These are two of my current bedside books. Reading books is something I’m glad I am able to go back to doing again after a while of hiatus. I recently just published the post review of Captured by Grace. I loved it so much that I asked the hubby to read it for my birthday present.

I am thoroughly enjoying reading books that I have, once again, put working out aside, which is not good at all. The heartburn that I still get every night when I lie down on my left should get me to my toes. And the digits too that stare me in the face when I check the scales remind me over again. I know I have no excuse anymore, especially now that I replaced my busted Wii Fit with Wii Fit Plus. I will get to this soon. For one, I really won’t be a good steward if I only take care of the intangibles. Health is still wealth.

My husband has always been a sports buff who has been actively playing all sorts of activities, from soccer to basketball and even martial arts. He has a regular exercise regimen, which I have always admired in him. I continually reinforce this with healthier food choices. He can get very picky with food sometimes. But with a little nudging and giving him materials I have studied about the health benefits of incorporating a particular food in our diet, he is almost always agreeable.

But this very agreeable man of mine just recently rebuked me of my health choices – about my now non-existent exercise regimen otherwise known as sedentary lifestyle, that is. This actually made me stop and think as I later agreed with him. Now that he is looking for a Dojo place where he can resume his Aikido program in, I can’t believe I actually asked him if he thinks I can join him. And he got pretty thrilled as he answers as a matter of fact, that there are women who are Aikido black-belters. Yikes! I honestly cannot see myself going on a rolling spree and getting my joints wrestled. I wasn’t too serious when I asked him that and he was taking me on a mini-orientation drill already. Just what did I get myself into!

With my chronic arthritis that attack from time to time since I was a teener, I know he’ll cut me some slack and allow me to just grab a hold of running shorts instead and join him once a week whenever he goes to run in Marikina Sports Park. I have no other choice for now as my Wii Fit CD won’t play on me anymore. I am praying that I’ll finally get down to this and be a better steward of my health.

As a mom, I have always considered myself vigilant especially when it comes to my family’s health. My husband even jokingly labeled me once or twice to be a witch doctor of sorts – for I always come up with a seemingly, self-concocted, non-traditional solution to random health issues.   They take my prescription nonetheless, basically because they always work. In my defense, everything I serve my family, I always make sure I looked into beforehand. From the sweet potato juice that I make to boost the immune system, the lemongrass juice that takes care of colds and respiratory issues, the probiotic kefir shake, the propolis ointment for burns, cuts and skin issues and just recently wheatgrass juice, et. al. And in all fairness, they do wonders to the things I needed taken cared of.

For some reason, I also find myself picking up Halal certified food items from the supermarket whenever I do grocery shopping. It gives me a sense of confidence that I’m not giving my family second rate food stuff specifically because from what I’ve learned, Halal certified products have passed strict dietary guidelines. I just find it neat that consumers like us can now get hold of a list of products that are Halal certified via the internet. We can even get updated on Halal certified food and products in Facebook. Now it is easier to identify products during my replenishing-the-pantry errand days.

We have been considerably healthier since we have started doing these health choices.

It was early last June when I tried my hand on cultivating my own wheatgrass. Dubbed as possibly one of today’s Power foods, wheatgrass has a lot of nutritial benefits. Some of which are: detoxification, helps digestion, blood flow, can substantially lower the rate of one having colon cancer. So I ordered a bunch of wheatberries from the Wheatgrass King from Baguio. I got the package after a few days and got my cake trays and spray bottle ready.

I have always known that green thumb I had none but I was still secretly hoping that I will successfully grow my own supply of wheatgrass.  Besides, I thought, it was just grass. So it should thrive without my having to give it extra care, right? Wrong. My first attempt and I killed the berries. Yes, that soon. But never say die, so I headed on to my second and third attempts.

Day 3 and Day 5

wheatgrass in full bloom

I am thankful enough that I was able to juice thrice, at least. After the third attempt, molds got the better of my wheatgrass trays and I practically just gave up on it out of frustration. Maybe it’s just me and my need to go buy myself a pair of green thumbs.

The juicing is not as hard as it may seem. I just basically just gathered up a bunch of grass, immersed it in water with vinegar and salt (to clean the grass), rinse and dunked it to the blender. Although cheese cloths are what they usually use in the video tutorials I watched over YouTube, I figured that unused and clean cloth diapers (lampin) will do just as well.

This was how my wheatgrass tray looked like after harvest. I was told that it can grow up to three cycles. But the most mine did was twice. They grew mold already after. I’m really not certain if it’s the humidity of Manila that killed my wheatgrass. Allow me just a bit to console myself.

I just poured a cup or two of cold water after the bunch of clean wheatgrass is dunked in the blender and set the power on high for a couple or so minutes. It is fairly easy to do, if only I could have them thrive, then I will really keep at it. But I think it is worth the try. The power food that it is should do more than just opiate detox but should also keep you in tip top shape. For now, I’d probably settle for the wheatgrass supplement. Woe is me who can’t grow grass.

the pulp that remained after the juice was squeezed through the cloth

wheatgrass juice

My son loves it! (he calls it yummy wheatgrass juice) I do too. I have yet to convince the hubby though. Although the taste is undeniably of grass, wheatgrass juice actually tastes sweet.

I think my system has finally kicked off the cold bug I have had for months. It did not help that I don’t get to prepare our kefir shake on a daily basis. I know I ought to do it on a daily basis especially so that those babies (grains) grow like crazy in this kind of unforgiving weather that we have.

When my immune system kind of dwindled, it was not just the colds that got me attacking. There’s also this persistent zit on my face that is possibly brought about by the lack of sleep. I know it is all my fault and I am sure to get back to a healthier sleeping habit. First, I have got to get this zit taken cared of with some good acne treatment. I’ll probably stash away my current brands for now and go back to using organic thanakha to make sure I don’t get scars.

The heat has been extra unforgiving these days! The El Niño phenomenon is making an extended stay.  It has taken its toll on my health lately. I wasn’t able to work the whole day yesterday because I was too weak from heat exhaustion.  I was also having stomach trouble that drained me off my electrolytes supply.

But am I glad to wake up today feeling a whole lot better. Nevermind if the weather is still the same. It’s just so hard to get sick nowadays.  I feel I lost so much weight from all the purging I’ve done yesterday, when I surprisingly fit into my old jeans. Talk about diets that work! But this isn’t exactly my idea of getting off my extra pounds. Now I have to load on those fruits and get right back to making kefir shake. And let the probiotics do their trick.

Last Wednesday, April 28, 2010, I attended an intimate event with the beautiful ladies of Elianto Philippines, together with 5 other beauty and lifestyle bloggers at Kimono Ken at SM North Edsa. It was fun chatting (I mostly listened) and hanging out with these sweet ladies.

As a mom, I know so well how easy it is to take ourselves for granted given all the overwhelming tasks we have to take care of. While motherhood, no doubt, brings about such wonderful, priceless moments, it can get pretty crazy sometimes. It’s not all bright and shiny everyday, to say the least. This is especially true if you choose to be a hands-on mom. The dynamics of motherhood is immense and the natural default could easily be such that you have everything taken cared of except yourself.

While the essential is still a person’s soul, I believe a mother does not cease to be a woman even if motherhood has come. Your priorities might have changed and for a while after giving birth, it will only be natural to undergo a period of adjustment. But the important thing is to strike a balance as you device ways to prioritize all the ongoings of your life.

I personally have come to love Elianto products, specifically their nail line.  I have been using it for years now. Truth be told, I have practically stashed away all my other pricier brands, in favor of Elianto. I was pleased as I found out from attending the event that Elianto has more to offer than just their nail line. Their make up products are actually made from the finest of natural ingredients, which I have been always partial toward. In time for Mother’s day, Elianto currently has Mother’s Day Gift Sets.

Perfect for working moms – this special eye care set combines 2 of elianto’s bestselling eye care items. The brightening eye zone patch effectively lightens dark circles. It also contains collagen to firm and tone the undereye area. The cooling eye gel mask works wonders for stressed eyes– simply pop into the freezer for an hour, place over the eye area and feel it ease the tension from tired overworked eyes. Comes with a free leatherette pouch. P299

Elianto’s spring flowers Eau de Toilette collection. Formulated in France, all scents are inspired by various spring season flowers – cherry blossoms, tulips, camellias. P299

How about a gift of manicured nails this Mother’s day. This nail care kit comes complete with a 3 way nail buffer, nail trimmer, Strawberry Nail Polish remover, and a bottle of nail lacquer. Elianto’s nail polish is renowned for its rich spectrum of colors and rich exuberant tones. Comes with a free leatherette vanity pouch for mom’s other nail care of makeup items. P399

Sparkle Nail Lacquer set is perfect for moms who want to add some dazzle into their look. The Sparkling Diva line is a limited edition of luxurious nail shades in rich, glittering colors. Comes with elianto’s floral inspired nail art to add a splash of glamour. The Strawberry nail polish remover is scented and infused with Vitamin E to nourish nails and keep them strong and clean. P399

Elianto’s eyeshadow set for moms has four delectable eyeshadow shades with a spring inspired refillable palette. Comes with elianto’s bestselling Rose Cleansing Tissue – all packed in a metallic satin cosmetic bag. P699

After the sumptuous meal at Kimono Ken, the beautiful Elianto girls tooks us beauty products shopping over at The Elianto shop right across the restaurant.  There were a whole lot of great finds and it wasn’t until we realized the mall was about to close that we have been there a while.  Here is my loot. Watch out for my review I’m having live over at my beauty blog,  KikayCorner.net.

Cosmetic bag box shape (black) – P599

Classic mini brusher set – P499

Miracle White BB Cream – P799

Deep Sea Lip/Eye Make up Remover – P399

Nail Color in Grape Wine – P99

I am already loving their products. Especially their make up remover. It can easily replace my Clinique Take the day off in a heartbeat. My skin isn’t breaking out as well with with the BB cream. Here’s what makes it even sweeter,  Elianto Philippines is sponsoring a contest via my beauty blog, KikayCorner.net. We’re currently finalizing the mechanics. Meanwhile, you might want to go to Kikay Corner’s Fan Page and subscribe so as not to miss the update.

]]> http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2010/05/02/mothers-gift-ideas-and-contest-alert-win-elianto-beauty-products/feed/ 2 http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2010/04/20/flu-vaccination-for-the-family/ http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2010/04/20/flu-vaccination-for-the-family/#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:16:38 +0000 Jennie http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/?p=5526

When I said I wanted to lose weight, I never meant to lose it in a manner that I have to get sick. But that’s what happened. Now that I think about it, our family was not able to get our flu vaccination for this year yet. Maybe it is time to get that scheduled soon.

I know I hardly have a need for weight loss pills. But when you are suddenly faced with a closet full of clothes that barely fit you, it can be a bit bothersome. I have always belonged to the same size right from college and it can be frustrating. Especially so that I cannot afford to change wardrobes just yet. I have definitely lost appetite and I was told that honey could help me get my sense of taste back. Not that I would love to balloon again. But because I need to up my resistance to kick off this cold bug out of my system. And when that’s done, they I’ll finally get my shot. 

I have been under the weather the last couple of weeks and it’s awful. The bug caught me and for some reason it stuck. Although my colds is not as bad, I still have the sniffles. I haven’t gotten sick for more than a year now and I was hoping this year will be as good as that of 2009. The sleepless nights have finally taken its toll on my poor immune system.

But I’m hoping I could totally kick out this bug soon. Now I don’t need best weight loss pill anymore. Although this is not the plan, but I’m losing most of the weight that I wanted to get rid off for sometime now. It just occurred to me that it’s time for us to get some flu shots.

]]> http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2010/04/20/under-the-weather/feed/ 0 http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2010/04/16/running-with-the-hubby/ http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2010/04/16/running-with-the-hubby/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 06:35:09 +0000 Jennie http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/?p=5472

The plan was for me to join my husband for a once a week run in Marikina Sports Center. A week after I got that lined up, it still has remained just that – a plan. It does not look very hopeful that I will at all be able to get that done anytime soon. Especially with my schedules blocked throughout the week.

Running was never appealing to me. But the hubby is insistent that it burns the most calories and it will develop my stamina like no other workout I have done in the past. Who am I to argue, right? So, that plan will cease to be just that this coming week. No slimming pills for me just yet. Will have to get this work out and be in a better shape real soon. Besides it will be a great chance for us to spend quality time together. I have mentioned over at Plurk last week that after all the crazy weeks and months that my husband has gotten himself submerged in the logistics of the recently concluded Youth Camp, he seriously needs some catching up to do.

When the year started, I said to myself that I am going to step out of my sedentary lifestyle and finally get back to a regular workout. I was not quite concerned about the kind of workout. All I knew is that I had to get myself to do something before it’s too late.

It was in 2009 when I started to do workouts with the help of wii Fit. I lasted at least 3 months and then it went pffftt. I got too busy, I started homeschooling, yada, yada, yada. While all my reasons may be but valid and all, I know I have to get right on and just do it. Hopefully, the hubby and I can get back to playing badminton again in the coming weeks and I can join his regular runs in the Marikina Sports Park every week. I think that will be a g00d start.

Having been confined at least twice in The Medical City (TMC) in the last five years, I took quite an interest when I was invited last Thursday, March 18, 2009, to witness the reinvention of the Women’s Health Care Center.

True enough, a patient does not need to swing from one department to another anymore because TMC’s Women’s Health Care Center has literally turned into a one stop clinic. Thus it’s new name – The Women’s OSCAR (One Stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk). It is a concept that is first of its kind here in the Philippines spearheaded by Dr. Lyra Ruth Chua.

“At the WMC-OSCAR, patients can be thoroughly assessed for any female health care risk in a single location, as the Center will be equipped with all the necessary technologies and staff, as opposed to relying on clinics and laboratories in other parts of TMC,” says Dr. Lyra Ruth Chua, Director of the WHC. “The new location will also house a Patient Education Area where lectures on varied women’s health concerns can be held, as well as la maze classes, yoga classes, and acupuncture sessions.”

Here’s the video clip I took of Dra. Chua’s briefing about The Women’s OSCAR and its vision.

Needless to say, this means a great convenience for women. I know it’s a classic issue that even confined patients have to line up in different departments for tests and swing from one floor to another.  Regardless of the hospital you may be in. The Women’s OSCAR has definitely solved that for the patients of TMC, whether outpatient or otherwise.

I can only hope though, that they will be able to afford to allot a parking slot per confined patient. I was especially reminded of this because the very day that I was there to check out the Women’s OSCAR was the time that my sister has to be rushed to the hospital. She was there for three days. I remember during my 2008 confinement, my husband talked to the parking attendant asking why the parking fee cannot be waived even for confined patients. He was told that the parking area is managed by another entity of sorts. Their current rate is P40 for the first hour and additional P10 for every succeeding hour. Even for people who can afford to pay, I still think this is steep. But that aside, TMC is still the default hospital I go to, when I need to.

The Medical City

Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City
Tel. No. (632) 635.6789
www.themedicalcity.com

Last weekend, the hubby and I set a date (the following Monday) to play badminton. We used to play badminton every Monday during our first two years of marriage and we so miss that. After a few years of withholding ourselves of a game we love to play together, This Monday seemed to be a hopeful one that we will finally be able to jump start on it. But we failed again.

We found out in the middle of the day that there are so many things that we still have yet to do. Yes, deadlines again. This week is pretty packed. Hopefully after our son’s graduation and our schedule is back to crazy normal again and not like what we’re having lately which I call extra crazy schedule, then maybe we could finally squeeze that in. The hubby does not believe in slimquick schemes, but I do. Especially when the 3 Day Diet worked on me a decade ago. Maybe I should try that again soon and see if my metabolism would respond as well as it did back then.

When my son and I attended the launch of Pampers Yoga Stretchycise last week at Gymboree in Manila Polo Club, I cannot help but remember the times when he was still the ever so dependent baby. It was such a short, sweet time. Babies grow up too fast, really. My son now is 4 years old and even though he sat down with me for a bit during the talk, he really preferred to be left alone in the play area with the other kids.

The partnership of baby experts Pampers, the Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines (MCNAP) and Gymboree Play and Music, developed the Pampers Yoga Stretchycise. It is a routine that a parent/guardian does with the baby that combines stretching and yoga moves. It is said to help encourage the development of the baby’s mind and body.

Infant massage was one of the things I made sure I learn when my son was a baby and sure enough, he loved every single time we did the routine. As a hands on mom, I could easily just brush any activity of this sort off and reason that we have all the bonding moments that we can have anyway. But the thing is the touch that we give our child during infant massage or even through this Yoga Stretchycise routine force us to focus with undivided attention. It makes us appreciate our child more, beyond the not always convenient things that can at times get us crazy when it comes to motherhood. It is no easy job, especially if you have no nanny and helper around the house.

We are off to Gymboree in Shangri-la this week for our son to be able to avail of the free annual membership GC that I won from the event. I’m sure that Jed is going to have the time of his life. The hubby and I also need to get back in shape and maybe go back to playing badminton again, even as we also plan to undergo colon and body cleanse soon. It’s the way we hope to start the year right.

We’re still looking for a health coverage for our little guy. Believe it or not, we have given all the requirements asked of us as soon as I got the copy of my son’s birth certificate a month after giving birth to him. Up until now, we still do not have news if the hubby’s insurance will cover it. It is really frustrating, to say the least. We have been given words that we need to follow it up and all. After several calls, the hubby was told over again to follow it up.  We have been following it up for over four years now, for crying out loud.

My son is already 4 years old. Four years since and we’re still in the loop. I figured we just need to get him a separate insurance coverage. As far as I know we do not have Blue Advantage locally. But I sure hope to find one that has the same coverage that they have. Any suggestions for a good health insurance coverage?

It was last week when my son requested for me to make lemograss juice again. It has been a while since I last made us one. Typhoon Ketsana (you can read about it here, here and here) has killed all my lemongrass plants.  :-(

We temporarily bought sheaves from the supermarket and made probably the most refreshing juice ever.  I almost forgot how good lemongrass tastes like.  The lemongrass plant that I have replanted is now growing and hopefully will grow me more leaves for our favorite juice concoction.  I especially appreciated it once again when I did not get arthritis attacks after all nuts indulgence I had last week. I haven’t used joint supplements  since I learned how lemongrass juice could easily resolve arthritis attacks. It is also helping with they hubby’s colds.  Now both my boys are requesting what used to be not a favorite of theirs.

I did not mean for the hubby to be ever so conscious when I voiced out in jest that I noticed something that looked like muffin like flabs in his mid portion. He is too muscled up to have his tummy look like a beer belly!

Ever since that day I told him, he has been doing his exercises more rigidly than before. I have taken back what I said but he is convinced that he has to do something about the “muffins.” Although I’m sure he is not about to enroll in some quick weight loss program, but he is seriously back in his game even as he is prepping up with the rest of the Marikina United football team for a big game on January 23. It has been a while since he last played and I will sure watch this game with our little guy.

This lack of sleep is definitely giving me reasons to worry about our family’s health. It is not only I who stays up late. For some reason or another, the hubby stays up late with me. While I know that is sweet, I really would rather have him sleep ahead. I’m afraid it is now taking its toll on him. He has been having colds lately.

I have been encouraging him to drink kefir milk as often as I do to keep sickness at bay. I have kicked off a handful of possible illness because of regularly taking kefir milk and I think my not being sick despite his second time of being sick the last couple of months, he is already convinced. The only thing that bothers me right now is what seems to be like an adult acne, peeking at the side of my forehead. It is because of the lack of sleep, I know. But I will have this taken care of when I go see the dermatologist this weekend.

Okay so I have been lacking sleep lately. I probably have an average of four hours per day. But I am not complaining. I am happy that work is coming not slow this time, unlike when January 2009 came in last year.

I am giving myself a couple more weeks to get adjusted and hopefully I will be able to get to a routine that will work for me. Please pardon the short updates that I will do from time to time. I figured I just might need to look into those strivectin reviews, if I don’t up the number of hours of sleep I have each day. I don’t like more fine lines on my face, please.

On that note, I am happy to have received an email from Frances of TopazHorizon.com. I am sure to receive one of the more celebrated anti-aging creams in the world, whether I bag the grand prize or not. Whatever loot that would be, expect a review posted on my beauty blog, KikayCorner.net about it.

Weeks after the holidays and I am still around lounging with some extra accumulated poundages from all the feasting celebrations. Here’s the news, I have not gotten past the planning stage of getting back to working out.

Tons of jobs came surging as soon as the working mode switch was lit after New Year. I think it is a good sign that 2010 might just be an even better year for all of us. I do feel heavier but I’m happily soaking on the many opportunities, knowing that all of these are blessings. But I might just need the best weight loss product because with all the work I’m doing, I barely get conscious of all the snacking I do in between. Regular snack and no exercise is not good.  My little guy and I are attending a yoga event tomorrow.  I hope that will serve as  a jump start for me.