National Geographic Kids Book Giveaway

Who doesn't love the amazing books that National Geographic Kids provides?

Sharing with you the stellar line of books that will make perfect basket fillers this Easter and a chance for you to win this beautiful set of Easter-themed books.

NG Kids Baby Animal Sticker Activity Book (ages 4-8) With 1,000 stickers and fantastic graphics and text, these high-quality, superfun sticker books are a great way for kids to learn about animals and the natural world. The Baby Animals sticker book is chock-full of the cutest creatures on the planet: pandas, piglets, wolf cubs, ponies, polar bears, elephants, bunnies, kittens, puppies, and many more. With a fun, brightly colored design and loaded with animal facts and games--such as mazes, counting, matching, and more--this book is sure to provide endless entertainment.

National Geographic Pre-Reader: Ducks (ages 2-5) - From fuzzy ducklings to graceful birds, waddle your way into this adorable early reader, all about ducks! Perfect for beginning and young readers, National Geographic Pre-readers include simple, expert-vetted text and large, engaging photos on every page. A vocabulary tree at the beginning of the book introduces kids to key words in concept groups, helping kids make connections between words. Plus, a wrap-up activity gives kids a chance to use what they've learned while expanding their understanding of the world.

Cutest Animals on the Planet (ages 8-12) - NEW SERIES ALERT! Meet the world's most adorable animals and learn fun stuff about them in this aww-some first book in a brand-new series from National Geographic Kids. Whether you like mammals, aquatic creatures, insects, birds, amphibians, or reptiles, this browsable book contains kids' favorite animals that would ALL be contenders for the grand prize in a cute competition. Big photos pair with upbeat descriptions that highlight each critter's crazy cool skills and unique behaviors. This adorable book showcases popular animals such as hedgehogs and pandas as well as unusual species such as tapirs, kakapos, and pangolins. Special features include a head-to-head cute-off, sure to keep readers amused and informed. Perfect for curious tweens, animal lovers, and future veterinarians alike.

Treasury of Bible Stories by Donna Jo Napoli, illus. by Christina Balit (ages 8-12)

A worthy cultural treasury with appeal to both the faithful and irreligious.” — Kirkus

Noah's Ark, Moses, David and Goliath, the ten plagues, Daniel and the lions' den, Jonah and the giant fish, and many more of the Bible's most powerful stories — 27 in all — are compellingly retold in this beautifully illustrated treasury. Readers will be fascinated by the ancient people and events they encounter, surprised by some of the lesser-known accounts revealed, and inspired by the lessons these tales impart. Stories cover important ground beyond religion, such as culture, history, and geography, and they touch on issues that remain relevant today--faith, loyalty, kindness, violence, generosity, greed, jealousy, and more. These accessible, readable stories give kids a rich picture of biblical times, which encourages them to think about our role in the world and to learn more.

Napoli's magical storytelling is sure to ignite children's imaginations. Along with Balit's stunning art, this is a book that kids will want to explore again and again--a classic that families can read aloud together.

5,000 Awesome Facts About Everything (ages 8-12) This book is literally busting its covers with fascinating, fun-tastic facts on super, sensational topics that kids love. Who knew that there were so many sweet things to learn about chocolate or that a dozen delicious details about peanut butter would show up on a page with a few splotches of jelly to whet our appetites? Keep turning and a terrifyingly toothy shark tells you all about himself, while other spreads lay out tons of tips on toys and games, mysteries of history, robots and reptiles, sports and spies, and wacky words. A visual feast of colorful photographs surrounded by swirling, tipping, expanding, and climbing bits of information in a high-energy design, this book will satisfy both the casual browser and the fact obsessed.

Celebrate Easter (ages 6-9) - The joyous celebration of Easter is seen through a global perspective in this National Geographic volume featuring over 25 vibrant photographs. Witness the holiest day on the Christian calendar as it is celebrated throughout the world: from the famous Easter Egg Roll at the White House to the traditional bonfires throughout Europe, to colorful customs, to the universally popular dying of eggshells worldwide. The first-person narrative leads young readers through the origins and traditions of this springtime festival of rebirth and hope. Reverend George Handzo gives parents and teachers a historical and cultural background in his informative note.

Giveaway sponsored by National Geographic

Hosted by: MamatheFox.com

Co-Hosted by: Deliciously Savvy & Versatileer

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MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Meatless Meal Ideas You'll Want to Recreate this Holy Week

Lent is a time to reflect and focus on our spiritual well-being. During this season, my family and I observe abstinence every Friday. This means that we avoid eating meats such as pork, chicken, and beef.

It may sound easier said than done, but skipping red and white meat during Holy Week is actually a bit challenging if you are used to having meat all the time. Personally, I am running out of ideas of what to prepare. Thus, I am happy to find these meat-free meals that are delicious, healthy, and easy to prepare. 

Below are some easy to prepare Lent-friendly meals you’ll want to make this Holy Week:

TIP: Some of the ingredients are available from Unilever's official store in Shopee. You can simply order them online hassle-free. Sharing the direct links as well. :) 

Salted Egg Prawns

Tickle your taste buds with this rich Singaporean dish that's crispy on the outside, but soft and warm on the inside.

● Prawn Preparation

1. Season the prawns with Knorr Rostip Chicken Seasoning Powder.
2. Add the egg white. Coat the prawns with rice flour.
3. Heat oil to 340F. Deep-fry the prawns until crisp and golden brown.
4. Set the cooked prawns aside over paper towels until ready to use.

● Sauce Preparation

1. Heat oil in a small wok. Add margarine and stir until it melts.
2. Add the curry leaves and the finger chilies.
3. Add the fried prawns, gently tossing them with the sauce.

● Presentation

1. Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately.

Star Ingredients: Salted Egg and Chicken Seasoning

Tofu Mushroom Cauli Sisig

Enjoy a plate of sizzling sisig without the guilt with this veggie-and-mushroom-filled variation of the classic Filipino dish.

● Breading

1. In a bowl mix all ingredients until well incorporated. Set aside.

● Tofu Preparation

1. In a bowl season tofu with Knorr Rostip and black pepper. Deep fry until golden brown and set aside.

● Mushroom Preparation

1. Using the breading, dredge the mushroom and tap excess. Deep fry in the same frying oil used in tofu until golden brown, set aside.

● Cauliflower

1. Using the breading, dredge the blanched cauliflower and tap excess. Deep fry in the same frying oil used in tofu until golden brown, set aside.

● Eggplant Soy Dressing

1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients until well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

● Assembly

1. In a wok, heat margarine. Add onions and chilies and saute until they are soft. Add in tofu, mushroom, and cauliflower. Saute for 3 minutes.
2. Season with Knorr Liquid Seasoning and turn off the heat. Fold in Eggplant Soy dressing and mix until well combined.
3. Transfer to a sizzling plate and garnish with cherry tomatoes, leeks, and spring onions.
4. Serve with calamansi on the side.

Star Ingredient: Knorr Liquid Seasoning

Fresh Ube Lumpia

Give your regular lumpia a twist with a hint of sweetness from ube strips. With the combination of sweet, nutty, and salty, flavors, you’ll surely be in for a surprise.

● Lumpia Filling

1. Add oil to the wok and apply medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic and saute until soft. Then, add ube to the wok and saute.
3. Pour water and Knorr Shrimp powder and bring to boil.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss lightly. Cover for 1 min, then apply high heat and remove cover. Toss and mix well until it's cooked.
5. Transfer to a colander to remove excess liquid. Set aside to cool.

● Lumpia Sauce

1. Mix everything (except cornstarch and water) in a pot. Apply heat.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1-3 minutes.
3. Add Slurry (cornstarch and water mixture) to thicken the sauce.

● Ube Savory Crepe/Wrapper

1. In a bowl mix all ingredients until well incorporated. Rest the batter in the chiller for 30 minutes.
2. In a Teflon pan: add oil and cook 1/3 cup of the crepe batter.

● Assembly

1. Add lettuce on top of the crepe, top the lettuce with filling, then fold.
2. Drizzle with Lumpia Sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Star Ingredient: Knorr Shrimp Powder

Commit to your Lenten practice with these timeless meatless recipes for you and your whole family. Find all the Unilever Food Solutions ingredients you need for these recipes and more at Shopee.

Share your favorite recipe on the comment section below.

Investing During a Crisis: Is it a Good Time to Buy a New Property?

The health crisis has been going on for quite some time and with the news that the cases are rising again these past few weeks, it seems that we are now back to square one. 

Initially, we thought that 2021 is going to be our recovery year, however, the current situation with an average of 5000+ new cases per day brought out negative sentiments from the market making the economy dive down once again. 

According to Wall Street Journal, as of March 19, the PSEI YTD is down by 9.85% and this may continue to go down as more lockdowns and restrictions are looming in the next few days. Recent NEDA reports also indicate that the unemployment rate is still at 8.7% while other economic indicators and statistics do not really look good. 

What does it mean for ordinary consumers? 

Given that the market is unstable, shaky, and volatile, it means that economic recovery may take longer than expected. However, this is not all bad. 

"In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity" - Albert Einstein

If you are investing in the stock market, experts say that the best time to buy stocks is when the market is down. 

If you are planning to invest in real estate, now is also a good time to invest since the prices are cheap and there are good deals all around. Many real estate companies such as Ayala Land and SMDC are now offering lower monthly amortization and interest rates. 

Is it a Good Time to Invest and Buy a New Property? 

Just like other investments, before you make a decision, you have to be an active investor. Don't be speculative because speculative investing entails high risks as if you are gambling. Instead, you have to study and understand what you are doing. 

In general, real estate is a good investment option as it is tangible and it can produce cash flow without you losing (selling) it. In times that the market is down, leasing or rental income can still continue thus, you do not really have to liquidate it even when the market is unfavorable. Real estate investments can also withstand the influx of inflation. 

To answer the question if it is a good time to invest and buy a new property - it actually depends on your cash flow. If you are planning to mortgage, make sure to check interest and payment computation. There are a lot of free mortgage calculators online. Some even have graphs of loan repayment along with monthly and yearly amortization tables that are very helpful in making a decision. 

Determine if you can afford the monthly payments by estimating mortgage affordability based on income plus your outstanding debts, etc. This will also give you insights into how much you can borrow or how much the bank could possibly approve. 

Thus, as long as you can ensure that there will be adequate cash flow even during a crisis, then it would be a good time to take advantage of the great offers and low-interest rates available in the market today. Having a stable job and  enough savings is a good indicator as well that it is the right time for you to start investing. 

Do you want to be a part of Shopee's Global Leaders Program?

As more Filipinos turn to online platforms for their daily needs, the e-commerce industry continues to take on a greater significance in people’s lives. With the rapid growth of the business sector, there is also an increasing demand for tech talents in the country and globally. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine internet economy will be worth 28 Billion US dollars by 2025, highlighting the need for the right talent to push this growth forward.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, nurtures and prepares students and professionals for e-commerce through its various tech training and e-commerce apprenticeship programs, such as the Shopee Global Leaders Program (GLP).

The Shopee Global Leaders Program, launched in 2018, is a 2-year graduate program consisting of four 6-month local and overseas rotations designed for highly enthusiastic and ambitious young Filipino talents. Participants will help drive Shopee’s campaigns and new initiatives by working with local and overseas teams. They will gain eye-opening experiences, regional exposure and contribute to the expansion of Shopee across the region. Participants will be part of a structured learning and development program and receive dedicated mentorship from Shopee leaders.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “As the need for tech talents rises, Shopee will continue to equip future leaders with the proper e-commerce knowledge through different kinds of training and apprenticeships like the Global Leaders Program. We will ramp up our efforts to provide proper mentorship and an immersive learning experience to all participants of this program. As a mentor myself, I have worked with a lot of promising participants and I look forward to working with the next batch of aspiring tech leaders who choose to join this program.”

Who are eligible to join? 

• Fresh graduates with a good bachelor or master's degree in any discipline with less than 2 years of full-time working experience
• Quick learner who is resourceful and drive to tackle hard problems in a dynamic environment
• Self-starter who is determined to lead change and make a real impact
• Passionate igniter who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence
• Effective communicator who is clear in putting across thoughts and ideas
• A leader who can influence people towards the achievement of goals 

Here are some reasons why you shouldn't miss this chance to be part of the Shopee Global Leaders Program (GLP)

• Very Competitive Salary Package
• Mentorship and Development
• Strategic and Regional Exposure
• Rigorous Training Curriculum
• Highlighly Impactful and Meaningful Projects
• Enriching #LifeatShopee Experience

If you are interested, you may send your application via this link. 

Application is open until March 14, 2021. 

Participants of the Global Leaders Program highlighted how they gained significant professional and personal growth, which will help them excel in their careers in the e-commerce industry.

For Anton, the Global Leaders Program was a vibrant and immersive experience. “Before the pandemic, we were able to go abroad and meet our fellow GLP participants in the other regions and participate in training sessions to hone our leadership skills further. Besides the international training opportunity, I have also been able to work on many impactful projects and initiatives across different departments within Shopee Philippines. Most of all, I appreciate the many mentorship opportunities I’ve had with my Shopee managers,” Anton shared.

Samantha, on the other hand, describes her GLP experience as enriching and packed with learning. “In two years, we get to immerse ourselves in four different teams, which widens our perspectives and pushes us to be more agile as we switch roles every six months. GLP provides opportunities to create impact in the industry and to see Shopee from multiple lenses through different departments, which I believe will help to develop our sense of the industry quite quickly,” Samantha added.

Anton is currently with the program while Samantha just concluded her stint with GLP. Both are now with Shopee as full-time employees. “I consider Shopee as a top choice when it comes to finding a company to join in the e-commerce and digital marketing industry. Many young and bright individuals in the company have exciting and innovative new ideas that make our work fun and interesting,” Anton said.

“Life at Shopee is fast-paced and full of learning opportunities. Shopee fosters a collaborative environment and it is a privilege to work with colleagues who live out our core values,” Samantha added. “If you want an experience that will help you grow both personally and professionally in a holistic manner, Shopee’s Global Leaders Program is the way to go. I think it’s a good and commendable training program for young professionals who want to experience e-commerce fully.”

For more information about the Global Leaders Program, visit https://careers.shopee.ph/GLP