RENOVATION TIPS FROM MRS.WISE

July 2008 was a milestone date for us.  It is a big leap for our family when we decided to build our "white house".  It wasn't a breeze.  It was very challenging.

Why? First, we didn't hire an architect.  We only asked an architect to draw our house plan and affix his signature for permits. Then we hired a civil engineer to execute the plan.  It was me and my hubby who literally drew the house plan from scratch.   

The result:  the house looked plain, with its towering white walls. But we saved money, big time by not hiring one hehehe  :)  Standard rate of an architect now is 10% of total house construction price. Whoa!  That is expensive!

FOR POSTERITY'S SAKE, WE IMPRINTED THE KIDS' HANDS
AND FEET ON THE FRONT STAIRS :)

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED IN BUILDING OUR HOUSE:

1.  What we lack in architectural design, we compensated by DIY, according to what we need.   

PALLET WE BOUGHT AT A BARGAIN PRICE CONVERTED
INTO SHELVES AND DAYBED

WINDOW TREATMENTS CAN COST A LOT. SO WE DECIDED
TO SEW OUR OWN CURTAINS FROM MATERIALS SOURCED OUT IN DIVISORIA

MY NOVUHAIR JOURNEY: ONE MONTH AND STILL COUNTING

Ever since I posted my Novuhair Experience and shared with you how initially, I observed less hair fall -- a lot has happened to my tresses.

1.  I had my hair dyed (again) last November 28.   
2.  I exposed my hair to direct sunlight this December because I got so immersed in my 
     gardening.

So there... admittedly I wasn't good to my hair in the last 30 days :(

Good thing, I am still continuing my #NovuhairJourney.  I still apply the lotion into my hair every morning and shampoo using Novuhair, once a day.

The result -- less hair fall, despite the stress due to hair dye, I subjected my hair into. Unlike before, when my hair tends to get brittle and dry after hair coloring, it didn't happen this time.  Novuhair really works!

WHY NATURAL IS BETTER

I know a lot of people who suffer from hair loss and want immediate result. And almost always, they end up using chemical based hair loss products.  Yes it may be cheaper -- but it has some alarming side effects.

1.    Serious side effects like tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and swelling of the hands and feet. These are actually some of the possible side effects of the hair loss drug Minoxidil, which is said to cease hair loss and promote hair growth.

2.    Most chemical products say they can “treat” alopecia, but reading the fine print will lead you to discover that it actually just slows the progress of hair loss. Little is said as well about these chemical treatments actually promoting hair growth.

3.    These products or “treatments” usually contain a variety of chemicals that may or may not cause allergic reactions. It pays to check the labels. Some chemical-based products may actually be presenting the side effects as the main effects. Let the internet help you on your personal research.

There may be safer and effective alternatives out there, but NOVUHAIR is a stand out among the rest. It has 19 natural ingredients—standardized herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients that work in synergy and have been clinically proven to help stop the progression of hair loss, aid in stimulating hair growth, and reduce excessive hair shedding. 

MRS.WISE RECOMMENDS:

Aside from using Novuhair, I also use some of plants that stimulate hair growth. It is safe, natural and best of all -- free, because I grow them in my garden!

Aloe, which is very easy to grow is excellent for hair growth.  It helps by stimulating blood circulation along the scalp.  I just scrape off the transparent sap and put it on my scalp at least twice a week.

 

I also just started Rosemary is also used for hair loss. I just mix a bit of olive oil with the leaves and apply directly on my scalp. Am excited for this herbal remedy, because research says it also prevent hair from going prematurely grey. 

TURMERIC: EVEN "BLACK THUMBS" CAN GROW IT!

I have been growing turmeric for two years now.  So far... this is what I have observed:

1.  It is a low maintenance plant.  I swear, there are times I forget to water them for an 
     entire week.  But they still thrive.

2.   It is very easy to know it if its mature for harvest.  The leaves will dry out, and you feel 

      the plant is dying. That's the signal to harvest it already.  Or if you are OC and the type

      that puts on the calendar everything -- that's roughly eight months  :)

3.   How to grow shoots for planting? Just leave the turmeric in a safe place. Wait for the 

      little green shoots to appear.  When you see it, it is time to plant the turmeric and wait 

      for eight months. Easy peasy!  

WHY YOU SHOULD GROW TURMERIC

It has anti-inflammatory powers!  Its active ingredient is curcumin which is believed to aid in treatment of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabeties, diferent kinds of allergies arthritis, lung infections, bronchitis and colds.

Because I have constant supply of freshly harvested turmeric, I usually drink it as tea. I boil a few roots. When warm I add honey and lemon.  The taste is milder than fresh ginger tea or salabat.  I take it especially during the onset of the cold season to boost my immune system.

WILL TRY THIS IN THE NEXT HARVEST

The hubby usually use it in his cooking.  Our favorite so far... turmeric fried rice  :)

Here are some more valuable information about turmeric

IT HAS A BEAUTIFUL BLOOM

The leaves of the turmeric is very fragrant. Same with the flowers -- very beautiful!  If you plant turmeric in your garden, the elongated leaves looks good as part of edible landscaping. And mind you -- it is not susceptible to insects or pests, so easy to grow.

The leaves, you can use as a wrap for steamed fish. The flowers, if you can tolerate it, can be eaten like lettuce. And the roots -- I have mentioned some of its health benefits above. Every part of the turmeric has its uses!  

WHAT's NEXT?

I think I will research some more to learn how to convert the fresh harvest into powder so I can make my own powdered turmeric tea.  Would also like to know how to keep the powdered form for a long time

JULIA'S BENCH

UPDATED:
I have decided to repost this article because amidst the Holidays... I know not everyone is happy.  The holiday cheer may bring anyone depression.  May it be due to lack of Christmas funds, missing loved ones, the pressure of attending reunions and be asked "bakit ang taba mo" or "wala ka pa ring asawa"?

Depression during holidays is real.  

And if it happens to our loved ones, specifically our children... you must act... quickly!

JULIA's BENCH:

Last night.... I learned something very important as a mom.  DEPRESSION in children and teenagers do exist.  Some children may seem normal, but the reality is, a mental disease may be starting to lurk somewhere, penetrating the mind, and slowly sucking out the life and happiness from our kids.  And as parents --- do we know how to read the signs?

And these are the very thoughts.... of couple Shamaine and Nonie Buencamino, as they remember their daughter Julia on her first death anniversary.

BIRTHDAY DINNER AT CUCINA AT MARCO POLO ORTIGAS

 The day of my birthday.... I posted this on my IG:

"Your birthday should be celebrated like New Year's day, a time of welcoming a new year, a time for reflection over the past year, and a time for new goals to be set." . .. ... #mrswiseblog #birthday #thankful #grateful #positive #mrswiseadventures #lifestyblogger #bloggermom #celebration #travel #travelgoals #dreams #newyear #lifestyleph #blogph #sydney

A post shared by tina perez (@itsmemrs.wise) on Dec 8, 2017 at 4:05pm PST

Blogging is a whole new experience for me. Not only for me... but for my hubby and teens. It has brought me to places I've never been, and food-fashion-lifestyle trips that are truly memorable.

It was a big blessing to celebrate my birthday at Cucina at Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas. This restaurant has an interactive open kitchen featuring fresh and healthy buffet and an ala carte menu offering innovative Continental and Asian cuisines.

THE FOOD:

Cucina has decent choices on their buffet.   Not as many choices as the popular buffets you can find in malls.  But the hubby and I enjoyed most of what we saw in the spread.  

As expected Mr. and Mrs.Wise first dib on the buffet spread is for sushi and maki. Fantastic choices -- but it was the salmon sushi that won our hearts.  It was super fresh and melts in the mouth. Result -- I think I had more than 3 trips to this spread  :)

I am a self-confessed seafood "addict"  (growing up in Malabon gave me this insatiable hunger for seafood hahaha).  As in I ate everything you can see in the photos below.  The first two trips, I just ate it fresh.  Was disappointed though -- because the seafood choices lack that "sea-salty" taste that I long for.  The choices were a bit bland for my taste buds. So the succeeding trips to the seafood spread, I asked them to cook my seafood in butter and garlic.  Still -- it didn't taste that good as compared to the seafood I tasted on my beach trips. Oh well..... 

MRS.WISE GIFT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS 2017

2017 was a wonderful journey for me as a lifestyle-mommy blogger.  I have attended several events, learned about new brands, met awesome co-bloggers!

I always try my best to write in this humble blog, my experiences, as honest as possible. To share with you, my dear readers my unadulterated assessment of products generously given to me to review.  

And as 2017 draws to a close -- but there are still a few more days to do your Christmas shopping -- here are some suggestions from me... MrsWise that might help you with your last minute shopping.  Take note -- most of the products that I will include in this article has websites, so you can do online shopping and avoid the traffic  :)

MRS.WISE RECOMMENDS:

1.  TONDO X:  THE ORGANIC POMADE

Who said "vanity" is exclusive to women.  With all the beauty products available in the market, products to cleanse and beautify the female population from head to toe, you will think that vanity = women.  For the medyo vain guys in your life, give them Tondo X.  Why I love it -- its organic.

Interested?   Read Mrs.Wise full  REVIEW


2.  BAYANI BREW:  TEA-TOX DRINKS

Welcome the new year with an interesting, refreshing drink! Social enterprise Bayani Brew, known for their use of local ingredients to produce all-natural brews, aims to help the fast food-loving Pinoy achieve a healthy balance with its detox teas or ‘teatox’.  Brewed from organically farmed detox greens, these drinks don’t just get rid of toxins but also nourish one’s body with vitamins and minerals. You might ask, where do we get all these toxins? From the processed food that we all love to eat. When consumed at a regular basis, can pose serious health risks ranging from obesity, heart problems to hormone imbalances.

Not only good for the body, but good for the budget as well.... priced 60% less than popular detox drinks, this line of teas helps flush out the toxins that accumulate in body without the laxative effect.

For the health conscious individuals, learn more of the benefits of tea-tox drinks HERE

3.   HUMAN NATURE FOR HAPPY BABIES

Human Nature baby care line are products developed to care for baby's sensitive skin. 
Read why babies will sleep better when you use these products!

Go shop for your inaanaks!  Read more helpful info about HUMAN NATURE 

4.  BE A FOOD-PRENEUR WITH JAM FOODS and CO.

Maybe your kumares are looking for a business venture this 2018.  Or you just want a stress-free Christmas and New Year celebration; you don't want to cook but still bring yummy dishes to reunions.  Then Jam Foods and Co. is the answer!

JAM Foods & Co is the group behind the famous U.S.D.A Angus beef tapa, salpicao, and other premium ready-to-cook products.  Their beef products come from US; premium pork are sourced out from France and Germany;

Read my article and know how to get a taste of these delicious READY-TO-COOK products! 

5.  BE SUMMER READY WITH GRANITE GEAR 

Already planning your summer getaway?  For your teens this is my gift suggestion!  

Granite Gear invites moms and dads to check out its selection of packs that can easily go from camp to campus – blurring the line between what’s for school and what’s everything else outside. Durable, versatile, and “tougher than granite", Granite Gear bags will allow students to excel in the classroom, all the way out into the great outdoors.

Read about Granite Gear's TRENDY DURABILITY


6.  LOVE TEA?  DISCOVER DULCE TIERRA.

For your matured relatives, you might want to introduce them to tea.  Not just the product, but the interesting art of brewing. 

Tea brewing and drinking is not about the taste. Its about the experience. Savoring it with all of your senses.  It was a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Learn more about my TEA EXPERIENCE

7.  LOVE LOKAL.  GIVE THE GIFT OF CHILL BY NOOKS

I am now learning the value of dressing up and fixing myself to at least look presentable when going to events and meeting new people. Its not really about how expensive my clothes are, or are they the current trend!  It is knowing what looks good on me, what flatters my body type;  classic designs that won’t fade thru time.

That is why I am loving Chill By Nooks.  Value-for-money knitwear, and if you are interested in learning more about handspinning and knitting they now give workshops!

Fashionistas read more about Nooks COLLECTION and WORKSHOPS

8. DENENES: FOR MILLENIALS AND NOT SO MOMMIES OF MILLENIALS

Denenes is really for babies, mommies, daddies... and even the hyperactive millenials. Hence #ForBabesAtAnyAge!  Its your "go-to-cologne" if you need to freshen up anytime of the day!

Imagine the fun of high school reunions when you give your highschool BFF's the cologne that truly brings back memories!

For more Denenes info read HERE


9.  TUPPERWARE KITCHEN GADGETS

You can never go wrong in giving kitchen gadgets as gifts.  It is appreciated by every member of the family.  Most specially, the assigned Chef of the house.  In my case, my hubby appreciated these gadgets from tupperware!

Read more about the Tupperware  CLICK PEELER SERIES and CAN OPENER

10.  REGETTA CANOE - MOST COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOE I'VE EXPERIENCED

A Japanese footwear brand developed by Yasuo Takamoto back in 2012, Regetta Canoe has since captivated the hearts of on-the-go women for its uniquely stylish and functional sandals. 

I have been using my Regetta Canoe Clover for two months now -- and I can walk for 11k steps in two days straight, without back or leg pain. Whoa... so awesome!  And for Christmas I will definitely get my second pair  :)

And as my own little way of saying THANK YOU to all of you my dear readers -- I am announcing the winner of #MrsWISE X Regetta Canoe giveway.  

Congratulations to my winner.  Please send me your shipping details on FB or IG :)

Merry Christmas to everyone who joined!!!