Moving On in Life with Contractubex

Kyle in such a pity state at the hospital.

 Being a mom calls for a 24-hour duty, seven days a week. It’s a job that doesn’t pay, and quitting is not an option. But then you are rewarded with hugs, kisses, and smiles, and you are inspired to be the best mom ever. But being a mom includes more than reading the same story come bedtime. It takes more than that. If you’ve been blessed with a child with special needs like Kyle, to say that each day is a challenge is an understatement.

Naturally curious and playful, children will go traipsing in the mud and try to fit their small figures into even tinier spaces, scoring some scrapes and bruises in the process. Kids are prone to bruises and scratches, with all the running and playing they do. Thus, it is inevitable that your child might scrape his knees once in a while. They say it’s all part of growing up. As much as parents would want to watch over our child’s every move to make sure he is safe and healthy, it’s just not possible.

Kyle's elbow suffered from scrapes and cuts.

 As parents, we try to do everything humanly possible to protect our kids. Yet, as I had to learn the hard way that fateful day, you can never be too careful. Tragedies happen and it is something that we can avoid if only we don’t take our eyes off our children especially when they’re very young. But nothing can really prepare you for the worst parenting scenario, especially if it involves your child weeping in pain. It’s hard to see your child cry. It’s even harder when his tears are caused by a painful discomfort he had sustained from a vehicular accident he got into that you simply couldn’t do anything to take the pain away. When he starts wailing hysterically, you lose focus and find yourself in disarray—leaving the problem unsolved. So you could just imagine the scenario I’ve been through exactly three years ago. Yes, folks. If you’ve been an avid reader of this blog, Purple Plum Fairy—I’ve shared so many times how I felt that dreaded day when we almost lost Kyle.

Kyle's left foot after the accident.

 Kyle was an eight-year-old keg of dynamite. He’s got Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). So he was really what you could consider malikot, fearless, and will almost try anything. He’s a child with so many quirks but he’s adorable on his own right. I had been giving repeated reminders and warnings on what may happen if he’s not careful especially when crossing the street. That fateful day (when the said vehicular accident happened), I even left him a note reminding him not to go out of the house. I just needed to do an errand so I left him with one adult relative who was supposed to look after him. Apparently, Kyle had been asked to buy an ice pop by my teenage cousin, so off he went out while wearing a Jabawockeez mask (he’s supposed to wear that for a dance at school). And that’s how an FX hit him. It’s such a harrowing experience for both Kyle and I. I was in tears, seeing him in such a pity state. It was truly heart wrenching.

The wounds on Kyle's thigh taken at the hospital after the accident.

 I’m a safety freak—probably one of the most overprotective moms you’ll ever meet. Even if Kyle’s a boy, I’d generously slather anti-repellant lotions on his body just to make sure mosquitoes wouldn’t bite him. I’d have alcohol, wet tissues, hand sanitizers etc. to make sure he’s germ and bacteria-free. So it wasn’t surprising that Kyle used to possess flawless skin. But this vehicular accident had made him suffered not just bruises, cuts and scrapes but also avulsed wounds (meaning unskinned and exposed wounds) on his left foot. Exposed skin and avulsed wounds were more prone to harsh bacteria and susceptible to further infections due to heat, dirt, or pollution which maybe more risky for him. I thought he’ll not be able to walk again, so it was such a relief on my part that there were no fracture.

Contractubex gel

 By the time his wounds were about to heal and he’s grown back his epidermis, his wounds had become more dry, flaky and itchy. I was worried how his left foot would be like because it had actually looked like web’s foot after the accident happened. A child’s skin is said to be 40 % thinner than ours, so it is sensitive to chemicals and prone to moisture loss. I had to be careful whatever it is I put on Kyle and I had to make sure it has no harmful ingredients that can further cause dryness. His doctors recommended that we use Contractubex. We used Contractubex on his scars for about three months.  Creams can make kids feel sticky and uncomfortable. Personally, I like Contractubex because it comes in a clear transparent gel. It provides gentle and effective relief to Kyle’s scars plus it seems to lock in some moisture without the greasy after feel of other ointments. Contractubex coats the skin leaving it somewhat moisturized. Formulated with Allantoin, Extract Cepae and Heparin Sodium, these are meant to keep unsightly scars less noticeable.

My scar is nearly invisible after regularly using contractubex.

I even tried using Contractubex myself on a scar I had acquired through burns from baking as a pastry chef. Amazingly, it had become less visible. Yes, my scar is nearly invisible, as you can see on the picture above. Note too that my son's scar from the same thigh where he had his wounds is seen below without any visible scar.
 

Note that this is the same part in Kyle's thigh pictured above.

Contractubex prevents excessive scar tissue leaving the skin more resilient. We noticed that it had truly helped reduced redness, itching and the felling of tension on Kyle’s scars. Contractubex was such a great help in alleviating dryness on his scars. It makes the scar smoother and improves his skin’s elasticity. It dissolved bruises, soften scars, reduces healing time, lessens swelling and it makes scars less visible. Soon enough, Kyle’s scars on his upper thigh and elbow seemed to have totally vanished. He also used to complain about the scar on his left foot for being itchy and he was ashamed of his scar. Had it not been for Contractubex, Kyle wouldn’t be convinced to wear his slippers again. And in doing so, he got his life back and was able to be fully recovered.

Three years had passed since it happened. Now eleven-year-old, Kyle luckily has moved on from that traumatic incident. He’s been very active in sports lately: he’s a badminton varsity in school and trains with the Marilag Futsal Team twice a week. We did not resort to skin grafting because it was pretty expensive.  He’s wound has turned into a keloid. Thus, the remaining scar on his left foot will forever serve as a reminder for him to be more careful. But if he’s wearing a shoe, nobody could have guessed what Kyle’s been through because his other scars had been less visible, some luckily had totally disappeared. All of these, Kyle owes to Contractubex.

Kyle's left foot with the remaining keloid.

Nothing in this world is perfect or fail-safe. Our journey may be fraught with a lot of obstacles, heartaches even, but for as long as we have each other, we will prevail. Although each day unfolds unpredictably, knowing that we are constant in each other’s lives gives us confidence to live through it.

Disclaimer:  I am not paid to write this blog. Opinions are 100% my own.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas: Money Matters For Kids Exhibit at the Gateway Mall

Cash, mazuma, dinero, dough, bread. These are just some of the many monickers of money. We use money to pay for the things that we need and get the things that we want. People have to work to earn it while most of us struggle to save it for the rainy days. Others who can very well afford do share it. But as parents, have we really taught our kids well on how to properly handle their own money? I strongly suggest you bring your kids to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Money Matters for Kids exhibit at the Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao. The said exhibit runs from August 2, 2013 to August 17, 2013 (mall hours).

Museo Pambata originally owns money Matters For Kids exhibit but it was turned over to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to further educate the youngsters on money. They actually plan to bring this exhibit to other parts of the country soon so that more kids will greatly benefit from it. 

 I honestly think that doing so will certainly help your kids to perfectly grasp the concept of saving, the difference between needs and wants, how to budget their own allowance, how to validate real money from fake ones as well as other educational trivia’s about money. And I can assure you that the kids will be having lots of fun while learning all these things. This isn’t your typical boring exhibit. This Money Matters For Kids exhibit is an interactive one!

Coins from other countries

Old money bills from the past.

 There are a lot of things and activities to do for your kids inside the exhibit. You can help your kid make his or her own money from the coin stamp section. There are also peso bill puzzles for you and your kids to work on. There are also lots of trivia and history about money as well as an imitation of a real bank called Bangko Bulilit where your kids can play either one of the tellers or the bank manager (yes, with a real computer and keyboard they can tinker with!).

Kyle shows off his supposed ATM card.

 Plus an automated teller machine with built-in atm card where your kids can ‘withdraw’ or ‘deposit’ money.

Children will surely have fun too with the market style way of teaching kids about needs vs. wants and how to budget their money wisely. There is a grocery cash register they can play with as well as grocery baskets. In fact, during our visit at the Money Matters For Kids exhibit, I saw a kid at managing the cash register while her mom playfully ‘buys’ items from her grocery. It’s such a great bonding activity for both parents and kids. 

Kyle withdraws from an ATM toy machine.

Kyle traced a rubber stamp to make his own coin. 

Kyle does a bank manager's job here.

Kyle mans the cash register while my Mom 'plays' with him as customer.

This calculator makes sure you are buying within your budget.

Twenty peso puzzle

Fifty pesos puzzle.

A young girl mans the cash register.

Kids are taught the difference of needs and wants.

I myself learned a lot through the said Money Matters for Kids exhibit. I’ve learned that Josefa Llanes Escoda (The Girls Scouts of the Philippines founder) is the only person shown smiling in Philippine peso. She’s the first woman to grace our money too. I’ve also learned the trivia behind the piggy bank thing. “Pygg” is a type of clay used for making various objects such as jars. People in the olden times saved money in these “pygg jar” and it has evolved into “pig bank”. Plus there is also a pig theory. In the ancient times, food scraps that would spoil were saved by feeding them to pigs. The said practice fattened up the pigs. When money came about, thus this cultural habit of saving food scraps by investing them in pigs inspired people to save their change in coin banks shaped like pigs.

Piggy banks and coin banks.

Mommies, take advantage of this opportunity to teach your kids all about money the fun and easy way. Come and visit the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Financial Consumer Affairs Group exhibit of Money Matters for Kids at the Gateway Mall. Admission to the said exhibit is absolutely FREE! What’s more, kids who visit the said exhibit gets to bring home free Museo Pambata Money Matters for Kids activity book and a box of playing cards! (While supplies last)

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.

Alaska NutriBuild 345 Promotes Good Nutrition and the Importance of Age-Appropriate Milk

Alaska NutriBuild is perfect for growing kids ages 3,4,5.

 The country’s most trusted milk brand, Alaska introduces their latest milk product that was specifically made for growing kids ages 3 to 5 called Alaska NutriBuild 345. Make no mistake about it. What you feed your child makes all the difference in the world; it will affect how his body grows and his brain develops.

According to a recent study, only 1 out of 10 mothers * with 3 to 5 year old children provide the right milk. At this particular stage in your child’s life, he or she will benefit greatly from stimulating activities and nourishment that may help him or her achieve not just developmental milestones but things that could further lead to excellence.

A nutritionist helps parents by giving nutritional talk.

 A child’s development at every age happens in different stages and it is very important to give the proper nutrition to support a child’s continuous growth. With pre-school age, kids are still in the process of developing their brain and body. At this stage, it is vital to give the right milk at the right age as meal supplement to help achieve age-specific milestones and help support a child’s potential at an early stage.

 

Give your child Alaska NutriBuild 345; it is the only milk with Brain and Body builder for your 3,4 or 5 years old. It has DHA and ARA, which is the structural component of the brain. A DHA-rich diet promotes enhancement of your child’s nerve conduction, which optimizes the neutral connections important for learning. Alaska NutriBuild helps millions of brain cells communicate well to support your child’s rapid mental development. The advantages associated with DHA status and neuropsychological function is supported by clinical research. Childhood is a critical time period for exposure to DHA to influence brain development. Support his or her DHA-rich nourishment with Alaska NutriBuild 345. 

A parent registering for the nutritional talk.

 Alaska NutriBuild 345 also has Choline and Taurine that helps in the cognitive developments and memory functions, Iron + Zinc + Iodine, Minerals to support the demands of rapid physical growth and endurance, Essential Fatty Acids and Inulin for proper digestion.

 

A cute pre-school kid enjoys her free Alaska NutriBuild milk.

  Pre-school children now have another reason to look forward to in going to school as Alaska NutriBuild 345 promotes good nutrition by making rounds of selected schools in Metro Manila. To let the kids and parents experience firsthand how delicious and nutritious Alaska NutriBuild 345 is, the people behind the brand had been giving parents 12-15 minute nutritional talk on proper nutrition in selected pre-schools with expert nutritionist, Ms. Ma. Kristina Fernando as the resource speaker. While the parents learn the importance of milk and proper nutrition, kids happily learn and play with the different activity booths that tell the story of Miles and Tony, teaching them the importance of hygiene and nutrition.

The adventures of Miles and Tony

Bloggers were invited to join in one of Alaska NutriBuild 345’s visit at Gildel Child Development Center in Tondo, Manila. Parents had learned the value of giving age appropriate milk. With an expert nutritionist at the helm, some parents even had the chance to ask questions on how to properly address their kids nutrition especially the picky and finicky eaters. As for the kids, they had a wonderful time with the learning activities and enjoyed unlimited free samples of Alaska NutriBuild 345. What’s more, their parents who registered for the brief nutritional talk all went home with a box sample of Alaska NutriBuild Milk while kids brought home a free storybook featuring Miles and Tony! 

 

Pre-schoolers enjoyed the activities.

An Alaska NutriBuild storyteller.

A young boy participates in the story.

Kids love to drink milk.

Nutritionist tells the importance of good hygiene.

Free sample boxes of Alaska NutriBuild 345.

Unlimited samples for everyone of Alaska NutriBuild 345.

 So, who knows, Alaska NutriBuild 345 might be visiting your child’s school soon. And I’d like to note that Alaska NutriBuild 345 is way cheaper than the leading brand, not to mention, better tasting. It comes in 160g, 350g, 600g and 1050g boxes and 900g can. I’ve had tasted Alaska NutriBuild 345 myself, and I’d have to say it comes in a milk flavor that kids will surely love. Indeed, Alaska NutriBuild 345 is every Mom’s best partner in making sure that kids get their proper nutrition and achieve milestones. 

Ms Delia Barrios, proprietor of Gildel Child Development Center with the kids.

Ms. Delia Barrios, owner of the school promotes Alaska NutriBuild.

 For more info and get updates on where Alaska NutriBuild will be coming next, like their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AlaskaNutriBuild345

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Alaska NutriBuild 345, Gildel Child Development Center principal/proprietor, Ms. Delia Barrios, Mikki Abrazado, Jig Bax, Bambi Jacob and fellow blogger Alex Dizon.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated with this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Family Fun day with Sarah G. and Jollibee Chickenjoy

Our favorite mascot does a dancing number.

For many years, Jollibee’s Chickenjoy had always been a favorite among Filipino families. Foodies everywhere know that Chickenjoy with the special gravy-rice mixture is one experience that ought to be repeated every now and then. And nothing beats the joy of eating such special treat with those people close to our hearts—our families.

As a treat to customers who continue to make Chickenjoy their ultimate bonding meal with loved ones, Jollibee brought together families for a special date with their two all-time favorites during the “Best Family Bonding Date with Sarah G.” event at the Marquee Mall in Pampanga recently.

Aside from enjoying the delicious crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy, customers who bought the 8-piece Chickenjoy bucket in participating Jollibee stores during the promo period got exclusive access to the Sunday afternoon family-themed event graced with none other than the pop princess and Jollibee Chickenjoy brand ambassador Sarah Geronimo.

 

Sarah sings with Daddy Delfin Geronimo

 Customers were entitled to five entrance tickets for them and their families. Sarah entertained them with awesome performances including a special song number with her own father Delfin. The event also had lots of family-themed games and activities that customers truly enjoyed. Five lucky families were also given the chance to have their autographs and photo opportunity with Sarah Geronimo.

Father and daughter tandem wows the audience.

“We at Jollibee truly appreciate that, each day, families continue to create new and happy memories together over meal times of Chickenjoy,” said Jollibee's Marketing Director Kent Mariano. “This is why Chickenjoy has remained the number one, best-tasting fried chicken over the years; it has become a staple in countless family occasions and get-togethers. As we celebrate our 35th anniversary this year with the theme 'Dito ang Sarap Maging Pamilya,' we want to show our appreciation for our customers' continued patronage of our product that has become a symbol of happy family moments.”

Fans got the chance to meet Sarah G. up close and personal.

Perfectly seasoned with the right aroma that is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, Chickenjoy makes any family bonding moment extra special. So bring the entire family to a one-of-a-kind experience with Chickenjoy and Sarah Geronimo. 

Bye-Bye Dark Skin: Say Hello to Healthy White Skin with KB Products

I’ve come to realize that you don’t need to have a glutathione injection to get the skin you’ve always wanted. And for someone who didn’t liked the idea of an IV needle to whiten her skin, it’s really a no-no. Smooth, softer, supple skin is within reach. The key is finding the right product that suits your specific needs. In my case, it has involved years of trial and error (note: this isn’t exactly a good idea if you’ve got really super sensitive skin). Sometimes, all you need to do is open yourself to try other whitening products.

I’ve found KB Vitamin C Peeling Gel Skin Whitening online. Of course, just like any new product I’m about to try, at first I was a bit hesitant if it would really work well. But trusting the fact that KB has been specializing in skin care products for over a decade now and has partnered with biggest cosmetic laboratories abroad, it was more than enough to assure me that their products have passed the standards set by cosmetic and soap industry.

For such a simple product, I was surprised how KB Vitamin C Peeling Gel Skin Whitening worked. This Korean made product is meant to use for instant removal of dead skin in face, neck or even underarm. Upon initial use, I had immediately seen some improvements.

Unlike other skin peeling products I’ve previously used, this one didn’t make my face felt tight, dry or itchy. Instead, my skin came out feeling softer, smoother and looking supple and healthy. After using KB Vitamin C Peeling Gel Skin Whitening, other people kept on complimenting me on my skin. It made me realize my skin has always been my last priority but radiant, healthy skin makes such an impact on how I feel about myself. And it had actually felt good that people took notice of my skin after using KB Vitamin C Peeling Gel Skin Whitening. If you ask me, I’d say it’s a cheaper alternative to be able to achieve the same effect of a diamond peel treatment in aesthetic centers. KB Vitamin C Peeling Gel Skin Whitening is a gentle medicated gel with proven keratin fighting ingredient and a unique combination of peeling gel and healers to help soothe and protect tender skin. Makeup is a wonderful tool but our skin is our biggest organ. When it’s beautiful, it stands out. Skin is a perfect 10 if it’s smooth, supple, shiny without being greasy and youthful looking. And I would highly recommend KB Vitamin C Peeling Gel Skin Whitening to anyone longing for radiant skin.

Since using KB Vitamin C Peeling Gel Skin Whitening, I’ve trusted other KB product lines as well. KB Whitening Body Lotion with SPF30 is also a staple product on my bag now. It’s like having my instant moisturizer. Dry, sensitive skin is often due to a damaged skin barrier, which allows moisture to escape from the skin. Conventional moisturizers help to relieve the dryness but only temporarily since they just coat the outer layer of the skin and get washed away when you rinse or wash. But KB Whitening Body Lotion with SPF30 is formulated to repair, rehydrate dry sensitive skin, not to mention make it lighter.

Since I started using KB Whitening Body Lotion with SPF30, I’ve noticed that my skin is a lot more glowing and whiter. I learned the hard way. I used to abuse my skin, and I think a lot of young people do that. When you’re young, you think you’ll never get old. Now that I’m in my early 30’s, I know I should have to be more concerned with my skin. But I’m glad that KB Whitening Lotion with SPF30 is here to keep my skin from getting rough, dry and uneven. It has skin boosting benefits in one bottle. How perfect is that, right?

Slather the said lotion to keep skin visibly radiant, even, firm and tight. Specialized treatments boost effectiveness of your current skincare regimen. They contain more than double the effect of moisturizers. Backed up with extensive research and development by Yumeimise, an expert in skin whitening and anti-aging product, KB Whitening Body Lotion uses Alpha Arbutin, super Hyaluronic Acid and Kojic Acid. Each bottle contains advance skin hydrating ingredients—Super Hyaluronic acid twice the moisture retention capacity of Hyaluronic acid.

 Of course, it’s somehow a shame if you can make the rest of your skin at least a shade whiter but leaving your underarm still on the darker side. KB Underarm Whitening Spray is your best bet. It comes in 60 ml hygienic bottle. It is like a dark spot corrector, hydrates, it corrects your underarm’s skin imperfections and improves and lightens its shade with religious use. Plus it prevents hair growth so you’ll notice less hair growth on your underarms with continued use. The fact that it is anti-microbial helps as well. Underarms easily absorb it so you won’t have to worry about wetness and all.

 

I swear by these products. I am planning to try all the other awesome KB product line I’ve seen on their website via www.ilovekb.com such as the following:

KB Rotenyu Meguri—it is a unique body scrub made in Japan and comes in 4 variants and is sold per 30 grams (18 sachets). Meant to soften the skin and to effectively remove body odor.

New KB Rosehips—Sold by 100 capsules, 500 mg each. FDA and HALAL-Certified, it is the first pure rosehips product in the country and is 10 times stronger than ordinary Vitamin C.

New KB Pure White Teeth Whitening Gel—It comes in 2ml and claims to show instant result in 10 minutes.

KB Collagen + Skin Whitening—30 tablets used for anti-aging, it prevents wrinkles and pores enlargement with whitening effects.

KB Glutathione Activator plus NAC and Rosehips—Available in 30 capsules and is the cheapest whitening pill in the market today. FDA approved and HALAL-certified.

KB Magic Towel—Another product made from Korea, it is a reusable towel commonly used in Korean Jimjilbang (spa).

KB Gold Premium Soap—135 grams of soap with five most powerful active ingredients of Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Soybean Extract and Placental Extract for optimum results.

KB Whitening Body Powder—Described as a melted ice cream with 500 mg solution composed of Vitamin C for skin whitening. It also has advance skin hydrating ingredients such as Super Hyaluronic acid.

KB Silver—it contains high dosage of alpha-arbutin and promotes safe skin lightening for all skin types. Alpha-arbutin helps to whiten skin, hyaluronic acid to keep moisture levels and prevents fine lines and wrinkles, ovary peptide from fish collagen to maintain skin to become supple and firm, Vitamin A and C to keep skin free from skin radicals and toxic and Vitamin E from Soybean extract to make the skin glow.

KB is one of the most trusted skin whitening brands that we now have in the market today. KB assures everyone that all their products are effective and safe.

I had to admit that I’m not that conscious with my looks, but I’ve learned through time that it’s important to make an effort. It’s not hard to brush your hair, put on a lotion, or wear a simple dress. When a woman looks her best, she is a better mom, wife and person. And with safe and effective products that we now have such as the ones from KB, being a pretty mom can be easy peasy!

For more info on KB Products, please visit their site at www.ilovekb.com

KB Products are available at Watsons, Mercury Drug, Generika, South Star, Rose Pharmacy and other leading stores nationwide.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.