"Me Time" with Pine-Sol

There's something therapeutic about cleaning up, so when I get into the groove of cleaning, I can be like a madwoman sometimes. I turn all the furniture upside down and make sure every nook and cranny is spotless.

I wish I had all the time to clean and organize though. But it's either I have a clean home and the kids are locked up in a room, or I spend more time with the kids and let the house go a little. You know, an ultra messy desk there, toys scattered all over, cute little piles of clutter popping up in some corners. 

Between managing a home and taking care of a family, there is hardly time for "Me Time". In some twisted way, being able to sort out a pile of clutter without the kids bothering me is pretty much the equivalent of Me Time.

So when Mish Aventajado invite me to savor some "Me Time" with Pine-Sol, I was like, hell yeah, I need that!

She had a yoga session with yoga instructor Joanne Santos at SoFit Studio in Le Spa at Sofitel scheduled for us moms,

but since I had to pick up my visa at the embassy that morning, I had to skip this part.

Luckily, even if I missed yoga, I still got to bring home this yoga themed loot bag, heehee. Love the insulated Klean Kanteen, Aquazorb towel, personalized tote bag, note pad, and bottles of Pine-Sol of course.

Better yet, I still made it on time to have lunch with the moms.

And listen to Sofitel Manila's in-house nutritionist and aesthetic doctor on how we can eat and live healthy.

Nutritionist Agnes Tumaneng, RND taught us weight management and how to do calorie counting. Basically, she says we really need to watch what we eat and exercise in order to make sure we reach if not maintain our desired weight.

My my most favorite part of the program was the Detox Talk by Dr. Jade Cada, Aesthetic doctor at Vietura in Sofitel Manila.

I made sure to copy her tips, to share with you:

1. Eat pectin-rich organic apples. Pectin binds to toxins in the intestines to escort them out of the body.

2. Drink freshly-made vegetable juice daily.

3. Drink a large glass of purified water with the juice of one fresh lemon in the morning. Lemons have over 20 proven anti-cancer compounds.

4. Eat at least half a cup of fiber daily.

5. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables. They contain enzymes that aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

6. Eat at least three of the best detoxifying foods daily: broccoli, garlic, spinach, cabbage, sprouts, blueberries and ginger.

7. Drink plenty of pure water to help flush toxins from your body. Almost every process in your body depends on proper hydration to function smoothly.

8. Take a probiotic supplement with live cultures on an empty stomach daily (morning or evening works well). The beneficial bacteria kills harmful bacteria and yeasts and helps to heal the intestines.

9. Get at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily. Sweating is one of the best ways or removing harmful toxins including heavy metals.

10. Colonic cleansing

11. Taking in vitamins and minerals

Print this out so you remember ;)

Oh and remember to check out the new Pine-Sol scents as well!

Apart from the Original Pine, there's now Orange Energy, Lavender Clean, Lemon Fresh, and Sparkling Wave. All are formulated to disinfect and kill 99.9% of germs, deodorize, cut grease, and remove grime.

My friend Kath says she uses Pine-Sol for everything, from cleaning floors, bathrooms, counter tops, the stove to even the interiors of their cars. It's a great surface cleaner that you can use from floor to ceiling, for everything really, even your smelly garbage cans and pet stink too.

Researching on the uses of Pine-Sol, I've actually discovered some pretty valuable cleaning hacks from their site! Click HERE!

Thanks so much Mish and Patty, and Tisha de Veyra and Renelle de los Santos of Pine-Sol for a morning of Me Time well-spent. Happy Disinfecting, Deodorizing, De-greasing and De-griming when we got home too! ;)

Mish Aventajado with Brand Manager for Pine-Sol: Renelle Revilla de los Santos, Director of Marketing for Clorox International Philippines Inc. Tisha De Veyra and Pat Cuyugan

For more on Pine-Sol Philippines, Like their Facebook Page Pine-Sol Philippines. 

John Lewis at SM Home

British retail institution John Lewis finally makes its way to our shores, by way of shop-in-shops inside the SM Home section of the Philippines’ own retail institution, The SM Store, as well as in Our Home.

The first of the shop-in-shops opened last May 2015 at the fifth level of SM Makati, followed by Aura Premier, Megamall, and North Edsa.

From L to R: Katie Jordan - John Lewis Head of International Development, Trevor Lewis-Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Manila, Jorge Mendiola - SM Retail President, Pascale Jimenez- SM Retail VP Business Development, Louise Jones - John Lewis Manager of International Development and Siony Yap-SM Home SVP for Operations 

Easily one of the UK’s well-loved stores, given its long heritage (it started out as a drapers shop in 1864) and wide reach, with 43 stores all over the UK, John Lewis is best known for its policy of “Never Knowingly Undersold”, which has been in use since 1925. 

British consumers consistently rave about their staff’s knowledgeable and informed service, the atmosphere of their stores, and best of all, the quality of their goods – which are not just from established brands, but from their in-house brands as well. 

Of the latter, John Lewis takes great effort to ensure products are sustainably made, or quintessentially British, if not both. 

To say that John Lewis is a trusted retailer is an understatement. Judging from feedback from folks who shop there, the common sentiment is excellent value for money, and they give their hard-earned loyalty in return.

That said, it is hard not to shop at John Lewis not only because they treat customers right, but also because the employees, called “Partners” are taken cared of.

Partners are generously entitled to a share of the profits earned each year, and how can you not love shopping at a store that rewards its people like so?

The shop-in-shops in the Philippines are the second international collaboration, following seven outlets inside South Korean department store Shinsegae, and preceding that of three branches that will be opened in Singapore department store Robinsons.

But back to the Philippines.

When you visit the John Lewis shop-in-shops at SM Home, expect to find high quality bed and bath linens and goods, tableware, and home accessories, such as mirrors, candles and photo frames. 

 Towels, a tick-tocking clock, a glass cloche and ooooh, love that brass mirror 

For all ye Kings and Queens of your own abode 

For decanting wine, or some tea, perhaps?

I had to restrain myself from buying stuff I don’t really need. But I eventually caved in because I couldn’t resist this pillow. I kept on taking photos of it, and when viewed up close, the fabric is just thick and gorgeous.

I also just had to get the round mirror with brass frame because it’s so hard to find mirrors that fit my aesthetic.

Prices are reasonable, with duvet sets at about Php10,000, throw pillows at Php2,500 and the mirror at about Php6,000. If you are looking to redecorate your room or spruce up your home, you need to go to SM Home and check out the John Lewis section.

You might as well take a stroll around the entire SM Home floor, because they have just about everything your home will ever need. From Japanese kitchen appliances to ceramic vases, matresses, even mason jars from Italy.

When SM says they’ve got it all, they really got it all!

About John Lewis:

John Lewis has been named Omnichannel Retailer of the Year in the 2014 World Retail Awards. Other awards received include Multichannel Retailer of the Year and Marketing Advertising Campaign of the Year at the Oracle Retail Week Awards 2014 plus Best Department Store at the Drapers Awards 2014.

On 1 January 2008, the Oxford Street store was awarded a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen as: “suppliers of haberdashery and household goods.” John Lewis Reading is also the holder of a Royal Warrant from the Queen as suppliers of household and fancy goods. Peter Jones in Sloane Square, Chelsea, which is part of the John Lewis Group, is the holder of a Royal Warrant to both HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh as draper and furnisher.

Look for the John Lewis shop-in-shops within the SM department stores at SM Makati, SM Aura Premier, SM Megamall, and SM North EDSA. 

For more on John Lewis and SM Home, visit www.smhome.com.ph and Follow @smhome and @johnlewisph on Instagram.

The Great Food App by San Miguel Pure Foods

Have you always wanted to know how to cook Eggs Benedict and other fancy brunch fare so you can impress family or friends you've invited over at your home? There's an app for that!

Did you ever want to learn how to make a milk shake, or any refreshing summer drink for that matter? Well, there's an app for that!

Chef Aileen Anastacio of Goodies N Sweets and Marmalade Kitchen demystifying daunting recipes at the Great Food App launch

Do you wish you could plan your family meals and work on your grocery list at the same time? There's an app for that too!

And I am not talking three different apps. The Great Food App by San Miguel Pure Foods covers all that and more!

I attended the launch a few days ago and I can see how any homemaker, or whoever it is in charge of the family's meals, would have a much easier life with this app. It's heaven sent!

You've got a treasure trove of recipes to choose from - be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or merienda.

Can't follow a recipe by reading? You can go check out the instructional videos instead!

Ok, let's say your husband wants something pepper-y, then tap on search, and type in "pepper". All the recipes with pepper as a main ingredient will pop up. Easy peasy.

You can even add the ingredients from the recipe page straight to your grocery list, just tap on "Add to Grocery List"!

Once you've decided on the recipes you like, you can start planning your menu by week. Or if you still can't decide, then go for the suggested meal plans and take it from there.

The Great Food App works on both iPhones and Android phones. Download it, and make it work for you.

So you can spend more time doing the things you'd rather do, like bake with the kids or prepare a feast for the family, instead of spending precious hours racking your brain thinking of what to feed them!

Lock & Lock Opens at Shangri-la East Wing

I remember when Lock & Lock first released their airtight containers, it was so revolutionary. No spills, food would stay fresh, and there was some sort of satisfaction from hearing that clicking/locking sound. Remember, this was the time when Tupperware was like the bees knees.

My mom bought a lot, and I remember buying for myself too, because they made such fantastic lunch containers. By the time Lock & Lock launched Boroseal, it was heaven sent, with everyone so paranoid about the BPA in plastic. 

Again, I stocked up on a lot, because it was also convenient to use. I could store food in the fridge and heat food in the microwave without transferring containers. 

Turns out it can go from oven to table too! We could portion off baked macaroni into smaller Boroseal containers, popping a small glass container into the oven as needed.

So when my friend Michelle aka My Mom Friday invited me and the SoMoms to the newly opened Lock & Lock store in Shangri-la East Wing, I was naturally excited. It was as good as being invited to a shopping party at Bergdorfs.

As expected, the Lock & Lock store has in fact become a treasure trove for people like me looking for innovative storage solutions.

I bought this First Aid Kit, which can also double as a crafting box with all these perfectly sized compartments:

All my friends were raving about their Freezer Containers. I ended up getting a total of 4 sets, because it makes so much sense to portion off meat, fishballs, chicken into cooking/serving portions. And they look so neat in the freezer too. I might just end up getting a few more.

Also spotted these Interlock Glass Food Storage containers which can be screwed together, so you can stack them one on top of the other, with no fear of toppling.

A wooden container with plastic drawers, for storing makeup, pens, note cards or other small items.

I used to buy a separate lunch box for our Lock & Lock containers, but now they have insulated lunch boxes made to fit their containers perfectly.

This one's big enough to pack for a picnic.

I was tempted to get these too - bins for laundry, toys or what nots. I like the natural linen ones, very chic.

More than just storage solutions, Lock & Lock has also come up with a line of cookware, called SpeedCook, which guarantees to cut your cooking time in minutes.

I love this grill pan from SpeedCook, which I won during our cook off. It has an elevated center so it drains fat. Perfect for cooking bacon, or grilling liempo. At Php1,699 it's not expensive too!

What's best, you hardly need oil to cook on a SpeedCook because of its non-stick surface. We also use the grill pan to cook egg fritata, chicken barbeque, even pork barbeque on a stick. If there's one thing you have to buy at Lock & Lock, it's this grill pan. 

Warning though, I cannot guarantee you could walk away from the store with just one thing.

Lock & Lock
6/F Shangri-la East Wing
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

On Beddings and Butterfly Dreams

This is our bed. As you can see, I cropped out the sides and side tables because I didn't have time to fix it. Ahihihi. So back to the bed. I love pretty bed linens, but I'm not just about a gorgeous print or trim. They've got to be soft. The kind that is so inviting, you just want to sink into it each night.

 

duvet and accent pillow from DwellStudio

When my friend Kat of Kat Dy Finds introduced me to her friend Edith Coronacion McCosker, who offered to have me road test her bedding line called Butterfly Dreams, I was of course, more than happy to do a product review. Just look at this bed fitted out with Butterfly Dreams beddings, OMG. Who will say no to this? Like marshmallows for a bed.

Ok fine, so that's a tricked out shot, but here's how it looks in real life, sans photo shop and filters aka #nofilter...pretty, no?

The fabric feels like a dream too. I like the crispness of the 350-thread count cotton sateen flat sheet, while the fitted sheet in a "Swankysuede" microfibre fabric is warm and cozy. When the a/c is on at full blast, I would rub my feet against the sheet and it just feels like you're sleeping on a cloud. Well, we also have a mattress enhancer that feels like we're sleeping on a cloud. Yes, we take sleeping seriously. So make that a double cloud.

Butterfly Dreams' "Swankysuede" microfibre fabric up close

Swankysuede is not only ultra-soft, it's resistant to stains, requires no ironing and is durable too. In fact, the promise is that, "with proper care, your Butterfly Dreams linens will last a lifetime." Your purchase goes a long way too, in that, a portion of the proceeds from each sale helps send Cambodian kids to school. If you are wondering about the price of sheets that last a lifetime, well, sheet sets start at Php2,500 for a Twin, while duvets start at Php3,900 for a Single. Not bad.

Edith Coronacion McCosker of Butterfly Dreams

I got to chat with Edith when she was in town for a quick visit, and she shares that currently, her sheets only come in light, solid neutrals (Serene, Honey Beige, Ivory & Billy Blue) because she really has a preference for neutrals. But her new collection should have darker shades coming too. I like my sheets light-colored so I am happy as a clam with what she sent us. If you are reading this, Thank you, Edith!

Butterfly Dreams Bed Linens are developed in Hong Kong but are now available in the Philippines. Buy Butterfly Dreams online via their website and at the following Make Room branches - Bonifacio High Street in Taguig, and Eastwood Mall and Robinson’s Magnolia in Quezon City.

For updates on Butterfly Dreams, check out their Facebook Page.

Ina Garten's Kitchen

I was chatting with Kat aka Don't Ask Me to Smile over on Twitter, on the subject of Ina Garten's glass jars and it reminded me of how much I love Ina Garten's kitchen. 

One day, when we build our dream house, I am going to have a kitchen just like hers. Exposed cupboards, wood & steel stools, huge lamps on each side atop a granite counter top for the 18 foot long island...

-- that faces the casual dining room directly. This is most definitely a place for preparing and enjoying meals with family and friends.

I love the idea of this part of the house set up for entertaining. I can imagine our kids and their playmates hanging out here. Our friends coming over for lunch or tea. Weekend buffets with the entire family, up to the 4th level of consanguinity. Ahahaha.

No, seriously. I like you, you're welcome. That's how we rule.

Daphne Home Scents at Bench & Dimensione

When I got home, I just had to open the package right away and use my Daphne Home Scent in mint jasmine

You know how sometimes finding a hostess gift can be such a chore? That's how I feel sometimes when I am pressured to come up with something for a friend who invites us to their home. We often end up bringing a bottle of wine or some yummy specially ordered dessert. But food & wine, they don't really last long enough to make an impression. The fun in it can be fleeting, if not forgettable. 

That's why when Daphne Osena-Paez launched her line of home scents at Dimensione on Bonifacio High Street, I knew I found myself a winner. Because scents don't just linger, they leave memories too.

The scents, which come in lavender, mint jasmine and homemade lemon tart simply smell divine, are prettily packaged (reminds me of Jo Malone scents, in that simple but striking clear glass bottle with a black cap) and are special and thoughtful enough to give to hosts as gifts for housewarmings, play dates, or as a little something extra during pot lucks. I think these make great presents for our children's teachers and tutors too, or for colleagues at work!

While you can never really go wrong with any of these three scents "or flavors" as Berry calls it, if you are worried about choosing the right scent as a present, my suggestion is - simply get all three! At Php348 a bottle, you've got something that will surely please, at just a little over Php1000.

Meanwhile, for all of us especially, who read Daphne's blog, you may be well aware that she started her eponymous furniture line sometime back. Her first piece, which also debuted at Dimensione, is a range of chairs fashioned from farmed mahogany wood. Considered her signature piece, the Daphne chair is "whimsical yet rooted in practicality".

Apart from the red, white and blue you see above, the Daphne chair comes in an array of ice cream colors, like yellow, pink and lavender, as well basic black.

Daphne Home Scents retail at Php348 each and are available at Dimensione stores and selected Bench stores nationwide. Daphne chairs are available at Dimensione.