7 Best Playstation 4 Games for Kids.

For the longest time, I had been against my husband's idea of buying a gaming console for our son. 'I don't want gaming to affect his studies' and 'we don't need another addictive gadget at home' were my usual reasons for refusal. Yue didn't seem to mind that I wasn't buying his Dad's idea, until he discovered all these 'cool games' (as he puts it) through videos on YouTube. That includes Fortnite, the insanely popular action survival game played by his favorite YouTuber, DanTDM, and most of his friends at school.

Since then, he became hell-bent on having a console, even coaxing his grandmums (my Mum and my aunt) to buy him one - lol. My Mum, who has great negotiation skills, struck a bargain with Yue - if he maintains his 'high honor' status by the end of the school year, she'll buy him a console. Yue did just that and more - he even won first place in Reading Comprehension and got two bronze medals in his first national karate tournament. And with that, Yue finally got what he wanted and what he deserved - his very own Playstation 4.

All smiles! He finally got his reward from Grandma. :)

So what comes next after finally owning a game console? Choosing video games appropriate for my son's age. The games that came with the PS4 Hits Bundle are all rated M (Mature 17+), so it's imperative that I buy new games suitable for my 10-year-old. Although majority of the PS4 titles are geared towards adults, there's also a great deal of kid-friendly games playable on Sony's console. Here are some of them:

Minecraft.
Recommended for age 7+

Minecraft 
One of the most popular games to date, Minecraft is a virtual sandbox that gets your creative juices flowing. The gameplay in Minecraft is whatever the player wants it to be - a world trying to rebuild after a zombie apocalypse, or a kingdom inspired by your favorite bedtime story. Players customize their worlds and the creatures in it and how they choose to interact. There are infinite possibilities, and your only limitation is your imagination.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.
Recommended for age 7+

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
This game brings back a lot of childhood memories - after all, Crash Bandicoot was one of the first few games that my sibs and I enjoyed playing on our Playstation 1. Now, our favorite marsupial is back with a remake of his first three adventures - Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot Warped. These classic games from the 90s have been 'modernized' with colorful graphics, streamlined animation, and updated gameplay, but you'll still be hit with a wave of nostalgia as you go through the tricky levels. More often than not, you'll be asking yourself, "How did I go through this when I was a kid?"

Lego Worlds.
Recommended for age 7+.

LEGO Worlds

Like Minecraft, LEGO Worlds allows players to build constructions in a 3D procedurally generated world. Players can create anything and everything one brick at a time, or use large-scale landscaping tools to create vast mountain ranges or tropical islands. It's like building Lego creations without the fear of stepping on actual Lego bricks.

Lego Marvel Super Heroes.
Recommended for age 10+.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes features an original story where players take control of Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Captain America, Wolverine and many other Marvel characters as they unite to stop Loki and a myriad of other Marvel villains from assembling a super-weapon capable of destroying the world. With the entire Marvel universe contained in this Lego-fueled action adventure game, this game guarantees hours of fun for both kids and kids at heart.

Overcooked 2.
Recommended for age 7+.

Overcooked 2

If your kid has a knack for cooking, then Overcooked 2 is the perfect game for your chef-in-the-making. Like the original Gourmet Edition (aka Overcooked 1), this second course is a fun and family-friendly co-op game that requires you to serve as many dishes as you can under time pressure. With new ingredients added and new recipes to choose from, Overcooked 2 guarantees twice the fun and the challenge as the first installment.

Just Dance 2019.
Recommended for all ages.

Just Dance 2019

Work up a sweat and groove to the beat with the latest release of the 'ultimate party game'. Just Dance 2019 comes with 40 hot tracks - from chart-topping hits to family favorites, and even K-pop songs such as Blackpink's 'Ddu-du-ddu-du' and Big Bang's 'Bang Bang Bang'. Players get a more personalized gaming/dancing experience with the latest addition to the Just Dance franchise, as the game learns your dancing habits and suggests songs that you might like. You don't even have to buy a PS Move to play this game - all you need is your smartphone and the Just Dance Controller app and you're good to go!

Hasbro Family Fun Pack.
Recommended for all ages.

Hasbro Family Fun Pack

Family time, fun, laughter, and learning are some of the reasons why board games are important. With the Hasbro Family Fun Pack, classic board games such as Scrabble and Monopoly become more exciting with the 3D experience, and more interactive with new game modes and online PVP options. It's a great way to fire up your competitive streak, get your neurons working, and bond with your family.

You might be wondering why I didn't include Fortnite in this list. In case you're not familiar with it, Fortnite is an online third-person shooter game in which 100 players parachute onto an island, and the last player alive wins. You need to kill the other players to survive, though there isn't much blood and gore in the animation, and the violence is 'cartoon-like'. The game is actually recommended for ages 13 and up so technically, it's not age-appropriate for my son. I only let him play it under my supervision, just to be sure that he doesn't come across weird strangers online.

Fortnite: Endgame, available for a limited time only.

Do your kids play Fortnite, too? What video games do you and your kids play?

Childish Outbursts vs. Crime and Community.

Here in the Philippines, and perhaps just about any other country in the world, the primary function of the police organization is to maintain public order, ensure safety and security, and prevent and investigate crimes. But through the years, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has gone beyond their traditional task of policing and crime control, gearing towards a community and service-oriented policing system. With the help and cooperation of local government units and the community itself, the PNP is slowly but surely reinventing its image to something more congenial and 'people-friendly'.

Police mascot.
Photo credit: Tayo Na, Valenzuela.

But what happens when local executives turn their backs against the police force for seemingly trivial reasons? It's mayhem, of course, with the safety and security of the community, and people's lives at stake. Case in point, this controversy between the police and Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.

PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde criticized a local chief executive for withdrawing the city government's support to the local police. Albayalde did not drop names, but National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar confirmed later on that the local official in question was Mayor Teodoro.

Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar and PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde.
Photo credit: Philippine Star.

According to Albayalde, the issue began when the former chief of police in the city was promoted to the next higher rank and moved to a different post. A new chief was then assigned to the city, and the mayor apparently got angry, perhaps thinking that he was kept in the dark while all this was happening.

Under the law, local chief executives have the prerogative to choose the chief of police in their cities or municipalities. However, Albayalde pointed out that there are instances when the PNP has to temporarily assign an acting police chief in their areas if the post has been vacated.

As a result, Albayalde said the mayor withheld assistance funds for the local police, told them not to attend flag-raising rites at the city hall, and went so far as to remove all hotlines of police stations around the city. The PNP chief called these acts 'childish', which is exactly what it is.

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde.
Photo credit: Philippine Star.

The Mayor is pissed that he was not kept in the loop. I get that - he has jurisdiction over the matter after all, aside from the fact that he is the highest governing body of the city. But to express his anger and retaliate by canceling the gas assistance for police mobiles and cutting off the hotlines in police stations is a little too much.

How are the cops supposed to respond to calls for help when the people can't even get in touch with them? How can you mobilize the cops when their patrol cars are running on empty? Who suffers the consequences of this 'childish' dispute? Certainly not the mayor. Not the police chief. Not the cops. It's the people who will experience negative repercussions for somebody else's actions. It's the people whom the police vow to serve and protect, the people who voted for the local officials, the people for whom the government exists.

In this day and age, the last thing we need are childish outbursts and trivial tantrums from people who should be governing in wisdom.

How to Target Fat By Coolsculpting in a Vancouver Clinic.

We all know that a healthy lifestyle, eating right, getting plenty of good quality sleep, and exercising enough help to maintain a healthy body. Unfortunately, a healthy body doesn’t always translate into the slimmer body that so many of us are really after - particularly as we head further away from our teenage years and gravity starts to have more effect on our life than we would really like. It is about this stage that you might be starting to follow Facebook groups dedicated to liposuction holidays or clever contouring to hide a double chin. One of the relatively new options which is rapidly gaining in popularity might seem straight out of a sci-fi movie, but ‘fat freezing’ is very real, and FDA approved.

Natural and non-surgical.

 What Is CoolSculpting?
Also known as fat freezing, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical method that helps to reduce body fat in specific areas allowing your body to be ‘sculpted’ to the way you want it to look. It is often used in areas like the double chin, muffin top, pot belly and underarm flab, and areas that are difficult to tone even with appropriate exercise and diet. The treatment is available at an approved Vancouver coolsculpting clinic generally under the licensed name of “Cryolipolysis”.

The theory behind the treatment is that fat cells are damaged by cooling, so when low temperatures are applied to areas of the body that have excess fat bulges apoptosis (cell death) occurs, which is where the idea that coolsculpting literally kills fat cells. This isn’t quite accurate, but close enough for most laypeople, however the results may take several months to become noticeable as the fatty tissue layer is reduced.

Adverse Effects
Coolsculpting is obviously not something that you want to try at home. DIY efforts can easily lead to frostbite, if they have any effect at all. Generally, you may notice a little redness, bruising or numbness around the area of the treatment, and a little sensitivity is also normal. However, although this is a relativity new technology initial studies and research undertaken showed no permanent negative results (there has been a reduction in fat tissue of course).

How the coolsculpting process looks like.

But It’s Banned!
Cryolipolysis was briefly forbidden in France in 2011 as part of an overall ban on certain lipolysis techniques. However, that ban was amended to allow for the non-invasive coolsculping technique, as well as certain non-invasive laser and ultrasound options. As long as the procedure does not penetrate the skin, fat freezing techniques are considered to be safe for use in the hands of experienced practitioners. In some areas, qualified surgeons are allowed to use invasive laser techniques, but for most people this is not an extreme they need to head towards. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_removal_procedures#Cryolipolysis

What Is the Recovery Time?
When most people think of procedures that target particularly areas to reduce fat, they think of surgical procedures that may take weeks of post-operative care and time off work. With fat freezing it is similar to getting a facial, you have your consultation, schedule your appointment, have your treatment, and head back out again. Although there may be a little tingling or numbness (as indeed there can be with a facial) you shouldn’t be hindered from your normal day to day activities. If you are involved in an activity that is particularly strenuous after treatment talk to your practitioner about any potential concerns or precautions.

It Must Be Pricey
Surprisingly not, considering that generally treatment will take 30 minutes – 1 hour, and obviously pricing will vary depending on your location and the area you are having treated. It is a treatment that is becoming increasingly popular around the world (click here), so although prices vary, so will the quality. Prices will generally start at around $750, but for most people, only one treatment will be required, making it a significantly better investment than surgery or alternative treatments that look at water reduction to give the appearance of fat reduction.

4 Unexpected Ways a Modernized Home Can Make Living Better.

Home is where the heart is so it’s understandable that you should keep this special space in tip-top shape. Whether you are living independently or have a family, your home is a place you want to feel comfortable and welcome in, and updating it with modern touches could help achieve this. If you have been thinking of making much-needed upgrades to your home for a while, here are some reasons you should go for it. The following are four unexpected ways a modernized home can make living better for you.

A modernized home for easier living.

Environmentally Friendly 
One of the main features of a modern home is that it is designed to be environmentally friendly. For example, the architecture might take advantage of the amount of natural light that enters the house by installing large windows on the sides of the building most exposed to sunlight. This helps save on electricity bills because there won’t be a need to turn on the lights so much throughout the day. Modern homes also maximize airflow and natural ventilation, so you don’t have to rely so much on air-conditioning, and it features more eco-friendly appliances that do not consume as much energy as old models. All these qualities not only let you save money, but they also help you do your part in caring for the environment. Modern homes are great because they take into consideration the bigger picture and how building projects affect the world at large.

Sunlight streaming through windows.

Room for Future Customization and Upgrades 
A modern home is designed to have spaces that can easily accommodate future customizations and upgrades. Additionally, you might have noticed that modern houses do not look like conventional homes in that they are not restricted by traditional aesthetic rules like symmetry and thematic flourishes. This gives you more freedom and flexibility to build for the long term. Simply put, a modernized home is meant to grow with you and your family. If you decide to add rooms or change the layout of the interiors to welcome a new baby or even downsize for economical living, you can efficiently implement the changes without undertaking extensive structural changes that are time-consuming and expensive.

Inside a modernized home.

Easier and More Efficient Cleaning 
Modernized homes are relatively easier to clean compared to other houses because they are designed to be space-efficient. This means you are able to move easily from one room to the next, which can be very useful when tidying the whole house. Cleaning can be time-consuming, but with a space-efficient modern home, you can move across rooms and rearrange furniture quite easily. Furthermore, modernized houses typically have good ventilation because they are designed to maximize natural airflow. This feature is very advantageous in preventing mold growth because molds like growing in spaces that are humid, damp, and poorly ventilated. Molds can cause a host of health problems, like coughing, eye irritation, and skin rashes.

The aesthetics of a modern home.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Instead of imposing on the natural environment, modern homes take into consideration environmental contexts such as the shape and type of terrain, the flora and fauna, natural light, any bodies of water, and other natural features when creating the architecture, landscape, interior design, and all other design elements of the house. The result is a home that looks natural, cohesive, and aesthetically pleasing. You could say that your home is an extension of your personality, so you want it to be visually appealing. Because modern homes are not bound to any specific style and architectural conventions, you have more freedom to add personal touches to make your house truly your own. A home that looks well-designed and easy on the eyes will make you feel proud and connected to it.

A Complete Guide to El Nido.

Hundreds and thousands of tourists head for El Nido every year. And why not? After all, it is the primary base for exploring the stunning Bacuit Archipelago. El Nido is world famous for its impressive limestone formations, the clear turquoise waters, and those absolutely astonishing beaches. What adds to its lure is the emerging restaurant and bar scene.

One can reach El Nido by air, boat, or land and the most popular way is by air. This is the easiest and fastest way to reach El Nido and there are plenty of daily direct flights to El Nido from Manila and Cebu. Get ready to explore the beautiful northern coastline, the fantastic beaches, and the coastal villages.

Here is a brief but complete guide to El Nido to help you plan your next island vacation.

Photo credit: The Backpack Adventure.

The best time to go
The best time to enjoy and explore El Nido is between November and May. One should avoid the rainy and cyclonic season. Still, the average temperatures in El Nido remain the same. If you want to avoid the crowd’s, avoid April which is the busiest month. Take advantage of cheap pal promos and codes to make the most of your trip.

Where to stay
El Nido offers accommodations for almost every kind of tourist. You can stay at highest-rated places for a luxurious treatment or you can look for budgeted options. The luxurious hotels include names like El Nido Resorts, El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, El Nido Cove Resort, Vellago Resort and more. If you are looking for a place to stay in El Nido on a budget, then you will find plenty of options in El Nido town that offer a wide selection of cost-conscious accommodations.

Photo credit: Tabanka Divers.

Top things to enjoy
El Nido is a cluster of 45 small islands, and there is plenty to do and see here. You will come across the most beautiful and enchanting islands in the entire world. Some of the most sought-after beaches are the Duli Beach, Maremegmeg Beach, and Lio Beach. Find yourself surrounded by large limestone cliffs and rock formations. Dive in the Dilumacad Underwater Tunnel and swim through the sea life, or head for the small lag on the northern end of Miniloc Island, which looks like an alien landscape. Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls and Balay Cuyonon are also some of the island's major attractions.

Where to eat
While Filipino food can be greasy, you will not remain short of options. However, it is a must to try the breakfast of sweet cured pork with garlic rice at least once before you leave. Some of the top restaurants in El Nido are Republica Sunset Bar that offers fairly large portions. It is the right place to enjoy your meal, and the sunset as well. Bella Vita El Nido is a beachfront restaurant that serves delicious pizzas, and you can dine on shakshuka and hummus at Happiness Beach Bar. Altrove is far less crowded and serves the best pizza in all of El Nido.

Bounty from the sea.

Where to shop
El Nido has a reputation for not just being a picturesque location in the Philippines; it also boasts of many shops and stores that are just perfect for any shopaholic. Visit the Traditional Souvenir Shop where you can purchase little gifts and souvenirs. There is a variety of items sold here like bags, scarves, hats, keychains, shawls, bracelets, and desk decorations. El Nido Boutique & Artcafe is another favorite among shoppers. While you can shop for swimwear, sunblock, snorkeling gear at the Boutique, the Artcafe sells typical souvenir items like t-shirts, postcards, and other local items.

Seoul Searching | 7 Must-See Spring Festivals in Korea.

Traveling to Korea but couldn't make it in time for the cherry blossom festivals? Don't fret! Springtime in Korea isn't just about cherry blossoms. In fact, the country hosts a cornucopia of festivals all throughout the months of April and May - some celebrating the (other) flowers in bloom, while others celebrating culture, arts, and even food.

Here is a guide to some of the best festivals that will make your spring trip to Korea even more memorable. If you're visiting the country during these times, do seek them out and enjoy the spirit of rebirth, renewal, and rejuvenation, which is exactly what spring is all about.

Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival (April 13 - 21, 2019)

Goryeosan Mountain Azalea Festival.

Goryeosan Mountain in Incheon earned the monicker 'pink mountain' because in the spring, it transforms into a stunning beauty carpeted with vivid pink and magenta azaleas. This mountain is one of the most popular destinations outside of Seoul, attracting more than 400,000 visitors each year.

During the Azalea Festival, several walking/hiking courses are offered to visitors, all between 1 to 2 hours long. You'll walk through a myriad of pink and purple flowers to reach the peak of the mountain, and get to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the West Sea and a glimpse of the North Korean coastline.

To get to Goryeosan, take the subway to Sinchon on Line 2 and leave exit 4. Go straight for about 260m to arrive at the bus stop in front of Arteon. Take bus 3000 for about 2 hours to Ganghwa bus terminal. From the bus terminal take bus 1,23,25,27,30,32 or 35 and get off at Dolmen Square. Follow all the hikers to Goryeosan

Taean International Tulip Festival (April 14 - May 12, 2019)

Colorful tulips at the Taean International Tulip Festival.

Hailed as one of the top five tulip festivals in the world, the Taean International Tulip Festival showcases over 1.5 million tulips from over 300 different species, as well as beautiful displays of spring blooms such as lilies, pansies, daffodils, lupine, and canola.

This festival is recognized by the World Tulip Summit Society and takes place at the Korea Flower Park a 30-acre flower theme park where you can walk among gorgeous spring flowers and enjoy the beautiful glow of the Taean sunset.

To get there, head to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and take an intercity bus to Taean. From Taean Intercity Bus Terminal, take a village bus bound for Gomseom and get off at Morenon Bus Stop.

Royal Culture Festival (April 27 - May 5, 2019)

Gyeongbokgung Palace at night.

One of my favorite cultural festivals in Seoul, the Royal Culture Festival is the perfect opportunity for tourists to learn more about Korea's royal palaces and delve deeper into Korean culture. During the festival, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine are open to the public for free, and host an array of cultural programs, performances, exhibitions, and experience zones. Some of these palaces will be open until night time, though the special evening admissions come with a small fee.

Promotional poster for the 2019 Royal Culture Festival.

This year's Royal Culture Festival promises to be a very exciting one as it aims to present Korea's rich history and culture through state-of-the-art technology. A special augmented reality (AR) game will be available at Changdeokgung Palace during the nine-day event, while Gyeongbokgung Palace will host a performance chronicling the Gyeonghoeru pavilion’s construction process using 3D technology. And for the first time since the festival's inception, Gyeonghuigung Palace will join in the revelry and will host traditional dance performances using robots.

Locations and how to get there: 
Gyeongbokgung Palace - Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) 
Changdeokgung Palace - Take Bus 100, 102, 104, 90S tour bus or 91S tour bus.
Changgyeonggung Palace - Take Bus 100, 102, 104, 90S tour bus or 91S tour bus.
Deoksugung Palace - City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 or 2)
Jongmyo Shrine - Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 3 or 5).


Lotus Lantern Festival (May 3-5, 2019)

Lanterns in Jogyesa Temple.

A prelude to Buddha's birthday, the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeong Deung Hoe) is one of the most celebrated events in Korea. It's also one of the oldest festivals, with a history spanning over 1200 years. Originally an event with Buddhist significance, this occasion has now become a cultural festival celebrated by everyone in Korea.

Traditional lanterns in various colors, shapes, and sizes are hung all over downtown Seoul, and both Bongeunsa and Jogyesa temples host various cultural performances for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Photo credit: Korea.net.

The highlight of this festival is the Lantern Parade, where thousands of lanterns illuminate the metropolis and create an illusion of stars streaming through the milky way. In the previous years, more than 300,000 Koreans and 50,000 foreigners have participated in this event, and is said to be the biggest of its kind in the world.

To get to Bongeunsa Temple, take Samseong Station (Line 2) Exit 6. Walk straight for approximately 600m, and turn left. Walk straight for approx. 150m to arrive at Bongeunsa Temple 
To get to Jogyesa Temple, take Jonggak Station (Line 1) Exit 2. Walk straight for about 200m to arrive at Jogyesa Temple.


Boseong Green Tea Festival (May 2-6, 2019).

The picturesque hillside of Boseong.

Boseong, an idyllic town in South Jeollanam-do, is said to be the birthplace of the commercial tea industry in Korea. It accounts for 91% of the total green tea production in the country, and is home to the nation's oldest tea plantation.

In the spring, these seemingly endless fields of green welcome visitors from all over the country to the Boseong Green Tea Festival, a celebration of the town's booming green tea industry and rich cultural heritage. Various programs and workshops are scheduled during this five-day event, but the hands-on activities such as picking tea leaves, making tea, and preparing green tea snacks are the real crowd favorites.

How to get to Boseong:
From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Boseong (보성) or to Gwangju (광주). From the Boseong Bus Terminal, take a Boseong-Gunhak (보성-군학) route bus to Daehan Dawon (대한다원). From Gwangju U-Square Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Boseong (보성).


Hangang Seoraeseom Canola Festival (May 11-16, 2019)

A sea of yellow at Seoraeseom Island.

The canola flower, also known as yuchae, is one of the spring flowers that represent Jeju. But that doesn't mean these dainty yellow blooms can only be found there. Sure, Jeju Island is home to the longest-running canola festival in the Korea, but you don't need to go that far just to see the canolas.

At Seoraeseom Island, a small (artificial) island located between Dongjakdaegyo Bridge and Banpodaegyo Bridge, you'll find canola flowers blooming in full glory by mid-May. The Hangang Seoraeseom Canola Festival is held around this time, and gives visitors the opportunity to capture beautiful memories of spring. During the festival, visitors can enjoy many photo zones, culture and art performances, and hands-on activities all over the island.

To get there, take Gubanpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 9), Exit 2. Go 370m towards the Olympic-daero Highway. Follow the street signs for Hangang Park to arrive at Banpo Seoraeseom Island.

Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival (May 25 - June 9, 2019)

Roses in full bloom.

Seoul boasts of not one, but two Rose Festivals in the spring - the Seoul Rose Festival held in Jungnang-gu, and the Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival held in Gwacheon. I have attended both festivals during my previous trips to Korea, and although they're both fun, lively, and lovely, I prefer the latter in terms of diversity of species, available facilities, and the size of the area.

The Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival usually kicks off in the last week of May until the first week of June, and is held at the botanic garden of the Seoul Grand Park. Visitors will marvel at the beauty and splendor of more than ten million roses sprawled across the 10-acre garden. Workshops, concerts, and cultural events are some of the highlights of this annual event, and these activities are all free of charge.

At least year's Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival.

To get to the Seoul Grand Park, take exit 2 of the Seoul Grand Park Station (Line 4).

Ready to experience the beauty of spring? Which festivals are included in your itinerary?

Fashion Pulse | About Shop Patches.

Do you want to add a personal touch to your uniform, shirt, or jacket? Then the answer for this need is a custom embroidered patch. If you have a specific design in mind, then you can simply get a custom-made embroidered patch that can make whatever you are wearing stand out from the crowd.

Patches add a personal touch to your outfit.

What is an Embroidered Patch?
This is also known as a cloth badge. This is a kind of embroidery that is made of thread. It shows a specific design. Generally, the common patch is backed by fabric. The thread used can be made from a single color or several colors depending on the embroidery’s design. Know more about these patches in this link. The patches are usually sewn into shirts using adhesives, thread, pins, and a lot of other methods.

When did the Embroidered Patch become Popular?
Thousands of years ago, a lot of old cultures from the Middle East, South America, and the Mediterranean used stitches and fabric decoration designs in order to embellish the robes of religious people or royalties. A person who wears robes with elaborate stitches mean that he might be an important official or he belongs to the elite.

In today’s times, these patches are made to identify somebody that is in the military or in the police. A lot of military forces use embroidered patches so that they can be easily seen in public. There are also companies, sports team, or private individuals who use these patches in order to denote that they belong to a specific organization. Others prefer embroidery directly sewn on their shirts for design.

What Do You Consider as a Patchwork?
A patchwork is a kind of technique that involves putting together small pieces of fabric in order to create art. There are a lot of colors, patterns, textures and geometric designs available that the maker can sew into a specific kind of logo. This logo can depend on the client’s preference. This is also the technique in making patchwork quilts. However, the clothing interior and design have adopted this to be one of the popular trends of today’s times.

An array of patchwork.

How to Find a Great Embroidered Patch Company
If you have a logo in mind, you might not have the time to make it on your own. If several members of your workforce need logos on the organization’s uniform, you might need a legitimate company to complete the orders for you. Here are some tips on how you can find a great company for your needs:

They should let you create the design.
As there are a lot of companies out there that can recommend different kinds of patches for you, you should still be able to decide the design yourself. After all, it is you who is going to wear it on your denim jacket or on your uniform. Find a company that will let you input ideas, upload your preferred digital patch image, and can provide artful suggestions on how to improve the image without making too many changes on it. The size and the length of the patch should be clearly shown on a computerized image that is sent back to your email for your review.

They should give you information that you need. 
The right patch store will make a price quote after they see the initial design. They should also add if there are minimum and maximum orders that you should know about. If the minimum order quantity is more than 300, then that’s a good sign that you are in good hands. If you are in a rush to complete your orders, ask them if they can deliver it to you at the soonest time possible.

The companies should offer you plenty of patch border options.  There are die-cut and merrowed patch borders. The merrowed borders are slightly raised on the outside borders. They can have shapes that include circles, ovals, squares, and other designs that are not too complicated to make. On the other hand, there are die-cut borders that have complex shapes and protruding edges. There should be no price difference between the two regardless of the border that you have chosen.

Inform you about free thread colors.
With patch embroidery, it can be possible that there will be more than fifty colored threads involved. Usually, companies can inform you if you are able to get 10 to 15 free colorful threads. You have the option to select your twill’s color if you opt for a 99% embroidery. Get more information about embroidery in this site: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/embroider. You may or may not be an expert when it comes to choosing the right colors that can stand out. However, the right company can certainly recommend the right colors that can suit your design in the best way possible.

Cute patches.

Other Things You Need to Know about Patches
Many choose embroidery because they are eye-catching and beautiful. However, there are certain limitations when it comes to the design of your patches. You must make sure that any words on your patch are readable. You may also want to have a simple design especially if your patch will be placed on a uniform.

Your designs should not be too crowded to look at. You can focus on a single side of your patch design and remove tiny elements. Sometimes, these tiny elements make the design too crowded to look at. Make the overall look simple and elegant. Consider giving space to the important elements.

The Bottom Line
Embroidered patches are attractive decorations on your uniform or clothes. You have to find the right company that can make your patch design into reality in the least possible amount of time. There are a lot of things that you need to consider before getting the help of a company. Make sure to ask the proper questions before you consider them. Work only with the experts and professionals in the field. Read more about patch designs on sites and magazines in order to know more about them.  

Spotlight | Missha Superfood Apricot Seed Lip Scrub.

I love lip care products as much as I love lip tints and lipsticks. As such, when I chanced upon the Missha Superfood Apricot Seed Lip Scrub back in stock on the Althea website, I purchased it (together with the rest of my Lunar New Year haul) without a moment's hesitation. I've been eyeing this product since December, but it was always out of stock whenever I checked on Althea.

Missha Superfood Apricot Seed Lip Scrub.

So anyways, the Missha Superfood Apricot Seed Lip Scrub is a lip care product that softly exfoliates and smoothens rough lips. This lip scrub is part of Missha's new Superfood line, which features lip care products made with nutrient-rich food/ingredients. Apricot is considered a superfood because of its powerful antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals, and its laetrile content, a substance known for its ability to fight cancer. In terms of lip/skin care, apricot seeds make great exfoliants.

Hangul text at the back of the box.

This product is also blended with shea butter and three kinds of naturally-derived oil extracted from jojoba seed, argan, and camellia. All these ingredients condition and moisturize the lips and make them soft and supple.

I'm liking the new logo of Missha. Are you? :)

The Missha Superfood Apricot Seed Lip Scrub comes in a handy squeeze tube, small enough to fit in your purse and even in your pocket. To use, simply squeeze out a moderate amount of the product on your lips, gently massage in circular motions, then rinse in lukewarm water.

Supreme vibes in the packaging. :)

I like how this lip scrub buffs away the dry patches on my lips without being abrasive, and how my lips look plump and healthy after every use. Yue tried this product too, and he says he likes this more because it does not have that bitter taste that the Bubi Bubi Lip Scrub has. It tastes sweet, actually, and has a lovely, fruity scent. 

A small amount of the lip scrub, with tiny bits of exfoliant in it.

Yue and I both love the results of the Missha Superfood Apricot Seed Lip Scrub, and this will be our go-to lip scrub - at least for now. Not only does it bring dry lips back to life, it's quite reasonably-priced too - just Php 240 for a 9.8 gram tube.

Yue's lips BEFORE using the Missha Superfood Apricot Seed Lip Scrub.

Yue's lips AFTER using the Missha Superfood Apricot Seed Lip Scrub.

Now I'm looking forward to trying the rest of the products in the Missha Superfood line. I hope they'll be available on Althea soon!

Missha Superfood Black Soy Lip Sleeping Pack, Missha Superfood Avocado Lip Balm,
Missha Superfood Barley Lip Oil, Missha Superfood Honey Lip Oil.

Awesome Ways to Style Your Quote T-shirts this Summer.

We get it. It’s always scorching hot outside this season. It’s extra challenging not to look haggard. For you, what matters more is how you feel inside rather than how people would look at you on the outside. It’s more important that you feel comfy and confident with the clothes you wear rather than look extra edgy, fancy, or stunning but it feels like your body is going to explode with the summer’s higher than high temperatures!

No worries if you see your tees as the last resort. They’re the comfiest thing on earth after all. The problem though is when you’re getting tired of the t-shirt-denim combo. Well, we’ve come up with awesome different style equations for your basic quote t-shirt seven days a week.

What's your quote today?

Monday: Boyfriend jeans + Quote Tee + Pointed Pumps + Fringe Bag
Okay, we know you can’t let go of jeans. So, just in case you’re having Monday blues and you’re feeling some weekend lag because you might have left your heart somewhere, perhaps the beach, (or maybe in your beach bag) grab a quote t-shirt and pair it with your favorite boyfriend jeans.

You might want to click here to find nice shirts with quotes you can use as a Monday motivation for an extra boost of inspiration. To balance the look, opt for a pair of pointed pumps. Stash your work essentials and knick-knacks in your fringe bag to finish off the look.

Tuesday: Blush pink jumpsuit + White Tee + Heels
Perhaps, the workload from yesterday has set your mood for productivity. Great! Time to sport a nice corporate outfit. But how can you do it without feeling heavy and coming across as too intimidating for this season when everyone’s off for vacay?

Get a white tee with motivational statement for a casual basic. Then, get a pair of blush pink jumpsuit to layer it. You’d still look fresh even with layers of clothes on. Besides, a blazer won’t be bad for a full-blast aircon in your office, right? Wear your heels and enter the boardroom with confidence for your next project pitch.

Not a fan of pink? Okay, pick some other pastel colors of your choice instead.

Show your quote!

Wednesday: Culottes + T-shirt + Statement heels
Before you say “no” to culottes because you’re petite and you’d appear shorter with it, check out our suggestion first. You can actually rock your culottes and t-shirt with a pair of statement heels—oh, look at that faux fur pom poms high heels, they make excellent contrast for your business casual outfit. Besides, wearing heels with your culottes actually makes your legs appear longer. Check out this article, too.

Thursday: Plaid skirt + Shirt + Chunky Heels
Well, this style equation is no-brainer. T-shirts and plaid skirts always look good together in the same way that you and your boyfriend are a perfect match for each other. Finish off the look with a pair of open-toe ankle strap chunky heels.

Friday: Spaghetti strap dress + Tee + White sneakers
What better way is there to remind yourself that the work week would soon be over than to dress up as if you’re super ready for a laid-back weekend stroll? Spaghetti strap dress worn as a pinafore for your tee plus a pair of white sneakers would fit that label. It’s a fun, youthful look as always. Why not choose a yellow dress to look extra vibrant and summery?

Saturday: Maxi skirt + Tee + Slip-on sandals + Rattan bag
“I can’t believe the workweek is over”, you say. Still can’t get enough with your quote t-shirts? Match it with a maxi skirt for a super chic, cool, and airy look. Top it off with a pair of slip-on sandals and rattan bag for a perfect beach outfit. And oh, don’t forget to accessorize with your tassel earrings or gold round earrings. Tie your hair up in a bun or style it with a braid. This related article also talks about what you can wear on your next beach getaway: https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/fashion/57104-style-beach-fashion-bloggers-secrets

Sunday: Lace pencil skirt + T-shirt + Ankle strap heels + clutch bag
Who says you can’t glam up with a t-shirt? That has to change from now on. Pair it with a white lace pencil skirt plus ankle strap heels and a dainty clutch bag for a Sunday date night with your boyfie or hubby. Don’t forget to style your hair in perfect beach waves.

Which one among the style equations is your favorite? We’d love to see how you nail it!