Giveaway Archives | Mommy Plannerista

Customized Homeschool Planner by One Stop Planner Shop (Giveaway!)

November 20, 2019 · 6 Comments

Guess what? I have a new customized homeschool planner! Just look at how pretty and big it is!

For those of you who have been following me on my planner IG account, @mommyplannerista.plans, and on my YouTube channel, I started this school year using my Kikki.K personal size ring planner as my homeschool planner. I really had no major complaints about it. I customized it according to my liking and it worked well for me.

Why change planners then?

Well, the truth is that I joined a giveaway hosted by fellow homeschool mom, Annie of @awifenmother, on her Instagram account (follow her ‘coz she’s amazing!). The prize was a one-year subscription to the One Stop Planner Shop, specifically for a customized teacher planner. Lucky me, I won!

I didn’t mind trying out a new planner because I’m forever on the hunt for new tools or systems to use that will make my planner work better for me. Homeschooling can become quite overwhelming sometimes especially if you’re disorganized. Using planners help me lessen the overwhelm which means that my kids and I get to actually enjoy homeschooling.

So as soon as I was given access to the subscription, I immediately started crafting the perfect homeschool planner for me and I’ve been using it for about 2 weeks now.

What’s inside my customized homeschool planner?

If you want to learn how I customized my homeschool planner, please watch this flip through video that I uploaded on my YouTube channel. In the video, I explained the process involved as well as showed the specific templates I used for my planner.

If you wish to know more about how I use specific aspects of the planner, please leave me a comment on this blog post or on my channel. I’ll try to address your questions or requests on a future blog post or video.

Why do I love my customized homeschool planner from One Stop Planner Shop?

To be honest, I didn’t know I was going to really enjoy this planner because I have never used one this big before. The planner is printed on letter size paper and initially I felt it was going to be too big. I pleasantly realized that I actually like it.

Also, I have customized my planners before but I have never done one with inserts from just one shop. So, I wasn’t sure if I was going to find everything I needed entirely from One Stop Planner Shop.

Now that I’m actually using the homeschool planner I created, let me tell you what I liked about the process and the planner itself. Let me count the ways!

I like that the portal is very organized and user-friendly. Everything is properly labeled. Plus, there are tutorials or how-to videos that will guide you throughout the entire process.
There are numerous cover design choices. I also love that there are matching dividers, plus spines for binders too. Plus points for the tabs!
Most of the elements on the planning pages can be easily customized according to your needs. You can change the type, size, and colors of the font. You can add or delete rows and columns on the tables. You can rearrange things. The only things you can’t edit are the decorative elements, which are based on the two styles that are available – Modern and Whimsical.
Editing was easy for me. I edited the pages using Powerpoint but there’s another option using Google Slides as well.
You can bind it any way you want. I just chose to use a binder because it was the easiest and fastest option for me.
I chose to print my entire planner but you can also go all digital if you wish.
The planner pages aren’t just for homeschooling. In fact, there are many templates available that can be used by teachers from regular schools too.
You can save all your planner pages on your laptop or computer. This means that you can print or use them again multiple times.
For my fellow sticker addicts, you’d be happy to know that there are digital stickers that you can use on the planner too.
There are monthly freebies available for all subscribers for as long as you are subscribed.
The subscription is good for one year. So, if you choose to change something in your planner at some point, you can just keep downloading other templates to try.
There’s a Facebook group that you can join. The members there regularly share photos of their own customized planners plus tips on how they did things.

Suffice it to say that I am loving my homeschool planner. I highly recommend homeschool parents to at least check it out if it’s something that will work for you.

It may sound like it will take lots of time and effort to customize your own planner. To be honest, it is but the product is a planner that is created around what you need to make homeschooling a bit easier for you. It has truly helped lessen the overwhelm I sometimes feel in homeschooling. I can relax knowing that I have everything I need in my planner. So, I think it’s so worth it.

How can you get your own customized homeschool planner?

I can give you two ways.

First, you can subscribe to the One Stop Teacher Planner Club. The subscription fee is only $30 for the first year and then just $12 every year after. The annual membership fee includes:

Access to the membership website
Over 1,500 pages to help you customize the perfect planner
Exclusive “Monthly Bonuses”, for club members only
A library of How-To Videos to help you get your planner just the way you want it.
Access to their Planner Community for support and inspiration

Members get access to new and updated planners every single year! So, I assure you that it’s definitely worth it. Just click here to go to the site and sign up! (Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of the One Stop Planner Shop, which means I will receive a small percentage if you subscribe using this link.)

There’s a second option, though, and that is to join my giveaway!

Kristin, of the One Stop Planner Shop, was so generous to sponsor one (1) winner a teacher planner subscription! That’s good for one year. Yay!

I’ll be hosting the giveaway over on my main Instagram account, @mommyplannerista. Click this link now to learn how to join.

Good luck! Happy planning and happy homeschooling!

Mideer Domino Puzzle Traffic Toy Review and Giveaway!

September 12, 2019 · 12 Comments

Hey, everyone! I’m back! I’m so sorry I’ve been MIA here lately. Life has been so hectic. So much has happened. There are so many things I want to share with all of you, especially with regard to homeschooling, but that will have to wait.

Today, I want to talk to you about a new toy that was given to my kids several weeks ago for them to try. It’s called the Domino Puzzle Traffic by Mideer Philippines.

Mideer – A World of Wonders

Mideer is a brand that believes that the world is a wonderful place and that kids must be allowed to explore the wonders that abound in their own way. They design their toys to hone your child’s eye for design, with an abundance of color, patterns, and characters that they will enjoy.

They have a wide variety of toys such as their Travel Doodle, Magnetic Responsibility Chart, Baby Gaby Toothbrush Timer, and the Kids Storybook Torch.

Mideer also has their own line of puzzles that teach basic concepts and skills such as shape recognition, concentartion, goal setting, patience, and sense of achievement. It develops your child’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as well as improves their problem solving, critical thinking, visual-perceptual skills, and memory. They can even teach your kids teamwork too. One of the puzzle sets they offer is the Domino Puzzle Traffic.

Domino Puzzle Traffic

The Domino Puzzle Traffic is a fun matching game that is designed to turn difficult concepts to be understandable and entertaining at the same time. The box contains 24 pieces of double-sided puzzles that teach kids about numbers and pairing. It can be played either as a puzzle or as dominoes when you pair them. Made for kids ages 3 years old and above, this game comes in big pieces that can be easily grasped by your kids.

The game comes in a sturdy and colorful square box. When you open it, you’ll see a small sheet of paper that shows you an image of how the game is played as well as a plastic package containing the puzzle pieces. The puzzle pices are double-sided with one side showing images of vehicles in half. The other side has traffic-related images such as tires, flags, traffic cones, and others.

The game can be played in two ways. If there’s only one player, your child must first recognize the traffic and then place down a domino that correctly completes one of the two traffic pictures with the end pieces on the table.

If there are two or more players, they each start with 6 dominoes first. The first player places a domino on the table then each player takes their turn to match one of their dominoes to those already laid. The first player who has no dominoes left will be the winner.

Our Review of the Domino Puzzle Traffic:

We’ve played the Domino Puzzle Traffic several times already. I’ve used it with my 8-year-old, Ziggy, and my then 2-year-old, Zander (who turns 3 today!).

Here’s what we think about the game.

I like that the game is simple and that there’s no assemby required. While I don’t mind assembling games sometimes, there are days that I just don’t have time to do it. With this one, you just open the box and take out the pieces.
I love that the pieces are made of thick cardboard because my boys are not always careful in handling their toys. With this, I don’t need to worry about them damaging the pieces. So far, they still look brand new even after playing with them several times already.
I like that the pieces are big enough for my 2-year-old to hold comfortably.
I like that there are two ways to play the game. While Zander can’t totally manage playing with this alone, Ziggy definitely can. If they want to play together, they can as well.
I like that it’s both a fun and educational game. If you know me at all, you’d know that I’m a sucker for educational toys. The game may be too easy for Ziggy now that he’s already 8 years old though but he still enjoys it.
Zander still has difficulty playing with the vehicle side of the pieces. Maybe because his mind gets a bit confused with all the different types of vehicles in various bright colors. It’s probably because he was barely 3 years old when he started playing this. He does better playing with the other side. I think it’s because the backgrounds are all the same color and his mind can just focus on the images themselves. He also has fun with the game and is always really proud when he is able to match an image.

Overall, we really like and enjoy playing this game. I would definitely recommend it especially for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and lower grade school kids.

If you want to buy one for your kids or if you just want to learn more about Mideer products, follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Their toys are available in select branches of Toy Kingdom and Toys ‘R Us.

Now for the exciting part!

Our generous friends at Mideer Philippines are sponsoring a giveaway. They’re giving away one (1) Domino Traffic Puzzle to one of you guys. Yay!

I’m hosting the giveaway over on my Instagram account, so head over there now to join. The exact mechanics will be there as well. Good luck!

Thank you, Mideer Philippines!

UNI-PAK Mackerel Pâté (and a Giveaway!)

December 21, 2017 · 12 Comments

I’m already thinking of what to prepare for our New Year’s Eve dinner. I thought of trying to make my own DIY cheese board for the first time. So I researched about what normally goes on a cheese board aside from just cheese. I discovered that I can include a pâté. Thankfully, I got several cans of UNI-PAK Mackerel that would be very good for that.

UNI-PAK Mackerel

I know that some of you might be more familiar with other mackerel brands in the market. But, hindi basta nakasanayan the best na yan.

UNI-PAK Mackerel is a brand owned by the SLORD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, a manufacturer of canned goods that has been in the business of import, export, retail, distribution, and manufacturing since April 15, 1985. UNI-PAK Mackerel products adhere to strict quality control standards, and are manufactured using only the freshest ingredients and up-to-date processing and packing facilities. Yan ang #TatakUnipak!

I love UNI-PAK Mackarel because aside from its great taste, mackerel is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and contain high amounts of proteins, making it healthy for the whole family. Kaya basta mackerel, dapat tatak UNI-PAK!

So, let me share with you how I used UNI-PAK Mackerel to create my pâté.

UNI-PAK Mackerel Pâté

Ingredients:

1 small can UNI-PAK Mackerel
1 Tablespoon pickle relish
2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper for spiciness

Directions:

Drain mackerel, remove bones and mash. Add pickle relish, mayonnaise and spices and mix.

It’s so fast and easy to make. Best of all, it’s so yummy too! Do try it out with crackers for a nice yummy snack. It will surely be a great addition to the cheese board I’m going to prepare for New Year’s eve. Siguradong #PaknaPak!

For more information about UNI-PAK Mackerel, do like the UNI-PAK Facebook page.

Giveaway!

Now, because I want to share the love this Christmas season, I’ve partnered with UNI-PAK Mackarel to give away one (1) gift pack from UNI-PAK. Yay!

This giveaway will be open from December 21 – 27, 2017. The winner will be announced before the end of the month. This giveaway is open to everyone with a valid Philippine address. UNI-PAK will be responsible for delivering the prize to the winner.

To join, simply follow the Rafflecopter instructions below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck guys!

Review: Cocoline Naturals Skin Care Products (Plus, a giveaway!)

October 8, 2016 · 43 Comments

My skin is normally not the super sensitive type. On any normal day, the worst problem I usually encounter when it comes to my skin is dryness. Nevertheless, I’m very meticulous when it comes to choosing skin care products. As much as possible, I prefer those with safe, natural ingredients. That became even more important these past several months because I was pregnant.

Thankfully, a few months ago, I was asked to review Cocoline Naturals, a brand launched only last January 29, 2015. The brand is envisioned to be the very first worldwide to promote the Powers of Coconut with a modern twist, through different product categories in personal care.

Cocoline Naturals products are all Virgin Coconut Oil based formulations. They are mixed with meticulously chosen ingredients to further enhance coconut oils’ benefits and provide its users a more pleasurable skin care experience.

Did you guys know that Coconut Oil far outnumbers and outweighs the benefits of other popular oils in benefits and level of efficacy? Amongst the amazing benefits on skin are : Anti- Oxidants (for intense moisture, repair, and healing properties), Anti-Bacterial, and Anti-Fungal.

Cocoline Naturals captures these powers of the coconut. All their products are Virgin Coconut Oil based with natural & paraben-free ingredients for healthy & beautiful skin.

In the year since their launch Cocoline Naturals has already received several consumer awards, such as:

Cosmo Beauty Awards Best Body Lotion 2015
Cosmo.ph Best Brightening Lotion 2015
Cosmo.ph Best Brightening Body Wash 2015
Cosmo.ph Best Brightening Beauty Bar 2015

So, I was lucky enough to try Cocoline Natural’s two product lines, namely: the Intense Moisturizing line and the Triple Whitening line. Let me tell you all about them.

INTENSE MOISTURIZING
(Coconut + Milk + Licorice)
Available in Lotion, Body Wash and Beauty Bar

Active Ingredients include:
• Virgin Coconut Oil – effective moisturizer with Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal,& Anti-Oxidant properties
• Hydrolyzed Milk Protein – naturally hydrates & moisturizes for extra soft & smooth skin
• Licorice Extract – helps soothe irritated skin and lighten blemishes

Fragrance: Coconut Vanilla CocoLicorice Combination
• Top Note – Powdery, Honey
• Middle Note – Floral
• Base Note – Fresh, Fruity

The standard SRPs for 2016 are as follows:

The Verdict:

I was able to try the Intense Moisturizing line specifically the following: 340 ml lotion, 340 ml body wash and 135 g beauty bar. This was the first product line I tried because I love the smell of coconuts and honestly, I’m not really into the whole whitening thing when it comes to my skin.

Generally, I love the lotion, body wash and beauty bar because the scent of coconut was very light, not overpowering at all. The scent doesn’t stay on the skin for that long though but that’s alright with me.

The body wash lasted me for about a month because you only need a little for it to lather. It’s very easy to rinse and doesn’t leave a greasy feel after showering. It gave me a fresh feeling after every shower.

The lotion was very light and easily absorbed by the skin. My skin really felt very soft and smooth. Compared to the body wash, the lotion didn’t last too long but only because I loved it so much that I used it at least twice a day. This was at the time I was still pregnant, so I moisturized a LOT!

I used the beauty soap to wash my hands and face. It’s non-drying. My skin didn’t feel tight at all compared to how other soaps make my face feel after use. The only thing I didn’t like about it is that it melts easily, which makes consumption faster.

TRIPLE WHITENING
(Papaya + Kojic + Vitamin C)
Available in Lotion, Body Wash and Beauty Bar

Active Ingredients
• Virgin Coconut Oil – effective moisturizer with Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, & Anti-Oxidant properties
• Papaya Enzyme – helps exfoliate dead skin cells that aids to whiten, soften and smoothen stubborn skin
• Kojic Acid – naturally lightens skin pigmentation
• Vitamin C – potent Anti-Oxidant to help rejuvenate photodamaged skin and helps lighten stubborn dark spots

Fragrance: Orange Papaya
• Top Note – Orange Apple Cassis Melon Pear
• Middle Note – Jasmine Rose Muguet Peach
• Base Note – Cedarwood Musk Amber Oakmoss

The standard SRPs for 2016 are as follows:

The Verdict:

I was able to try the 340 ml lotion, 340 ml body wash and 135 g beauty bar under the Triple Whitening line. I tried this last because 1) I wasn’t really into whitening and 2) I was worried if it was safe for pregnant women. I verified it with Cocoline Naturals first and they told me this line is definitely safe for those pregnant and that was the only time I tried the products. I was really, really happy about that!

Compared to the Intense Moisturizing line, I wasn’t a big fan of the scent of this line. But that’s mainly because I don’t really like the smell of papaya products. There’s nothing bad about the scent. It’s just too fruity for me and that’s normally not what I prefer.

The body wash and beauty soap from this line fared mostly the same as the Intense Moisturizing ones in terms of ease of use. The only noticeable difference is that the Intense Moisturizing ones really packed in more moisture on my skin. I found that my skin needed more moisturization after using these products but note that they didn’t make my skin very dry at all.

The lotion was also not as moisturizing as the one from the Intense Moisturizing line. For some reason, this one felt heavier on the skin and didn’t get absorbed as easily as the other one. This one also took more effort in spreading throughout my body whereas the other one was more “spreadable”.

I wish I can comment on whether this line is really effective when it comes to whitening. At this time, I’m still using both the body wash and lotion so I feel like I will need to use them some more before any noticeable whitening can occur.

Overall, I really like the products because they’re safe to use. Now that I have already given birth, I’m still picky when choosing skin care products. I don’t want any chemicals to be absorbed by my body because I’m breastfeeding my son so these products are just perfect.

I feel that the products are worth the price. They’re not expensive at all and they last long too. Given a choice though, I prefer the Intense Moisturizing line over the Triple Whitening line but that’s just me and mostly because I do suffer from dry skin.

COCOLINE Naturals products are available in leading supermarkets and department stores nationwide. You can learn more about them through these links:

Website: www.cocolinenaturals.com
FB and IG: cocoline naturals
Twitter: @cocolinecares
YouTube: cocoline naturals

GIVEAWAY!!!

Anyway, I’d love for some of you to try these products as well. Luckily, our friends over at Cocoline Naturals are sponsoring two sets of their products to giveaway. Yay!

One (1) winner will win a set of Cocoline Naturals Intense Moisturizing products and one (1) winner will win a set of Cocoline Naturals Triple Whitening products.

To join, just use the Rafflecopter below. Some mechanics:

This giveaway is open from Oct. 8 to 15, 2016 only.
This giveaway is open to Philippine residents with a valid Philippine address.
Winners will be chosen in random via Rafflecopter and will be verified via email. All entries will be checked for validity.
I will be responsible for shipping the prizes to the winner as soon as he or she responds to my email with his or her mailing address.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join now! Good luck, guys!