Warner Bros. Discovery takes flight at San Diego Comic Con

See you in San Diego! Warner Bros. Discovery takes flight at Comic-Con® 2022, as the combined divisions of the company are joining forces to mark the first in-person presence in three years at the world’s premier comic book and popular arts convention. We’re back with a vengeance to present a series of can’t-miss panels, behind-the-scenes conversations, activations, and more to celebrate new and fan-favorite live-action and animated television series, movies, comics, and games from Thursday, July 21, through Sunday, July 24.

Fans can expect to see a panel for the HBO Original Series House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones. Warner Bros. Television returns to Hall H with a panel for the highly anticipated new drama The Sandman, based on Neil Gaiman’s legendary DC comic, as well as the last-ever panel for the hit drama series Riverdale. DC activities include a must-see panel with Jim Lee and friends, deep dives into Dark Crisis and comics set in Gotham City and across the DC Multiverse, and a conversation between Tom Taylor & Tom King. Warner Bros. Games will take fans inside the Gotham Knights and MultiVersus video games. And that’s NOT all, folks!Warner Bros. Animation will unveil a first look at three series from the Looney Tunes Loon-iverse and answer burning questions about Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai. Fans can also test exactly how much they know about their favorite kids and family series on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. Don’t forget a panel with Sesame Workshop’s featured and furry friends behind Cartoonito’s newest preschool series Sesame Street Mecha Builders and other favorite Muppets in the Sesameverse. Plus, Adult Swim will present panels for SMILING FRIENDS, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, Rick and Morty digital spinoff series The Vindicators, and Tuca & Bertie, and the TNets will give fans a ringside view of the AEW (All Elite Wrestling) franchise. HBO Max will also present a special advance screening of the first two episodes of the new season of acclaimed adult animated comedy Harley Quinn, andWarner Bros. Home Entertainment will host the world premiere of the original movie Green Lantern: Beware My Power.

And stay tuned for additional panels from Warner Bros. Pictures to be announced.

For the 11th year, Warner Bros. will once again serve as the sponsor of the official Comic-Con 2022 bag. Jim Lee, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer of DC, has created two designs for this year’s must-have collectible swag holder, featuring more than 50 characters from across the DC Multiverse. Each bag will also feature two QR codes which will unlock special surprises for fans beginning Thursday, July 21. More than 160,000 bags have been produced for Comic-Con, and fans can claim theirs when checking in at the convention, while supplies last. I.D. Me Promotions handled physical production of the bags for the Studio.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s Comic-Con 2022 highlights include:

  • HBO will unveil the highly anticipated original series House of the Dragon, set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, with a panel in Hall H.
  • Warner Bros. Television returns to Hall H with panels for The Sandman and Riverdale. Stars and producers of The Sandman will treat fans to a special presentation followed by a Q&A. The cast and producers of Riverdale make their final Comic-Con appearance to discuss the mysteries of season six and what is to come in the seventh and final season.
  • DC fans will learn more about the Super Heroes, Anti-Heroes and Super-Villains of Gotham City, take a deep dive into all things DC with Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee, experience a Dark Crisis event 30 years in the making, join writers Tom Taylor & Tom King for a conversation,and get insider info from top creators behind the DC Multiverse.
  • Warner Bros. Games gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the Gotham Knights and MultiVersus video games with the cast and creators.
  • Cartoon Network and HBO Max will treat attendees to fun, interactive experiences during a kids and family multi-show panel.Learn more about Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwaifrom the cast and executive producers, go inside the making of Cartoonito’s Sesame Street Mecha Builders, get the latest from the Looney Tunes Loon-iverse, including Looney Tunes Cartoons, new series Bugs Bunny Builders, and the upcoming Tiny Toons Looniversity.
  • Adult Swim presents panels for SMILING FRIENDS, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, Rick and Morty digital spinoff series The Vindicators, and Tuca & Bertie.
  • The TNets bring you a conversation with some of the biggest stars of TBS’ AEW: Dynamite and TNT’s AEW: Rampage — the wildly popular wrestling promotion.
  • HBO Max will present a special advance screening of the acclaimed DC adult animated comedy Harley Quinn. Fans will learn what’s in store for Harlivy with an early look at the first two episodes of the third season.
  • And Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents the world premiere of the DC Universe original movie Green Lantern: Beware My Power, followed by a conversation with the cast and filmmakers.

HELLO, HALL H!

HBO will present a panel for House of the Dragon. Based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, the HBO Original series is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen. Created by George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal, with Condal and Miguel Sapochnik serving as showrunners, House of the Dragon debuts August 21 on HBO and HBO Max / August 22 on HBO GO. Panel specifics are forthcoming. 

Warner Bros. Television panels include:

The Sandman Special Video Presentation and Q&A: Prepare to enter the Dreaming as the live-action adaptation of Neil’s Gaiman’s beloved DC comic series arrives in Hall H of San Diego Comic-Con. There is another world that awaits us when we close our eyes and sleep — a place called the Dreaming, where The Sandman, Master of Dreams (Tom Sturridge), gives shape to our deepest fears and fantasies. But when Dream is unexpectedly captured and held prisoner for a century, his absence sets off a series of events that will change both the dreaming and waking worlds forever. The Sandman is a rich, character-driven blend of myth and dark fantasy woven together over the course of 10 epic chapters following Dream’s many adventures. Be among the first to find out what’s in store for the groundbreaking series, as well as some Comic-Con exclusives and surprises. Join us for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. From Warner Bros. Television and based on the DC comic, season one of The Sandman debuts August 5 on Netflix. For more information, follow the show at TheSandman.com. 

Riverdale Special Video Presentation and Q&A –– In a season full of super abilities, mind control and Percival Pickens, the citizens of Riverdale are facing their toughest conflict yet — the apocalypse. Riverdale returns to San Diego for its fifth and final appearance at Comic-Con, once again in Hall H, to discuss the new mysteries of season six and what fans can look forward to in the epic season six finale showdown between the characters everyone loves and the town’s most dangerous villain yet. Based on the characters from Archie Comics and produced by Berlanti Productions (The Flash, Superman & Lois) in association with Warner Bros. Television, this one-hour drama is a bold, subversive take on the surreality of small-town life. Join us for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. Season six of Riverdaleairs on Sundays at 8/7c on The CW. Follow the show on Twitter at @CW_Riverdale and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CWRiverdale. 

LIGHTS, CAMERA, COMICS!

DC will present the following five panels:

Jim Lee and Friends — Join world-renowned comic book artist and DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee in this can’t-miss panel featuring some of his comic book colleagues to talk with them about some of the top-secret comic books coming from DC! Special guests and surprises galore!

Gotham — In a town like Gotham City, it takes the bravest Super Heroes to keep the city safe from some of the worst villains in crime. Don’t miss this panel that dives deep into some of the heroes, anti-heroes and super-villains that make Gotham the wildest city in all of comics! DC Executive Editor Ben Abernathy will moderate a discussion with Ram V (Detective Comics),  Sean Gordon Murphy (Batman: Beyond the White Knight), Tini Howard (Catwoman), Jock (Batman: One Dark Knight) and more.

Dark Crisis — The epic event 30 years in the making is here! Don’t miss out on hearing from the key members of talent behind Dark Crisis, Dark Crisis: Young Justice, The Flash, and Worlds Without a Justice League, including Joshua Williamson, Daniel Sampere, Meghan Fitzmartin, Tom King and Jeremy Adams for exclusive details on what’s to come!

Tom Taylor & Tom King in Conversation — 2022 Eisner Award Nominees Tom King & Tom Taylor are kicking off San Diego Comic-Con together by discussing writing Nightwing, The Human Target, Supergirl: World of Tomorrow and Superman: Son of Kal-El, and what’s in store for the future. A few surprise guests will be stopping by.

Comics Are Fun for Everyone —No matter if you are a casual fan, a YA fan, completely new to comics or a weekly warrior, comics are meant to be fun and for everyone! We’ll be highlighting comics and graphic novels from across the DC Multiverse, as well as animation and more in this fun-filled panel. DC Senior Editor Katie Kubert will be joined by Daniel Warren Johnson & Juan Gedeon (Jurassic League), Kami Garcia (Constantine: Distorted Illusions),Becky Cloonan & Michael Conrad (Batgirls) and more!

For the latest information on DC, visit the DC website at www.dccomics.com and follow @DCComics and @thedcnation on social media.

GAME TIME

Warner Bros. Games will present:

A Look Inside the Making of the Gotham Knights Game — Step into the Knight with the Gotham Knights videogame team as they discuss the upcoming open-world action RPG. With an original story set in DC’s Batman Universe, Gotham Knights showcases Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood and Robin, a new guard of trained DC Super Heroes who must rise up as the protectors of Gotham City in the wake of Batman’s death. Get a deep dive into the game with panelists Patrick Redding (Creative Director, Warner Bros. Games Montréal), Ann Lemay (Narrative Director, Warner Bros. Games Montréal), Wilson Mui (Cinematic Director, Warner Bros. Games Montréal), along with actors America Young (Barbie) as Batgirl and Christopher Sean (You, Star Wars Resistance) as Nightwing. Gotham Knights is scheduled to release worldwide on Oct. 25, 2022, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. To learn more about Gotham Knights, visit GothamKnightsGame.com or connect with us online via Twitter (@GothamKnights), YouTube (GothamKnights), Instagram (@GothamKnights), Facebook (GothamKnights) and Discord (GothamKnights).

Making a Mash-Up: MultiVersus — Get a behind-the-scenes look at MultiVersus, the all-new free-to-play platform fighter videogame featuring an ever-expanding cast of beloved heroes and personalities, from Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn (DC) to Shaggy (Scooby-Doo), Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes), Arya Stark (Game of Thrones) and many others. MultiVersus introduces a team-based 2 vs. 2 format with fun-filled multiplayer bouts set against the backdrop of various reimagined environments from the characters’ legendary worlds, including Batman’s Batcave (DC), Jake and Finn’s Tree Fort (Adventure Time), Scooby’s Haunted Mansion (Scooby-Doo) and much more. See and hear new details about the game from panelists Tony Huynh, the Co-Founder of Player First Games and Game Director for MultiVersus,and Sheloman Byrd, Executive Producer, Warner Bros. Games, along with MultiVersus actors Matthew Lillard (Scooby-Doo), voice of Shaggy, and Tara Strong (My Little Pony, Teen Titans Go!), voice of Harley Quinn. The MultiVersus Open Beta will be available July 2022 on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles and PC with full cross-play support. For additional information about MultiVersus, visit MultiVersus.com or join the community conversation on Twitter (@MultiVersus), YouTube (MultiVersus), Instagram (MultiVersusGame), Facebook (MultiVersus) and Discord (MultiVersus).

TOON IN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Cartoon Network and HBO Max kids and family highlights include:

That’s NOT All, Folks! Looney Tunes for Everyone! —Don’t forget that left turn at Albuquerque on your way to the Looniest panel at San Diego Comic-Con! Take a look at all the latest from the Looney Tunes Loon-iverse, including the new season of Looney Tunes Cartoons, new series Bugs Bunny Builders, the upcoming Tiny Toons Looniversity and bonus surprises! Join Eric Bauza (voice of Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Daffy Duck and more) as he moderates an all-star panel with Alex Kirwan (Supervising Producer, Looney Tunes Cartoons), Abe Audish (Supervising Producer, Bugs Bunny Builders), Nate Cash and Erin Gibson (Co-Executive Producers of Tiny Toons Looniversity), and more surprise guests! Stick around for sneak peeks, giveaways, and looney games! Looney Tunes Cartoons and Bugs Bunny Builders are produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Tiny Toons Looniversity is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation.

Cartoon Network: Winner Takes All —Cartoon Network fans come on down! Be the first in line to test your knowledge on all things Cartoon Network! This multi-show panel will determine which panelists (and audience members!) are the most discerning fans as they are quizzed on their favorite series for a chance to unlock first looks, sneak peeks, and more inside scoop! Play along with the casts and crew of Craig of the Creek (Philip Solomon, voice of Craig; Najja Porter, supervising director; Dashawn Mahone, supervising director), Teen Titans Go! (Pete Michail, executive producer; Tara Strong, voice of Raven; Khary Payton, voice of Cyborg), and We Baby Bears (Calvin Wong, showrunner; Connor Andrade, voice of Grizz; Amari McCoy, voice of Panda; Max Mitchell, voice of Ice Bear). Why settle for second? Come get your first look at everything Cartoon Network! Craig of the Creek and We Baby Bears are produced by Cartoon Network Studios. Teen Titans Go! is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.

The Origin Story You’ve Been Waiting For…Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai —Magic, mystery, mayhem, and Mogwai! Join the talented cast and crew of Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai as they answer your burning questions about the upcoming HBO Max animated prequel series. Executive producers Tze Chun and Brendan Hay join Tara Rueping (Art Director), Izaac Wang (voice of Sam), AJ LoCascio (voice of Gizmo), Gabrielle Neveah Green (voice of Elle), and more surprise guests to unveil the first clues to unlocking the secrets of the Mogwai that will leave you hungry for adventure (just don’t eat after midnight!). Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation.

Sesame Street Mecha Builders —From feathered and furry friends to robo super-heroes-in-training, find out how the iconic Sesame Street Muppets got supersized into CGI animated characters for the newest series Sesame Street Mecha Builders. Join Olexa Hewryk, Frank Falcone, David Rudman, Ryan Dillon, and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as they discuss how Cookie Monster, Elmo and Abby Cadabby were re-imagined to expand the Sesameverse. The panel will be moderated by Alan Muraoka from Sesame Street.

LET’S GET ANIMATED

Adult Swim Highlights Include:

SMILING FRIENDS Discussion and Q&A — Join Michael Cusak and Zach Hadel, the creators behind the new Adult Swim Series SMILING FRIENDS, to find out what’s in store for Pim, Charlie and the rest of the company dedicated to bringing happiness to their bizarre yet colorful world.

Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal Season Two Discussion and Q&A — After winning five Emmy® Awards including Outstanding Animated Program, the second season of Genndy Tartakovksy’s Primal returns to Adult Swim. Join animation legend Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Star Wars: Clone Wars) and Art Director Scott Wills (The Ren & Stimpy Show, Samurai Jack) for a deep dive into the second season of the acclaimed animation adventure. Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

Rick and Morty: The Vindicators Screening and Q&A —Calling all Rick and Morty fans! Join Executive Producer Sarah Carbiener alongside Rick and Morty Producer Nick Rutherford for a first look at the Adult Swim digital series The Vindicators, based on breakout characters from Rick and Morty. Be the first to watch Supernova, Vance Maximus, Alan Rails, Crocubot and Noob Noob fight crime, avert genocides, and yuk it up without Rick and Morty.

Tuca & Bertie Season Three Discussion and Q&A —This summer is sure to sizzle with the highly anticipated return of Tuca & Bertie on Adult Swim! Creator and Executive Producer Lisa Hanawalt will join the series cast to dive into the upcoming third season of the Adult Swim animated comedy about colorful bird girl besties who navigate the ups and downs of adulting in life, love, and everything in between.

DYN-O-MITE

AEW: Heroes & Villains — Join some of the biggest stars of TBS’ AEW: Dynamite and TNT’s AEW: Rampage as they take the San Diego Comic-Con stage for the first time to give a ringside view of the wildly popular wrestling promotion. The Q&A will feature a conversation with AEW stars CM Punk, Jade Cargill, Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy and Bryan Danielson, and will be moderated by AEW commentator Excalibur. This discussion will dig into the heroes, villains, and championship quests through the eyes of the biggest names in wrestling. AEW: Dynamite airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TNT and attracts the youngest wrestling audience on television; the fight-forward show AEW: Rampage airs every Friday from 10-11 p.m. ET. Follow the fandom on Twitter and Instagram at @AEW and @AEWonTV.

KILLIN’ IT

Harley Quinn Season 3 Advance Screening (Episode 1 & 2) — The Eat. Bang! Kill Tour is rolling through San Diego for an early look at what’s in store for Harlivy. Join us for a special advance screening of the first two episodes of season three of Harley Quinn at San Diego Comic-Con before its summer premiere on HBO Max. Seats will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Harley Quinn is produced by Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions and Yes, Norman Productions in association with Warner Bros. Animation. To follow and learn more about Harley Quinn, follow the show on Instagram and Twitter at @dcharleyquinn and Facebook at www.facebook.com/dcharleyquinn.

GOING GREEN

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents:

Green Lantern: Beware My Power World Premiere and Panel —Warner Bros. Home Entertainment continues its annual Comic-Con tradition of hosting debuts of original DC Universe Movies with the world premiere of Green Lantern: Beware My Power. The all-new intergalactic thriller features John Stewart’s first adventure as a member of the Green Lantern corps. In the film, the initially reluctant Stewart (voiced by Aldis Hodge) — aided by Green Arrow (Jimmi Simpson), Adam Strange (Brian Bloom) and Hawkgirl (Jamie Gray Hyder) — must contend with a horde of interplanetary killers bent on eliminating every Green Lantern in the universe, while also journeying into the heart of a raging Rann/Thanagar war to somehow succeed where all other Green Lanterns have failed. After the screening, cast members and filmmakers will host an in-depth, entertaining panel discussion. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Green Lantern: Beware My Power arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray, and Digital on July 26, 2022.

About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than  220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, WB Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit http://www.wbd.com.

#ISpawnedAReader: How to encourage kids to love reading

We all know that reading is a fundamental skill that not only facilitates more effective learning at school for our kids, but may also set them up for greater success in life.

Reading helps to improve vocabulary and language skills, stimulates imagination and creativity and promotes stronger analytical thinking.

However, with many distractions as well as alternatives for entertainment or information-gathering, reading is often not given priority by youngsters.

This may be because, to them, reading is not a fun activity, or they may be experiencing difficulties in reading that curtail their enjoyment.

As a parent, here are ways you can encourage your kids to love reading:

  • Being a role model. Show them that you also get entertained and well-informed through reading. Read newspapers or magazines and share tidbits that could interest them. Apply what you read in a joint activity by following a recipe to bake your children’s favorite treat or an instruction manual to assemble a toy.
  • Make it reading a priority activity. You can establish a “reading time” at home when you can read to your little one, or you and an older child can read side by side. Having some snacks in-hand, as well as a comfortable reading are, will help make reading a special bonding activity between and you kids.
  • Give them the right tools. If your child doesn’t relish the idea of lugging around books throughout the house or when you go outside, an e-reader may be your best bet.
  • Expose your children to different book genres. Join your kids in exploring different genres, especially those that they have expressed prior interest in like mystery, science fiction adventure or non-fiction books related to their interests.

What is a Kindle?

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.

For kids, an Kindle is more appropriate as a reading device as opposed to other personal mobile devices because:

  • It is purpose-built for reading with a glare-free display that reads real paper, even in direct sunlight. Its brightness van be adjusted to let the little ones read comfortably – indoors and outdoors, day and night.
  • A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours.
  • The kids are subjected to less distractions as there are no games, ads or videos to go to and they can highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.
  • Purchase of Kindle Kids includes a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, where they can explore popular titles and series. It also includes access to the complete Harry Potter series, and the first book from other popular series such as Artemis Fowl. Parents can purchase additional titles from the Kindle Store.
  • It can hold hundreds of e-books, encouraging the little ones to grow their library which they can take with them wherever they go.
  • It comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee. If it breaks, Amazon will replace it for free.

Ready to get this new nifty reading device for the kiddos? Check out your options below!

Kindle Kids
Kindle Paperwhite Kids

Get ready to build your kids’ library with the best-selling books below, available in both print and e-book versions.

For kids ages 1 to 3 years old

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth
If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul
How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace

For kids ages 3 to 5 years old

A Frog Ate My Sandwich! by Christine Durkin
The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Elvin and Brayden, Friends Forever by Sandra Morrison
Do Not Wish for a Birthday Unicorn! by Sarina Siebenaler

For kids ages 6 to 8 years old

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids by Carole P. Roman
You are an Amazing Girl: A Collection of Inspiring Stories about Courage, Friendship, Inner Strength and Self-Confidence by Nadia Ross
Oh No! My Dinosaur Is Sick! by JE Comet
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

For kids ages 8 to 12 years old

The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick
Wish by Barbara O’Connor
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson

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!

This post contains affiliate links.

Header photo by cottonbro on Pexels

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.

Crate & Barrel Dining Room
Crate & Barrel Dining Room

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.

Crate & Barrel Dining Room
Crate & Barrel Dining Room

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.

Crate & Barrel Dining Room
Crate & Barrel Dining Room

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.

Crate & Barrel Dining Room
Crate & Barrel Dining Room

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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…

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub d Cluster GM Reycie Gutierrez
Lub D Makati
EG’s Chef Jinggoy Fernando
Lub D Makati
EG’s F&B Team
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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

Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Pandan Cheesecake
Lub D Makati
Tres Leches Bread Pudding

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

Lub D Makati
Four Seasons
Lub D Makati
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
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati
Lub D Makati

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.

Sangobion
Sangobion

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.

Sangobion
Sangobion

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.

Sangobion
Sangobion

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.

Sangobion
Sangobion

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:

  1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) – Elvis Presley
  2. Also Sprach Zarathustra/American Trilogy – Elvis Presley
  3. Vegas – Doja Cat
  4. The King and I – Eminem & CeeLo Green
  5. Tupelo Shuffle – Swae Lee & Diplo
  6. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body – Elvis Presley and Stuart Price
  7. Craw-Fever – Elvis Presley
  8. Don’t Fly Away (PNAU Remix) – Elvis Presley & PNAU
  9. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kacey Musgraves
  10. Product of the Ghetto – Nardo Wick
  11. If I Can Dream – Måneskin
  12. Cotton Candy Land – Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
  13. Baby, Let’s Play House – Austin Butler
  14. I’m Coming Home (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
  15. Hound Dog – Shonka Dukureh
  16. Tutti Frutti – Les Greene
  17. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day – Yola
  18. Hound Dog – Austin Butler
  19. Let It All Hang Out – Denzel Curry
  20. Trouble – Austin Butler
  21. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body – Lenesha Randolph
  22. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) – Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
  23. Summer Kisses/In My Body – Elvis Presley
  24. ’68 Comeback Special (Medley) – Elvis Presley
  25. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child – Jazmine Sullivan
  26. If I Can Dream – Elvis Presley
  27. Any Day Now – Elvis Presley
  28. Power of My Love – Elvis Presley & Jack White
  29. Vegas Rehearsal/That’s All Right – Austin Butler & Elvis Presley
  30. Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
  31. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
  32. Burning Love (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
  33. It’s Only Love – Elvis Presley
  34. Suspicious Minds – Paravi
  35. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) – Elvis Presley & Nardo Wick
  36. 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!

Baba's Kitchen
Baba's Kitchen
Baba's Kitchen
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.

Baba's Kitchen
Mango Jalapeno Dip & Spread
Baba's Kitchen
Garlic & Herb Dip & Spread
Baba's Kitchen
Chicken Rum Pate
Baba's Kitchen
Breakfast Patties
Baba's Kitchen
Spanish Chorizo
Baba's Kitchen
Wagyu Tapa
Baba's Kitchen
Baba’s BBQ Sauce
Baba's Kitchen
Baba’s Spicy Bitchin’ Sauce
Baba's Kitchen
Beachcoast Crisps: Cranberry Edition
Baba's Kitchen
Meal Spread

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!

Baba's Kitchen
Fry with little to no oil.
Baba's Kitchen
Place on butter-toasted buns.
Baba's Kitchen
Add lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cheese.
Baba's Kitchen
Enjoy!

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

Baba's Kitchen
Crackers with Mango Jalapeno Dip & Spread
Baba's Kitchen
Crackers with Garlic & Herb Dip & Spread
Baba's Kitchen
Munchin’ on Beachcoast Crisps
Baba's Kitchen
Snack Attack!

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!

Baba's Kitchen
Baba's Kitchen
Baba's Kitchen
Baba's Kitchen

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!

Baba’s Kitchen
Empty contents in a frying pan.
Baba’s Kitchen
Fry with little to no oil.
Baba’s Kitchen
Cook until it reaches your desired texture.
Baba’s Kitchen
Serve with rice and egg.

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).

Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia

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.

Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia

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.

Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia

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.

Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia
Mom & Tina’s Paella Valencia

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:

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.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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.

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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

Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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

Emerald Restaurant
Mango Shake
Emerald Restaurant
Melon Shake

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
Emerald Restaurant
Emerald Restaurant

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Kindle
Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Kindle Oasis

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.