Apples & Dumplings

Just Some Favorite Skincare and Fashion Things I Got On Shopee!

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:18:00 +0000

Who doesn't love online shopping? No one! Especially when you get an item at a REALLY REALLY GOOD PRICE!

I love shopping on Shopee because of the vouchers and most of the time it comes out way cheaper than buying them at the mall! Right?! That is pure joy haha!

Here's a few things I got this past few months!

For skincare, I'm all about well-aging and anti-aging. I turned 41 and I've been consistent with skincare since in my early 30s but I only started using retinol maybe 3 years ago. Then the latest craze on Kbeauty, PDRN came out! It's salmon sp*rm but different Korean beauty brands have came out with plant-based or fruit-based PDRN and that's what I tried recently.

Rejuran Turnover Active Cream c-PDRN 0.2% is a really nice moisturizer! It's lightweight but nourishing at the same time. I use it every night and it works great with my current skincare products. I use this along with VT Reedle Cica/Collagen, Isntree Booster Shot and no reactions! I think you're not supposed to use them together but it's been working great for me. I have resilient skin so if you have sensitive skin, better to patch test first!

Rejuran Turnover Active Cream c-PDRN 0.2% (Price range from Php835) is a premium skin-repairing cream formulated with 0.2% c-PDRN (Cosmetic Polydeoxyribonucleotide) to support skin regeneration, improve elasticity, and deeply hydrate. This advanced formula strengthens the skin barrier, reduces fine lines, and enhances skin resilience, making it ideal for anti-aging and sensitive skin concerns.

Get it here:

Shopee: https://s.shopee.ph/8UyCQAuwhG

Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.trTR4?cc

I am also a person who loves using eye cream - it's a controversial topic whether eye cream work or is just moisturizer labeled as an eye cream? Well, I still use one! And this is the current one I'm using - the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream. I love the texture/consistency of this eye cream. It's lightweight - perfect for a day eye cream!

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream (Price range from: Php420) is a dual-functional eye cream that helps to get rid of dark circles and brightens the dark eye area.

Key Ingredients:

Bakuchiol - A high-purity natural active, a safe alternative ingredient with similar efficacy to antioxidant retinol (Vitamin A) without side effects, extracted from the seeds of Psoralea Corylifolia of the legume family, a traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Fermented Black Rice - Black Rice is naturally rich in antioxidants, but fermentation significantly amplifies its antioxidant power for even greater skin benefits.

Shopee: https://s.shopee.ph/9KXJSnKYYK

Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.trSFx?cc

And for fashion - I discovered this Vietnam-based Shopee seller called SOMS! They're known for their linen tops, dresses, skirts and more! And for a medium-sized girl like me, they have a few clothes that fit me! I wear L-XL depending on the brand. Shipping takes a little bit longer than products that come from China so be patient and it will be all worth it!

This is my current purchase - Babydoll Shirt with Loose Puffed Sleeves (Php807) in the color Chicken haha! Yes, it says Chicken in their listing LOL!

This shirt is made with cotton. It's free size and it fits me! It also comes in white, black and blue.

Length 68 - Width 102

My first purchase from this store was last year. I got this Pleated Babydoll Shirt (Php709) in White. This is made with linen. I took a chance with this top because it's free size also and I wasn't sure if it would fit my bust area but it did! Now I want to get all colors!

This is called the Luna Top - available in dark jeans, white and black!

If you wear size S-M, there are a lot of styles for you! Check out SOMS on Shopee!

This next stop has got to be one of my favorite and best purchase on Adidas Shopee because I only got it for Php800 instead of Php2,500!!! I've been eyeing this top for my daughter and couldn't bring myself to pay for it full price, the kuripot in me just can't! So when I saw this was available on Shopee and ON SALE, I immediately checked out! SUPER SULIT BUY!

Adidas Adicolor 3-Stripe Pinstripe Tee in Blue

It's currently Php1,225! Add to cart and wait for double digit sales!

Shopee: https://s.shopee.ph/4ApDLgouC9

Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.trjAq?cc

What's your best Shopee and Lazada budol? Please do share!

Personal Financial Goals For 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 04:50:00 +0000

2024 is just a couple of months away. How's your 2023? Have you went back over your 2023 goals to see if you have achieved them?

I know a lot of us are still in the process of recovering from the pandemic then now that there's an inflation. It's like the world is not giving us a break. But we can always do something about it. This time I discovered Calculator.me, a website that has a collection of calculators that you can use depending on what you need. It has Loan, Mortgage, Savings, Auto, Credit Card and Budget Planning.

As a homemaker, there are two calculators that I use on the website: Savings and the Family Budget Planning.

Both (actually all) calculators are very easy to use and understand. You just input the amount and it will calculate automatically. It is in USD but you can always just follow the amount in your own currency.

For the Savings Calculator, I mainly use this for my passive income and add more money to our emergency funds. I just enter the amounts and for the interest rate, I call/went to my bank to verify the specific annual interest rate. This calculator can be your guide to your savings goal for 2024!

For the Family Budget Planner, it's also the same, easy to use and calculates automatically for you. Budgeting need not to be complicated. The budget you make can either be for your monthly or annual budget. This budget planner can definitely help families like me with just the right amount of monthly income. I just wish you can customize the percentage for each expense. Nonetheless, it's still helpful to have a guide to my monthly expenses!

If you are planning to get a car or get a loan from the bank as part of your financial goals for 2024, there are calculators in the website too. It is never too early to plan your financial plans for the future. It's more of securing your future. This is not only for families like us but also for single people who would like to have a good financial standing for themselves and the future!

As for our family, we are saving up for a lot next year. I want to take my family on a vacation so working extra hard now to put more money on our savings!

Business Simulation Games Are So Fun and Addicting!

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 01:42:00 +0000

One of my favorite games online and on my phone are simulation games! They're so addicting and fun, it challenges my speed and accuracy! I recently found a new online game website: https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games that has business simulation games and more! It also has Money Games, Real Estate Games and more!

When I go on a break in between my online work, I sometimes play my favorite games on the website! Today, I'll share a few of them!

Mahjong Solitaire is a simple tile-matching game.

- You match identical open (or free) tile pairs. A stone is considered free if there are no other stones on top of it and either the left or right side is free of other stones.

- If you get stuck you can select the shuffle button at the right edge of the game to reshuffle the remaining stones.

- You can even select different board layouts and tile types!

I love matching games! While they are a bit time consuming but once I start doing it, I can't seem to stop myself! I need to finish it! Plus the tile designs are so cute to look at, makes the game more fun to play!

If you enjoy mahjong games, there's also a Cooking Mahjong game! But this time the goal is to build recipes. The tiles are the ingredients, choose 3 tiles that will complete the recipe. The layout also changes every level

The next games are business simulation games. First one, the Burger Shop!

Burger Shop is timed 10-stage burger restaurant simulation game where players must serve the customer's order precisely. All you need to do is look at the customer's order, make the burger from the bottom up and serve it to them!

OMG, this was so confusing at first! I failed a few times at first but once I got the hang of it, it was easier but as you level up and there are many customers at once, it gets more challenging! You need fast eye-finger coordination!

Ice Cream Bar is another simulation game but this time you're serving ice cream treats! But this game has 20 stages and the goal is to serve customers before the timer runs out.

These are just the few games that I enjoy playing on the website! But there are other games that you might enjoy too! There's also games on NFT, BitCoins, real estate, stocks, coding games and more!

You can access all the games on this website: https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games! Enjoy and comment your favorite game down on the comments section!

Is One of Your Goals This 2023 is To Save Money? Make Your Money Work This 2023!

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 04:43:00 +0000

Happy New Year, everyone! Are you the kind of person who makes New Year's resolution or goals for the year? I am not the type to make resolutions but more on making goals and making sure I sustain it for the years to come. One of my goals this year is to save MORE than what I saved last year and I just discovered a website that can help me with my 2023 goal! It's the SavingsCalculator.org!

The website allows you to input any currency so you can use this anywhere you are! SavingsCalculator.org has other calculators in their website like College and Retirement.

With the COVID-19 lockdowns and the current crazy inflation, saving money can be a challenge but it's not impossible so let's start 2023 with a positive note! Savings Calculator has a Goals Calculator. It has 2 separate calculator:

One is for "How Much" is your savings goal

One is for "How Long" will it take for you to reach your savings goal

With these calculators, you can easily calculate and adjust your savings goal for the year! Now, the hard part is actually doing the saving! I have to admit that I did a lot of online shopping during the lockdown, some were good purchases but some were really just bad budols. The WANT won versus the NEED haha!

So, here are some money-wise TO-DOs for 2023! And maybe this can help you too!

1. Delete shopping apps - I have deleted a lot of shopping apps on my phone. They're just too much temptation. I've only kept 2 apps which I use both for personal and business use.

2. Keep personal purchases at minimum. Buy what you need only! - Even with the 2 apps I've kept, there's still temptations! Sales and deals all over! Remember: A sale can still happen in the next few months. If you're not going to use it ASAP, you don't need to buy it! I've been a victim of this especially for skincare products and they end up expiring and that's money down the drain.

3. Buy in bulk for necessities - this may sound contradictory to NO. 2 but things like household products and toiletries, buying in bulk maybe heavy on the pocket at first but it's actually more economical in the long run. Buying shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, etc. in bulk saves you money and time as well!

4. Plan mall and dining out trips - With the inflation, prices of everything has went up. We have been home buddies since the pandemic but we get cabin fever too! But going out can be expensive. There's gas, parking, a little food shopping and we also indulge on dining out because this momma needs a break from cooking sometimes. We plan our trips, do some errands in the area, and eat within a budget only.

These are just a few tips on top of my head. Please do share your tips with me cause I like to save more! And when you can save more, you can go back to the website and calculate compound interest if you are going invest your savings in bonds or investment funds. You can always go to your bank and inquire about these!

2023 I am ready for you! Manifesting the biggest savings I'll ever have this year!!!

Best Immune-boosting Tips To Bring Into the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 11:59:00 +0000

According to one study, about 40 percent of American adults make New Year's resolutions. The top three resolutions are related to health. As the new year begins during the coldest months, when colds and the flu are going around, it seems like a smart thing to focus on. With Covid out there, too, you'll be doing yourself a favor by investing in immune support that can help mitigate the exposure to and duration of the myriad types of sickness that are out there waiting to get picked up.

Get Fresh Air Daily

One of the reasons that aerobic exercise is so enthusiastically pronounced as essential for a healthy life is that it involves the amount of oxygen that you are taking in and how fast your heart rate is as you're taking it. A normal resting heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Walking, jogging or even stretching out in the fresh air can help cleanse your lungs and lower your heart rate, besides boosting your mood and increasing energy levels.

Keep a Nutritious Diet

Wellements Vitamins can promote health and wellness but they are greatly complemented by a nutritious diet. Studies have shown that a high-fiber, plant-based diet can promote the growth and maintenance of beneficial microbes, which have been known to stimulate immune cell activity.

There are loads of foods that contribute to gut health and immune system health. Yogurt, sourdough, almonds and olive oil are just a few of the foods recommended for their gut health benefits. Tumeric can boost the immune system by modulating the activation of T cells, B cells and other elements that enhance your body's antibody response. Eating garlic also boosts the number of T cells in your body.

Vitamin C is renowned for its ability to stimulate white blood cells. All citrus products have this ability, as well as that of neutralizing free radical molecules, which, in excess, can damage cells. Eating raw vegetables that keep all of their nutrients like beta-carotene is another stellar way to use your diet to boost your immune system.

Get Your Rest

Lack of sleep can negatively impact the immune system. Studies have shown that people experiencing a lack of sleep are more susceptible to picking up viruses and for having a harder time dealing with them. When you sleep, your body is in recovery mode and part of that recovery involves the production of infection-fighting antibodies and cells that are critical for your health. Getting sufficient hours of high-quality sleep enables a well-balanced immune defense.

When you're wondering how to boost kids immune system, there are many similarities to boosting your own. Gut health is important, as are diet and nutrition. Immune boosters and good rest can keep you from getting the worst of what's out there. Even when it does catch up to you, these things ensure that it's not as bad as it might be with a weakened, or otherwise unprepared, immune system. Visit a health and wellness shop today to see the OTC immune-boosting supplements that are available and better your odds of making it through this cold and flu season healthy.

Fun Board Games For Kids All in One Website!

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:36:00 +0000

Another month, another kids game website discovery! This time it's very nostalgic because it's mostly board games from my childhood! It's such a fun website that I spent hours playing without me noticing that I've been playing for a long time. It's Board Games For Kids website!

I enjoyed playing Uno, Guess Who, Snakes and Ladders, Minesweeper, Dominos and more!

Classic Uno Game! Don't forget to click on the Uno icon when you have 1 card left because I keep forgetting to do so! Haha!

You can play from 2 to 4 players!

Guess Who was one of my favorite board games when I was a kid. My children enjoyed playing this too! You can choose the questions to ask the computer from a list. It's fun playing online as it is in real life and I won a few times too!

Another classic board game is Snakes and Ladders! I love and hate this game! I love it when I go up the ladder and hate it also when the snakes send you back down! Argh! But it's still fun nonetheless!

Minesweeper is a game I never win at all but still play it anyway because it's exciting! Haha! I remember playing it the first time on my neighbor's computer. You click to reveal blocks, then you can click on the flag button at the top to put flags where you are certain there are bombs.

I remember a neighbor also taught me how to play this Dominoes game! Dominoes is a game which allows a player to compete against 1 to 3 computer players to see who can get rid of their dominoes first. Players must match piece numbers to one of the pieces on the ends and when a player can not make a match their turn is skipped. I love playing this game and beating the computer! haha!

I thoroughly enjoyed playing my favorite games that took me back to my childhood! My kids tried some of the games they know and learned a few new games they haven't played yet. Love the variety of games Board Games For Kids offers and it fun for both kids and adults! I'll stop writing now and get back to playing more games!

How To Budget and Save Money Wisely

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 15:29:00 +0000

When it comes to managing your finances, budgeting is a major part of it. When you receive your salary/income monthly/bi-monthly, you need to allot it for different things: insurance, grocery, utilities without running out of money. This is when budget comes in. I know it's not a fun thing to do but I think it is important to learn about money even at a young age. It's something I want my kids to learn now!

I'll share a few tips on how to budget and save your money wisely! I'm not an expert but I will share what I've done in the past and still do to this day.

There are a lot of budgeting methods. Find one that works for you! There's the 50/30/20 method. You ca read more about the 50/30/20 with this article from PruLife. I think this is the easiest to follow. You take up to 50% off your salary/income for needs, 30% for your wants and 20% for your savings or debt repayment.

Debt can be from credit card loans, bad credit loans, car loans and there are a lot more kinds of loans out there (click here to know) and all of these carry interest rates. I know it's not an easy thing to get out of it but it is doable. Just focus on your budgeting method and goals. And it's better to pay them off as soon as you can so you can focus on saving because building savings can do a lot of things for us.

Small tip: having a piggy bank to put in all your loose changes helps too. It may be a small amount but having a "place" to put them in and count your savings at the end of the year. Whatever the amount can be used for your wants/needs or into your savings.

Another budgeting tip that I adapted to this pandemic that really helped our budget is sticking and cutting down (a bit) our grocery budget. With the help of online grocery shopping, I can monitor our monthly grocery bill. Because I can see the running total of my grocery cart, I've learned to cut down on buying junk foods! With online grocery shopping, I get to stick with my budget and avoid impulsive junk food buying.

Cancel unnecessary memberships, subscriptions. I know I am not the only one who has multiple subscriptions to different services like Netflix, Viu, Spotify or subscription boxes. If you don't use it regularly, cancel it. You can always subscribe again in the future. There are streaming services that you can share with family members that allows multiple devices, this is a great way to save and lower your monthly budget. Also, if you still have cable tv but don't watch it anymore, it's time to cancel that too!

We also lowered our cell phone plans by half. Check what your provider's offers! I got a new cell phone plan that only has 6 months lock-in, gives free Apple Music subscription for a year (which I cancelled before they charged me!). You can always get a higher cell phone plan when your income/salary improves!

We've also lessened ordering food from food apps and eating out. We have saved a lot! I try to cook every meal as much as I can. We only order food/eat out when there's a special occasion like birthdays and anniversaries. And we get the budget for this on the 30% from the 50/30/20 method.

Decluttering and selling your clutter is a good way to get rid of your old things, earn from it and put more money in your budget/savings. I've been doing this for months and it helps a lot mentally too when I see less clutter in our house. My kids have outgrown their clothes during this pandemic and I've sold a lot already and I used that money to buy them new clothes!

These are just a few little tips that help you with your budget and savings! There are more articles that you can find online like this from Manulife.

Savings can help you fund your next travel, your kids' college tuition, retirement savings and more. Budgeting will help you get to your goal! And when you have enough money, there are a lot of ways to invest and grow your money but that's another topic for another day! :)

Inspiring Comfortalks by Triumph Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 04:28:00 +0000

Attended an inspiring talk last week by Triumph Philippines and enjoyed listening to the conversation. I'm all about comfort and I realized how undergarments can be uncomfortable when worn especially this pandemic. I appreciate that Triumph has new options for us! Here's a snippet of the talk!

Comfort Above All Else: Triumph Talks to Confident Filipinas in Inspiring ComforTalks

Confidence is not something that you simply have. It takes a lot of work, it can take a long time to build, and there are days when you’re suddenly feeling blah and your sparkle just goes down the drain! But one thing's for sure — the moment your confidence arrives is when you are comfortable inside out. This is why women come forth to comfort.

Heritage lingerie brand Triumph led this conversation with comfident Filipinas Melissa Benipayo and Patricia Bobadilla on Inspiring ComforTalks on FB Live, hosted by Issa Litton.

Just like many of us, these women didn’t have it easy because of the pandemic. Mel shared how she struggled after leaving her corporate job to become a stay-at-home working mom. Pat also described how she had a hard time putting her health first because of her 6-day workweek. Having to give up working on yourself because of a demanding schedule is surely something most women can relate to!

So how did they triumph over these? They conquered everyday battles through comfort. Pat learned this the hard way, as she’s used to giving up comfort just to look good. But what both of these ladies discovered from their experiences is that confidence is an “inside job”, and you can start by investing in a perfect underwear that will embrace and support you every day. “The right bra makes all the difference. You’ll feel comfortable and supported and ready to tackle whatever obstacles lay in front of you.", Mel added.

When it comes to this, Triumph’s selection of Non-Wired Edit Bra gives them the perfect, invisible fit that feels oh-so-comfy! "the Invisible Inside Out bra vanishes in the necklines and underarms with totally smooth edges. Even for my white shirts for casual wear, it is modestly covered.", Mel said. This invisible, breathable bra is perfect for girls who hate that “bakat” feeling especially with the unpredictable weather!

As a woman who’s uncomfortable with wires, Triumph’s Aqua Jade push up is Pat's pick, catering to Filipinas like her who crave comfort with style to boost their confidence. "It truly is a gift to us Filipinas because it prioritizes the needs of women when it comes to wearing underwear that suits our comfort and style." We can tell that Pat will definitely love these even more once she takes on a new adventure as a cabin crew!

Triumph has truly defined comfort through bras that give you worry-free support, security, and of course, style. When you feel that you are comfortably yourself, just like Pat and Mel, confidence oozes from within, inspiring you to triumph over anything life throws at you. Take their advice: comfort should be non-negotiable. Always choose underwear that makes you feel like your comfident self.

Watch the FB Live in full by visiting the official Triumph Philippines Facebook Page.

Check out Triumph’s new range of bras through this link: https://www.facebook.com/triumphph/videos/422157249964103

Planning Our Major Car Purchase With Help of Car Payment Calculator!

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 14:11:00 +0000

Our family car has been serving us well for the past 20 years. We have been having a few car troubles in the past few years and my husband and I have been talking about getting an upgrade soon. But since we're still in pandemic and our business has not been doing good as well but it doesn't hurt to plan and set goals right?

Buying a car is a major purchase. What brand, kind of car, automatic or manual transmission, fuel it uses, insurance and of course how will we pay for it? I've tagged along with my parents were going from one car dealer to another when I was younger. I remember my dad would ask us to try to sit in the car if 4 of us kids would fit into it. It was such a fun memory! But I have no idea how car loan payments work! But good thing, I found an online Car Payment Calculator!

Although this website is in USD, you can just assume it's in Peso. For someone who's clueless about car purchases and car loans, online tools like this is such a great help! You can simply input the amount in the blanks and it will automatically calculate for you! For example (photo below), the computation below is for a car with the price of Php3,000,000, a down payment of Php600,000, interest rate of 6%, etc. With this tool, I can play around with the numbers, figure out what works for us and eventually set a plan for our future car!

My husband and I have talked about what kind of car we would want to purchase. It would be a medium-sized SUV which he and I could drive comfortably and confidently because my husband and I like taking long drive trips with our kids. The car should comfortably sits both of my kids as well and ample trunk space for my shopping and grocery trips!

According to Business World, there was a vehicle sales jump recently which is a good sign. But let's get real for a moment, with the uncertainty of the pandemic and oil price hike, we have to be smart about our car purchase and planning trips whether it's just to the mall or going out of town. I discovered there's Gas Budget Calculator on the website under the Operating Costs tab. The Gas Budget Calculator is a great tool for your existing cars as well! Just choose your type of car, average miles/gallon, number of times you drive per week, etc. The numbers made my eyes go wide! But I'm really glad that I have access to this calculator because it is a big help with budgeting!

While exploring through the website, I discovered there are Car Arcade Games in too! My son found me playing the games and he ended up playing at the website most the time!

The Car Payment Calculator has different calculators in the website and just as the Car Payment Calculator, you just input the numbers and it will automatically compute it for you. This website has been helpful to us especially when I don't have any idea where to start or how car loan works. This makes us look forward to buying our dream family car! And hopefully soon too!

Plan Your Dream Home with Mortgage Calculator UK

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Fri, 27 May 2022 10:25:00 +0000

When the pandemic started 2 years ago, we had different realizations, priorities have changed, the world stopped and most of us were left clueless. As 2020 passed and restrictions were slowly lifted, I know a lot of families have opted to move out of the city and live in the province or by the beach, now especially with the option of working from home and online distance learning for the kids, you can practically live anywhere as long as there's a stable internet connection. We live in a mid-rise apartment complex, I've lived here most of my life. With the pandemic, I'm sure I'm not the only one who realized the importance of going outdoors, seeing greeneries and breathing fresh air. My kids are getting bigger, both wanting their own room/space, I want a bigger kitchen and pantry and our own outdoor space.

First things first, buying a house or any real estate is definitely not an easy feat. I remember when I was a kid, we would always tag along with my uncle every weekend, going to different cities looking at properties for sale. I didn't understand then but now I do. There are a lot of things to consider before buying a property like location, accessibility to hospitals, schools, groceries, stable internet connection and most of all the price and how to pay for it - I know I am not the only clueless about this, right?

That's how I discovered Mortgage Calculator UK. Although the website is in pounds, you can just change it to peso. For someone who is clueless about things like me, an online tool like this is a big help whether I am buying a home now or for the future. Simply input the amounts and it will automatically calculate for you! The computation below is an example for a property/home with the price of Php5,000,000 with a deposit of Php1,000,000, etc. With this tool, I can play around with the numbers to find something that works for us.

Mortgage Calculator UK

Bookmark this website now!

If we were to move any time soon, I would really love to move out of the city. My husband who grew up in the province has been reminiscing his childhood and if we are to move and I am ok with it, he wants to go back to living in province. There's less traffic and stress and life would be simple too. I would want that too!

The pandemic is still here and is here to stay but I am hoping that 2022 will be a better year for all of us. I've been reading articles on real estate like this: The Future of PH Real Estate to gauge the real estate situation as well as checking real estate prices at https://www.lamudi.com.ph/.

The Mortgage Calculator has different calculators in their website and just the same as their mortgage calculator, you just input the value and it will automatically calculate for you. These calculators are really really helpful especially when you don't know where to start. This makes planning/buying your dream home much more reachable/attainable!

PSAHelpline.ph: Steps on How I Ordered My Kids' Birth Certificate and My Marriage Certificate Online

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Tue, 24 May 2022 08:24:00 +0000

Do you keep records of your kids', husband's and your birth certificates and marriage certificate? I always make sure to have copies at home just in case for school requirements, traveling, etc. There are a lot of ways to get your PSA issued and certified copies like going to PSA (you need to set an appointment) or going to SM Bills Payment Center (I did this once and you need to go back after a week to claim it) but I'm still not comfortable going out as much. Just recently, my son asked for his baptismal certificate for a school requirement which gave me the chance to go over records which I haven't done in awhile. And I found out that I don't have PSA copies of my kids' birth certificate and my marriage certificate. Good thing, I saw a post on PSA Birth Certificate Online Application on Mommy Bloggers Philippines and it gets delivered straight to your home!

Ordering is very easy! Just follow the steps below on how to order a Birth Certificate:

Step 1: Go to psahelpline.ph and click on "Order Now"

Step 2: Choose the certificate type you would like to order

Step 3: Pick an option if you are requesting the certificate for you or someone else. If for someone else, select whose certificate you are requesting it for.

Step 4: Fill out all of these information

On Page 7, it will ask you the purpose of your request. I just put "for future use".

After doing all these steps, you will immediately receive an email about your order and it's ready for payment. PSAHelpline has various payment options: online payment, over-the-counter, etc and you can choose the most convenient way for you! Each certificate is Php365, while CENOMAR is Php420.

They also send email for payment reminder, when it's processed, released and when your order has been dispatched. I also appreciate that they send text messages especially for people who are very busy and tend to forget about these things. They also send text messages when your order is being delivered that day. My order was processed on May 12 and out for delivery on May 14.

This is IMPORTANT. Make sure that you're home when your order is being delivered because they do not allow authorization letters or allow another person to receive it for you. Make sure to have a valid ID ready as well. My first delivery was actually a FAILED DELIVERY because I was asleep and my phone was on silent mode. They sent a text that it will be delivered that day (Saturday) but since I wasn't able to answer my phone, it was a failed delivery. I also received an email that it was a failed delivery and it included instructions on how to schedule the next delivery. Since it was the weekend, I wasn't able call to reschedule.

Good thing, they redelivered on Monday morning! I was awake and ready! Haha! I gave my Driver's License in which the delivery guy copied my license number on his gadget after scanning the QR codes on the packets. Whew!

Each certificate came in their individual plastic packets. An official receipt was also attached to each of the certificates.

I also ordered my Marriage Certificate which has almost the same steps except for other information you need to input like your husband's name and date of marriage. They all arrived the same day btw.

PSA Birth Certificate Online Application has made ordering certificates very easy! It's convenient, no need for us to go out and spend for gas and parking and the amount of time and effort to spend on driving and traffic! And with the Senate approving the bill on lifetime validity of birth, death, marriage certificates, Php365 is really worth it!

Thank you Mommy Bloggers Philippines for letting us know about this service!

Cleene CLIO makes Clean Teeth possible for Families this World Oral Health Day 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 09:50:00 +0000

Manila, Philippines - On World Oral Health Day, Cleene CLIO invites everyone to celebrate by practicing proper oral healthcare with their families.

A product of proudly Filipino company PHILUSA Corporation, Cleene CLIO has been an ardent supporter of this global oral health initiative, especially with oral care given less priority during the pandemic when accessibility to dentists and visits to oral health facilities were challenging at the height of the lockdowns.

To emphasize the importance of good oral health practices at home, Cleene CLIO has partnered with Manila Water Foundation and Philippine Dental Association to provide oral health kits to various barangays and schools as part of this year’s World Oral Health Day activities. Over 2,000 health kits containing Cleene CLIO toothbrushes and Dental Floss Premium from Cleene CLIO and PHILUSA were distributed to 12 barangays and to the chosen hygiene facility in Dinalaonan Elementary School in Pangasinan.

And as a special treat for World Oral Health Day, selected Cleene CLIO products will be sold at 20% off exclusively in Mercury Drug stores nationwide until April 15, 2022.

Cleene CLIO continues to be the partner of every Filipino family in promoting good oral hygiene by offering a wide range of affordable and quality toothbrushes.

Cleene CLIO toothbrushes are made with MicroFine Soft Bristles that help penetrate and clean hard to reach areas for better interdental cleaning and a gentle brushing experience. The tapered bristles penetrate between teeth and gums for thorough cleaning, while the rounded shape of the bristles remove plaque and prevent teeth and gum damage.

There is a Cleene CLIO toothbrush for every member of the family that is affordable and has world-class quality. For those wanting extra care and protection for your teeth, Cleene CLIO offers its Refreshing Green Tea and Ultimax Charcoal under their Special care line. While for those needing specialized care, Cleene CLIO has its Kiddie and Junior as well as 40+ for sensitive gum and teeth. It also has its economy toothbrushes for general oral health care for any age.

Cleene CLIO is available at Mercury Drug, leading supermarkets, drugstores and other retail stores nationwide as well as on all leading ecommerce websites: Shopee, Lazada, and the PHILUSA Online Store.

About Philusa Corporation

Established in 1957, Philusa Corporation remains as one of the country’s leading marketers of high quality and competitively priced personal care, household care, baby care and selected pharmaceutical products, making it the source of pride for its customers, business partners, employees and shareholders.

Now with 10 branches in key cities nationwide, Philusa Corporation is a market leader or major player in different categories like cotton (Cleene), cotton buds (Babyflo Gentle Buds), wound care management (MEDIPLAST), bathroom deodorizer and air care (ALBATROSS), home care and muriatic acid (Gleam and Apollo), home remedies (RHEA Alcohol, RHEA Aceite de Manzanilla and RHEA Hydrogen Peroxide), and uni-branded generic medicines (RHEA Generics).

Philusa Corporation continues its operations, guided by the core values it lives by — championing sustainability; placing its customers’ needs first; achieving the best possible results through innovation, continuous quality improvement, and teamwork; taking proactive steps in delivering its commitments on time; acting with integrity by doing what is right; and having genuine concern for its customers, employees, and the company itself though taking initiatives in helping one another.

Apples & Dumplings is part of Mommy Bloggers Philippines community!

Good Tennessee Cities to Catch a Live Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 03:47:00 +0000

Tennessee is one of the best states for live music. It's home to a lot of great artists and venues for live performances. Some of the top cities in Tennessee are Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga and here’s why.

Knoxville

Knoxville is one of the best cities in Tennessee to catch a live performance. It offers a wide range of venues, from small and intimate to big and grand, with an eclectic mix of music.

Knoxville has a vibrant downtown filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy during the day and night. A great time to visit Knoxville is during the fall when you can catch the fall colors along with some live performances.

Knoxville has become one of the top destinations in Tennessee which makes sense as to why Knoxville real estate is booming, with a wide range of homes for sale and rent. This makes it easy for people who are looking for a new home or just want to move around as they explore the music scene or are trying to become an artist themselves.

Nashville

Nashville is one of the best cities for live music, but it also has a lot to offer for other types of entertainment as well. It’s known for its country music scene, but there are also museums, theaters and sports teams that make Nashville an excellent city for people who want to enjoy different types of entertainment all throughout their visit.

Nashville is one of the best Tennessee cities to catch a live performance, with many venues hosting some very popular events throughout their year.

If you're looking for something to do on a Friday night, head over to Broadway or Ascend Amphitheater where you can find the best in country, rock, and pop music.

Memphis

Memphis is a city that has been in the spotlight for decades. It is one of the best cities to catch a live performance, whether it be rock, country, jazz, or blues.

Memphis has been home to some of the greatest musicians and performers in history. Artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis are just a few examples of artists who have called Memphis home.

Memphis is also home to some great museums which are worth visiting if you want to learn more about the history of American music.

Chattanooga

The city of Chattanooga has a lot to offer when it comes to live music. It has become one of the most popular destinations for touring artists and musicians in recent years. The city also boasts several venues where you can catch a show or two if you're lucky enough.

Chattanooga has a lot of venues for live music and performing arts, as well as a number of venues for hosting large-scale events. With its central location, it is easy to get to the city from most other places in Tennessee.

The city also has a number of festivals and events that take place each year, such as the Chattanooga Riverbend Music Festival.

Women Entrepreneurs I Admire

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:54:00 +0000

“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants” - Coco Chanel

I believe empowering women is essential especially that I am raising a daughter. I want her to be able to do what she wishes to accomplish in her life related to career, education, and any other things. It's important for me to let her know that she has equal rights in everything she does and her papa and I will fully support her.

I am an entrepreneur myself but there's still a lot of things to learn in having a business and running it. There are a few women entrepreneurs that I look up to and admire. Let me tell you who they are.

Meet Ikram Zein, she is the founder of Lyra Swim – a modest swimwear brand founded in 2017 who was tired not being able to find a swimwear suited her lifestyle but also reflected her style, beliefs and philosophy.When I first saw the swimwear on the website, I find them really beautiful! I first learned about burkinis from a movie I watched years ago. Lyra Swim's designs are so elegant, beautiful and has good workmanship. You know when a brand is made with passion and that's Lyra Swim!

Second is Charlotte Cho! Ever since getting into Korean skincare and skincare in general, Charlotte Cho's name has been coming up in every vlog, Google search I did so I Googled her and I've been fan ever since. She is the entrepreneur behind Soko Glam and Then I Met You and the author of The Little Book of Korean Skincare and The Little Book of Jeong. She is known to have made Korean beauty a big thing in the US.

Last but not the least is Marie Kondo, the world famous organizing consultant. I love her organizing philosophy. I've read her books but I love her Netflix show more. I apply a little KonMari at my home too! I love her minimalist approach on organizing things and things sparking joy! Now, she heads a global tidying empire! She trains people to be KonMari consultants all over the world and now even has a line of organizing products at the Container Store.

I have more women entrepreneurs who I look up to and these are just some of them! I will share more in the future! Hope you liked this article.

Meet Nacific's Newest Red Origin Salicylic Acid Line

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 02:39:00 +0000

The Skincare Curator kindly sent the whole Red Origin Salicylic Acid Line and I am currently testing them! Each product contains DERMA-CLERA™, a patented Korean medicine - - an ingredient derived from Cynanchum atratum extract - - that acts as soothing ingredient for sensitive skin.

This new skincare line has 4 products:

Origin Red Salicylic Acid Wash-Off Serum

Origin Red Salicylic Acid Toner

Origin Red Salicylic Spot Cream

Salicylic Acid Clarifying Mask

Review soon! In the mean time, follow me on Instagram @glowbycai for more skincare reviews!

Shop your Nacific products on Lazada:

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fnacific-origin-red-salicylic-acid-triple-set-i2741279153-s13141509139.html

Online Cooking Games and More at culinaryschools.org!

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:43:00 +0000

December was a busy month and I haven't had the chance to sit down and blog again. So Hello! Happy New Year! We went on a short vacation before New Year to recharge and be with family who I haven't seen in two years. January didn't actually start on a good note because I got Covid but I'm well now and doing good!

Because I was in isolation for 14 days, I couldn't just watch Netflix all day so it was a good thing that I discovered another website for online games, it's www.culinaryschools.org. And yes, it's all food and culinary-related games! It says Kids Food/Cooking Games but it also can be enjoyed by us with kids-at-heart! Right?! There are over 150 online games about food, farming, cooking, the culinary arts, the restaurant business and hospitality-related careers.

I love playing online games for killing time or when I need a break from whenever I work on my laptop. I had so much fun playing the games. There are games that you need to play continuously (and gets really addicting!) and there are short and quick games with different levels.

Sharing with you some of my favorite games on the website: Tap Supermarket and Coffee Shop!

Tap Supermarket is an isometric game where the player must manage a grocery store including restocking produce, expanding the line of goods sold, and checking out customers. As you proogress through the game you can unlock new displays.

When my son saw me playing Tap Supermarket, he wanted to try it too! I gave him the link and he has been playing this game too! It's really fun but at the same time it's exciting you're able to unlock all the displays!

Coffee Shop is a simulation game where you see how much money you can help Cafe Calypso earn in a month. The game includes factors like stocking ingredients, ingredient spoilage, changing drink formulas, managing drink price, and changing consumer demand based on changes in the weather.

I am still getting the hang of this game but I am also enjoying this too especially when my coffee sells out!

And when I don't feel like playing simulation games, I play idle games like Burger Maker, Pancake Pile-Up and Pizza Party. Hey, they're all my favorite food! Haha!

Here, you just stack up the ingredients base on the order.

On Pizza Party, you just put the ingredients of their pizza order and as you level up, you unlock more pizza flavors!

Here, you need to stack pancakes as high as you can! I piled up 39 pieces until it fell down.

What I like about online games is that I don't to install it on my computer or on my phone. I can just bookmark https://www.culinaryschools.org/kids-games/ and just go the website whenever I want to play. Also, I appreciate that there's no ads while I play so I can just continuously play Tap Market as long as I want to! :) While some of the games load slower than the other, I really don't mind, but I hope they can fix that. There are over 150 games on the website, you will never ran out of games to play with. I'm sure you would find a game or 2 that you'll like.

How to Help Kids Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 03:41:00 +0000

Despite popular opinion, Canadians are not snowbound year-round. Temperatures range depending on the region you are considering. Southern Ontario has warm, humid summers and cold winters. Northern Ontario has shorter warm summers and severely cold winters. Central and Eastern Ontario have hot, humid summers and long, harsh winters.

The cost of living is expensive in Ontario. Everything from groceries, clothing, gas, housing, and taxes will shock a lot of foreigners. Halton real estate goes off the list pretty quickly. Using a great real estate agent, you will purchase not just a house but a perfect home for your family. The value of a real estate property varies, and it starts from 500K for a house or a townhouse. Of course, the final cost will depend on the neighborhood, square footage, age of the house, and the amount of outdoor space you get.

Packing is one of the most tedious and dreaded parts of moving, especially for kids. Not only does the process seem like a huge chore, but it can also make them feel unsettled to see their room coming apart. Whether your kids are small or teenagers, a move can have a stressful impact on them.

Prepare them for the move
Moving is a stressful experience for anyone, but kids can take it especially hard. You may be able to ease their mind by keeping them in the know. Explain why you are moving, what the timeline is, and what they can expect. Also, get them excited by showing them the new home and exploring their new community so they will feel more at home when moving day comes rather than dreading the entire process. You can get them involved in sports and school activities before the move.

Labeling boxes
If your child can write, give them the most important job of labeling boxes. They can write where the box goes in the new home (i.e., bedroom, kitchen, bathroom), and they can also decorate the boxes with markers. You can keep the kids busy by having them draw some of the items inside the box or just doodle as they please. Having a “designated labeler” doesn’t save you a ton of time, but it does keep your kids busy and involved while you’re focused on packing.

Essential belongings
When you start packing up your child's room, first pack up an essentials box. This will be the first box that you open when you get to your new home. It should include items your child will need, such as clothing and bedding, and a few items that will help your child feel comfortable in their new room, such as a few of their favorite toys or decorations that you can put up right away to help your child feel comfortable in their new space. Have your child help with important items to put in this box.

I hope you find these tips helpful for your move or your future plans of moving. Got more tips? Comment down below and let me know your thoughts!

Solitaire, Mahjong, Mind Games and More at Solitaire.Org!

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 08:02:00 +0000

I like playing online games and especially when it's free. No need to install in your device and eat more space in your storage. I discovered solitaire.org a few weeks ago and I've been playing on the website a few times a day whenever I feel burnt out with my writing assignments, making content or just from household chores.

Let me show you what you can see in the website and the variety of games you can play, not just solitaire!

When did you learn to play solitaire? I can't remember when I learned but it's a game I enjoy online or offline. :)

But what I didn't know was there are other versions of solitaire! There's Free Cell, Spider, Pyramid, I tried playing them but I wasn't able to solve a puzzle except for Pyramid where you need to add 2 cards that sum up to 13.

Then, I tried some Mahjong Games! My grandfather used to play mahjong with his friends every week in our house. I never learned how to play the traditional mahjong but I've played a few mahjong games on my phone before and Solitaire.Org has a lot of mahjong games in their website too! Showing you a few of my favorites!

My favorite is the Mahjong Solitaire! I love the cute icons and the pastel colors! You just need to match the tiles.

The Daily Mahjong is similar to the one above! You also just need to match the tiles!

The last is 10 Mahjong where you need to add 2 tiles together summing to 10 with the same tiles!

There are also Hidden Object Games which I played. You need sharp eyes for these games because it's hard to spot those hidden objects but I still enjoyed it! You can pick from different locations and I played the Hidden Kitchen.

I also enjoy Word Search, Sudoku, Crossword Puzzles and more which are also available on the website!

There's 12x12, 14x14 and 16x16 puzzles to choose from and you can actually print the puzzle!

Sudoku is one of my favorite games ever and I'm so happy it's also available here! It has Easy, Medium, Hard and Expert levels and you can also print out the puzzle! :)

There's also the Letter Scramble, where you type as many words as you can from the letters until time runs out!

If you're also like me who enjoys playing games online and fun games like what I played and wrote here on my blog, then check out Solitaire.Org! There's a lot of choices, you'll never ran out of options!

Hair Coloring Made Easy With Luxe Organix Color + Care

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 12:12:00 +0000

Did you know we've been in quarantine for more than 500 days already? I cannot believe it as well! An in those 500 days, I've colored my hair 4 or 5 times already! It's twice as much as I do pre-pandemic. I've experimented my hair more now, maybe because no one will see me and it's okay to be more adventurous! Haha! I've been using the bubble foam kind because I've used them a couple of times already. But this time I tried something new!

Meet Luxe Organix's newest product! The Luxe Organix Color + Care! It's available in 3 shades: Light Brown (which I used!), Chocolate Blonde and Light Ash Brown!

They also released the Luxe Organix Quick & Easy Keratin Permanent Hair Color Shampoo which you can use while you're in shower!

Okay, so here's what's inside each box of the Color + Care: Colorant, Cream Developer, Comb Applicator and the After Care Conditioner. Comb not included.

It's generally easy to use! Watch my video below!

What I really like about it is it's not messy to use, the comb applicator made it so convenient! But also it can be a little tricky and needs a little learning curve. It also doesn't have a bad scent like other boxed hair coloring brands I've used. It's also not drying after, BUT, you should still take care of your colored hair with regular deep conditioning to avoid your hair to go dry. Luxe Organix has the Keratin Daily Treatment in Virgin Coconut Oil which is really nice! I'll link everything down at the bottom :) I'll show you first my Before & After photos!

It's been almost a week since I colored my hair and I deep condition my hair at least once a week. A purple shampoo would also help to keep it from going brassy/orangey. :)

You can purchase them here:

Light Brown:

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fluxe-organix-keratin-hair-color-care-light-brown-130ml-i2300596957-s10412145380.html

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fluxe-organix-keratin-hair-color-care-light-brown-130ml-i2153371373-s9612465866.html

Chocolate Blonde:

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fluxe-organix-keratin-hair-color-care-chocolate-blonde-130ml-i2300657745-s10412172574.html

Light Ash Brown:

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fluxe-organix-keratin-hair-color-care-light-ash-brown-130ml-i2304597091-s10431764798.html

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fluxe-organix-keratin-hair-color-care-light-ash-brown-130ml-i2153381394-s9612610379.html

Bleach:

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fluxe-organix-keratin-hair-color-care-bleach-140ml-i2798791220-s13518504001.html

Keratin Conditioner (Buy 1 Take 1)

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fluxe-organix-premium-keratin-virgin-coconut-oil-210ml-b1t1-i812332299-s2501000110.html

https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bliQwB?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fluxe-organix-premium-keratin-argan-oil-210ml-b1t1-i812380107-s2501038933.html

Managing Your Debts

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 07:18:00 +0000

With the pandemic happening all over the world, businesses closing, jobs lost and we still need to go on to live our lives. There's bills and loans to pay, tuition fees to fund, essentials to buy monthly and more. With all of these piling on, we can't help but feel overwhelmed, frustrated or scared. But because we are staying home, there's no traveling, no shopping, no dining out, no unnecessary spendings, there's a way to manage your debts.

Understanding your current situation is the first step. Lay out all of your current debts: mortgage, loans, credit card, etc. Best to list them down on your journal or planner or you can use MS Excel to have a visual of what’s going on. This list is essential because this is something you will refer back to and check every month to monitor and check your progress. In this list, include the interest rates for each is another essential step, to know which ones are charging with the highest interest rates.

Paying your credit card debt is often one of the best approach. You can start paying off the smallest amount first. Tackling the “easiest” debt to pay can build your confidence and eventually build momentum you need to pay off your other debts. Just remember to not use this credit line once you have paid them off to avoid incurring more debts.

When you can’t pay for anything more, at least make the minimum payment. This is not the best tip to making progress with your debt but this is to keep your account in good standing and avoid paying late charges which are not a small amount by the way. And when it is possible, pay more than the minimum.

Another one of the most important steps in managing your debts is to be honest with your spendings. Are there additional or unnecessary expenses that you can cut back on? Eliminating these non-essential expenses is also reducing additional debt. And when you eliminate these unnecessary costs, there’s more to put toward your debt. Even the smallest amount you can set aside is a big help.

There’s also the option to consolidate your debts, it’s a product that offers single payment for your debts with a lower interest rate. You can learn more about debt consolidation by clicking here.

Now, that you know where you are standing, build an emergency fund and searching for other revenue streams. It doesn’t have to be a big amount, but enough to cover your unexpected expenses. You can start small (USD 1000) with the ultimate goal of growing your emergency fund in the future. As for extra revenue streams, it also doesn’t have to be big, but when you are earning, even small amounts are additional funds to help you eliminate your debt. And your debt is more manageable, you can start adding the extra income to your emergency funds.

Incurring debts can affect our mental health and by taking these little steps are steps to the right direction and eventually free from debt and have financial control of your life, which is what you are aiming for. So stick your plan, stay on momentum and learn from the process.

August Skincare Empties + Quick Review

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 14:36:00 +0000

I've been posting about my skincare empties for almost 3 years now on my IG (@glowbycai), you can check it out here: #GlowByCaiEmpties! It's my way of keeping track and being accountable. I make sure to empty every product I opened and like and this is also to keep me from opening new products of the same category.

Sharing with you my August Skincare Empties, with a quick review for each product! This is my empties for the month, most of them were opened 3-4 months ago!

A total of 11 products which is quite a lot already. I always feel satisfied and accomplished whenever I see my empties stash! **I will include affiliate links for some of the products. 😊

Let's start from left to right, front then back.

Innisfree Pore Clearing Cleansing Balm with Volcanic Clusters ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

- it's the perfect size for travel (but we ain't going nowhere 😐)

- it leaves a film after washing it off but nothing a good cleanser can wash it off as well

- it doesn't emulsify as much

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

- this also the perfect size for traveling

- it emulsifies nicely and removes sunscreen, dirt and grime

- this is a really nice cleansing balm and really worth a try!

Krave Kale-Lalu-yAHA ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

- it has 5.25% Glycolic Acid - great for AHA beginners

- it stings a little

- 3 starts because my skin prefers stronger acids

Anua Heartleaf Soothing Toner ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐

- super love this toner! I use 3 layers every routine.

- keeps my skin plumped and hydrated

- suits all skin types

Round Lab Dokdo Toner ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐

- I love this toner too! I alternate this with Anua and I also use 3 layers every routine

- it's lightweight but very hydrating

-suits all skin types

Cosrx Hydrium Watery Toner ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐

- another lightweight toner I loved using!

- I also layer this 3 times and prefer using this in the morning because of its watery consistency

- I will definitely purchase the full size one soon

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

- I never got the Niacinamide hype until I tried this!

- It brightened my skin and make it look so healthy

- And it's very affordable

By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid Serum

- A great Vitamin C serum for beginners

- It can be a bit oily so best to use this at night

- Best to keep in the fridge

Happy Skin Hyaluronic Soothing Cleansing Gel

- this is one of my favorite local cleansers

- it's non-stripping and gentle

- I really enjoyed using this and the scent as well!

That's all for August! Hope you enjoyed this post and just comment if you have any questions on the products!

Fun Online Games at Plays.Org!

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 16:40:00 +0000

I used to have a ton of gaming apps on my phone. They kept me company during my sleepless breastfeeding nights and there was no Netflix back then! But with the tons of baby photos and videos, I had to delete the apps because whose phone doesn't have thousands of photos and occupying most of our phone's storage?! Am I right? Haha!

I recently discovered plays.org! It's website that offers over 400 online games and they're adding more games everyday! I had a hard time choosing what game to try first!

I've always been a fan of word searches and games and that's what I looked for first! Word searches have always been my favorite! It tests my vocabulary and I get to learn and discover words too!

Waffle Word Finder Game

Wording Word Spelling Puzzle Game

Math Word Search: Math Solving & Word Seeking Game for Students

This one is a fun one if you like Math! Hehe! You solve the equation and find the right spelling on the puzzle! It's a 2-in-1 game! I just discovered this tonight while I was looking for more word games to play! I will certainly make my kids play this game! Haha!

And speaking of kids, there are so many games for them too! Since it's still vacation, I only let them play educational games on weekdays. One of them is this spelling game that's similar to Plants vs Zombie! This is fun one, even I like to play this game!

Zombie Typing Practice Game for Kids

Letting my kids answer Sudoku puzzles too everyday! Sometimes I look for worksheets to print but most of the time I let them answer here on plays.org. There's different levels to choose from and they're always super proud when they get to finish a puzzle!

Ultimate Sudoku

There's also old school game like Falling Cubes Online Tetris Game which is just like Tetris! I remember my mom loved this game.

Falling Cubes

There's so much games to play on the website! When I need a break from all the typing on my computer or watching Netflix or Youtube, I just go to this website and play my favorite games. No need to download on my laptop, no additional space occupied on my hard drive! Some games may took time to load but it's not really an issue! There's no ads too (don't you hate it when an ad appears in the middle of the game???) and it's totally free!

Check out Plays.Org today! Let me know what's your favorite game!

#GlowByCaiReviews Cosrx Propolis Light Ampoule

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:13:00 +0000

Easing in to blogging again! Will try to post my skincare reviews from my @glowbycai skincare IG!

Cosrx is one of the OG in the Kbeauty world. Every skincare beginner goes thru a Cosrx phase! I love the brand and selection of products that cater to different skin concerns and situations.

I won this Cosrx Propolis Light Ampoule from one of the events over at Go.Picky! Go.Picky is an app (Android and iOS) where you can check out skincare product reviews, discussions over products, routines, and there's the Picky Rewards where you can apply to review products! When you decide to register, please use my code: BAB3F7A7! Thank you!

This is the second propolis product I’ve tried from Cosrx. The first one was the Propolis Synergy Toner which I really like as well!

I really love the new minimal and frosted bottles of Cosrx. So chic!

Ampoules are supercharged serums! And this one has 83% of Black Bee Propolis Extract, a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient. The consistency is quite viscous, I thought it would be tacky and I would not like it. I’m really expecting it to be good because I really enjoyed the toner! And it
is good! This ampoule absorbs beautifully and I wake up with healthy and glowing skin. ☺️

I use this on days when I’m exposed to the sun for hours (laundry or garden day) and only at night because of its consistency. This ampoule feels like a hug to the skin! I still follow it up with a moisturizer or an overnight mask to seal it in the goodness 🍯

Thank you again Go Picky for letting me try this!

My 10th Year in Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Wed, 05 May 2021 02:03:00 +0000

I started blogging in the year 2011 when my daughter was barely a year old. I wrote about my journey on being a first time mom and breastfeeding. I was also still working in the corporate world at that time. My blog was my diary and sounding board for the first few years. It was mainly about my breastfeeding journey as support groups and mommy tribes weren't a thing much then. I remember going to weekly breastfeeding support group in Mothercare in Greenbelt 3! I can't remember how I found that group! I was also active in Twitter at that time where it has led me to meet other moms!

As I got pregnant again and my children grew, my blog's topics widen as well. I grew as a person, wife and parent as well. My blog exposed me to a lot of things: parenting styles, school curriculums, kids activities and more! I also share our travel adventures, my kitchen attempts, budget finds and most of all I am grateful to all the brands and PR and ad companies that I have worked with. I didn't think it was possible because I only have a small following.

Because life got a little busy for the past few years, I blogged less and less but kept my domain and hosting thinking I will eventually come back to blogging. And I hope this will be it! With all that's happening in the world and in my life right now. I need to come back to this outlet of mine. :) And while I was on hiatus, I started an IG skincare blog. I got so obsessed about kdrama and kbeauty that I started my little skincare diary on IG, @glowbycai. It has been 4 years since I started @glowbycai and I've been enjoying doing all the skincare reviews and thankful for all the opportunities I had to work with local and international brands! I've been thinking of putting some of my content here so it's easier to look for it than scrolling down my 800+ photos! Right?

With how social media grew throughout the years, almost everybody has their own social media account: Instagram, Youtube Channel and/or TikTok! With all the new breed of social media "influencers", it is pushing bloggers like us to adapt to these changes. I saw a lot of bloggers and influencers go through branding. Revisiting your niche and your why's is something we could all do when we meet a few bumps in our blogging life. I've always wanted to do branding for blog but just didn't have the time. Maybe soon. I did, however, changed the layout of my blog by myself. And I was pretty happy and proud of the result. Will I ever make a YT channel or a TikTok account (contemplating on this)? I'm very awkward in front of a camera, so the most I can do for now is IG stories and IG TV. Need to improve my editing skills for sure!

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Blogging 10 years ago was much simpler, you write your thoughts, include photos and that's it. Today, it's much more challenging with younger influencers being more creative and aesthetic is a very much important. But that doesn't have to discourage us from continuing our love for blogging, we can always adapt and change and learn new things. Explore different photography, writing style, editing apps to improve our skills. We can always practice and learn new tricks. Push on to a better us!

The Little Dapitan at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf

noreply@blogger.com (Cai Sio) — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 07:34:00 +0000

Dapitan Arcade has been one of my go-to places whenever I need new decors or accents for the house or new baskets and crates for my shelves in Common Room. It is a shopping haven! I love shopping at Dapitan Arcade because there's a lot of options and the prices are very pocket-friendly too! Now that Christmas traffic is upon us, going to Dapitan Arcade can be a feat!

Fret not! Ayala Malls Cloverleaf is bringing Dapitan Arcade closer to you with the Little Dapitan! A bazaar featuring the best of Dapitan Arcade - from Christmas decors, home accents and decors, local handicrafts made by local artisans and more. The Little Dapitan will be open starting this October until December! What I like about it is, it's right beside Cloverleaf! You can park in the mall or park right outside it (open parking). And when you're done shopping, you can go back to the mall to shop more, watch a movie or eat at the many varieties of restaurants.

Little Dapitan at Cloverleaf is right outside the mall. Exit where Uniqlo store is.

It is in a open, warehouse-like venue. It is well-lit, the aisles are wide enough and it was easy to go around.

Can you guess what I bought? I went around three times before deciding on what to buy!

A place for you to take your photos! I love the rattan lamps!

I like that there's only about 20 stalls more or less. There's not much of repeating/redundant products which makes shopping so much easier. Better for the sellers too! I'm the type of shopper who gets overwhelmed or anxious when there's a lot of choices that I ended up not buying anything! Are you like that too?

Plastic flowers and plants for those who has black thumb like me! Haha!

There's a lot of selection for Christmas decors too! I honestly cannot decide on what to get. But here are a few that caught my eye.

This is where I got something for our house!

There's a stall that sells room spray, linen spray, hand soaps, soy candles and more that is perfect for gifting this Christmas! You can mix and match then put it a wooden box (sold separately)! I love their design labels and the scents are pretty good too!

If you are looking for crates, there's a stall selling crates in different sizes!

This stall has this gold decors that can be used for lighting or as is. They have cupcake towers and more! They also do customized works!

There's also a wide selection of bags and wallets. They make great gifts for your officemates, staff and friends!

I also saw these super cute pots for your cactus or succulents! They are hand painted. So pretty, right?

So what did I get? Since I cannot decide on what Christmas decors I want for our home, I just bought what I really needed. I hoarded these wire baskets! I need it for my shelves in Common Room (that's 4, soon to be 5 branches) hence, the quantity! I was able to get a good price because I got a lot! I actually need to go back and buy some more!

The only Christmas decor I bought was this pair of banana-leaf like white Christmas tree! It was love at first sight so I got it na! :)

Thank you Spark It for the invite! I haven't been out on an event in so long. I also haven't written for a long while now! I enjoyed shopping and I will definitely go back for more!

Follow @littledapitan and #LittleDapitan for more updates!