Friday, July 31, 2020

5 Essentials Every Work-From-Home Office Needs




Whether you’re working from home by choice or by necessity, creating the right office environment is the key to doing your best at your job.

Many of your home-office needs will depend on the kind of work you’re doing and the space you have available to you, but there are a handful of things that every home office shouldn’t be without. Below are the 5 essentials you need to make your work-from-home office the ideal space to do your best work.


1. Designated space for working

Whatever kind of work you’re doing, it’s absolutely essential to do in a space you have designated specifically for working. Designating a space for work will allow you to shift your mental focus and get into work mode by “going to work” just as you would with an office outside the home.

You’ll also be able to relax better at the end of the workday by leaving it behind. What your designated space actually looks like will depend on your resources and living situation, but should go beyond a chair at the kitchen table or a spot at the coffee table.

The ideal designated workspace is a separate room closed off to the rest of the house that you use only for work. But if you can’t designate a whole room, try claiming a wall, corner, or partitioned section of a room to create an office space.

Consider the lighting, power, and ventilation requirements that you will need. Once you’ve claimed your designated space, you can create your ideal work environment by adding plants, stimulating décor and even good smelling incense or diffused essential oils.



2. Comfortable seating

Whatever your job, there’s a good chance that you are going to spend a lot of your workday sitting down. Your desk chair should be comfortable and supportive.

When choosing the right chair, shop for comfort first, not style and price. The ideal chair is supportive with good cushion, adjustable height, and helps you maintain proper posture. In addition to your desk chair, you may want to consider adding a recliner or armchair to your office as a place to read or take a break from your computer screen.


Stock photography (Licensed via Canva)

3. The right desk for the job

Your desk is the hub of your home office and choosing the right one can make all the difference. When choosing from the many different styles and sizes of desks, consider your individual needs.

Will you be working on a laptop, desktop, or with ink and paper? Will you be using multiple computer monitors? Are you drawing or drafting? Do you have a lot of tools that you will need at hand? This can help you determine whether you want a desk or drafting table, lots of drawers and storage, or multiple surface levels.

4. Office stationery

Just because you’re working from home, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxury of a well-stocked supply closet full of extra stationary. In fact, stocking up on bulk office supplies is cost effective and ensures that you’re not scrambling around looking for a spare paper clip. A basic list of office supply essentials includes

  • Pens, pencils, and highlighters
  • Sticky notes
  • Legal pads or notebooks
  • Printer paper
  • Binders and folders
  • Stapler and extra staples
  • Scissors
  • Paperclips

5. A good filing and organizational system

Whether you’re working with paper or electronic files, a good organizational system is key to your productivity. For paper files, a file cabinet or file boxes will be much more efficient and tidy than shoving them into desk drawers.

For electronic files, create a labeling system that allows you to locate them quickly and easily. Consider the other storage needs of your office. Would a bookshelf or cabinet help keep your space clean and organized?

These 5 essentials will get you well on your way to your perfect work-from-home office, but keep in mind that you can keep fine-tuning your space over time. If you aim for a balance between focus and comfort in your space, you will find that you are not only productive, but you can’t wait to go to work each day.

How to Stay Green When Keeping Your Home Clean




Many conventional cleaning products contain aerosols and toxic chemicals that can harm people, pets and the environment. 

We all know the importance of keeping our homes clean and sanitary, and the good news is that it just takes a few small changes to turn your cleaning routine green. Here are 10 eco-friendly tips and tricks for keeping your home fresh, clean and toxin-free. 



1. Combine simple ingredients to make a green cleaning kit

You can clean just about any surface of your home with a few basic essentials:

  • Baking soda – a great scrubbing cleanser that reacts with lemon or vinegar for and extra clean
  • White vinegar – a natural disinfectant
  • Borax – whitens fabrics, deodorizes, and disinfects
  • Lemon juice – disinfects and cuts through greasy messes
  • Castile soap – a foaming cleanser
  • Olive oil – protects and polishes wood surfaces
2. Use strainers and tin foil to limit cleanser use in the kitchen

You can keep your drain clean and clear by using a strainer to catch food from building up. Flush it regularly with hot water to clear out build up from oils. Lining your oven with tin foil can keep you from having to use cleaning products as often if your oven doesn’t have a self-cleaning function.

3. Sanitize the bathroom with baking soda and vinegar
You don’t need harsh cleaners to keep your bathroom germ-free and sparkling. Baking soda and vinegar are great for cleaning and disinfecting the toilet and borax does wonders as a scrubber for tubs and tile.

4. Freshen carpets with cornstarch or baking soda


To remove odors from carpets:
  1. Vacuum first
  2. Sprinkle them with baking soda or cornstarch
  3. Leave for about an hour
  4. Vacuum again. 
For spills and stains try blotting with soda water and a rag. For really deep stains, use a bristle brush to scrub with soap, water, and vinegar.

5. Get a streak-free shine with vinegar

For a streak-free window cleaning solution, mix:

  • ¼ cup of vinegar 
  • 2 or 3 cups of water
You can use the same solution on appliances or other surfaces without leaving any residue.



6. Bring out wood’s natural shine with olive oil

Olive oil and vinegar isn’t just great on a salad, it also cleans and conditions wood floors and furniture. For floors, mix:
  • ¼ cup of vinegar 
  • 1 gallon of hot water 
  • 1 teaspoon of oil
For furniture, mix:
  • 1 cup of vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of oil 
You may need to adjust the ratios depending on the type of wood and finish.

7. Leave your shoes at the door

Our shoes protect our feet from all sorts of things including oil and chemicals from vehicles and animal waste. But if you wouldn’t want it on your feet, why bring it into your house?

Leaving your shoes at the door can prevent chemicals, germs, pollen, and more from entering your home. Just a simple change to your routine can help keep crawling kids or pets safer and keep you from having to clean as often.


Stock photography (Licensed via Canva)
8. Try commercial green cleaning products

While you can make a number of DIY cleaners from the items in your green cleaning kit, some messes require a little something extra. There are a number of commercial green cleaners that get the job done without using harsh chemicals. It’s nice to have a good all-purpose green cleaner on hand when you don’t have the time or energy to mix and measure your own.

9. Use green, leafy plants to purify the air indoors

You don’t need toxic chemical air fresheners to keep your house smelling clean and fresh. The easiest way to freshen stale air in your home is to open the windows and let the breeze do its thing. Green, leafy plants like peace lilies can also help to purify the air. To fill your house with pleasing aromas, simply add extracts or plants like citrus or lavender to a pot of boiling water.

10. Design green

Keep your space clean and clear by being strategic with your design. Consider window treatments, furnishings, or other surfaces that collect less dust, stay cleaner longer, or don’t take as much energy or effort to maintain.

There’s no need to hang onto the old, toxic, petroleum-based cleaning products of the past. With natural commercial products, DIY solutions, and a few small changes you can be cleaning green and breathing easy!

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Nutrition Month: Kid-friendly recipes rich in Calcium and Protein



Press Release: 

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) sets the theme “Batang Pinoy, Sana Tall. Iwas Stunting, Sana All” for this year’s nutrition month. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) joins the nation in celebrating the National Nutrition Month this July to bring to light the ill effects of stunting and how to prevent a child’s healthy growth from being stunted.

According to the 8th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 3 out of 10 Filipino Children (5 and below) are stunted. Stunting or “pagkabansot” in our native tongue is a manifestation of long term occurrence of malnutrition. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) “as impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation”.

How Stunting is Stunted

Growth failure can start from the womb and progress after birth. The effects of stunting, if not immediately and properly addressed, can be permanent and irreversible. There is a window of opportunity to reverse or prevent stunting through effective interventions for children 5 years old and below. Unfortunately, there is no cure to stunting, so prevention is critical for young children to have healthy growth and development.

It is imperative for parents to track their child’s growth. The National Nutrition Council provided a simplified and more understandable Child Growth Standard Table based on WHO’s Child Growth Standards (WHO-CGS) 2004 and WHO’s Reference Data, 2006. These information can be access through https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/blog/how-to-track-child-growth/.

Importance of Proper Nutrition to avoid Stunting

Women of child-bearing age and expectant mothers must have adequate nutrition to prepare their bodies to a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a well-nourished baby. It is also highly important that breastfeeding mothers get adequate nutrition in order to supply the needs of their babies throughout the 6 months exclusive breastfeeding journey. Exclusive breastfeeding from 0-6 months is recommended for babies to gain optimum nutrients perfect for their age. To prevent your child from having growth failure, it is important to address poor diet, inadequate calorie intake, poor quality of meal intake, and insufficient supply of macro nutrients like protein and micro nutrients like calcium specific for growth and development.

The Culinary Nutrition Team of Ajinomoto puts together a treat for kids to enjoy and for homemakers to conveniently prepare and serve. Try to make these 4 calcium-rich recipes using 4 ingredients done in 4 easy steps made with AJI SAVOR™ on Rice Topping Mix and 4 protein-rich recipes using 4 ingredients done in 4 easy steps made with Prottie® Soymilk Drink Mix.

AJI SAVOR™ Rice Topping Mix Chicken/Beef is available in leading supermarkets. Prottie® Soymilk Drink Mix is available on LazMart, an online store on LazMall. For more healthy and delicious recipes, visit http://www.ajinomoto.com.ph and https://www.facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH/.


***

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 35 countries and regions, and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2018, sales were 1.1274 trillion yen (10.1 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.


Sunday, July 19, 2020

How Important it is to Disinfect Your Phone in this time of Covid-19


Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic mobile phones are the main source and target of bacteria and virus transmission from person to person. Studies have proven that the transmission of bacterial flora linked to mobile phones was detected from healthcare workers in the hospital, a certain mobile phone was exposed from the clinical samples. And, with that said the contamination was brought home and became the means of the spread. This is just one example of how a mobile phone be contaminated in the work environment. One of the most common transmission is the use of everyday personal phones! 

We must admit, since the time the social media and the internet became our means of information, mobile phones particularly smartphones are the convenient means of technology to access everything on the web. 

Based on the statistics the current number of smartphone users in the world today is 3.5 billion almost 50% of the world's population owns a smartphone
Mobile users are about 4.78 billion with almost 62% of the total world population is a cell phone user. 
Can you imagine how big the scope of the possible transmission of bacteria and certain diseases, add to this the emission of radiation being emitted from the tablets, mobile phones, and smartphones which can lead to contact dermatitis and much worse is the skin cancer? 

For a typical smartphone user like I am, I must admit that my smartphone is the one gadget that I could not live without. My smartphone has become my companion from the simplest use of checking the calendar, to check the time, to do some notes, the use flashlight, the use of the built-in camera for snapshots, to searching the web, up to exporting files online, watch video clips and media uploads and downloads. I am maximizing the efficiency of the smartphone I am using based on what I need. Btw, I am using my two-year-old Oppo A83-2018 Red Series which I got as a prize from an online contest. I only bought one smartphone in my lifetime, all the phones that I got from the past until present were all prizes from online contests! 




This is why my smartphone is been beside or with me throughout the day from morning until dozing off at night most especially when the pandemic and the lockdown started. And, with how I sanitize or disinfect my phone, even before the pandemic I have been so cautiously and aware of how my phone needed to be clean and free from any germs every time I go and bring it outside even at home. It is a no-no to bring your smartphone inside the toilet as it is one of the main reasons for E.coli infection. There are so many way for you to prevent yourself on being infected with bacteria and viruses, for me, by using all-natural ingredients can prevent me and my family in times like this. 

Moreso, in this time of the Covid-19 virus we should be more aware of the possible cause of transmission of the virus and this would be the touching of the phone screens with the contaminated hands. 

How to disinfect your phone?

  1. Remove phone case.
  2. Wipe with a disinfecting solution without oversoaking it with a microfiber cloth or a tissue, or any clean fabric.
  3. You can also use commercial products that is specific to cleaning your mobile phones. 
  4. Make sure to wipe all the crevices and spaces in between the phone and also the phone case.
  5. Wipe dry with paper towel or cloth.
  6. Bring along with you a spray bottle with 70% alcohol for instant disinfection when outside. 



  • Added tip, use or place your phone in a ziplock bag when going outside and badly needed to bring the phone with you.
  • Limit the use of your phone when outside to prevent exposure which can lead to contamination. 

Almost, all the possible reasons and contamination of person to person can be a bridge to mobile phone handling and use. It is the linking vessel of infection. 

So, how important it is to disinfect your phone? VERY IMPORTANT! 

Besides social distancing, the wearing of face mask and quarantine, protect your mobile from being exposed and contaminated. 


Stay healthy and be safe! 

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Buying A Home During A Pandemic: Is Now The Perfect Time?




The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted economies and finances all over the world. The Philippines is no exception with businesses suffering from massive losses, and some even closing down. However, if there’s one industry that remains afloat despite this trying time, it’s real estate.

The industry has suffered blows here and there, but it remains steady as property value has always been secure. Unlike stocks which are heavily dependent on the changes in the market, real estate relies on the constant demand for property.

Although the real estate has been steady, income and other relevant factors when it comes to buying a house isn’t. Hence, if you’re going to buy a house now, is it worth it?

Low property value means more affordable homes

Since demand has seen a slight decrease, the value of the properties decreases as well. For you, this may be the best chance to take advantage of the low property value to buy an affordable home.

Nevertheless, don’t expect prices to decrease dramatically as there’s still a high demand for real estate, especially as the country transitions to the new normal.

Good investment as prices can skyrocket after the pandemic

While the prices of homes may be low now, it may not be the same scenario after the pandemic. Since businesses will return to operations and people will migrate to their workplaces eventually, prices may skyrocket to unprecedented heights.

As homes are still affordable, it’s a good investment that can be a great asset when the economy recovers.

Buying a home if you have stable income amid the pandemic


If you’re one of those who can keep their jobs amid the pandemic, then now is the best time to buy a home. This time is especially ideal for first-time homeowners who have always dreamt of purchasing a home but are always taken aback by high prices.

However, you also have to determine if you’ll be able to maintain your home when the pandemic passes. After all, home is a long-time financial commitment.

Don’t get downcast if now isn’t the best time for you to buy your dream home. Your time will come when you can finally open the doors to your brand new home. At the end of the day, something that’s worth saving is worth having.

If this is the best time to buy a house, the good news is BellaVita offers a lot of affordable options located in areas where developments and opportunities are growing. Amid the pandemic, they’re always ready to make your dream home come true.


For more information about the location of their homes and their pricing, visit BellaVita website or Facebook page.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Billy's Health Journey

10/23/2020 Billy's Health Recovery Update:

He is now 7months old!


This is a long post about the journey we are at with our pet puppy, I am not sure if you will be interested in reading this long post but I just wanted to share this and hopefully there's someone who can help or in the same condition that we are having right now. This post will be updated from time to time as he progressed with this condition. Thank you! 


A couple of months ago we had our first puppy, Billy! He was then seven weeks old, a Japanese Spitz. We are a first-time dog owner. We had dogs when I was young but it was a guard dog, he never stepped foot inside our house. So the petting, play, and all the cuteness were never experienced before, same as with my kids. When my kids were little they got fish and a rabbit for pets. Never in my wildest dream that one day we will be taking care of a pet in our home. What made me say yes to my daughter? She convinced me good and also with the lockdown and the quarantine that happened since March I said yes! I believe the responsibilities for owning a dog my daughter can handle as she is a grown-up now. When we waiting for him to arrive we prepared the house, my daughter DIY his bed, pull-up some of her old toys for him to own, bought food, some essentials too...thinking that all we need to do when he arrives is to feed, potty train him and all the cuteness he can bring us. And, yes! we were not disappointed in that area when we got him and brought him in, the first 24-hours was so beautiful...we all felt that having him was the best thing- until after the following days.

The first week was a little tiresome, we were all over him, following and trying to teach him things in the house but the cuteness and the feeling of we have a pet at home was overwhelming. There were lots of sleepless nights because he was crying at night and we wanted him to teach on where to sleep and it's night time and time to sleep. 


One day of the first week, my daughter noticed a skin rash on his right elbow, where was a little patch of hair loss and skin was dry...so we thought that it was a normal thing. Days passed by and one veterinary dog visit along with his vaccine shot we got our consultation. The vet recommended Madre de Cacao cream to be applied twice a day, so we did that, the routine of applying the cream started to be part of the daily routine for him. But, the rashes get worse by day, the itchiness was getting severe and he tends to scratch his skin so much and starting to get bruised up, his fur falls off and he was irritated. He could play anymore, we tried to be with him all day and made him wear socks to prevent his skin from getting a bruise. We contacted the vet I asked if we can give him oral anti-histamine to lessen the itchiness so we started him on that. And with a couple more vet visits, more tubes of Madre de Cacao creamsulfur soapCaniderm ketoconazole shampooPapi powdersocksdog cone - the majority of the time was made DIY because we couldn't find one in the market here. We were able to shop at Lazada after more than a month, I also boil Madre de cacao leaves (Kakawati leaves) for his bath wash, I also juice the kakawati leaves and sprayed on his fur just to relieve the itchiness, as advised by some friends and family. All these were in 30 days with the initial diagnosis of Dermatophytosis. I find all these products giving him a temporary relief. 
 Newly added cream Furfect herbal cream
Php 200

rubber muzzle bought from Lazada
 Php 168
 Madre de Cacao Doggies choice anti-fungal cream
Php 180
 Infinity Pet Care Caniderm Ketoconazole
Php 360
plus Sulfur soap Php 180

VetMate Papi powder
Php 120
 

 

With the diagnosis, we continued doing what we been told to apply the cream etc...but the condition was not improving. He lost a lot of his fur- the affected areas were the skin elbows, ears, nape, neck, and legs. The rashes were all over his body. That is when we decided to consult another vet doctor! He gave Billy a steroid shot to prevent him from the itch, the shot will last for a month ( I felt relief when I heard that). We follow-up some more visit at the vet for his vaccines and during one visit the doctor said that Billy's condition was hereditary- that there is no cure for it, that we need to have him on steroid injection maintenance every month until he reaches a year old and switches to oral steroids, I felt so sad when I heard that :(. I saw his future being restrained, limited, and not having a normal dog life and will be under medication all his life or up until when his skin recovers? All the questions I have in my mind. He was also given oral antibiotics for seven days along with the initial steroid shot. 

We brought him home from the vet, went to our daily routine the next day, I must admit that half of our time was devoted to him...the attention and the caring that we are giving him just for him to feel relaxed and comfortable and not to scratch unexplainable. Right about now I am making this post, he is on my lap napping. Our everyday lives revolve around him now. 


He's lost a lot of his fur and his skin dries up and making it so sensitive when touched. His diet is still the same, from Royal Canin to Special Dog puppy food. He loves to drink milk but the doctor said we need to stop giving him any dairy drink because of the skin condition, that milk drink used to be given to him as a treat but we stopped it. We are trying to stop giving him yogurt and Yakult as these all are milk-based drinks. He loves sponge cakes, giving him bits en pieces of it after every meal. He loves honey syrup, cake icing, breadsticks, and anything sweet.

Our last vet visit was last Saturday, July 11 for his last regular vaccine and more additional skin consultation. We were advised to give VCO (virgin coconut oil) for skin massage to prevent skin dryness and 5ml to be given orally. I bought Prosource VCO for P238, 250ml, we started giving him 5ml for three days now straight now and applying and massaging the oil twice daily. 


Our VCO journey for healing, skin-soothing, and other health benefits he can get. So far, with the three days of topical administration of VCO, his skin improved, less the dryness feel and some wound and scratched he made before started to heal fast leaving and starting the crusts to fall. Oral intake of VCO is a little struggle to give as he refuses it especially the first time. We are using the plunger of the syringe to give the oil. No changes in his stool, which is a very good sign. He still wears his cone, socks, and sometimes the rubber mouthguard to relieve his neck with the weight of the cone though it is made from a light plastic material. 
he was able to reach his legs and bite and make another fresh bite wounds so we extend the cone using light-weight bendable plastic. 

I am in full hopes this can help and ease the itchiness and skin condition from inside to out that our baby Billy has. He will be turning 4 months on the 23rd of July. 

To all fur parents out there who experienced or experiencing the same situation, our puppy has kindly shared with us any tips and treatment you might have? 

***This post will be updated with his progress...




Thursday, July 9, 2020

Weight gain and body image in time of the pandemic lockdown



It's been four months already since the pandemic lockdown, and in some countries, it even started way beyond that. In the first few weeks of the lockdown, people were struggling with how to go about being ordered not to go out, movements are limited, and physical communication is prohibited. 

With all the limitations that were imposed people were bound to their homes with limited activities and then binging on food intake because yes, literally there is nothing much to do. Among us can be guilty of this part about the increase in food intake in some part of it.

Weight gain and body image issues starting to sink when you noticed on garments and everyday wear doesn't fit unlike before. Body image is a big factor to one's physical attributes, it tends to show how one is perceived 

Online resources on how to lose that lockdown weight are readily available and we all know that that takes a long time to achieve, it will depend on your time, focus, and perseverance. Good thing that there are options to look good and feel good about yourself by just wearing it, shapewear bodysuit specifically.



I remember a friend of mine back in college introduced me to this kind of bodysuit when we attended this formal event for her family. Back then, this kind of bodywear is a typical garment for women. Fast forward to the present, this line of clothing is being sold at Loverbeauty!

I eagerly went to their page and saw beautiful pieces I can wear even in lockdown. To give you that body image can give you confidence even at home. I am also in look for a 2 in 1 butt lifter and thigh trimmer which I can use under sweatpants when doing my morning exercises. This kind of suit can help you move easily with the routines and movements whether exercising or just doing home chores. I believe that it can help with the trim and butt lift which most of the women needs.  

What do you think of their beautiful pieces? Does this kind of shapewear suits your lifestyle even we are still not in the normal state of life. 
Let me know your thoughts about this kind of bodysuit. 

Sunday, July 5, 2020

How To Go Live Stream on YouTube with Less than 1000 Subscribers


I finally took the courage and guts to make my first ever YouTube live stream a couple of days ago, yay! It was bit challenging for me as my topic was all over the place. I wanted to showcase life updates while I was getting ready for the day, although it was almost midday that time, but I wanted to look presentable to the viewers. I took the time to make a list on my head on what to discuss and share which I think is a good way but I thought of making a list next time I do this again...so I won't get lost. 

While I was searching on how to go live on YouTube using my mobile phone it prompted there that I am not eligible for that feature because my subscribers were less than 1000, so look for ways and checked the laptop for that feature and bam! I can go live using the laptop, woohoo! 

So I made this tutorial to help others who didn't know this feature on YouTube, you can cast live streaming or go live using your laptop or desktop. It's in Taglish (Tagalog and English) language with caption. 

In this video I used my MacBook Air Facetime HD camera, Xiaomi headset microphone and with no external lights...I will improve the sound and the quality on the coming videos. 

I hope this tutorial can help you to get through YouTube video uploads via live streaming. If you find this post helpful kindly visit my vlog by clicking the video image above. 

Thank you so much! 


Stay safe and be healthy!