‘Sponsored by The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Personal confession, I used to not get an annual flu shot. The last time before I got my recent flu shot was when I was pregnant with my second child. I hate needles, I really don’t like it. But truthfully, nobody likes it anyway so what’s the exception of making that as a reason not to get a flu shot. With everything that has been going on, it’s a wake-up call for me to get a flu shot. This pandemic can be overwhelming and scary for all of us. Getting ourselves and our children a flu shot is one step we can take now to protect them from a serious disease. So why is it important to get a flu vaccination? In addition to preventing the flu, here are five benefits to getting a flu shot: Flu vaccinations help keep you and your loved ones out of the doctor’s office and out of the hospital. The vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor due to the flu by 40 to 60 percent. It also reduced children’s risk of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission by 74 percent during flu seasons from 2010-2012. In recent years, flu vaccines have reduced the risk of flu hospitalizations among adults by 40 percent. It also reduces the risk of adults getting admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) as well. If you do get sick with the flu, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce its severity. There are studies that show that among adults hospitalized with flu, vaccinated patients were 59 percent less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit than those who had not been vaccinated. They also stayed lesser days in the hospital as compared to those who were not vaccinated. Flu vaccination can save children’s lives. It significantly reduces a child’s risk of dying from the flu. Flu vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy. It reduces the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by up to one-half. It also reduces the chance of getting hospitalized due to the flu. Other than that, it also protects the baby from flu infection for several months after birth, when he or she is not old enough to be vaccinated. Flu vaccination helps prevent the flu in people with chronic health conditions. Vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who had a cardiac event in the past year. Vaccines are safe, effective and help protect everyone. As a parent, it protects our children and teens from 16 up vaccine-preventable diseases-including HPV, which can cause six types of cancer. There has been a lot of debate about it and that may also include misinformation about vaccines. That’s why it’s so important to do our research and also share our personal stories about why we vaccinate. There is so much information on the internet about vaccinations that sometimes can be overwhelming and scary. I think that’s normal, it’s okay to have many questions. But we just have to make sure we are getting answers from credible sources. Before, I was so confused about what to do that we decided to skip the flu shot, but now we decided to go for it. The risk of getting the flu outweighs more than getting a flu shot. Like I said, get some information and clarity from credible resources. As for other types of vaccination, we are all covered. I would also like to point out that a flu shot cannot cause the flu. Most people experience no side effects from the flu shot. I personally don’t, but there are common side effects that other people are experiencing like soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot is given. It is important to get a flu shot as soon as possible because it takes up to two weeks after you get the flu shot for your body to build up enough immunity to prevent the flu, so Michigan residents should get vaccinated now to protect themselves before flu activity increases in Michigan. There are currently ample supply of flu vaccines available at many locations throughout Michigan, including doctor’s offices, pharmacies and local health departments. For more information about flu vaccination and where to schedule an appointment go to www.michigan.gov/flu . Thank you so much for reading, I hope you find it helpful for you and your loved ones.
Maintaining Cleanliness While Staying at Home
Now that we’ve been staying home a lot, it’s quite a challenge to maintain the house. People are always grabbing something from the pantry, fridge and cabinets. There’s so much traffic on our rugs and carpets since the kids are at homeschool these days. That also means, not much break for me in the “cleaning department”. I know it’s tough, but what can you do, sometimes it is what it is.
Rainbow Birthday Party Theme for Girls
Big birthday parties are still a no-no these days, unfortunately. But that doesn’t stop us from making at least a birthday dessert table for our one and only princess. She picked a Rainbow Birthday Party Theme this time. I think it’s a great choice, it fits the current situation of the world right now. We are holding on to our faith and looking on the bright side of this pandemic. Hopefully, things will be better soon. It has been so long already. The Planning My daughter is such a girly girl, she has been dreaming for this day to have a setup like this even though knowing it’s only us in this household. We actually planned and shopped together. Even draw inspirations from Pinterest together. She’s already at the age where she enjoys and appreciates the process on how to put a party together. It was fun. She was still surprised because I set it all up in the morning while she’s in virtual school. But she was involved in baking the cookies, picking out decorations and menu choices. Reusing items we already have So pretty much most items in this setup are things we already have and stored for years. So my tip for you, figure out a theme first and then shop around your house before you go out shopping. It saves you a lot of time and money. Also not to mention, it lessens additional clutter. I’m all about purging stuff we don’t need and keep things that are sustainable. Less clutter, less stress. Create a mood board When I prepare an event or project, I always create a mood board to give me a guide on my aesthetic vision. Although sometimes it’s not exactly the same, unless if I really have to or the situation calls for it. My point is, it gives me a guide to stay on theme and also gives me an idea of the vibe of the project. A rainbow theme is not that complicated but I just want to show you an example of how to stay organized when organizing a party or event. I always create my moodboards at Canva. Super easy to use! Always remember… “How your life feels is just as important as how it looks.”- Anonymous With the coming age of social media where everyone posts their highlight reels, always remember to step back and reflect on what truly matters to you. A lot of us built a life around what success and happiness should look like. It shouldn’t be that way. It’s not about how life looks, it’s about how it feels. I agree it’s so easy to get carried away living a life according to what looks good, but what use is this unless it also feels good. Trending 2020-21 : Drive-Thru Birthday Party Never in my life did I ever thought there’s such a thing as a Drive-Thru birthday party. Yup, like the name itself. It’s fast like a flash. People drive by your house with their banners or whatnot, beeping their car horns, then stop by real quick to greet you a happy birthday, then off they go. It’s quite emotional for me, I don’t know what to say but I’m really grateful. My daughter was so happy that day, she never thought that would happen. I didn’t mention anything to her until I start preparing the pieces of stuff outside. Happiness is an understatement. She was over the moon. Shop for Rainbow Theme birthday party for girls JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Thank you for reading!
Our Home for Christmas 2020 Part 2
It’s true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you’ll find you’ve created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul.
Our Home for Christmas 2020
This year’s Christmas decor is nature-inspired with a little mixture of vintage and modern elements. I always love a laid back and lived-in look of a home. Although I appreciate and adore an ultra-glam house, I’m always drawn more to a lived-in cozy type.
Christmas Card 2020 with Shutterfly
Wow, 2020 is about to come to an end and we have a few days until Christmas day! If you are asking me if I’m ready for Christmas. Totally not. I feel like I’m doing so much on a daily, but I still have more to do! There is always something. After over a decade of being a mom and a wife, I’ve already accepted the fact that there are times things don’t go as planned. So I just have to learn how to adapt and swing with the current happenings. So pretty much that’s what 2020 is about right? Who would have thought after over a hundred years and with advanced medical technology, we will experience this global pandemic. Even the most positive person has been tested in this big phenomenon. Overall, it’s not a great year for at least most of us. But we humans are survivors, we try our best to rise above whatever we are going through. It’s tough, but we did it and we do it again and again and again. We are fighters. In this post, I would like to feature our Christmas card from Shutterfly. We’ve been doing Shutterfly for three years now, they always have great designs, and it comes out amazing every time. For the concept idea of our Christmas card photo shoot, I chose a dressed-up look. I was actually thinking of a laid-back theme of us wearing loungewear but I figured, we are stuck at home pretty much the whole year. I thought we need to step up a little bit in the outfit department even if we have nowhere to go. So I requested everyone to dress up for a change of vibes. So here’s our Christmas card 2020! Thank you Shutterfly for this post.
Things I learned About Life Over The Past Decade ( 2010 – 2019 )
2019 What a year that was ! So much had happened and full of surprises both good and bad. But a start of a whole new decade makes me think back of the whole 10 years and what I’ve been through during that period. It was also the time that I was new to motherhood and trying to figure out on how to balance marriage, parenthood and your own well being. That decade was the start of full blown adulting. Every decision I make or we make as a couple ties in to our marriage, our lifestyle and of course, our kids. It wasn’t easy. And by saying that, I have a lump in my throat. It’s not easy girl, it’s not easy. I’m sure it’s not just me who went through the hard times, we all are. It could be more or less that I’ve been through. But the endurance of pain and hardship is subjective.What matter is, we survived each passing day and we’ve come far all along. Here are a few things that the 2010s taught me about life…….. Self – Care Identifying what self-care really is. Purely subjective, because what self-care for one, is not for the other . Also we changed. Confession here, I used to shop a lot. When the kids were little, going to the mall was an escape for me and come home with a bunch of stuffs that I don’t really need. I justified myself by saying ” I’m so tired, i deserve it. ” At that period, it gives me joy. No regrets at all. I was happy ! But, it came to a point where it doesn’t serve me anymore. Don’t get it twisted, I still shop. There is nothing really wrong with that . But I wanted something else and what was the idea of “self-care” to me, it’s not anymore. Nowadays, that my kids have grown (but still little). I want something else and yes, I’m on a mission. I’m doing a lot of soul searching and trying new things. It’s going to be a lot of trial and error but I’m hoping for the best. At this point, what does self care really means to you ? Establishing a habit This was crucial to me especially in the beginning of motherhood. It was just me and my husband. We have no outside help. When my husband goes to work even if he works at home, I’m on my my own. I feel lonely. It also comes with the territory of motherhood, we all feel lonely and isolated at some point or the other regardless if you have a husband, family or friend who helps you. It’s because you are a mom and you know you have a big responsibility to your child. It’s not just about you anymore. A lot of things to consider and a lot of sacrifices. So establishing a habit was hard, but i started it little by little. Little goals. I remembered when I first had a newborn, my goal was to take a shower everyday. I don’t care what time it is. My point is sticking to that habit and be committed even if the act is so little. Then years go by my habits changed and little goals became big goals. 2010s was a period of health and wellness became a priority and slowly adapting my diet and workout as part of my lifestyle without being so obsessed with ones appearance but with how you feel with your body. I eat and work out to make me feel good and not to gain six pack abs. What a goal right ? I don’t care what you say. Because for me if my goal is to have a six pack, it stresses me out. Even bodybuilders couldn’t maintain a six pack, some do but it’s not healthy. That’s why there is an off season and on season for a reason. So to continue….. When I’m stressed out, it translates to everyone in the household. It’s not pretty guys, it’s not pretty. I need to know where I’m comfortable at and my balance. Be optimistic and have a fighting spirit Sometimes you’re the one standing in your way. There are things that we’ve been meaning to do but we don’t do it because we don’t have time or whatever. Step back and figure out some changes to attain those goals. 2010s was a decade full of self-discovery and yes, the time my blog was born. I enjoyed journaling even when i was as a child and having a blog is just natural for me. But making a blog into a business is a different story and put me into the highs and lows mentally and physically. There is a lot involved to keep it running. I wish it’s just all about taking pretty pictures and writing but it’s not. There are lot of things to figure out especially how fast digital and social media evolves. Most big blogs/vlogs are run by a team and when you have a little blog and do things like how these big blogs work. It takes a toll on you. There were times that I’m about to give up but a lot of times it makes me feel grateful and blessed. Through my blog I’ve been judge. I don’t really talk about these things a lot because I want to keep it positive but yes, I feel it. I don’t hear it , I don’t make noises about it . But I felt it, i feel it. That’s how being optimistic and fighting spirit comes into play. Also, you have to accept that you can’t serve everyone. Speak Up We all know that to get your point across and to get what you want, you got to speak up. As a filipino immigrant being married to an American, at some point and time getting your point across is a challenge. You have different cultures and upbringing,
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Centerpiece
The holidays are coming ! I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next Thursday ! Did you made plans yet ? Are you dining out , dining in or hosting ? Either way, spending time with the family on Thanksgiving is always the best. In my case, I always host Thanksgiving ever since my first child was born. Me and my husband don’t have a big family. So at that time, we wanted to celebrate our baby’s first Thanksgiving in our new house. After that, we just keep hosting every holidays in our house year after year. Yes, I’m not gonna lie. It is exhausting but also rewarding. The memories we have in our humble home every holidays is beautiful and i’m very grateful. Also, I feel like i’m in charge when it comes to holiday entertaining. So i just accidentally took that role and when i do it, i sometimes go a little extra. I’m quite crafty when it comes to entertaining. So this year’s Thanksgiving, I would like to feature my Charcuturie board as my centerpiece. It’s like last year’s ( post here ) but different. I added more colors and jewel tones in this tablescape. I also want to keep the floral arrangements to be minimal or at least below eye level, that way it’s not hard to have a conversation to the person across the table. I want it to look nice but also practical and the charcuterie board is a perfect centerpiece for that reason. We all know that food is a natural conversation starter and good presentation is always delightful. Here’s a printable guide for creating your charcuterie board. To know where i got some of the items or similar look of this tablescape, you can check it out below. Shop the tablescape JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Thank you so much for reading and may you have a Happy Thanksgiving !
Review: Disney On Ice presents Dream Big
We always look forward to Disney On Ice tour year after year at Little Caesars Arena here in Detroit. Check out our previous post from other tours we attended, here and here. In this Disney On Ice presents Dream Big, they featured four stories of Moana , Coco , Little Mermaid and Frozen. If you don’t know, they feature stories of Disney characters in every tour. So be in a look out on what’s being featured when the tour is in your area. Though they always have the classic characters Mickey and Minnie on every tour. A lot of times, there are appearances of the classic Disney princesses like Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine and much more. As always, Disney maintained it’s high reputation in entertainment and production. Even your three years old will be glued to it because of the upbeat music, colorful sets and costumes and the fast paced production. Definitely entertaining ! We started watching Disney on Ice tours when our eldest was three years old and brought both kids together when our youngest was almost three years old. She is six years old now. I really enjoyed this moment with them and certainly something they won’t forget. I mean, the kids have the opportunity to wear their Disney characters costumes , how fun is that ! My kids, especially my daughter always look forward to it. She’s always been so excited and even counted the days before the show. I would say it has been a part of our tradition year after year and I’m really grateful. To see them happy and hear them talk about their experience, it warms my heart and reminds me, these two are my why’s. They are my world. Parenthood is the most life changing and rewarding experience ever. Not to mention, so much fun and brings out the child like in you. Growing up, I love everything about Disney and having to spend time with my kids watching the shows i grow up with, it’s pretty amazing. I love how Disney orchestrated these all together. It truly bonds the family from generation to generation. Disney On Ice Dream Big is like other Disney On Ice shows as well, very spectacular, the figure skating is breath taking and the special effects are amazing. Since we go yearly, I would say they really keep up to date with technology when it comes to lighting , special effects and jaw dropping stunts. Your kids, including you will be transported to a world of imagination. Here’s my daughter dressed in a fun Moana costume ! She have her Heihei hat that comes with the cotton candy that we bought. Also, she always have a soft spot with Frozen’s Elsa wand. Since we live in the Midwest, we have to improvise to make our Moana warm and toasty. Now, she’s ready for a snap. She loves it and me too ! Another for our memory box . They grow so fast , so soak in, live with the present and create those memories as much as you possibly can. You can purchase your tickets online at Ticketmaster or for locals here in Detroit, you can purchase it online at 313presents and at the Xfinity box office at Little Caesars Arena. Thank you so much for reading and have a fabulous day! Thank you so much 313Presents !
Patriotic Theme Tablescape + Citrus Infused Water Recipe
As I’m writing this post, it’s just about time for Memorial Day . So, Happy Memorial weekend and may you had a great one. Currently right now in Michigan, we have scattered thunderstorms but that didn’t stop us from grilling some hamburgers and hotdogs . Still a great day guys, trying to stay positive here. If you have been following me on the blog, you know I have quite an obsession with tablescapes and pretty much the concept of entertaining. Check out my previous post here. If you are new, Welcome to my little space and I’m so glad you are here today. I am honored. JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Memorial theme tablescapes is pretty much straightforward patriotic theme which is inspired from the colors of the American flag red, white and blue. So i gathered all the American flag inspired colors and put them together. Did a little creativity to it and done. Dollar Store Find What really makes me excited in this tablescape is what i found at the Dollar Store. Who doesn’t want a good deal ? Anyway, i found these mason jar lanterns, blue pebbles, white rocks and red led candles at the Dollar Store. I put them all together by layering the pebbles, rocks and led candles. Viola ! A great outdoor centerpiece. Not bad at all ! The rest of the stuffs are from Target and some of them I’ve had it for years. Layering of Height for the Centerpiece For my main centerpiece, I layered vases and jars in varying heights on a bark of wood tray. That way it looks interesting together with their simple floral arrangements. It looks like a mini garden in patriotic theme. JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. All in the Details For the little details, pretty straightforward the American flag. I stuck it in between the napkin ring. I love this napkin ring by the way, it will serve many entertaining purposes. Grocery store bought cupcakes , very fancy ! Hey, it does a great job to make the table look more bountiful . I also love that the cake stand gives height on the tablescape. Yes to this last minute idea. Citrus Infused Water During summer I love my citrus infused water. It’s refreshing and hydrating. Shop the post : JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Thank you so much for reading and have a great day!