Spotlight | Marks & Spencer Moisturizing Body Cream.

The weather has been cold and blustery for the past two days. It's a sign that Christmas is definitely right around the corner. This also means that I should take extra care of my skin, as it tends to disagree (read: dull, dry, flaky even) with the crisp chill in the air.

Good thing I have a vanity table stocked with lotions and body creams. Because you know, I really can not live without lotion. These days I'm using the Moisturising Body Cream from Marks & Spencer - one of the few things that my Mum brought home from London.

Marks & Spencer Moisturising Body Cream.

Product info at the bottom of the tub.

This body cream is part of M&S' Nature's Extracts collection - skincare products that are inspired by some of nature's finest extracts.

Comes in a 200mL tub.

The one that I have is the Fresh Aloe Vera variant, which is pale green in color and has a mild, subtly sweet fragrance. Its texture is soft and creamy, yet easily absorbed by the skin. 

Creamy, but feels light on the skin.

I like the cooling effect of this variant, and how it moisturizes my skin without the greasy after-feel. I bet this product will work well with my skin even during the scorching, summer months. 

Cruelty-free!

The Moisturising Body Cream sells for £4 (around $6 or Php280) in the UK and is available at all M&S stores. I checked their Philippine website and surprise, surprise! They have it here, too!

Have you tried this product before? What are your favorites from Marks & Spencer?

Child Welfare and Parenting Plans.

Not all the parents who lose touch with their children have chosen to do so — sometimes, it is the system in place creates unnecessary conflict.

We support the Government’s commitment to family values and the call for parents to recognize their responsibilities. It is a very depressing fact that 30 per cent of all children in the UK (almost 3 million) have lost touch with one of their parents. This affects not just the parents and children, but also the grandparents and other family members with whom the children are denied contact. It is of little surprise that those children tend to go on to perform less well at school and are more likely to become victims of crime, drink and drug habits.

Photo credit; Not Just Cute.

However, it is a mistake to assume that all these parents have chosen to lose touch with their children. Many are driven away by a system that creates unnecessary conflict during separation. (Reference: boutiko.co.uk)

We believe that the answer is to adopt arrangements which are less adversarial and improve the child’s welfare by presuming that, unless otherwise shown, children are best brought up with the love and guidance of both their parents. We urge the Government to include provision for mandatory Parenting Plans in the Family Justice Bill. Written clearly and without needless bureaucracy, these plans require parents to agree on how to manage their children’s lives, covering everything from holidays to homework; thereby building confidence and reducing the risk of major disputes later. With almost as many parents now separated as are together it is imperative that we get this right for children and families.

This post was contributed by the Wedding Folio Website.

Globe goes global with new international SIMs!

Great news for OFW families and Filipinos traveling abroad!

As more Filipinos fly to Europe, Globe Telecom continues to find ways for them to stay connected to their homeland by introducing in Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) its newest international SIMs with affordable call, text and surfing rates.

Globe local Italy SIM.

With the Globe local Italy SIM, Filipino travelers can keep in touch with loved ones back home using local rates. For just 10 euros or Php 620, subscribers are allocated with 1GB of mobile data, along with 240 minutes of calls to all networks in Italy, valid for 30 days. Using the Globe local Italy SIM, they can also call Globe and TM subscribers in the Philippines for only seven euro cents or Php 4.50 per minute. No other mobile operator in Italy offers these affordable rates.

Globe local UK SIM.

Meanwhile, Filipinos in the UK can enjoy 10 pence or just Php 7.50 for both calls and texts to Globe and also TM users in the Philippines to all networks in the UK. Mobile data costs only £1 (one UK pound) or P75 for 10 megabytes (MB) of data to power a two-minute video stream, 10 emails with attachments and 100 posts on their social networking accounts.

The Globe International SIMs are available at the Globe booths at the departure areas of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The SIMs can also be used with an open line handset. For more information, visit ukglobetel.com and globemobile.it.

Spotlight | Nivea Cashmere Moments Cream Oil.

It's 34 degrees outside, and I'm just about to hit the shower for the second time today. Thanks to the unforgiving summer heat, I've been spending more time in the bathroom these days, more than any other place in the house. So I'm not surprised that our water bill for the month rose to an astronomical high, lol.

Today, I'd like to share with you the bath product that I'm currently using - Nivea's Cashmere Moments Cream Oil. Mum gave me a few bottles of these the last time she came home for a vacation.

Nivea Cashmere Moments Cream Oil.

It's a shower cream oil that contains cashmere extract, which is known for its conditioning and softening benefits. It also has the luxurious scent of orchid blossom, which I really love.

Shower Cream Oil.

It's also formulated with Hydra IQ - a skincare technology that makes the skin soft and smooth, and keeps it moisturized for 24 hours. This Hydra IQ technology is actually based on a study by Prof. Peter Agre, who discovered aquaporins in the skin. This discovery won him the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for Chemistry.

Product description and ingredients at the back.

Check the label!

Dermatologically approved and pH skin-balanced, this product works wonders on dry skin, and safe to use on sensitive skin. 

Easy squeeze bottle with flip top cap.

The cream oil has a very light texture and foams quite well. You get a rich, thick lather even with just a small amount of the product. 

Shower cream oil. :)

What I love:

- The lovely scent that stays on the skin for hours!

- Keeps the skin soft, smooth, and moisturized.

- I can actually skip the lotion after I've bathed with this product.

- Just a little goes a long way.

- Affordable price. (£1.99, approximately Php 146 or $3)

What you might not like:

- This variant is not available in the Philippines.

Have you tried this shower cream oil before? What other Nivea products do you love?

Could happiness be just the thing to put a spring in the elderly’s step?

If you ask anyone of any age what they really want from life, the answer is likely to be 'happiness'.

And it seems that many Brits are well on their way to achieving this blissful state with recent research from the Office for National Statistics revealing that the average Brit rated their life satisfaction at 7.3 out of 10. This puts Britain in eighth place as the happiest place to live in the ranking of 27 countries in the European Union and also places it ahead of countries such as France, Germany and Italy.

Oxford Street in London.

The state of happiness is associated with a number of benefits for overall health and well-being, including helping to guard against conditions such as heart disease.

And the good news is that the benefits that happiness can provide aren’t limited to one particular age group. In fact scientists believe that being happy could be the key to staying healthy in your latter years.

Researchers at the University College of London have found that those people that enjoy life end up being happier and more physically active when they get older. Conversely those who were unhappy were at risk of a whole host of health and mobility issues. This group were also twice as likely to end up suffering more serious conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and arthritis.

The study of 3,200 people over the age of 60 found that happy pensioners didn’t have as much trouble carrying out daily tasks, such as getting out of bed, getting dressed or showering. The researchers also found that people that are happier throughout their lives do not decline in physical function as quickly.

Reaching later life
The research offers a ray of hope to those who are looking to take a proactive approach to their health as they age, and indicates that just having a real zest for life could put a spring your step as you enter your twilight years.

Whether you are 15 or 50 years old, it’s never too late to start making changes. Doing something different, such as joining a club, starting a new sport or travelling more could all have a huge impact on your quality of life later on.

Implementing even the smallest of changes whether you are in your 60s, 70s or 80s, such as those outlined by Action for Happiness, could all contribute to a happier, healthier new you – whatever your age. 

Homelift.

Increasing the amount of physical activity you do, as well as enjoying everything that life has to bring could have untold benefits for your well-being. Mobility aids such as home lifts from Stannah, could also help to ensure that you still have the energy to remain active and are able to move around your home freely. 

Ultimately, maintaining a positive attitude, making small changes to your lifestyle and getting the right support for your needs could all help to set you on the path to happiness and independence as you age. You never know, 60 could indeed be the new 30!

Ideas for the Kids this Summer.

The kids have finished school and the joy of being free for the summer has slowly given way to the inevitable boredom that comes with unlimited free time but only a limited number of possible activities. If that sounds familiar to you here are some great ideas to keep the kids happy, and sometimes even learning, throughout the Summer.

Firstly, let’s think history! The country is brimming with fantastic history which does not have to be housed in stale, old museums. Living history is hands on and exciting which is why it is the best history for the kids and two great examples of this are the Jorvik Centre and Warwick Castle.

The Jorvik Centre is in York and houses a fascinating series of mock Viking villages and workshops filled with all the smells and sounds of the Viking Age. It is sure to open the minds of the kids and will surely entertain the whole family because, let’s face it, Vikings are pretty epic! Well, apart from all the pillaging of course. Also as you are already in York you can spend the day shopping, eating or visiting the other attractions such as York Minster and the Dungeons.

Warwick Castle.

At Warwick Castle the well preserved structure is brought back to life through shows and events that illustrate its thousand years of history. Explore the deep, dark crevices of the castle, then catch a joust, watch the bird of prey show and round the day off with a hog roast while viewing the trebuchet fireball show! With more than enough to do and more than enough excitement it should keep everyone smiling.

 Moving away from the history we have the magnificent landscape, rock formations and waterfalls around the village of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales. The plunging gorge at Gordale Scar is home to a fierce waterfall which definitely leaves a memory. Then you can walk a couple of miles to Malham Cove to see an underground river surface from the bottom of the 80ft cliff. No child could possibly turn their nose up at the seemingly endless miles of fresh air and freedom – and it is where a part of Harry Potter was filmed! 

Speaking of the spectacled wizard wonder, a fourth great idea is the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. This tour takes you on a journey through the eight Harry Potter films, from the very beginning to the very end. With the chance to see the massive sets and all the costumes and trinkets amassed from over 10 years of production it is the perfect place for any family left spellbound by the boy who lived. All these are great ideas but it leaves the question of how to keep the kids occupied in the meantime? Well, you could get some designer gifts for the little ones which will be sure to keep them, and so therefore you, smiling.

5 Design Tips for Creating a Gorgeous Spanish-style Kitchen.

If the constant grey skies and drizzly days that is the typical UK weather is getting you down then you may be dreaming of jetting off into the sun and starting a new life abroad. However, you don't need to up-sticks and move to the continent to make you feel like you're living in sunny Spain, as it is easier than you think to create a stunning kitchen that has all the hallmarks of Barcelona, Valencia or Mallorca.

Spanish revival decor is really popular right now, so read on as we offer five tips for creating the perfect Mediterranean kitchen.

Photo credit: Houzz

Warm Colour Scheme
When we say warm we don't necessarily mean bright as anything too bold may tip the scales into modern rather than Spanish-inspired territory. Instead, aim for combinations of oranges, browns and yellows, and definitely steer well clear of cold shades such as blues, greens and black. White is perfectly fine, although it is best to use it in conjunction with splashes of these warmer colours.

Natural Materials
You will want to use wood throughout your Spanish-style kitchen for the furniture and units - avoid using glass or chrome too much as these are "cold" materials stylistically.

Either keep them their natural colour (dark woods such as walnut or grey are particularly effective) or paint them to fit in with your chosen colour scheme.

Continental Style Doors
It may not be something you have given much thought to, but if you revamp your whole kitchen and neglect the door it will not only look out of place, but effect the whole overriding aesthetic of the space.

A wooden door is best, and it is important to match up the style and colour with that of the rest of your wooden decor, ensuring that you achieve a consistent look throughout. For example, if you have oak furniture and units , invest in an oak internal door.

Rustic Decor
There are numerous touches of rustic design you can incorporate into your kitchen to help achieve that Spanish look. Hand painted tiling, bronze finish accessories and wrought iron work all provide a dramatic and stylish contrast with the rest of the decor.

You should also give strong consideration to your flooring as this will form a key element of the Spanish aesthetic. Genuine floor tiling is ideal, and again you will want to suit the colour and style with the rest of the kitchen.

Plant & Produce
You shouldn't just stop at warm colours when trying to create a Spanish-style kitchen as including plants and fresh produce can also add that continental touch. As far as plants go it's not really necessary to choose types that are native to Spain, however you will want to go for something that exudes that summery feel, such as Areca Palm, Ficus or Diffenbachia. You don't need to go overboard with the indoor plants though as one or two will make a big difference.

Having fresh produce on display is also a great idea so don't be afraid of keeping your fruit and vegetables out of the cupboard.

By transforming your kitchen with a beautiful Spanish style you may not be able to improve the British summer but you will be able to add a touch of sun-kissed Mediterranean life into your home.

This guest blog was written by John Rooney on behalf of Fine Doors, stockists of a wide range of stunning and great value Spanish-inspired internal doors.

A Weekend with the Kids in Lovely Bath.

Fancy a break from the norm? A weekend away to just chill out and have fun with your family? Everyone needs a good old mini-break every once in a while, so why not try out the popular, historic city of Bath for a weekend of great entertainment and culture?

Why Bath? 
Why not? There’s so much to love about this city of history and culture. One of the main attractions in Bath is, wait for it, the Roman Bathhouses, but the city also boasts a wider mass of gorgeous architecture, a fabulous array of listed buildings, and it’s even been named by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.

Photo credit: EuroBuildings

Bath is a great mini-break destination for families. If you want to get a flavour of the city quickly, jump on one of the frequent hop-on hop-off tour buses that zip around the main attractions of the city. Kids love sitting up-top the open top bus, although it’s perhaps best if you’ve got half decent weather and not the traditional British downpour.

If you want to delve deeper into the history of Bath and want to visit the Roman Baths and Museum, you don’t have to worry about what to do with the kids, because the museum now has a “Meet the Romans” audioguide tour available.

Bath City Farm is a wonderful place for families to visit. You’re free to roam around the farm with the animals whenever you like, and there is no charge to visit, although the farm, being a charitable organisation, greatly appreciates any donation you can make.

Where are the Best Restaurants in Bath?
Bath has such a huge range of fabulous places to eat, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The vast number of options available in and around the city means you’ll be guaranteed to find somewhere that will suit everyone, but it’s always wise to investigate family-friendly options online and book in advance online. Check out Bath Restaurants to see what the city has to offer.

A great, family-friendly restaurant in Bath is ASK Italian. This restaurant has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and a massive selection of fine Italian cuisine, so it’s easy to find something to suit the whole family. ASK Italian welcomes children, and provides colouring and activities sheets to keep the little ones amused.

Photo credit: Garfunkel's

Garfunkel’s is another popular choice for families, and offers anything and everything from classic British favourites to international dishes. It’s best to book this one in advance to avoid disappointment.

Where to Stay?
You’re spoilt for choice in Bath. Because it’s one of the UK’s most popular cities, it can offer something for everyone’s budget. YHA Bath is a gorgeous, Italian-style mansion set in beautiful gardens, and is only 10 minutes’ walk from Bath city centre, making it the ideal location for your trip.

Wentworth House is very similar, and although it’s a 15 minute walk from the city centre, it offers a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, so it’s the perfect place to unwind after the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hello Baby, Hello, Brio!

In this day and age of fast-paced technology where all sorts of high-tech toys and gizmos are abundant, and where toddlers learn their nursery rhymes from tablets and Android applications, it's nice to know that there are still classic, old-school toys available in the market today.

Hello Baby is a London-based online nursery and baby shop that sells such toys. Founded in 2007 by Trevor Ginn, Hello Baby believes that toys should be fun and educational. Hence, they provide a wide-range of toys - from the modern to the traditional - that keep the little ones amused and help develop their senses.

This Brio Race Car is a perfect example.

Made of wood and lead-free paint, this race car is perfect for toddlers to play with, and still suitable for my son's age. (Yue is three, by the way.) Simple as it may look like, this traditional toy racer can provide hours of entertainment as it enhances the imagination and develops eye-hand coordination of your child.

In Europe, Brio toys are a common sight in preschool classrooms and childcare centers. The brand has become a household name with their quality lead-free toys and eco-friendly children's products.

Although the £6.19 price tag may be expensive for some, to me this is still better than those cheap plastic toys that may be laden with lead, mercury, and other toxic chemicals. When it comes to my son, his safety comes first.

And for someone who learned how to operate an iPhone at 24-months old, and has unlocked almost all of the stages in Angry Birds, it's amazing how much the little man enjoyed this simple toy. He loves it so much that he even takes it to bed with him!

The Brio Race Car comes in four colors - green, red, blue, orange. Hello Baby ships worldwide, terms and conditions apply.

*Product was sent free of charge for review purposes. Thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

London 2012 | Hobnobbing, Star-spotting!

If plane tickets and a gold credit card are all that I need to go to London, then most likely I won't be here - at home, in the Philippines, blogging.

After watching the opening ceremony and witnessing the Olympic Torch being lit, the little man has been bugging me like crazy to go to London so he could see the 'big fire' (as he calls it) for himself. He kept on asking for this incessantly, to the point where you just want to give in to his whim just so he would stop nagging. Unfortunately, the little man and I don't have a British visa, unlike Mum who now happens to be a citizen.

To pacify him a bit, I made him wear his London 2012 shirt set to school the other day. Wednesday is wash day, so they don't have to wear their school uniform.

Meanwhile, in Westfield, my cousin John and his friends are on a school break and enjoying the crazy, fun, sublime atmosphere of the Olympics. He even had the chance to meet athletes on several occasions.

Ike Diogu of Hornets/LA Clippers.

Al Faruq Aminu of the New Orleans Hornets.

Our very own Bulilit, Mark Barriga!

As you can see, my cousin and his friend Fernan are still proud Pinoys, despite their British citizenship. My cousin even calls out Mayweather in this interview with EsNews. And Fernan calls him a 'relic of the past', LOL!

Cockney usually amazes me (Gordon Ramsay's in particular), but hearing it from my cousin just made my migraine recur. Hahaha! Peace, brother. See you in December!

Shopping Areas of London.

London is not only a city of outstanding culture and history, but also one of the best places in the country to go shopping. Take a trip to the capital to see the sights,and you’ll probably find yourself drawn towards the famous department stores or rummaging in its quirky markets and second-hand shops. Whether you’re looking for upmarket luxury brands, edgy vintage pieces or just the biggest outlets of your favourite chain, London is unrivalled for choice.

For general shopping, Oxford Street is the place to start as it’s home to almost all of the well-known chain brands that have made the UK high street what it is today – fantastic. Interspersed with big department stores and little eateries, Oxford Street is the busiest shopping street in Europe, and is always buzzing with crowds of shoppers hunting a bargain.

Look who's lovin' London!

If you’re looking for something high-end, Sloane Street in Kensington has the biggest names in chic couture, and Bond Street, where art galleries and auction houses nestle alongside up-market designer shops, is similarly swanky. Knightsbridge is best for major department stores, and a retro 1960s vibe still lingers on the iconic King’s Road in Chelsea and Carnaby Street in Soho.

Men are equally well catered for – Savile Row is unbeatable for beautifully tailored bespoke suits and Jermyn Street is the place to go for shirts to match. The Burlington Arcade, first opened in 1819 by Lord George Cavendish, is home to the finest watch shops and is still supervised by the top-hatted ‘Burlington Beadles’ of long tradition. Running from Piccadilly to Bond Street, the arcade is a little piece of history full of luxury, top quality goods.

Meanwhile, if you buy vintage, Portobello Road in the Notting Hill district is the place to go for antiques, whilst Covent Garden and the area around Brick Lane are great for vintage clothes and retro style.

With American Express Gold Cards you can earn rewards points on your purchases, and the American Express Platinum Card will give you elite tier membership with Hilton hotels – so you can take your time, make a weekend of it, and enjoy everything the capital has to offer.

Mum's the Word!

Something wonderful happened yesterday, and our entire family is pretty much in a sprightly mood because of this.

Camden Town Hall, City of London

After almost ten years of working in London as a cardiology nurse, my Mum is now officially a British citizen! Yay! She's been looking forward to this moment for quite some time now, and her turn to take the Citizenship Oath has finally come. Mum is beaming with pride in this photo, and my siblings and I are very, very happy for her. And while the three of us may not have been there to cheer her on, at least she had my aunt (her sister) and cousins (who became naturalized Brits last year) to savor this moment with her.

My cousin JN, always the goofball. :)

Mum is in a very celebratory mood after becoming British that she took my aunt and cousins out for dinner, went on a shopping spree for us and the kids, and is even planning on treating herself to another travel holiday elsewhere in Europe. She's on the lookout for travel discounts and holiday deals here, a travel deal website strongly recommended by a friend.

With her keen eyes, I'm sure Mum will be able to snag a great travel deal in no time. And when she does, count on her to go on another shopping spree again for us and her grandkids.

Sharing with Mommy Moments!