15 Minutes of Bonding #15MinuteCalpolChallenge

     Time is essential for a stay-at-home/part-time mommy blogger like me. It’s always a ‘so little time so much’ to do kind of day every day. That’s why if I have a spare time, I always make sure to bond with Kenzo even if it’s only 15 minutes.

     During the rainy season, it is extra challenging for moms to think of activities to do with their kids because doing anything outdoors is almost always out of the picture. With the limited time combined with the uncooperative weather, this significantly reduces their choices in making memorable experiences. Quality time with the kids is important and paracetamol brand Calpol shares some rainy days bonding activities that will brighten the gloomy mood.

15 Minutes of Bonding #15MinuteCalpolChallenge

4 Bad and Great Habit You Easily Get From Your Parents

     Whether you like it or not, your parents inculcate most of the good and habits you have today. The environment you grow up as a kid and your family has a major role in determining what kind of a person you are at present. Your parents are responsible to cultivate all the good qualities in you from your childhood. If you have experienced problems in your initial stages of life and you are impulsive, have poor communication skills and fear about even small problems, then this could be due to bad habits which you got from your parents. 

     A popular Medical Director, Dr. Bryan Druno has clearly stated that “Your Parents’ habits could be passed down easily to you during your childhood and your behaviour is influenced heavily by your parents and family members” It has also been proven by science that apart from picking up good and bad habits from your parents in your childhood, some habits may be inherited from your parents and family members through Genetics and DNA. 

4 Bad and Great Habit You Easily Get From Your Parents 

See Moana at Hong Kong Disney Land Resort

     Strong, independent, determined- three characteristics that parents want to hone their children these days. In the age of modern technology, I noticed that kids these days can't last a day without using their gadgets.

     I'm guilty of this because my son uses his iPad every day and when I try to lessen his gadget time, he will say that he's already bored. We cannot blame technology for this and as parents, all we can do is to set limits and teach important things in life that will bring out the best in them in the future. So how to inculcate this to them in an enjoyable way? Read more below :)

7 Tips to Help Your Little One Sleep in Hot Weather

     Summer’s here and temperatures are soaring. And of course, there are lots to love about it: the long evenings, the park days, the ice-cream, the tan, the great mood that everybody’s in… but there is a bit of a downside too. Like getting to sleep, for instance.

     With the welcome heat that comes during the day, comes an often stifling night. We spend the night tossing and turning, unable to get to sleep. And as the experts from the Sleep-Advisor blog maintain, sleep is one of the most important things we can do for a healthier, happier life.

7 Tips to Help Your Little One Sleep in Hot Weather

From A Mom to Mom- Safeguard's 'Pabaon Sa Buhay'

     I'm sure that all of you saw the heartwarming and inspiring video of Norman King- the first Aeta who graduated from the University of the Philippines. It's an achievement that all parents can be very proud of. I also graduated from UP and yes, my parents are so proud of me until now. 

     The Safeguard "Pabaon Sa Buhay" short film is a real-life story of how a mother’s ‘pabaon’ of life lessons & values protected her son’s indigenous identity in the outside world. The lessons of Warlita King enabled her son Norman to be the first ever Aeta to graduate from the Philippines’ premier state university. I'm sure that all moms have 'pabaon sa buhay' to their children and as a mom, I want to pass on the provisions in life that my mama taught me to my son.

From A Mom to Mom- Safeguard's "Pabaon Sa Buhay"

Feature: Why Cebuana Lhuillier?

     Back in my younger years, I always see my mom keeps on buying different kinds of jewelry from a family friend. She is one of the trusted jewelers in our area and seeing her every month in our house showing an assortment of earrings, rings, and bracelets to my mom stirred my curiosity. I know gold is a fashion accessory and little did I know that it's an investment, an important thing that my mother is taking care of after all these years because it will be a useful heirloom in the future.

     Can I say that I'm lucky that my mom has thought of that? She keeps on telling me that I will need those in the future, in case there's an emergency. Past forward today, now I know what she's talking about. Know more why an heirloom is important and why the saying "Pag nagigipit sa patalim kumakapit" is now "Pag nagigipit sa Cebuana Lhuillier dapat lumalapit" below :)

Feature: Why Cebuana Lhuillier?

Jack ‘n Jill Plushies at Toys “R” Us

     This bed weather calls for a hearty meal, a movie marathon, and someone to hug and cuddle. But wait, there's one little cutie to cuddle and that's the plushie toy from Jack 'n Jill and Toys "R" Us.

    You can now score one or all of the Jack ‘n Jill cuddly collectibles, created exclusively by Toys“R”Us Philippines.

Jack ‘n Jill Plushies at Toys “R” Us 

4 Ways to Make Hand Washing Simple and Fun

     How many times you've seen the words hand wash, hand washing, germs, bacteria on my blog and social media posts? A LOT!!! I will never get tired of telling you that hand washing is very important, a practice that all are required to do and observe properly. It is also called hand hygiene that's why it must be a habit that you do, not once or twice, but as many times as possible!

     Germs are everywhere, inevitable, and already a part of our lives but we can prevent them from harming our family and inflict serious illnesses especially with young children who love to touch things here and there. Hand washing is simple and easy BUT do you know the proper way of doing it? Sharing tips on how to make handwashing fun for kids so that it will become a habit :)

4 Ways to Make Hand Washing Simple and Fun
photo from pexel.com

The Impact Car Seat Safety Can Have on an Accident

     Here’s a startling fact: Many parents are either not following or are unaware of the guidelines for car seat safety, putting their children at risk in the event of a vehicle accident.

     That’s according to research published in the August 2017 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and based on data from the 2007-2009 National Survey on the Use of Booster Seats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Impact Car Seat Safety Can Have on an Accident

Back to School with National Book Store

     What, wait, is it back to school already? Let the word back-to-school sink in my mind for a moment. Okay, it's June and I presume that kids are enjoying the last wave of vacation before bidding summer goodbye. The school year 2018 will finally resume days or week from now and here's a burning question, are you ready?

     If you'll ask me, it's a resounding YES!!! After enrolling my son for third grade last April, I was invited to do my back-to-school shopping at National Book Store. I went shopping for my son's back-to-school essentials at National Book Store SM North EDSA branch last May 15, 2018 and to my surprise, I saw new and exciting items on display that I've never seen before. Sharing my haul and back-to-school shopping tips after the jump.

Back to School with National Book Store

BIC Kids- Small Hands will do Big Things

     My son loves to draw. He's been drawing cars, trains, trucks, and even cute little faces since he was four years old. If he saw a crumpled paper or even a receipt, he will ask for a pen and draw random things.  This is one of his talents that we are so proud of. We are happy that at a very young age he appreciates art and makes drawing one of his past time. 

     "Pen is mightier than a sword" but letting your kids write and draw their dreams in the most creative way is more powerful. It is important in child development that he or she can creatively express his or her thoughts and feeling by putting ideas from pen to paper. Parents and teachers are helping hand and hand to build a child's confidence and self-belief through visualizing, drawing and finally displaying their creation and I'm excited to share that BIC launches a collection of coloring products designed especially for kids.

BIC Kids- Small Hands will do Big Things

FERN-C kidz: Top 3 Things Not to Skimp on Parenting

     As the years pass by, the word 'parenting' sinks in. Now I know the meaning of what my mama told me when I was a child. She would always tell me "pag naging nanay ka na, maiintindihan mo din bakit ganito, bakit ganyan" (when you become a mother too, you'll understand why this, why that). Now that I'm a mother, I've come to realize why these three things are very important for my son's overall wellness.

     As a mother, I will always do my best to protect my son from everything that may harm or put him at risk. However, no matter how prepared I am, there are just some things I cannot see when it comes to my son. That's why as early as now, there are three things that I do not want to scrimp on when it comes to parenting. Read more about what are the things that I will not skimp on for my son.

FERN-C kidz: Top 3 Things Not To Skimp On Parenting
photo from pexels.com

BIC Cool This Back to Shcool

     Back to school is around the corner and I'm in the middle of worry and excitement. I've already enrolled my son but we're still not 100% ready. The coming weeks will be a challenging one as I'll prepare myself to look for new uniforms and school supplies.

     I think it's finally time to say goodbye to the waves of summer because BIC Stationery is kicking off the school season with the right stroke! What's in store this back-to-school from BIC? Read more below :)

BIC Cool This Back to Shcool

WACOAL Passion for Product Sewing and Material Factory Tour

     The second day of our Wacoal Passion for Product Tour is one for the books. Our mission: discover how a brassiere is made and the intricate steps of making an undergarment- the Wacoal way! It's the day where we visited Wacoal Hokuriku Factory and Takeda Lace Co. Ltd. both located in Fukui Prefecture. It's an hour and forty minutes express train ride from Kyoto. 

     I'm so excited what's in store for me in these factories. I'm expecting that I will see the usual factory- unpleasant smell here, a messy corner there, and noise coming from machines everywhere. Upon stepping inside the factory, I was in disbelief with what I saw because it's totally different from the factory I knew. Read more below as I tour inside Wacoal factories and why the "Passion for Product" of Wacoal is becoming clearer now.

WACOAL Passion for Product Sewing and Material Factory Tour

Jollibee Jolly Racers

     My son is a fan of race cars that's why when he saw the latest kiddie toys from Jollibee last weekend, he told me that he wants to collect all! Have you seen the latest from Jollibee? I presume some of you have been collecting them already.

     This May, kids can have plenty of fun and an exhilarating playtime with their friends as they imagine being racers. Kids can speed around with Jollibee and Friends riding their Jolly Racers which come with every Jollibee Kiddie Meal.

Jollibee Jolly Racers

The Makati Shangri-La Wonderful Weekends

     What are your plans ever weekend? Do you plan ahead of time or just go with the flow? Instead of the stressful long drive for an out-of-town family vacation, why not enjoy a Wonderful Weekend at Makati Shangri-La, Manila.

     Makati Shangri-La’s Wonderful Weekends package is the perfect family staycation packed with activities and treats not just for the kids but also the parents where families can enjoy more room time with an early check-in at 10 a.m. and late check-out at 4 p.m. Transform the hotel room into a little playground with a tipi tent and complimentary kids minibar filled with treats and goodies. Also, enjoy more room space and receive a 50% discount on the prevailing Best Available Rate by booking a second room just for the kids.

The Makati Shangri-La Wonderful Weekends

Feature: Real California Milk + Milky Sopas Recipe

     When was the last time you enjoyed drinking a glass of milk? Last night, early this morning, or you can't totally remember at all? Even if you're not a milk drinker, I presume that you get your dose of dairy from other products like cheese, yoghurt, and everybody's favorite- ice cream. Yum!!!

     Did you know that dairy is an important part of a healthy diet? Yes, go and get your child's science book and turn to the page of food groups. You'll see that dairy products are on the third layer and an individual must consume at least 3 servings a day because dairy is your great source of protein plus essential nutrients. Dairy is loaded with nutrients and has a delicious taste that the whole family will surely love. Sharing below some of the nutritious benefits of dairy and my milky sopas recipe after the jump!

Feature: Real California Milk + Milky Sopas Recipe
Real California Milk Dairy Products- California cheeses, California Sunshine Homogenized Milk, and Coolhaus Ice Cream

WACOAL Passion for Product Tour Kyoto Japan

     Japan is my dream travel destination. Back in college, I decided to learn Nihonggo because I'm head over heels with Japanese culture. I love Japanese food, fashion, cars, and technology. The land of the rising sun has a distinct culture, a society that has a strong sense of national identity. The passion for everything they do is something I look up to and every time they introduce a new innovation in the market, I have no words but respect and admiration.

     Last month, Japanese undergarment cult-favorite brand Wacoal invited bloggers and influencers from Southeast Asia including the Philippines to discover what's behind the brand's success over the years. Their history and their core value make Wacoal not just a brand but a brand full of passion with the aim of making women feel beautiful inside and out. 

WACOAL Passion for Product Tour Kyoto Japan
photo by @gerryimages at Arashiyama Kyoto, Japan

Montessori De San Juan: Taking the first step to STEM

     Back in 2009, a parent named Dori Roberts had a hard time finding an educational program to get her six- and eight-year-old started on engineering. The Virginian mother was also an educator specializing in math and science, and she quickly realized that there is a need for a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program that is geared towards young children.

     Where most parents would have just given up and enrolled their children in regular schools, Roberts saw an opportunity. With her extensive background in STEM and a passion for teaching, she started Engineering for Kids (EFK), which is now one of the world’s most popular child-friendly STEM programs. It is franchised and implemented in 30 American States and in 30 other countries.

Montessori De San Juan: Taking the first step to STEM

The Perfect Out-Of-Town Baon this Holy Week

     My family and I love to go on out-of-town trips during Holy Week. This way, we also get to de-stress and bond with each other. The kids love going out of town so much. They are more relaxed when they are with nature. 

     That’s why when we go out-of-town, we seek adventures by biking, trekking, and swimming. But this can be so tiring, especially for my high-energy kids! After, we’re all usually so tired that we end up eating an unsatisfying meal.

The Perfect Out-Of-Town Baon this Holy Week