Making Every Outfit "Mommy-Friendly"

     Some people are under the impression that when you are a mom, you can’t be fashionable at the same time. Maybe the idea came from the connotations that surrounded items like “mom jeans,” those denim disasters that made your behind look flat and unflattering. But in this day and age, being a mom is actually more stylish than ever! All kinds of clothing and accessory companies are creating products that are not only pretty to look at, but also practical and comfortable.

     As a mom, comfort is always at the top of the list when getting dressed because you simply never know what your day will consist of and you will need to break out your mommy superpowers. With that said, there are plenty of ways to infuse comfort into your fashion while keeping it chic. For everyday mommy-friendly fashion, here are some ideas for combining looks and comfort.

Making Every Outfit "Mommy-Friendly"

Chic Sneakers

     Heels are lovely for fancy events and date nights, but when it comes to doting your little one around all day, heels are quite the hindrance. If you want to add a little extra flair to your outfit while keeping practicality in mind, there are all kinds of fashionable shoes ranging from metallic to athletic to printed styles that will give your outfit just what it needs. If you really want to make a statement, try high-top trainers.

Playful Pants

     It’s often easier to keep your blouse or top on the simpler side (in a fabric that can handle messy mistakes and wash out stains with ease), so you can choose to amp up your look by catering to the bottom half. Redbook asked blogger Jill Gott Gleason what pieces she can’t live without as a mom, and she said colored denim was her savior. Keeping your pants on the playful side helps you from feeling like you’re repeating the same uniform over and over.

Non-Silk Scarf

     To top off a plain tee or dress, just accessorize with a scarf of your choosing. You can use the item to either make an outfit more seasonally appropriate, or you can bring in a pop of color with it. Just remember that silk scarfs are notorious for attracting and holding onto strains, so you’re better off with a gauzy fabric for those unexpected spills and extra messy days.

Simple Beauty

     To go with your no-fuss fashion, you need a beauty routine that works for even the busiest of mornings. There’s no point to get all gussied up with a full face of makeup if you’re just going to drop your kid off at school. However, one way to help you feel put-together is with polish—literally. Like a mommy blogger suggests on Parenting.com, a DIY manicure with a fast-drying top coat is the way to go for pretty nails without the hassle.

     No matter what your personal style is, just remember you don’t have sacrifice it just because you’re a mom! You can easily adapt a fashionable wardrobe to be functional.

Luminisce Luxury Facial and Clear Laser Treatment Experience

     Tell me if I'm wrong but in my observation, even those who have the less problematic skin need to visit and consult a dermatologist from time to time to have their skin checked. Skin care products, skin care supplements and non-surgical treatments at home are not enough to address the issues of the skin. I cannot totally say that I have clear skin. I still suffer from breakouts from time to time especially when it's time of the month, I also have skin pigmentation that needs attention and utmost care from an expert.

     I've been reading blog posts from co-bloggers trying out Luminisce's facial care services. Reading their stories and seeing the improvements after their first session gave me the go signal to see what Luminisce has to offer. To feed my curiosity, I went to Luminisce Skin and Laser Clinic two weeks ago. So for the past 7 years I've been telling myself that those brown spots on my upper cheeks are freckles until someone enlightened me regarding my skin condition. Sharing with you below what happened during my visit at Luminisce Skin and Laser Clinic- my discoveries and services that made me decide to visit a dermatologist monthly.

Luminisce Luxury Facial and Clear Laser Treatment Experience

     
     Luminisce Skin and Laser Clinic is very accessible by all means of land transportation. It is located at the 2nd floor of the Mercury Building in BGC and in front of St. Lukes Medical Center. These well-known landmarks made it easier for me to reach the clinic hassle-free. I was welcomed by friendly and accommodating staffs offering something to drink. The clinic is well-lit and the ambiance is very relaxing. I felt like a princess inside Luminisce because of the royalty-themed furnishings. One of the attendants handed me a form to fill-up. I wrote there everything, from my health care related history and skin concerns.

Luminisce Luxury Facial and Clear Laser Treatment Experience

 
     My mission that day was to know the root cause of my skin pigmentation and to seek advice from an expert. I met Dr. Kaycee Reyes and learned a lot from her. She is a London-trained dermatologist and a wellness advocate. During my visit, Dr. Kaycee made an expected extensive skin analysis and enlightened me on my skin issues. I'm expecting her to tell me that I have freckles on the upper side of my cheeks and melasma. The latter is expected since someone already told me that but I was shocked when she told me that I have Hori's Nevus- also known as acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules or acquired dermal melanocytosis which is common with Asians. It's my first time to hear about this skin condition. I did not panic after hearing Dra, Kaycee's explanation and listened carefully to her advice.

Luminisce Luxury Facial and Clear Laser Treatment Experience

 
     According to her, this condition is like melasma that cannot be treated but can be managed to make them look lighter and not visible. Melasma and Hori's Nevus can present concurrently. If not given attention, the pigmentation will spread and become bigger in the long run. Hori's Nevus is challenging to treat that's why regular visits to a dermatologist is required and the recommended type of service for this is Clear Laser Treatment. For my case, I need around 4-6 sessions of Clear Laser Treatment to see maximum results.

Luminisce Luxury Facial and Clear Laser Treatment Experience

 
     Sharing with you the Clear Laser Treatment (procedure and photos) that I've tried at Luminisce Skin and Laser Clinic below. 

A. Luxury Facial (P2,500)

    

     Luxury Facial- this is Luminisce's special facial treatment that deep cleans pores and removes bacteria-causing acne, trapped dirt, and excess oil while minimizing pores for up to 2 weeks! This is the first phase before the recommended laser treatment for my melasma and Hori's Nevus. 

1. The nurse cleansed my face and gave me a relaxing massage. But before this, I asked her if she'll be removing everything on my face. She said that eyeliner and my lip color will stay but my bb cream, tinted sunblock, and face powder will be removed. So what you'll see in the following photos below is my bare face.

2. Next step is Sonophoresis- this is a procedure where a handheld metal device runs all over my face wherein ultrasound waves seep nutrients in the skin while removing blackheads and whiteheads at the same time.

Luminisce Luxury Facial and Clear Laser Treatment Experience

3. Then another device that uses electric currents was used to lift and revitalize the skin. There's a gauze bandage placed over my face and the device safely passes those currents onto the different parts of my face.

4. Two more metal devices run all over my face. Both also have electric currents to take out impurities, energize, and make the skin glowing and radiant.

5. The Last step for this facial is infusing oxygen onto my bare face from the oxygenating machine. This releases oxygen to hydrate the skin and pores. This is a combination of Vitamin C for lightening and Ceramide for anti-aging. After the procedure, my skin felt soft and smooth to the touch.

     Can you spot my melasma and Hori's Nevus? They're still there so the next phase of Clear Laser Treatment follows after pampering my skin with the Luxury Facial that my skin deserves. This is called clear laser peel!

Luminisce Luxury Facial and Clear Laser Treatment Experience

B. Clear Laser Peel (P5,000)

     Clear Laser Peel-  Uses a film of carbon lotion to regenerate collagen and correct melasma, pigmentation, acne, skin tone, pore appearance, and fine wrinkles. Best of all, these procedures are done in minutes, safe for all skin types, and require ZERO downtime so you can get back to business in no time!

      In the first step, the attendant applied carbon lotion. After 10 minutes Dra, Kaycee did the laser treatment concentrating on parts of my cheeks where Hori's Nevus are located. To tell you honestly, there's a prickly sensation whenever the laser passes through those spots. It's bearable though. Basing on my experience, she used different strokes for my melasma and for the Hori's Nevus. Here's my face after the laser treatment.

Luminisce Luxury Facial and Clear Laser Treatment Experience
No makeup! Proud to have glowing skin. Thanks, Luminisce

 
     Fret not if you see redness on my face. I have thin skin and my skin is prone to redness. I noticed that after the procedure, some of the pigmentations lightened a bit. Since it was my first session, I did not expect drastic or dramatic results. Thank you so much, Dra. Kaycee Reyes for letting me try the Clear Laser Treatment and for enlightening me with melasma and Hori's Nevus. No regrets that I've trusted Luminisce Skin and Laser Clinic to try the very first laser treatment for my face to date.

     I will highly recommend Luminisce Skin and Laser Clinic if you're a newbie who wants to get informed first about your skin issues by an expert dermatologist before undergoing a non-surgical procedure or other kinds of facial treatments. No need to worry about dermatology procedure nightmares that keep you from getting the right skincare treatment that you deserve. Having good skin is an investment and in the long run, it will save hundreds and thousands of pesos from buying makeup just to cover flaws. 

Visit Luminisce Skin and Laser Clinic at 2/F Mercury Drug Bldg., 32nd St. cor. 4th Ave., Fort Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Taguig, Philippines (in front of St. Luke’s Medical Center)

Clinic schedule: Mondays to Saturdays from 10AM to 7PM and Sundays by appointment. 

For more information on Luminisce Skin and Laser Clinic's services

visit their website http://luminisce.com/

For inquiries and to book an appointment 

Call 02-5118500

Text/Viber  0915-979-4661 

Like them on Facebook: Luminisce

Follow them on Instagram: @luminisce_official

Follow them on Twitter: @luminisceskin

Good Times!~

Avida x Ayala Museum "Inspire Every Day" Event

     What inspires you every day? A question that made me think not only what but also who. We all have inspiration and whatever it is, that is the very reason why we stay positive despite the negative things that we encounter everyday. My answer to this question is simple and I can sense that mothers out there can relate. 

     So again, what inspires me every day? Every time I see the priceless smile on my son's face. It reminds me that I am blessed to have a reason to be more positive, responsible, and thankful to whatever life brings. Seeing the smile on my son's face, I see that he will embrace life to the fullest with deeper understanding and will be thankful for all the things that life has to offer when he grows up. In line with this question, Avida Land, Ayala Museum and CNN Philippines Life, recently held Inspire Every Day—a full-day event that celebrates art, literature, history and everything in between, aiming to inspire visitors to pursue their passions in their daily lives. See highlight of the event below :)

Avida x Ayala Museum "Inspire Every Day" Event

     Admission for the event it free. I've seen a lot of visitors who gamely engaged in a day of interesting activities and fun-filled pocket events in line with the theme, “Inspiration Got Us Started, Passion Keeps Us Going.” It's a day of fun and activity and visitors are in for a treat!

• Free access to enter Ayala Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library 
• Visitors were also treated to a selection of changing exhibitions that included Object Travelogue/Dialogue, which showcased pieces from the Ayala Museum collection that have been featured in exhibitions abroad; Sanso: Setting the Stage, an exhibition of reproductions of Sanso’s work by artists Toym Imao and James Reyes that showcase his stage and costume design work; and The Diary of Tetsuya Noda: Steven Co Collection, which presents an intimate glimpse into the life of the Japanese contemporary printmaker. 
• Guests also got a special look at an exhibit from Julia Nebrija called Old Manila Lego Architecture. 

Avida x Ayala Museum "Inspire Every Day" Event
L- One of the pieces in the exhibit R- Doodle board

Highlights of Avida x Ayala Museum "Inspire Every Day" Event

1. One of the most exciting part of this action-packed day were the talks on How to Make it in Manila from the metro’s most in-demand fashion photographer BJ Pascual, and Historical Films from multi-award winning film director, composer, editor, sound designer and writer Jerrold Tarog.

Avida x Ayala Museum "Inspire Every Day" Event
My apologies for the blurry shot, a super-fast selfie with the Jerrold Tarog after his inspiring talk.

2. Another highlight of the event was Avida Land’s Homepossible installation, located at the Museum Café and brought to life by painter and calligrapher Anina Rubio’s live art. Through Avida’s Homepossible event, visitors were given an opportunity to become homebuyers, find a space where they can express themselves and experience an inspired life firsthand. 

Avida x Ayala Museum "Inspire Every Day" Event
Anina Rubio's live art at the back. She was painting there while during the I took this selfie

     Avida also launched “Pursuit of Passion,” a lifestyle blog and resource guide that motivates and encourages everyone to breathe life into their passions for art, design, wellness and finance.

Avida x Ayala Museum "Inspire Every Day" Event

     Inspire Every Day and Homepossible are venues for the public to be inspired to achieve their dreams and live their aspirations. Avida believes that a place to dream and thrive is vital to being able to create opportunities and pursue passions. 

For more information on Avida Land and their newest blog, visit

pursuitofpassion.ph and www.avidaland.com

Now, I want to ask you dearies: What inspires you every day?

Good Times!~

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch

     Who here loves chicken wings? Raise your hands if you do! I noticed that more and more people now appreciate chicken wings and became a staple in their meals. It's satisfying and crave-worthy especially if one restaurant offers them in fourteen, yes 14 exciting flavors that's totally mouth-watering.

     I presume you already have a clue that I'm talking about Wingstop. Last month, I was invited to the launch of Wingstop Flavor Invasion where we were treated to an afternoon all things chicken wings! This rhyming sounds yummers to my ears, hahaha! Get ready your eyes, and feast on some of my favorite flavors below :)

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch

Wingstop's Mission:

     On a mission to serve flavor to the world, Wingstop is ready to invade your senses with their 14 unique flavors. Whether you enjoy a spicy heat, crave for that extra zing, or hunger for all that's rich and smoky, Wingstop is sure to have a flavor that will suit your taste buds.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch

Excited to know more about my personal faves? Here they are in no particular order:

1. Garlic Parmesan

     Buttery parmesan cheese and savory garlic join forces in Garlic Parmesan, a savory blend of flavors that’s sure to leave you salivating. 

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Garlic Parmesan

2. Mango Habanero

     If heat is your thing, dare to wing it with the Atomic, the hottest flavor Wingstop has to offer. A test of taste and strength, only the boldest of the bold are sure to smile through the hottest sauce around. A worthy competitor, the Mango Habanero is guaranteed to leave you craving and swaying in ways you never have before. A sauce where sweet meets heat, Mango Habanero’s slow burn will tickle your taste buds until you’re deliciously on fire.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Mango Habanero

3. Atomic

     If heat is your thing, dare to wing it with the Atomic, the hottest flavor Wingstop has to offer. A test of taste and strength, only the boldest of the bold are sure to smile through the hottest sauce around.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Atomic

4. Mild Buffalo

     Mild Buffalo, which is anything but meek—it’s got all the flavor and heat of classic buffalo sauce without the burn.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Mild Buffalo

5. Louisiana Rub

     Take a trip down South with the Louisiana Rub—a crispy dry rub with a killer combination of garlic and cajun spices.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Louisiana Rub

6. Teriyaki

     Wingstop’s Flavor Invasion doesn’t halt in the west. East meets the flavor craze too, through five flavors that are sure to make their way into the hearts of Asian flavor lovers all over. Turn Japanese with the bold and sweet Asian spices of Teriyaki

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Teriyaki

 7. Spicy Soy

     Explore the rest of the continent with Korean Soy and Spicy Soy, each seasoned with heated sesame, garlic, and spice.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Spicy Soy

 8. Korean Soy

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Korean Soy

     There's a mini program during the launch and Wingstop proudly presented their 14 ambassadors. They are the individuals who excel in their chosen field. Each one of them represents the Wingstop flavor that fits their personalities. Some of the brand ambassadors shared their experience during the shoot and why the flavor surely fits their personality.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Tricia Centenera hosted the event who is one of the brand ambassadors together with Wil Dasovich, Gio Levy, and Yuki Tansengco

     More than your average wings restaurant, Wingstop is ready to invade your senses and entice your taste buds as it lets flavor enthusiasts experience all 14 of their flavors through the Wingstop Flavor Invasion.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Paolo del Rosario of Wingstop Philippines

     Wingstop’s flavors are taking over and they won’t take no for an answer. Whether you’re craving for the classic spice of Hot Buffalo, the smooth taste of the Hickory Smoked Barbeque, the sweet heat of the Mango Habanero, or the Oriental taste of our Asian Flavors, the Wingstop Flavor Invasion will get everyone to come back week after week just to satisfy their every craving.

Wingstop Flavor Invasion Launch
Thank you Shopgirl Jen for the photo :)

     Wingstop wants their customers to give in to the Wingstop Flavor Invasion through the Flavor Pass. Want to score Wingstop Gift Certificates? Here are the mechanics

• Available from May 23 to August 31, 2016, the Flavor Pass is redeemable with any single receipt purchase at any Wingstop store. 
• Collect stamps for every flavor that you try and earn yourself P1,000 gift certificates for every Flavor Pass that you complete. 
• But that’s not all, Customers get extra wings with every purchase of the Classic or Batter-Fried Wings. So if your appetite requires a 5-piece, you get 1 piece free. 
• If you’re craving for a 7-piece, you get 2 wings for free and if you order an 11-piece, you get 3 free wings with your purchase!

What's your favorite Wingstop flavor? 

For more information on Wingstop Philippines,

Like them on Facebook: Wingstop Philippines

Follow them on Instagram: @Wingstopph

Good Times!~

4 Simple Ways to Stay Stylish

     Student life is the best period in a person’s life. A modern student is a multifaceted personality. Girls and boys aim to become professionals in their fields. Student days hold many events, such as morning lectures, additional academies, evening trips to either cinema or nightclubs. It is necessary to choose not only fashionable but practical clothes for supporting such an active life.

Many girls that have decided on their major, begin to dress as they would do it at work: 

• Future politicians, MBAs, and lawyers are preferable to wear business suits, that their career will oblige;
• More pretentious apparel is meant for Art specialties. 

     Style is a personal creativity for every day and whole life as well. And it depends solely on you her your style is interesting to others, captivates, makes to admire or emulate.

4 Simple Ways to Stay Stylish

 Ways to keep the style in a university routine:

1. Choose a Style

     A style should represent your character and compliment the build. Fashionable things are not those that fill every store shelves. But those things that will fit well, suitable for complexion and emphasize your individuality. Clothing should harmoniously mix with your temperament, mood and time of day, year, and your social status. Only then it will carry out its main task, making your image even more beautiful, more unique.

2. Color Combinations

     The prime thing that gives out a bad taste - it is wrong-chosen color combinations. Dark colors can make you entirely invisible, but the trendy colors may not match with your look. Popular shades are especially risky in this case. If things in fashionable colors don’t suit you, just accept this fact and find a small accessory in that color. Numerous magazines offer many tips on how to learn to understand the variety of colors and choose your exact shade. There is a simple principle of dividing women into the following types: Winter - Spring - Summer - Autumn. You need to properly classify yourself by a certain season color type. The rest is a trick.

3. Choose Accessories

     They are acceptable compliments to any stylish image. Today, Hand Made Style accessories are extremely fashionable. To create them, usually natural materials, fabrics, wood, and feathers are applied. Many famous fashion designers recommend using long earrings, original wide bracelets, metal products in the form of coins, birds, snakes, flowers and other shapes. Back to fashion are retro rings, vintage brooches, and layered necklaces.

4. Pay Attention to Your Hairstyle

     Style does not end at the line of shoulders. The best way to quickly and efficiently refresh the image is to make a trendy and comfortable hairstyle. 

Important image elements:

- Walk - one of the most important components of women appearance. It should be at ease and full of grace. It mostly depends on your self-confidence and a degree of charisma that will emanate from you. Keep track of your posture and do not slouch. Don’t walk too fast, bending knees;

- Gestures, facial expressions. In ordinary life, only apply those that express openness to others. Don’t forget to smile;

- Internal culture. A stylish person realizes her attractiveness but never behaves arrogantly towards others. Politeness, participation, nobleness - significant qualities for everyone.

Where you can take ideas for your image: 

- Cinema. Choose an image of an actor which feels close to you. Add your individual characteristics to the image;

- Fashion. You can’t become stylish just by blindly copying the trendy type. At the same time, you shouldn’t neglect fashion trends. Otherwise, you will look old-fashioned and gloomy. Every season add some fashion details to your look - interesting combination of colors, fashionable accessories, original things;

- Everyday life. You can borrow ideas from anywhere. Instead of placing the custom essay order online, use the Internet to its fullest and get into the trend. What’s more important is to make the process creative, making it with a certain amount of humor.

     Don’t be afraid to experiment, follow fashion lines and love yourself, create a beautiful walk. Also, don’t forget about grace and charm. Be convinced that your posture, makeup look perfect. Your style is a harmonious combination of many factors that dependent solely on you.

Author's Bio:

Written by Robert Everett, a freelance writer currently based in Chicago. Solving students career and university problems. His interest includes having interest in marketing and business.