READ THIS IF YOUR KIDS GO TO KIDZOONA

I am sharing this to all parents, guardians and carers of kids who go to Kidzoona. This incident happened today at the newly opened Century City Mall branch.

We are regulars at the Waltermart branch and have also tried the branch at Shangri-La.

We were excited to try out the Century City Mall branch. My 3-year old son played with the usual food stations and when he got bored, he asked me to go with him to the slides.

I already knew that this was a steep slide. As usual, I went up with my son. He is still scared of going down slides on his own but there are times when he goes down alone and I wait to catch him at the bottom.

I put him on my lap and down we went. I was scared midway because we were going down too fast and knew we were losing control. I ended up lying flat on my back with my head hitting the balls. It was painful. I was thankful that I went down with my son or he could have gotten seriously hurt. I decided that this was too dangerous for my son. My nape was painful as well as the bottom of my head. Although the Shangri-La slide was steep, I did not end up flat on my back when we went down.

We went to the green spiral slide next as I thought that it would be safer. I was wrong! It was also very, very slippery! So slippery, that we lost control again and my body twisted to my side and again, fell flat on the balls. This was another painful fall and I'm glad that I was there to cushion my son's fall.

I also ended up getting burns on my elbow.

I went to the girl on the counter and asked for some medicine. She applied some burn ointment and told me to be careful next time. I told her the slides were too slippery and we weren't used to them being that slippery in other branches. 

I then talked to the Manager on duty about the slides. I asked if they put wax on it. He said that they put some silicone on it once a week only because if they applied more frequently, the slides would be very, very slippery. I told him they already were! I also told him that I hurt my head and showed him my elbow. 

I asked another mom present, who also went down the slide but on her own, if she found it too be too slippery. She said yes and that she was surprised that she zoomed down too fast. I watched her daughter go down and she too fell flat on her back. I told her about what happened to us and about the green spiral slide. She said that she found the placement of that particular slide to be very dangerous as it was too slippery and it was very near the walls. The momentum would cause a serious accident that's why she didn't let her kids play there. 

I also warned another mom with a little girl (about a year and a half old) to not let her child go down the banana slide. As you can see, all the slides were very shiny, probably from the product they use. 

The manager proceeded to get a rag and a spray bottle and started wiping the slides. He said that he will remove the silicone as he was worried that someone else might get an accident. I already wrote to the Aeon Fantasy Group, the company who owns Kidzoona and I am awaiting their reply. My neck hurts (it feels like I have stiff neck), my shoulder hurts and a part of my chest hurts. I can feel it especially when I lift things such as a pitcher to pour water. The manager told me to get a checkup and I asked if they will shoulder bill to which he replied, "he will consider it". 

Please be careful when you use the slides at Kidzoona, no matter what branch. Supervise your children, especially the small ones. 

I will be publishing my story in all my blogs so as to inform parents and carers about our experience so they can take extra caution when playing at Kidzoona. 

You Need This Product in Your Vanity, Bag and Table!

My beauty routine was simplified down to just the bare basics when my urticaria came out. I've always had sensitive skin but this chronic urticaria was a new thing in my system. It only started about two years after I gave birth. I didn't have these allergies before so I had a hard time adjusting. I had to be careful with heat, food and my beauty products and toiletries.

It was really hard during those active months. I hated the wheals that came out. I hated how they itched and sometimes burned. I hated the fact that I had to give away most of my products.

I've been using the Vichy spray to cool down my skin and it was running out so I needed to find a replacement. I got my bottle in Singapore and Vichy is not available here yet so I needed an alternative. Avene has already caught my eye before but I didn't really pay any attention to the brand. I just know they have this spray and a bunch of moisturizers and other face products.

I asked the SA at Mercury Drug if I could take a look at the bottle of this Thermal Spring Water spray. I read the label and was convinced and bought the medium bottle.

This product has been an absolute relief to my urticaria! I would spray it over a wheal and the redness, itching and size would diminish immediately or in just a few minutes.

Don't get me wrong. This isn't just for people with allergies. It's a great beauty product too! It has soothing, softening and calming benefits. It's a one-of-a-kind product. Avene preserves the thermal spring water under sterile conditions so you get to experience it's soothing anti-irritating properties.

When I spray it, the water is released completely intact. It is pure, clear and cool. As the brand says, it's like you were drawing it directly from the spring. The spray bottles are covered with a hermetic, tamper-evident seal after packaging to provide more protection for sensitive skin.

I think they have also made a study using Avene spray on Asian skin and the results were pretty amazing.

How I use Avene

Aside from allergies, I also use it before and after applying makeup. I use it to freshen up when I'm outside and it's too hot. If something is itchy, I spray it on. My son also likes using it. We spray it on insect bites. If he has some wounds, we spray on them too. It's also a great after sun product. 

You can also use Avene for diaper rashes. I used Avene to replace my son's diaper rash cream. It's pretty effective. 

This product is not cheap but it is worth every penny. Just like what my title says, I keep a bottle in my vanity, bag and even my son's study table!

Avene is available in Mercury Drug, Greenbelt 3 and I think it's also available now in Watsons. 

Oh, and speaking of Watsons, have you seen these in your local Watsons yet?

These are Hello Kitty feminine pads. I saw them in Singapore and brought home two of those black boxes. I'd say they're okay for normal to light days but I wouldn't recommend them for heavy days, even the ones made for heavy days and nights. I haven't used the other variants though. The box came with two kinds - day and night pads.

My Mumuso Korea Haul

I discovered Mumuso Kr in Lucky Chinatown Mall over the weekend. I was smitten at first glance. It looked like a mash up of Muji and The Face Shop so in my mom and I went. Goodness! Don't go into this store if you have a tight budget. The items are very affordable, starting at only 99 pesos, but you will want to buy almost everything! I know I did! If only my skin were not too sensitive, I would have bought all those shower gels and toiletries. I think next time I'll start with the hand washes. I wasn't able to take a photo of the store but it is pretty organized.

Aside from toiletries, they have makeup, beauty items, a ton of masks (of course, a Korean store won't be complete without them), some fashion and home items and even toys! Crazy, I know! They have a limited range of lipstick shades in this branch. I'm not sure about the Farmer's branch. I think all the makeup items are limited in Lucky Chinatown.

I'm pretty excited about these nail polish remover pads. I have high hopes for them as The Face Shop and Etude House have great nail polish removers. I hope this will not disappoint. 

I also love this lavender nail polish with glitter and confetti. It was the last bottle. 

These perfumes smell really good. I bought one for my bestie too. 

I got a few essentials like these cotton pads and cotton buds. How fun is that container? I also got a set of eyebrow razors. 

And, they put all your purchases inside this cute eco bag!

I can't wait to go back with my mom! Maybe I'll try the toiletries next. What's your favorite Mumuso item so far?

My Allergy-Friendly Lotion

Having chronic urticaria is very hard. I used to regard allergies as something trivial, something that one shouldn't worry about. It was only after I went through a horrible life-threatening experience with this condition that I understood the magnitude of it. I didn't realize how hard it is for people who have allergies to look for allergy-friendly food and toiletries until my doctor told me to change my lifestyle and use only allergy-friendly products. I am so glad I found most of them in Healthy Options. I already told you about the shampoo and conditioner I got. Today, let's talk about this wonderful lotion that has helped me through that ordeal.

This is the Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion. This is the original variant and is unscented, perfect for anyone with allergies. It has no harsh chemicals. I have very dry skin to start with and with the addition of steroids, my skin turned flaky. Even my hands were so rough and dry because of the steroids. I badly needed moisture.

I'm not going to lie. This lotion helped me a lot but it didn't stop the steroids from wreaking havoc on my skin. It did calm my skin down for a a few hours. I didn't want to reapply as it has a thick consistency. Would I buy this lotion again? Definitely. I am currently using the Cetaphil lotion as prescribed by my doctor but I think I will go back to this lotion once I finish up the Cetaphil. I want to see how good it is without the steroids competing against it.

My Health and Beauty Finds at Landers

We were finally able to visit Landers over the weekend. It's soooo far from us so I don't think we will be able to go there as often as we'd like. If you're near the store, you are so lucky!

I took a lot of photos and so I am spreading them over my three blogs. I'll put the links after this post so you can see all of them.

Check out my health and beauty finds.

This is a brand of makeup remover that I'm not familiar with. If I remember correctly, this is an organic product. 

They have Biore there as well. I think these are cheaper here than at Watsons or PCX. I stopped using Biore because my skin was reacting to it but if you have normal skin, this is a good makeup remover.

These Swisspers cotton rounds look pretty on the outside. The actual cotton rounds look thick but they are more expensive than what I usually buy at S&R so I passed.

For those who have a tub, this will make for a luxurious bath. 

No more dirty hands with Softsoap! Love this brand. 

I so wanted to get this set but I'm not sure if my skin can handle it. I'm only allowed to use Oilatum or Dove Sensitive. 

Finally, these non-slip hangers will make your closet look soo purty. Don't you just love a uniformed look to your closet?

Have you been to Landers? What did you get?

Check out my kitchen finds in my food blog. 

Check out my home, kids and lifestyle finds in my mommy and homeschool blog. 

Made the Change

As many of you may very well know, I suffered from depression for a while when my urticaria was active. That's why I didn't blog for a long time.  I couldn't eat well and I certainly couldn't use my regular products. I flared up with every little thing. One of the dermatologists I saw told me to change all my toiletries. So I did. Starting with these three.

I tried organic shampoos before but they made my hair stiff and gave me dandruff so I stopped using them. I was really hesitant to use these products from Jason but I had no choice. 

First time I used them, I was, wow! It's as if I was still using my regular shampoo and conditioner but without the rashes and itchiness after getting out of the shower. These are fragrance free and gluten free, perfect for someone who suffers from chronic allergies. 

I've also made a discovery. I never thought that I was allergic to regular hair care products until I used these two. As far as I can remember, I would always get small, itchy bumps on my neck, back and chest after I took a bath. I didn't give it too much thought as it would eventually go away. When I used the Jason products, it hit me. I was really getting allergic reactions to my usual products. All these years they've gone undetected. 

If you have specific concerns about your hair, these will probably won't do the job. They're just for normal hair. I have to admit that when I was on steroids, these two couldn't keep my hair in place. They just couldn't defeat the mighty steroids. But, I was alright with that for I know this too shall pass. 

I've been using these for months now and I'm pretty happy. I'll talk about the lotion next. 

If you're experiencing some itching after taking a bath, you might want to try going organic or changing your products. You won't lose anything and you'd be doing your body some good. 

Toys Giveaway

Hi, everyone! My son's toy channel is hosting a giveaway. If you have kids, you might want to watch the video for the details. We are giving away two sets of toys - one for boys and one for girls. It's open to both local and international subscribers. Watch the video here.

Faith Candies

Hello, friends! I'm sorry I've been away for so long. It's a super long story. I got sick and I needed some time to recover physically, emotionally and mentally. Today, I'd like to ask for your help. Most of you know my best friend, Ahne. We have been friends for many years. She is my son's 'Mama'. Her aunt was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer and everyone knows how expensive the treatments are. So, we are asking for your help. They have recently opened an online store called Faith Candies which sells, well, Faith Candies or rosary bracelets.


Here are some of them.

They are very affordable, starting at only Php150, depending on the beads. All proceeds will go towards tita's treatment. So, please buy!

This is my favorite, right here:

You can read more about the family's story here. Check out more products here. These are great to give as gifts to yourself or for a loved one. If you or someone you know is currently undergoing sickness, just keep the faith. God is the ultimate healer and He hears your prayers. God bless you all for giving and sharing your time and money with this family!

Survey and a Giveaway

Hi, everyone! I am planning a giveaway in my Mom Blog. Please head on over if you are interested. Thanks!

10 Mom-Friendly Summer Looks

Today is a scorcher! But no matter how hot summer days are, they are still beautiful to me. No other season gives me beautiful, bright days as summer.

I've been in a fashion rut. Before I got pregnant, I told myself that I will never fall in a fashion rut but that's exactly where I found myself after giving birth. I couldn't wear my usual fashionable clothes anymore because I had to breastfeed or the buttons might get loose and my son might end up swallowing them or the print might give my son rashes and the list just goes on and on. I had to settle with a regular shirt and jeans/skirt uniform which is not normal for me. I like dressing up and wearing accessories but all those things took a backseat when my son was born. His safety and comfort are now my priorities.

Today, as my son is getting older and more mature, I am transitioning my wardrobe back to where it was before...maybe even better. I'm much older now so a lot of my older getup wouldn't work anymore. I was browsing through my email archives and found a few photos that have given me inspiration to build my Summer Capsule Wardrobe. Yes, the capsule wardrobe bug has bit me. I've started doing it last year. It just makes more sense to me in terms of money and practicality but we will delve into that soon.

For now, here are the photos. All photos are from Female Network.com. These are old photos, by the way. They are from 2011 but a lot of them involve classic pieces that you can still find today. I'm not necessarily after the exact pieces but the way they are mixed together and presented. When I look for clothes, I consider comfort, flexibility and the materials used as well as the make. I buy investment pieces because I cannot be bothered to shop leisurely anymore. My clothes need to last a long time and I need to be able to run in them, do errands, carry my son without flashing strangers and just move around comfortably with a 2-year old and not worry about anything coming loose or showing out.

I know brown is usually meant for fall but we don't have fall in the Philippines so a light brown is okay with me during summer especially for office/indoor wear. For this one, I like the cut of the dress. 

This one looks super super cool and refreshing to wear. It's a simple dress that can be accessorized however you like. For a busy mom like me, it's either a necklace or a belt or both depending on how the dress fits my waist and hips. But this cut is always present in my wardrobe. 

I haven't tried these puff (correct me if I'm wrong as I'm debating whether this was a puff or a bishop) sleeves yet. I think they might be too much for my petite frame but I guess it's all in the cut. I think this is a very mommy-friendly dress especially if you are meeting friends for coffee but meeting the kids and husband later. 

If dresses are not your thing, this shorts-long blouse combo is a great alternative. I probably wouldn't wear that top because the neckline is not right for me but the whole idea is good. Fashion and comfort in one outfit. 

This is probably my no-brainer attire. I just grab a classic dress and cardi and go. The dress is great for walks with my son and husband. The cardi can be used when it gets cold in restaurants or in the mall. I wouldn't wear those heels though. I won't be able to chase my son in them. 

I like solid colors and clothes because I can just add some extras like that cuff or a knock-em-dead shoe (but not this one, again hello sprained ankles!) . Speaking of shoes, I've been having a lot of trouble finding shoes. 

This outfit is one for the mall as I know I won't last in this heat in that sweater. Great to wear if you have a car or riding a cab but not when you plan to ride the jeep.

Love these long, thin blouses. They just look so put-together for me. They don't even need accessories. 

This outfit works for me because I don't like wearing shorts often but when I do, I want to look my age so I need to find the right top to go with the shorts. I think a 3/4 sleeved blouse and some pearls will be appropriate for a mom like me. 

Who doesn't like a nice, cool summer dress? When in doubt, just go with a dress. I wouldn't wear this on a windy day though. = )

And finally (number 11), I couldn't resist! I had this exact skirt when I was in my 20's. I still like floral skirts but I look for prints that are age-appropriate. This one for me is too juvenile. 

So, that's it! I hope I helped you moms get in touch with your fashionista side again. 

Essence Makeup Review

Hi, everyone! I'm sorry I've been away for so long. I've had many things that needed my utmost attention. It's also the start of summer and my urticaria has come back. I am covered with huge wheals all over. I've seen a dermatologist the other day and was put on meds. I pray that this will work as I don't want to undergo any more tests. If you have chronic urticaria, I'd appreciate some tips and advice.

So, let's talk about these Essence makeup that I got some time ago. My favorite among these is the All About Roses eye shadow palette. The shadows are super pigmented. They last the whole day. They are even better than my Stila palettes and for a fraction of the price! I just use a good primer such as UDPP or the one from Too Faced.

I also like the All About Matt powder. I used it on my sister when I did her makeup for her party. She stayed shine-free for a long time in spite of the heat. I rarely use this on myself as my skin is too dry nowadays.

As for the lipsticks, I hate them. They smell and taste bad. They are very light. You need several swipes to make the colors show. I just hate them. They are cheap for a reason.

I will show you a swatch of the palette when my skin gets better. As for now, you have my word that this is a good piece to put in your affordable makeup kit.

A Few New Things

PCX is also another drugstore favorite of mine. I go there from time to time as they have items that are not available at Watsons. I found the bath sponges on the left which my son uses. They are soft and nice to use. 

The hair spray in the middle is a protectant. I use it before blow drying my hair. It's pretty good. The smell is a bit strong upon spritzing but it dies down and is non-irritating. 

The Konjac sponge is also nice to use. I'm not sure if this is an authentic Konjac sponge. I'm planning to buy another one from Beauty Bar so that I can compare. These are cheap by the way at only less than 100 pesos a pack. 

This nail polish is from the Essence Spring Collection.  I love this coral color. 

The thing I hate about Essence nail polishes is that they have a terrible smell. This is probably the last bottle I will buy. 

And how could I resist this brush?

I'm not a hearts girl but I really liked this one. I like unique brushes. This is pretty dense and great to use when applying loose powder. Love it! So cheap too at only Php179 (if I remember correctly).

I found some nice cream blushes at HerBench and I might buy one or two soon. Don't you just love hauling beauty stuff?