your favorite summer outfit.

Hot Sands Kirey Fem (Beige Brown, White Gold)

Hot Sands Thong Fem (available in Brown Gold, Black Silver)

Hot Sands Plat Fem (available in White Gold, Black Silver, Bronze Brown)

Hot Sands Fem (in Purple Lilac, Brown, White Clear)

Hot Sands Fem (in White Clear)

Mr. Patxi Elizalde, managing director of ELRO Corp., (the exclusive distributor of Ipanema Philippines), says that "...each piece celebrates the beauty of nature, making it the footwear to complement the sunny season of summer.” I agree.

Advocacy

This latest line supports the ISA (Instituto Socioambiental), a socio-environmental institute in Brazil, through the program - the Fight Against Climate Change Central Strategy - that believes in people's ability to transform their lives and save mother Earth.

Ipanema Treat

1. Avail 10% price off on Hot Sands Collection by presenting your SM Advantage Card/SM Prestige Card at any SM Department Stores for the whole month of March.

2. Write an eco-saving tip for a chance to win a free pair of Ipanema GB. Visit www.ipanemaphils.com.

Ipanema Gisele Bündchen Hot Sands Collection is sure to be the hottest summer trend. These are available at SM Department Stores, Bambu and other leading boutiques and stores nationwide. 


I am a long-time Ipanema (and Grendha) fan! My mom, my sisters and even my daughter wears Ipanema flip-flops too. I can't wait to have my own Hot Sands!