SM Supermalls Magical Christmas 2017

     Only four days to go and it's Christmas. I'm sure that everyone is having a blast. From family gatherings, reunions, and parties, nothing can stop us from celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. While others are busy with merrymaking in their homes, other families prefer spending the season inside shopping malls because of the beautiful holiday centerpieces.

     SM Supermalls, the Christmas destination for all Filipinos, has put together the biggest and grandest magical Christmas celebration for the entire family to enjoy. Dubbed as Magical Christmas at SM, families are in for an exciting treat where they can bond and have their photos taken in differently themed centerpieces for the kids and kids at heart. We visited three SM Supermalls with amazing holiday displays last week. Check them out after the jump!

SM Supermalls Magical Christmas 2017
photo from Rochelle Rivera

Feature: Big Guys! Pizza

     I have a big family that's why when we have celebrations or gatherings at home, preparing home cooked meals are not easy. Imagine cooking for more than 10 persons who also have big appetites. It's stressful and a mess and we learned a lot from that old way of preparing meals so instead of cooking, we resort to ready-made and cooked viands.

     We have default favorites like spaghetti, fried chicken, barbeque, and pizza. Speaking of pizza, we always order three or more boxes every occasion but there were times that we ran out of budget because we allocated all for the pizza not until we discovered something BIG! Meet, Big Guys! Pizza.

Big Guys! Pizza 

Feature: Porky Pit Lechon Belly

     'Tis the season to eat Lechon but not the usual or ordinary Lechon because there's a new player in town- Porky Pit. Noche Buena and Media Noche tables will not be complete without a roasted pork or the famous Lechon so this time let Porky Pit take your holidays to a different level. 

     I presume that you'll ask where to buy the best Lechon in Luzon specially the ones sold in Cebu because of the special taste. Cebuchon has been the talk of the town when it comes to Lechon and yes, the authentic is sold in Cebu but Porky Pit brought the same taste here in Metro Manila. Know more about Porky Pit and the Lechon variants they are offering after the jump.

Feature: Porky Pit Lechon Belly

Feature: Ju.D's Fruitcake

     You know that Christmas is just around the corner if you see well-loved desserts are on display on store shelves or in reunions and gatherings. Fiesta ham, queso de bola, 'bibingka and puto bumbong' are a few but the stars of this season.

     For the so-called "Titos and Titas of Manila", there's a holiday dessert that screams Christmas- fruitcake! Fruitcake is a cake that is made from dried fruits and nuts and spirits. It's a classic and well-loved cake by many and there's one name that you can trust when it comes to authentic fruitcakes. Meet Ju.D's Fruitcake after the jump!

Feature: Ju.D's Fruitcake

Feature: Locally and Merci Buco Juice Drinks

      I'm a juice and tea person. I don't drink soda that's why when we dine out, my default order would always be iced tea or fruit juice. I also have a stock of my favorite teas and juices at home that I enjoy drinking during meal times. I've tried all the flavors available on the market but haven't explored on our 'own' flavors.

      When I say 'own', those are the local fruit flavors that can be found here in our country. Some flavors are hard to find before because you can only get them where they are produced but now a brand called Locally brought the best of Philippine flavors here in the metro. Know more about Locally and the exciting flavors they have in every can and bottle!

Feature: Locally and Merci Buco Juice Drinks

Happy Coffee Bean Day 2017

     I'm a self-confessed coffee addict. Coffee is life that's why I always start my day by drinking a cup of my favorite caffeine fix. Waking up to a new day is a blessing and I'm looking forward to this moment everyday because it's another day to spend with my family and of coffee.

     As a coffee lover, I would like to commend The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's participation in International Coffee Day. This year, their aim is to give back to their loyal customers, coffee enthusiasts and everyone who wakes up everyday to work hard for their families.

Happy Coffee Bean Day

Feature: Liese Blaune DIY Color for Gray Hair

     Women nowadays are so busy. I know all of you can relate to this even if you're just a plain housewife who works 24/7 at home or a career woman who has a day or night job in the office. Raise your hands if you're one of these busy women who have a lot on their hands nowadays.

     If they aren’t busy succeeding in their careers, they’re busy nurturing and bringing up their children. Many are opting to do both. Even with amazing multi-tasking skills, even a short break does wonders. You may be busy doing a lot of things, but seeing some grey makes you feel older and haggard. Pampering should always be included in a busy calendar but some will say they lack time. Can you just pause for a minute and look at yourself in front of a mirror? See?! Having visible gray hair isn’t great at all. It makes you feel much older than you are, and you look like you’re more stressed than usual. What to do? Read more below and solve that grey hair problem in as fast as 30 minutes!

Feature: Liese Blaune DIY Color for Gray Hair

Feature: Hanamaruken Ramen

     Months ago, I was craving for ramen after looking for furniture for our newly renovated house. I still can't believe that it's only my first time to eat authentic ramen since the trend hit several years ago. Yes, it was already years ago when numerous ramen restaurants sprouted around Metro Manila faster than you could slurp up a bowl of miso soup. 

     Fast forward today, ramen restaurants are too many to count. So what to expect when you see a ramen house? Check the three criteria-quality, authenticity, and (for the bolder chefs), an innovation so that you'll have a happy tummy after finishing a bowl. We were in Trinoma that day and we found a place where ramen is served the way it should be- Hanamaruken Ramen. Kow more about this ramen house in my short feature below.

Feature: Hanamaruken Ramen

Feature: Eden Cheese Queso de Bola

     Christmas is just around the corner when you see those red balls in festive packages at the supermarket. Queso de Bola is one of the traditional holiday foods served in family reunions, Christmas dinners and parties here in the Philippines. 

     Christmas won't be the same without Queso de Bola and to make the celebration more exciting for the Filipino families, Eden Cheese develop their version of Queso de Bola with a twist! Know more about Eden Cheese Queso de Bola after the jump!

Feature: Eden Cheese Queso de Bola

Feature: LUKE Total Skin Solution

     If your skin care regimen is something that you treasure, I'm sure that you're doing more than 3 basic steps daily.  Aside from cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, I'm sure that you use serum, eye cream, scrub, and mask to achieve healthy skin. If you're that religious in applying skin care products, an eye mask and nose strip definitely complete the regimen.

     There are individuals who like to add this extra steps in their routine but their budget is limited only to the basics. Good news, dearies! You can now level up your skin care routine without the hefty price tag because LUKE Total Skin Solution offers facial masks, hydrogel eye patch, and nose strips at a very affordable price! I was shookt when I saw the variants and price points during the launch. Know more about LUKE Skin PH below :)

Feature: LUKE Total Skin Solution

Feature: JBL Jr. Headphones

     Kids these days are so into gadgets. I presume that kids of this generation would love to receive a new iPad, mobile phone, game console, or accessories that they will use in the gadgets that they already have. We cannot blame technology if our kids will choose these over stuff toys and other playset but we can control the pros and cons a gadget brings.

     My son, Kenzo loves to watch YouTube videos. He's into race cars and musical instruments. He's into music as his dad while he also loves to play games like momma. On a long road trip, I know he needs a headphone that delivers remarkable sound so he can still enjoy the trip while watching videos or listening to music. Enter JBL Jr.- brightly colored wired and wireless lightweight headphones that let kids enjoy music, movies and more while providing the promise of safety and durability.

Feature: JBL Jr. Headphones

Feature: Pure Beauty Urban Shield

     Did you know that your skin is exposed to different kinds of pollutants everyday? These are dust, dirt, and UV rays that will have negative effects on your skin in the long run if not addressed properly. While there are so many whitening and anti-aging products in the market that is easily accessible, I haven't seen a product line that works to protect the skin from harmful effects of pollution that's why I was surprised when Watson's Philippines sent the full range of Pure Beauty Urban Shield line. 

     The newest product line that will nourish and protect your skin from inside out is here! It will be Filipina's best bet for that 8 step Korean skin care regimen. Pure Beauty Urban Shield line is the first of its kind in the country, inspired by nature and infused with antioxidants from pomegranate. More information about the line below. 

Feature: Pure Beauty Urban Shield

Disney Tsum Tsum x Daiso Japan

     Have you seen or heard of Disney Tsum Tsum yet? If yes, who is your favorite character? We learned about Disney Tsum Tsum when we saw the Tomica x Disney Motors Tsum Tsum car set while window shopping for toys last year. Kenzo's fave is Mickey Mouse while I'm all for Jessie of Toy Story.

Anyhoo, Disney Tsum Tsum fans unite! The adorable characters make their way to Daiso Japan stores. Yes, you've read that right. You can now score Disney Tsum Tsum merchandise in all Daiso Japan stores near you. Check out the cute items below :)

Disney Tsum Tsum x Daiso Japan

Collagen by Watsons

     Did you know that at the age of 25, problems in the anti-aging department start to arise? Yes, that droppy or sagging skin below your chin, an overly active oil mine in your face, dark spots and uneven skin tone on your cheeks and forehead plus the reality of appearing fine lines and wrinkles all boils down to one dilemma- aging skin!

     These skin concerns may have resulted from low collagen levels in the skin. As we all know, collagen is the building block of the skin’s structure that's naturally produced by our bodies. Sad to say, as we age, collagen production slows down or weakens because of other factors like stress and pollution. Collagen products- topical and oral can help address those that's why Watsons launched a solution to help us look good and feel great. Enter Collagen by Watsons. More information about the product line after the jump.

Collagen by Watsons

Canon PIXMA Ink Efficient E3170

     Do you have a computer shop? Do you need to print hundreds of paper works everyday? You need a dependable printer to meet your demands. If you're starting a small business and currently looking for a printer that will save you a lot, you may want to take into consideration this newest printer from Canon Philippines.

     Unleash your inner creative entrepreneur as Canon introduces the perfect partner for your printing needs! Canon, a world leader in digital imaging, announces the addition of the new PIXMA Ink Efficient E3170, equipped with low-cost, high-yield ink cartridges for students and home offices. More information about the product after the jump.

Canon PIXMA Ink Efficient E3170 

Althea Korea Turns 2 Birthday Haul

     Althea Korea turned 2 last July and it rained blue beauty boxes all over Asia and to countries where Althea Korea ships their products. There were so many surprises in store last July for both K Beauty fans and beauty bloggers who were called Althea Birthday Squad.

     I'm one of the few bloggers who joined the squad in spreading the birthday cheer. I received Althea’s Limited Edition Birthday Cake Box with DIY cake box deco, a birthday card, and gift pack which consisted of my haul. I only picked three items this time because I still have a lot of K Beauty products to try at home. Sharing a short feature of my Althea Korea Turns 2 Birthday Haul after the jump!

Althea Korea Turns 2 Birthday Haul

Product Review: Scott's DHA Gummies

     Kenzo's vitamin c brand is Scott's Vitamin C pastilles. He likes mixed berries flavor so much that's why we always buy the one in a plastic bottle containing 50 pastilles good for 25 days since he's taking 2 pastilles every day. While shopping for other grocery items, I already saw Scott's DHA Gummies on the shelves but did not bother looking closely because I thought it's the same vitamin c or maybe they repackaged it.

     Weeks ago, I was so surprised when I received the exact Scott's Vitamins I saw on the grocery shelves. It's not a reformulated or repackaged vitamin c pastilles because it's the newest offering from Scott's- their DHA Gummies. More information about Scott's DHA Gummies and initial review below.

Product Review: Scott's DHA Gummies

Feature: Go Aussie Oranges Now

     It's a pain to have flu during the rainy season that's why you have to be extra careful and healthy to avoid it and other water-borne diseases. For a stay-at-home mom like me, strong immune system is really important. I have mommy duties in the morning and household chores til night time.

     Staying healthy is the key to get through all the work at home every day. It's easy to stay healthy when you give your immune system an extra boost. Speaking of boost, how do you boost your immune system? The most common way of boosting the immune system is by taking Vitamin C and one of the natural ways is eating oranges! Thanks to Australian Oranges for sending over a bag of zesty and refreshing oranges last month. More information about Australian Oranges below.

Feature: Go Aussie Oranges Now

Feature: Vitasoy- The Soy Experts

     It was in Singapore where I first tasted Vitasoy. It is a soy milk brand offered in different flavors. Months ago, I saw Vitasoy on grocery shelves. I was doing my weekly grocery shopping when I stumbled upon Vitasoy Coffee flavor. The coffee lover in me got excited and bought bottles to stock at home.

     YES!!! The well-loved soy milk from Hong Kong is finally here! Celebrate real goodness with the delicious and nutritious Vitasoy- the #1 soy milk brand in Hong Kong, China, Australia, and New Zealand. Know more about Vitasoy and its exciting flavors after the jump!

Feature: Vitasoy- The Soy Experts

Gold Seas Tuna Chunks and Bento Box Recipe

     We are a family of seafood lovers. We are fond of eating all kinds of seafood- fish, shrimp, crab, and squid. Speaking of fish, our favorites are cream dory, salmon head, and tuna! My husband likes to cook different viands for lunch but when he runs out of recipe, we always resort to canned meals.

     Our default favorite is tuna. We'll just open a can and reheat it but there were times that we look for a canned tuna with unique flavor and taste. Weeks ago, I received cans of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks. I was surprised when I saw that it's not the usual tuna flavors available in the market. More information about Gold Seas Tuna Chunks after the jump :)

Gold Seas Tuna Chunks