5 Ways to Treat Essential Tremor.

Do you or a loved one suffer from involuntary shaking? It may be what’s known as essential tremor. Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes rhythmic, uncontrollable shaking. 

Essential tremor typically begins in one or both hands, causing slow shaking in what some call a “yes, yes” or “no, no” motion. It progresses over time, and can eventually affect your hands, head, and voice. It most commonly affects those 40 and over, but can affect people of any age.

Essential tremor can appear quite similar to Parkinson’s disease, but the two are not the same. Let’s look at essential tremor vs Parkinson’s disease: 

• Shaking from essential tremor usually worsens when your hands are in action, whereas a symptom of Parkinson’s disease can be shaking when your hands are at rest. 
• Essential tremor can lead to an unsteady gait, whereas Parkinson’s leads to a hunched posture, slower movement, and unsteady gait.

Essential tremor is not fatal but can affect the quality of life negatively. Fortunately, there are ways to treat essential tremor that may reduce its impact on your life.

Lee Soon Jae in Stand By Me (2018).

Lifestyle Changes for Essential Tremor

The first thing to do when diagnosed with essential tremor is to understand which factors contribute to your essential tremor. For some, essential tremor can be easily managed with a few lifestyle changes. Try the following to reduce the impact of your essential tremor.

1. Get proper sleep. Some people find that fatigue worsens their essential tremor.

2. Avoid substances that are known to affect essential tremor, such as caffeine and other stimulants.

3. Talk to your doctor about the medications that you currently take. Certain antidepressants, antiepileptics, and inhalers may worsen essential tremor.

4. Stress can be a exacerbating factor, so try and keep it to a minimum. Meditation and breathing techniques can be extremely effective in keeping stress levels down.

5. As with any condition that affects the use of your body, regular occupational therapy is a great tool to learn to adapt to essential tremor. An occupational therapist can help you adapt to the new requirements of your body.

Kim Hae Sook and Bae Suzy in Start-up (2020).

Adaptive Devices for Essential Tremor

Many with essential tremor find that simply swapping out a few regular items for adaptive items can make a significant impact on their life. Explore whether some of the following tools can work for you.

1. Look for utensils with larger handles, which will allow an easier grip.

2. Dishes with high sides can prevent spills from shaking.

3. Wrist weights can help steady your hands.

4. Opt for clothing that doesn’t have buttons. You can find plenty of adaptive clothing online for easier dressing.

Choi Bool Am in Smile You (2009).

Pharmaceutical Medications for Essential Tremor

There are many pharmaceutical medications on the market that have been known to help with essential tremor. When exploring medications, doctors typically look for a medication that reduces your essential tremor by about 50%. Talk to your doctor about the following options.

1. Beta-blockers can be extremely effective in controlling essential tremor. These are medications designed to reduce the effects of epinephrine, the hormone more commonly known as adrenaline. Though designed to reduce high blood pressure, beta-blockers can also calm your essential tremor.

2. Anti-seizure medications can also help with essential tremor. They may cause a few side effects, like drowsiness or nausea, while your body adjusts, but these should eventually go away.

3. Anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines can be helpful to those whose essential tremors worsen with anxiety or stress. Take these medications with care, as they may become addictive.

4. Botox injections can be particularly effective in those with hand tremors who don’t wish to take a daily medication. An injection can last for up to 3 months. Do note that botox in the hands may weaken the fingers and wrists, whereas botox in the throat may cause a raspy voice or difficulty swallowing.

Treating essential tremor can feel intimidating at first, but with these tips you can begin your path to feeling better in no time

My Blogging Journey | A Decade of Gratitude and Positivity.

They say Lent is a time for self-renewal and reflection, and today, on a Palm Sunday, as I plop down in my favorite chair with my morning coffee in hand, I started to think about my blogging journey and what life has been like in my nearly-a-decade of blogging. There goes my plan of a quiet Sunday morning doing absolutely nothing. I just had to open my laptop and write this story down.

Truth be told, I actually started blogging in 2005. Back then, my blog was a lot more personal, known only to a few friends and some people that I have met in online forums/communities. As a twenty-something "yuppie" (the term sounds so obsolete, I know), I blogged about frivolous things like what I bought with my last paycheck, where my boyfriend (now husband) took me on a date, or how I went through another mundane day at the office. 

In 2008, I got married, had a baby, and
became a full-time, stay-at-home-mom.

In 2008, I got married, and then gave birth to our son, Yue. This was the year that I stopped working because our company began downsizing at that time, and I was one of the many employees who were "let go". I wasn't bitter about that - in fact, I considered it a blessing at that time because I would be able to focus on my family, especially my newborn son. I became a stay-at-home mom, and in the end, I had to stop blogging as well. As a new mom, I had very little time to sleep, let alone blog. My hands were full with just taking care and looking after our child. 

As Yue grew older and started schooling, I also started to "get back on track" - you know, enjoying my hobbies once again and going out with friends from time to time. One of my good friends encouraged me to start blogging again. She was a blogger herself, and at that time, she was already earning money from her blog. It sounded like a wonderful idea, but making money from blogging was the furthest thing in my mind back then. All I wanted was to reconnect with my greatest passion - writing. And all I needed was an outlet for my "creative" juices - this blog. 

2011 was the year I started this blog. 
Actually, I just wanted to show the world that I celebrated my 30th birthday
with my favorite K-pop group Super Junior as the party theme. Haha.

I started this blog in 2011 with a very simple purpose: I wanted to write about the things I love - makeup, K-pop, food, travel, and of course, my family.  And as I wrote about these things on my blog - my latest shopping haul, a new recipe, our weekend beach trip, Yue's latest milestone - opportunities eventually came in. Brands would send me products to test and review, agencies would invite me to events and product launches, advertisers would sponsor raffles and giveaways that I ran on my blog. I loved it! I especially loved the fact that I was doing what I love to do, right in the comforts of my home. The perks that came with it, I considered them a bonus.   

Blogging opened up a whole new world for me. I met different kinds of people (including MMA fighters and Korean celebrities), went to different places, made new friends... I even appeared in an ad, was interviewed by a newspaper, and got featured in a magazine! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine for these things to happen. But it did, thanks to my blog. 

Summer 2018, attending a product launch in Seoul.

These days, people would use the term "influencer" to refer to those who are in the same line of work as I am. Honestly, I'm still iffy with calling myself as an influencer. I'd still refer to myself as a blogger, if you understand what I mean. But when strangers would talk to me out of the blue and tell me that they know me from the internet, that they read my blog and find my work fun and interesting, I get all fuzzy inside. You know that feeling when you're a kid and you'd get praised by your teacher or your parents for doing a good job at school? That's the kind of feeling I get. Whenever I'd receive a message on my Facebook fan page or on my Instagram asking for my thoughts on a certain skincare product, or which places to go to in Korea, or even the oven settings to use for a particular recipe, I feel like in this sense, I am an influencer in my own right. 

On that note, blogging also gave me so much to thank for: My husband, who has always been very supportive with whatever it is that I want to do; my son, who has been my inspiration since day one; my friends, who always trust my recommendations whether it's a skincare product, a Korean drama, or a new item on the fastfood menu; my fans and followers who continue to read my blog, support my social media pages, and try out my recipes; and all the brands and agencies whom I have worked with and continue to trust my work. Finally, I'd like to thank that friend (you know who you are!) who gave me that big push to go back to blogging, to pursue my passion, and to never stop writing. I wouldn't be here, and this blog wouldn't be here if not for you. :)

Would you like to be an influencer, too? Sign up with Intellifluence for campaigns and opportunities!

Tuna Recipes for Lent.

Canned tuna is perhaps one of the most versatile ingredients I have cooked with ever. I'm sure most homecooks would agree. Aside from being shelf-stable, it's also budget-friendly, easy-to-find, and best of all, heart-healthy.

If you're a Catholic and a staunch follower of the 'Fish Friday' tradition, here are some tuna recipes that you might want to try. These are all made with San Miguel Del Mar Tuna, from one of the leading food companies in the country - San Miguel Foods.

EASY TUNA TACOS

Ingredients: 

1/3 cup MAGNOLIA REAL MAYONNAISE 

2 tsp chopped garlic 

6 pc small flour tortillas or pita bread, lightly warmed or toasted 

1/2 cup shredded lettuce leaves 

1/2 cup sliced cucumber 

1 (100 g) pc tomato, sliced 

1 (185 g) can SAN MIGUEL DEL MAR TUNA CHUNKS IN OIL, drained 

 

Procedure: 

1. To make garlic sauce, mix mayonnaise and garlic then set aside. 

2. In the center of each flour tortilla, place 1 to 2 tablespoons of lettuce leaves, cucumber slices, tomato slices, and tuna. Drizzle with garlic sauce. 

3. Fold tortilla to secure filling. 

Tip/s: 

• Keep tortillas in the refrigerator for up to a week and freeze for up to 3 months. 
• To warm store-bought tortillas: (1) heat in a dry hot pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, (2) wrap stacked tortillas in paper towel, then wrap in aluminium foil and bake at 300°F about 10 minutes and (3) cover tortillas with damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute. 
• Buy salad greens that are bright in color, leaves crisp, free of blemishes and smell fresh.

TUNA ONIGIRI (Japanese Rice Balls)

Ingredients: 

1 (185 g) can SAN MIGUEL DEL MAR TUNA CHUNKS IN WATER, drained 

1/4 cup Japanese mayonnaise

5 cups sushi rice* 

10 pc nori wrapper sheets, 1”x 4” in size 

*Sushi rice – is steamed rice flavored with vinegar and sugar 

Procedure: 

1. In a bowl, combine tuna and mayonnaise. Set aside. 

2. To make the onigiri, place 1/4 cup of rice on a surface covered with plastic wrap. Flatten rice then place 2 tablespoons of the tuna mixture in the center. Cover tuna with another 1/4 cup of rice. Form into a ball, and then shape into a triangle. 

3. Place onigiri at the center of a nori sheet. Fold sides to stick to the rice ball. Repeat procedure for the rest of the ingredients.

TUNA PESTO PENNE PASTA 

Ingredients: 

1 (180 g) pack store bought pesto sauce 

1 (185 g) can SAN MIGUEL DEL MAR TUNA CHUNKS IN OIL 

1/4 kg penne, cooked according to package directions 

Procedure: 

1. Heat pesto sauce in a pan. 

2. Add tuna and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. 

3. Toss in cooked pasta. Serve.

McDeliverBack: Breakfast for Heroes | McDonald’s and their customers surprise over 30,000 delivery riders.

A year into the lockdowns, delivery services have become a way of life. We rely especially on delivery riders to make our everyday lives easier.

Delivery riders, lockdown heroes.

It is in honoring and thanking these unsung heroes for their service that McDonald’s invited its customers to treat delivery riders to a FREE breakfast meal as a way to say thanks for braving the streets every day to keep Filipinos happily fed and safe indoors during the pandemic.

A simple but meaningful surprise for our delivery riders.

Through McDonald's McDeliverBack program, delivery riders who delivered a McDonald's breakfast on March 16— from McDelivery, GrabFood, and foodpanda— were also treated to a breakfast from McDonald’s. With the help of thousands of Filipinos who decided to McDeliverBack, over 30,000 delivery riders nationwide received the special treat of a free Cheesy Eggdesal meal with Minute Maid!

Thank you, riders!

Watch the video on McDonald’s Facebook page and see how McDonald’s and their customers gave back to the everyday heroes of the pandemic.

Watch the video on McDonald's Facebook page!

Don’t forget to thank your riders the next time you have your McDonald’s favorites delivered! Download the McDo PH App at the App Store and Google Play or order via mcdelivery.com.ph.

Protect Your Homes with Cebuana Lhuillier's Protect Max!

Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance arm strengthens Fire Prevention call, mounts webinar with BFP 

The damage of getting your house razed by fire is insurmountable; fires at home can break out anytime and anywhere and can damage livelihood, household appliances and more. In 2018, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded a total of 14,316 incidents of fire from January until December.

This is why every March is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, and BFP’s campaign for this month is safety consciousness among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, exercise of common sense and respect for the law. It is a campaign that focuses on exercising vigilance at home and keeping oneself knowledgeable on the best way to protect your home and family from destruction brought about by fire.

March is Fire Prevention Month.
(Mask, 2015)

“Cebuana Lhuillier has always committed to be of help to the Filipinos at all times, and our call for Fire Prevention is a reflection of that, our insurance products that aims to keep our clients protected at all times is a complementary effort to our advocacy for this month.” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

PJ Lhuillier’s insurance arm, the Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc (CLIB), has also expressed its support for BFP’s campaign through the years. It has been a staunch advocate of having Filipinos insured, posting almost a 35% contribution to the total number of insured Filipinos through microinsurance.

CLIB has also worked together closely with the Insurance Commission in promoting microinsurance in the country; they have settled over more than 5,300 million claims worth over Php 500 million, and  they have serviced over 16,500 claimants. Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’, Inc. is also the first and only ISO-certified insurance broker in the Philippines.

Panalo sa Protect Max Promo!

Also launched this month in conjunction with the celebration of the Fire Prevention Month is a promo dubbed “Panalo ka sa ProtectMax” where clients of the ProtectMax product of CLIB get a chance to win Php 25,000. The promo is open to all clients who will purchase 5 ProtectMax COCs; these 5 COCs are equal to e-raffle entry. For the promo, 20 lucky raffle winners will be selected and will win Php 25,000.

“This Fire Prevention month, it is very important to drumbeat awareness on fire safety and prevention, and the importance of being protected. CLIB believes that an information and education drive is very important to ensure that everyone is well-informed against conflagration.” said Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers’ Inc., Jonathan Batangan.

For clients who are interested to keep themselves protected without having to go to Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 2,500 branches, they may purchase Home Insurance via the ProtectNow app or website. Just log on to protectnow.com to see CLIB’s full range of products online. They’ve also mounted the #SunogFreeWorryFree: ProtectMax Kontra Sunog webinar which aims to highlight the importance of being ready for untoward situations especially fire, and the importance of having protection whenever there are threats of conflagration.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Money When Traveling.

Oh travel, a favorite pastime for many, which allows us a chance to disconnect from our “mundane” lives and get to experience something new, fascinating, and at times, surprising. If you’ve been saving up for a while, you’re more than likely looking forward to a fabulous trip.

Of course, everyone wants to make sure they get the most out of their money when traveling, so how do you make sure you have a great time, without throwing it out the window? We’ve put together ideas to help you plan ahead, so that your money and time is well-spent.

The cast of Busted, a Netflix original series, led by Yoo Jae Seok.

Look For All-Inclusive Deals

Whether you’re traveling to Huatulco, Oaxaca in Mexico or to the shores of Bali, Indonesia, there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from that can save you plenty of money while providing you with an amazing vacation experience.

There are plenty of all inclusive resorts USA as well, if you’re not looking to go very far on your trip. The reason why all inclusive resorts can be great for your pocketbook is that you get everything from lodging to food, activities and more. With various options from basic to premium in many resorts, you get to choose the type of package that works best or you and your budget.

If you’re looking for a vacation that allows you to not worry about pulling out your card every time you want to get a drink or snack or simply want to sit back and relax without worrying about a thing, an all inclusive resort is a great way to get the most out of your money and have a terrific vacation.

Looks familiar?
That's the lobby of Hotel del Luna (2019), which stars IU and Yeo Jin Goo.

Look For Affordable Accommodations

On the flip side of the coin, you may be heading to a destination where you want to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the city. All inclusive resorts are more for the vacation where you don’t want to do anything but relax and be pampered but aren’t so conducive to getting out and about and seeing the sights and sounds of your destination.

Instead, you may want to look for accommodations that are located in the city, near the places and things you want to see and do. While 5-star hotels can be great, if you’re looking to get the most out of your money, a homestay site like Airbnb or an affordable vacation rental could be a better option for you.

Kim Ha Neul and Lee Sang Yoon in On the Way to the Airport (2016).

Look For Cheap Flights

Whether you’re staying at an all-inclusive spot or a nicely-priced vacation rental, you can save a lot of money on flights, which can help cut down on costs for your trip. From different sites that offer great deals regularly to looking on certain days that are known for cheaper flight deals, to switching up the route, there are often great deals to uncover for your travel to your desired destination.

This is when planning in advance can be very helpful. When booking a couple of months out from your desired travel date, you may find prices to considerably lower than if you look more than a few months away from your trip or too close to the date of departure.

Some flights charge for choosing your seat and others or the type of luggage you want to bring, so make sure to consider these details which could save you money if you know about them ahead of time. If you don’t care that you don’t get a window seat for a 5-hour flight or you can travel with a simple backpack for your trip, you could save money in this way too.

In Conclusion

You’ve worked hard for your money and while you may have saved for this trip, you don’t have to overspend to have a good time. From the comfort of an all inclusive destination to the dollars saved by getting any seat on the flight, there are ways to get the most you can out of your money while still having plenty left over.

4 Ways to Make Money Off of Your DIY Projects.

You can pretty much make the DIY version of anything. Do you have your eye on a specific shirt but can’t bring yourself to spend the money on it? Easy, just break out your sewing machine and make it by hand. Found an old piece of furniture at a thrift store that you see potential in? Just reupholster it and give it a brand new life.

DIY projects do not only save you money, they are also really fun! They are a great way to get creative and use your hands to make something useful. But, if DIY projects have been a passion of yours for awhile, you might want to take that skill and turn it into a business that you can actually make a profit from. People will pay big bucks to buy something that someone else spent the time and effort putting together. Turn your passion into a side hustle with these 4 easy ways to make money off of your DIY projects:

Photo credit: Adonyi Gabor on Pexels.

1. Master Your Craft

In order to actually sell the item that you are making, you need to make sure it is high-quality and durable. If you are making and selling beaded necklaces, you do not want them to fall apart in the mail. It will take a lot of time and trial and error to fully master your craft, but it will be worth it once the money comes flowing in. If you make jewelry, you are better off investing in high quality tools and beads to ensure your end product is worth the price you’re selling it for.

Photo credit: Miriam Alonso on Pexels.

2. Experiment With Multiple Projects

Whether you are doing DIY projects as a side hustle or as your main source of income, it is important to experiment with multiple projects. Do not stretch yourself out too thin, but it never hurts to be multifaceted. For example, if you make your own skin care products, experiment elsewhere in the beauty industry as well. Play around with making DIY bath bombs and soap in fun and unique shapes with silicone moulding material. The options are truly endless, you just have to put yourself out there and get creative!

RM and J-Hope do some craftwork with ARMY Bombs, 
Jungkook joins their live stream. :)

3. Utilize Social Media

To make money from your DIY projects, you have to use social media to your advantage. Starting a small business of selling homemade crafts is time consuming and will probably take a while before you make your first sale. However, utilizing social media and creating a brand will expedite the process. There are so many social media platforms out there that are designed to help businesses gain attention and make sales. You first have to make a website and create accounts on multiple platforms. Then, you can look into doing advertisements, tracking engagement, and creating a presence on social media. If you need extra support with engagement on your social media pages, then you might want to look into something like buying specific followers to help with your visibility. You can buy Twicsy TikTok followers now and see how this can work, but always do your research first to see which platform is best suited to reach out to your intended customer base. To reiterate - figure out which business model works for you and spend time perfecting it.

Photo credit: Lisa Fotios on Pexels.

4. Follow the Trends

When it comes to making money, you need to stay on top of the trends. People will pay big bucks for trendy items, and if you stay up to date on what is popular, the money will follow. If your passion is sewing and making clothes, keep track of what styles of clothes are trendy right now and learn how to make them by hand. Trendy items also tend to sell for more, which will lead to more cash in your pocket. Pinterest is a great site to stay on top of what is and isn’t in style, in addition to just being on social media in general.

Yoon Se Ri and Ri Jeong Hyeok, always exuding charm and sophistication.
Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin in Crash Landing on You (2020).

There is no better time than the present to turn your passion for DIY projects into a business. Whether your skill is sewing clothes, making jewelry, or refurbishing furniture, there are a plethora of ways for you to succeed with your projects, you just have to be patient. Starting an online business is intimidating, but with time and dedication, it will be worth it. We all dream of making money by doing something we love, so follow these simple tips and soon enough your project will take off.

 

McDeliverBack: Breakfast for Heroes | McDonald’s gives thanks to those who deliver.

Amidst widespread transportation restrictions and numerous community quarantines over the past twelve months, Filipinos have increasingly relied on delivery riders for their everyday meals and needs. On March 16, McDonald’s will be paying tribute to those who deliver — the unsung heroes of the pandemic— by giving them a warm breakfast for their unwavering service throughout the year.

Through the McDeliverBack program, McDonald’s will be celebrating the delivery riders who have unfailingly delivered McDonald’s favorites — and everyone is invited to join by having their McDonald’s favorites delivered between 6AM-10AM on March 16. In doing so, your delivery rider will be treated by McDonald’s to a free Cheesy Eggdesal meal with Minute Maid!

“Delivery riders have been our lifeline in these challenging times, and their sacrifices and hard work have made the past year much easier for everyone. As we mark the first year of the lockdown, McDonald’s honors and gives thanks to these delivery riders with a hearty breakfast to start their day,” said McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Director Oliver Rabatan.

You, too, can show your appreciation to your delivery driver for their service.

Order a McDonald's breakfast on March 16 from 6AM-10AM via McDelivery, GrabFood, or foodpanda to McDeliverBack a delicious breakfast for your delivery rider. For more information, be sure to follow McDonald’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Cooking with my Air Fryer | Baked Salmon.

Born and raised as a Catholic, I've always followed the "Fish Friday" tradition for as long as I can remember. It's when (most) Catholics abstain from consuming meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday in Lent, and eat only fish and/or vegetables. I reckon I learned this practice from my great grandmother, who would also diligently sing the "pasyon" during the Holy Week, year in and year out. 

Before I got my air fryer, our Fish Friday meals would either be bangus (daing, bistek, sinigang, or tinapa), tuna (stir-fried or eaten straight from the can), or good ol' pan-fried tilapia.  Now that I have an air fryer, I have even more options such as Tuna Rice Casserole, Cheesy Baked Bangus, and even the quarantine-famous Sushi Bake. 

Recently, I've learned how to make Baked Salmon (yes, Conti's style), and it's the recipe I'm sharing with you today - just in time for another Fish Friday. :)

Baked Salmon (ala Conti's)

Ingredients:

500 grams salmon fillet

5 cloves garlic, minced

juice of 1 lemon

salt & pepper

1/2 block cream cheese, softened

3 Tbsps mayonnaise

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup parmesan cheese

For the side dish:

1 pack mixed vegetables 

2 Tbsps butter

Procedure: 

1. Preheat the air fryer at 190° Celsius.

2. In a bowl, marinate salmon with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

3. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese.

4. Remove the salmon from the bowl and pat dry with a paper towel.

5. Place the salmon in a baking pan and spread the cream cheese mixture on top. Sprinkle more parmesan cheese on top if desired.

6. Set your air fryer to Bake mode and bake at 170° C for 30-25 minutes or until the top is golden.

7. While the salmon is baking, prepare the side dish by melting the butter in a non-stick pan.

8. Once melted, add the vegetable mix to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender crisp. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. 

9. Serve with the baked salmon.

15 Splurges Every Mom Deserves For Mother's Day.

No matter how you slice it, moms are just the greatest. They’re our role models, heroes, and best friends. Mothers give us so much, and Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show them just how important they are. 

 Whether you celebrate by taking mom to brunch, hosting her for dinner, or taking her out for a day on the town, Mother’s Day should be topped off with a gift that makes her feel special. Read on to learn our 15 favorite splurges that every mom deserves for Mother’s Day.

For the Fashion Forward Mom 

Do you have a “cool” mom in your life? Treat her to one of these fashionable Mother’s Day splurges.

Yum Jung Ah and Yoon Se Ah in Sky Castle (2019).

1. Take her on a shopping spree! This is a great option if she’s hard to buy for. Visit your local mall or specialty boutique and let mom pick out anything her heart desires. That way, she’ll be sure to love it! 

2. Buy her a custom piece of jewelry. Pick out a timeless and versatile style and have it personalized with the initials of her partner or her children, or an important date.

3. Gift her a wrist watch that’s effortlessly cool. You can go for a versatile style so she’ll be able to wear it with anything, or choose from totally unique watches that will wow those around her.

4. A designer handbag is never out of style! Get your fashion forward mom a handbag that shows she has class and style. She’s sure to be the envy of all her friends!

5. Pick out the perfect leather jacket for her to wear on a night out with her partner. What could possibly be more cool?

For the Artsy Mom

Is she artistic—or even just crafty? Foster her creativity and imagination with one of these Mother’s Day gifts.

Jang Nara in Oh My Baby (2020).

1. Buy her a series of local art classes in her favorite medium, or something she’s never tried before! Choose from ceramics, painting, stained glass, and more. She’ll get to sharpen her skills, express her creativity, and maybe even find her next favorite artistic practice.

2. Wrap Mother’s Day and a gift all into one and attend a day-long arts workshop with her. She won’t mind if your skills aren’t up to snuff; she’ll be elated to spend the day with you doing something she loves.

3. Get her a year-long pass to a local museum. Look for one that comes with a complimentary guest pass, so that she can take a friend or loved one along. If you’re lucky, she may even take you!

4. Many cities host craft fairs on Mother’s Day. Find one near you to spend the day at, and let her pick out a piece of art that she falls in love with.

5. Harness your own inner artist and make a piece of art for her! If you have kids, it’s great to get them involved in this gift. No matter how your gift turns out, she’ll have a keepsake that only a mother could love.

For the Cheffy Mom

Some moms are just a wiz in the kitchen. They saute, sear, broil, and bake with love, and everything they serve is absolutely divine. If that describes a mom in your life, gift her one of these.

Oh Jung Se and Kim Mi Kyung in It's Okay To Not Be Okay (2020).

1. There’s no more important kitchen staple than a good, sharp knife. Upgrade mom’s chopping skills by gifting her a beautifully crafted chef’s knife.

2. Any chef knows that cast iron is the ultimate cookware. Buy her a top-of-the-line cast iron pan that she’ll cherish for decades to come.

3. Get her a cookbook from one of her favorite chefs, or pick a cuisine she loves and buy a cookbook from and up and coming chef she’s never heard of! Bonus points if it’s so beautifully photographed that it doubles as a coffee table book.

4. Gift her a cooking class at a local cooking school or restaurant. She’ll be able to brush up on new skills and cook some amazing food.

5. Take her out to a fancy meal at a local Michelin-star restaurant for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that she’ll never forget.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Peruse these gifts to find a splurge that’s perfect for all the moms in your life.

Calling all #Mamazing Moms! Share your special recipes on TV through the I Love Ajinomoto contest!

Moms are certainly #mamazing and most even possess undeniable skills like kitchen wizardry. They are known for making special, healthy, and delicious meals for the family, no matter the budget. Their cooking is so well-loved that many kids grow up comparing dishes to the ones their mothers made.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) is supporting moms everywhere to make more amazing meals with the Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show. Hosted by #mamazing celebrity mom Iya Villania and chef Jose Sarasola, the 10-minute cooking show airs every Friday, at 11:20 am on GMA-7, with episodes also uploaded on the Ajinomoto Cookmunity® Facebook page.

“With our newest cooking show, we want to help moms and even any member of the household discover and make better choices for their family through simple yet delicious recipes that anyone can do at home. Through the help of Iya and Chef Jose, our #mamazing moms and homecooks can easily whip up their own nutritious and delicious dishes perfect for the family just by using the AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning or AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix,” says Roann Co, APC General Manager Marketing and Public Relations.

Calling all #mamazing moms!

The “Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well” cooking show treats viewers into 13 exciting episodes, which feature different recipes fit for every meal and occasion in the household. With every episode, #mamazing moms and homecooks can learn more ways on how to use the versatility of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and AJI-GINISA® in making healthy, delicious, and even low-sodium dishes.

Meanwhile, APC also launched the “I Love Ajinomoto” microsite, a virtual cookbook where moms and homecooks can share their recipes and get inspiration from their fellow kitchen wizards. To encourage them to contribute, APC rolled-out the I Love Ajinomoto contest with exciting prizes up for grabs.

To join, interested participants just need to visit iloveajinomoto.ph and share a recipe using AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning or the AJI-GINISA®. Apart from moms, anyone in the family who is at least 18 years old can join in too. Submissions just need to include the complete recipe, a photo of the final product, and a picture of the family doing the heart gesture with the dish. Participants can even submit more than one recipe.

Each week, up to top five recipes will be featured on the Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show on GMA-7. Senders whose recipes were shared will also receive a gift certificate and a selection of Ajinomoto products.

“We are excited for our #mamazing moms and homecooks to share their recipes and even have it featured on our Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show. We hope that this initiative can inspire Filipino families to serve more delicious and healthy dishes for more enjoyable meal times,” adds Co.

The I Love Ajinomoto contest and Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show are both part of APC’s Eat Well, Live Well promise, which aims to create quality products and services for good food and better health among Filipinos.

Do you have a #mamazing recipe to share? Simply visit iloveajinomoto.ph and your dish might be the next star to be featured on the Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show!

Meanwhile, visit www.ajinomoto.com.ph and follow @mamazingmoms on Instagram for more information.

Boost Your Family’s Immunity this 2021 with these 3 Activities.

Despite the many challenges that the previous year has presented, Filipinos have managed to push forward. The new year is a sign for many to start anew, to improve, and to change. Improved health is, least to say, still and is on top of the many things that Filipinos hope for their loved ones.

Now that the holidays are over, many are motivated than ever to start a healthier and a much more active lifestyle. It can be overwhelming to shift your current daily routine and adding activities that you have never done before. But as they say, it’s much better when you do it with others. So here are 3 activities that you can do to keep everyone in the family blood healthy.

Taehyung in dreamland. :)

1. Keep Stress Levels at a Minimum

Whether you’re stressed or not, maintaining a healthy way of dealing with stress can strengthen your body’s immunity and positive lifestyle changes. Practicing a healthy sleeping schedule is vital so the body can recharge. Spending a few minutes to meditate with your family can greatly help in balancing your emotions. This can include breathing exercises, and even yoga. Unwinding through conversations with your family can help keep your mind at ease as well. These are just some of the many activities that you and your family can do to keep the stress levels at a minimum for healthy blood.

Zumba, Gangnam style.

2. Turn Up the Family Fun at Home

When exercising with your family, not only are you able to have everyone moving but you’re also spending quality time! Exercising may be in the form of following a workout routine, Zumba classes, or even easy to follow dance games. Team games like tag and hide-and-seek are perfect for families with members of different ages. Age shouldn’t be a limitation to get moving, so go ahead and get your fam’s hearts pumping and burn those holiday meal calories!

Korean food is always a good (and healthy) idea.

3. Eat Right for Proper Nutrition

In keeping the family healthy, it’s an effort to serve nutritious meals. An overall balanced diet helps the body in maintaining enough energy to keep it functioning all day. Although preparing meals for family members of different ages, and health conditions can be a struggle, it is doable. By considering the required portions, needed nutrients, and providing a wide variety of nutritious food, your family can still enjoy good food without sacrificing blood health. Yet with age, some family members may need help to sustain their blood health that their diet may not be able to provide sufficiently.

Sarah Geronimo for Sangobion IRON+

Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is Your Blood Health Ally

Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps to replenish iron stores and increases red blood cell levels in the body. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt which allows better absorption of iron in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12 which are vital for production of red blood cells and during pregnancy. It also contains Vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption, and Copper sulphate and manganese sulphate that helps in the metabolic processes of blood cell production. Recommended intake is one to two capsules daily, during or after meals, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) helps to treat iron deficiency anemia that can lead to decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. Iron deficiency anemia happens when the blood has a lower amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin than normal. This can cause the body to feel weak, tired, dizzy, look pale, and experience headaches.

As Filipinos embrace the hope and change that the new year brings, keeping the family’s blood health in check should be of top priority.

With these helpful tips and Multivitamins & Minerals (Sangobion IRON+), you can keep yourself and your family, blood healthy for 2021! If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

3 Tips to Investing in Quality Furniture Pieces.

The best part of moving into a new place is getting the chance to decorate. You get a blank slate to completely design your room exactly how you want it. You get to pick the colors, the vibe, and the furniture. However, as exciting as moving into a new place is, it also can get very expensive. Never underestimate just how pricey furniture is!

While you may be tempted to skimp on furniture and go for cheaper options, investing in quality furniture pieces is always the better option. Furniture is something you can take with you throughout your life and it will be used every single day. Cheaper furniture will not last as long and is just not as comfortable. If you are moving into a new space soon and want to take the leap to get better furniture, here are 3 tips to investing in quality furniture pieces:

As seen in Goblin (2016).

1. Be Practical About Color Choices

Colored furniture always goes in and out of styles. But the problem with investing in boldly colored furniture is just that: it will go out of style. Although you might be tempted to follow the trends and get a statement couch, there is a good chance you will end up regretting that in the long run. Instead, be practical about color choices. Will you still like a bright green couch in 10 years? Probably not. Go for neutral colors, like whites and browns, instead. They are timeless and will never go out of style.

2. Look at Your Lifestyle

While it can be hard to say how your life will be many years down the road, when investing in quality furniture it is important you take a look at your lifestyle. If you plan on having kids soon, maybe avoid buying expensive furniture that is all white. If you have or plan on getting animals, avoid certain fabrics that damage easily, like suede.

K-drama aesthetics.

Investing in a quality mattress is another step in furnishing your house, so it is important to buy the right size. You do not want to spend a bunch of money on an expensive mattress that is not going to fit in your room. Instead, use a mattress size guide to make sure you choose the right mattress size for your space.

Before buying quality furniture, be sure to think about your current lifestyle and how you think your life will be in the future, and base your furniture pieces off of that. Even if you do not plan on having kids or pets anytime soon, it is not a bad idea to choose more stain-resistant furniture.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017).

3. Shop Secondhand

Just because it is secondhand does not mean it’s not quality furniture. It just means there is another life out there for it, and that might just be in your new home. If there is a certain piece of furniture you have been eyeing but is completely out of your budget, look for it online, like on Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you look for any rips or stains before buying, of course.

Buying secondhand is not only a more affordable option, it is better for the environment, too. Quality furniture will last a lifetime, even if it goes from family to family.

When it comes to furnishing your new home, you can never go wrong with investing in quality pieces. It may be more expensive, but it will always be worth it in the long run. The furniture you buy when you first move out may be furniture you carry on with you for the rest of your life.

Just make sure you think practically about where you might be years down the road and how your style may change. At the end of the day, you will be sitting, sleeping, and living on the furniture you buy, so you want to make sure it is good quality.