Everyday Adventures: February 2019

Home Appliances for a Tough Mama (Like Me)

By Mommy Donna and Kib - February 27, 2019

Modern conveniences made our lives easier these days. It helped us in managing our tasks at home without taking so much of our time. It made us efficient at home because we were able to do a lot of things in a day. Kids can also help us in doing household chores because the appliances that we use are easy to operate and are kid-friendly.

When we purchase home appliances, one of the things that we consider is quality. We wanted it to last long so that we get our money's worth. Apart from that, we also consider the overall look so that it will match our kitchen. We wanted an appliance that looks modern and stylish.

Tough Mama listened to their customers' needs.

Tough Mama is the new generation Home and Personal Appliances designed and built to the exacting standards of the contemporary consumers. With good quality materials and modern technology, Tough Mama guarantees years of convenience, enjoyment, and trouble-free use with the assurance of safety and energy efficiency. What makes Tough Mama the best among all other brands is that their products are affordable, very friendly to the budget, which makes it a smart choice for modern single women and moms like me.

When I first heard about Tough Mama, I thought they are a brand catering to baby's needs. I was wrong. Tough Mama is an appliance brand from the same company as Nikon Home Appliances so I know that it is a brand that can be trusted. We used to have Nikon Home appliance before and it lasted years so I am assured that Tough Mama is a brand that is really tough yet loving, wise and practical, innovative, and flexible.

These are just a few of Tough Mama's home and personal appliances

Last February 19th, we were blessed to be part of an event by Tough Mama together with other tough mamas like me. Chef Jam Melchor did a cooking demonstration using Tough Mama appliances. Chef Jam is also a user of Tough Mama because it's really tough and durable.

Kib helping out Chef Jam Melchor during the cooking demo using the Tough Mama infrared cooker

Pork chop fried in Tough Mama multicooker

Tough Mama's infrared stove looks classy and easy to use

Chef Jam Melchor used Tough Mama's blender in mixing the ingredients. According to him, the machine is so powerful that he had to just put it in pulse mode.

Mommy Kaye Sy-Catral of Bento Mommas also taught us how to make bento meals for our kids by using the available kitchen utensils at home. I was glad to hear that from Mommy Kaye because I thought bento-making would be very expensive.

Mommy Kaye of Bento Mommas teaching us how to score an apple

There were some Tough Mama appliances that I wish to have in my kitchen, like the personal blender, electric griller, food steamer, rechargeable stand fan (yes, I was so amazed that they have this product), and noodle cooker. I was so happy to go home with some of Tough Mama appliances to try on at home.

Yay! We won a rechargeable fan from Tough Mama!

For tough women like me, Tough Mama is a brand that you can trust in managing your home!

For more information about Tough Mama, you may visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/toughmamaappliances and Instagram at www.instagram.com/toughamaappliances. Tough Mama is available in all leading appliance stores nationwide.

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Amazon

5 Tips to Avoid Impulsive Online Shopping

By Mommy Donna and Kib - February 27, 2019

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post with Vipon Deals and BraVoMark. All opinions are mine.

These days, most of us do online shopping because it's convenient and hassle-free. We do not want to waste our time going to a shopping mall battling traffic, finding parking space, and lining up at the cashier upon check-out. The hassles of shopping triple during sale period. People don't like experiencing the hassles of shopping during sale period but still, have this desire to avail of the discounts. Good thing online shopping sites also provide the same shopping experience during sale period.

However, online shopping during sale period can also let us buy unnecessary stuff just because they're on sale. When the items are delivered at our doorstep, that's the time that we realize that we just got impulsive on buying it. Sometimes, it already causes misunderstanding between husband and wife (there are instances that the wife already gives a different address for delivery so that the husband will not find out the latest online purchase, haha).

I also have some friends telling their experiences in online shopping on social media. Some of them are happy because they were able to get a good deal; however there are times that they regret their purchases because the actual item is too far from the photo on the website. Returning the item can also be burdensome too.

I rarely do online shopping because I only wanted to buy items that are hard to find in regular stores. I am proud to say that I can control my online purchases. I am sharing you some tips on how you can keep your online purchases at a minimum and still get the best deals:

1. Check other online shopping websites first for comparison before buying. There are lots of online shops these days, and Amazon is the most popular among them. Before buying something at Amazon, make sure that you were able to compare prices from other online shops so that you can get the best deals.

2. Check the SRP of the item first. Sometimes, online shopping makes it appear that a particular item is cheaper than physical stores. However, there also cases that items online are more expensive than items in physical stores. Make sure you were able to check the SRP of the item first so that you won't be deceived by the online shop's promotions.

3. Check your current stash first. Buy only the items that you REALLY need and not because they are on sale. There are times that we just buy something online and end up purchasing something that you also have bought weeks or months ago.

4. Set a limit every time you purchase online. It's easy to shop online! With just the click of a button, we can make instant purchases! There are instances that we can't control ourselves and end up with a huge credit card bill. Tip: don't rush on buying something online. You can put a mark on the items that you wish to purchase or put them in the shopping cart and just eliminate when you're about to check-out.

5. Ask all the questions you that have. It is better to ask all the questions first before buying so that you will not have any regrets when the item has been delivered to you. This also helps you in managing all the expectations that you might have on the product.

6. Avail of coupon discounts. There are websites that can give you more discounts than the usual, like Vipon.com. Vipon gives you online coupons that you can use when you purchase at Amazon. The discounts given by Vipon is really a steal, from 50-90%! I tried the coupon from Vipon and yes, the discount promised by Vipon is indeed true! Using the coupons on Vipon can give you more discounts compared with the regular deals that you can avail at Amazon. Currently, there are 2,000,000 shoppers registered at Vipon and this is just a testament that Vipon is indeed a good website or app that you can use every time you shop at Amazon. You can also choose to buy among 400,000 items at Vipon that has huge discounts, they have everything that you need--home stuff, clothing, crafts, sporting goods, and so much more!

Go to Vipon's website (or you can also download the app on your mobile phone, available at the App Store and Google Play), click an item on that site that you wish to buy, and it would generate a coupon that you can use at Amazon.

Once you clicked on an item at Vipon, it'll open a new link for a coupon code. Underneath that code is a button to redirect you to Amazon site of the item. On checkout, don't forget to write down the coupon code under Gift Cards and Promotional Codes.

I would also recommend that you subscribe to their newsletter so that you will be updated on their latest deals.

There you go! I do hope that you these tips will help you to become a wise online shopper. Be patient (wait for promos) and be a conscientious buyer so that you won't regret any of your purchases and it may 'spark joy' in your life, haha.

Vipon is indeed your to-go website to easily find the best deals at Amazon!

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affordable hotel stay

Hotel Sogo Welcomes Everyone in the Family in their Affordable Hotel!

By Mommy Donna and Kib - February 22, 2019

In the Philippines, motels have a not-so-good reputation. It is usually associated with couples who just want a room where they can be intimate for a short period of time. It is also associated with couples on an illicit relationship because they cannot publicly show their affection to each other. However, in other countries, motels are for travellers who will only stay for a night and then continue with their travel the next day. The word 'motel' is actually a short term for 'motorist's hotel'.

These days, motel businesses in the country are slowly changing its reputation. Since early 2000, several motels have rebranded, inviting all people from all walks of life to try on their facilities. Some motels have a big room for small parties like a bachelor's party or bachelorette's party. Some motels have themed rooms welcoming the whole family (yes, including kids).

YES, KIB AND I ONCE STAYED AT A MOTEL.

Last year, I attended a two-day conference at the Heritage Hotel and I brought Kib with me. I wasn't able to arrange our accommodation because I still don't know if we're going home and drive again going to back to Heritage Hotel the following day or just look for a place to stay near the conference area. I'm a bit hesitant to book a room at the Heritage Hotel because it's expensive, haha. Since I only needed a bed to sleep on for the night, I decided to drive in at Hotel Sogo in Pasay and stayed at one of their garage rooms and booked a 12-hour stay there. The room has Under the Sea theme. It was Kib's first time to stay at a themed room so he was in awe, although he found the theme a bit corny, haha.

I don't feel ashamed to say that we stayed at Hotel Sogo because I know for myself that we didn't do anything suspicious nor illegal.

Kib and I were invited to attend the media appreciation party of Hotel Sogo last January 28th, 2019. I learned a lot of things about Hotel Sogo--its history, mission-vision, CSR (corporate social responsibility), future plans, among others.

Kib had a chance to interview Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Hotel Sogo

Just to give you a brief background, Hotel Sogo first opened its doors to the public in 1993 at Monumento LRT Station to offer something new and exciting, to be able to meet the increasing demand of the Filipinos for a place to temporarily stay at a convenient rate. Hotel Sogo was established to offer top-notch lodging facilities and services anchored on the following corporate values: Cleanliness, Innovation, Efficiency, Courtesy, Discipline, and Teamwork.

The iconcic Hotel Sogo logo

It is in 2008 when they introduced their tagline, "So Clean, So Good" which is used up to the present. It gives the impression that Hotel Sogo provides a good service and satisfying hotel experience. Currently, Hotel Sogo has 39 branches all over the Philippines. The latest branch is in Timog, Quezon City with white and red colors accent on the building. The Timog branch is an indication that Hotel Sogo will offer something new and modern. The current branches with red and yellow colors will remain, but the future branches will have the red and white color schemes.

The original red and yellow accent of Hotel Sogo

The latest branch of Hotel Sogo at Timog Avenue with red and white accent

When you enter Hotel Sogo, you will be welcomed with a traditional Japanese greeting (bowing) to show the distinct level of courtesy and service to its customers. The hotel lobbies and hallways are spacious with in-house movie channels and piped-in music in each room.

Currently, Hotel Sogo is developing a system where customers can book a room real-time via a mobile app.

Hotel Sogo boasts of the following services and amenities:

Low room rates
No power interruption
Secured private parking
Fully air-conditioned rooms
24-hour food and beverage service
Complete safety and privacy
Debit and credit cards accepted
Free wi-fi internet access

Hotel Sogo also gives back to the society by organizing medical missions all over the Philippines. Called "Sogo Cares", Hotel Sogo successfully extends its service to the community through the Doctors on Wheels (DOW) Program that focuses on providing free medical consultations, laboratory examinations, and medications to the underprivileged communities in the Philippines.

For this program, the DOW medical bus is equipped and furnished with four examining beds, examining chairs, examination lights, and other important equipment for the doctors in serving their patients. This medical mission is regularly staffed by volunteer doctors, social workers, nurses, pharmacists, and Hotel Sogo staff.

Hotel Sogo is open to all! For group study, vacationers, a staycation for the family, a place to sleep before heading to their destination, Hotel Sogo is indeed a place to enjoy with family and friends!

To be updated with the latest promos and other Hotel Sogo events, follow their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hotelsogo), Twitter (www.twitter.com/hotelsogo) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/hotelsogo).

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home living

Lessons Learned on Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

By Mommy Donna and Kib - February 20, 2019

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life skills

What Your Kids Need to Learn When They're Outside the House

By Mommy Donna and Kib - February 04, 2019

Parents-to-be always have this desire that they will raise their kids differently from the way they are raised. There's this desire to give them only the best things and experiences in life. There's nothing wrong on having big dreams for our kids because our parents once dreamed of the same things to us too.

Sadly, because of this desire, we tend to forget and leave some of the values our own parents and grandparents taught us. It has been said that this generation is called the "entitled ones" because they no longer value hardwork and responsibility because parents are always there to shoulder everything for their children, up to the point of parents solving problems on behalf of their kids.

But then, upon realizing our shortcomings, let us be humble enough to accept all of these things and move forward. It is not yet too late to teach our children the proper values and skills that they need to learn when they become adults. Just like what the Bible says, "Train up a child in a way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." We should have the mindset that whatever we teach our child in his younger years will be the ones that he/she will adapt.

I have observed that parents these days are a bit half-hearted in teaching kids some life skills that they need to do especially when they are outside our home. However, for me, these things should still be taught to our children because it will help them to be more aware of their surroundings in their adulthood.

These are the things that we should teach our children when the go outside the house:

1. Commuting -- while most of us have their own family vehicles and sometimes can afford to book Grab, it is still an important skill to teach our children to ride public transportation such as bus, trains, jeepneys, and tricycles. You might argue that it is dangerous to ride public transportation these days; well, generally speaking, danger can be everywhere, even in our own house. We just have to remind our children not to flash any valuables while in public and be aware of their belongings (e.g. cling on their bags). In other countries, people commute on a daily basis, so let us not so be dependent on owning a vehicle.

2. Crossing the street -- crossing the street is the most basic skill to learn outside our homes. Look to your left and look to your right before crossing (while this rule may be different in countries whose driving on the right side). Let us also remind our children to only cross on designated areas (pedestrian lanes) to avoid accidents and being reprimanded by the enforcers for jaywalking.

3. Getting lost -- losing a child in a public place is really a horrible experience, and I just wrote about it on my recent blog (see post here). It is very important to teach our children what to do when they get separated from us so that they will also be safe.

4. Buying on their own -- as simple as asking them to buy at a small store near our home, it is very important to teach them how to pay for the merchandise that they bought. It teaches them simple mathematical skills and people skills (to tell their preferences). Also, if handing money to them, we also teach them responsibility, by weighing their wants and needs before purchasing.

When Kib chose the wrong size of pants, I told him that he should be the one to talk to the sales clerk for the change of items. He did it without hesitation. Sometimes, I would even ask him to call Sky Cable for customer assistance.

5. Lining up -- not because they are kids they are excused not to follow adult rules, including lining up. Let us teach our kids to line up and wait for their turn. My son is very vocal about this rule, that when he sees someone not lining up, he would call his/her attention to line up properly.

6. Throwing trash properly -- we have seen and experience the adverse effects of throwing trash anywhere: flood and sickness. Let us be good examples of throwing trash properly. Let us teach our children how to segregate waste and minimize the use of disposables.

When Kib and I eat at food courts, it's heartbreaking to see people just leaving their tables dirty. I tell Kib to throw the disposables at a nearby trash can, even throwing the trash of nearby tables.

7. Being polite and respectful to others -- sadly, this is one of the practices that is dying. We must teach our children to be polite to ALL, regardless of rank or position. Being polite and respectful is an indication used by others to measure how a child was being raised by his/her parents. To show this to others, the child must know how to say "Excuse me", "Please", and "Thank you." In addition, being respectful also means saying kind words to others. No matter how upsetting a situation is, a child must taught how to control his/her emotions. Parents must be the first models of being respectful and polite.

Let us remember that our kids will not be forever with us, so let us make sure that they fully equipped with life skills and values that they need in their adulthood. They are the next generation so let us be our desire to raise God-fearing, obedient, hardworking, respectful, and wise individuals.