The Curious Mom

Cleene CLIO makes Clean Teeth possible for Families this World Oral Health Day 2022

Mar 20, 2022

On World Oral Health Day, Cleene CLIO invites everyone to celebrate by practicing proper oral healthcare with their families.

A product of proudly Filipino company PHILUSA Corporation, Cleene CLIO has been an ardent supporter of this global oral health initiative, especially with oral care given less priority during the pandemic when accessibility to dentists and visits to oral health facilities were challenging at the height of the lockdowns.

To emphasize the importance of good oral health practices at home, Cleene CLIO has partnered with Manila Water Foundation and Philippine Dental Association to provide oral health kits to various barangays and schools as part of this year’s World Oral Health Day activities. Over 2,000 health kits containing Cleene CLIO toothbrushes and Dental Floss Premium from Cleene CLIO and PHILUSA were distributed to 12 barangays and to the chosen hygiene facility in Dinalaonan Elementary School in Pangasinan.

And as a special treat for World Oral Health Day, selected Cleene CLIO products will be sold at 20% off exclusively in Mercury Drug stores nationwide until April 15, 2022.

Cleene CLIO continues to be the partner of every Filipino family in promoting good oral hygiene by offering a wide range of affordable and quality toothbrushes.

Cleene CLIO toothbrushes are made with MicroFine Soft Bristles that help penetrate and clean hard-to-reach areas for better interdental cleaning and a gentle brushing experience. The tapered bristles penetrate between teeth and gums for a thorough cleaning, while the rounded shape of the bristles removes plaque and prevents teeth and gum damage.

There is a Cleene CLIO toothbrush for every member of the family that is affordable and has world-class quality. For those wanting extra care and protection for your teeth, Cleene CLIO offers its Refreshing Green Tea and Ultimax Charcoal under their Special care line. While for those needing specialized care, Cleene CLIO has it's Kiddie and Junior as well as 40+ for sensitive gum and teeth. It also has its economy toothbrushes for general oral health care for any age.

Cleene CLIO is available at Mercury Drug, leading supermarkets, drugstores, and other retail stores nationwide as well as on all leading e-commerce websites: Shopee, Lazada, and the PHILUSA Online Store.

The Curious Mom is a part of Mommy Bloggers Philippines.

Sustainable living for everyone

Mar 19, 2022

Today, living an eco-friendlier life has become much more manageable. With many simple yet effective ways to make our everyday lives more sustainable, and with many groups ready to help us take that first step toward a greener future, there is every reason to start today. Living a personal sustainable lifestyle can be impactful only if we do it together to preserve our planet for generations to come.

One of the best things to live sustainably is to reduce your carbon footprint. Many seemingly harmless daily activities can contribute to a higher carbon footprint or other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, leading to dramatic climate changes. An increased carbon footprint includes high electric consumption, driving our cars over short distances, and the excessive use of aerosols and air conditioners, to name a few. Try to identify and minimize these activities if you can, or look for more eco-friendly alternatives, if available.

You can also lower your carbon footprint by using energy efficiently. Use energy-efficient appliances, replace your old lighting fixtures with LED lights, and turn off energy-consuming items when not in use. Doing these eliminates energy waste in your home and helps you save more on utility expenses.

The 2020 Climate Transparency Report disclosed that the Philippines generated 1.18 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita in 2017. The country will need to reduce its emissions to below 132 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and below -198 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. It is to meet the 1.5°C-compliant climate change mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement, of which the country is a signatory.

Together with the Plastic Credit Exchange, SM Cares helps gather empty, clean, and dry plastic waste at select

SM Supermalls nationwide. Plastic waste may be dropped off every day from 10AM to 5PM.

Another way to make your lifestyle more sustainable is to correctly manage and segregate your garbage. Sort and separate your waste by type (e.g., paper/carton, plastic, glass, metal, electronics, etc.). It helps to find out more about your community's waste collection and management policies. You can even make extra cash if you dispose of your non-organic waste through the proper channels.

You can also minimize the waste you generate at home. There are many simple ways to do this. It includes reusing plastic bags, opting for eco-bags when shopping, and avoiding single-use items. By being mindful of our food consumption, we can also significantly reduce food waste and packaging.

The 2020 Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment report that the Philippines ranked third among the world contributors to plastic pollution, with 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste each year.

SM's Trash to Cash recycling market happens every first Friday and Saturday of the month

from 10 AM to 2 PM across all SM Malls and select SDMC Malls nationwide.

As a responsible member of the community, SM has consistently implemented programs to inspire Filipinos to be more sustainable, educating them on the importance of sustainability and how to help protect the environment. It includes the long-running Green Film Festival, which features the free screening of environmental documentaries for students and other program partnerships that promote alternative options to plastic.

SM also has projects that directly engage its mall-goers, focusing on solid waste management. These are the monthly Trash to Cash recycling market and the collection of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs), the Electronic Waste Collection program, and the Plastic Waste Collection program held in partnership with the Plastic Credit Exchange. To date, SM Supermalls have collected more than 11,600 kg. of plastic waste, 2,000 kg. of electronic waste and 908,000 kg. of assorted recyclable waste.

Customers can drop off their electronic waste at bins in the Cyberzone and selected locations

of SM Supermalls nationwide.

In addition, SM has been exploring renewable alternatives as its malls' energy source. For instance, in 2020, the company generated 9,620 MWh of energy from solar roof panels installed in ten different malls nationwide. The company has also completed solar panel retrofits in other malls. SM hopes to achieve its goal of having 50% of the energy it consumes being sourced from renewable sources by the end of this year.

"We have always been an advocate of sustainable living. Proof of this is the numerous environmental initiatives that the company has implemented. We build our malls with the environment and community in mind, and we make sure that our developments contribute to environmental protection," said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls' Corporate Compliance Head. "More importantly, we know that personal sustainability is key to achieving the green future that we want. We will continue to implement programs that encourage positive change within our community partners."

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, with programs to support communities, promote social inclusion and care for the environment. Its CSR advocacies include the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

5 Tips For Planning Your New Home

Mar 8, 2022

When it comes to your future, you want to plan and buy a house so that you can have something to pass through the generations, something to decorate, and something to be proud of. No one gets home buying right the first time, but you can get it right the next time if you plan it correctly. You don't want to make mistakes when you are buying a house and that’s why you need to plan it correctly.

Whether you choose to buy an established house or you buy one of the beautiful homestead house design options that are out there, you need to know how to plan this properly so that you don't make any new mistakes from it. So, we’ve helpfully put together five simple tips for planning your new home so that you can get it right the first time and avoid anything going wrong.

Image Source: Pexels

Know the legal requirements. Before you build a house, you need to know exactly what the legal requirements are and what the permissions are that you need. The best thing that you can do is contact your local council and tell them all about your development plans, and they will be able to walk you through the things that are realistic and what really isn't!
Consider the design. Whether you plan to design your home yourself or you choose to choose a company that can help you with the design, you need to think about so many different things to make it work. You need to look at how you can use the landscape, what the safety parameters are and how you can ensure that your home is going to be built in the best possible way. You should also consider things like the eco-friendly design and the green living options that you have so that you can make your home feel like yours.
Get yourself a designer. If you don't have the time and all you want to do is plan the pretty things in your home, you need to think about hiring a designer to help. A designer will help you with the drawings and the planning of your home and you will also be able to see your ideas become a reality.
Get a builder. You can have all the plans and designs in the world but without a builder, you’re going to fail a little along the way. Ask friends and family for recommendations and get online with a local internet search. This will help you to find the right one. You can then interview and check the credentials of the builders you’ve been recommended and make the best possible choice. Planning your new home is going to be much easier with this one!
Enjoy it. The process can be long but watching your home ideas come to life is pretty impressive. You can feel inspired by the work put in to build your house from the ground up - it’s awesome to watch.

Effective Tips For Making Your Home Feel More Luxurious

Feb 12, 2022

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For some people, home is where to relax and let loose after keeping up appearances out in the world. Since the pandemic started, many people have been spending more time at home. The statistics vary from country to country, but generally, there is a decrease in the time spent outdoors. So, it makes sense to create a space that you would look forward to being in. Most of the time, people associate luxury with pricey, but it is not always the case. If you are looking to make your home feel more luxurious, here are some tips to consider. The good news is that some of them will not require you to without breaking the bank.

Layering

There is something about layers that makes any space look plush. You can layer colors, textures, and style to give any space some character, personality, and dimension. Experts recommend layering pieces that complement each other. The first step will be to define the purpose of the room and what it will achieve. Based on that information, you will choose colors, materials, etc. For example, if you are switching up the living room, then choose pieces that are welcoming and inviting since you are most likely to host guests there. You can do this with the throw pillows, curtains, etc. You can also start with big pieces and use smaller ones to complement them.

Use more neutral colors

Neutral colors are great because they give any space a sophisticated look. Additionally, they allow a space to grow with you, so you can easily switch things up anytime you want. You can include pops of color here and there to spice things up. Experts recommend using solid colors in this regard for that luxurious feel. Colors have been known to affect mood, and it will be prudent to conduct a little research on which ones would work in which parts of your home. For example, blue, purple, and green are known to represent calmness, sadness, and indifference, while red, orange, and yellow trigger higher arousal emotions like happiness and passion. Depending on your budget, you can either use paint for this or wallpaper.

Use scents

How a place smells can do a lot for the ambiance. The first place people think of when it comes to scents is in the bathroom. However, putting fragrances in other parts of your home could make those places feel more luxurious. So consider getting candles or diffusers for your home. Candles are great if you like the atmospheric light they also offer. Diffusers are generally longer-lasting than room sprays and have a classy look. Some luxurious scents include citrus, spices, florals, and wood.

Use mirrors

You can change any room by hanging mirrors, and they open up a space by reflecting light. It also gives it a chic, classy look without costing too much. The good thing about mirrors is that you can use them anywhere in your house, from the kitchen to hallways. There are a few tips to get it right. First, position the mirror to face something worthy. Also, instead of boring panels, you can use antique ones. There are also resources on the internet that you can use to decorate the borders of your mirror. Experts say that the bigger, the better, so you can either buy a big mirror or dedicate one wall to that. If you go for the latter, consider using vinyl sticker mirrors. They are relatively inexpensive, and you can easily install them yourself.

Switch up your lighting

The kind of lighting you use can affect the atmosphere in your home. So you can choose the light fixtures to create a luxurious look in your home. One of the things that experts recommend is the minimalist approach. This includes ensuring that the different styles are consistent and complement other things in the home. Layering your lighting is also recommended. Also, you can use lighting to highlight some of the centerpieces in the space. You can keep lamps at vantage points so that you don't have to keep the main lights on if you don't need them. Currently, there are energy-efficient bulbs you can use to help you save on utility bills. You can also opt for built-in lights for some added classes.

Go bigger with art

When it comes to making a room more luxurious with wall art, experts recommend staying away from the extremes. That means using a gallery wall might be too much, while a single art piece in a big space might be too small. Therefore, according to the dimensions of the wall, one big piece of art will be ideal. You can either purchase a piece or make one yourself with the help of resources on the internet. If you have a mat you like, you can frame it and put it up. This idea works well if you have a hallway or a plain wall as the focal point.

Use luxurious towels

Your towel doesn't have to be plain and boring, especially since access to more luxurious ones is no longer difficult. Look out for towels with a more high-end look and feel to make your shower time something to look forward to. You can also go ahead to get hotel bathrobes or spa-quality robes for your bathroom and your guestrooms.

Hang your curtains from the ceiling to the floor

There's something about tall curtains that make them look posher, and experts recommend hanging your curtains or drapes as high as possible. They also recommend extending your window panels past the window, making it easy to open and let sunlight in. These panels do not have to be boring, and you can go for outstanding designs to make your room look expensive. Weighing the curtains down is also a good way to make an area look luxurious compared to having flying ones. It is also advisable to get rid of wrinkles in your curtains and arrange your pleats neatly to add to the general organization of the room.

Where Can Water Get Into Your Home?

Feb 10, 2022

It is quite possible that you could experience water leakage issues if you live in an older house or building. Thanks to modern technology, it’s possible to stop leaks from happening and causing more damage to your property. Preventing water leaks in your house is as easy as following these basic measures.

Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels

Water Heater Leaking

Hot water seeping into the attic in older houses is a regular issue. Leaking water heaters can cause damage to your ceiling and attic, as well as contribute to mold growth. Regularly inspect your gas or electric water heater for leaks, such as rust spots or leaking from faucets near your heater. If you find a leak, call a plumber straight away to get it fixed before any damage occurs. If the damage is already done, you’ll need different expert help, and it’s best to look for water damage restoration services. Of course, if the leak is ongoing, you will require a plumber as well.

Shower Faucet Needs Sealing

The showerhead is another major source of leaks. You will save money and energy by preventing water from escaping from your showerhead faucet’s defective sealing. Inspect your showerhead to ensure it is in good working order. If you notice water pouring from it or chips in it, you should replace it right away since this wear and tear might create leaks.

Many people can do this themselves, and the parts you will need are easily available online.

Frozen Pipes Under Basement Floor

Frozen pipes in a cold environment, like your basement, are often believed to do no harm. Perhaps this is the idea you have too, and maybe you haven’t checked on the pipes or ensured that they won’t freeze because it’s one extra job that doesn’t make any difference.

The truth is that these pipes can do a lot of damage. To begin with, they won’t thaw on their own, meaning that once they are frozen, they can stay that way until someone intervenes to fix the issue. Secondly, they can burst, and if they are underground, that water can quickly cause a lot of damage to the floors and walls of your basement or even your foundations.

The best thing to do is ensure that your pipes are all adequately insulated. If you can’t do this due to their location, you’ll need to keep your basement heated all winter.

Pipes Cracking From Frost Outside Foundation Wall

Water pipes that are exposed to cold conditions may – and often do – burst. As a result, your walls will begin to leak, which can be pretty expensive to fix. In order to protect water pipes from frost, they should be buried at least six inches below the ground level in an outside wall. Make sure exposed pipes in the basement or crawl area are insulated when the weather turns chilly.

Windows Need Sealing

Home windows not only let heat escape, but they also let water in, which can lead to extensive water damage. If you have double-paned windows in your house, they may not be properly sealed. If you don’t have the time or inclination to conduct the repairs yourself, you can hire a window repair service to do it for you. Once you have sealed up your windows, or replaced them entirely, you must look into Window Treatments as well, as you want to ensure that your windows are fully operational and will keep your home protected as well as ventilated.

It’s critical to locate and control water leaks as early as possible since the damage they do to your house and your finances can’t be overstated.