What to Expect When Your Husband Gets His Vasectomy.

Birth control is a decision that couples make during their marriage to avoid having an unplanned baby. To achieve a permanent method of birth control, couples have to decide who must undergo an operation. The choice lies between female tube ligation and a male vasectomy. The vasectomy provides the safest and most cost-effective permanent option.

Yoon Kyun Sang in Doctors (2016).

During the procedure
The vasectomy is a minor procedure which can be done in the doctor’s rooms. It requires a local anaesthetic and takes about 15 minutes to be performed. It can be done in two ways, the one method involving the making of two minor incisions and the other so-called non-scalpel option. The latter option makes use of a needle to puncture a hole through which the sperm ducts or vas deferens are pulled to be cut and sealed off. Urology Georgia are experts in the non-scalpel option vasectomy and offers advanced treatment ensuring their patients gets the best care.

The recovery period
The person can normally be back at work after about 2 days and fully recovered after 5 days. There can be a little bit of blood still oozing from the holes, some tenderness, swelling and a general feeling of discomfort in the scrotum region. The symptoms will disappear in about 24hours. The doctor will prescribe some painkillers and instructions on how to recuperate. Any strenuous activities must be avoided and no heavy objects should be lifted for at least 3 days. The couple should abstain from sexual intercourse for about a week.

Ji Chang Wook in Healer (2014).

The time it takes to be effective
The object with the vasectomy is to sterilize the male and it also does so in almost 100% of all the cases, in some very rare cases the tubes can re-join. For the first six months after the vasectomy, there might still be some sperm present in the semen and another type of contraceptive must be used. The urologist will require that semen be brought for microscopic testing until sterility is confirmed. No unprotected intercourse must take place until this confirmation is given.

Risks associated with vasectomy
The risk involved with a vasectomy lies in the fact that it doesn’t always sterilize a male permanently and the tubes can re-join in rare instances. Studies conducted to establish if there is any health risk involved with vasectomies didn’t identify any real issues. A large number of men develop a type of allergy to the proteins in their sperm after a vasectomy although these antibodies have not been shown to produce any negative effect in any organ.

Ji Sung and Han Ji Min in Familiar Wife (2018).

What you should consider prior to vasectomy
Consider the risk that in rare cases the procedure is not 100% effective and might not be a permanent birth control procedure. The couple must be 100% sure that they don’t want to have any children in the future or they just want to allay the fear of having an unwanted pregnancy. The vasectomy is not a method to improve sexual performance or to change a partner’s attitude to sexual intercourse. Consider the possibility of the husband developing psychological issues about being sterilized.

Spotlight | The Eternity Rose.

Valentine's has long been over, and by now, the flowers that were given as gifts to celebrate the occasion have either wilted or have been thrown away. After all, fresh cut flowers look good for just three to four days - a week, at the most.

But not my rose.

The Eternity Rose.

Mine neither dries, fades, or wilts, and will last and look the same for many more Valentine's (and even wedding anniversaries) to come. It's called The Eternity Rose, a one-of-a-kind gift that's guaranteed to live up to its name. Created by a group of Australia-based artisans, The Eternity Rose has been in the market - Europe, in particular - for over nine years.

A rose for all eternity.

What makes this product extraordinary is that it's made with a real rose, grown to perfection by a team of trained horticulturalists who vigilantly watch over the blossoms and harvest them at their ideal stage of bloom. The roses then undergo a complex, 60-step process of preservation which includes 'freezing' the flower in its natural form, coating it with several layers of lacquer, dipping it in platinum, silver, and gold, or glazing and trimming the edges with pure, 24-karat gold. The entire process takes about 90 days, making this product a finely crafted work of art.

Even the leather case is a work of art. 

My very own Eternity Rose is an exquisite, light blue rose, glazed and trimmed in 24-karat gold. Sure, a gold or platinum-dipped rose would look even more majestic, but I personally chose blue since this color represents the 10th wedding anniversary. Husband and I are celebrating our tenth year of marriage this June, and the Blue Eternity Rose makes a perfect, lasting keepsake for this happy occasion.

Makes a lovely conversation piece, too. 

The glazed roses are also available in other colors, including red - the ultimate symbol of beauty and love. Each rose is presented in a stylish display case made from leather, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Certificate of Authenticity.

Aside from Valentine's Day and wedding anniversaries, The Eternity Rose makes an exceptional gift for just about any occasion - birthdays, Mother's Day, and even graduations. They can be purchased directly from The Eternity Rose website, and can be bought with or without a display case, or as a set with a brass vase also dipped in precious metals.

A closer look at my Light Blue Eternity Rose.

If you prefer something wearable, you'd be glad to know that The Eternity Rose also has rose pendants and earrings available. You can buy them as a set to match your Eternity Rose, or purchase them separately. They offer free shipping for all orders, and can deliver to over 50 countries around the globe, including the Philippines.

Believe me, this rose is even lovelier in person. :)

Visit The Eternity Rose website to know more about their products and view the complete collection and/or follow their official Facebook page for promos and product updates.

Bespoke Gift Ideas for Father's Day.

More often than not, finding a gift that's thoughtful and unique for the special man in your life can be notoriously challenging. The task is often Herculean that you'll almost always end up buying a necktie, a pair of boxer shorts, or a set of socks because these items are the only things that you can think of.

But contrary to popular belief, men aren't that hard to shop for - especially if you have a deep understanding of what his hobbies and interests are, and pay attention to the things that he like and dislike, for that matter. And with Father's Day fast-approaching, it's now time to rack my brains and come up with interesting surprises for the men in my family. Thankfully, I found a haven of gift options online and they now have me covered in time for Father's Day!

For my husband who works the night shift.
A personalized Frenche press, for men who run on coffee. This cafetiere features a heat resistant borosilicate glass beaker inside a chrome-plated steel frame with a black polycarbonate handle. The coffee pot can be hand-etched with your own words over five lines. Should I have this etched with "I love you forever", or that looks too cheesy to bring to his workplace? Haha!

Personalized cafetiere.

For my comic geek brother.
My brother, now in his early 30's and soon-to-be a father of two (my sister-in-law is currently pregnant with their second child), will forever be like Peter Pan. He's still addicted to video games, watches cartoons, and still into comic books - just like he was when we were kids. This Vintage Comic Clock makes a perfect gift for him, and for those men who will forever be kids-at-heart. The clock's face can be customized with your comic book/superhero of choice.

Vintage comic clock.

For my banker brother-in-law.

Nothing says dapper like a business bag handcrafted from the finest Italian leather. This Calvino business bag, which can be personalized with the recipient's initials, looks smart, simple, yet elegant - exactly the aura that my brother-in-law should exude whenever he's meeting clients or having a business luncheon with his boss.

Leather business bag.

For my father-in-law, and his wine collection.

I can't exactly say that my father-in-law is a wine connoisseur because he hardly drinks wine and other alcoholic beverages. But he does have a wide collection of wines and spirits at home, most of them are gifts from relatives and friends. This beautifully handcrafted wood rack is a stylish way to display his wines, and makes a nice accent to the kitchen in my parents-in-law's home.

Personalized wine rack.

For my grandfather who loved to cook.

And I say loved because it's been almost eighteen years since he passed away. But my grandfather, whom we fondly call 'Lolo Daddy', has never been forgotten, and we'd always remember him for his love for food, his cooking skills, and how much he loved us, his grandchildren. If he were still alive, I'd probably surprise him with this Magnetic Knife Block and have the words 'Best Lolo' ('lolo is the Filipino term for 'grandfather') etched on it.

Personalized Magnetic Knife Block.

So forget the socks, ties, and boxers, and get your dad or husband a gift that's meaningful, something that will pique his interest, and is right up his alley. I'm sure you're bound to find one at Gifts Less Ordinary. :)

Spotlight | oNecklace Infinity Jewelry Collection.

Today, the husband and I are celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary and our 14th anniversary as a couple. That's quite a long time of togetherness, I know. :)

And what better way to commemorate this occasion than with new jewelry from one of my favorite jewelry brands, oNecklace? If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you're probably aware that I have worked with oNecklace in two previous campaigns - the first one was on Valentine's Day two years ago, while the second time was last October when they launched their Pink Ribbon Collection.

Working with oNecklace has always been a joyous experience, and I am thrilled to be part of their new campaign. It's like the universe is conspiring to make our anniversary extra special and worth remembering. Haha!

I love that the boxes now come in my favorite color! :)

oNecklace recently introduced new items to their Infinity Jewelry Collection, and now I am a proud owner of these two lovely pieces - the Personalized Infinity Bracelet and the Classic Infinity Ring.

New pieces from the Infinity Jewelry Collection.

Nothing says forever better than this Personalized Infinity Bracelet, adorned with tiny heart charms engraved with your and your loved one's initials.  

B + C to infinity and beyond. :)

The infinity symbol is suspended from a dainty yet durable rolo style chain, made with sterling silver, rose gold plated, or 24k gold plated similar to mine.

Personalized Infinity Bracelet when worn.

Complementing this piece is the Classic Infinity Ring, a timeless, trendsetting ring that can be paired with any look.

Classic Infinity Ring.

Like the bracelet, this ring is another meaningful way to represent eternal love, as it bears the iconic infinity symbol. Similarly, this ring can be crafted with the material of your choice - sterling silver, 24k gold plated, or rose gold plated similar to mine.

Classic Infinity Ring when worn.

All oNecklace pieces come with a Certificate of Authenticity, a guarantee that the materials used are hallmarked and confirm with legal standards.

Certificate of Authenticity.

I know there are a lot of June brides out there like me, so if you're celebrating your anniversary soon and would like to commemorate the occasion with a meaningful gift, I suggest you visit oNecklace and purchase a piece or two from their website. They ship orders within 24 hours, and offer free shipping to anywhere in the world!

Thank you, oNecklace for these lovely gifts!

And happy anniversary, my love! Cheers to a lifetime of togetherness! I love you! :)

Spotlight | To PH With Love.

Unlike other couples, my husband and I really don't celebrate Valentine's Day. Aside from the fact that we've been physically apart for the past six Valentine's (this year will be the seventh), we just don't like the thought of 'joining the Valentine bandwagon' - you know, flowers and chocolates and all that mushy stuff.

Surprisingly, however, this year is an exception. My husband sent an early present that's actually within the norm of Valentine's Day gifts! (Three years ago I got a cookware set for Valentines, how cool is that?!) But they're not for me, though. They're for Yue, which made this present extra special.

A surprise from Daddy!

Apparently, the husband tapped the services of To:PH With Love, a newly-established company that aims to help OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) around the world to send gifts to their families here in the Philippines. Gifts can be in the form of flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, even surprise parties for your loved ones.

Made possible by To:PH with Love.

Pre-packaged gift sets are also available, such as the one the husband sent. This gift set in particular contains an assortment of chocolates and a teddy bear keyring housed in a cute ice cream cone.

Sweet treats inside!

Yue was thrilled to discover that the ice cream cone is actually a coin bank. He asked my grandmother for coins and deposited them inside the cone right away.

Saving for a rainy day. :)

This gift arrived at our place last weekend, and could not have come at a better time. You see, we had a bit of mishap at the barbers last Saturday, which led to the skinhead cut. Yue didn't like the thought of having his precious hair hacked off (he really loved his high fade pompadour), and cried a river while sitting in the barbers chair. When we got home, this package was practically waiting at the doorstep and it was more than enough to cheer Yue up and make him forget about the barbershop brouhaha. Whew! :)

Thanks, Daddy!
And thank you, To PH With Love!

Still on the lookout for Valentine's gifts? Let To PH With Love help you in selecting the perfect gift for your loved ones!

To PH with Love
Manila, Philippines
+63-927-988-4523
tophwithlove@gmail.com

Wordless Wednesday #138 | Way Back When.

Found my husband's old wallet while rummaging through the drawers.
Inside were a few dollars, an expired credit card, my 2002 UPLB grad photo,
our studio pics from 2003, and old love letters. How cheesy! :)

What a Man Wants.

So I just finished watching the 251st episode of 'Running Man', Korea's long-running and extremely popular variety show. In this particular episode, which featured on-screen and real-life couples, there was a segment where the competitors were asked to make a list of 'Disappointing Presents You've Received'. Majority of the men wrote 'socks', 'tie', 'belt', and 'books'. I am not surprised, since my husband wouldn't be too thrilled to receive these gifts either.

Men aren't always the easiest people to buy gifts for, so you have to put in extra effort in searching for the perfect gift - especially if the recipient is someone you love. To make the search a little bit easier for you, I've rounded up a short list of items that men will surely love to receive as gifts. Tried, tested, and appreciation guaranteed!

Surprise!

1. Tickets to their favorite sports team.
No sports buff would be able to resist these, especially if they're season/playoff/finals tickets! Now if your significant other is into boxing or mixed martial arts, get him tickets to an event with his favorite boxer/fighter in the card.

2. An expensive watch.
I've read somewhere that watches make perfect graduation gifts. And true enough, when my brother graduated from college, he received a designer watch as a gift.

For men, a watch is an acknowledgement of hard work, and for the fresh graduate, it is an encouraging nod to the his upcoming professional undertakings. More than a quirky tie or a crisp handkerchief, a watch symbolizes maturity and growth, and will be put to good use as a man enters the working world.

3. Shoes.
For guys who care about their appearance, stylish apparel and a nice pair of shoes are always a welcome gift. As British designer Oliver Spencer would say, "Good shoes stand the test of time, and are almost oblivious to the ebbs and flows of fashion."

So go ahead, get your man those Weejuns from GH Bass. Or if your significant other is a sneaker freak like mine, surprise him with a kick-ass pair from the Jordan Retro Collection.

Gadgets galore!

4. Gadgets.
In this day and age where technology has become so advanced that you can even turn the gas stove off with a smartphone, any man would surely want to receive a new gadget as a gift.

If you're feeling a tad generous, you might want to fork out a smartphone complete with a postpaid plan for your loved one. Now if he's ahead of his time and already has his hands on the latest smartphone, why not get him some tech accessories to go with it? You can shop for gadgets at Zalora Philippines where there's an array of speakers, amplifiers, and even wearable devices that your man will surely love.

5. Video games.
It's no secret that men love their video games just as much as women love bags and heels. For men, spending time with their XBox One or Playstation 4 is just another way to relax, a way to unwind and release stress, just like watching sports. In that sense you're actually doing your husband/boyfriend a favor by surprising him with Halo 5, or better yet, the much-talked about remake of Final Fantasy VII.

I'll let you in on a secret. Men find it attractive when a woman understands video games, all the more if she plays. Trust me on this. My husband was smitten when I busted his ass on Tekken. Haha!

So next time you're tempted to give your husband a tie, a pair of socks, or a belt, because you think he needs it, think again. He might need it, but might not actually want to receive it as a gift. ;)

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 | Unique Gift Ideas for the Man in Your Life.

If you have a man in your life who's difficult to shop for, then you may need some unique gift ideas that will surprise him with something amazing. The specific gift that you choose should depends on what the person likes, but you can use these ideas to help you come up with your own unique gifts.

A Beer Tour
Some of the important men in your life probably have a fierce love for craft beers. According to the Brewers Association, the craft beer industry adds 1.2 new breweries in the United States per day. This growth primarily comes from men who are just as interested in drinking beer that tastes great as they are drinking beer that will give them a buzz.

Image via Flickr by jronaldlee

The brewing industry has also added jobs to tourism. As more breweries appear, more tourism companies create tours that make it easy and safe for beer aficionados to have drinks at some of the best taprooms in town. Any man who loves beer would also love to take one of these tours.

If your man doesn't drink beer, then you could replace it with a barbecue, pizza, or burgers tour. There's an option for every food niche.

Golf Lessons from a Pro

Although the number of golfers has declined in recent years, plenty of men still play golf to relax. It's even popular among Millennials, 6.5 million of whom say they play golf.

Photo credit: Jim Delaby

A man who loves playing golf has to constantly push his boundaries to keep the game interesting. That's why it makes sense to buy him a few golf lessons with a professional. Many golf and country clubs employ professional golfers who give lessons. Just a few hours of help from a pro could push a man's game to a whole new level.

If your guy already has the perfect swing, then you can use a website like Cloud 9 Living to find unique gifts for men, such as tee times at exclusive clubs and tournaments in your area.

Tickets to see his Favorite Sports Team
Every sports fan dreams of front row seats during a grueling match between rivals. If you know a man who absolutely adores a certain sports team, then you already know what to get him for the holidays as well as birthdays and other special events.

Talk to your local sports team early to get tickets. Whether it's baseball, basketball, football, or soccer, the best seats go quickly. You should also ask the team whether it has special tickets that include free food, drinks, or other niceties that will make your man's day even more fun.

A Surprise Weekend Trip
Some men love the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Other men prefer a quiet campsite in Oregon. No matter what your favorite guy prefers, you can surprise him with a weekend trip.

Photo credit: Telegraph UK

This isn't the kind of gift you can throw together at the last minute. You'll need to find out things like:  - What he likes to do while traveling
 - Where he likes to go when he has time to get away
 - Whether he prefer relaxation or excitement
You want to cater the trip to his unique preferences, so starting asking pertinent questions months in advance.

Flying Lessons
Men have spent thousands of years thinking about flight. Of course, today, anyone can just purchase a ticket and fly through the air at over 500 mph. Learning how to operate a plane, however, is a completely different kind of adventure.

It's an adventure that you can give your aspiring aviator. Many cities with small airports offer basic flight instruction for professionals and amateurs. If you know a man who would like to pilot his own plane, then this is a great option that could fulfill his dream. With help from a trained professional, practically anyone can operate a small plane during flight.

The man in your life will probably talk about it for years. Do you know someone who would love one of the above gifts? What other unique gifting ideas can you think of for men?

Three Things to Look at When Choosing a Divorce Attorney.

There are a few moments in life that you never forget, but you don't want your divorce case to always remain on your mind. A messy divorce can leave you uncomfortable and unhappy about the future. Attorneys who specialize in divorce can make you feel as happy about those proceedings as you did about your marriage. When selecting your divorce attorney, there are three key things you want to look at and consider.

Photo credit: Telegraph UK.

Experience in Divorce Cases
One of the first things you want to look at is how much experience the attorney has in handling divorce cases. Family law attorneys often specialize in all areas of family law, which can include paternity and adoption cases, wills and estates and marriages and divorces. The more experience the lawyer has in handling divorce cases, the better you'll feel about your case. As a father, you may want to consider working with someone who has experience in the rights of the father and husband. This ensures that the lawyer will fight for your rights and what is right for your family.

Settlement vs. Trial
Some divorces are such happy and peaceful occasions that both parties work things through without ever once stepping foot in a courtroom. When looking at family and divorce lawyers, consider asking those lawyers whether the majority of their cases settle out of court or go through the court system. Reaching a settlement outside of court puts less pressure on both you and your former spouse. You'll also feel better knowing that your children never need to testify and that they'll never see their parents fighting in front of them.

Comfort and Ease
The most important thing that you want from an attorney is someone who makes you feel more comfortable and puts your mind at ease. Divorce is often stressful and may leave you dealing with a host of different emotions. A lawyer who puts you at ease can make you feel more peaceful both during the divorce proceedings and later. Reviews of Cordell and Cordell from former clients claim that the lawyers working for that firm helped them feel more relaxed and got them through their proceedings faster and with minimal stress. Whether you choose Cordell and Cordless or another firm, make sure that your lawyer will work hard for you and do what is right for your case.

Wordless Wednesday #95 | The Look-alikes!

The wonders of Classic Shaving.

Every man wants a close, comfortable shave. Shaving is a daily task that must be performed, and it makes sense that the tools used should be classic. That is where Classic Shaving works wonders. The website has a wonderful selection of shaving tools that any man would be proud to own.

A quality razor provides a shave that will take a gentleman through the longest day. ClassicShaving.com has a wide selection of razors, including such tools as safety, straight, Hart Steel and Thiers-Issard razors. These shaving supplies are of the highest quality and made to last.

Thiers-Issard razor.

Any woman with a special man in their lives will want to present him with a thoughtful and useful gift and will enjoy browsing through the available inventory on the site to find the perfect shaving tool. Besides razors, other supplies are also available and include such items as brushes, shaving cream, cologne, hair and skin care products, shaving mugs, strops and gift sets. The website has everything that a well-groomed man could want.

Complete shaving set.

Shaving implements are offered to fit every man’s taste. Gift ideas are also presented on the site ranging from under $25 to under $300. Online shoppers will have no trouble finding the perfect razor for their needs.

Unique shaving tools never go out of style. A razor that is of high quality will last for many years and will provide a close, smooth shave every time. Men who take pride in their shaving implements will have tools that never disappoint.

Wordless Wednesday #73 | Viber Fun!

Little man now has his own Viber account, and he's having fun sending messages to his Dad.

Here's his message to his Dad the other day. Doodled on Viber. :)