Starting the year with Gratitude

The holidays are finally over and here we are on the first working day of the year. I am both excited and overwhelmed with the things that needed to be done including the work-related concerns that piled up during the holidays. 

This is actually the longest Christmas vacation that we truly enjoyed. School was on break starting December 13. Val did not have to report anymore and I was on-call as early as December 15 and stayed offline beginning December 20. 

If you are wondering how we spent our holidays? We had two hotel staycations which I am going to blog about soon. And the rest are all chill days either spent by going to malls to do a little bit of shopping or we just stay at home to binge-watch The Big Bang Theory. 

It was very simple but we had the much need rest to recharge for the upcoming year. Binge-watching may sound lazy but I got a lot of takeaways and lessons that we can apply in our real lives. 

In Episode 9 (Season 10) - Sheldon gets extremely jealous when his rival, Bert gets a grant of over $500,000 for his geology research. He was even more jealous to learn that Bert really did a good job and his paper was remarkable. The jealousy that Sheldon was feeling has negatively affected him that he was unable to concentrate on his own work and that he even injured himself. 

However, what struck me the most is the words of Amy (Sheldon's girlfriend) - Amy told Sheldon that he should appreciate the good things in his life. He has love, his health and a roof over his head. 

This is the same thing that we need to do in our lives. We must not dwell on what we don't have. Instead, we should learn to appreciate what we have. We are loved and blessed more than we will ever realize. Let me share with you one of my favorite essays: 

So, this 2020. I decided to Start the Year with Gratitude and here are some of the things and people that I am thankful for: 

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I am thankful for a house full of fur. It means I have dogs who are playful, happy and love me unconditionally. 

I am thankful for the dishes that need to be washed, it means that my family and I had a good meal. 

I am thankful for a busy work schedule, it means that I have clients who trust me that I can help them with their business. 

I am thankful for the non-stop messaging notification sound, it means that there are people who values what I have to say. 

I am thankful for the delivery guy who keeps on waking me up so early in the morning, it means that I have packages from friends and family.

I am thankful for the medicines that I need to take, it means that I am alive and have the opportunity to heal and be healthier.  

I can share endless things that I am thankful for and this is the main reason why I am so positive that 2020 is going to be a great year.  How about you? What are you grateful for? Are you also willing to start the year with Gratitude? 

How to cope with loss of a loved one?

Losing a loved one is the hardest and most painful reality of life. It is something that we cannot control nor even predict. There is no cure or medication to ease the pain. For most of us, only time can heal the wounds. 

Losing your spouse, parents, children or anyone from your family may be the most challenging since aside from the emotional loss, confusion, and grief, there are a lot of practical decisions that you have to make. There is paperwork that needs to be fixed including hospital bills that need to be settled. Just imagine you have to do this in just a few hours despite the fact that you just want to lay down and cry. 

So, the big question is how can you prepare for this? How can you make it easier for you and your family? 

No one can be fully prepared about death but let me share some tips on what you can do: 

1. Talk about it - Though the topic of death may be taboo for the majority, it is just practical to discuss it with your family. The concept of "The Bucket List" is a good way to start the discussion. Talk about the things that you want to do or achieve before you pass on. Later, you can also share the things that you want in case something happens to you. 

Giving them the direction on how you want things to be done will give them comfort as they follow your lead. It is easier for the surviving family to think that they have granted your final wishes and preferences. 

2. Tax and Estate Planning - This is not just for wealthy families but also for middle-earners or investors who are very keen on planning their family's future. 

Some of the reasons why you should consider estate planning are the following: 

• Protection for your children. Making sure that it goes to the right person or the appropriate trustee is assigned. 
• Avoids family conflicts. Whether we admit it or not, family disputes arise when money is involved. Much more huge amounts from inheritance. 
• Minimize cost and taxes. Tax and Estate Planning helps you minimize cost and taxes when transferring the estate or property. 

3. Know where you can get support and guidance on what needs to be done - when you feel lost or overwhelmed what you do, find a service provider that can assist you in making funeral and burial arrangements. In Bacolod, there is a company that stands out among service providers because they provide excellent customer engagement whose main goal is to make things easier for their clients in their moment of grief.

Teresa Development Corporation has been in the business for more than 50 years. According to TDC's funeral director, Albert S. Montelibano they understand that their clients are anxious, worry a lot and don't know what to do. Thus, TDC will help you throughout the whole process such as processing death certificates, provide guidance on what do to before and during the wake, etc. TDC ensures detailed assistance, guidance in all the preparations and the promise to make things easier for their clients. 

4. Check your options and make practical decisions

As mentioned, one cannot be fully prepared to die but there are things that we can decide as early as now such as: 

• Should I get a memorial life plan?
• Do you consider cremation or would you like the traditional way? 
• Where would you like your final resting place to do be? (This is true for those who reside in a new city but most of their family is in the province.)

Personally, I have believed that the land is for the living and thus, I personally prefer cremation and then they, can just scatter my ashes in the forest or throw it in the sea but Val's question hit me hard. "Mommy, what if I miss you so much and want to visit you?"

To be honest, I had no answer until I learned about TDC's newest project, Christ the Redeemer Columbarium Complex. It is the perfect place where they can store the ashes of your departed loved ones. 

And this is not just your typical columbarium, it will have viewing chapels, a restaurant, beautiful lobby, high ceilings, etc. 

In this way, families can celebrate life in style. They can visit and celebrate the life of their dear loved one who passed away in style and comfort. Here's a sneak peek on what you can expect from the Christ the Redeemer Columbarium Complex.

The Amethyst features the vault where urns will be placed. 

The family suite features a family room, restroom, and kitchenette for those who want more privacy. 

For more information about Teresa Development Corporation and the Christ the Redeemer Columbarium, you may contact them at (034) 434-5555 or follow them on FB at Teresa Development Corporation Funeral Services

Win a Free Classic Donut or Cash when You Buy a Dunkin Donut Coffee

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of the year ever since I was a child. The food, time off from school and the gifts that we give and receive just make the season festive, happy and memorable. 

As children, the joy and excitement we feel during the Christmas season can be encapsulated in one word: aguinaldo. The term refers to gifts received, specifically, during the holidays.  As grown-ups, we find ourselves on the other side of giving with younger relatives now expecting their presents from us. However, no matter how old we are, there is always a child within us who is giddy with happiness when we receive an aguinaldo.  - (I am totally guilty!) 

Thus, I was very excited when I heard about the Dunkin’ Donuts Aguinaldo In Every Cup promo. This holiday season, you can have that “just got a gift” feeling every day with the Dunkin’ Donuts. Every time you purchase one 12-ounce cup of hot or iced Dunkin’ Coffee, you have a chance to instantly win a Free Classic Donut or cash  — P500, P1,000, P5,000, and for the lucky ones who will surely have a Merry Christmas, P20,000.

 To get your Aguinaldo, peel the perforated coupon found on the side of your Dunkin’ Coffee cup that says “Open your Holiday Surprise!” and “Peel Here.”  It’s best to do this after finishing your drink because the excitement might make you spill it.

Your Aguinaldo is waiting for you in any of your Dunkin’ Coffee favorites like Dunkin’ Brewed Coffee, Dunkin’ Black Iced Coffee, or Dunkin’ Iced Coffee. 

So, are you ready for some Christmas feels?  Then get your Dunkin’ Donuts Aguinaldo In Every Cup from now until December 15, 2019, only.  

Hurry and run! Promo is ending really soon.  

5 Things You Need To Know About Brushing Your Toddler's Teeth

Dental care is considered one of the most important health concerns among children. It is imperative that parents make sure that their kids are receiving adequate attention and that good oral hygiene is observed. 

One of the biggest mistakes and beliefs is that they can neglect dental care because it's not yet permanent. They think it's okay because eventually, they will just lose their milk teeth. We have to debunk this belief and here are 5 things you need to know about brushing your toddler's teeth. 

1. When do you start? 

As early as 18 months, children must start brushing their teeth. It is recommended that you start brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. 

2. What toothbrush should I use? 

There is a small, soft toothbrush that is designed for kids 2 years old and below. It is ideal that you use this to make sure that you don't brush too hard and damage his/ her gums. 

3. Can they use a toothpaste? If yes, how much?  

Yes, they can use toothpaste made especially for kids. Also, keep in mind not to put too much toothpaste. You can start using a pea-sized amount only. 

4. How often should I brush my child's teeth? 

It is recommended that you brush your child's teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, once in the morning and the other before bedtime. 

5. How can make my toddler brush his teeth without the tears? 

In order to avoid tantrums and tears while brushing, make sure to use kid-approved toothpaste just like Hapee Kiddie toothpaste. It tastes good, very effective and has the right amount of flouride. No wonder this is a perfect bonding moment for moms and kids.

Brush time has never been more exciting with Hapee Kiddie and its range of delicious flavors and colorful characters. I have never had a problem with Lucas whenever I remind him to brush his teeth. In fact, he's excited to brush his teeth because he loves the Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste Cookies and Cream Flavor. 

Don't forget to follow Hapee Kiddie Toothpaste on Facebook  

https://www.facebook.com/HapeeKiddie for updates, promotions, and tips on how to make #MakeBrushTimeHapeeTime