Digital Sphygmomanometer for 2.5K

I finally have a digital blood pressure monitor at home and I bought it at Mercury Drug, Shangri-la Plaza mall for 2,500 pesos. The one I bought has the most basic digital sphygmomanometer features but it's fine with me as long as I will not need a stethoscope in getting my BP. Frankly, I've already forgotten how to use the manual sphygmomanometer.

I've been to this branch a hundred times because it's near my son's school but I never thought that they have a lot of medical equipments for sale. The digital blood pressure monitor alone already has 5 models to choose from. I think the price is fair enough and it also saved me a trip to Bambang.

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Join Cortal SQR's Support the Azkals Facebook Contest!

The Philippine football team failed to conquer the Kuwaiti football team in the first leg of their World Cup 2014 qualifying match. But that's no reason to fret, Azkals fans, because there's still the 2nd leg of the Azkals-Al-Azraq series happening on July 28, 2011 at our very own Rizal Football Stadium. Our national football team needs our support and the best way to do that is to show your support by joining Cortal SQR's Support the Azkals Facebook Contest. That way, you not only get to show support for the team but also get to win awesome Cortal SQR and Azkals merchandise!

Kindly click this image to get a larger view.

Here's how:

1. Search and like the "Cortal SQR" Page on Facebook.
2. Post on the wall of the Cortal SQR Page your statement of support to Team Azkals in their match against Kuwait from July 23, 2011 at 12 noon to July 28 at 3 pm.
3. Your statement of support will serve as your official entry to the Facebook contest. A participant can only have one entry.
4. The post should end with the statement "Sa Cortal SQR, We Believe, Kaya Nyo Yan!"
5. Get as many Facebook friends as possible to like your entry.
6. Five winners will be chosen based on the following criteria: 50% for Creativity and 50% for Popularity (via Facebook likes).
7. Each winner will receive Cortal SQR and Azkals merchandise as prizes!
8. Winners will be announced on August 03, 2011 through Cortal SQR’s FB Wall.
9. This contest is open to Facebook users residing in the Philippines who are 18 years old and above.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit the Cortal SQR Facebook page, LIKE them, and post your statement of support on their wall. Remember, your post should end with the statement "Sa Cortal SQR, We Believe, Kaya Nyo Yan!" Good luck!

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Looking for a sphygmomanometer

These past two weeks, I've been in and out of the doctor's clinic. The day I had my rashes checked, my recorded blood pressure was 140/100. My doctor requested a blood chemistry procedure for me and it showed that my cholesterol levels are within the normal range. After a week, my blood pressure is still 140/100 even with the normal results so my doctor prescribed medications with a special instruction for me to monitor my blood pressure at home for a month.

That is actually my problem right now. I don't have a sphygmomanometer at home. I'm thinking of buying an electronic one so I won't need to buy a stethoscope, too. I already found some online (while I also browsed through pages of hot tub covers at BeyondNice.com) and the price range is from 3 to 5 thousand pesos. It's pricey but I think it's worth it. Although, I would appreciate more inexpensive choices such as second-hand units. Would you have any recommendations?

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New Twinkle Toes Celebrity Fan, Halle Berry and daughter Nahla

Halle Berry, celebrity mom picked up her adorable daughter Nahla from school in West Hollywood, California.

The 44-year old actress held hands with Nahla, 3, who gave her mom a drawing she made at school. Earlier in the day, Halle was spotted picking up groceries during a solo shopping trip in Beverly Hills.

Halle was in high rise cut off shorts while Nahla wore her comfy denim jumper with Skechers Twinkle Toes groovy light up sneakers to school.

Skechers Twinkle Toes are available in Skechers stores and in all leading department stores nationwide.

Press release provided by Skechers.


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Strict Mommy

My husband and I often receive compliments for having such an obedient child. Yes, we are lucky that he is. But most of our friends and family think that it's because of me being overly strict towards our boy. Well, I admit, I was a bit strict when Rap was still younger and more naughty.

I am strict when it comes to school work. I was my son's first teacher and I homeschooled him for a year before we sent him to a big school. There's always a reward for a job well done and a consequence for not following the rules. He has gotten used to this system. So far, he has acquired the gadgets he wished for because he always worked hard for high grades.

I am also strict when it comes to personal hygiene. He's used to bathing and brushing his teeth before I bug him in his sleep. I have also trained him to wash his face because he's already starting to have acne.

Did I spank? Yes, there has been a couple of spanking episodes when Rap was younger. I can't remember the instances that led me to spank him except for the time that he lied to me about finishing his food when he actually threw it in the trash bin. He's as naughty as any toddler can be but I haven't gone to the point of scaring him with band saw blades. Oh no, that would be traumatic for any kid.

So, am I a strict mommy? Could be. You be the judge. As far as I know, we are reaping the rewards of instilling discipline in our child during his early years. I may be a strict but I'm a loving and cool mom at the same time.


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HSBC's Piso Deals

HSBC has an awesome promo for its cardholders. The bank has tied up with AV Surfer and they're now offering LCD televisions at 0% installment plan. The best part of it is that cardholders can get a second LCD television for only one peso! The husband is so excited to check this out this weekend!

Just click the image for a larger view.

I'm still kinda hesitant to avail of this promo, though. We don't need a new TV. Our old one is still working fine and it's alright with me even if it doesn't have an LCD screen. But I guess, it's a guy thing. Next thing you know, he'll be bugging me to scout for hd tv antennas. Well, I don't know. I'll just decide when we're already in the store.



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Talented kids shine in Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp TV

I'm a sucker for talent shows especially when kids are the ones performing. Naturally, I'm drawn to watching the Promil Pre-school i-Shine Talent Camp TV program every Sunday on GMA 7. Not only are the 12 i-Shiners talented, they are all super cute, too! My boy gets annoyed when I shriek and make gigil sounds over these kids' antics. Ay, you should see me when I watch Jillian Ward on TV, haha! You'd really think I'm crazy! I call her bebe ko! That's why I so regret not having the chance to meet her during the program's launch back in June. (That was the same time we were on our way to Naga and were stranded for a night in the airport as have written here.)

Now on it's 5th week, the i-Shiners continue to hone their talents in singing, dancing, acting, and hosting in each episode with the help of Kapuso celebrity mentors and their parents. The kids receive stars for their performances each week. At the end of all the workshops, the i-Shiner with the most stars will will the grand prize of Php 200,000, a GMA Artist Center contract, and the title of Promil Pre-school i-Shine Talent Camp TV's Grand Shining Child Star!

It is during the pre-school years where kids are highly active, playful, and curious about the world. This is also the time when their talents start to emerge. Promil Pre-school becomes the perfect milk supplement for pre-school kids (age 4 to 7) because it has a unique combination of essential nutrients needed to optimize a kid's full potential. These Nutrissentials include Iron, DHA precursor, Iodine, Zinc, Vitamin A, Niacin, Potassium, Lutein, and Biotin.

Catch each episode of Promil Pre-school i-Shine Talent Camp TV every Sunday, after Showbiz Central, only on GMA 7.

Photos of the media launch and i-Shiners' profiles are posted at The 24 Hour Mommy Facebook page.


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Joey Prats' Signature Desserts

I recently attended a baking demo where Chef Joey Prats shared his signature desserts using Tulip Chocolate. He baked Walnut Fudge Brownies and Natillas topped with strawberries. The desserts were, as he promised, to die for. And being diabetic, it is literally as such for me. Sorry doc, I took a few bites because I wasn't able to resist the temptation.

Chef Joey's Ultramoist Chocolate Cake with
White Chocolate Ganache Buttercream
Who wouldn't be tempted by something as sinfully yummy as this?

You can now bake Chef Joey's Ultramoist Chocolate Cake and Ultrafudgy Brownies at home with his baking mixes. All you'll need to add are eggs and canola oil and everything is easy peasy because the instructions are designed for baking noobs like me.

These mixes are available at Gourdo's.

I baked brownies today using the mix and they were as yummy and fudgy as the ones we ate in class!

Nope, there's no stopping this Brownie Monster!

I'm inspired to bake again because of these easy to make baking mixes. This is indeed bad news for my diet. Do you know of any fat burners that work fast? I think I'll need them asap.

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Moose Gear Grand Fans Day

Last Sunday, the boys and I were invited to the Moose Gear Grand Fans Day that was held at the Robinson's Galleria activity center. A number of Goin' Bulilit cast members and Moose Gear and Moose Girl endorsers were there to grace the event. They performed song and dance numbers for their fans.


But before that, games were held much to the delight of the kid attendees.




The Moose Gear mascot also came out and danced for the kids. See how loved he is!


Moose Gear and Moose Girl apparel has proven to be the brand of choice not only by these Goin' Bulilit kids but also of moms like me. Their styles are not only hip and trendy but comfy as well because its made of 100% pure cotton.

Speaking of the brand's huge popularity, it's not at all surprising to discover that Moose Gear has the largest number of Facebook fans for a local clothing brand. The Moose Gear online community has been active in the regular Pick-of-the-Month, weekly Moose Gear Playtime, and other promos. This amazing support from the online community inspired the brand to launch its very own website which they have specifically designed not only to be a product site but as a community portal as well.

Moose Girl is exclusively distributed at SM department stores, while Moose Gear is available at leading department stores nationwide. To be updated in their latest promos and events, kindly LIKE the Moose Gear Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/moosegear) and visit the Moose Gear website (www.moosegear.com.ph).


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MetroDeal, My Newest Groupon Fave

Remember the post I wrote about my favorite groupon sites way back in February this year? Well, there's another one that I'm adding to the list and that would be MetroDeal. Yesterday was the first time that I was able to redeem a voucher and I'm glad that there were no hassles whatsoever. By the way, the voucher I redeemed was a deal from Sandy's Pizza.

Ok, first thing's first, my review of Sandy's Pizza will be posted in our food blog, OurFoodTrip.com, and that this will be a MetroDeal review.

So anyway, from Robinson's Galleria, we drove to Sandy's Pizza in Katipunan Ave. to claim our pizza, pasta, and chicken wings deal. Sandy's Pizza delivers to nearby areas and Cainta is not one of them. Then again, yesterday being a Sunday, there was no traffic from Ortigas Avenue and driving was a breeze so it was ok for us to go there.

Upon arriving at their cute and cozy Katipunan Ave. branch, the cashier took my voucher and cross-checked it against their list of MetroDeal voucher holders. She then asked me to sign beside my voucher number and took our order. It was only 5 p.m. so the boys and I decided to just take the food home where we can enjoy it while watching DVDs.

After 15 minutes, we were ready to go home with our food package. Imagine, all of these for Php 465!

We got a 14" pizza (which was a combination of the Meatzarella and White Cheese flavors), an order of Tangy Buffalo Wings, and a large serving of Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta. These would all cost Php 935 if it were not sold at 50% off. Everything was worth it, I tell you. It was our first time to try Sandy's Pizza and I'm sure we'll be buying from them more often.

I'm glad that my first voucher is not a MetroDeal scam. And because we are so happy of our first MetroDeal voucher, we're using their vouchers once again when we go to Splash Island this weekend! By the way, the Splash Island 50% off deal is still on so better visit www.metrodeal.com now. Don't forget to also like the MetroDeal Facebook page to be updated on their latest deals.

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My Body After Baby: Pampers and The Spa help prettify moms

After the baby comes out, a mom is not only faced with the demands of having a newborn bundle of joy. There's also post-pregnancy woes, such as weight gain and acne, to think about. So, part of its "Pampers Salutes Moms" campaign, Pampers teamed up with The Spa to help moms get back in shape.

Hormonal changes after pregnancy can cause the skin to either be over dry or super oily and acne-prone. For these problems, The Spa suggests a visit to their Skin Dermatology & Laser Center for a proper consultation. Meanwhile, the non-invasive Thermage is recommended to get rid of the wrinkles caused by stress and sleepless nights. For toning of problem areas, Skin recommends VelasmoothPro that can reduce cellulite and contour the tummy, the thighs, and the flanks.

The Spa also offers Barre 3 classes and it is highly recommended for mommies who do not only want to lose weight but also to find the best posture and body alignment. I personally experienced a 30-minute Barre 3 class and, even with the aches and pains that bugged me days after, I can say I had a good time! Barre 3 combines ballet, yoga, and pilates and the moves help women develop strength, flexibility, and stability. You'll definitely need these especially while caring for the new baby.

Lastly, to help make it easier for moms to take care of their babies, Pampers offers a special line of diapers catering to each of baby's stages of development. There's Pampers Stages New Baby for newborns while there's the Pampers Stages Active Baby for the older and more playful ones. Finally for babies 18 months onwards, Pampers presents Pampers Stages Easy-Up Pants, which fit like underwear and have 2x the stretch around the waist for quick standing changes.

With all the help for Pampers and The Spa, I'm sure mommies will not have any problems getting back in shape.


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