Gel Jose

3 things to do when setting up your dining room

Among the spaces in our house, the dining room is the one that’s most often used for gatherings. Whether for intimate family meals or a social occasion with more attendees, the dining room provides the venue and backdrop for shared experiences of eating and conversing with other people.

We all want this room to be comfortable and conducive to memorable times spent eating and talking with family and friends.

Whether you’re designing your dining room from scratch, or re-designing it to fulfill your evolving needs, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Define your purpose for the dining room.

Are you using it mainly for private family meals and occasions? Or will you be hosting large parties? How often will it be used? Will it perform additional functions such as doubling as a workspace for household working from home or students doing online lessons?

These considerations will influence the type of furnishings that will go into a room such as getting more ornate and high maintenance pieces for more formal setups and more functional, easy to clean and hardy pieces for rooms that will se everyday use, especially by children.

Light up the space.

As an area for socializing, you want this room to appear bright and ambient. It is often advisable to layer various light sources such as using a chandelier or pendant lights above the dining table supplemented by lamps, sconces and the occasional candles to illumine the space at eye level.

If you are also using the dining room as work/study space, make sure that adequate task lighting is also available.

Get your flooring right.

The dining room gets a lot of foot traffic and is also the site of many spills and splashes. The floor should not only look good, but it should also be easy to clean and able to stand up to wear-and-tear.

Hard flooring may be best for dining rooms that see a lot of use, particularly for entertaining. Softening touches may be applied to amp up the comfort and coziness through area rugs that add texture and color.

If you’re shopping for your dining room furniture, fixtures and accessories, check out and get inspired by the awesome selections at Crate & Barrel.

This US-based retail chain specializing in upmarket and artisanal housewares, indoor and outdoor furniture and home accessories has presence in forty-two countries across the globe.

In the Philippines, its stores are located at:

Level 3, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Landline: +63 2 88934255| Mobile: +63 917 8895667
Ground Level, Annex Building, SM Makati, Courtyard Drive, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City. Landline: +63 2 88342780 | Mobile: +63 917 5833573
4th Level, SM Megamall Fashion Hall Building D, Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong City. Landline: +63 2 89420761 | Mobile: +63 917 8704796

Shop online for Crate & Barrel products through its website and stay updated on its products and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Photos taken during a store visit at Crate & Barrel’s SM Megamall branch.

Get the #LubdExperience at Lub d Makati (because you didn’t come for the normal)

Whether you’re a foreigner backpacking in the Philippines and looking for a place to serve as your “base of operations” while you’re touring the capital, a domestic traveler who wants to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the metro’s busiest district or an urbanite who’s seeking for a change of scenery, Lub d Makati is the place for you.

The biggest hostel in the Philippines, Lub d Makati is part of the Lub d hotel chain which also has presence in other buzz-worthy Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Its concept reimagines the experience of traveling, whether you’re on a solo trip or wandering with your buddies. Lub d prides itself on giving its guests a memorable and comfortable stay as they dive into the local scene.

Center of the action

Located along Makati Avenue in Makati City, the hostel is conveniently located near the high rises of the central business district as well as shopping malls that house dining and entertainment establishments such as movie theaters, restaurants, designer shops and supermarkets.

It’s within walking distance from Poblacion, Makati’s cultural and heritage district, as well as a short ride away from Bonifacio Global City (where you can find some of the hottest night spots) to the east and Old Manila (where you can immerse in the old capital’s colonial history) to the west.

Comfy stay

After a busy day of touring the metro, you can take your rest at your choice from Lub d Makati’s 153 private rooms and ten shared rooms.

Indulge yourself in an air-conditioned private sanctuary in a Deluxe Room which comes with either a king-size bed or a two single beds, as well as an en-suite bathroom with toiletries and hair-dryer. Other amenities include: keycard system, TV, power outlet, safety box and complimentary coffee and tea.

Until July 31, 2022, you and a companion can enjoy a stay at a Deluxe King Room with complimentary breakfast and internet for just Php1,999.

Digital nomads can also use a Deluxe Room during the day (9am to 5pm) for remote work or for day trips in the city for just Php1,999.

Traveling with family or a small group of friends? A Barkada Room provides your group with an air-conditioned private retreat with a king-size bed or two single beds plus two single bunk beds, along with an en-suite bathroom. Other amenities include: safety box, TV, a mini-fridge and complimentary kettle and coffee.

If you’re traveling with a larger group of people you can opt for a Mixed Dorm Room which comes with eight bunk beds so you can enjoy time togather yet retreat into your private space, thanks to privacy curtains and reading lights. Other amenities include: shared bathroom with towels and toiletries, as well as a wardrobe with lockers.

Do more at The Space

Besides providing you with a space to rest your head for the night, Lub d also provides you with venues for other activities and to meet new friends. Its second floor houses The Space which has meeting rooms for conferences, a WiFi-equipped co-working space for remote work as well as common area where you can hang out and play games with fellow guests.

Taste global flavors with Pinoy flair

Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss the great eats that Lub d’s roodeck bar and restaurant, Essential goodness for Pilgrims, has in store for you.

You can have your meal at the deck where you can enjoy the amazing view of the Makati skyline…

…or you can enjoy your meal in the lush comfort of its posh interiors.

As Lub d’s Cluster General Manager Reycie Gutierrez puts it, the restaurant is guided by the philosophy of food being essential as the nourishment that fuels everyday lives and provides the feeling of satisfaction.

Helming the kitchen is Chef Jinggoy Fernando who translates this philosophy through an updated menu for the restaurant that introduces Filipino food to foreigners. His team achieves this by adding a Filipino twist to typically western dishes or ingredients.

This is also a great way to introduce Pinoys to new ways to enjoy old favorites, such as in the restaurant’s latest offerings:

Mushroom Chicharon. Crispy oyster mushrooms served with a tangy ranch sauce.

Nachos. House-made nacho chips with a side of fresh gracamole, pica de gallo and calamansi crema.

Garlic Bread. A new experience of spreading roasted garlic on buttered toast and sprinkling a bit of flaky salt for an explosion of flavor.

Bicol Express Wings. Chicken wings covered in a spicy coconut milk sauce served with charred lemon for a bit of zest with each bite.

Bistek Tagalog Sliders. Grilled 100% beef patties with calamansi mayo and topped with caramelized onions and local cheese in fluffy toasted buns.

Soft Shell Crab Palabok. Thin rice noodles covered with palabok sauce and topped with a soft shell crab, served with a charred lemon for zest.

Sisig Fried Rice. A variation of the Pinoy staple sinangag (garlic fried rice) mixed with house-made sisig (chopped pork cheeks sauteed in chilis and onions), topped with scrambled egg.

Salted Egg Tostada. House-made crispy flat tortilla topped with bits of salted egg and cucumber salad with citrus dressing.

Corned Crispy Pata. Brined pork trotters which are deep-fried then served with soy vinegar dipping sauce.

Desserts include Pandan Cheesecake with mango coulis and Tres Leches Bread Pudding with vanilla sauce.

Refreshing drinks include house-made Four Seasons and Iced Tea.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, make Lub d Makati one of your stops for a truly extraordinary and memorable adventure here in the metro. After all, you didn’t come for the normal, did you?

Lub D Makati is located at 7820 Makati Avenue, Brgy Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines.

For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85416358 or email contact.makati@lubd.com.

Know more about Lub D Makati at its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held here. Food items mentioned in this post were served free of charge to facilitate this feature.

Sangobion for Optimum Blood Health

Mommy, how are you feeling these days?

If your days continue to be super busy, you might be running yourself ragged. And that’s a no-no.

Being the person who takes care of other people in the household, you also have to take care of yourself. And taking care of your health is key to being able to fulfill what you set out to do for the fam.

You especially shouldn’t discount the effects of pagod (fatigue), hilo (dizziness) and putla (paleness) as these could be signs of Iron Deficiency Anemia.

This is the condition wherein blood does not produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to other parts of your body because of a lack of the mineral iron.

This happens when your body is unable to produce enough hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carry oxygen.

As a result, some exertions or physical activity can leave you feeling overly tired and out of breath.

Iron deficiency anemia is not something to be taken lightly, because, if left untreated, it can worsen and lead to more pressing health concerns such as:

Heart problems. Due to the lack of oxygen, your heart will need to pump more blood, making it beat more rapidly or irregularly. This could lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.
Pregnancy complications. Among expecting moms, iron deficiency anemia has been linked to premature births and low birth weights.

So mommy, do take care of yourself.

You can prevent iron deficiency anemia through a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods such as red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, green and leafy vegetables, dried fruit such as raisins, peas and iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.

Multivitamins + Minerals such as Sangobion Iron+ also helps in maintaining optimum blood health. It contains Ferrous Gluconate which increases hemoglobin levels, folic acid and copper for red blood cell production, Vitamin B12 for normal red blood cell formation and energy metabolism and Vitamin C for better iron absorption.

Iron Deficiency Anemia is not a condition that you can self-diagnose or self-medicate for so if you suspect that you may have it, consult your doctor asap, mommies.

For more information on Sangobion Iron+, visit its website or follow it on Facebook or Youtube.

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to facilitate this feature.

OPM artists pay tribute to the King of Rock ‘n Roll in time for ELVIS movie release

The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film, ELVIS is set to arrive on all digital music platforms this June 24, 2022 (Friday) via RCA Records/Sony Music.

Aside from the classic Presley cuts originally recorded by the rock superstar, the compilation will also feature previously released tracks by Doja Cat, Eminem, and Måneskin, as well as reimagined versions by Tame Impala, Jazmine Sullivan, Swae Lee & Diplo, Kacey Musgraves, and more.

Austin Butler, the American actor who plays the titular role, contributes four tracks in the soundtrack, including “Trouble,” a remake of Presley’s bluesy 1958 smash.
Other prominent songs highlighted in the OST include Måneskin’s version of Elvis Presley ’s “If I Can Dream,” Eminem and CeeLo Green’s collaborative track “The King and I,” Swae Lee and Diplo’s recently dropped tune “Tupelo Shuffle,” and Doja Cat’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “Vegas,” whose extravagant and colorful visuals earned widespread acclaim from critics and fans.

ELVIS is an epic, big-screen spectacle from visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks).

The soundtrack features Elvis’s extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, 60s and 70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today.

Complete track list:

Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) – Elvis Presley
Also Sprach Zarathustra/American Trilogy – Elvis Presley
Vegas – Doja Cat
The King and I – Eminem & CeeLo Green
Tupelo Shuffle – Swae Lee & Diplo
I Got A Feelin’ In My Body – Elvis Presley and Stuart Price
Craw-Fever – Elvis Presley
Don’t Fly Away (PNAU Remix) – Elvis Presley & PNAU
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kacey Musgraves
Product of the Ghetto – Nardo Wick
If I Can Dream – Måneskin
Cotton Candy Land – Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
Baby, Let’s Play House – Austin Butler
I’m Coming Home (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
Hound Dog – Shonka Dukureh
Tutti Frutti – Les Greene
Strange Things Are Happening Every Day – Yola
Hound Dog – Austin Butler
Let It All Hang Out – Denzel Curry
Trouble – Austin Butler
I Got A Feelin’ In My Body – Lenesha Randolph
Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) – Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
Summer Kisses/In My Body – Elvis Presley
’68 Comeback Special (Medley) – Elvis Presley
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child – Jazmine Sullivan
If I Can Dream – Elvis Presley
Any Day Now – Elvis Presley
Power of My Love – Elvis Presley & Jack White
Vegas Rehearsal/That’s All Right – Austin Butler & Elvis Presley
Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
Burning Love (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
It’s Only Love – Elvis Presley
Suspicious Minds – Paravi
In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) – Elvis Presley & Nardo Wick
Unchained Melody – Elvis Presley

The ELVIS biopic recently opened in Philippine cinemas last June 22, 2022.

To promote Baz Luhrmann’s “ELVIS” movie and the “ELVIS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” to the Filipino audience, Sony Music Philippines, in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures and Ayala Malls, will be holding a mall show at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces on June 26 (Sunday). Dubbed ELVIS: Celebrating His Life Through Music and More, the music event will feature songs from the movie itself, as well as performances from some of the country’s top music acts: EJ De Perio, Jarlo Base, Mars Mango, and Nobody’s Home.

Click here to pre-save ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

Homemade goodness from Baba’s Kitchen

Want to jazz up your mealtimes without slaving all day in the kitchen? Or have tasty munchables ready whenever you get hungry for a midnight snack or get in the mood for a Tv binge?

Well, you won’t have to do hard kitchen labor because you can get your hunger pangs and cravings catered to by Baba’s Kitchen!

Yep, my cooler bag from Baba’s Kitchen is chock-full of tasty homemade goodies that opens up a world of wonderful gustatory possibilities.

I’ll tell you more about these but first, let’s check out the bag’s contents.

These include ready-to-cook viands such as Breakfast Patties, Spanish Chorizo and Wagyu Tapa, snackable dips such as the sweet and spicy Mango Jalapeno, the tasty Garlic & Herb and Chicken Rum Pate, the highly snackable Beachcoast Crisps: Cranberry Edition, as well condiments such Baba’s BBQ Sauce and Baba’s Spicy Bitchin’ Sauce.

With so little time for food prep after a hectic workday, I had to get a bit more creative when coming up with a dinner that the kids will get excited for.

So, I whipped up a batch of Cheesy Peppery Burgers using Baba’s Kitchen’s Burger Patties!

We paired our meal with some crackers, Baba’s Kitchen’s Beachcoast Crisps and Baba’s Kitchen’s dips!

With much of the prep work of the meal already done by Baba’s Kitchen, I had more time to enjoy dinner time with the kids!

This meal-in-minutes sure seems like a resounding success, wouldn’t you say?

UPDATE:

I also whipped up a quick lunch for the family: Tapsilog using Baba’s Kitchen’s Wagyu Tapa!

So, now, what can I whip up with the other items from Baba’s Kitchen? Use the Spanish Chorizos for some Deviled Eggs? Use the BBQ Sauce as a Chicken Teriyaki Marinade? Let me know if you have more ideas.

If you want to have more fun mealtimes with the fam while feasting on great food (with little effort!), check out Baba’s Kitchen!

Order now from Baba’s Kitchen’s website. To stay updated on Baba’s Kitchen’s products and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Paella Valencia from Mom & Tina’s

Which dish that, when added to your spread, automatically levels up your home celebration?

For me, it’s the paella.

It’s one the dishes brought over from Spain during our colonial days and it has since found its place in our local cuisine. It combines the use of rice (our staple food), seafood (which we have in abundance) and chicken (which makes it a complete and filling meal in itself).

Paella’s origins can be traced back to Valencia in Spain, and is widely considered as one of the regions cultural symbols. It takes its name from the wide and shallow pan traditionally used to cook it.

Local bakery cafe Mom & Tina’s also makes traditional homecooked dishes which also includes paella.

Its version of Paella Valencia has the same basic ingredients: rice, mussels, shrimp and chicken, which are sauteed in olive oil with garlic, tomatoes and chorizo. Squeezing some lemon juice into the cooked paella right before eating adds a zing of citrusy freshness to the dish.

For my fifteenth wedding anniversary celebration at home, I decided to pair it with my version of the Cheesy Baked Salmon, which resulted in a winning combination!

The briny and acidic tones from the paella perfectly complemented the rich taste of the baked salmon.

Well, this combo will definitely be included in my home celebrations from now on!

This Mom & Tina’s branch is located at FRDC Building, 106 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (C5), Bgy. Ugong, Pasig City. It is open daily for dine-in, takeout or delivery from 9am to 9pm. For reservations, orders and inquiries, call +63 2 85711541 or +63 999 8850092.

Other branches are found at:

Tropical Palms Condominium, 103 De la Rosa St., corner Perea St., Legazpi Village, Makati City
Across ABS-CBN, 58 Sgt. Esguerra Ave., South Triangle, Quezon City

Check out my previous posts about Mom & Tina’s:

Mom & Tina's Greenhills — Mom & Tina’s Greenhills

Classic Chinese Meal at EmERALD Restaurant

Where do you go for authentic Chinese food when you’re in the Manila-Pasay area?

Well, Hubby recently introduced our family to EmERALD Restaurant, situated along the historic Roxas Boulevard.

It’s one of those no-frills kind of Chinese eateries where occasions such as baptisms, weddings or graduation parties of loyal patrons are celebrated amidst a feast consisting of the fam’s favorite Chinese food.

From its round tables with their corresponding Lazy Susan turntables to help distribute the wide array of dishes served family style, to the frenetic energy as wait staff quickly serve EmERALD Restaurant’s signature dishes to their waiting diners, everything about this place is quite characteristic of much-loved, old-timey Chinese joints that we visited with our parents when we were kids.

During our family’s visit at this restaurant, our brood enjoyed a delicious and bountiful lunch which consisted of:

Spinach with Garlic (Php320 small | Php480 medium | Php1,020 large). A side dish made of spinach stir-fried with garlic.

Seafood Polonchay Soup (Php360 small | Php540 medium | Php1,080 large. Thick egg-drop soup made with spinach and seafood.

Three Kinds of Cold Cuts (Php350 small | Php525 medium | Php1,050 large). Platter of Chinese-style cold cuts which include asado (flavored with soy sauce, five-spice and sugar), century egg and seaweed.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php320 small | Php480 medium | Php960 large). A popular wok fried rice made with pork, shrimp, scrambled eggs, peas as well as chopped scallions and carrots.

Beef with Broccoli (Php450 small | Php675 medium | Php1350 large). Beef strips stir-fried with garlic, ginger and brocolli.

Lemon Chicken (Php380 small | Php570 medium | Php1,140 large). Battered and deep-fried chicken pieces and served with a thick and sweet lemon-flavored sauce for dipping or coating.

Spare Ribs with Salt & Pepper (Php380 small | Php570 medium | Php1140 large). Marinated and deep-fried pieces of pork spare ribs seasoned with salt and pepper.

Camaron Rebusado (Php450 small | Php675 medium | Php1,350 large). Battered and deep-fried shrimp served with sweet sauce.

Shakes (Php150). Icy shakes made with milk and fresh fruit.

What I love about eating at an old-timey Chinese restaurant is the layering of flavors, from the soup and sides to the mix and match of dishes in each bite. Also, given the family-style of food serving, it was a great way to introduce our kids to dishes that are new or unfamiliar to them.

Considering how many viands we ordered, I was initially doubtful if we could fully consume our spread. However, it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried at all because the fam finished off the meal with hardly any leftovers.

EmERALD Restaurant is located at Ground Floor, Gedisco Terrace, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, open daily for dine-in and pick up from 6am to 9pm. For reservations and orders, call +63 2 70918137, +63 915 7073167 or +63 968 6009827.

To know more about EmERALD Restaurant, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Great Reads for Working Moms

We working moms have quite a lot on our plate, don’t we?

Juggling our myriad of responsibilities at work and at home does not leave us with so much free time for some well-deserved rest, much less for reading.

However, we should always make the effort to improve ourselves, especially in how we manage our careers and our family life, and taking in well-formulated advice from the experts will surely help us in being more effective in both important spheres in our lives.

So check out these books and see what insights they can impart to your work and parenting styles.

Books for Rocking It at Work

Bring Your Human to Work by Erica Keswin

Since the start of our careers, we have been taught to maintain a clear separation between our work and our personal lives.

Workplace strategist and business coach Erica Keswin debunks this myth by emphasizing the importance of relationships in the workplace and citing examples of leaders who embody human qualities of authenticity, openness and empathy, who still manage to be successful in their respective fields.

Bring Your Human to Work shows us how to break away from our idea of a cold and impersonal work environment and instead foster a sense of joy and loyalty to the workplace.

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Kick Some Glass: 10 Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms by Jennifer Martineau and Portia Mount

It’s one of the most dreaded concepts for many career women: the glass ceiling. Its the concept that, despite all your natural talent, all the skills that you’ve developed and all the work you have done and will ever do, you can only go so far in your career.

In Kick Some Glass, authors Jennifer Martineau and Portia Mount dissects the barriers that women face during their climb up the corporate ladder -from both past and present perspectives as well as external and internal orientations – to enable budding women leaders to break through and make their mark in their fields.

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Don’t Pay for Your MBA: The Faster, Cheaper, Better Way to Get the Business Education You Need by Laurie Pickard

Sometimes, in the corporate world, having an MBA can open a lot of doors and move a lot of careers forward.

However, getting your graduate business degree can be a very expensive endeavor.

Businesswoman Laurie Pickard enjoins readers of Don’t Pay for Your MBA to skip this costly step and instead shares practical advice on how to take advantage of online education to obtain the knowledge they need to get ahead.

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Cowgirl Power: How to Kick Ass in Business and Life by Gail Gaddis

For many women, getting ahead in the workplace can be a very daunting task.

However, advertising CEO Gay Gaddis takes inspiration from other trailblazing women, risk takers who developed their power through knowledge, hard work, excellence and good will, and owned their power to face their challenges as leaders in their families, workplace and communities.

She also shares her own experiences and recommends an action plan for more women to attain that same Cowgirl Power and showcase their mettle in both their work and personal lives.

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Glambition: Knocking Down Walls in Heels by Dee Rivera

It’s an uncomfortable truth that women tend to settle at work: they accept responsibilities that are not exciting for them or acquiesce to situations that may not be to their advantage. Glambition author and entrepreneur Dee Rivera refers to this behavior of settling for less than what you’re worth as “shrinking to fit.”

In her book, Rivera shares her personal journey towards self-empowerment as well as real-world advice in order to achieve this.

The book also contains real-life testimonies of women leaders to serve as examples for women int heir journey towards self-confidence and competency.

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Lunching with Lions: Strategies for the Networking-Averse by Katherine McGraw Patterson

There are times in business wherein success is not so much a matter of what you know but of who you know.

Networking – interacting with others to exchange information or to form connections with people who can help in your profession – is one of the most hated business activities.

Author Katherine McGraw Patterson puts this down to people not being taught how to network. To remedy this, she shares a Four-Step Beginner’s Guide for the Networking-Averse that will help professionals learn to love and harness the power of networking, and not feel like they are, she calls it, Lunching with Lions.

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Books for Rocking it at Home

The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassion and Connected Children by Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer

We hear it more and more these days: if you can be anything, start by being kind.

More and more, the calls for unity, respect and compassion in our daily lives is growing while research shows that being connected and engaged socially are keys to successful and fulfilling lives.

Authors Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer recognize that equipping children with the skills they need to have a positive in the world starts at home. In their book, they outline ways to guide children towards the value of kindness as well as share stories of people who achieved fulfillment through living The Kindness Advantage.

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You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget by Erin Odom

As a working mom, you may find much fulfillment in your career. However, you might also be considering leaving the corporate world in order to be more present in your kids’ lives.

The Humbled Homemaker Erin Odom sheds some light on how You Can Stay Home with Your Kids by dispelling fears on being able to give your children while living on a single income. This may involve sticking to a budget, getting some side hustles, being creative on how to enrich and supplement your kids lives and connect with your spouse without breaking the bank, and more.

For career women who want get out of the rat race and into a more family-centered existence, this is an essential read.

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Understanding your Child’s and Teen’s Behavior: Simple Steps and Resources to Guide You Through the Journey by Angie Rumaldo

Adolescence is a rite of passage. For children, it is a time to test their boundaries. For us parents, it is a time to guide them towards being responsible and productive adults.

However, the period of your child’s adolescence is rife with struggle and misunderstanding.

Licensed clinical psychologist and psychiatric nurse practitioner Dr. Angie Rumaldo presents readers with a series of action plans to help correct common behavioral problems and sheds light on typical issues that children face at different phases in their growth and development.

With Dr. Rumaldo’s groundbreaking resource, you will have the essential help you need in Understanding Your Child’s and Teen’s Behavior.

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Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose and Performance in Younger Generations by Mark C. Perna

As parents, we may be at our wits’ end in trying to bring out the best in our kids and preparing them to become productive members of society.

However, this Why Generation is inundated with a lot of challenges: from the gap between the skills they developed over the years through their education and the ones that employers are actually looking for, their lack of knowledge on the rewarding career opportunities they can take or their disengagement from the modes of learning available to them.

Mark C. Perna illustrates how Answering Why can help engage, motivate and inspire the younger generation to achieve.

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Enjoy reading with Kindle

With a wealth of enriching and informative books waiting for you, I’m sure you’re raring to get into reading them. However, if you are concerned about the space you will need to store your growing library, or being able to bring your books wherever you go, getting a Kindle just may be the perfect solution for you.

Kindle is a line of portable and wireless electronic reading devices (e-readers) produced by online retailer Amazon.com. They make use of a display technology called electronic paper which produces a sharp screen image that resembles text printed on paper, ensuring an easy and comfortable read.

It is advisable to have a Kindle, specifically for reading, instead of relying on your other personal mobile devices because:

It is purpose-built for reading with a glare-free display that reads real paper, even in direct sunlight. You can also adjust its brightness to let you read comfortably – indoors and outdoors, day and night.

A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours.

You get less distractions as you can highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.

Ready to get this new nifty reading device for yourself. Check out your various options below!

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals

Ready to shop for your books and Kindle devices? The good news is that you can enjoy great discounts on your Amazon.com purchases during Amazon Prime Day!

On July 12 and 13, 2022, Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
and more!

Header photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers McGraw-Hill Education, HarperCollins Leadership, CenterStreet, Two Chickens Press, HCI Books, Zondervan GIFT and BooksGoSocial for the advanced copies of the books mentioned here.

This post contains affiliate links.

Sweet dads deserve sweet chocolatey treats from Red Ribbon this Father’s Day

Hey, Daddy, we appreciate how hard you work for the family.

We know that you may have some late nights in the office, a lot of handyman tasks at home and, even take over some of our chores when we moms are too tired or busy.

We know that these various labors that you take on are just some of the sweet ways that you show your love.

So for Father’s Day, we are also giving you two especially sweet treats from Red Ribbon!

As our #BestDadEver, you get to pair a slice of Red Ribbon’s Triple Chocolate Roll – savoring its moist chocolate chiffon cake roll covered with a rich milk chocolate icing – with your morning cuppa joe. Taking your coffee break with this chocolatey treat is a welcome respite from all your work.

After indulging in your Father’s Day Feast, you know that there’s always room for dessert! You can indulge yourself with a decadent slice of Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Mousse. Sink your teeth into a rich chocolate pound cake covered by a delicious chocolate mouse and topped with Red Ribbon’s signature cream and chocolate chips.

You deserve all these sweetness and more, sweet Daddy! Happy Fathers Day!

Aside to Momshies: don’t let Father’s Day pass you by without giving the man of the house a sweet treat.

Order today at your nearest Red Ribbon store, or through the Red Ribbon app, the Red Ribbon delivery website, Red Ribbon on Facebook Messenger, or by calling the #87777 hotline. You may also place your order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Red Ribbon:

Red Ribbon, Lucky Gold Plaza — Sweet snacktimes with Red Ribbon Bakeshop

Red Ribbon Coffee Caramel Crunch — SweetDelight: Red Ribbon’s Caramel Crunch Cake is back!

Shop for amazing new kitchenware on #AmazonPrimeDay

Did you use to have all these exciting plans of preparing fantastic meals at home but get bogged down by old-fashioned or obsolete kitchenware?

Are you planning to remodel and revamp your kitchen into a place where you can let your creative culinary juices flow?

Then you should start shopping for new and modern kitchen appliances soon. And there’s no better time to shop than on Amazon Prime Day.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

On July 12 and 13, 2022, e-commerce giant Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

Whether you’re considering a minor kitchen upgrade or gunning for a major overhaul, shopping on Amazon Prime Day will let you score a haul that will make you excited to work in your kitchen!

Add these must-have kitchen appliances to your cart in preparation for the big sale:

Induction Cooktops

These are a type of electric cooktops which use electromagnetic waves to heat the cookware, as opposed to gas or or other electric stoves which conduct heat to the cookware. Induction cooktops have faster boiling times as well as precise temperature control, and are very easy to clean.

NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop

Ceramic Tempered Glass Induction Cooktop
Simple Electronic Plug-in Flameless Burner Design
(2) Circular Top Panel Heating Zones
Independent Configurable Temperature Zone Setting
High-Powered Heating Elements
Quickly Heats for Instant Food Prep
Safety Certified & Approved

Shop Now

AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooker

Silver edge and black polished crystal glass surface
Two independent heating zones
Power Mode and Temperature Mode
Comes with a countdown digital timer
Compatible with cast iron, iron, enameled iron, stainless steel manufactured with a magnetic bottom

Shop Now

Espresso Machines

If you ever dreamed of enjoying a freshly brewed cuppa – just like what you would get from a cafe barista – right in the comforts of home, an espresso machine may be just what you need.

Espresso machines brew coffee by forcing pressurized, nearly-boiling water through ground coffee and a filter to produce a thick and concentrated coffee called espresso.

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Beverages: Espresso, Hot water, Coffee, Americano, Espresso Lungo
User Interface: Touch screen display
Milk Solution: Classic Milk Frother
Product dimensions: 246x371x433 mm
3 Aroma Strength Settings
12 Grinder Settings
3 Temperature settings

Shop Now

Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine

Bean-To-Brew.
Single Serving.
No Pods. No Waste.
German Technology.
Compact Size: 7” (H) 12.4” (L) 15.6”

SHOP Now

Kitchen Mixers

As appliances that grind, beat, stir and whip food, kitchen mixers have made the process of preparing dishes and culinary creations so much easier for many home cooks.

If you’re planning to try your hand at baking breads or making mousses and meringues, a higher-powered stand mixer will prove to be your best friend.

Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt.

3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl
Flex Edge Beater
Coated Dough Hook
6-Wire Whip

SHOP Now

DOBBOR 9.5QT Stand Mixer

9.5-quart large capacity to meet the daily use of the family which can up to 10 people.
660W power of planetary mixing system to evenly mix the ingredients in the bowl with low noise (＜40dB).
Tilt-head design helps the kitchen electric stand mixer to lift its head smoothly.
Five silicone suction cups on the bottom to keep it secure to your countertop with no moving.

SHOP Now

Multi-Cookers

Do you recall the times when home cooks used to slave all day in the kitchen, using various pots, pans and cooking equipment just to produce one complicated dish?

Multi-cookers do away with all of that with its ability to boil, simmer, bake, fry, grill roast, stew or steam food, all in the same device!

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker

Easy to use, easy to clean, fast, versatile, and convenient
Functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker & warmer
With 13 built-in smart programs

SHOP Now

MasterChef Electric 10 in 1 Multifunctional Cooker

Combines many kitchen appliances in one
Has a range of 10 smart cooking programs
Energy saving

SHOP Now

Air Fryers

Healthy eating is becoming a way of life for many of us and one way to do so is by reducing our use of oil in our cooking.

Air fryers help us achieve this by simulating deep-frying without submerging the food in oil. Hot air is circulated within the device at high speeds, resulting in crispiness that you usually get from deep-frying, but with much less oil.

COSORI Air Fryer 6.8 Qt

Patented 360 ThermoIQ Technology
Customize and save 10 cooking functions with your preferred time and temperature
Free VeSync app lets you control your air fryer remotely

SHOP Now

Chefavor Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo

Wide temperature range of 200°-450°F
The high-speed convection fans speed up cooking for a quick fried finish
Equipped with advanced over-heat protection for added safety
Watch your foods cook to crispy perfection with wide windows and an interior light
Includes wire rack, baking tray, air fry basket, removable crumb tray and tray handle

SHOP Now

Smokeless Grill and Hotpot

We’ve all fallen in love with Korean barbecue, but can you imagine the sheer gastronomic pleasure of enjoying your freshly grilled meats while slurping on freshly made soup from a Chinese-style hotpot, right at your dining table?

That’s what a smokeless grill and hotpot can do. With this gadget in your arsenal, an Asian-style food party can be done in a jiffy.

Food Party 2 in 1 Electric Smokeless Grill and Hot Pot

Fast and Even Heating Technology
Easy to Clean
Multi-functional cooker

SHOP Now

4YANG Hot Pot with Grill

Multi-function Hot Pot
Independent Dual Temperature Control
8-seconds rapid heating
Smokeless and safe

SHOP Now

So, are you now excited for Amazon Prime Day? Be sure to mark July 12 and 13 on your calendars!

Not yet an Amazon Prime member?

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
and more!

Now, how to get your goodies home…

You might be getting worried about how much your Amazon Prime Day haul will set you back when it comes to shipping.

One way to minimize your shipping costs is by consolidating your packages via ShippingCart. It allows you to have your orders from e-commerce sites based in the US, UK, Australia and Japan delivered to a single shipping address in those countries where they are consolidated, then carefully packed into one parcel before shipping to your home address in the Philippines.

This also means that you can also purchase items that are not eligible for shipping to the Philippines!

Know more about ShippingCart and sign up for the service here. Indicate the US address provided by ShippingCart when you checkout your purchases on Amazon.com. Plus, use my code JELLYB to enjoy 15% off when you ship your consolidated parcels. (Discount will apply to first-time Shipping Cart users only. Code is valid until December 31, 2022.)

Happy shopping!

This post contains affiliate links.

Header photo by pvproductions – www.freepik.com

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Taste global flavors with Pinoy flair

Books for Rocking It at Work

Bring Your Human to Work by Erica Keswin

Kick Some Glass: 10 Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms by Jennifer Martineau and Portia Mount

Don’t Pay for Your MBA: The Faster, Cheaper, Better Way to Get the Business Education You Need by Laurie Pickard

Cowgirl Power: How to Kick Ass in Business and Life by Gail Gaddis

Glambition: Knocking Down Walls in Heels by Dee Rivera

Lunching with Lions: Strategies for the Networking-Averse by Katherine McGraw Patterson

Books for Rocking it at Home

The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassion and Connected Children by Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer

You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget by Erin Odom

Understanding your Child’s and Teen’s Behavior: Simple Steps and Resources to Guide You Through the Journey by Angie Rumaldo

Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose and Performance in Younger Generations by Mark C. Perna

Enjoy reading with Kindle

Kindle

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

Kindle Oasis

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Induction Cooktops

NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop

AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooker

Espresso Machines

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine

Kitchen Mixers

Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt.

DOBBOR 9.5QT Stand Mixer

Multi-Cookers

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker

MasterChef Electric 10 in 1 Multifunctional Cooker

Air Fryers

COSORI Air Fryer 6.8 Qt

Chefavor Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo

Smokeless Grill and Hotpot

Food Party 2 in 1 Electric Smokeless Grill and Hot Pot

4YANG Hot Pot with Grill

Not yet an Amazon Prime member?

Now, how to get your goodies home…