I am Levy Martinez the author of two blogs namely: Living Life to the Fullest and LEVYousa and I am blogging from Manila Philippines.  I graduated at Santa Isabel College – Taft Manila with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management.  My previous work is as an Assistant Supervisor in one of the leading supermarkets in the country and although I loved my career I need to stop to be a stay at home mom and take care of my one and only son.

I started blogging last 2008, my husband is the one who introduced me to the online world.  I was planning to resign from my work then and we were looking for ways to find something to keep me busy while taking care of our young boy and still earn a little at the same time.  My first blog is the Living Life to the Fullest, which tackles about anything in this journey called Life.  My husband set-up this blog and he just asked me what I wanted it to be like, and since I have various thoughts that I wanted to share with my readers, I wanted the blog to be a mixed bag.  Later on, I realized that I could earn more if I have a blog with its own niche and if the blog has its own domain which is why I made a personal blog LEVYousa.com (a lifestyle and personal blog).

Since the blog Living Life to the Fullest has been chosen by MomCenter Philippines to be one of their blog partners, I decided to make it into a parenting blog instead.  So, now I am choosing the articles I am posting there and trying to make it like a parenting blog.

The LEVYousa was started last February 2011 and luckily with the help of this community (PMC), it was awarded as one of the Emerging Influential blogs of 2011.  It was an honor and also a challenge for me to make the posts more interesting and updated.

The name of my first blog (Living Life to the Fullest) just came out of nowhere, but what’s nice about that name is that I am trying to live my life the best I can be and it is a very searchable word in Google hahaha.  The LEVYousa on the other hand, came from the magic spell of Hermione from Harry Potter and I just incorporated my name on it.  It’s silly I know but I can’t think of anything that is unique and so easy to remember at the same time.  I think it works though because whenever I am at any event, co-bloggers remembers me for my blog name-LEVYousa hahaha.

Honestly, I don’t imagine myself to be a blogger or a writer.  I loved making essays when I was at school but it is because I just wanted to show my classmates that I have the nicest penmanship in class hahaha.  I don’t care much of my grammar and spellings at that time which is why my essays always came back with lots of red corrections from the teacher.  Having a nerdy husband helps me a lot.  He teaches me how to use proper words, proper nouns etc.  I also think reading a lot helps my vocabulary to increase.  As a result and I think one of the highlights of my blogging career as of the moment is winning writing contests that doesn’t need likes and votes.

Here are some of my winning moments:

1. Grand Prize winner of “Organized or Messy Desk, which is better?”  Where I won$125 via Western Union.
2. My Shopaholic Confession entry via Nuffnang was luckily chosen as one of the 20 finalist that won a premiere night ticket for 2 for the movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic”.
3. 2nd Placer on the Red Ribbon White Forest Experience, wherein I won Red RibbonGift Certificate worth P2,000

I also gained online friends through blogging, and thankfully I met some in person through blogging events.  I am glad that I met these people that help my blogging career grow and even help me earn some money as well through ghost writing or by sharing their direct advertisers.  We became so close that they even invite me to attend their personal events like birthdays and weddings, and that means a lot to me.

I love my family so much and I am trying my best to be the best person they want me to be.  I love my son no matter what he will be in the years to come and I love my husband in sickness and in health, till death do us part.

This community helps me to grow in my blogging career.  More power to Pinay Mommies Community!

There are others, though, who are homebodies. They do not like to be out in the crowd although they wanted to try the game. They do not like falling in line for too long just to get their card. They just wanted to join the opportunity of playing and hopefully winning.

You no longer have to actually do it the old fashioned way. Today, for several years now actually, you can play lotto or bingo in the privacy of your own bedroom. Actually, since online gaming has been available, more people have tried their luck. There are many opportunities where you can try it for free and when you think you would like to spend more to have more opportunities of winning, all you need is a credit card. There are other online bingo sites that even accept Paypal so your chances of being able to play is wider and safer.

As with any game that depends on chance or luck, it is your responsibility and control up to how far you are going to spend. If you have more than enough to spare, losing will not be painful at all but if there are others dependent on your money, you better think more than twice.

If you want to take part and be a blessing to these families, please fill-up the form here and then you can send your donations to admin@pinaymommies.com and place “PMC Cares” at the subject line.

Donations from Bisdak Bloggers and PMC members:

- Cristina Bustamante of A Woman’s Note
- Genny Kendall of Gen Online Ads
- Pinx Labado of Pink Memoirs
- Teresa Barcelon-Tippett of Gags, Chuckles and Giggles
- Nita Thomas of Nita’s Random Thoughts
- Verna Liza Liga of Mama Vernz Theory
- Vix Parungao of MumWrites
- Emme of A SAHM Reviews
- Raya Gregorio of Raya in Thailand
- Nora Aquino of I Embrace Life
- Lieza Requiron
- Gene Corbito of Corbitoness
- Dhadha Garcia of Tween Teen Mom
- Ma Belle
- Sheila Worthington of Shei Blogger
- Matsumoto Chan of Vienna and Beyond
- Genebei Faith Sajolan of Her and History
- Demcy Dias of My Life’s Perception and Inspiration
- Joanne Gonzales of ZoWanderer
- Clarissa Sasaki of Kizuna
- Ton Pinkihan of Kero’s Celebration
- Charles Terence of Blessings in Life
- Cielo Pagcaliwagan of Brown Pinay
- Josie Equiron of Momma Helps
- Sunshine Navarro of The Purplecious Life
- Gagay of Pinoy MD

Thank you so much for all your financial support, prayers and encouragements. God bless your kindness a thousand folds!!!

To HELP other victims of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City and even Iligan, here are the following ways you can do:

Volunteers Needed
From Sec. Dinky Soliman of DSWD – Volunteers are needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods. Call +639066150095 and +63 8822 8588892

Please be at CU Gym today December 18, 2011… Our fellow Cagay-anons need our help in these desperate times… Please look for Ms. Armi Sobremisana.

CIRCLE PRODUCTIONS INC., is accepting donations in cash or in kind for the flood victims of Cagayan de Oro City…. The drop-off point is at Max’s Restaurant in Limketkai Mall… Look for Francis.

Xavier University Relief Center RELIEF OPERATION
For the families affected by the Sendong (International Code: Washi). Asks and accepts donations in:
CASH
FOOD (noodles, canned goods, and etc.)
Bottled water
Clean clothes
other useful items during this period.

You can drop it at:
XAVIER UNIVERSITY- KRISTOHANONG KATILINGBAN SA PAGPAKABANA SOCIAL INVOLVEMENT OFFICE (XU KKP-SIO)
Let us help one another in this time of crisis.
Cash & Cheque Donations
Xavier University
BPI CDO Divisoria Branch
BPI Account Number: 9331-0133-63

Donate Via SMS
Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

ANY Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop (Nationwide.)

Manila Donation Center
NN-SuperFerry corporate ticket outlets in
Robinson’s Ermita
Araneta Center Cubao
Victory Mall Caloocan
Pier 15
Pier 2
NN-ATS Express Center at Pier 2

Other Donation Centers or Account:

Direct deposits may be made online from any BPI branches, pay to:
SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12

Paypal Donations now accepted Paypal: francis.siason@gmail.com through Cagayan De Oro Bloggers. More than 200 died & 400 missing as typhoon Sendong ravaged Cagayan de Oro. Proceeds will be donated and delivered to Xavier University Cagayan de Oro where the members of CDOBloggers are planning to volunteer. Thank you and God Bless!

SMART LIBRE TAWAG, INTERNET and CELLPHONE CHARGING at the PHILCOM OFFICE, MAX SUNIEL ST. CARMEN (RIGHT BESIDE ACSAT GYM), CAGAYAN DE ORO.

Globe Advisory: Libreng tawag centers tomorrow: 18 Dec, 6AM to 6PM.

In CdO: City Central School. DSWD Cagayan de Oro still needs volunteers to re-pack and deliver relief goods. Call 09066150095 or tweet @DSWDserve. Xavier University has also set up a central command for relief support at the Aggie Satellite Canteen, next to the XU Gymnasium. Donations–food, clothing, bedding, water, cash–are accepted.

In Iligan: MSU-IIT, Iligan City National High School. More info for Iligan help – Click here: One For Iligan http://bit.ly/unX71B.

Rainsoft in NHA highway (beside Mazda) is giving free Nawasa water.

That is why starting on its 76th year, Procter and Gamble (P&G) Philippines is setting out to make these students’ journey more worthwhile. Taking its commitment to education to the next level, P&G will provide technology and connectivity to Filipino students nationwide with its e.Studyante program.

Along with partner Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Synergeia Foundation, the e.Studyante program will provide kids from selected schools with an XO Laptop from the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Association. The XO laptop is a rugged, low-power, connected laptop especially designed to make learning more engaging and more fun for students.

Students can use their laptops not just to learn but to share and connect with each other, with their communities and with the world – helping them all become an “e.Studyante.”

The goal is simple: Give out 1,000,000 laptops in time for P&G’s 100th year. And you can help.

“For children all over the country, the challenge of education begins even before they step into the classroom. Some have to wake up at the crack of dawn and walk miles through unpaved roads, through woods and rivers, just to get to school. We are doing this for these students. We want to make this journey worthwhile for them by giving them the tool that will place the world’s knowledge at their fingertips – through a laptop and internet connectivity,” said Chad Sotelo, e.Studyante Country Marketing Manager.

“But it’s not something we can do alone,” Sotelo added. “To help us reach our goal of 1,000,000 students, we would like to invite moms all over the country to support the e.Studyante program by buying P&G promo packs.”

Through the “e.Studyante” program, you can help give a child a laptop by buying specially marked P&G promo packs available nationwide. You not only save up to 40% on your favorite P&G products but you also help provide a child with a world of educational materials and fun activities that will inspire them to learn and achieve even more.

Participating brands include Safeguard, Tide, Pampers, Downy, Ariel, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Joy, Rejoice, Whisper, Olay, Gillette, Vicks and Ambi-Pur.

Helping those in need has never been easier. You can help make each child’s journey to school more worthwhile. Support the e.Studyante program and help gift each student with a brighter future! Isang laptop, mas malawak na kaalaman, mas magandang bukas.

~ Pinay Mommies Community supports the P&G e.Studyante Program ~

A lot of our members from the province literally came to Manila just to be a part of this Grand EB. We also have members from Germany,Canada and US whom decided to take their vacation just in time for this event.

Here is our founder, Mommy Ruby, giving an introduction how this little community began;

None of us went home empty handed and it’s because of the generosity of our sponsors who provided lots of goodies for mommies to take home;

Here’s the happy mommies who won our simple raffle;

All mommies also brought their own little token to be given to each mommy;

Photo Courtesy of http://www.the24hourmommy.com

This fun-filled event was not possible without the generosity of our sponsors in which the Pinay Mommy Community will be forever Grateful;

Until next time, PMC Mommies!!!!

1. Computer or iPad-like toys. The LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet is one example of a kids-centered tablet, recommended for ages 4 and up. Since it is compatible with 100+ games and apps, it will continually grow with your child until they can afford to buy themselves an iPad. It has video/camera capabilities and a stylus with an attachable cord. It is important for parents to understand that by the time our children grow up will go a long way. The apps on the LeapPad include reading and math games. Kids love how you can shake and tilt the pad to interact with the game. There are apps to create virtual pets which teach responsibility and care. A great bargain and could be found under $100.

2. Instruments and Music related toys. Even if we don’t think we are raising the next Bach, music is an important skill to teach children. Music relieves stress and helps to develop learning processes that math and other exercises can’t. Toys like the Vtech KidiJamz Studio are great for kids 4 to 10 years old. It includes a detachable music player and headphones with record/playback features, 5 musical styles, 10 musical instruments, a microphone with voice effects and a light-up keyboard so kids can learn how to play songs while we are shopping or napping! While buying a child-level instrument is also great, kid “studios” like this allow for multiple instruments at once, it is very economical. It can be found at stores for over $50.

3. Radio controlled cars/robots/animals/airplanes. RC cars have been around long before video games as a way for kids to develop hand-eye coordination. A “real” car is very different from the computer games most children are now so involved with. RC cars range in price from around $10 to over $100. A mid-range toy would be something like the Mini Buggy Electric RC Car that is 5 inches long and costs around $20. It has working headlights, could be played with on the sidewalk or in the yard and comes in several colors so you could get a pink or red one for girls and a different color for boys. For kids that love animals, something like the Discovery Remote Control Snake (from the Discovery Channel store) also costs around $20 and moves like a real snake. A great educational tool with light-up eyes, it flicks its tongue and even rattles its tail!

4. Legos and building-related toys. Newer than Legos are products such as Laser Pegs Lighted Construction Set. Invented by a father of toddlers, it has building pieces light up and flash when you connect them. You can build toy models like cars, buildings and animals or have kids run wild with creativity. The set includes straight pegs, squares, t-shaped elements, wheels, and 45-and 90-degree angles. You can find it for around $40. Great for kids over 7 due to small pieces. A great family activity that everyone can get in on.

We try to juggle everything because we are multi-taskers. We want to handle everything and be successful at everything. Everyone wants to live up to the name, Super Mom.

The problem is, we get so used doing things for other people that we often forget ourselves. We often forget that we are women first and all the other things or roles about us are just secondary or tertiary.

That is why, we should never forget our mommy me-time. We need that for our physical, psychological and emotional health. We need that so that we can perform better in our roles, especially towards the people who rely on us primarily—like our husbands and children.

Our mommy me-times can be different because we are different people with varied tastes. Some of us are just happy to be able to spend a couple of hours reading or just playing online games like those offered at Foxy Bingo. Some women like physical activities like going to the gym, playing sports, or doing outdoor activities like climbing or running uphill. But most women just appreciate beauty treatments. Going to the parlor and getting a mani-pedi is already therapy for them. Or others go to the spa to have a sauna bath and massage treatment.

It does not matter what we do as long as it makes us happy. But it has to be done by ourselves or with our friends. The point is being able to get away from your husband and your children, not because you do not want to be responsible but because you need it to be refreshed and rejuvenated. It is very important because we owe it to ourselves.

Tell us about yourself…
I’m Sigrid Lo from Bacolod City but a lot of PMC mommies call me “Lo” because my Facebook username is Lo Sigrid.

When did you start blogging?
Oh I’m not sure anymore. I think early 2000.

Where are you blogging from right now?
I am living with my husband’s family in their home in Bacolod City, Philippines. We have a room to ourselves where I practically stay the whole day, writing, designing, blogging, and Facebooking.

What is the name of your blog and what are topics you blog about?
Oh my. I have recently morphed into a domainaholic and I have 22 domains to my name. But my main blogs are Posh Post, Lovingly Mama, Marriage Markers and Mama Cooks. These are my first four blogs and they were created in that order. These are about my child, my marriage, my cooking, and a personal one that contains my rants and raves. It had been almost three years since my first domain blog and now here I am, addicted to blogging.

Share more about yourself as a mom or wife, etc…
For the longest time, I had been working freelance. In fact, my employment years only number to about 8. But I had been a freelance writer and artist for the last 10 years already. While it was an uphill climb at first, I lived by faith and God has provided for me in my times of need “according to His glorious riches.” I do all sorts of odd jobs in order to earn. Thankfully, blogging has also opened doors for me to earn some monthly income from online pursuits.

So right now, I work from home in my house clothes while taking care of my child and cleaning up our area.

But despite by busy life, I do have a social life from time to time. We attend Wednesday cell groups, Sunday church, and pretty much all the social gatherings in between, including baptisms, birthdays, weddings, and funerals.

Using the Time You Have

It’s all too easy to not recognise free time when you have it, as it can fill up with so many other errands and chores. Look at your week and identify your childfree moments. This time might include your hour-long lunch-breaks or Saturday mornings when the children are at an activity group. Now, adjust your attitude to these hours and turn them into ‘me’time.

A Sea of Sitters

Don’t have just one babysitter, have a bank of them. These don’t all have to be carefully found employees either – grandparents, other family members, close friends and especially your other half are bound to be willing to take over childcare duties whilst you enjoy a bit of free time.

A Weekly Ritual

Pick a night of the week and make it your night. Line up a sitter every week and establish this as a family ritual. This gives you a regular night off to do whatever you want to, whether that’s going out in Belfast dating or going to the cinema with your friends. Also, the children will get used to this in no time – kids love routine.

Hard Discipline

Start being more strict about homework and prescribe earlier bedtimes for the children. This will keep them occupied for longer, leaving you with more leisure time.

Extra-Curricular Encouragement

You know how your kids are always bugging you to pay for piano lessons or karate classes, or whatever their latest extra-curricular passion is? Well, now is the time to indulge them. Explore that encourage them to spend more time at school – after-school classes, breakfast clubs, school trips. Not only will this free up a lot more time for you, but it will also leave your children with big smiles on their faces as they’ll be doing what they love.

Don’t let your life revolve around parental duties. Even in the most jam-packed schedule, there are ways to free up a bit of few moments for you.

1. Focus on the Right Clothes

When you step in front of the camera, make sure you’re wearing attractive clothes. Make sure the clothes are coordinated, fit well, and don’t have any wrinkles or stains on them. Make sure they’re not either too loose or too tight. Try to match the clothes to your complexion. Darker clothes tend to look better on dark complexions, and light to medium colored clothes look great with light skinned complexions. If it’s a full length body shot, your shoes are very important too. Make sure they’re clean and shiny looking. Don’t try to dress too extravagantly at any time. Always strive to be a bit more conservative for a better overall photograph.

2. Your Grooming and Complexion

During a photography session, especially a close up one of your face, your natural complexion and your grooming habits will be magnified. So if you have any facial blemishes such as acne, birthmarks, moles, freckles, or pimples, use some inexpensive cover stick or foundation to conceal it all. Women shouldn’t wear too much make up and men should either be clean shaven or if they have a beard and mustache, it should be very well trimmed and groomed. Women should utilize some makeup but just don’t go overboard. And make sure it coordinates with your hair and your outfit, as all that is going to be magnified as well in any photograph.

3. Look Natural

It’s essential not to stiffen or tighten up during a photo session. You want to relax your facial muscles and just appear normally. Don’t force your smile or make a serious scowl if you’re trying to look tough and strong. Be as natural as possible by relaxing the tension in your eyebrows, cheeks, lips and jaw muscles. You want to look perfectly at ease, not like someone who is posing for a photo, even though that’s really exactly what you’re doing. Keep your mouth looking calm and peaceful unless the photographer wants you to show extreme happiness or excitement. Then by all means give a great, big smile. But still be natural when you’re smiling as well. If you’re nervous, try to think of yourself in a very peaceful setting such as lying down in the sand on a beach on a warm afternoon, and just ease away all the tightness in your face for the best overall photogenic effect.

4. Posture and Body Angles

It’s important to try out different poses when you’re in front of the camera. Some will look better than others. Sometimes you should put your hands on your hips to look more confident. Other times your arms should rest straight down at your side. Turning to the side position instead of front-on to the camera can sometimes greatly benefit the photograph. By practicing posing in different ways, you’ll soon learn all your different body angles that best highlight your frame and specific body shape. Unless specifically requested by the photographer, never try a really racy or outlandish pose. Again, being stylish and attractive is best without being too flamboyant or flashy. But the different ways you turn and move will definitely have a positive and beneficial impact on just how photogenic your pictures turn out.

5. Avoid Showing A Double Chin

This mistake is much more common than you may think. People in front of the camera getting their photographs can can easily tilt their chin and jaw in such a way that the fat folds of their neck double over and the result is a double looking chain. This is very unflattering in a shot. To prevent this from happening, you need to keep your neck straight up at all times so your throat muscles are stretched and tightened so that no double chin can ever occur. Another tip is to lift your tongue up to the underside of the top of your mouth when posing. This will create a tensioning effect in the throat and chin muscles, which will create that thin, taut chin effect that you’re striving for.

Today’s article was authored by James who is a full time writer and an editor for CartridgeSave.co.uk, a specialist providing bargain ink cartridges.