Every month malls around our area will have their very own special “sale”, which meant discounted prices, frantic shoppers, full car parks and worst of all – unbelievable traffic jam.  Despite the inconvenience – people will still take the bait, like the obedient and predictable prey that they are.  Some even dream of payday advance – just to prepare the cash they need for an item. In any case it’s always a good idea to stay away from roads close to malls to avoid crazy traffic during sale days.

We will be attending a wedding March next year. It’s the wedding of my wife’s friend during her college years. We are excited because it will be held at Subic which is far from Manila but accessible by car. We have never been there and we’re planning to visit a lot of tourist spots there. It’s still four months away but we’re already preparing by looking for groomsmen gifts and of course, a gift for the bride. We want to give something useful that every time they use it they would remember us by.

Christmas is just around the corner and most of us would probably be guilty of some form of holiday binge eating. We can blame it on the weather, the festive spirit or even the abundance of food choices during the holiday but one thing
is sure, people will be taking in more calories than usual which inevitably leads to unnecessary weight gain. People tend to be more lenient on themselves regarding food consumption during the holidays since there is every excuse to
eat, eat and eat.

Binge eating is defined as consuming unusually large amounts of food. In simple terms, it is the occasional overeating as manifested by having seconds or thirds of a meal. Holiday binge eating typically occurs during times of established
celebrations such as Christmas. Others start earlier by munching on Halloween goodies and candies until they’re finished which may be weeks. Whether we admit it or not, holiday traditions tend to encourage gluttony as food gets served in richer flavors, larger amounts and more varieties.

The most common symptoms of engaging in holiday binge eating are indigestion, flatulence or simply the need to loosen the pants. Over-eaters should note than they are making their bodies work harder which increases the risk of health complications. Having a plan to prevent this from happening is a wise move. Preparing healthy alternatives to the usual holiday treat will ensure that you get to enjoy more holidays to come.

Hear the bells ringing and the music playing and you’ll feel  Christmas in the air. The months that ends with “BER” is also the start of the Christmas season here in the Philippines. It is said that Christmas celebration here is the longest in the whole world. Yes, you’ll begin to feel it as eraly as the month of September. Christmas jingles are played on radios, T.V. commercials with Christmas promos are aired already. And you can see Christmas decors displayed in Department stores. People will begin to make a list of what they’re going to buy and grab any store sales for cheaper items to be included in their gifts (pasalubong). Children too are getting excited looking forward to the vacation, the parties and the gifts they will receive.
 
Simple joys of spending a quality time with our love ones is what I’m looking forward during these day. Christmas is one special occasion in doing it. Yes, Christmas in everywhere and we must not forget that it can be celebrated everyday too.  We must not forget the real essence of it as we remember to share love even to those who don’t deserve it. Yes…loving, forgiving, and sharing are important ingredients of life we all must use in order for Christmas to be so real everyday in our lives

Mothers have become more creative in the parties they organize for their children. Themed birthday parties make celebrations more fun and memorable as children are allowed to indulge in their fantasy at least for a day. Little girls can become princesses while young boys can become pirates. Older boys would probably prefer a laser tag party while a spa party might prove ideal for older girls.

Whatever the theme of the party, all themed birthday parties have to consider some basic elements including the invitation, decoration, cake, games and activities, food and drinks, party favors and party supplies. Each element will contribute to the desired authenticity. When a child shows a preference for a zoo or animal party, mothers can get to work in preparing invitations with animal designs, decorating the party venue like a zoo, conducting games and activities related to animals, ordering a cake and food items in animal shapes and readying supplies with animal designs. The celebrant can also request guests to come in appropriate animal costumes.

Themed birthday parties can be held in a place rented out for a specific theme such as a skating rink for a roller skate party or at home which has been designed to resemble a skating rink. There is no limit to what people can do to come up with the most memorable party for their children. Themes, however, should be age-appropriate to ensure that the celebrants and guests will get to enjoy themselves during the party.