10 Things Every Home Office Needs to Have

Hey fellow moms! Are you currently working from home and struggling to set up a functional and comfortable home office? The struggle is real, especially when you have kids running around. But don't worry because I've got you covered. As a mom of two - a toddler and a teenager - I've learned something about setting up a home office that works for you and your little ones. So, without further ado, here are my top 10 must-have items for a home office in the Philippines:

A comfortable office chair: Trust me, you'll spend a lot of time sitting in it, so make sure it's comfortable and provides good back support.

A sturdy desk: A good quality desk will not only last you a long time, but it will also provide a stable surface for your computer and other office essentials.

A reliable computer: Whether you prefer a desktop or a laptop, ensure it's in good working condition and has all the necessary programs and software to help you stay productive.

A printer: For all your printing needs, whether for work or school.

Good lighting: Make sure your office is well-lit to help reduce eye strain and improve your overall productivity.

A whiteboard or a bulletin board: A whiteboard or a bulletin board can help you keep track of important tasks, deadlines, and appointments.

A storage solution: Keep your office organized with a file cabinet, drawer or shelves.

A power strip: With all the devices and electronics in your office, you'll need a power strip to keep everything charged and powered.

A headset: A good headset is essential for conference calls and online meetings.

A surge protector: Investing in a surge protector can help protect your electronics from power surges and voltage spikes.

With these 10 items, you'll have everything you need to set up a functional and comfortable home office. A little bit of organization can go a long way in helping you stay productive and on top of your work. And remember to take breaks and spend time with your family, too. Happy working!

How to Teach Kids to Be Financially Savvy

As a mom of two boys, one turning three and the other turning eighteen, I am constantly thinking about how I can teach them valuable life skills. Financial literacy is one of the most important skills I want to instill in my children.

Teaching kids about money can be tricky, but incorporating online video games can make it much more fun and engaging. For example, my older son and I enjoy playing games that simulate managing a virtual budget or investing in the stock market. It’s a great way for him to learn about money hands-on and understand the importance of budgeting and saving.

I also look for one that has a variety of interactive games that can help teach kids about different financial concepts such as compound interest, credit scores, and even mortgages. One of the games my eldest and I enjoy the most is Play LEGO City Adventure Build and Protect because we like building things. 

The first time we played this, I remember our donut shop ending up on fire. The second time, we encountered thieves. It was a good way to show my kid that these are the same things that could happen in real life and that these kinds of emergencies are what emergency funds are for. 

Aside from using online games, I have regular conversations with my eldest about money. I talk to him about saving, budgeting, and setting financial goals. I also encourage him to start earning his own money through allowances or small jobs so he can learn how to manage it independently. For my youngest, I've opened a savings account where I put a thousand a month in savings for him. 

I also set a good example by practicing good financial habits, like sticking to a budget and saving for the future. And lastly, I explain the value of money and how hard it is earned so they understand the importance of being responsible.

Teaching kids about money can be daunting, but with a little creativity and patience, it can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your children. 

Decluttering for Busy Moms

As a mom of two boys, one a 3-year-old and the other a 17-year-old teenager, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to keep a house clutter-free. With toys, clothes, and school supplies constantly coming in and out, it can feel like a never-ending battle to maintain a tidy home. However, with a little planning and organization, it is possible to keep your house clutter free and make your life as a mom easier.

1. Set a regular cleaning schedule. Setting aside a specific time each day or week to declutter and clean allows you to stay on top of the mess before it gets out of hand.
2. Create designated storage areas. Having a designated place for everything, such as a toy box for your 3-year-old's toys or a closet for your teenager's clothes, can help keep things organized and make it easier to clean up.
3. Encourage your kids to clean up after themselves. Teaching your kids to take responsibility for their belongings and to put things away after they are finished using them can make a big difference in keeping the house clutter-free.
4. Donate or sell items that are no longer needed. By regularly going through your belongings and getting rid of things that are no longer needed or wanted, you can keep the clutter to a minimum.
5. Make use of vertical space. Utilizing vertical space, such as wall shelves or hanging organizers, can help make the most of your space and keep things off the floor.
6. Use clear storage containers. Clear storage containers, such as plastic bins or clear bags, make it easy to see what is inside, helping you to keep things organized and easily accessible.
7. Utilize multi-purpose furniture. Furniture such as ottomans with storage or a bed with drawers can help keep things out of sight while providing additional storage space.
8. Take it one room at a time. Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so breaking it down into smaller tasks and focusing on one room at a time can make the process more manageable.

As a mom, time is precious, and we often find ourselves short on it. To hack some time, consider these:

• Make use of a timer when cleaning. Set a timer for a specific amount of time, such as 15 minutes, and focus on decluttering and cleaning one area.
• Use a laundry hamper or basket in each room to quickly gather items that need to be washed or put away.
• Keep a basket or bag in the car for donations or items that need to be returned to the store.
• Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to go through your kids' clothes, toys, and books regularly to eliminate anything that is no longer needed.

By following these tips and using these hacks, you can make the task of keeping your house clutter free a little bit easier, giving you more time to focus on what really matters – your family. 

Pet Lovers Centre Opens 10th Store at Rockwell, Powerplant

Pet Lovers, UNITE! 

Are you a pet lover looking for a one-stop shop for all your furry friend's needs? Look no further than Pet Lovers Centre's newest addition to their family of stores. Last January 12, 2023, Pet Lovers Centre opened its 10th store at Rockwell, Powerplant, a pet lover's paradise.

The store offers a wide selection of products that cater to all pets. Pet Lovers Center covers you whether you're looking for food, treats, accessories, or pet care. They even have chompers for your fur babies to keep them entertained and happy.

One of the store's unique features is its pet bakery. They offer ready-made cakes for your furry friend's special occasions and customize them according to your pet's dietary needs. Imagine your pet's birthday party with a cake specially made for them; it's a dream come true for any pet parent.

Pet Lovers Centre also carries Applaws pet food, burp treats, chomper toys, Trustie Wee Pads pet care, and Rogz accessories. These brands are known for their high-quality and natural ingredients, ensuring that your pet is getting the best.

But that's not all. Pet Lovers Centre has a special offer for their customers. Until February 23, 2023, customers can enjoy up to 50% off on selected items. That's right, 50% off! So, take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on your pet's essentials at a discounted price.

Pet Lovers Centre's new store at Rockwell, Powerplant, is perfect for pet parents to find everything they need for their furry friends. With a wide selection of products, a pet bakery, and special offers, it's a must-visit for any pet lover. So, head on over and treat your pet to something special today!

How to Properly Budget in 2023

For me, 2023 is when everything is truly back to normal. People are out and about, and kids can now play freely without wearing masks. Finally, everything is back to normal except for our budget. This is the one thing that has changed since the pandemic. 

I've been budgeting my monthly finances since 2017. It hasn't been easy, but it has been very useful for me, especially when I need to check how much I still need to pay vs. how much I've earned and how much I can save. 

This 2023, I've needed to shift my budget allocation because my life goals have also changed. This year, I would like to buy healthier food alternatives rather than the cheap junk foods that I always buy. 

Fruits and vegetables are some things I want to become a staple of in my home. In fact, I even want to grow some in my urban garden because the price of things like onions is just crazy. 

I've added more fish and chicken to our menu, more grains and salads, less meat, and definitely less fried food. I'm finally going to use the air fryer, so I'll shift my budget from oil to a bit more electricity because the air fryer will be used more often. 

Since budgeting can be a hassle for many people, I'd recommend using sites that can help with financial planning and calculating how much money you can save or need to save. I used them, especially when I was new to budgeting, and it's a really good tool to utilize. 

The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but it was also a big eye-opener. Things can change instantly, so we all need to make sure that we are healthier, have a big nest egg to fall back on, and live more sustainably. 

This 2023, when you plan your budget, identify what matters most to you and allot the major part of your resource to this. For me, it'll be building a nest egg and becoming healthier. 

We don't need to make things complicated. We just need to know what matters to us, and then we shift our budget and finance to accommodate it. 

Things You Can do When You Need Money

I have written about ways to save money over and over again in the past. I shared my journey of saving money, spending it, needing it, finding ways to save more and spend less, and holding on to it in the middle of all the impulse spending. 

It can be frustrating, to be honest. After all, you work hard and yet find that money just seems to slip away and disappear instantly. Sometimes, you must be creative in making money or finding money ASAP.

1. Online Garage Sale 

These days, hosting an online garage sale is as easy as posting a picture on Instagram. I have a lot of friends who do this, and all they do is take a photo of the item they need to sell, use the proper hashtag, and write all the details and price of the item in the caption. 

Since e-wallets are now a thing, payments can be made quickly, which addresses the need to have money ASAP. This is one of the easiest ways for me, and it's hitting two birds with one stone: I get to declutter and save money simultaneously. Win-win. 

2. A Short-Term Loan

Getting a loan is a good thing especially when it's a short-term loan. This is necessary at times, especially when there are emergencies that need payment immediately. I like these kinds of loans because I can pay it soon as my next salary arrives. The other perk is that approvals for these loans are faster, so you can get the money ASAP.

However, I still recommend being wise about handling money so you can have a nest egg to fall on when unexpected expenses come up. One of the ways to do it is by budgeting. 

Budgeting is creating a plan for how I'll spend my money. I must have a budget to ensure I have enough money for the things I need, like rent, groceries, and bills, because I am a mother and a wife. I ensure that all our monthly bills are taken care of and paid for on time. 

One key thing that works for me is ensuring I clearly understand my income and expenses. This means knowing exactly how much money I make each month and how much I spend on rent, groceries, and bills. Once I clearly understand my income and expenses, I can start to create a budget that works for me. 

Another way to handle money is by setting a no-spend year. This year, I have chosen to do a no-spend year on a month-to-month basis. I am doing a no-spend for January on skincare, makeup, and headsets. I chose this because I have so much skincare, I rarely use makeup, and I have 6 headsets. I've realized this after doing a shop your stash. 

I also chose to do it month on month because it'll be easier for me to achieve than a year-long commitment which can be daunting. Making my financial goals more realistic and achievable helps me to not feel so overwhelmed. 

I hope that my tips have helped and that this 2023, you'll be able to handle your finances better. If not, there are always online garage sales and short-term loans to fall back on. 

Cheers to 2023. 

3 Easy Ways to Keep your Cats Happy and Healthy with Goodest

Cats make excellent companions and bring joy and laughter to your home.  That’s why it’s important to ensure they get that extra tender, love, and care so they stay healthy and strong and enjoy the best furry life.

From giving them nutritious and tasty food that they love to watch their health and lifestyle, here are easy and valuable tips from Goodest, an a-fur-dable wet cat food brand, to make sure you win your cat’s love and keep them in top shape:

Help your cat exercise more. Cats need to work out too. Regular playtime can help keep their weight on the right side of the scale and work off that extra energy. Exercise is also suitable for their mental well-being, so they don’t get depressed and bored. Play with your cat for 10 to 15 minutes and give them some new toys – perhaps a mouse-shaped toy or a pointer laser that can give your cat endless entertainment. Taking your kitty on a walk for a few minutes is also a great way to keep your feline friend active. Wear a soft harness, so your cat enjoys that exciting yet comfortable “catwalk.”

Keep up with your cat’s hygiene. Despite being known for their independent, self-sufficient ways, cats need a bit of help, especially when it comes to cleaning and grooming. Give your cat the occasional bath when its fur gets dirty, sticky, or smelly. Make sure to use lukewarm water. Don’t forget to trim the furbaby’s claws to prevent dirt from accumulating - and of course, for your and your kitty’s safety. It’s also important to regularly monitor your cat’s ears for debris, discharge, swelling, excess wax, odors, or pests such as ear mites. Clean your kitty’s litter box regularly to avoid risks brought by parasites and allergens.

Give them balanced and proper nutrition. Along with taking care of your cat’s active lifestyle and proper hygiene, giving your beloved cat the proper nutrition they need for every life stage is also the key to keeping them happy and healthy. Not only does give your cat proper nutrition help lessen the risks of them getting sick and having illnesses, but it can also save you from a trip to the vet that may often put a dent in your pocket. Good thing, Goodest Cat provides your cat the balanced and proper nutrition that they need with its a-fur-dable and 100% nutritious cat food that comes in 3 flavors – Tender Tuna, Chicken Chomp, and Meaty Mackerel!

This extra scrumptious and a-fur-dable meals-in-a-pouch is made with only the freshest ingredients that your cat will love – enriched with vitamins and minerals for complete nourishment. One pouch contains 85g of pure goodness available for as low as PHP 26.15 with a shelf-life of up to 24 months. What’s more, Goodest Cat is also fit for kittens, pregnant cats, and even adult and senior cats, ensuring that cats get all the nourishment they need as they mature!

Goodest Cat is also approved by experts and follows the standards of quality and safe pet food set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which establishes guidelines for ingredient definitions, product labels, feeding trials, and laboratory analyses of the nutrients that go into your cat’s food.

With the right care and love, your furbaby can stay healthy, happy, and totally cathletic for years to come!

Goodest is available online on Shopee (shopee.ph/goodestph) and in leading pet stores and grocery stores nationwide.

For more information and updates, visit www.goodestpetfood.com and follow Goodest on Facebook and Instagram @goodestpetfood.