They say that when you reach the age of 20s, you should start a proper skin care and include moisturizing as an essential part of your routine.  Anti-aging should be used as a preventative measure in your 20's, in order to have healthier, younger looking skin later in life.

I am already in my late 20s and because I do not have a proper skin care routine (I only wash my face every night and apply sunblock during the day), I already see fine lines around my lips and into my forehead.  In fact, it's not just fine lines but "scratches-like" marks. 'Yung parang kinalmot ka.  I always have that at the side of my nose and cheeks whenever I'm stressed or lack of sleep.  When moisturizing your face, you should remember to also use your facial moisturizer on your neck too.  The skin on your neck is extra sensitive and one of the first areas on your body that will show signs of aging.  That is when I began searching for a moisturizing cream from the branded ones to the non-commercialized products, because I know that moisturizing is so important in keeping the skin hydrated and fresh.  Until I found my new French love in the name of Lait Créme by Embryolisse Lab.  


Before I give you my review, allow me to tell something about the product.

Nourishing moisturizer. For all skin types.


Embryolisse is a French skincare brand. The lait-crème concentré is its most famous product, used by make up artists backstage to get their models’ skin hydrated and plumped and ready for action. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is a rich moisturizing lotion. A creamy lotion that is really three products in one: the make-up artists use it as a primer, moisturizer, and make-up remover.  It also reduces irritation after shaving! 



A real beauty secret, favored by dermatologists for decades; a combination of ingredients of natural origin, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. Provides the skin with all the nutrients and water needed for its balance, and accelerates cell renewal. Moisturizes, nourishes and repairs, the skin becomes supple. It is plumped, smoothed, and incredibly soft. Signs of dryness and discomfort disappear. Embryolisse Lait-Crème's creamy milk texture leaves a satin film, even on dry skin. The skin’s surface is softer and more radiant and revitalized. 


Directions: Apply Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré morning and/or evening to clean, dry face. Massage in gently without applying pressure, and leave to penetrate into the skin. 

I apply it while I'm on my way to office 30 mins. after applying sunblock.  It is important that the skin must absorbed first the protection of the sunblock before applying anything else.

Before
After (No white cast. Leaves the skin soft and smooth)

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré can also be used to cleanse the skin or remove make-up, as a repairing mask, an after-shave cream or as a baby-care product.

Paraben-free preservative.



Ingredients 
Aqua. Paraffinum Liquidum. Stearic Acid. Glyceryl Stearate. Triethanolamine. Cera Alba. Cetyl Palmitate. Butyrospermum Parkii. Steareth-10. Polyacrylamide C13-14 Isoparaffin. Laureth-7. Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Aloe Barbadensis. 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. Tropolone. Parfum.

What I love about it
  • The smell is great! It actually reminds me the scent of our very own Sampaguita =)
  • Stays true to what it claims as a rich moisturizing facial cream.
  • Quickly absorbed by the skin.
  • Very handy.  You can bring it anywhere and apply anywhere.
  • Leaves no white cast.
  • It is so mild, you can even apply it to your babies.
  • Acts as a primer too.
  • Recommended to those have normal to dry skin.

Needs Improvement
  • I am not such a fan of metal tube.  Feeling ko hindi ko siya masasaid up to the last drop.
  • The opening of the tube is quite big.  If you squeeze it a bit harder, the cream might over flow.


The good news is that you don't have to go all the way to France to purchase it because Calyxta got it for you here in the Philippines! 
Even though we are experiencing now the impacts of varying rainfalls in the different parts of our country, according to PAGASA, a mature and strong El Niño is now present in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Consensus of climate model shows that it will likely to strengthen further before the end of the year and may last until the first half of 2016. This 2015-16 El Niño event will potentially be among the four strongest events since 1950 (1972-73, 1982-83, 1997-98).  This means that we are still and will be experiencing the strong heat of the sun until next year which will make us vulnerable from heat-related illnesses.  

One of the most common eye problems/disorder that we have now is sore eyes.  I am sure that you will agree that it is the trend now in every household, work area, schools, etc. Halos matalo na nga ang AlDub Kalyeserye sa taas ng tending nito haha.  But seriously, even I experienced having sore eyes and unfortunately it was only me but my whole family! Pati ang nanay at tatay ko sa kabilang bahay nahawa na! At some point in our lives magkakaroon talaga tau nito.  The bacteria spreads too fast that before you know it, you are already a carrier of it in just a blink of an eye tsk tsk.  We are all dependent on clear vision kaya just imagine the nuisance sore eyes brought to us.


The good thing is that it didn't last for 2 weeks, which is the regular time period to heal.  It only lasted 4 days in me and my husband, 5 days in my daughter (5yrs old), and a whooping 1 day (Yes, just overnight!) to my two boys (7yrs old and 15months old).

Before I continue on how we did kick that sore eyes, kindly read the literature below for you to better understand it's causes, symptoms, how to prevent it, and what are the home and medical remedies that goes hand in hand to effectively cure it the fastest way.  I'll do the research for you. It is long I know, but this might save the window of your soul. =)

Sore Eyes

Sore eyes can affect one or both eyes. The eyes may feel as if a foreign object is in them, or they may feel tired, heavy, and hard to keep open. A common cause of sore eyes is conjunctivitis (or pink eye), but the problem can also be caused by an infection, allergies, too much sun exposure, eye fatigue, or contact lens wear.

Sore Eye Symptoms

You will encounter many different symptoms if you are suffering from sore eyes. Symptoms generally peak within three or four days and last up to two weeks. These symptoms include:
  • Redness of the eyes
  • Discomfort
  • Burning
  • Gritty sensation
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Pain
  • Difficulty opening eyes after sleeping
  • Eyelids stuck together after sleeping
  • Watery discharge
  • Soreness
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Lymph glands are sore (lymph glands are your body’s defensive filter, they are located behind the ears)

What Causes Sore Eyes?

Sore eyes can be caused by a variety of things. In most cases they are caused by staring at a computer screen or book for too long. Your eyes may become sore after a long day at work or if you have been deprived of sleep. An incorrect eyeglass prescription may also lead to sore eyes. Additional causes may include:
  • Airborne irritants such as chemicals, smoke, smog, animal dander, and pollen
  • Contact lens wear
  • Excessive rubbing of eyes
  • Inflammation caused by allergens or infections
  • Too much sun exposure
  • Dry eyes or inadequate lubrication of eye surface
  • Viral infections such as the common cold
  • Blepharitis
  • Pink eye
In some cases, sore eyes may be caused by a serious condition such as optic neuritis, uveitis, iritis, or orbital cellulitis. If sore eyes are occurring daily you should seek medical attention.

Diagnosing Sore Eyes

To diagnose what is causing your sore eyes, your eye care provider will ask you questions about your symptoms. He or she will also inquire about your lifestyle, previous eye problems, and diet. Then an eye examination will be preformed to check the internal and external structures of your eyes and to rule out possible causes. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options can be explored.

Treatment for Sore Eyes

The best thing you can do if you have sore eyes is to seek medical attention. Contact your health care provider or an eye doctor for an eye exam immediately. Treatment for sore eyes can begin once a diagnosis is made. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe you anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops or ointment.  Additional steps you can take to reduce the soreness include:
  • Get more sleep at night
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Eat a well balanced diet
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes
  • Take “eye breaks” from activities that may be causing eye strain

Complications of Sore Eyes

Although many cases of sore eyes resolve themselves, if the cause is an underlying condition such as dry eyes, the problem will not go away until treatment is sought. If treatment is delayed, complications can arise. These complications may include:
  • Corneal scarring
  • Vision changes or loss of vision
  • Spread of infection
  • Development of other eye problems

Preventing Sore Eyes

There are many things you can do to prevent sore eyes. Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water is a great start. Avoid touching your eyes and face when you have not washed your hands. Do not share towels, eyeglasses, sunglasses, or cosmetics, as this may spread the infection.

If you have had symptoms of sore eyes, and have been using any cosmetics that are applied to your eyes or in the area of your eye, it is best to discontinue using these products and discard them. Purchase new cosmetics and wait until the condition has been treated successfully before resuming use. Disinfect surfaces, especially common ones such as doorknobs and counters, with diluted bleach solutions. Bleach is known to kill germs.

Your doctor will probably mention this to you, but be careful that the tips of eye drop applicators or tubes of ointment do not touch your eyes or eyelashes while you are using them. This goes for all types of eye drops and ointments, not just the one your doctor prescribes to you.

If someone close to you is infected, make sure to disinfect and wash all surfaces, clothes, towels, pillow cases, and anything else that may have come into contact with that person.  If you have other symptoms, it is best to stay away from others to prevent the spread of infection until the symptoms are relieved and treatment is successful.

Eat a well balanced diet to ensure that the rest of your body receives enough nutrients to function correctly. Drink plenty of water, as this can help to reduce inflammation. Try your best to get plenty of sleep so your eyes and body are not tired the next day. Visit your eye doctor once a year or as often as he or she recommends. Routine eye exams can catch problems during their early stages, which may help you to avoid sore eyes.

Talking to Your Eye Doctor

Here are some questions to ask your eye doctor if you are experiencing sore eyes:
  • How much sleep should I be getting each night?
  • What is causing my sore eyes?
  • How often should I be using my eye drops?
  • Which over-the-counter eye products should I stay away from? Which ones do you recommend most to your patients?
  • What can I do to prevent sore eyes at the end of each day?
  • Which eye exercises are known to reduce sore eyes?
  • What should I do during my “eye breaks”?
Did you know…your computer should be 17 to 26 inches from your face, and at a 10 to 20 degree viewing angle?

Okay, for my and my family's personal experience, here's what we did:
  • Scheduled an appointment to your ophthalmologist.  They are the experts and not you. So if you don't want to suffer those indicated complications of sore eyes mentioned above, please do not self-medicate without the knowledge of your eye doctor.  They will give you the best diagnosis and treatment and not your kapit-bahays.
  • The doctor prescribed us an anti-inflamatorry and antibiotic (in one) eye drops called "Tobradex".  It contains steroid and much stronger since it also treat inflammation.  But if you want an antibiotic only, you might want to use Tobrex.

         How to apply Tobradex:
  • We strictly applied 2 drops in the affected eye every 2 hours within the first 24 hours then on the third and succeeding days, we only apply 2 drops every 6 hours until totally healed.  It is a bit pricey though because it costs 520php per 5ml bottle and we consume 3 bottles of it sa sobrang dami namin haha.  But I don't care with the price for as long as it is effective and does not caused harm on us.  And I must say that Tobradex stays true to its job in killing those bacteria off in our eyes.  It is actually the key in our rapid healing. (Note: You cannot but it without a prescription so please bear in mind the first bullet)
  • In addition to applying eye drops, we take a bath twice a day or as often as we needed. This is to prevent the continuous spread of the infection (viral and bacterial). Other literature suggests to put hot compress in the affected area to reduce discomfort, but we chooses to use cold compress instead to reduce swollen eyes.  Soak a washcloth in cold water and gently press it to you eyes for about 10-15 mins., again, as often as needed.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes so as to prevent irritation.
  • Last but not the least, stay inside your home! Kung pwedeng i-quarantine, mag pa quarantine ka na haha.  Please take a leave if you are working, do not let your child go to school until completely healed.  Do not even engage in any event outside your home.  You do not want to be the factor of the sore eyes outrage in your area. 

That's all folks! 




Did you know that September is the month of peace? Yes! The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) as a national agency mandated to monitor and implement the comprehensive peace process in the Philippine has been active in leading the celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month annually.  The celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month themed as “Pagkakaisa tungo sa patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” will focus on continuing the legacy of peace and progress through unity among Filipinos.  

As we celebrate unity and cooperation, let us continue our support to our brothers and sisters in Eastern Visayas who suffers in the Super Typhoon Yolanda last November 2013. Please come and shop at the BAHANDI Eastern Visayas Trade Fair!  It is organized by the DTI-Eastern Visayas where in the participating merchants are those that survived the typhoon. BAHANDI means treasure in Visayan and true enough, you will find local treasures and gems that will surely catch your interest.  Best of all, women micro entrepreneurs proudly showcased their very own food and woven products such as the famed chocolate moron, suman sa latik, bokayo, binagol, tuba, organic vinegar, veggie chips, home made peanut butter, gifts decors and handicraft furniture and furnishings, fashion accessories, as well as the region’s tourism destinations and a lot more.

Here are some of the products I bought.  

Ready to fry Kab-kab! Yummy!

This Nutri snacks tastes good. Perfect for the kids because it is healthy and nutritious.  Also available in Malungay and Kalabasa flavor.

Home made peanut spread with less oil.

Karlang chips: Another nutritious and organic chips made from the root crop gabi

Suman sa latik! This is my all time favorite.  Even Gabo loves it so much.  The latik is very tasty but not that sweet which is good enough for me.

This cocosap honey jam is made from a coconut sap sweetener, that is 100% natural and organic and proudly Filipino. No added anti-fermenting agent.  I also dip my suman here and it tastes oh so delicious!

For those who are drinking apple cider vinegar but can't find one now in stores, the cocosap vinegar is a great alternative.
Buy their products and let us help them improve and recover their livelihood, business, homes, and their normal productive life.  

“This is also a venue to recognize the programs of interventions and assistance provided by the government and international and local non-government organizations to Yolanda-affected SMEs to build back better their businesses aimed also at helping not only the producers but also the people dependent in them like the suppliers of raw materials as well as the workers to get back also to their source of income.” 
- Regional Director Cynthia R. Nierras of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Please do spread the news with your families, friends and other networks and encourage them to visit and shop at the BAHANDI Eastern Visayas Trade Fair.  This will run from September 2-6 Megatrade Hall 2, fifth level, Mega B, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.


Hello Mommies!

Last Saturday, me and my family had the chance to watch Inside Out (hooray for the loooong weekend!).  I can't let this movie passed with my kids not having to watch it.  It has gained a lot of excellent reviews and is still one of the top grossing film not only in the Hollywood but also around the globe so I think it must be a watch-out movie.



The Plot: (Sourced from Wikipedia)
A girl named Riley is born in Minnesota, and within her mind, five manifestations of her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Fear and Anger—come to life. The emotions live in Headquarters, Riley's conscious mind, where they influence Riley's actions and memories via a control console. Her new memories are housed in colored orbs, which are sent into storage at the end of every waking period. The most important or "core" memories are housed in a hub in Headquarters and power five "islands", each of which reflects a different aspect of Riley's personality. Joy acts as the dominant emotion to keep Riley in a happy state, but she and the others do not understand Sadness's purpose.
When Riley is 11 years old, her family relocates to San Francisco after her father gets a new job. Joy becomes concerned when Sadness begins touching happy memories, causing them to turn sad, so she tries to keep Sadness isolated. However, on Riley's first day at her new school, Sadness accidentally causes Riley to cry in front of her class, creating a sad core memory. Joy attempts to dispose of the new core memory before it reaches the central hub, but she accidentally knocks the other core memories loose in her struggle with Sadness, shutting down the personality islands and making them unstable. Before Joy can put them back, she, Sadness, and the core memories are sucked out of Headquarters through the memory tube leading to the rest of Riley's mind. They end up in the labyrinthine storage area of Riley's long-term memories and set out to return to Headquarters.
Anger, Disgust, and Fear attempt to maintain Riley's emotional state in Joy's absence, but inadvertently distance Riley from her parents, friends, and hobbies, resulting in her personality islands slowly crumbling and falling into the Memory Dump, an abyss where faded memories are disposed and forgotten. Anger inserts an idea to run away to Minnesota into the control console, believing they can produce new happy core memories there. Meanwhile, Joy and Sadness find Bing Bong, Riley's childhood imaginary friend, who is desperate to reconnect with her. He tells them they can get to Headquarters by riding the train of thought. After exploring different areas of Riley's mind, the three eventually catch the train, but it derails when another personality island falls.
As Riley prepares to board a bus bound for Minnesota, Joy attempts to use a "recall tube" to return to Headquarters, but the last personality island falls and breaks the tube, sending Joy into the Memory Dump along with Bing Bong. While despairingly looking through old memories, Joy discovers a sad memory in Riley's life that becomes happy when her parents and friends come to comfort her over losing a hockey game, causing her to realize Sadness's true importance: alerting others when Riley needs help.
Joy and Bing Bong try to use Bing Bong's discarded wagon rocket to get out of the Memory Dump, but after several failed attempts, Bing Bong realizes their combined weight is too much and jumps out and fades away, allowing Joy to escape. Joy uses various tools from Imagination Land to propel herself and Sadness to Headquarters, where they find that Anger's idea has disabled the control console, rendering Riley depressed and apathetic. At Joy's urging, Sadness takes control and successfully removes the idea, reactivating the console and prompting Riley to return home.
As Sadness reinstalls the core memories, Riley arrives home and breaks down in tears, confessing to her parents that she misses her old life. As her parents comfort and reassure her, Joy and Sadness work together to create a new, amalgamated core memory that creates a new personality island. A year later, Riley has adapted to her new home, and all her emotions now work together to help her lead a content, more emotionally complex life as she ages, with an expanded control console and additional personality islands produced by new core memories comprising multiple emotions.

My take on the movie (from a Mother's point of view)
May contain some spoilers if you haven't watched it yet 
  • The movie had an excellent animation.  It evidently captures the attention of the kids.
  • The movie did a great job on revealing the different kinds of emotions.  It clearly shows how one emotion differs from another that a child can undoubtedly understand and identifies.  For example: Joy always had this positive aura and reaction whatever happens.  She carry this even in the saddest circumstances while sadness continuously feel very low which manifested everytime she cries.  On the other hand, fear always had this second thought in everything which makes him scared in all of the things that he does.  Angers obviously resorts to anger to sort things out while disgust had this distaste in everything that is presented to her.
  • The movie clearly pointed out that it is OKAY to feel sad, stressed and depressed once in a while.  That sadness is not wrong but it is the way we react and respond to it that defines an act if it is wrong or right. 
  • Though it is good to always look at the bright side of things, we should not also ignore the fact that sometimes, it is in our saddest stage that we were able to clearly reflect and sort things out.  In my personal experience, it is when I am at my lowest point that I find hope and space in my heart to move on than pretending to be happy and make believe that everything is well even if it is not.
  • The movie also tells us that accepting and acknowledging our weaknesses and downsides help us to become better individuals instead of rejecting it or having too much pride.
  • The movie is best for kids ages 10 and above.  Why? Because there is a deeper message at the back of those emotions presented which will not be totally understood by younger kids.  I brought with me my two kids ages 7 (Gabo) and 5 (Yani).  Although Gabo quite understood the events in the story, he still needs more explanation from us to totally grasp the cause and effect.  For instance, Gabo cannot understand why I cried (Yes, I cried haha) when Bingbong disappeared. He still cannot comprehend yet the meaning of sacrifice.   On the other hand, Yani constantly asks questions at me (why this, why that). In other words, she cannot relate.  It is totally understandable for she's only 5. But I like that she responds to every emotions that was being portrayed.  For me, it is already enough that she was exposed to the versatility of our feelings and personalities.
In general, I will rate Inside out with 8 out of 10 (as 10 being the highest).  A very touching movie indeed. Please be sure that you (parents) personally accompany your child while watching the movie.  It is important to let the processing came from us because the story evolves in a family setting with lots of love, compassion, parenting and even real family issues were also portrayed.  Do not hesitate to whisper or talk to your kids when something needs to be explained during the film.



There yah go! Happy viewing guys!






Hello, I'm Celin!

Hi! I'm Ma. Celin Mendoza but Celin will do. I'm a peace worker, youngest daughter, entrepreneur, contented wife, devoted and meticulous mom of 3 June's and a DIY addict!!! This blog will be your ultimate partner in crime when the going gets tough =) Want to do something interesting together? Shoot me an email to: macelinmendoza@gmail.com

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