Jollibee Family Thanksgiving Month this May

     One of the many things I'm thankful for despite the challenging times brought about by the pandemic is the time I'm spending with my family. Because we are always at home, I've seen the good and the bad every single day. It's an opportunity to know them better and learn from them. Time spent with the family is the heart of the message that Jollibee wants to convey as it launches the Jollibee Family Thanksgiving Month celebration this May.

     Through the Jollibee Family Thanksgiving Month, the country’s number one fast-food chain aims to start a new tradition to enjoin everyone to openly and actively express their gratitude towards their family and loved ones. I was invited to the launch via a virtual presscon last April 29, headlined by its long-time Jollibee endorser Anne Curtis who was officially introduced as the campaign’s ambassador. More stories about this after the jump!

Jollibee Family Thanksgiving Month this May

Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy the Herbalife Way!

     Our brain, like the rest of our body, needs to be checked regularly. When I say check, it's like evaluating if one or all of the key components of mind health is present like strong memory, ability to think and reason, steady mood, and agreeable personality. With the recent events and the uncertainties happening, our mental health may not be in good shape. I presume that some of you have experienced signs of stress, anxiety attacks, and sleep disturbances because of our current situation. 

     It is very timely that Dr. Small, who is a member of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board, talked about “Healthy Aging: Brain Fitness for Healthy Adults” at the most recent Virtual Wellness Tour hosted by Herbalife Nutrition Philippines. As part of the discussion, he shared his views on effective ways to improve memory and help maintain cognitive functions. He also provided relevant information on how balanced nutrition, sustained physical activity, and sound lifestyle practices will safeguard our ability to perform mental processes. Sharing the highlights of this online event below :)

Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy the Herbalife Way!

Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines

     It has been two years since the day that I decided to commit to a healthy lifestyle and to be able to do this, there are so many factors that I needed to consider. One of the most important things is to have a healthy relationship with food. I believe in the saying that "You are what you eat" and in order for me to stay on what is considered a healthy, proper, and nutritious diet, I have to lessen or drop one thing- SUGAR!!!

     It's really, genuinely so hard especially for someone who has been indulging in cakes, pastries, chocolates, coffees, milk teas, and other treats loaded with sugar since the time of his or her existence. Another reason why sugar is a big part of my diet because we are a family of bakers. I was born and raised by bakery owners. From the time I opened my eyes, all the yummy and sweet treats were already in sight. Who can say no to the smell of freshly baked bread from day until night?! So yes, growing up eating slices of bread, cakes, pastries, and other foods with sugar or high sugar content is really hard to avoid. Too much sugar in my diet has negative effects so finding an alternative or a substitute is a must and this is where I discovered STEVIA. Know more about Stevia and the brands you can find in Philippine supermarkets and groceries after the jump.

Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines

Good Food and Bonding with Purefoods Slow-cooked Spaghetti Sauce w/ the #1 TJ Hotdog

     Staying at home for nine months made me a better person and a skilled mom. I learned how to manage my time and unlocked a new skill called multitasking. It may sound shallow for some, but for a mom like me who has relatively short experience in motherhood, time management, and multitasking between a home-based job and being a hands-on mom is something I can be proud of. Some find it hard to juggle parenting and career at the same time so it's a bonus for me because I can squeeze in both every single day. 

     Many moms like me take time to read through the different experiences of their fellow moms to learn the do's and dont's with their family, especially kids. I belong to a community of moms who shares their experiences, especially on child-rearing and managing the household. I followed their advice like learning new tips, tricks, and life hacks on cleaning the house, cooking, and all things home. Speaking of cooking, life became easier when I discovered ready to eat meals while browsing in e-commerce stores. One of my discoveries is the Purefoods Slow-cooked Spaghetti Sauce w/ the #1 TJ Hotdog that is ready to serve in 10 just minutes! Sharing more of my experience with this new discovery that I'm sure the kids will truly love below :)

Purefoods Slow-cooked Spaghetti Sauce w/ the #1 TJ Hotdog

Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

     I was browsing the Instagram explore feed when I stumbled upon a banana bread recipe. I love bananas and bread that's why I decided to click on the photo and check the recipe. To my surprise, it's not the regular banana bread that's perfect for afternoon tea or coffee. It's vegan! Have you tried this kind of food yet? According to healthline.com, Veganism is currently defined as a way of living that attempts to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, be it from food, clothing, or any other purpose. 

     Therefore, the simplest explanation is that vegan food simply equates to plant-based. In order for you to cook vegan food, all the ingredients must be animal-free, and using plants like fruits, vegetables including nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans to name a few is what all you need. This vegan banana bread is so easy to make and made up of five ingredients. It's filling because of the whole grains used instead of the usual bread flour. So without further ado, here's my version of Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe, read more below.

Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe