Turmeric for a Healthy Drink!

I was alarmed when I experienced high blood pressure late of last year. This was before our Great Britain trip in October. The highest blood pressure reading I had, recorded at 150/90. It was the first time I experienced such reading ever since. It was a wake up call for me. And honestly, I realized that I'm not in my 20's anymore and I'm getting older (not that old at 36). The reality sinks in that my body cannot take all the bad stuff anymore. That what I eat reflects later on when I'm not taking a conscious effort to be mindful in my choice of food. I admit that I take my eating habit lightly. I love sweets and salty foods. I am one of you who indulge in junkfood. Never in a day that I get to eat something sweet. Thankfully, I don't crave for soda except for occasional reasons. I love coffee with creamer. I don't settle for the black one. I find it too strong for my taste. But I love the native one. I can take its taste.

Apart from having elevated blood pressure, my uric test shows above normal results and my Creatinine level too. On that note, my choice of food made a turn around. There are food now that I should avoid. And surprisingly not all vegetables, or fish for that matter, should be eaten when you have high level of uric acid according to the nephrologist I went to. Some of the veggies that I should be avoiding or limit its intake are asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli in that family. Dairies, salty foods of course, junkfoods, Magic Sarap, vetsin or the MSG should be avoided. That's why we are no longer using such when cooking at home. As in bawal! I strictly imposed it in our house. At first my husband protested because the food is not delicious. I told him it's just mind over matter. The Magic Sarap, vetsin/ MSG or our health is at stake. You have to choose and decide... But eventually, he already adapted to the natural taste of the food we cook. Keysa magutom siya. Right? And one more thing, my doctor told me that we cannot choose these conditions especially if it's a hereditary thing. Both my parents and their lineage have high blood pressure. So the 50% of that, whether you like it or not, is already in your system and the other 50% depends on your lifestyle. It is important that we take a conscious effort to discipline oneself to take care and keep ourselves healthy in all ways.


And because I so love the 3-in-1 coffee thing, I had a hard time letting it go. Sabi ko nga, I think I am already addicted to it. The caffeine doesn't kick anymore even if I'm sleepy. It doesn't have much effect already in me. But being scared on further effect on me, I resorted to drinking turmeric in exchange of coffee. Though I drink coffee pa din everyday but once only in a cup but in black form. No creamer. But if I really crave, I should use milk instead of the creamer. The craving never happened pa naman since I started taking turmeric. I hope it won't na!

My officemate introduced this to me when recently my BP went high.
I have my maintenance na, but I didn't took it seriously.
I just take it if I don't feel well and if my BP reads high.
Since then never in a day I missed drinking turmeric more so my maintenance.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa plant), according to this link, has many health wonders. 

• An Effective Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Help for Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers
• Cancer Prevention
• Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Metastases
• May Help Prevent Colon Cancer
• Teams Up with Cauliflower to Halt Prostate Cancer
• Reduce Risk of Childhood Leukemia
• Improved Liver Function
• Cardiovascular Protection
• Lowers Cholesterol
• Protection and may help preventions against Alzheimer's Disease

This is the turmeric powder color. I just use a glass so you can see
clearly the color and how much I put in a drink. That is 1 1/2 tsp.
I love it's woody, peppery smell. 

I now mixed it with hot water. You may also use cold water.
But I like it hot. It's relieving!

Some couldn't take the taste but for me I like it because it smells good and the after taste is quite decent on my tastebuds. So far so good. I'm planning to take it as long as I can still take it in. And the choice of food, I make sure that pork intake in a week must only be three meals in a week. The rest would be fish, chicken, vegetables and fruits. Eating less to avoiding fried or oily stuff and getting used to eating wheat bread alternative to white rice. I know I'm not that healthy eater yet nor in lifestyle but for a start I think I'm doing good. Keeping up to the fight for a healthy me.

On Being Healthy, Physically Fit and Losing Weight

Yesterday, I went to see my doctor again after a month of medication. While waiting for my turn, I was browsing a diabetes-issue magazine and stumbled upon an article that's all about the right way to exercise. And I think it's not only applicable for those having the said illness but for everyone's information.

You choose what category fits your fitness plan.

What I knew all along isn't true at all. I thought when you just sweat it all out, everything is all in. There is a particular exercise routine, frequency, intensity and duration you have to follow pala in terms of your fitness goal. But I think it will also matter on what particular exercise you will undergo. 

My present goal is to be physically fit. But after I weighed myself yesterday, I found out I am 8 kilos heavier. Maybe I have to lose some weight muna then be physically fit after I shed off those stored baggage.

The Best Vegetable Chips #OnlyInDavao

In this generation, we are gearing towards healthy lifestyle and eating the right way is part of it. I am so happy to introduce to you a homegrown product that is making a name on its own. It is recognized as the best vegetable chips in Davao published in Sunstar Davao, a local newspaper here in the city (March 2, 2015 issue). If you can't read clearly the caption on the photo below, here's for your clearer view:

FRUX'S VEGGIE CHIPS. This healthy alternative to the regular chips you find in the market is a combination of squash, carrots, malunggay, ampalaya, camote tops, alugbati, saluyot and kangkong. This product of Panabo City-based Frux Food Products is always a hit during trade fairs in Davao City. If you happen to travel to Panabo, pass by at the Panabo City Pasalubong Center.

Once published, you can never go wrong. Highly recommended!
Salted and sweetened variants tastes so good.

The first time I tried it, my taste buds is into it instantly. Being the junk food lover that I am, I like this more since it has healthy ingredients. No need to worry too much of artificial flavorings that is bad for our system. Its thin, crispy serving is satisfying and cravings are definitely solved.


Aside from its vegetable chips, one product that Frux Food Product is known for and is available in leading local supermarkets is its homemade peanut butter. One thing I love about its spread is that you cannot see oil forming on top of the spread like other brands. It's not greasy and you can really taste the real peanut in the butter itself.

The next time you encounter the name 'Frux', go ahead and grab every product with its name. #GawangPinoy #Davaoproduct #BestVegetableChips #healthychips 

Green is love too! A Valentine's day gift suggestion

In my previous post here, I've said that colors red and brown (for chocolates) signifies love. As we celebrate this month of February with love, naturally we love to shower our loved ones by giving them flowers in red bloom as it is romantic and chocolates in brown as it is sweet to declare our love in our own little way. Well not only those two colors, I would say that green would suffice the meaning of love too. Love for oneself, family, health and well-being. In this generation, we can be creative by giving them something extraordinary but meaningful presents for this Valentine's day. Let's give them green by keeping it healthy. Healthy in the way we intake food into our system by eating the right kind of food. For example, by consuming green leafy and green-colored vegetables as part of our eating routine.

Freshly picked bounties. You may put this in a decorative container
for a more presentable appearance.

Aren't they glorious and refreshing? Big chunk of tomatoes, japanese cucumbers and three heads of lettuce. Crisp, juicy, hydrating not to mention it costs way cheaper than flowers and chocolates and with more health benefits to add. I'm not saying that I don't like receiving flowers and chocolates from the ones you loved. Who wouldn't? Just saying that if you have limited budget thinking what you could give to your loved ones this Valentine's day, here's one suggestion for a change. Why not? It sure is healthy and your loved ones would think that you are concern too of their well-being not just a commercial stuff Valentine's day nowadays has to offer. 

My dinner yesterday which I prepared for the household to share.
This is served with grilled tuna belly and squid. Yum!

These are the dips I have. But I mixed my salad with
Sesame dressing and Parmesan cheese to add flavor to my greens.

For those who are clueless yet of what to give to their loved ones, now here's what I can share. Head now to your nearest market and pick up the freshest and healthiest green bounties that you could give to your loved ones. It's something personal and more meaningful because it goes out with all the love and effort you did. 

Happy Valentine's day to y'all! Cheers to love and well-being! 

Watch What You Eat

Recently, I've been hearing news of people who had experienced mild stroke; people that I knew personally and to my shock, a young celebrity who was hospitalized due to mild stroke (Paolo Ballesteros. Familiar? he even IG'ed it.). Another case is instant death which I blogged about it here. Their case perhaps are not known to them maybe because of complacency and denial. Most of us has the tendency to shrug off strange feeling in our body since it is still bearable that's why the thought of medical check-up is out of consideration. It is scary and worrisome that people who experience this kind of illness are getting it at a young age nowadays.


Just today, I experienced a 'tired' body feeling especially in the nape part and a few days ago my head aches. Though it is bearable since the past few days I am sleep-deprived. I knew I am tired that's why my head and body aches. It happens when I can't sleep at least straight 6 hours at night. Or if I tend to stress myself thinking on something that bugs me. Who does not eh? Every time I feel this, I sort to full body massage which relieves me after. High blood pressure did not come to mind since I am not hypertensive and we have annual medical examination offered in our office where I am employed. Every year results are okay and no need for me to worry. Though I always have findings in my urine since I have history in UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). It is not that alarming though but I am advised to drink 'healthy' fluids more.


I just thought of submitting myself to check my blood pressure this morning from our stationed office nurse. Lo and behold! First time my blood pressure read as 130/90. Who can't be alarmed with that?! The second reading after lunch, it rose to 140/90. Without second thoughts, I went to an IM (Internal Medicine) specialist immediately. When the doctor took my blood pressure reading, it rose to 150/90. Honestly, when I first knew of my initial reading, it scared and worried me already. My office mate nurse told me to just relax and for me not to worry because all the more it will trigger high BP reading. The doctor told me to have a complete rest/sleep, to not stress too much (which I am guilty of), avoid eating oily and salty food. He added too that too much exposure in front of the computer can also trigger high blood pressure. I haven't asked why but maybe because I told him I felt a bit my-world-is-spinning (in Filipino, hilo... ano nga ba yan in English?).


So there, I must change my daily routine like add up exercise and eating fish, vegetables and fruits more. Though pork for me I can easily get away with it since I can live without it. Lechon doesn't make me crave for it. So I may get rid of it for a while until I'm back in a healthy state. Let's stay fit, healthy in mind and body folks!

The Swiss Deli and Restaurant -Davao

When I was reading the blog post of Ms. Jane Go of Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice here, I know right away where to take hubby to have our dinner on that Friday night, The Swiss Deli and Restaurant it is. Its first establishment is located along J.P. Laurel Street, Davao City. Now that it opened its second store down South (along McArthur Highway Matina. The building where it is situated is beside Davao City Water District), it's much more accessible to Southerners like me. Upon looking at Ms. Jane's orders, I went for this…

Photo courtesy from Ms. Jane's blog post.

I am more on eating light nowadays, so I prefer this as my order. Aside that it is priced reasonably already, I am surprised that it is priced lower by 3 pesos here in Davao City at 162pesos. And one order is already huge in portion perfect for those who are on diet or watchful of what they are eating. I even shared this with my hubby. This one is yummy in itself. But because I love it saltier in taste, I wish it had bacon tidbits or parmesan cheese to have a kick on the pasta in it. But overall, I loved how it tasted and I'll surely be back ordering it again with them. 


The Swiss Deli and Restaurant:

Website: www.swissdelidavao.com

I. Lanang Branch
D’ Butcher D’ Baker, Inc.
The Swiss Deli and Restaurant
RS Compound (fronting Damosa Gateway)
Km. 7 Lanang, Davao City 8000
Philippines

Telephone Number: (+63-82) 234-0271
TeleFax number: (+63-82) 235-3418 / 235-3417
Business hours: Monday- Sunday 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

E-mail: swissdelidavao@yahoo.com

II. Matina Branch
Matina Swiss Deli Inc.

La Cima Building 1
Mc. Arthur Highway
Corner Duhat and Camias Streets
Matina, Davao City 8000
Philippines

Telephone Number: (+63-82) 295-6168
TeleFax Number: (+63-82) 295-6169
Business hours: Monday- Sunday 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

E-mail: matinaswissdeli@yahoo.com
Facebook Page: Matina.SwissDeli

WiFi Zone
With Function room for 30 persons
With affordable set menu

Not Again Fever!

In a span of 2 weeks, my eldest daughter is down with fever again. Oh no! Another round of seven days antibiotics. That doesn't sound happiness to me when almost every month since the start of the year, my kids are regular clients of the clinic. It's not a fever that will make you complacent but will make you paranoid as a mom. 40°C to be more specific. What makes it scarier was that her nose bleed the other day because of high body temperature. But thankful to God she don't look like being sick or lethargic, lest she was up on her feet playing with her younger sister. I don't know but my instincts would always lead me to go straight to her Pediatrician. No questions ask. I would not wait for three days (that's just too long for me) if the fever is continuous and temperature goes up as high as that. My mother said, which by the way is a retired registered nurse, seizure may be possible if not treated right away or will shoot up. When at home, if high fevers does exist, is to apply whole body sponge bath in cold(but not freezing)-to-tap water and an anal suppository to combat fever that reaches 39 to 40°C. That's what also the pediatrician told me. Anal suppositories are like oral paracetamols. So I stock on Opigesic suppositories in 125mg and 250mg for my 1 year old and 3 year old kids, respectively. So far I've managed to insert it in their anus every night and early morning so I won't be disturbing their sleep when fever is still in and time for their medication. Suppositories are also very affordable in less than P20.00 pesos each. Not quite bad huh?

Just to add a little happiness to a sad note. #rainbowlooms

I felt that she's traumatic na when I bring her to the medical laboratory or to her Pediatrician, Dr. Joel T. Gallardo. She knows it that she will be again injected to get blood sample on her arms. And that bragging-ly, she will show it thereafter to us, as if she was brave enough to conquer her fears. Today is the start of her real medication. Get well my child. Mama will tirelessly look and take good care of you no matter what.

Lose Stomach Fats Naturally in Two Weeks

I tried, conquered and won. It's about discipline and focus. God's image and likeness for me is a being chubby person. I accepted that long before I even am conscious of my body structure. I don't hate it at all. I embrace my body the way it is. I'm not yearning to be skinny trimmed like models in the catwalk and print ads. I just want to be proportionate in every part of my body plus the baby fats. I only have a concern about my body posture that reflects a stooped back and a bulging stomach and belly. All else I can manage. I tried losing some weight before and actually I did it. But many where not happy to see me in the new me. They saw me as if I'm sick. I tried eating healthy and run on the thread mill. That's when I said to myself, I won't change the entirety of my body lest give it just a proportion.

I am petite in structure so I thought being slim without the fats would look like I'm very little, skin and bones, worst, sick. I'm not dreaming to have that packs in the abdomen and to have muscles in my arms. No. I just want that unwanted fats to get rid the area of my stomach and belly and my back to get straightened having a good posture. I know for when I'll succeed on achieving them this will boost my self-confidence and lessen my insecurities.

So without further ado, my secret to losing fats on my abdomen area for about two weeks with obvious results is by drinking green tea and warm/hot water. I mean by warm/hot water, I avoided drinking cold water anymore. I don't have an active and healthy lifestyle with me plus my metabolism is slow, thus, there's no way I can burn my stored calories, carbo, sugar, fats on everything I eat during the day. So by drinking hot/warm liquid in my system, it will help dissolve stored elements inside my body not to mention that I get to release them by constant urination. It's no secret to every one that green tea is an antioxidant and is a good source of 'caffeine'. Chinese and Japanese alike have good skin and glow. It's not only because of their genes and hereditary reasons but because they simply drink green tea which is a staple in every meal they have and helps replenish toxins inside our body.

I love how mild this brand of green tea suits my taste buds and stomach.
Other brands I tried like Lipton, Susan Baker and Twinning's give a strong
kick that I dislike both in my throat and stomach.

By the way, when I drink tea I usually pair it by drinking lots of water. I read somewhere that drinking tea too much or alone can cause brittleness of the bones. Same with calcium. Too much of it can make ones bones brittle so water to the rescue. As the saying goes too much of everything can harm you. Moderation is the key.

Exercise, eating the right amount and kind of food plus a healthy lifestyle will completely pave way to a healthier you and an active proportionate body.

Masking It Out

Inspired by Maan of Mom meets World and a dose of reminders to all the moms out there.

The recent weeks has been a series of Pedia check-ups, laboratory tests and medications for my 2 toddler girls because of fever and flu. Not to mention right after their medication and all I saw some rashes in their body until now but not that worst compared to last week. Here in our city, the past few weeks has been an irritating situation because of the long constant blackouts coupled with a very hot humid summer weather. The continuous sweating and the hot season ended my children to experience sickness. The 'housemate' came home from her province and brought the infection. She has cough and I have a heavy heart knowing the virus/bacteria will be circulating around our house. And I worry that my kids will catch the virus. Eventually it did. Being the OC mother that I am, I always have available disposable mask (I have a box of it) whenever somebody is not feeling well. I always let the sick person wear the mask the whole time whenever he/she is inside the house especially if he/she sneezes. I am not considerate on this because it's a must for me. In this way, I prevent spending hundreds of bucks for medicines by wearing a mask. It shouldn't be that difficult huh! It's a bit discomfort but a little sacrifice would save me and my children from money and sickness, right muthers?

Maan from Mom meets World

I'm also the person who believes in the saying that prevention is better than cure. I am the prevention and my hubby is the cure. We always fight about that. I'm a risk averse person when it comes to cases like this. I always have a bottle of Vitaman C that my hubby and my 2 'housemates' take so that they will not be easily get a flu. (I have a separate multivitamins that I always take as my OB-Gyne told me to still continue taking even if I'm not pregnant).

Lately, we experience again unpredictable weather. During the day it is scorching hot while as the day progresses and during the night it rains. I love that it rains because it means power interruption here in our region will be most unlikely na. But I don't want abrupt change of weather because it will be prone to catching different air borne disease or virus. But since we can't control these bad elements to hit us, better mask it out before it spreads to our loved ones, keep hydrated by drinking lots of water like 8 to 12 glasses a day, fuel your body by eating nutritious food and don't forget to take extra multivitamins to support your body to fight against diseases. #disposablemask #fightagainstsickness

It's Friday and I'm Ready to Rumble

I hope it's not gonna rain hard today as predicted here because of a Big and explosive event that's gonna happen tonight. I'm ready to rumble and have fun for fitness and health sake. Well, the fitness program that was spearheaded by selected employees here in our office turns 1. It doesn't cater to employees alone but to all who want to strut their stuff in the Zumba way! It's open to public. That's how I realized how Zumba got the attention of women and men alike as better alternative than just heading to the gym and lift all sorts of metal. It doesn't just give you the fulfillment by exercising your body parts but it gives you the happy hormones because you're having fun. Yes, today marks the 1st anniversary celebration of our Aero-Zumba fitness. We're having a 2-hour Zumbafest!

Photo source

I have prepared for this by joining 2 days straight Zumba sessions for me not to have body aches after. It will be my first Zumba marathon experience shall I say. I'm quite excited and wondering what will happen on the Zumba party itself. 

My shoe trainers are ready, I'm going to kick off my butt and I'll sweat it out. It's a thank God it's Friday indeed! #zumbalove #paininvain #healthandfitness #zumbaparty2014

First Attempt: Blood Donation

Oh my! I was hoping to get it this time to finally give back something special and meaningful this holiday season. Blood donation is something I've been meaning to give a shot not only does it make it a heroic deed but also it does benefit or is good for our bone marrow. The previous attempts were all a fail. The recent one before this, I already passed but it was my menstrual period so I cannot donate. Today, our office conducted a blood donation activity facilitated by the Philippine National Red Cross of Davao. I never hesitated to admit myself for a check-up to see if I can donate this time. After a series of blood tests and interviews which is just quick, I passed. I was delighted and #feelblessed and thought finally I can give this time. I was asked to lie down and I was a bit nervous because it's my first time to have my blood extracted in I think 2 bags of like a dextrose container. That's the amount of blood required to be donated.

First attempt of inserting a big needle in my right arms FAILED! 
Not because the in-charge got it wrong but my tiny and only visible vein is kinda shy 
and collapsed the moment it was inserted the way it is.

It was painful but it was tolerable. I can feel how big the needle is when it was inserted. I didn't loose my hopes and the in-charge told me she would try the other side of my arms. If you are really scared in these kind of needles and blood matter, you won't think of doing it anymore and again on the other side. But I bravely welcome the in-charge's idea.

Second attempt on the left arm FAILED!

This time I got disappointed already. Same explanation as of the first attempt. Still not giving up, I asked the in-charge if it's possible that they extract blood in my hands instead. She told me it's not allowed since the flow of the blood in the hands is slow. I asked her what could be a possible reason why my vein collapsed. Maybe my veins is about the size also of the needle and it's really small for the needle. Oh well! How can I make my veins bigger? Laughter broke down in the hall. Lol! Dismayed to the highest level! But I guess there is a reason why I cannot donate blood. God knows how I want to give. Better luck next time for me. But it's good to know that I'm fit and healthy and able to donate in my own little way.

My PNRC blood donation card. At least I tried than never tried at all.
#blooddonation 

On Backyard Harvest: Part 2

On my previous post here, I was able to share to you our plant garden that was able to bear its fruits. The cucumber plant which I took photos of, we already harvested a number of times. The photo below is one of the many cucumbers we already harvested. We are amazed and delighted as to the hugeness of the cucumber. Our neighbors are happy too seeing how big the cucumber is. Some are asking for its seeds so that they can plant it in their own backyard. We also gave them some of our harvested fruits.

Look at how big the cucumber is. I put it beside our oven toaster for your
better view of how huge it is.

This is our tomato plant which we thought there's no chance of bearing a fruit.

Our tomato plant is revived by my husband since we thought it won't bear fruits anymore. It became dry and wilted. I don't know how my husband did it and it bear a number of fruits now. He's the greenest thumb I've ever met. So lucky to have him (hehehe). So far, we've been enjoying (a lot!) the fruits of our plant garden.  Thank you God for the bountiful harvest!

Baby Bo...

I received a call from my sister just after lunch break. She told me an unexpected news about our dog, Bo. It is the first time that I ever received a call that stunned me and from our pet dog. It is an unusual one. I wanna post a photo for a #Throwback today but I don't have with me a photo of which we consider as our youngest in the family. Bo, is our pet dog. His breed is a Lhasa Apso-slash-terrier.

Photo source here. This is a Lhasa Apso breed.
His face is somewhat similar to the little doogie on the photo.

If I remembered it right, he came into our abode way back 2006. He is really a darling and he brought instant happiness to our family. We took care of him like our little baby. Proper food, vitamins and every thing are given to him. Fast forward to today. My sister reported that since Monday, he had no intake already. What ever he eats or drinks, he vomits it out. My mother and father don't have enough sleep because they worry so much of Bo and they monitored him. Good thing that my sister knew it and she immediately told my parents to have him admitted to a veterinary clinic so that proper medications must be given. It was also a blessing in disguise because we knew that the person we thought as to be a Veterinarian in our village is not a certified or licensed one. So my sister just quite of told my parents its better to go to a trusted one and pay a little higher than to settle for a cheaper one and more damage will happen. Right now, our little Bo is admitted in the Veterinarian clinic. It's better that way so that he can be monitored properly and the right medication is given. I don't know what my little brothers' reaction to this. He is in London and I'm sure he will be worried too. He is the most closest to Bo because my brother is an animal lover. I hope that Bo will get better soon. I pray, in Jesus name, AMEN.

Farming, Fruits and a Refreshing Honey Dew

I am one lucky person because I have a partner who has abundant supply of fruits from their farm almost every week. And we rejoice for the plentiful of food we get from my hubby's family. I am not much into eating fruits unlike my hunger rush for chocolates and sweets. My MIL's ethnicity is Bagobo and they acquire quite a big expanse of area which they plant fruit bearing trees years ago. Good enough that hubby got my MIL's (mother-in-law) and FIL's (father-in-law) love for farming. In my hubby's younger days, he talks about living a simple yet abundant life in the farm. Simple because they are not as comfortable as with their way of living now but they are happy and content with it. Abundant in the sense that their means of living is just outside the vicinity of their small house full of fruit-bearing trees. They have durian, banana, cacao, lanzones, marang, avocado to name a few which they and we enjoy until present.

I may not be a fruit eater but I have a selection of fruits that I may be selfish of. Like this one: Honey Dew

Juicy

Crunchy and sweet.

Honey Dew Melon fruit. Photo source here

Honey Dew is part of the gourd (term: Gourd is occasionally used to describe crops like cucumbers, squash, luffas, and melons) family. It is the sweetest of all the melons. My office mate usually brings this to office and shares with us. The first time I tried it, I immediately fell in love with the taste. I didn't expect that it taste this good since it is not that common unlike bananas, mangoes, watermelons and the like. This is good when eaten cold as the crispiness and the juiciness of the fruit brings out freshness to ones mouth and body. This is rich in Vitamin C, potassium, pantothenic acid and Vitamin B6 which helps beat high blood pressure levels, skin conditions as well as other difficulties of the circulatory system (source and more information about Honey Dew including its benefits here). 

Homemade Baby Wipes

For mommies who are budget and health conscious, this blog episode is for you. As a mother, I giddy whenever I see and hear products that are new, beneficial and friendly to my kids. I'm happy seeing cute and useful stuff for them. As they say, when you become a mom, your personal wants (most of the time) takes a back seat and it is by choice. No second thoughts.

In today's generation, a lot of products are now coming back to basics. Meaning, manufacturers are using organic and natural ingredients. This is a good sign that company owners are not only thinking on the profits they will be earning but also the safety and well-being of the consumers and the environment as well. The buying public on the other hand have been very keen already as to what products are beneficial to ones health and more so they have become well-informed. Because of the many variety of products in the market today, people choose what is cost saving, efficient and environment-friendly. Especially us mothers, we are very particular and careful on what products to use for our tots. As much as possible, it would not harm our babies in all aspects because of the sensitivity of our little ones skin. For example, cloth diapers are now being introduced in the market today that it not only benefit our children but a lot for our environment and our pockets too. For one, a disposable diaper takes hundred of years to decompose. Imagine if you use 3-4 disposable diapers in a day! I am currently using cloth diapers and I regretted I just used it only now. I might have saved thousand of pesos already. I have two kids ages 2 and 7 months old. For a month, I can save up to 1,000.00 or more for my 2 kids. I use disposable diaper on them at night only. During daytime, I use cloth diapers for my baby. My 2-year old knows already to use the toilet so good for her and us (hehe); no diapers needed. Now without further ado, I am sharing to you DIY homemade baby wipes. I encountered this in one of a parenting blog site which I think will be of great help to saving a lot money and disaster to our environment. I haven't tried this yet but will do this. It might be effective to my family. See and click link here.

Truth about Water Intake on: Officially GIRLY-fied: Health and Wellness: Jogging and Yoga (and workout...

We all know that one should drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day or more to help or replenish one's water in the body and keep us hydrated all day. But on this blog I read, you might think about it and change your water intake depending on your weight. Read on...

Officially GIRLY-fied: Health and Wellness: Jogging and Yoga (and workout...

Simple Happiness

Look what I got today? Super love this cold Wednesday afternoon! A cup of hot brewed coffee coupled with a nice and fun chit-chat with officemates over merienda break. Instant surprises indeed makes me happy and gay. How's your day by the way?

My Favorite Things

Foreword: A prologue of my post "Ultimate Wishlist for 2013". This will be a series of posts. Like a saga, by chapter and the like. For sure, in my everyday exposure to blog, the World Wide Web (www) and my daily personal encounters, I will have endless of favorite things and wishlists that will build up through time.

My previous post was all about my wishes for this year. But as time goes by I know it will be multiplied as I get to be aware of the most coveted things one has. I blame the power of Blogger and the World Wide Web. I know it is not their fault but simply because having something new on-hand is like being an achievement for me. I work hard for it and I deserve to have it. Not just for my own need but for my family's need that I think they deserve to have.

In just a matter of hours, I am adding up my cart of favorite things on my wishlist. I have 2 new wants.

1. Aquasana Complete Countertop Filtration System. This for me is the best I can give for myself and family. Safety for me is one of my top priority. In this time that our water and water system is not that potable anymore even if I'm living in a place where it has the 2nd cleanest potable water in the whole world (2nd to Italy and I don't know if it's still until today), rapid development and abuse of our environment makes everything polluted. I'd like to have a clean and safe drinking water right in my own faucet at home and straight into my stomach without any worries. The thing is expensive though but for me it's already affordable knowing that it can benefit my family a lot.

2. Panasonic Lumix LX-5. I have my own Sony Cybershot DSC-S700 series (I'm going to sell it) but I'd love to get a new one and replace it with this Lumix LX-5. I love that it has white color. I saw this in Mommy Michelle's blog. I am inspired and admire her for being a multi-faceted woman. Her and so many moms in her circle I support daily and read each of their own blogs about parenthood, family and being a woman of this age. Any how, What do you think of this?

How about you, do you have favorite things and wishlists too? Until my next!...

Ultimate wishlists for 2013

Each and everyone of us has goals every new year. I do not have goal lists in particular but this year I feel that this is worth something looking forward too. Even if 3 months has passed already I still can feel that this year is something good for me. Good vibes, positivity mode: on! Well, I have so many things I wanna have and to achieve may it be materially, spiritually, emotionally and physically (literally!) For one, I already enrolled my self in Zumba classes which I see myself to be healthy this year to start off everything. Because being able to move and actively participate in such health and wellness program promotes positive vibes and a good aura on oneself and to the people around. I believe being healthy in mind, body and spirit makes one a happy person. Would you agree?

So, here's my ultimate wishlists/ goals for year 2013. I am listing 10 of my possible and make-it-happen things. I still have more than 10 but those are still impossible to achieve for now unless I make a bet in lotto and win the jackpot. So here it goes:

1. Good health: for myself, my family and loved ones. Staying fit and healthy. Hitting it with Zumba! A living proof below.

Source

First time injury

It's been 2 weeks that I attended Zumba classes. So far it's been good to me not that I've seen major changes in my body like having smaller tummy now. That would be impossible. But the mere fact that I've sweat it out all the unnecessary toxins in my body, that is a great relief to me. I am more energized even if I don't have enough sleep (note: I have a 6 month old baby), I'm less irritated (good for me), I am more careful of what I eat. Not that I skip meals, but I am eating now in moderation, enough that I am not depriving myself. However, I've met injury during one of the sessions I attended. At that time, it was raining and windy. I felt uncomfortable because I'm sweating a lot and I feel cold because of the weather. We hold classes in an open area. I think my body absorbed all the air circulating around me. Plus there is this particular pose or stepping that made my knee or a vein in my left knee got stuck. It's been more than a week now that I still feel a tingle of pain in my left knee when I walk or climb the stairs. I keep on limping because it really is painful. I already had it massaged by a "hilot" but I feel there's no effect.

Anybody out there who could suggest on what to do? I thought of buying a massaging oil or a mentholated thing to put in my knee. Help! I am sooo looking forward to joining Zumba sessions again (sayang ang membership fee!).