Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Nestle Ice Cream Party Package


Because of Berry and Xavi's parties, I just learned through Marianne Matic of Nuffnang that Nestle offers an Ice Cream Party Package for parties. Which is a fun treat for both the young, and young at heart.

All you have to do is order online via IceCreamParty.ph or call their mobile hotline to get the Nestle Ice Cream Man to come to your party, like so:


I never realized how a simple pleasure such as ice cream could make a celebration so much more fun until I saw how Berry's classmates perk up at the sight of this:


Actually, my takeaway from Berry's party at school was that a parent need only spend for cupcakes, ice cream, chicken nuggets, corn dogs and fruit juice and the kids will just love, love, love you. 

Have I shown you Berry's cupcakes by Cat del Rosario of Tazzy Cakes for her Snow White party in school? OMG. Adorbs!


The kids were all waiting for Berry to blow her cupcake so they can get their hands on their own cupcake.

Snow White Berry's non-poisonous apples for her dear classmates

Cute right? Email cats@tazzycakes.com if you need a pretty cake or two dozen cupcakes for your family milestones. She won't disappoint ;)

Anyhoo, back to ice cream. Ordering is so easy! Just go to the website:


Choose from any of the packages, starting at Php950 only:


You may opt to go for the pre-picked flavors or choose your flavors as you please:


Decide if you want it in an ice box (which I chose for Berry's party of 20) or a party cart with vendor (minimum of Php1,500) which we had for Xavi's party of 150 guests:


Complete your form, et voila! Ice cream pops for your party, just like that.


Actually, the adults at Xavi's party probably had more ice cream than the kids. It was that big of a hit. If you get this for your own bash, for sure, you'll get the same results too!

Nestle Party Package
Tel: +632 898 6260
Mobile: +63 920 691 8007 

SoMoms Gets Bigger and #BetterMe



I just wanted to share with you that our little group of Social Media Moms aka The SoMoms have grown to 25! We are now bigger and of course, better than ever!

We welcomed the new SoMoms + 1 SoDad via our first ever General Assembly at Wine Bar atop Cafe 1771 in Ortigas. I have never been to Wine Bar until then. It's a great place pala for small events and functions. Same yummy food as Cafe 1771, except that Wine Bar is more private, and perfect for big meetings and events such as showers, christenings and birthdays.  

We had such a yummy brunch as you can see...

Salad bar

Dessert bar

Don't ask me about the savory brunch fare, all I know was that I inhaled my plate in minutes. Everything was good.Of course, I still had room for caramelized banana & walnut pancakes. Heehee.

SoMoms, old and new, introduced themselves via powerpoint, but since we have been reading each others blogs, we pretty much knew each other like we've been friends all these years. Heehee.


It was also a kickoff for our #BetterMe campaign, where we collectively agreed to use blogging and social media to become better versions of ourselves. We promise to uphold ourselves to high ethical standards, and to use our influence, big or small, to promote our advocacies and to serve as worthy role models for our children, even peers.

Learn more about the new SoMoms/SoDad by visiting their blogs: 

Michelle of Momma N' Manila



Thammie of Thammie Sy


Patty of Nonstop Babble

Chesca of Young Mom Love

Belle de los Reyes of Cruisin' Mommyhood

Jane Uymatiao of The Philippine Beat

Noemi Dado of About My Recovery

Marc Fong of The Fatherland

For more about the SoMoms, visit: http://mommymundo.com/community/somoms/

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Tonkita Tips

Now, a word from our sponsor. Tonkita by Arix shares tips on how to properly use push brooms:

For indoors, choose one with finer bristles to pick up smaller dirt particles.

  • For outdoors, go for stronger, stiffer bristles, which work better to clear porous surfaces.
  • To sweep, hold the broom like a canoe paddle, with one hand on top of the handle and other hand towards the middle. Push your hands in the opposite direction to get the most out of every stroke. 
  • Sweep from the outside in so that you don’t miss any spots and move the dirt to the center of the room, where it will be easy to pick up.
sweep from the outside to the center of the room, Broomba photo via Gizmodo
  • Store brooms with the handle down. It makes them easier to find and protects the bristles. 
 
bristle side up! via A Bushel Basket
  • Pick the proper dustpan. Minimize that annoying line of dust by choosing a dustpan with a rubber edge. 
Hate that line of dust when you use those aluminum dust pans? Look for a dustpan with a rubber edge
Source: womansday.com
For more on Tonkita by Arix, like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArixPhilippines  

Friday, July 26, 2013

Yosi Samra x MFO Giveaway: Where do you want your Yosi Samras to take you?


OMG. OMG.

I am so thrilled to share with you this exciting news from one of my favorite footwear brands - Yosi Samra!


Ok, here it is, drumroll please… 

Yosi Samra Philippines and yours truly will be giving away a pair of Yosi Samras to 4 readers! 

Yes, not just 1 but 4 readers! To spread the Yosi Samra love around.

Let’s cut to the chase. How does this go? Simple.


The 4 most interesting entries, the kind that makes us want to pack our bags and put on our traveling shoes right this minute, wins a pair each!

That said, let me share with you where I dream of going with Dada and the kids. I cannot wait to show them the world, and these three places I feel, would be great settings for family adventures.

St. Tropez
 
While known as the playground of the rich and famous in its heyday, St. Tropez still is essentially a picturesque fishing town that also happens to be filled with expensive restaurants, yachts and high-end shops.

But it is not purely the glamour of it all that I am after. I know I will not be able to resist popping into Rondini and K. Jaccques. The idea of sunning in the South of France, shopping for fresh produce during marche days at the Place des Lices and going on a road trip to sample the wines of the nearby vineyards, and visit the scenic, charming village of Gassin would be an experience for the senses like no other.

 boats docked at a St. Tropez port 

Provence 

Speaking of sensual experiences that inspire, there is nothing like the whole of Provence, actually. I can practically smell the lavender in the air as I write this. Images of sun-kissed produce, truffle and herb plantations, handmade soaps, artisanal food - its communing with nature at its finest. I dream of spending a whole month just driving and eating our way through Provence, visiting Cezanne’s workshop, passing through historical and cultural landmarks and simply taking in the breathtaking landscape while munching on macarons, almonds and other local treats.

daily life in Provence from Wikimedia.org

Santorini

I have always dreamed of visiting Greece. Santorini to be more precise. The landscape of whole villages carved onto cliffs is simply breathtaking. Imagine walking past homes bleached white by the sun, topped by blue domes the color of the sea. Think of sunsets that paint the sky a vibrant orange, and beaches that run the gamut of red, black and white. Now think about sitting down each day to a hearty Mediterranean meal of fresh grilled fish and crispy calamari, of vine ripened tomatoes and feta cheese drizzled with cold pressed olive oil. Now, that’s a vacation!

Santorini, from 1001traveldestinations.com

So fun to dream no? But for now, let’s get those Yosi Samras in your shoe closet, and then we can start planning that vacation!

 take your Yosi Samras when you travel, just like Jenny, Shopbop buyer, via the Shopbop Blog

Winners will be announced in two batches. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 PM of August 8, 2013!

About Yosi Samra:

Yosi Samra are fold-up ballet flats from the US. The flats are designed by 2nd generation shoemaker Yosi Samra, and come in leather, suede, satin, exotic skin and prints. They are meant to be worn after wearing heels all day, but they are made so well and are just so comfy, that they have become a busy girl's go-to flats. 

Look for Yosi Samra at Glorietta 4 Ayala Center, SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma Mall, and Gas at Greenbelt 3.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Sangobion for Kids



When I was younger, I was anemic, so my mom made me take this iron syrup that was so nasty, it felt like torture to drink it.

Sangobion® realizes that most Iron syrups in the market have a salty, astringent taste which makes it difficult for children to take. That is why there is Sangobion® Syrup for kids, which, as with regular Sangobion®, contains Ferrous gluconate and Vitamin B-complex to fight iron deficiency the gentle and yummy way. 

Why is Sangobion® Syrup better for kids? Well, because...
  • Ferrous gluconate offers iron deficiency treatment with less metallic aftertaste than Ferrous sulfate.
  • Has less gastrointestinal side effects than Ferrous sulfate. 
  • Comes in a sweet FRUITY TWIST flavor! 

If you've got anemic kids, don't even bother with regular ferrous sulfate. Save yourself the trouble and just go for...

Because Ferrous gluconate > Ferrous sulfate!

Chrysara Nest Private Sale

I always make it a point to go to the Chrysara booth everytime Manila FAME comes around. So, it is with glee that I share with you Chrysara NEST, Chrysara's very first retail store, a flagship one at that! 

Chrysara NEST is inside Angeles Industrial Park in Calibutbut, Bacolor, Pampanga. It is worth the drive to the north I assure you. Especially because there's a 2 day Private Sale (you my dear readers are invited of course!) happening this Friday and Saturday, July 26 to 27, from 9 AM to 5 PM.



Print out this map so that you don't get lost on your way there!


I am excited to see what treasures Chrysara NEST beholds. As Rhea Dumdum Bautista says, make sure you have lots of room in your trunk when you go!


PS - have you read about designer Joseph Altuzarra's inspiration from Chrysara?


Chrysara has been exporting their home items for 30 years now to the US, Europe and Australia, and at high-end stores such as Wisteria (wisteria.com) and Ballard Designs (ballarddesigns.com). Many of their local customers have been requesting that they open a store, the clamor so strong, that they finally opened this year! Don't miss it! Bring your family and friends!

Chrysara NEST
Phone: (02) 246 8347
Email: chrysara@chrysara.com
Website: http://www.chrysara.com

Mom Pop Up!

My friend Rone of Mothering Earthlings gathered all her favorite mompreneurs for the first ever Mom Pop Up!, happening this Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm, at the Function Room of Kensington Place in Bonifacio Global City.

Mommy essentials such as Grandma's Secret products, Boogie Wipes, clothes from Ines Moda Infantil and Two Chic, nursing goods from Mama Baby Love, cute paper products from Paper Chic Studio and more will be there! Plus, lots of fun activities for moms, pops, and kids!

See you there!!! Don't forget to bring your eco shopping totes because I guarantee a lot of great, fun finds!

VENDORS:
  • BOOGIE WIPES 
  • GRANDMA’S SECRET 
  • IN THE CRIB 
  • INES MODA INFANTIL 
  • MAMA BABY LOVE 
  • MOTHERING EARTHLINGS 
  • NURSINGMOM 
  • PAPER CHIC STUDIO
  • SIMPLY SHE 
ACTIVITIES: 
10:30 am ARTS & CRAFTS BY WICKED CRAFTS 
Pre register: http://mompopupcraftsam.eventbrite.com/ 
12.30 pm PASTRY DECORATING BY TAZZY CAKES 
Pre register: http://mompopuppastrydecor.eventbrite.com/ 
1:30 pm ARTS & CRAFTS BY WICKED CRAFTS 
Pre register: http://mompopupcraftspm.eventbrite.com/ 
2:30 pm BABY WEARING MEET UP WITH FAB 
Pre register: 1st Hour http://mompopupbabywearing.eventbrite.com/ 
2nd Hour http://mompopupbabywearing2.eventbrite.com/ 
4:30 pm WASHI DESIGN BY PAPER CHIC STUDIO 
Pre register: http://mompopupwashi.eventbrite.com/

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Fashion Institute of The Philippines Graduation Show 2013


The Fashion Institute of the Philippines celebrates its 10th Year with the biggest Graduation Show in the country at the Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive this Thursday, July 25, 2013.

I will be judging alongside an esteemed panel of judges and I am super excited to see what the graduating students will be coming up with. 

The show is open to the public, hope to see you there!

Now, for those who can't make it, get live updates by checking out hashtags #fipturnsten #ideas #FIPgradshow2013

We might just be at the front seat, discovering together Philippine Fashion's next bright, young things and the future of Philippine Fashion!

Social Media Social-an with Print Social


One of the buzz words during Xavi's party was "Print Social".

As our guests entered Xavi's Seussland, they received a card with the hashtag #XavisFirstBirthday and the instruction that when they Instagram their photos of the party with the hashtag #XavisFirstBirthday, they will get to bring home a print of those photos.

Cool no? So high tech!

Print Social's Instagram Photobooth only works for those with public profiles, FYI

Still fuzzy between the ears? Here's how it works:


There was a TV set-up at the party, as below, where guests could see a slideshow of the photos being uploaded using #XavisFirstBirthday.


The same photos you see on screen are printed and clipped ala laundry line against a small step and repeat banner, like what you see behind Luis of Print Social.

Thanks so much Luis for celebrating Xavi's first birthday with us!

Here's a sample of the Print Social print-outs from their website:


Now here are some of the Print Social printouts from #XavisFirstBirthday:


True enough, Print Social's tagline "cover more ground" allowed us to do just that.

I loved how I got a perspective of what our guests were doing, and what they liked about the party just by looking at their photos.

Some guests took photos of themselves, some took photos of their food and the decor, a few took photos of us candidly, which were all such cute souvenirs of Xavi's special day. Granted that we only had 1 "official photographer" going around, everyone still had photos of their own to help in documenting Xavi's party.
 
And I think our guests also loved the fact that they could choose their own background and subject, angle their own photos, and did not have to line up to have their photos taken at a photo booth. 

You want to get them for your own party, or a corporate event? Here are the Instagram Photo packages. You may even bundle this with a traditional photo booth, starting at Php10,999 if you like:


All three packages include a personalized printout design, personalized photowall, a CD copy of all photos taken, an online photo album and an on-site attendant. It all boils down to how long your event will be and if you will be getting the add-ons.

Is it worth it? Oh yes! Print Social's Instagram Photobooth is just so fun, very convenient, doesn't take up too much space and is just a completely novel and brilliant concept.

It really is like seeing your party through the eyes of your guests!

For more about Print Social, check out their website and Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrintSocial

Print Social
Email: hello.printsocial@gmail.com
Telephone: +632 211 6002
Mobile: +63 917 584 6632

SM Kids Fashion Celebrates Toon Fest Street Style


I'll admit it. When I was 12, I wore Snoopy jeans.

Snoopy jeans!

In fairness, the fit was great, the wash was a perfect light blue that went well with my Tretorn sneakers and pastel Esprit t-shirts.  But, it had a semi-gartered waistline and by all intents and purposes was meant to be worn by a kid. A kid.

Hey, when you're 12 and you still wear Snoopy jeans, you tend to blow things out of proportion and think of it like a social disaster waiting to happen. 

But kids these days are luckier. Because their clothes are just so much sassier. They've got so many options, and they can mix and match clothes without looking like their parents played tricks on them through their closet. Yes, even if there's a wide, toothy grin on the cartoon character emblazoned across a t-shirt.

“Kids have a fashion sense all their own,” says Ms. Jo Dy Juanco, Vice President of Children’s Fashion Management Corp. “SM Kids’ Fashion gives them a unique opportunity to exercise their creativity through what they wear each day.”

I got a sneak peek of the SM Kids Fashion Toon Fest line-up of clothes, which will be celebrated via The SM Kids' Fashion Toon Fest happening on August 30-September 1 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2 in Megamall. While they are character-based, you can't help but let out a little, "ooooh".

Many pieces are seriously cute and wearable. This is because the theme for this year is "Street Style", and the toon-themed clothes are designed to be worn with our kids' favorite closet staples. Just like my Snoopy jeans, they went with my trendy sneakers (well, Tretorns are classics now, heehee) and my Esprit logo tees, and looking back, were quite chic in fact.

In line with the street style theme, SM Kids’ Fashion is also hosting a Dream Photo Shoot Contest, where kids can come up with their most creative take on cosmopolitan wear. Contestants get a moment in the spotlight, a personal photo session with a renowned photographer, and the chance to become the next face of SM Kids’ Fashion.

So parents, doting aunts, uncles and grandparents, calendar this. This year’s SM Kids’ Fashion Toon Fest will take place from August 30-September 1 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2.

The SM Kids’ Fashion Toon Fest is an entertaining trade event where kids of all ages can meet and mingle with their favorite personalities and explore current trends in apparel. Favorites Garfield, Snoopy, Robby Rabbit, and Barbie, among others, debut with engaging images on clothes perfect for kids to learn and play in. 

Aside from an exciting selection of toon-themed clothing, booths at the affair exhibit charming attractions. Young visitors can take a stroll around a thrilling Toon City populated by famous faces with various exhibits, games, and merchandise for both boys and girls. 

Monday, July 22, 2013

An Online Shopping Solution thanks to Western Union

Have you always wanted to shop at Amazon:



Shopbop:



or Net-a-Porter:


but can’t, because: 
  1. You are always close to the brink of going over your credit card limit 
  2. You do not have a credit card
  3. You have a willing accomplice who will shop for you but you do not have a US bank account or Paypal account that you can do online transfers with.
Well, I found a great workaround for you. *wink wink!* 

Thanks to Western Union, who invited me to try out their Send Money Abroad Service, I saw for myself how fast, easy and reliable it is for anyone to shop and pay for purchases abroad even without a credit/debit card or a bank account.

All I needed was: 
  1. A friend who was happy to shop for me, in this case my good friend Me-an 
  2. A valid photo ID and 
  3. some shopping money 
Curious to know how this goes? Here’s what I did.

STEP 1: I emailed Me-an a list of the things I wanted her to buy. To make it easier for her, I sent a screencap of my actual shopping cart.


Here’s a tip: To save your friend some time, after all she is doing you a favor, register for an account and keep everything you want in your cart. Then, give her the password so she can simply check out for you. 

STEP 2: Upon checkout, and receipt of order confirmation, Me-an gave me the total amount charged for my purchase.

STEP 3: I went to my nearest Western Union agent so I can send Me-an my payment:

I filled out an International “Send Money” form:


I submitted the filled-out form along with just one, yes one, ID. In this case, my driver’s license.

You may submit any valid ID such as any one of these. For the full list of acceptable IDs, click HERE

The lady at the counter asked me if I wanted to send dollars or pesos. I chose to have pesos converted to US $, so she gave me the peso conversion of the amount I wanted to send.

Remember to ask how they computed the amount, just so you know.

I was then asked to pay the service fee, which in my case was $14, based on this table:

Yes, given this fee structure, it makes more sense to send bigger amounts to justify the cost of sending

I was asked to take a look at the receipt and to verify the information. Seeing no need for corrections, I signed it. 


The lady encircled the MTCN number, which is the reference number that Me-an needed to mention when picking up the money I sent her. 


I then texted Me-an the MTCN, and gave her the complete name as signed in the 'To Send Money' form, and the amount I sent. 
 
STEP 4: Me-an messaged me to say she got the money. Woohoo! Easy as pie!


While it took Me-an a few days to claim her money, she actually could have received it minutes after I gave her the MTCN number. Minutes vs 2-4 days if sent via bank? Huge difference. 

Apart from the ease and speed of sending money via Western Union, it is also safe in the sense that you can track the status of your money online or through the customer service hotline. 


It is very convenient to send and receive money too because there are close to 490,000 Western Union locations worldwide, most of which are open 7 days a week vs. a bank which is only open on weekdays and during banking hours. 

Which only means why just shop in the US when you can shop anywhere in the world? For as long as you have friends and family all over who will indulge your shopping requests, there are no holds barred. Which is both good news and bad news, depending on how you look at it. 

Haha and hala!
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