With a really hot weather, you might break out and put your health to high levels of risks. Actually, getting careful on a hot season should only take a little effort from your side and a simple common-sense.

Day-to-day activities can be strenuous, even a simple walking or running wears you out on a hot day. These together with air temperature result to a, really, warm core body temperature. Now, your body reacts to such situation by transferring more blood infusions all through out your skin. You will feel a cold sensation, as a result. The bad thing in here is that lesser blood is left for the muscles. That is why, at the same time, you will feel your heart beat increasing and faster.

Have a cooler summer!

During a hot day, more stressed is experienced, because your sweat is only able to evaporate slowly, with the heavy humid around, it competes in part. This should, also, heighten body temperature, as well.

How can you endure such a hot day? To prevent suffering from a wearying heat exhaustion and possible heat stroke, you can do these precautions:

1. Remember tips and helpful ways in making a hot day, a cool one.
• Add several more recess or breaks during working, so that you can have time to drink more water or juice.
• Relax and enjoy your summer vacation.
• Re-schedule your strenuous activities like soccer field games or outdoor tennis games.
• Be sure to stay in shades like tents or small waiting areas.
• Use a big umbrella to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
• You can, also, stay in air-conditioned rooms, if it is possible, but if not, you can instead, twice (2x) take a bath in a day (or more.)
• Observing a proper diet can, also, cool things down, like eating chilled salads or fresh fruits. This should lessen your time in the stove.
• Moreover, alcoholic drinks can make your body really hot, so avoid it.
• In terms of fashion, dress lightly and choose pastel colors. Cotton is, still, the best material for your dress in a hot day. It is lightweight and reflects heat away from your body.
• Keep a bottle of water, always, with you.
• Help elders or kids suffering from heat stroke and heat exhaustion; bring them immediately to the nearest clinics or health department.
2. Know the early signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms, for quick first aid applications. These can be heavy sweating or no sweating (very dry skin), headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, body weakness and fainting, paleness or redness, very high body temperature, fast heart beat and stammered lines.
3. Use proper heat stroke treatments. Such a situation can be life-threatening. You should treat it as an emergency. For first aid steps, when finding a victim, be sure to carry him or her to the nearest shady place like under a big tree or inside a store. Loosen clothing, you can open the top buttons or remove totally the shirt. Apply cold materials, like a damp cloth or ice, on the victim’s neck, face, armpits or feet. Splashing small amounts of water all over the body can, also, helpful. Although, letting the victim drink water or treated with alcohol is a no-no. While you are doing these, the body temperature should be recorded in account. During life saving cases and the ambulance or health experts are still not there; call the health hotline for medical assistance.

Please read  How To Prevent Heat Stroke and Taking Care of Heat Stroke Patients for more information about heat stroke. I personally recommend it and share it to your loved ones and friends.

Be cool this summer! I hope the tips mentioned will help you to even be more cooler!

PinayMom.org is about to launch a links exchange site for all online Pinays. We know there are already hundred of bloggers with exchange link page or even  member of some exchange link clubs.

So what’s new?

Let me summarize here some of the unique features that we’re going to implement.

• Not a blogroll, but with  full description of your site!
• No need to send your badge. The image on the link exchange page will be the snapshot of your blog.

Here’s the sample page:

Sample screenshot of Pinay links exchange Page

• Each site will be manually approved and uploaded. This is to make sure that only quality and relevant sites will be added.
• You can submit your FB page, Twitter, Feed/RSS as an option. All links are clickable.
• No coding on your part. New blogger friendly.
• We will not force you to reciprocate the link but If you insist, we welcome your generosity.
• Generous reciprocal links are welcome anywhere. It simply means, you can direct the back link anywhere among the pages on the link exchange site. This is the reason why we need to separate the link exchange pages on alphabetical listing (for now). The plan is to have a category based page too.
• Limit the links to 100 per page, this is to follow Google’s rule on the number of links for a given page.

• Exclusive to all Pinays only. Sorry.

This is just all for now. So what are you waiting for? Submit your site now and be part of soon to be the biggest and sexiest (pretty too) links exchange page. We are still doing some programming in the backend but you can already submit your site on Pinay Links Exchange site by clicking HERE.

Really? Is there such a way to reduce weight naturally?

Wait, before I answer that let me tell you first that I’m a little bit few marks higher on weighing scale than my supposed to be natural weight. The good news is, according to my recent visit to my doctor,  I lost 2 pounds since the last time I visited him.  I think the biggest factor that helps me to loose weight is my active participation in mountain biking and running. I actually had my first 10KM run during Run United last March 04, 2012.

Our family picture during the Run United 1 2012

The other reason, although I dreaded the word “DIET”, is the body cleansing through…diet. And this is where how to reduce weight naturally comes in.

You see, our body detoxify itself daily. However, if we don’t monitor what we eat, there’s a tendency that our body systems become overload with toxic and wastes. These wastes  comes mostly from processed foods and even pollutants that we breathe in.

Cleanse diet detox helps us by getting rid of the harmful  and toxic matter from our body. It is also designed to increase our body stamina and energy.

The next question you might have in your mind right now is, isn’t dieting expensive that requires a special menu? Well, on the contrary, it’s not. If you really want to detoxify your body, you don’t need to shell out more money than the food that you might already have in your table or fridge. Fresh and whole foods is all you need!

Fruits and green vegetables are best for detoxification. Since it’s summer time, flush out the toxins in your body by drinking fresh squeeze juices such as oranges and carrots. Drinking plenty of water also helps a lot. It keeps your body hydrated.

If you can, (and since it’s Lenten season here in the Philippines), you may want to skip eating of meat for some few days.  Skipping or eating less meat is good for your health and proven way to lighten up on the scale.

Reducing weight without resorting to unnatural methods is possible. Try to participate in a more physically challenged activities such as running, and  eat (as much as possible) more fresh and unprocessed foods.

If you would want put your kids into good night sleep and the best ever, I would recommend this relaxation CD, “The Sleep Fairy”, which is authored by Lisa Malkiewicz. She is an effective stress management consultant for children, guided imagery specialist and also a mother like us.

“The Sleep Fairy” sets a creative mood for kids when going to bed and envisioning a place called the Sweet Dreamland. In each chapter, delights, humor and up-turns will bring long hours of giggling. Through developing mental habits, your kids can be guided according and taught how to be independent as well as self-nurturers to overcome childhood insomnia or solve child sleep problems.

Here are the magic ingredients given by “The Sleep Fairy”:

• Progressive Relaxation
• Remembering Positive Events of the Day
• Guided Imagery
• Good Behavior and Self-Esteem
• Good Dream Direction

“The Sleep Fairy” can cater to newborns of 1-2 months old up to kids of 5-12 years old. It can also as well improve sleep patterns in kids. Lisa is very knowledgeable in the primary activity of their brain and recognizes taking enough sleep to be affecting in pattern. More from her, she said that there are 2 changing types or states of sleep in kids. They are the quiet sleep (Non-Rapid Eye Movement or NREM) and the active sleep (Rapid Eye Movement). The latter inhibits dreaming and brains are active. According to Lisa, babies have more time in both of these states with a sleep cycle of 50 minutes per bed time. In the preschool age, this will increase to 90 minutes. Meaning to say, sleep irregularities can also be more expected.

“The Sleep Fairy” is a bearer of the Dr. Toy “Best Vacation Children’s Products” Award in the USA. You can buy its CD at www.sleepfairy.com for only $14.95.

Are travel agencies things of the past? Most of my friends and relatives are booking their travels through online already. They’re getting a lot of travel and hotel deals from various coupon sites such as Ensogo, Groupon, Pakyaw and more.

A friend of mine who is based in abroad is coming here on summer together with her group of foreign friends. I don’t know the exact number yet. They’re planning to hit some of the best beaches here in our country and visit other tourist attractions as well. This is my first time to host a group of foreigner so I’m currently looking for a luxury travel agency that can handle their needs.

Personally, I’ve booked a lot of our family vacations through online as well . I can’t remember when was the last time I went to a travel agency to have our trips settled.  I haven’t had a bad experience when dealing with online agencies…yet. Hopefully not. Cross fingers.

Although I’ve been to a lot of local destinations already, I think it’s more practical if I’ll let a travel agency to do the footwork instead of me calling all the hotels and tour operators where they’re planning to go.

I want my visitors to have a unique experience here in our country so if you know a travel agency that can help me, please leave your comments here. Thanks in advance and have a great weekend!

Looking for the best party hall rentals in Dallas that is perfect for holiday celebrations, wedding receptions, birthday parties or corporate events? Look no further, bring your amigos to Mattitos Tex-Mex. This Mexican food restaurant can provide you with everything you need to make your special event a big success.

When searching for a party hall rentals, location is one of the many things to consider. The location should be situated in the most convenient and easy to get into for most of the party attendees. The view from the party hall should be  pleasant too. And this is where Mattitos advantage is. With three convenient locations to serve you at Uptown Dallas, Forest Lane, and Frisco, there’s no way for you to look somewhere else. Mattitos’ Dallas banquet hall can readily seat from 20 to 200 people.

The reason why are you are renting a party hall is for you to celebrate a special event in your life, and this celebration deserves the best food that you can served to your guests. Most party hall rentals has a food package already to go when booking the place. If the party hall is a part of  a restaurant or hotel, better plan to have your dinner there too. Some will allow you to rent or bring your own caterers. Don’t be afraid to ask when reserving the party hall.

In case you are looking for a special event catering Dallas, let Mattitos handle all of the details for you. They offer a wide range of catering packages with their award winning Mexican food to go with it. Don’t fret if you don’t fancy some spicy Mexican food or if you are looking for light and  healthy food to go with your party. Matitos can custom tailor a special menu just for your specific needs. They can adjust the food menu according to your liking and taste.

So the next time you’ll be looking for a party hall in Dallas and caterer for your next event, let Mattitos Tex-Mex exceed your expectations!

Here’s the best tip to make your nail polish last longer: Avoid doing dishes!

But as a mom, specially mom who stays at home while their kids are out in the school and with a hubby who’s doing his best to be a good provider, we can’t avoid putting our hands in the water. Aside from the fact that skin and nails lose moisture with age, the dryness is compounded by frequent hand washing.

Now to really make your nail polish longer, take a look at some of my personal and tested tips:

1. Make sure your nails are  perfectly smooth, clean and buffed. This is to make sure the nail polish has a clean surface to attach to.
2. Use your own nail polish. If you go to a salon or even when you hire somebody to do the job for you, try to bring or use your preferred nail polish. It has been a practice of some salon owners to add thinners on their stock of nail polish to extend it’s life. Check out some nail care collection specifically for professional nail care.
3. If you have your own nail polish, store them in cold, dark place. This will keep them from changing colors. Not properly stored old nail polish can cause bubbles and peeling later on.
4. Avoid putting on nail polish with electric fan or moving air directly in your nails. This is a sure way to have some uneven finish.
5. Apply a base coat nail polish and wait for it to dry completely.
6. Apply your favorite nail polish (2-3 coats). Again, wait for it to dry completely. I prefer to use 2 coats only. My favorite colors are those with earth tones. You may want to check julep maven review for nail polish watches. Personally, I spend 15-20mins air dry between coats.
7. The last step is to apply a top coat nail polish. Take note that it takes around 12 hours for the nail polish to dry completely so avoid exposing them to harsh environment within this period.

Again for us moms who do the dishes, try to use dishwashing gloves on dishes, and other household chores.

Also, hydrate your hands with a petroleum-based cream to lock in moisture. Lately, I’ve found out that applying virgin coconut oil is also helpful in making my hands and nails smooth, moisturized and healthy looking.

Call me an addict. Addicted in personalizing mobile phone ringtones. Not only my personal phones but including my kids, and husband’s mobile phones as well. I don’t stop customizing unless I’ve found the perfect ringtones for them.

How do I customize a ringtone. After downloading some ringtones or even MP3′s from the internet, I usually copy them first on my PC and use an application to either fully customize them or convert the Mp3′s to ringtones. There are a lot of applications already available that you can download for free and install on your PC,  or directly on your mobile phone. There are also ringtone apps for Android and iPhone. Just use the  best ringtone app that you can find and suited for you platform.

If you don’t want to download anything, you can always opt to use online ringtone maker services where you can upload and  edit your music file in just few seconds. You can then send the file to your phone or download it first.

If you are in a crowd, where most everyone are using their phones in playing, texting, or calling, the only thing  that separates your phone’s distinctiveness from other people is your own personalized ringtone. It’s like having your own identity.

So go, personalize your ringtone and create your own identity!

It’s easy to get a credit card and it’s even easier to misuse it. Do you agree?

I had a chat with my former officemate last night who is now based in Texas, USA. She told me that she’s having a hard time in paying her credit card bills and other debts.It’s affecting her everyday life already because some creditors are harassing her through mails and phone calls. I honestly informed her that I don’t have much knowledge about credit card laws in the USA, but I shared to her my story on how I was able to clear my credit card debts. I even advice her to check on some plano credit repair company to assist and perhaps help her on how to clear her negative credit ratings too.

I used to have 6 different credit cards in my wallet. Whenever I want something, I just whip out my card thinking that I can pay it through my salary which I’m receiving every month. But it was a gross mistake on my part. What I always have in mind was my high credit card limit  but not the real cash on hand, and my monthly take home pay. And before I knew it, I was already buried in debt and unable to pay even the minimum payment.

This greatly affected my  credit history when it was time to get a loan.  Somehow, the banks knew that I defaulted on most of my credit cards payment in the past.

At first I did not inform my husband about my problem but since we need to get a loan from the bank, I disclosed to him what happened. My husband helped me by lending me some amount to gradually close all my credit cards. Yes, he wanted me to cut all my credit cards in two. Being a dutiful wife, I resigned to my husband’s desire. It was a struggle in the beginning  but when I was able to pay the full amount on the first credit card, everything became smoothly until I was able to settle all 6.

I don’t want to be in that situation again. So I followed my husband advice to drop everything. I even requested a certificate of full payment from the credit card companies just in case I’ll be needing them later on. I was glad I did. After some few years ( 2 years to be exact, I think), my credit report was on the positive side already and was able to get a loan for our house.

Lessons learned.

• Two credit cards is more than enough already.
• Control your spending even if you  have high credit limit.
• Don’t give in to installment basis if you can’t even pay the item in full cash.
• Pay the balance in full  on or before due date.
• If you’re having trouble paying your credit card debts, settle it as soon as possible.
• Tell your husband about your spending habit.

The Sinulog festival is one of the tourism’s well-known highlights in the country. Its event is a month long celebration starting from the 3rd Sunday in the month of January (from 2 to 31,) a really great way to start your new years. The feast is done in honor of the child Sto. Nino, whom is paraded in thanks and blessings through a procession and Mardi gras in Cebu, the City of Culture according to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN.)

Actually, the dance presentations itself serve as prayers for devotees as well as creative galas for artists and designers. For this Sinulog 2012, Mayor Michael Rama even appealed its local communities to be “Be hospitable, be vigilant” in preparation for its Asian theme with a funding of up to Php 40 million. President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay will grace their presence, much to the city’s glee and delight.

From December 15, 2011, ticket sales have been on going until the first day of the event itself. You can buy from the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI). According to SFI’s Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros, they will need a better crowd control and improved performances from artists this year’s celebration rites. Although, last year, the festival was held really safe, just like in the past. Moreover, it seems that the crowd is so big in number to even pave way for what they are watching. Unfortunately, the venue can’t be expanded, so if you’re planning to go there this month, be sure to follow instructions and tell other spectators too. As for the artists, there were opened sponsored workshops to enhance their performances. This opportunity has shown more promises in just one event compared to other festivals in the country. Plus, they are free!

One of the much awaited contests is the Sinulog Idol. Wherein, there will be 12 finalists to watch. It is a singing competition in collaboration with the Center for Pop Music Philippines and Soundtraxx Productions Studio.

For a much detailed account, read below for the list and dates of Sinulog 2012 activities:

Dec 01 – Jan 31, 2012    Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.
December 11, 2011    2nd Sinulog Cup Baseball Tournament c/o Cebu City Sports Commission
December 12, 2011    Sinulog on the Spot Painting Contest @ Fort San Pedro
December 16, 2011    Launching and Sinulog Photo Exhibits @SM City
December 17, 2011    Sinulog Poster Making Contest @ Emall
December 30, 2011    Sinulog 2012 Fun Run
December 30, 2011    Sinulog Best Dance Crew Elimination
December 30, 2011    Sinulog Musicfest Elimination

January 05, 2012 (Thursday)    Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
4:00 AM    Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM    Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 AM    Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2012

January 06, 2012 (Friday)    Sinulog 2012 Kick Off
2:00PM    Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño) sponsored by the Sinulog Foundation Inc and Cebu City government
3:00 PM    Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
7:00 PM    Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña
7:30 PM    Ms. Cebu 2012 Presentation @ Fuente stage
9:00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
10:00 PM    Streen Party Bands

January 7, 2012 (Saturday)    Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
8:00 AM    2nd SINULOG FOOTBALL CUP c/o Cebu City Sports Commission
1:00 PM    Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM    Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM    Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM    Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) Department of Education, Cebu Province Division
8:00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM    Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 8, 2012 (Sunday)    Sinulog sa Kabataan – Dakbayan
4:00 AM    Cebu City 2012 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
8:00 AM    2nd SINULOG FOOTBALL CUP c/o Cebu City Sports Commission
1:00 PM    Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM    Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM    Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM    Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM    Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 9, 2012 (Monday)
6:30 PM    Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of Southern Philippines, Cebu Institute of Technology University, St. Paul’s College Foundation
8:00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM    Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 10, 2012 (Tuesday)
6:30 PM    Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM    Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 11, 2012 (Wednesday)
9:00 AM    Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM    Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) Department of Education, Cebu City Division
7:00 PM    Ms. Cebu 2012 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
8:00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM    Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 11-22, 2012    Sinulog Fiesta “OTOP Fair 2012″ Atrium A & B SM City Cebu Organized by Department of Trade & Industry -Cebu
January 12, 2012 (Thursday)
9:00 AM    Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
10:00 AM    Sinulog Festival Queen 2012 Photo Shoot
6:30 PM    Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) Salazar Colleges of Science Institute of Technology, Cebu Normal University, Asian College of Technology
6:00 PM    Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
8:00 PM    Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
8:00 PM    Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces
9:00 PM    Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 13, 2012 (Friday)    Visual Merchandising Contest
(Dept. Stores and Malls)
4:00 AM    Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño
9:00 AM    Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent /
Floats / Higante / Puppteers) @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym
5:00 PM    Sinulog Best Dance Crew Grand Finals
6:30 PM    Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Jose Recoletos, Southwestern University, Cebu Technological University
7:30 P.M    Metro Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
7:30 P.M    Sinulog Festival Queen 2012, Cebu City Sports Center
9:00 PM    Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 13-15, 2012
9:00 AM    Devotees’ City organized by Cebu City Government
January 14, 2012 (Saturday)
6:00 AM    Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
9:00 AM    Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
12:00 PM    8TH “THE STREET VIBRATION & BIG BIKE RALLY 2012, by V-max Owner’s Group, Inc. Cebu Chapter
2:00 PM    Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 PM    Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 PM    Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
8:00 PM    Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu

January 15, 2012 (Sunday)    SINULOG GRAND PARADE
4:00 AM    Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 AM    Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
9:00 AM    Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 PM    Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM    Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

January 16, 2012 (Monday)
1:00 PM    Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

January 20, 2012 (Friday)    “HUBO”
4:00 AM    “HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño

January 21-22, 2012    CEBU CHESS FESTIVAL – “WORLD’S LARGEST CHESS TOURNAMENT” @ the Cebu City Sports Center
January 28, 2012 (Saturday)
1:00 P.M    Screening of Finaslists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
1:30 P.M    Sinulog 2012 Winning Photo Exhibits
6:00 P.M    Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest @SM City Cebu

January 28 – Feb. 10, 2012    Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ‘10 @SM City Cebu
For added details: Contact The Organizers at 253700, 2545010, telefax 4164548