Mommy Ginger
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Slight Change, Huge Difference: Air Optix Colors

If you take a peek into my life, you’ll find out that it’s so… “full”. I can’t seem to find the right adjective. Full seems to be the closest to describe what my life is.

Everyday, I race (sometime literally run) from one meeting to another. I successfully meet deadlines for the things that I have to write about. At the same time, I need go through stuff for Taxumo and Manila Workshops that need my attention. To add to that, I need to check if Zeeka (daughter) has assignments and quizzes that she needs to study for.

My “full” table with my new Air Optix Colors Colored Contact Lenses

Even with the things that I have to accomplish, I always take time out to relax and do things that I love to do.

One of the things that you can do is to go and stay for a while in a place where you feel relaxed. What we do is we go on a staycation and stay in a hotel over the weekend. You don’t necessarily need to go on a staycation. Staying in a quiet cafe, sitting in a hotel lounge or hanging out by a pool can be enough of a change of scenery.

The other thing that I like doing when I feel stressed is doing new things! haha! I try new restaurants and dishes. I go to new malls or stores. I sometimes suddenly dye my hair to another color or buy clothes I wouldn’t normally choose (since I’m not really your fashionista friend.. haha!). I also try out new gyms, learn new things, read new books or play new mobile rpg games or boardgames.

Recently, to destress, I wanted to try out a new look. I always wanted to try colored contact lenses! For the full 38 years of my life and the 23 years of which I wore contact lenses, I have never ever tried colored contact lenses. I was always intrigued by them though!

Having gone through eye injuries before, it made me very careful in choosing the kind of contact lenses to use. Alcon is a brand that I trust and they have a brand called Air Optix. Air Optix is called such because it has a technology that makes it breathable contact lenses. Air Optix Colors and the other Air Optix products are made with a highly breathable material that allows nourishing oxygen to flow through the lens so your eyes stay comfortable and fresh all day.

Yours truly wearing Air Optix Colors in Honey

Me not wearing Air Optix Colors

Me wearing Air Optix Colors!

I finally got to try the Air Optix Colors in Honey! At first, it felt weird to be able to see the contact lenses as you put it on. I was so used to transparent ones… ones that sometime fall from the palm of your hands because you can’t see them (BTW, I use Dailies Contact Lenses… also from Alcon). haha!

When I used them, I could immediately see the difference. I felt so polished, even if I was in an ordinary shirt and loose pants! Feeling ko bigla akong gumanda! I felt like even if you didn’t have make up on, people would just look at you and stare at your eyes. haha!

I got Honey (color of my lenses), which looks natural and is close to the color of my eyes. I was thinking, if I feel this way with this new, natural color, imagine the confidence I would gain if I my eyes were blue or green! I actually can’t wait to try it.

What I like about it is that it’s easy to wear and it’s very comfortable, too. It’s a bit thicker than my Dailies contact lenses, but both feel light and comfortable. I actually used the contact when I went to the gym after!

So slight changes in your life, can be such “uppers” of mood. A slight change in the color of your eyes can make you see the world from lighter, more positive perspective. A slight change in the way you look can make you more confident and ready-to-face the world again.

So in times when you feel stressed or lonely, just breathe a little.

Easy Sewing with EasyStitch Max from JML Philippines

When school started, we had to adjust the length of all 3 pairs of jogging pants of my daughter. Since we didn’t have a sewing machine, we had to sew it by hand.

I’ve always wanted to have a sewing machine though. It brings back fond memories. My grandmother had a sewing machine at her house. This was the one made out of steel which was weirdly (this was what I thought when I was young) attached to a wooden table.

I remember feeling so amazed at how clothes get patched up by this magical contraption. I also love the sound and how people would step on the foot pedal in a rhythm that I found so hypnotising.

So now that I have my own condo unit, I really wanted to get one. It just makes the house feel “complete”. Haha! Well, we normally don’t know when we need one, but we’d all love to be ready for that moment.

The only thing that stopped me from getting one is SPACE. But, I discovered the Easy Stitch Max!

This sewing machine’s size is perfect for our home! This is how it looks!

When I posted this, people asked me if it works like a real sewing machine. Yes, it does, and it works as well as the “real” sewing machine in our mind.

Before I go to the How To’s and the review, let’s go through the parts!

Things to note before using the Easy Stitch Max:

  • It runs on batteries so please be ready with four pieces of AA batteries. Before placing batteries, make sure that the machine is switched off.
  • If you’re replacing the needle, too, remove batteries and disconnect the adapter. Remove the protection plate and be sure that the needle is in the highest position. Just like the traditional sewing machine, loosen the needle and replace it. Be sure that the needle is pushed all the way back and tighten the clamp screw.

Threading Upper Thread

This is the tricky part. I always forget where to insert the thread and what the order is. so I’ll just leave this image here from the instruction manual so that you can follow it. The image below is for threading the lower bobbin.

Threading the Lower Bobbin

What I like about the Easy Stitch Max

I love that you can choose the stitch pattern you like. If you look closely, it’s that little knob with the different patterns! Check out the zigzag stitches. Normally, when you sew by hand, you need to go through the cloth all over again. In this case, the machine takes care of it.

You can also adjust the stitch length. There is an indicator in the machine that you can use. There is a reverse stitch, too, used at the beginning / end of seam.

Since it’s electric, I love that you can choose the speed of sewing. With the traditional sewing machine, you’ll have to control the speed using the foot pedal. Oh, the Easy Stitch Max also has a foot control which turn the machine on. This is so that you can hold your garment and have full control.

And, last but not the least, do you know that this sewing machine has a work light? So cool!

So what do you think? Will you hurry to Ace Hardware or go to Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/jml/) to purchase one? This magical sewing machine sells for Php 4,199.75!

Let me know what you think in the comment section below! 🙂

Stay happy!

Get Globe Rewards Points this September!

Who among you you have the Globe Rewards App? Guess what?! I just got an extra 917 Globe Rewards Points!

September 17 or 917 is the time of the year when Globe shows its huge appreciation to its loyal customers! The Globe Rewards that I got was just one way that I felt special. I think I’ve been using Globe since my college days! haha!

What is the Globe Rewards App?

When you pay your bills, you earn points! These points can be used to purchase stuff in different stores.

I normally used my points for purchasing food, buying GoSurf999, buying clothes at Marks and Spencer, etc. 🙂

Aside from this surprise, I also got a Grateful for You message from our partners at Globe myBusiness! You rock, peeps!

BTW, according to Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, this year’s theme of “Grateful for You” means that they will make more meaningful and shareable experience with us, their customers, and they are also encouraging customers to share with other people the happiness and goodwill they are going to receive from Globe.

So as you can see in the picture that I shared, we can donate to Globe Rewards partners! Globe Rewards partnered with PAWS, Hineleban, Rise Against Hunger, Philippine General Hospital Foundation and Save The Philippine Seas.

Exciting things this September!

From September 14-17, you can play with fun camera filters which you can post and share on Facebook to get discount vouchers from Zalora, GMovies, Klook, FoodPanda and even a free drink upsize at Chatime.

Of course, since I’m an avid fan of FoodPanda… an an avid eater (LOL!), I had to get a voucher from FoodPanda!

Aside from those cute filters and free vouchers, you can use your Globe Rewards points at partner establishments such as KFC, Bench, Dairy Queen and more. There are also exclusive offers and discounts from Shopee, Eatigo and Uniqlo even without points.

If you love the fit of the 0917Lifestyle shirts and jackets (like I do), you can get discounts and deals on gadget accessories and apparel from the 0917Lifestyle’s newest collection Series One. To purchase items, just visit https://shop.globe.com.ph/0917lifestyle. I love the fit of their apparel and I have two shirts and one jacket already!

So amazing! There are a lot of gifts and surprises in store for you! And guess what? If you want to earn more rewards points, Globe will hold a barangay-level Plastic Xchange program in various cities in Metro Manila. All you need to do is to bring single-use plastics that you want to dispose of then you can get Globe Rewards points. Residents in Barangays San Antonio and Palatiw in Pasig, Barangay 455 in Sampaloc, Manila, Barangay Magallanes in Makati, Barangays South Signal and Upper Silingan in Taguig, and students of Andres Bonifacio Integrated School in Mandaluyong City are encouraged to participate in the recycling project from 8am to 2 pm.

Another event that you can participate in is the Globe x Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) x International Coastal Cleanup Philippines (ICC Philippines) clean up project.

On September 21, 2019 from 6am to 12 noon, you can help clean up the Baseco Beach and LPPCHEA at Manila Bay or the Lighthouse Morning Resort, Moonbay Marina Complex, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.

Customer volunteers who participate in the activities will get more Rewards points. Sign up using these links. Individual Registration – https://forms.gle/vWYdvfzEz5SqBaus5; Group Registration – https://forms.gle/onDT8qktqjYsGH7r5; ICC – http://www.icc.ph/volunteer.html.

So what are you waiting for? Download the Globe Rewards app, join events… join in on the fun!

Physiocap for Thicker and Healthier Hair

When we went to Greece a decade ago, we went to a restaurant. The lady sitting behind me tapped my shoulders and said, “I just have to say, I love your hair. It’s so straight!”. But even with this compliment, there were so many times that I wanted to tap someone else’s shoulders and say, “I love your hair, it’s so thick!”

I think I never had thick hair, even before I breastfed. Oh man! During breastfeeding, I felt like a furry dog shedding my coat during summer. And having thin hair is an insecurity.

Me having breakfast… notice not the bowl of cereals but my thin hair 🙁 My scalp shows a lot!

Having thin hair makes you worry when you see hair fall off especially when you shower. There are so many times when I’ve asked myself if I was going bald. This was a pestering thought and I also mentioned it to my husband.

I’ve researched a lot on using organic shampoo. I’ve always wanted to try hair growing products, but I was too scared to try. This was until a friend told me about this safe product or I would say product line called Physiocap. Honestly, I have never heard of the product before, but since my friend said it was safe, I tried it out.

What is Physiocap?

Physiocap was created in France by Nutrisanté Laboratories and meets the most rigorous of health product standards as a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified pharmaceutical company. It is from the same manufacturer as Kilo Off (I have tried this brand, btw!).

Physiocap is already here in the Philippines and has already launched in over 40 countries with more than 8 million units sold. It is an anti-hair loss system designed for men and women. Physiocap has two products (I have both!):

  • Physiocap Hair Growth Supplement (box of 30 capsules) with Prosilium horsetail extract and 7 vitamins/ minerals
  • Physiocap Anti Hair Fall Hair Serum (box of 10 serum) with Prolytein to promote hair strength and contribute to fix hair to the scalp to help slow down hair loss

Let’s talk about Prosilium horsetail extract and Prolytein!

Prosilium horsetail extract is a plant and not something from horses (I actually thought it was from horses! Silly me!). Anyway, it has many uses — helps with fluid retention, urinary tract infection, balding, etc. It’s safe to use but if you have or are the following (pregnant, allergic to carrots or nicotine, diabetic, have low potassium levels or low thiamine levels), just try to avoid using it. Read more about it here: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-843/horsetail

Now for Prolytein, it is a macronutrient for building muscle mass (https://www.livescience.com/53044-protein.html).

How effective is Physiocap?

I got these facts from the distributors here in the Philippines. According to laboratory testing, using Physiocap’s simple system, you can witness tangible results within 3-4 months of use. Independent testing has resulted at up to 121% hair growth.

My own Feedback

For the hair growth supplement, I took it for one month. I took one capsule a day. I’m sure it helped, but you know how supplements that you take orally are. It’s hard to know if it’s working. Haha!

I took the supplements together with applying the serum every evening before I sleep. The Physiocap Anti Hair Fall Hair Serum comes in a plastic, vial shaped container. Use scissors to cut off the end to open it. The serum’s consistency is like water.

The instuctions said to either use it on dry or wet scalp and hair. I tried using it on dry hair, but it dripped off from my hair. So I prefer using it on wet hair. I apply it after I take a shower. I love the serum! It’s so easy to apply.

  • I think my hair is healthier!
  • As you can see, I have baby hair growing and I think my hair got thicker!

I think both of them worked well. It’s only been a month and I could feel not much hair falls off anymore when I shower. I used to have a bunch of hair fall off (seriously!). Now, I could see that only a few, so I guess in that sense, my hair is stronger and healthier.

Will I keep on using it?

Yes, I think I will keep on using Physiocap. I’m excited to see if I will really have 121% hair growth. I think it’s a safe and worth-while investment.

Have you tried this product? Please share your honest to goodness feedback so that others can learn, too!

Where do I get Physiocap?

https://beautymnl.com/brands/physiocap

Get Physiocap from Lazada, too!

Simpler Packages from Taxumo (Taxumo Subscription Plans)

Taxumo is celebrating it’s 3rd year anniversary this September 20, 2019. It’s been an exciting three years for us and we’re looking forward to servicing more clients in the years to come. So to date, we have around 13,000 users and we have help collect Php 11 Million worth of taxes from MSMEs (mostly sole proprietors), professionals and freelancers.

We have undergone a lot of improvements also this past year. Some of these improvements were:

  • Adding payment channels like GrabPay and Coins.ph
  • Updating all your income tax forms to the newly release BIR forms
  • Adding a dashboard that shows you your income compared to previous months and your top expense categories
  • We also added servicing corporations (those who are not mandated to use eFPS) to our roster of clients.

Looking forward to a brighter future!

For this September, we will now offer simpler Taxumo subscription plans!

The three plans will be:

  • Professionals (ex. doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, freelancers, etc.) — ONLY AT PHP 10,000 A YEAR
  • Micro Business — ONLY AT PHP 20,000 A YEAR (ex. VA Agencies, production house, online sellers, etc.)
  • Small & Medium Business — ONLY AT PHP 30,000 A YEAR (ex. Those earning more than 3 Million Gross Revenue per year)

*Be sure to check the forms that are included in the package here: https://www.taxumo.com/taxumo-pricing/ Corporations and Partnerships will have customised packages. Please email customercare@taxumo.com if you are a corporation or partnership 🙂

The inclusions of these Taxumo Subscription Plans are for Unlimited filing for the indicated forms (please check out the details here: https://www.taxumo.com/taxumo-pricing/), submission of attachments (regardless of number of transactions), access to a books of accounts view (can be used to be accredited for Loose-Leaf) and additional 2 delegate accesses to your account.

Encoding of receipts will be an “add-on” service moving forward. Just add Php 1000 a month for encoding of receipts for that particular month.

We will still have business registration for any type of company. Check out our Business Registration page to know how to register with the LGU/BIR: https://www.taxumo.com/business-registration/

How do I subscribe to a plan?

Just click on the “sign up” button on the upper right hand of the Taxumo.com page. Answer the questions and once you are in, please click on the subscription button to subscribe to a plan.

We highly recommend that you join our ONLINE ONBOARDING SESSION, too. Choose a schedule here: https://calendly.com/consultnow/onboarding?month=2019-09

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to use via our chat box in our site: https://taxumo.com

Happy tax filing!

*Full disclosure: I am one of the founders of Taxumo. I’m also a proud user!