Sinigang na Mackerel + Uni-Pak Giveaway

When it comes to the kitchen, Tsep Dad is our "bida" and I'm glad to be his assistant. I usually help with the preparation. We cook together for me to learn and also this is our "us" time. But the Tsep usually gives the instructions and determine the final taste. 

AmblesideOnline Year 1

Here's a glimpse of our first year using the Charlotte Mason Education and Ambleside Online Curriculum.

Treat Your Feet: What to Expect on Your First Pedicure

Would you agree that our feet deserve to be spoiled and pampered once in a while?

Statistics shows, women are more susceptible to experience severe foot pain than men. That is mostly because of high-heeled shoes. As for me, I gave up on those shoes a long time ago. Especially now that I always have my kids around me. But it doesn't exempt me from having a tired, aching feet.

Pedicures are a common treatment in beauty salons, but if you have never had your feet pampered before, your first appointment can be a little daunting. However, a pedicure can be the ultimate form of pampering, soothing aching feet and boosting your mood. So, what can you expect from your first pedicure?

Be Prepared:

It is always a good idea to schedule your appointment in advance at the beauty salon. Melbourne CBD businesses will often allow “walk-in” clients, but to get the best out of your pedicure, you need to be prepared. You will need to wear open-toed shoes such as sandals or thongs and if you prefer your own nail polish. You need to allow at least an hour for your pedicure. Your appointment may be completed in 30 minutes, but it is a good idea to wait in the salon to ensure your polish is completely dry before putting on your shoes and leaving.

Remember, that you may be seated in an open area, so wear clothing that you feel comfortable in when your feet are in the air. Short skirts or tight leg pants can prove problematic, so give your wardrobe a little thought.

The Stages of Your Pedicure:

When it comes to beauty services, Melbourne salons often have their own techniques, but there are some common elements of a pedicure. The first step will be to remove any nail polish you have on your toes. Your feet will be soaked in soothing warm water before the nails are cut and shaped using emery boards and clippers. This is my favorite part! Most technicians will offer you a choice of whether you prefer a squared or rounded shape. I always go for a square shape.

Once the nails are shaped, the technician will treat your cuticles. A cuticle lotion will be applied to the edges of your toenails, and the technician will use a wand and trimmers to push back the cuticle and trim any dead skin.

The technician will now use a pumice stone to remove any dead skin and callouses from your feet. Your feet will be given a final soak before being patted dry with a fluffy, clean towel.

Most salons will apply lotion to the feet and legs, massaging the skin. The technician will separate the toes using inserts or cotton, so nail polish can be applied. Typically, two coats of colour will be applied before a final topcoat. You will be asked to sit for ten minutes until the polish is dry enough to remove the dividers. You can then sit in the waiting area until you are fully dry and you can ease on your footwear and show off your beautiful toes.

If you are interested in beauty services, Melbourne’s Totally Skin & Beauty is here to help. They offer a wide range of services to enhance your beauty. Melbourne CBD visitors will find it easy to locate or call them for salon details.

Celebrating Natural Beauty with the Naturals Beauty Fair

When it comes to skincare, who doesn't want to go natural? We know the harmful effects of using too many chemicals on our skin that's why most women like me, would opt for those products that are as natural as nature. Natural beauty takes center stage as Lazada holds its Naturals Beauty Fair from Sept. 27 to 30. The nature-based campaign led by Unilever will bring out your inner glow with your most-loved naturals beauty finds at a steal. Give your hair the de-stressing it needs with TRESEMME's Detox & Nourish Range for as low as P106. TRESEMME's Detox & Nourish Shampoo 170ML will have a promo price of P106 while the conditioner will be available for P110 during the sale. Enjoy up to 30% off on ST. IVES' body wash. Both of ST. IVES'  Purifying Sea Saltand Smoothing Apricot Body Wash will be priced at P168 during the campaign period - a 30% discount from its SRP of P240. Also to launch first in Lazada is the Natural Glow Kit. For only P171, you're getting not only the 170-gram ST. IVES Apricot Scrub but also a 28-gram travel-sized Apricot Scrub tube. Other brands to participate in the Naturals Beauty Fair include DOVE which will havelimited edition gift sets for only P99 and POND'S with its limited edition Washable Cold Cream gift sets. SIMPLE will also have as much as 50% off on its products andVASELINE will offer as much as 15% off. To top it all, you will also get an extra 10% off with the voucher code NATURALBEAUTY with a minimum purchase of P700 on participating Unilever products.  So mark your calendars and visit http://www.lazada.com.ph/naturals-beauty-fair/ from Sept. 27 to 30 to take advantage of these beauty treats!

Manila International Book Fair 2017

I went to MIBF yesterday, It was a last-minute shopping because I don't have time on weekdays to go there. Thankfully, hubby was so supportive when I requested to drop by. This was my second year going to this Book Fair (read my first year experience here).

Unlike last year, I know which store to go this time and I have a list of books that I wanted to buy. I went there alone while my boys are in the car. I have a ticket printed and a map which is very helpful especially if you have no plans of staying there for long hours. I'm also on a strict budget that's why I don't want to roam around. No blog events also for me because I cannot commit my time.

The good thing with last-minute shopping is people are already heading home, some are tired and already resting and/or eating. I arrived there past 5:00PM and it wasn't too crowded.

Here are the stores I visited this year and what I purchased from them.

Anvil Publishing

I went to Anvil to buy Alamat books from Ang Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang ni Severino Reyes. Unfortunately, there's only one Alamat left, the downside of last-minute buying (sigh).

Php 65.60 (Original Price: 82php, 20% off)

Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing

I got the best deal here at Tahanan! My heart was sooo happy and leaping with joy for this set of Great Filipino Lives. It costs Php 295 for 8 pcs! Mind you, the regular price of each book is Php 100. Sulit diba?

8 pcs for Php 295.00

If you missed this, fret not because their sale is extended until December! See details below.

Adarna House

I went to Adarna to buy Buwan, Buwang, Bulawan - a collection of poetry for kids. Unfortunately, they run out of stocks, again, the downside of late buying.

Lampara Publishing

Since I only got one Alamat from Anvil, I decided to peek at Lamapara Books. They have a wide selection of alamats priced at Php 84.75. The lady who was assisting me said they offer 20% off on those books plus you can have it signed by the author who was present that day. 

However, when I was in the cashier, they did not give me the 20% off for the three books I took. I asked the cashier after she handed me the receipt. She said you need to have an app first to avail the off. She was referring to the Precious Shop app. Well, I didn't know that I needed to download it, so I asked if I can download it even though I paid already and she said no. It was very disappointing because I was not informed ahead of time and there's no sign whatsoever on the stall of the books. So I bought these books at their regular price.

I passed by MSA Booth and I got these Singapore Math Sample Problems for FREE.

Although my experience was not all pleasant, I chose to focus on the good and happy things. I'm happy with the books I got and I'm excited to immerse ourselves to Philippine Literature as we build our stacks little by little. We also experienced the MOA Eye after going to MIBF.

Thank you MIBF, see you next year!

Handicraft # 1: Basic Weaving

Over and under...over and under...

"The children I am speaking of are much occupied with things as well as with books, because 'Education is the Science of Relations,' is the principle which regulates their curriculum; that is, a child goes to school with many aptitudes which he should put into effect. So, he learns a good deal of science, because children have no difficulty in understanding principles, though technical details baffle them. He practises various handicrafts that he may know the feel of wood, clay, leather, and the joy of handling tools, that is, that he may establish a due relation with materials. But, always, it is the book, the knowledge, the clay, the bird or blossom, he thinks of, not his own place or his own progress." - CM Volume 6, pg.31

AO Year 1: Oral Narrations

I transcribed some of the Oral Narrations of my Son as part of his output. Output is required if you are enrolled in a Homeschool Provider.

Why narration?

Narration, or oral composition, utilizes many mental functions. Each time your child narrates, he is mentally composing his thoughts and communicating through words. Many specific comprehension skills are learned through narration - sequencing, main idea, details - and it's also good practice in listening and in speaking skills. ~ Ambleside Online

These are all from the book Aesop Fables since it is typically short and I don't want to stress myself transcribing longer ones (hehehe). I removed some fillers but this is exactly how he narrated it.

AO Year 1: Recitation and Memory Work

It is a delightful thing to have the memory stored with beautiful, comforting, and inspiring passages. ~ Charlotte Mason

AO Chronicles Part 1

I love how my kids make personal connections with the AO books we read, here are some of their narratives:

Charlotte Mason Education: An Atmosphere, A Discipline and A Life

I attended a talk on Charlotte Mason Education last May, conducted by Gina Guerrero-Roldan of Our Living, Learning. I recently shared how our Charlotte Mason Journey started in my previous post and I'm so blessed to learn a lot from her.

Bloggermail: Colgate-Palmolive Gift Pack from Lazada

It was my husband who introduced me to online shopping years back. Well, you know men don't like going to malls, that is the very reason he likes buying online. I was reluctant at first because I don't give my trust easily in online stores. As much as possible, I want to see and feel the products myself. But that was before, now that we have two kids, we don't frequent to malls nowadays.