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7.30.2020

Spotlight | Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven.

If we're friends on Facebook or if you're following me on Instagram, then you probably have noticed that something other than K-dramas is keeping me busy these days.

Meet my new toy, the Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven! I got this as an anniversary gift from my husband, who has become some sort of a health buff and is addicted to air frying himself, haha!
Say hello to my new baby, the Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven!
Before I got this air fryer, I had been mulling over for weeks on which brand and model to buy. Should I get the relatively smaller and cheaper basket-type air fryer? Should I buy one of those Korean brand air fryers on Shopee? Or should I give in to the air fryers included in the Flash Sale in Lazada? (By the way, you can save more with Lazada purchases if you visit Saleduck Philippines. They offer exclusive discount codes and exclusive promos daily.) Or should I go all the way to S&R for the Baumann Living Multi Air Fryer? And then I saw this Air Fryer Oven on the Hanabishi website - it was love at first sight.

I immediately got in touch with Hanabishi, asking if they could deliver the unit to Laguna. Unfortunately, they only deliver within Bulacan and the NCR. I then called up The SM Store here in my area, and asked if they have this air fryer in stock. They don't. I asked them if they would have stocks in the future. They don't know. That disheartened me a bit, but did not discourage me from buying the air fryer of my dreams (literally and figuratively, lol).

Eventually, I discovered an online seller who had available stocks of this air fryer, thanks to the recommendations from members of the Air Fryer Philippines group on Facebook. I placed my order on a Tuesday (June 2) and two days later, my air fryer was shipped through a Grab rider who delivered the unit all the way to Laguna, safe and sound!
Thank you, Kuya Arnel Pantoja for driving all the way to Laguna!
Thank you, Sir Erad Salinas for the smooth transaction!
Now let me tell you more about the Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven, and why I fell in love with it (aside from the fact that it's a healthier option since you're cooking without oil).
Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven, Php 6315.
First off, this air fryer has a huge 23-liter capacity. That's large enough to air fry 3 lbs of meat, or bake a 4 lb chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
A lot of room for food! :)
Another key feature of this air fryer is its versatility. Aside from air frying, this baby can also bake, broil, roast, and grill a multitude of dishes. This can also be used for reheating leftover food, like what you do with a microwave. I've always wanted a cooking range like the one we have at Mum's house, but never really got around to buying one because of the limited kitchen space. With the Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven, I can finally bake my own bread and pastries in my own kitchen. 
Multi-functional, with thermostat up to 230 degrees Celsius. 
This air fryer comes with an air fry basket, an oven rack, and a baking pan. These dividable baskets are very convenient, as it allows you to cook several things at the same time. For instance, you can place french fries on the top basket and cook them together with chicken cut-ups on the baking pan. Or you can just arrange them all together on the air fry basket, which has a 7 liter capacity to begin with.
Accessories include the air fry basket, oven rack, and baking pan.
Frying has also become easier with the Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven. Thanks to this handy dandy kitchen appliance, I no longer have to worry about oil splatters or frying fumes. I don't have to worry about making too much noise in the kitchen while Yue is busy with his online class come August because this air fryer operates quietly and doesn't make weird noises in the background.
The timer knob - rings when the timer goes off.
As far as clean-up is concerned, it's relatively easy with the Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven. I simply wash the basket, rack, and pan with running water and dishwashing liquid, and clean the inside of the air fryer with a damp sponge or cloth. This air fryer is built with stainless steel so you need not worry about corrosion or rust.

I've had my air fryer for about a month and a half, and my experience so far has been nothing short of enjoyable. I've cooked all sorts of food with it - potato wedges, chicken barbecue, burger steak, tonkatsu, tori karaage, baked macaroni, Dakgangjeong chicken... even hickory smoked ribs, which I have never cooked before! 
Yes, you can actually cook tilapia in your air fryer.
Burger steak and baby potatoes.
Dakgangjeong chicken (Korean-style fried chicken).
Tofu, my all-time favorite.
Tonkatsu and cheese sticks.
Now I'm sure you're all wondering about one thing - is it energy-efficient? To be honest, I really can't tell at this point because we all know Meralco did some sort of magic during the lockdown period and we're all burdened by extremely high electric bills. If it's any consolation, I hardly use the stove these days, so I still have a lot of gas left in my 4-month old LPG tank.

With the COVID-19 scare and all the crazy, unhappy things happening during the pandemic, I now find solace in cooking and the Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven has become my best friend. For a little over Php 6000, this 'toy' (as my son puts it) is definitely worth the money. I'd say it's one of the best anniversary gifts I've received in our 12 years of marriage. :)


7.29.2020

No Fault Divorce.

If you are in need of a Tampa Divorce Lawyer, then your marriage is coming to an end. There is a false perception that all divorces are messy. This simply is not the case. The reality is that many divorces proceed smoothly with the help of an attorney. Even if you think that your divorce process is going to end amicably, you still need to rely on an attorney. One of the most straightforward types of divorces is called a no fault divorce. If you are proceeding with this type of dissolution, you need to keep a few points in mind.
Go Hye Sun and Ahn Jae Hyun - one of the most controversial divorces in Hallyu.
What Is a No Fault Divorce?
All states allow a no fault divorce. This is a divorce that takes place where one spouse is asking for a divorce; however, he or she is not claiming that his or her spouse did something wrong. This is different from a fault divorce, where one spouse is trying to claim that the other spouse committed wrongdoing in some way. If you have simply fallen out of love or if you think that you and your spouse cannot get along anymore, then you might be interested in filing for a no fault divorce.

How Can You Get a No Fault Divorce?
If you would like to file for a no fault divorce, you still have to request this type of proceeding from the court. In this case, you need to indicate why you want to get a divorce. In most areas, this could be as simple as claiming that you and your spouse cannot get along anymore. This might include irreconcilable differences or incompatibility among the parties involved. In some cases, in order to get a no fault divorce, you have to live apart from your spouse for a certain period of months or years before the process is finished.

Rely on the Help of a Trained Lawyer
Even if you are interested in pursuing a no fault divorce, you still need to rely on the help of a trained legal adviser. The process might seem straightforward; however, there are still a lot of issues that have to be worked out. This could include the division of property, child custody, and a mountain of paperwork. This is where a lawyer can help you. If you are pursuing a no fault divorce, make sure that your rights are protected by a trained divorce attorney.

7.25.2020

Emerging Travel Trends Post-COVID-19.

There's no question that the current pandemic is already reshaping the way that people look at travel. In the age of face masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing, normal vacations may seem like a thing of the past. According to digital marketing expert, Larry Muller, who has extensive experience marketing in the travel and hospitality industry, the World Travel and Tourism Council has predicted job losses totaling almost 50 million.  That equates to the travel industry shrinking by nearly 25%!
While traveling plans can feel a little bleak at the moment, there is hope on the horizon. Read on to find out how travel will change post-pandemic.

Photo credit: JEShoots on Pixabay.

Traveling Trends to Look Forward To
As people prepare to travel again in the future, they'll be looking at both the level of risk that locations offer for example, when booking ice cave tours, as well as how to maximize their experience. Here are some of the projected trends in travel to look forward to in the coming months.

Road Trips
Since the demand for air travel is at an all-time low, it's time to hit the open road! People feel much safer in their own vehicles where they can enjoy protection from the outside world. Road trips to relatively close locations is expected to increase as more and more people travel by car to get away. This reduces the amount of places that people can visit, but still provides the excitement of "not being home".

RV and Camping Trips
With RV sales at an all-time high, the great outdoors is calling. Since people are being confined to homes/apartments and small living spaces, the urge to get out into nature has increased. Camping grounds are a vacation hot spot at the moment and most sites are reservation only. Gone are the days of just hopping in the RV and finding a spot - however, you can still find BLM land to camp on if you're savvy enough to find it.

Photo credit: Chanwity on Pixabay.

National Parks
Be ready to reserve your spot months in advance if you hope to visit a National Park in the near future. National Parks have quickly become one of the most popular destinations during the pandemic and will stay that way for some time. They are both safe and affordable, while also being gorgeous and life-changing. If you are lucky enough to live within driving distance of multiple national parks then now is the time to take advantage of that.

Backpacking
Backpackers are expected to be among the first to return to international travel. This group of travelers tends to usually be young, single males that are looking to take advantage of discount hotels and out-of-the-way traveling routes.

Photo credit: Pexels on Pixabay.

The Rise of Travel Advisors
Lastly, one thing that will probably be on the rise again post-pandemic is the usefulness of travel advisors. Having a knowledge of restrictions and safety policies put in place in the locales you're trying to visit will become even more important in the coming months. On top of that, travel insurance will likely now be a must-have in the event of getting sick or contracting the virus.


7.22.2020

Calcium-rich, Protein-filled Recipes to Help Boost your Child's Growth.

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) sets the theme “Batang Pinoy, Sana Tall. Iwas Stunting, Sana All” for this year’s nutrition month. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) joins the nation in celebrating the National Nutrition Month this July to bring to light the ill effects of stunting and how to prevent a child’s healthy growth from being stunted

According to the 8th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 3 out of 10 Filipino Children (5 and below) are stunted. Stunting, or “pagkabansot” in our native tongue, is a manifestation of long term occurrence of malnutrition. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation”.

How Stunting is Stunted
Growth failure can start from the womb and progress after birth. The effects of stunting, if not immediately and properly addressed, can be permanent and irreversible. There is a window of opportunity to reverse or prevent stunting through effective interventions for children 5 years old and below.
Photo credit: Ajinomoto.
Unfortunately, there is no cure to stunting, so prevention is critical for young children to have healthy growth and development. It is imperative for parents to track their child’s growth. The National Nutrition Council provided a simplified and more understandable Child Growth Standard Table based on WHO’s Child Growth Standards (WHO-CGS) 2004 and WHO’s Reference Data, 2006. These information can be access through https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/blog/how-to-track-child-growth/.

Importance of Proper Nutrition to avoid Stunting
Women of child-bearing age and expectant mothers must have adequate nutrition to prepare their bodies to a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a well-nourished baby. It is also highly important that breastfeeding mothers get adequate nutrition in order to supply the needs of their babies throughout the 6 months exclusive breastfeeding journey. Exclusive breastfeeding from 0-6 months is recommended for babies to gain optimum nutrients perfect for their age. To prevent your child from having growth failure, it is important to address poor diet, inadequate calorie intake, poor quality of meal intake, and insufficient supply of macro nutrients like protein and micro nutrients like calcium specific for growth and development.

The Culinary Nutrition Team of Ajinomoto puts together a treat for kids to enjoy and for homemakers to conveniently prepare and serve. Try to make these 4 calcium-rich recipes using 4 ingredients done in 4 easy steps made with AJI SAVOR™ on Rice Topping Mix and 4 protein-rich recipes using 4 ingredients done in 4 easy steps made with Prottie® Soymilk Drink Mix.
Calcium-rich recipes using AJI SAVOR on Rice Topping Mix.

Protein-rich recipes using Prottie Soymilk Drink Mix. 

AJI SAVOR™ Rice Topping Mix Chicken/Beef is available in leading supermarkets. Prottie® Soymilk Drink Mix is available on LazMart, an online store on LazMall. For more healthy and delicious recipes, visit http://www.ajinomoto.com.ph and https://www.facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH/.

7.16.2020

6 Homemade Products You Can Sell in the New Normal.

The recent pandemic has changed how we live our lives. Foremost amongst these changes is the financial situation of a multitude of people. Hundreds of companies have closed down, and thousands of people have lost their jobs. During these times of uncertainty, it is always a good idea to have multiple sources of income.

Strangely, now is the best time to start a business at home. It is very advantageous because you can market and sell your products online, and seeing as most people are under quarantine, they do most of their shopping online. The only thing missing is a great business idea to bring it all together. Here are 6 great business ideas for the new normal.
Photo credit: Pixabay.
1. Jam
Homemade jams are a great choice of product. It is very easy to get a hold of the raw products, and the jam-making process is quite easy. All you need is fruit and sugar and a sturdy jar to preserve them in. The jam-making process usually entails you to pick a specific fruit. You then crush the fruit and then add pectin into the mix. Pectin is a natural ingredient that thickens the jam.

After mixing them together, you bring them to a boil for around 10 minutes. Your sugar measurements usually depend on the type of fruit you are using. Once you bring the jam to a boil, you can add the sugar into the mix, and have it boil for a minute more. The entire process takes more or less an hour and depending on the measurements, you can create a lot in one cooking.

The process also entails heating the glass containers, so you will need good quality glassware. Seeing as you will be mass-producing the jam, it is always a good idea to buy wholesale from trustworthy glassware manufacturers. Roetell is one such company. It is a soda bottle manufacturer that also creates custom glassware, so if you need a steady supply of quality glassware, you know who to call.
Bake It Away - best banana loaf in town!
2. Baked goods
If you take a closer look at online ads on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll notice that baked goods are quite popular. It seems the time spent indoors has compelled a lot of people to start baking, and some enterprising people have made this into a business. A quick note though, if you’re going to start selling baked goods they should be as unique as possible. Remember that common baked goods like baguettes and bagels can be bought at your local bake shops. So take the time to research your product. It has to be both easy to make, and unique enough to catch a potential buyer’s eye.

For example, Basque Burnt cheesecakes have gained a great deal of popularity in recent years. The dessert originated from the Basque Province of Spain, and because of its light, savory and tart taste it has become a favorite dessert all over the world. It is a perfect product because it is very easy to make, and the ingredients are very affordable. There are a myriad of great baking goods you can sell, you just have to do your research.

3. Vegetables and fruits delivery
Ever since the pandemic struck, getting groceries has been a struggle. Some people fear going to the market to buy specific food items such as vegetables and fruits. This is where you come in. If you have a farm or access to farmers, you can provide a truly great service to these potential buyers. If you have a motorbike or a car, you can also offer to deliver the foodstuffs for an added price. Just make sure when you deliver the food you should still follow quarantine protocols and wear a face mask or better yet a face shield.
Photo credit: Pixabay.
4. Meat products
Just like vegetables and fruits, you can also start mass-producing and selling meat products such as sausages, chorizo, corned beef, etc. Creating meat products can be a bit more time consuming and you will need to have certain pieces of equipment such as meat grinders and mixers. Luckily there are cheaper alternatives that you can buy online for a reasonable price. Just make sure that you follow sanitary procedures when you make your meat products.

Always store the product properly, and wear gloves when you handle it. Processing meat can also leave a certain smell in the area. So if you live in a crowded neighborhood, you should make sure that you minimize the smell as much as possible. Handling meat is also a lot more dangerous during the pandemic, so you should be as careful as possible.

5. Homemade soaps
During the pandemic, proper hygiene is key to staying healthy. This is why you should start selling organic soaps and shampoos. In the past few months, soaps and shampoos have been at a premium. Soaps are especially valuable because they are essential to disinfecting one’s hands. There has been a rise in soap sales, and it’s all because of the pandemic. Soap is relatively easy to make, and the cost of ingredients is relatively cheap. So you can mass-produce a great deal. By creating and selling organic soaps and shampoos, you will not only gain a profit but will also help in stopping the spread of the Coronavirus.

6. Homemade alcohol disinfectant
Aside from soap, one of the most important products you can sell are homemade alcohol disinfectants. In the first few months of the pandemic, alcohol became a rarity. A majority of people got scared that stores would run out of supply. Which is why people started hoarding alcohol. This soon led to shortages, and a limit was set on the purchasing of alcohol disinfectants. Luckily for you, alcohol disinfectants are relatively easy to make, and you can be assured that you will sell a lot. Just make sure that your alcohol disinfectants are 70% alcohol because that is the minimal amount needed to kill bacteria and most viruses.
Photo credit: iStock.
In the new normal, we all need to adapt to new ways of living. This is especially true for making a living. Luckily with these great tips, you’ll have a good head start.

7.15.2020

Can Dogs Eat Hemp Seeds – Typically Used For Extraction Of The Oil?

Pet parents pay close attention to their furry companion's dietary health as one of their primary responsibilities. It's not always clear what constitutes safe options and what should be avoided without close contact with the pet's vet and considerable research.

Nutritional health is a key component to the overall functionality of the body. Being deficient in essential nutrients leaves the body and its systems struggling to operate. One compound found to help restore the recommended daily allowance of most of these elements is hemp oil. The substance has been touted as being successful in numerous anecdotal studies with pets.

The products deem safe, organic, and with no known side effects for the puppies. Research is required on the part of the pet parent to obtain the highest standard in products from the best quality companies. 

There is a multitude of these online, including Pet Hemp Company, who offer a wide range of formulas meant to make the administration process easy for the pup and the parent. Putting the hemp seeds into a dog's food is probably the most comfortable form of consumption for pup providing the very best nutritional benefit.
Photo credit: Homes Alive Pet Blog.
Are Hemp Seeds Safe For Dogs To Eat?
Hemp seeds are recommended for a canine's diet, with there being no issue in consuming them. These comprise fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 of perfect proportion meaning there will be no excess fat put into the diet. Maintaining an appropriate balance enhances puppy's wellness and provides a multitude of other advantages.

Skin/Coat: Omega fatty acids play a significant role in a puppy's body, including skin health. These are responsible for skin health, both moisturizing and decreasing instances of itching. The ratio is perfectly proportioned to the point it lowers the chances for skin diseases and promotes a lush, shiny coat with minimal shedding.

Inflammation: Age progression brings cases of osteoarthritis and joint swelling commonly in pups. Many vets' immediate responses are to prescribe painkillers or various other medications, but hemp seeds incorporated into the diet are a natural alternative.

The fatty acids offer anti-inflammatory properties that assist in decreasing the joining pain. The dog's vet will need to make sure a healthy balance is kept as Omega 6 comprises linoleic acid, which has the potential for triggering an inflammatory response. The seeds, however, boast as keeping arthritis at a minimum.
Photo credit: Z-Company.
The Heart: Cholesterol and fat can build up in the heart as a result of obesity, which can induce cardiovascular problems. If puppy indulges in these products, they tout as having the potential for maintaining a strong, healthy heart with the number of amino acids contained in them and arginine.

Those elements are responsible for the production of nitric oxide, directly affecting the circulation of blood with dilation and relaxation. Once the vessels are relaxed, the pressure is lower, resulting in increased flow to the heart and other vital organs, leading to better functionality.

Nutrients: The seeds of the hemp plant are virtually a 'powerhouse' of nutrients and antioxidants that enhance your dog's immune system with fiber aiding in healthy digestion. Check this link for nutritional advantages of these and other natural substances being added to a canine's diet.

Calming: Puppies can endure a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety based on our day-to-day activities, whether we leave them alone on a regular or extended period, are stressed to our limits, or perhaps depressed. They read our energy, and it translates to them.

The effects often lead to puppy lashing out, whether it be pottying inside the house, barking excessively, or other unusual behavior. Instead of punishing what is understandable reactions to their surroundings, you may try helping them cope by providing hemp seeds, which boast as offering calming benefits.
V and his Pomeranian, Yeontan! :)
The claim is these tout also to reduce anxieties and decrease stressors making the chaos around the household much more bearable. Get advice on the various aspects of the compounds relating to dogs at https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/faq-what-you-need-to-know-about-hemp-and-dogs/ .

7.13.2020

The Best Canned Food for Dogs.

In 2018, the global pet food sales managed a high of $72b. Of this, the biggest share was brought in by dog food sales. There are hundreds of dog food brands around the globe striving every year to meet an ever ballooning demand. Dry dog food is more popular since it does not require much when it comes to storage, and it also comes in large quantities.

Wet food, on the other hand, has to be canned in small containers that on average, provides a single meal. The food has to be properly sealed by a can seamer to keep contaminants out. Once opened, the food cannot be stored for long.
Photo credit: Pixabay.
Canned dog food has the following benefits:

Benefits of Canned Dog Food
1. Canned dog food has more protein compared to dry foods. The high meat content in canned foods is the reason why their cost is higher than kibble diets.

2. Canned dog foods have fewer carbs compared to kibble diets. Dry food has gluten that binds food together like glue, making them more chewy and pliable.

3. There are fewer preservatives in canned dog food because the preservation of the food mainly relies on the airtight seal. The amount of preservatives you can find in canned foods is minimal.

4. Canned food tastes better. Most are wet with juices and water. These preserve the flavors of the dish and act as soups too. Dry foods, on the other hand, are not that palatable.

5. Canned food reduces bloat as it does not absorb too much water from the body like kibble diets. It is also hard to gulp wet food.
Park Seo Joon and his fur baby, Simba.
The following are some of the biggest canned dog food brands:

Taste of the Wild 
  • Ingredients: lamb broth, dried egg, beef, vegetable broth, and lamb liver. 
  • Texture: Chunks in Gravy 
  • Type: Free of grain 
  • Life Stage: All Life Stages 
  • Age: Adults and Puppies. 
Taste of the Wild is a brand that has five different varieties of wet food for dogs. It derives the majority of its nutrients from beef with a 44% protein yield, 225 fat, and 25% carbs. Taste of the Wild is a receiver of the 5 Stars, an award given to the best food brands in the market.

Merrick Classic Canned Food
  • Ingredients: Beef broth, chicken broth, deboned beef, beef liver, and peas.
  • Texture: Chunks in gravy
  • Type: Free of grain
  • Life Stage: All stages
  • Age: Adults and all puppies.
Merrick dog food is a brand that has over 11 varieties of dog food. Three of the 11 are certified 4.5 stars. The brand uses fresh beef in all its recipes on top of other foods that are kind to the pet’s stomach. Merrick classic canned food contains 47% protein, 29% carbs, and 16% fat.

Halo Wet Dog Food
  • Ingredients: Chicken broth, lamb, beef liver, barley, and carrots
  • Texture: Pate or stew
  • Type: Inclusive of grain
  • Life stage: Maintenance
  • Age: Limited to adults only
Halo dog food comes in 8 different varieties, with three of them certified four stars. It is notably filled with grains and vegetables, which makes it palatable to dogs that love vegetables in their food. Halo foods contain 50% protein, 14% carbs, and 28% fat.

Weruva Wet Dog Food
  • Ingredients: Water, chicken, pumpkin, egg and sweet potato
  • Texture: Chunks in gravy
  • Type: Free of grain Life stage; All stages
  • Age: Adults and puppies
Weruva wet food is a famous brand among pet owners and it comes in 14 different varieties, one of which is rated 4.5 stars. The Weruva grain-free bed and breakfasts are a product line of the brand that is a big hit with cat and dog owners. Weruva packs 57% protein, 10% fat, and an estimated 25% carbs.
My sister's fur baby, Pepper. :)
Wellness Stews Canned Dog Food
  • Ingredients: turkey broth, turkey, water, turkey liver, and barley
  • Texture: Chunks in gravy
  • Type: Inclusive of grain
  • Life stage: All stages
  • Age: Adults and medium-sized puppies
Wellness stews for dogs have six different recipes, all rated class A., the protein in this brand of dog food, is mainly gotten from turkey meat. It packs about 44% protein, 31% carbs, and 175 fat. Many pet owners have had nothing but glowing reviews for the brand, which is among the few that use turkey meat.

Instinct Original Wet Dog Food
  • Ingredients: Beef broth, beef liver, beef, ground flaxseed, tricalcium phosphate
  • Texture: Fine-chopped pate
  • Type: Free of grain
  • Life Stage: All stages
  • Age: Adults and medium breed puppies.
With eight different varieties, Instinct dog food has over 4 of its products certified 4 stars. The other versions are made using different meats like lamb, venison, and rabbit. Instinct has a protein content of about 52%, a fat content of around 34%, and carbs ranging in the region of 6%.

Whole Earth Farms Canned Dog Food
  • Ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, turkey and peas
  • Texture: A combination of pate and stew
  • Type: Free of grain
  • Life stage: All stages
  • Age: Adults and all puppies
With bird meat as its dominant source of protein, Whole Farm is a brand that has 15 products under its name. Whole Earth is packed with 47% protein, 22% carbs and 27% fat. Most of its products are rated between 4 and 5 stars because of its superb quality.

Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Trays
  • Ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, salmon, pumpkin, and brown rice
  • Texture: Chunks in gravy
  • Type: Inclusive of grain
  • Life stage: Maintenance
  • Ages: Reserved for adults only
Nature’s Recipe has 3 product lines under its brand. It derives its proteins from chicken and salmon. The three products include Nature’s Recipe Chicken, Nature’s Recipe Chicken and Turkey and Nature’s Recipe Chicken and Wild Salmon. The brand has a high protein content of 65%, 16% carbs, and 12% fat.
Photo credit: Park Seo Joon 
Conclusion
Pet care has been a big business for years and continues to grow. The brands mentioned here are nothing but a tiny drop in the ocean. As the race to dominate the $100b market share boots up, the quality of pet care improves. If you are a pet owner, it is time you treated your dog to a nice can of tuna or chicken.


7.12.2020

7 Ways to Use CBD and Self-Care Practices to Treat Pain and Anxiety.

When you’re dealing with pain and anxiety, it can be incredibly difficult dealing with your day-to-day life. Even the simplest of tasks can feel intimidating and hard to overcome. Luckily, there are ways to mitigate the effects of pain and anxiety so you can accomplish your to-do list and be successful. Below, we’ve put together some ways to use CBD and self-care practices to treat pain and anxiety.

1. Make Sure You Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can put you on the fast track to pain, anxiety, and grumpiness. When you don’t obtain quality sleep, your brain and body can’t function at normal levels. A lack of sleep can also impact your ability to remember things, your overall frustration tolerance, and even your hunger levels.
Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun in The King: Eternal Monarch (2020).
If you haven’t been sleeping well, you should consider CBD gummies with helpful additions like melatonin. CBD gummies can help you feel relaxed and help ebb away any pains you’re dealing with. Besides CBD gummies, you can also practice good sleep hygiene at night. Keep these tips in mind to sleep better and longer:
  • Only use your bedroom for sleep
  • Stop using your phone and watching TV at least two hours before bedtime
  • Avoid caffeine and other stimulants at least 6 hours before bedtime
  • Don’t drink alcohol before bed
  • Consider taking a warm bath as part of your bedtime ritual
  • Burn relaxing incense while reading a favorite book
2. Consider Gentle Yoga Exercise
High-impact exercises are great for your cardiovascular fitness, but they can be a little too much for your body if you’re in any kind of pain. Instead, focus on low impact exercises that don’t exacerbate your symptoms of discomfort. Yoga is a great way to unwind and relax. Gentle stretching provides many benefits to your body and can have a calming effect on the mind.

3. Try Alternating Warm and Cold Treatment
If you’re dealing with a lingering injury, you might want to try alternating cold and hot treatments. This can help flush out waste from your blood stream and quell inflammation in the body. Just make sure you keep both your hot and cold time periods short, so you don’t injure your skin with burns.
Park Seo Joon in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018).
4. Pay Attention to Your Food
Nutrition can have both a positive effect or negative effect on the mind and body. If you eat processed foods with lots of sugar and salt, that can actually result in a negative mood. Although a treat here and there won’t make a huge impact, you should focus your diet on whole foods with minimal processing. Fruits, veggies, and grass-fed meat can provide your body with the nutrients necessary to feel at your best.

5. Find a Supportive Community
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or anxiety, it can feel incredibly isolating if you’re dealing with it alone. Luckily, there are supportive communities all over the internet and in real-life. You can search places like Meetup.com, Facebook groups, and even subreddits to find like-minded people going through similar situations.
Messenger video calls with Mum.
6. Reach Out to Friends and Family
Your friends and family should be another channel of support for you if you’re dealing with long-term pain and anxiety. Although many people can’t visit in person due to the coronavirus pandemic, you can schedule regular Zoom or FaceTime meetings with your loved ones. These social connections can help you feel more grounded and provide a measure of happiness.

7. Consider Adopting a Pet
One of the best decisions you can make is adopting an animal from an animal shelter. If you don’t feel like you have capacity to take care of a dog that requires regular walking and might be high-energy, you can opt for a cat or bunny. A fuzzy friend can help you with your anxiety and pain. Plus, who can be sad when there’s a wagging tail or purring buddy around?
Say hi to Pepper! :)
Conclusion: Dealing with Pain and Anxiety 
When you’re not feeling your best, it can be hard to be optimistic or look forward to anything happening in the future. But, if you practice taking care of yourself with proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition, you can begin feeling better. Don’t forget, you’re never alone – just reach out to your support system when you need it.




7.10.2020

My Laneige x Lazada Super Brand Day Haul!

Laneige turned 25 this year! Yes, the world-renowned Korean cosmetics brand has been in the market for that long! To celebrate this momentous occasion, Laneige had a Super Brand Day in their Lazada flagship store.

This special event happened last June 25 (the brand's anniversary), with more than a dozen Laneige products on sale, some even marked down to 70% of their original price. They also offered special bundles at discounted prices, and even gave away free gifts to purchases worth Php 2000 and up. Of course, I am not one to miss this sale event, even if it meant staying up until past midnight and losing sleep, haha!

Here's what I got from the Laneige x Lazada Super Brand Day:
My Lazada x Laneige Super Brand Day haul, including all the freebies I got!
Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
I've been wanting to try this sleeping mask ever since cica skincare products became all the rage, but I had to resist the urge of buying one since I still have a tub of the Lavender Sleeping Mask. Now that I've almost emptied that tub, I had the perfect excuse to finally try the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask!
Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask, Php 1330.
A 'barrier-strengthening mask', the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask helps reinforce the skin's natural resilience and calms the skin as you sleep. It's infused with the 'Forest Yeast cica', an ingredient patented by Amore Pacific that strengthens and regenerates the skin overnight. This sleeping mask also contains panthenol which soothes skin irritations, and shea butter which deeply moisturizes the skin and and creates a protective moisture barrier.

Laneige Essential Mini Bundle
A brand day exclusive, the Laneige Essential Mini Bundle consists of my favorites from Laneige's Basic Care line - five 25 mL bottles of the Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) and five 25 mL bottles of the Essential Balancing Emulsion (Moisture). It also includes a 30 mL tube of the Moist Cream Cleanser and a pack of the Clear-C Water Pocket Sheet Mask.
Laneige Essential Mini Bundle, Php 550.
The Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) is a moisturizing toner that provides deep hydration. This toner is perfect for those with combination skin and dry skin with flaky patches. Complementing it is the Laneige Essential Balancing Emulsion (Moisture), a lightweight emulsion that provides deep hydration to dry/combination skin.

The Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser, on the other hand, is a mild, cream-textured foam cleanser that cleanses the skin without making it feeling tight and dry. Hydrating and non-irritating, this cleanser brightens the skin and gives it a moist finish.

Finally, there's the Water Pocket Sheet Mask which provides customized skin care for each skin problem as the water pockets containing concentrated nourishment closely adhere to the skin. Available in several variants, the one that I got is the Clear C which contains superberry extract that has great anti-oxidant effects.

Laneige Two Tone Sheet Mask
Truth be told, I bought these sheet masks on a whim. I was supposed to purchase the brand day exclusive Water Pocket Sheet Mask Bundle (5 sheet masks for less than Php 200), but alas, they were sold out as soon as the sale started! I ended up buying the Two Tone Sheet Masks which were a tad pricier, but at least I reached the Php 2000 purchase requirement for the freebies (lol).
Laneige Two Tone Sheet Masks, Php 154 each.
The Laneige Two Tone Sheet Mask, as the name implies, is a sheet mask that comes in two colors and two parts - one sheet for the upper part of the face and another sheet for the lower part. This sheet mask comes in eight variants, each addressing different skin concerns. 

I got two sheet masks - the Moisturizing and Lifting Sheet Mask which moisturizes the dry T-zone and skin around the eyes and cheeks as it firms up the cheeks and the skin around the chin; and the Pore Care and Relaxing Sheet Mask which moisturizes, softens, and soothes the skin and its problem areas.

As for the freebies, here's the entire loot:
Freebies from the Laneige x Lazada Super Brand Day!
Laneige Basic & New Water Bank Refreshing Kit + sachet samples
This kit includes a 25 mL bottle of the Essential Power Skin Refiner (Light), a 25 mL bottle of the Balancing Emulsion (Light), a 10 mL tub of the Water Bank Gel Cream, a 10 mL bottle of the Water Bank Hydro Essence, and a 3 mL tube of the Water Bank Eye Gel.

The sachet samples include the following: Eye Sleeping Mask, Water Bank Moisture Cream, White Dew Tone-up Cream, White Dew Original Ampoule Essence, and Watery Sun Cream.

This set was given as a freebie to purchases made between 12am to 2am with a minimum spend of Php 1500. 
Laneige Thermos by TUMS.
I got another set of freebies because my final bill amounted to more than Php 2000. This set includes two more Water Pocket Sheet Masks (White Plus Renew and another Clear C sheet mask) and the limited edition Laneige Stainless Steel Thermos by TUMS. Among these freebies, I am most thrilled with the thermos, haha! 
Laneige Thermos by TUMS.
What have you bought online during the quarantine? Has the pandemic made you more reliant on online shopping sites or do you still go to the mall to buy stuff?