NASOCLEAR for Mama Sniffles and Li’l Miss Sniffles

Ah-Chooooo! Ah-Chooooo!  Ah-Choooo!

Since I could remember, this was often how I greeted the morning – with a resounding sneeze totally unbecoming of a petite girl (now a woman) like me. Handkerchiefs and tissues were a must otherwise I’d end up with sleeves all wet and icky. Even the tissue had to be of a certain material as some make my allergies even worse.  Aside from the sneezes and sniffles, dark circles around my eyes are telltale signs of my allergic rhinitis.

The Tale of Mrs. Sniffles and Li’l Miss Sniffles

When I was younger, I didn’t mind the sneezing and the runny nose that much.  But there came a time when the allergies became so frequent and so severe that I had no choice but to take a daily dose of antihistamine.  During my not-so-favorite seasons, steroidal nasal sprays are my best friends.  Although medication and steroid sprays stopped the sniffles, they often made my nasal passages dry.  Plus, the doctor recommends using them only during certain periods of the year.  So when my allergies are tolerable, I just use a nasal sprays that contain only sodium chloride and water.

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Li’l Miss Sniffles doing the allergic salute

When my kids were toddlers, we found out that they had both inherited my rhinitis.  Li’l Jade, my Li’l Miss Sniffles, has the worse of it.  Xyzal, Alnix, Allerkid, Loraped, Disudrin, Claritin – we always keep one or two of these medicines on hand.  Their pediatrician also prescribed us to use saline solution to keep the nasal passages clear.  When they were toddlers, we used Salinase drops.  Now we use nasal sprays which are easier to use on our very active preschoolers.  Just a spray on each nostril and they’re off to go.

NASOCLEAR: Nasal Spray from a Brand We Trust

A few weeks ago, I received a sample of NASOCLEAR from Unilab. I was really more than willing to review the product. Dust, pollen, and the extreme heat trigger our rhinitis so I was thankful for an extra bottle of nasal spray.

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NASOCLEAR is a natural water based nasal spray that contains 0.65% sodium chloride.  It helps relieve nasal congestion and alleviates itching, sneezy and runny nose.   It does not contain any steroids, does not cause drowsiness, and does not have any adverse side effects.  The best thing about Nasoclear is that it safe to use on my kids

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As you can see in the picture above, both sprays look exactly the same (except for the labels of course).  They also have the same composition and work pretty much the same way.  It’s really just a matter of choosing the brand you trust.  Of course, for us, that has got to be UNILAB.  So, yes, it’s Nasoclear that keeps our noses sniffle free now.

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Even if you don’t have allergic rhinitis, do have a bottle of nasal spray for each member of your household.  Our nasal passages need some TLC too, you know.  Watch this video below to learn more about the importance of keeping our noses clean:

More Mom-Friendly Recipes in Store for Viewers with Del Monte Kitchenomics

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It’s a new season for Del Monte Kitchenomics as it airs its premiere episode on February 19, 2014 on GMA 7.  Tune in just before Eat Bulaga and pick up new delicious, budget-easy, and mom-friendly recipes from hosts Carla Abellana (Kapuso actress) and Chef Jackie Ang-Po (multi-awarded pastry chef and mom of two).  To kick off this new season, a Bloggers’ Conference was held to gather a group of food and lifestyle bloggers from the Metro.  Lunching with fellow bloggers and sampling a couple of the featured recipes in Del Monte Kitchenomics’ 100 Best-Loved Recipes cookbook was nurturing for the heart and soul (Kaldereta is my comfort food, so there :D).

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The attendees of the Conference were treated to lunch first before the program started.  I must say that the Kadereta from Chef Long of the Del Monte test kitchen was the star of the show.  Of course, the Fiesta Float put a refreshing cap to the entire meal.  Lunch pangs satisfied, the bloggers were all ears when Del Monte’s Susie Aquino (senior product manager) welcomed everyone and introduced the cooking show’s new season.  She was joined by the show’s hosts and fellow Del Monte executives in the Question and Answer panel.

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As the bloggers started asking their questions, I could not help but realize how a cooking show such as Del Monte Kitchenomics has become part of the kitchens of many Filipino cooks for over 30 years.  The exchanges were candid and without all the high-browed cooking lingo.  The same atmosphere can be expected from the show itself.  “It’s more than just a cooking show,” Susie declared.  She further said that “We’ve engaged our audience for many years.  It’s a family.  It has become the people’s cooking show.”  For this, the Del Monte Kitchenomics rises above any other ordinary cooking show.

Viewers of the new season of Del Monte Kitchenomics cooking show has a lot to look forward to.  “We have many exciting things in store for the Del Monte Kitchenomics Cooking Show viewers.  We have new faces on the show and new culinary destinations.  Kitchenomics will also be even more fan-engaging as it will be very easy for our active Facebook Fans to be guests on our show and we’ll be featuring many of our members’ Most Requested Recipes,” Susie said.  Carla also added that “you do not have to be a professional to cook with Del Monte Kitchenomics.” She shared stories about how she was inspired by her grandmother from which she got her love for cooking and passion to learn new things in the kitchen.

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Everyone can cook with Del Monte Kitchenomics.  Viewers can expect to learn recipes that are easy-to-follow and that require only a handful of ingredients.  One of the challenges of the ordinary home cook in following recipes is the need for special ingredients and equipment.  There’s none of these requirements in Del Monte Kitchenomics’ easy-to-prepare recipes – Del Monte food products are enough to give your dishes that special touch.  Aside from being kitchen-tested, the recipes are also easy on the budget.  They even have Swak sa Budget recipes on their website that allow you to prepare meals for only P100 for a family of 5.

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Chef Jackie and Carla are the perfect hosts for this cooking show.  They exude an air of credibility without losing their bubbly and approachable personality.  It’s like cooking with friends in your kitchen.  While the show is intended to help moms with their kitchen dilemmas and challenges in preparing meals for their family, other home cooks can definitely join in the fun.  Cooking, after all, knows no age.  Viewers of all ages will definitely enjoy the Del Monte Kitchenomics cooking show.  With Del Monte products available at affordable prices in various supermarkets, cooking is easy as 1-2-3.

The new season of the Del Monte Kitchenomics cooking show airs on GMA Channel 7 on Wednesdays and Saturdays before Eat Bulaga and on Sundays before Sunday All Stars.

 

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This post was written by Elmira Dulce Joson-Rivera who attended the conference for The Tottering Mama.  Elmira is a passionate lover of the printed word who opted to trade in her suits and the perks of a corporate job for more quality family time. Now a freelance writer/editor and a work-at-home-mom, she continues to strive to live life to the fullest, taking each day at a time, riding the highs and the lows with the people she loves most. Read more of her articles at http://mirellasnotes.blogspot.com/  and http://ramielspassion.blogspot.com/

You Can Consider Multiple Options for Financing LASIK surgery

If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, you may want to consider these two options LASIK or SMILE eye surgery, to correct your eyesight. LASIK surgery can surgically correct your vision by using a specialized laser to reshape your cornea. LASIK surgery is specifically designed to meet your individual needs, whether you are farsighted or nearsighted. A consultation with your eye doctor will allow you to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery. In addition, this will give you a chance to discuss options for financing LASIK surgery. If you are interested in taking up the other option though (SMILE eye surgery), then you can check out these facts about SMILE eye surgery, you might prefer having this type of surgery as it is less invasive.

Matters of Sight

Your vision can go wrong in a variety of ways. You may have difficulty focusing on things that are far away. This type of vision is called nearsightedness, and it makes it difficult to function in a classroom or to drive safely. If you have difficulty focusing on things that are up close, you are probably farsighted. This can make it difficult to read small print items such as books or restaurant menus. In addition to these vision issues, you may experience vision problems that are directly related to aging. When you are young, your eye’s natural lens is flexible and can easily change shape when you need to focus your vision. As you age, however, your lenses become less flexible and more rigid. This may result in the need for reading glasses or bifocal lenses. Many of these vision issues can be successfully remedied with a vision correction surgery.

Financial Implications

When you are considering the cost of LASIK surgery, it is important to factor in the amount of money you are already spending on prescription glasses and contact lenses. Once you pay for the procedure, you will no longer need to periodically replace your glasses or order a new supply of contacts. In addition, after your LASIK procedure you will not have to worry about carrying your glasses around or dealing with contact solution. If you are not sure how you will be able to afford your procedure, you can discuss options for financing LASIK surgery with your eye doctor. Your doctor’s office may offer a payment plan, or you may be able to use a flexible spending account if your employer provides one. Either way, it is worth exploring your options for better vision in the future.

The First Support Group for Moms with Multiples in the Philippines

For several years now, MedelaMoms has remained true to its commitment of providing moms with trusted brands of breastfeeding products and supporting them in their breastfeeding journey.  Through the years, they have organized various learning events advocating the importance of breastfeeding.   They also provide breastfeeding counselling and help coordinate breast milk donations.

Knowing how breastfeeding can be doubly challenging for moms with multiples, MedelaMoms Maricel Cua and Beng Feliciano have formed the first ever support group for moms with multiples in the Philippines.  “Seeing Doubles” Multiples Support Group will be launched at the Medela House at 9a.m. on February 8, Saturday.

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All couples expecting multiples are invited to attend the launch and meet other parents of multiples who will share their own personal experiences carrying, giving birth to, breastfeeding, and raising multiples.  I myself carried twins in my first pregnancy which was exciting and terrifying at the same time.  During that time, there was no one I could personally talk to who has gone through the same experience and I had to make do with reading books to cope with my anxieties.  So to those who are expecting multiples now,  you are soooo blessed to have a support group to go to!  Now don’t miss this chance to be able to ask questions and be inspired by other moms who have been through the same “doubly challenging” pregnancy.  MedelaMom Beng, a mother of twins, will be sharing her experience raising twins. Celebrity Moms Amanda Jacob and Marilen Faustino-Montenegro will be sharing their own breastfeeding experiences too.

Parents attending the launch can also look forward to a fashion show by SweetPea, a cocktail/formal nursing wear company.  Children in the fashion show will be wearing shoes from Walnut Melbourne PH.   Project Mom, a book written by Amanda Jacob and Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, will also be on sale during the event.  Do get one and have it personally signed by Amada herself.

The event is free of charge but you are required to pre-register by texting or calling MedelaMoms at 0917-8110821 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Sign up now to experience the first support group for mommies of multiples in the country! Giveaways, special promos, a candy buffet, and other treats are in store for participating mommies.

To get the latest updates from MedelaMoms, connect with them through their Facebook page (Medela Breastfeeding Products) or better yet, add them as a “friend” on Facebook (http://facebook.com/medelamoms).

Tips for an Effective Test Drive

Purchasing a quality used vehicle is a great way to save some extra cash. If you are in this situation right now, view more here to make the process of choosing a car a lot easier. Although some people may crave the smell of a brand new car, the expensive cost may be beyond their financial budget. It’s important that you do some research and have a look around and see what vehicles are out there. You will want to make sure that you get the right one for you. If you are thinking of getting a used car, then you might want to get started and check out a site like Autozin to help you find your perfect car. Don’t forget that one of the most important aspects of purchasing a used vehicle is the test drive. Here are some effective tips for test driving a used car.

Test drive on a nice day

Car shoppers should always test drive a used vehicle on a relatively pleasant day. If there is any inclement weather, it is advisable to reschedule the test drive for another time. Harsh weather could cause the person to rush through the test driving process.

Inspect the exterior

Before getting behind the wheel of the vehicle, first take the time to inspect the condition of the exterior. If there are any dents or areas of faded paint, the prospective buyer can use these facts to negotiate a cheaper price for the vehicle. The frame of the vehicle must also be inspected for any surface rust. Do not forget to ask questions about whether the car requires any replacement parts either. It is relatively easy to use websites like Compare Parts to find spare parts for cars online at a good price nowadays, so do not let this put you off buying a used car that requires a little work.

Check the comfort of the vehicle

When sitting in the driver’s seat, remember to adjust the seat to the appropriate driving position. While one test driver may find the vehicle to be a perfect fit, another person may find the same vehicle to be extremely uncomfortable.

Extended test drive

If possible, it is always a good idea to drive the vehicle in the city and on the highway. Click here to check out some affordable used vehicles.