The Curious Mom

Choosing the Right Hotel

Nov 20, 2015

There are many factors to consider in choosing the right hotel for your business trips or family vacations. It's really hard to choose when you think so many factors. Discounts, Great Promotions, and a movie-like scene hotel make you believe that you will get what you're expecting. How can you be so sure that you are getting what you are paying like the amenities and the comfort being away from home?

Here some guides and tips that might help you when choosing the right hotel for your next staycation/vacation.

Set a Budget

Before stressing yourself too much, Think about first your budget, If your budget is limited. Stick to it, Look for a hotel that will match your tight budget. Look for hotels that offer discount promotions. But take note sometime there are additional fees. Be Smart. Not all expenses are the best. Spend your money doing fun when having vacations, not in the hotel. Don't over-spend your money, Eat in nice restaurants, Visit Popular attractions. There are many Hotels in the Philippines that offers great deals.

Read Reviews

There are many websites and blogs that you can read real reviews. Don't rely on hotel websites reviews. Travel Blogs is a must be recommended. Always look at the positive reviews but don't forget the negative one. Ask some friends for a recommendation. Browse some photos in social media using specific word hashtag.

CHINO PINO Cloth Diaper

Nov 19, 2015

I have always wanted the best for my baby especially their basic needs. When it comes to the diaper before I'm guilty that I'm not using cloth diaper for Mikael, He always suffered from rashes. Now, For Mishael, I've tried cloth diaper for a change and for good. Actually, At first, I don't like it because every now and I changed his cloth diaper. But then I realized that's ok and good for his skin. What i like about this cloth diaper is that it keeps Mishael comfortable. I can say I can save a LOT of money when using it and of course helping care of our environment too.

GOOD THING ABOUT CHINO PINO CLOTH DIAPER:
Antibacterial
PROTECT YOUR BABY FROM HARMFUL MICROBES
Soft Cotton
UNLIMITED COMFORT WITH 100% COTTON FABRIC
Quick-dry
INSTANTLY DRIES COTTON DIAPERS
Lighter & More Absorbent
DYNAMIC MATERIAL KEEPS THE DIAPER LIGHT AND HIGHLY ABSORBENT TO LIQUID.
Economical & Eco-friendly
GET THE BEST QUALITY AT THE LOWEST COST WHILE KEEPING EARTH CLEAN.

Why CHINO PINO?
For the past 20 years, Chino Pino is more than just reusable diapers. We have given babies the best comfort possible, at the same time-saving parents from high costs of disposable diapers, not to mention its negative environmental impact.

The future of your baby starts with a reusable diaper. Keep your baby comfortable. Save money. Help Mother Earth.

For their list of products visit their website www.chinopino.ph and for latest updates for new products and promos like their Facebook page Chino Pino BabyWear.

10 Tips Skincare and Beauty Care when Winter

Nov 17, 2015

Winter is the coldest season of the year,But not all countries have winter season.So,Most of the countries have this kind of season.They always facing the dryness of their skin.Here are the lists you should do when winter season.

•HYDRATE
As much as possible drink plain water or teas to keep you hydrated.

•COVER
To keep your hands moisturized,After using lotion put on gloves.

•MOISTURIZE
Use lotion at least 3x a day.Keep in mind more Moisturizers.

•SUNSCREEN
Yes,Sunscreen is not only for summer,Apply sunscreen to your face and hands before going out.Winter sun can still damage your skin and of course you don't want.

•LONGER SHOWERS NO MORE
Use warm water when taking shower and at least 10 minutes no longer than that.

•LIP MOISTURIZER
Always carry your lip balms in your pocket reapply as much as possible to prevent lip chapping.

•HAIR CARE 
When going out,Wrap your hair with silk cotton scarf before putting your beanie.Use shampoo 3x a week focus on conditioning your hair.

•ROUGH ELBOWS AND KNEES
Use honey daily after shower to prevent stubborn dryness and make it softer.

•DRY HANDS NO MORE
Don't wash your hands with soap and water repeatedly instead use a hand sanitizer.

•ADVICE
If you think you had some skin issues seek an advice of an specialists.

Taking Gifting to the Next Level

Nov 11, 2015

Do you believe that Santa really exist?ofcourse when were still young we do believe that there is a Santa who grant all our wishes every Christmas.Every one can be Santa,Your mom or your dad maybe a friend of yours can be a Santa. What are your wishes if there is real Santa who will ask you three wishes?Here are my three wishes to Santa this Christmas.

Get a Makeover at Makeover Lounge and feel like a celebrity

Nov 10, 2015

Sometimes all a woman needs is a makeover to make herself feel prettier and boost her confidence.

At Makeover Lounge it can be a reality.

Whether you want to hang out with your girlfriends or have little time to get your nails done - Makeover will make you feel beautiful in any way you want.

They have nail services such as the express manicure and pedicure to clean the nails and push the cuticles. Or if you have more time you can get the classic manicure and pedicure in which you can pick from a wide array of nail polish colors from known brands like Essie, OPI and China Glaze.

You can also get your hair and make up done at makeover lounge by their Professional Hair and Make up Artist by appointment.

And if you want a whole spa experience they also have massage and waxing services provided for you.

Want to spend the whole afternoon with your girlfriends without the fuss of other people in your party? You can get the Sparty Package with 8 of your girlfriends and try their services and enjoy the afternoon away!

With Makeover lounge, It will make you and your girlfriends feel prettier and happier.

Check out more about Makeover Lounge's services and rates at their Facebook Page.

Filipinos who sit more than 6 hours every day at risk of acquiring chronic diseases

Photo grabbed from google

Studies have shown that up to 70 percent of people spend their working hours sitting more than six hours per day, unknowingly putting themselves at risk for developing chronic non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.
But lack of physical activity is not only occurring in the working population. According to Dr. Paul Quilino, Medical Affairs manager at Healthway Medical and wellness advocate, healthy sports and recreational activities are becoming less of the norm in our society regardless of gender and age.
It is widely accepted that physical activity plays a critical role in keeping one’s health and wellness in prime condition. In fact, Quilino stressed that an active lifestyle “promotes proper growth and development of the bones and muscles, helps burn stored energy, keeps cardiovascular system in tiptop condition, and helps improve overall physical endurance and agility.”
“This makes the shift to a more active lifestyle all the more important,” Quilino said. “Exercise and physical activity are probably two of the most cost-effective and significant factors that one can engage in, to help lessen the risk of developing chronic diseases. With this, Filipinos, regardless of their age, should keep a close watch on their sleep, diet, and exercise to meet in order to stay healthy.”
To ensure that Filipinos achieve the most desirable lifestyle, Healthway Medical—the most trusted and preferred mall-based clinics in the Philippines—promotes its Sleep, Eat Right, Exercise, and De-stress (S.E.E.D.) program to underpin the importance of an active and preventive healthcare especially to the working group.
According to Carmie de Leon, vice president for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical, exercise is always lauded as an effective tool in preventing all kinds of diseases. However, being active is not the sole factor that plays part in curbing a sedentary lifestyle.
De Leon said, “People who work eight hours or more daily have the responsibility take care of themselves in any way possible. Just like Dr. Quilino noted, taking the initiative to walk at least 20 minutes a couple of times within the week may help your body adapt to different physical activities. Eventually, you can slowly progress to brisk walking, then jogging, then running in greater lengths and frequency.”
When Filipinos adopt this routine, they may challenge themselves to add distance or intensify the workout until they finally get rid of such sedentary lifestyles, Quilino added.
Aside from moving a step closer to health and wellness, he said “the main goal in any ideal diet is to maximize intake of essential nutrients which are often found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and lessen intake of those which are known to increase our risk for chronic non-communicable disease.”
“Practically, the only way one will be able to follow such recommendations is by adapting and tailor-fitting these in their own socio-cultural preferences, as well as medical and physical needs,” Quilino added.
To further nurture one’s physicality, Quilino highlighted the importance of quality sleep in ensuring work productivity.
“In all ages, sleep induces secretion of certain chemicals in the brain, which in turn signals to the whole body to regenerate. And it’s not just the length of sleep we get butthe quality of sleep as well,” Quilino said.
Quilino added, “Some studies point to the benefits of early sleep (within the first 4 hours of sleep), deep sleep on the 5th to 7th hour and near waking. What we want to point out here is that to function normally awake, we also have to care about the amount and quality of sleep we get.”
Because of today’s generation’s affinity to digital gadgets, Quilino emphasized that these modern-day technologies play a greater role in affecting people in decreasing their time and interest in more physical recreational activities. Digital gadgets effectively decrease physical activity and also play a role in disrupting one’s sleep-awake cycle, reducing sleeping time, hence, a good way to achieve quality sleep is to “keep yourself from using your phone before you sleep.”
“Most mobile games aim to instantly gratify their users, and in effect, feed (and increase) their appetite to even play more,” Quilino said. “The unwanted contrast against playing outdoors becomes more magnified and feeds into the vicious cycle. Light stimulation (not necessarily the radiation) during the sleep phase of our natural sleep-wake cycle signals the brain to stay alert, and therefore, stay awake. With this, Filipinos should opt to minimize their gadget use especially when they’re hitting the bunk.”
De Leon, on the other hand, said that while sleeping, eating right, and exercising are important pillars in achieving wellness not only in terms of mental health but also physical and social well-being, it is also crucial to take a break once in a while to curb work-related stress.
“Work-related stress is the body’s common response when people are confronted with work demands that do not match their knowledge and abilities,” De Leon said. “Since it challenges their ability to cope, 75 percent of adults experience moderate to high levels of stress, which is quite alarming.”
She added, “People who work hard to give their families a more comfortable life also need to have that comfort for themselves. With this, they need to take a break from their daily routines and do something that de-stresses them,” De Leon said.
To know more about S.E.E.D., visit our Healthway Medical clinics at the Alabang Town Center, Edsa Shangri-la, Market! Market!, Festival Mall, Healthway Manila, SM The Block and Greenbelt 5 to know more about the Healthy Heart Package.
For more details, please contact (02) 751-4929 or visitwww.healthway.com.ph.

Guava Leaves as Skin Wash

Nov 4, 2015

Much has been said and written about the medicinal value of various plants in the Philippines. In 1997,the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act which promoted and advocated the use of traditional and alternative health care modalities through scientific research and product development was signed by then President Fidel Ramos and Since then, the Department of Health has endorsed 10 medicinal plants which can be used as herbal medicines in the Philippines because of its proven health benefits. . These are , lagundi (Vitex negundo), yerba buena (Mentha cordifolia Opiz), sambong (Blumea balsamifera), tsaang gubat (Carmona retusa), ampalaya (Momordica charantia), niyug-niyogan (Quisqualis indica), bayabas (Psidium guajava), akapulko (Cassia alata), ulasimang bato (Peperomia pellucida), and bawang (Allium sativum). Many of them are already available in commercial preparations.

One of the more popular traditional medicines is the guava, scientific name is psidium guajava, “bayabas” in Pilipino. . This plant has been used for many generations and recognized by arbolaryos (herbalists) and those who practice natural medicine.

Boiled, chopped or pounded guava leaves have been used and accepted as an antiseptic for wound disinfection.It helps clean off bacteria and germs found in the wound in order to prevent complications and infections.

To prevent oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum infection, boiled guava leaves can also be used as a mouthwash.

As a skin wash to clean skin and help accelerate healing and prevent infection one has to boil leaves for 15-20 minutes, cool and use as a soak, a wash or a bath rinse for wounds or prickly heat or fungal infections such as athlete’s foot But the leaves are not readily available. With the urbanization of more areas, less guava trees

Now there is Guavawash.. Guavawash takes away the hassle of looking for guava trees to get their leaves. One has to just mix a Guavawash sachet in warm water. Made from guava leaf extracts, Guavawash also contains other natural extracts recognized for its skin care benefits eucalyptus for its cooling effect, lavender, known as antiseptic and for aromatherapy. lemon grass as an anti-microbial, fungicidal, mint to soothe itchy skin, ;rose root as an anti-oxidant and to prevent premature wrinkles

The effectiveness of all these herbal ingredients go as far back as the heydays of the albularyo. Now, they are all found in Guavawash - a natural and convenient skin wash. Guavawash is available at major Mercury Drugstore and Watsons branches.

My Breastfeeding Journey

Nov 3, 2015

We want the best for our baby especially in terms of "Milk".I remember when i had my eldest Mikael,I didn't breastfeed him.Maybe because i was a first time mom and i don't know lot of things.In short i'm not prepared to breastfeed maybe most of the First Time Mom experienced it.

Still not ready to breastfeed,I gave birth last year via C-Section what made me breastfeed my youngest Mishael was when we had our first "skin to skin Contact" the feeling was different.I began breastfeed him first time always the hardest part.I don't know what are the right positions to breastfeed.

Sleepless night,Many mothers can't survive breastfeeding because of this,I need to wake up always to feed him.I noticed also that i'm always hungry.

When Mishael was 3 months old i noticed there's a lump in my breast hard as a stone i think.I was scared.I thought i have a breast cancer.I can't take the pain.I suffered the pain for one week i didn't consult it to the doctor immediately.Thus week i asked other moms about this,They say it's a mastitis,Some says only operation can let the milk out,Other says just hot compres massaged downward can help.I did the hot compress but didn't work.After suffering for one week i had a chance to consult it the doctor and yes it is mastitis. "Mastitis is inflammation of tissue in one or both mammary glands inside the breast. Mastitis usually affects lactating women - women who are breastfeeding, producing milk. Hence, it is often referred to as lactation mastitis. The patient feels a hard, sore spot inside the breast. Mastitis can occur as a result of an infection or a blocked milk duct."Doctor said he won't do an operation it it will worsen the affected area.He said i will continue to breasfeed but in other side because the affected area has a bacteria.He gave after Cloxacillin and Declofenac after a week taking the medicines, It was afternoon,My breast just burst out,The fluid came out was like an avocado shake,The milk was color green.I rushed to the hospital and ask what to do,He just gave me again Cloxacillin for one week and he said it will be ok after one week and i can breastfeed again my baby normally.He's right after one week,The pain was gone although my breast had an open wound,Still waiting for it to heal and cleaning it regularly helps easily to heal.Having mastitis is the worst thing that can mother experienced in breastfeeding journey,All i can say is prevention is better than cure,In my experienced let your baby feed anytime he wants,Right position while breasfeeding also is important for baby and mother.Most important thing is if you feel your breast was full express it pump or hand express,After having mastitis when Mishael was 3 months old and now he is 13 mos.old i'm donating my extra milk to Milk Bank in public hospital.Prevent me from having mastitis again while helping too.