I admit I did not really care about licenses and terms of use of websites I join when I first started. I was in the middle of purposely ignoring the terms and just being lazy because I couldn't care less since I am only designing for my self - just for personal use. But all that changed when I decided to make graphic design a big part of my business. I started to become very judicious in reading every copyright claim attached to every graphic element I use.

And then I found Canva and I really loved using it. In fact, I lean towards using Canva when I need to churn out designs in the least amount of time possible. I've also tried creating logo drafts on Canva but I never used it to make final designs.

Now the question is would you like to use Canva to design your logo? The answer is YOU CAN, but I would not personally recommend it because of these reasons:



1. If you use Canva, chances are your output will be low quality. 

The standard size for a Canva logo is 500px x 500 px. That resolution will not allow you to enlarge your logo when you need it for higher resolution projects. You also only have 2 options to download your logo - download as png or jpg without being able to adjust the resolution. And that sucks right?

2. If you use Canva, you will not be able to trademark your logo. 

Simply put, your logo is not your own and can never be yours. Also, Canva's pre-made layouts are available for all Canva users to use, your logo design will not be unique and that means your logo may look like someone else's logo and you cannot claim copyright over that unless of course you heavily modify the template. If you have the intention to take your brand to a higher level or you plan to make it big in the industry, then a logo made in Canva is not your safest bet.

3. If you use Canva, be sure to adhere to the licensing agreement. 

Canva's licensing agreement states that your logos cannot contain elements from Canva's image library - either free or paid. The only elements that you can use are basic shapes and lines, free fonts (default Canva fonts) and pre-made logo layouts.

If you upload your own graphic design elements or those you have paid for then you can use them for your logos made in Canva. Note that images that are sourced online have copyright claims that belong to their owner/creator and must not be used in any way, shape or form except if you have express approval from the rightful owner.

Now you may ask, what if you are paying for Canva for Work account? Well the answer is you still need to follow the terms of use. It's like going to a members-only salon, you can avail of the services but you cannot bring home the equipment that you see in the salon. Get it?

4. If you use Canva, your logo will not be in vector format. 

This is the least of your consideration if you only plan to make a simple logo that you do not have plans of stretching out or resizing in the future. Vector logos can be resized infinitely and can be made using software like Adobe Illustrator. 

So there you go. My view may be controversial at the very least but I hope it will make you think and be able to make this all-important decision for yourself, your brand, or your client. If you have a different point of view about this burning issue then please feel free to comment below. I won't bite!

Think twice about creating your logo using Canva and if you do make sure that you abide by the terms of use to avoid any legal battle in the future. Remember that every business decision has a legal impact. Don't take the shortcut or the most convenient route. 

When I was mulling about what course to take for my university degree, my mom had the last say. She originally wanted me to be a teacher like her but she changed her mind when I wanted to be an engineer. She then egged me to enroll for an accounting course since my college assessment score passed the limit and at that time my school required a higher passing mark than the engineering degrees. Ah! Yes, if you haven't known already, my mom is a motivator but I felt like she was a dictator that time. Haha! Looking back, I think she had a point.

To cut the long story short, I finished an accounting degree, took up several units for my masters degree, got deep into my career way out of the accounting shadows, and finally I'm now retired from any night shift and 8 to 5 jobs. I decided to teach myself graphic design after I gave birth and I never stopped learning as much as I can. I convinced myself that it's never too late to learn a new skill and while my memory is still quite a bit sharp, I'll absorb whatever information I can get by joining trainings and courses. I am proud to say that after almost 3 years of resisting formal training, I have already finished my masterclass on Photoshop and I'm now working on finishing my masterclass on Illustrator.



Early in July, an opportunity knocked and I was asked if I am up for a challenge and be a trainer for moms who wants to explore the graphic design while working from home. I was a bit hesitant at first. If you know me, I'm never a scurry-type of person. I actually resist any curveball thrown at me but this was different, I knew I would be helping other mommies nourish their interest and potential and so I feel like aside from the monetary gain, I would be doing a form of service for my growth and other's growth as well. And so, I signed up for the job. I hurriedly developed my course outline and hit the ground running in a week or so.

I never envisioned that I will become a teacher - not even in my wildest dreams. But as they say, you just never say never when an opportunity knocks. I am the trainer for photo editing, video editing and a bit of brand marketing. I'll handle the second batch of enrollees this month and I think I'm more than ready to face another challenge. I'm sure my mom is smiling inside because I'm now a teacher too like her.

If you are a Filipina mom and wants to join our group, visit Fhmoms Facebook group. We're a community of homebased moms who still wants to work while staying home to take care of the household. Because yes, we're supermoms! You'll also learn how to enroll in my class this week. An announcement will be released to the group. I promise you, it will be worth it! 

Summer is here! Of course, summer in tropical countries like the Philippines is getting hotter and hotter each year and this year is no exemption. The thermometer has been registering a staggering heat of up to 36 degrees every day. In some areas near the equator,  I heard the temperature reaches a record high of up to  42 degrees. Whoa! Pretty incredible alright.

Last week, my daughter bugged me and kept asking me when we will go to the beach. She likes cold weather and even sleeps in front of the AC so I guess she has been feeling the scorching heat outside. I decided to give in and asked her if we can just go swim in the pool instead and she agreed. We brought along the goodies that Tupperware Brands sent us to add to our summer essentials. So generous! Our thank you's are in order. 

So off we went to the pool and I let Summer swim, wade, and run around under the sun. She really enjoys being outside and so I made sure to bring some sunscreen with a high SPF factor that is suitable for her skin. On my skin, I slathered the Suncelle Suncreen Body Lotion with SPF30 and sprayed the Suncelle Instant Cooling Skin Spray every time I take a rest from swimming. 

The one thing that I've been really diligent at as of late is slathering on sunscreen every time I go out of the house. Even if I won't be directly exposed under the sun, I still wear sunscreen because hey an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure. I don't want to have skin cancer in the future. So imagine how meticulous I am when it comes to Summer's skin.

As you can see from the photo above, we also received other products from Tupperware brands. I haven't used the lipsticks yet because I plan to bring them with me to Denmark. Yep, we're going back again in June and we will extend our summer there. I'll probably bring the cooling body powder with us as well since we have planned to go on some long walks again. I'll write an in-depth review of these products as soon as I have used them longer. For now, I am going to share with you my first impressions review of the products (except the lipsticks): 

It was love at first swipe the first time I used this lotion. I love that the smell is gentle and that it was easily absorbed by the skin and it was not greasy at all. The label says it is water resistant but I still made sure to reapply every after 30 minutes to ensure that my skin will be protected by the harmful rays of the sun (label instruction says to reapply every two hours though). I tried putting it on my face and it didn't sting my eyes. I'll be stocking up on this for sure. The downside that I see with this product is that it has parabens which act as preservatives for the product (methylparaben and propylparaben). But hey, the benefits of this sunscreen outweighs it all!

Should we really avoid parabens? Despite the media frenzy surrounding parabens, the published research and global cosmetic regulatory organizations are making the answer clear: parabens, especially in small amounts used in personal-care products do not pose a significant health risk at all. - Cosmetics Cop

You can pick and mix Suncelle products to get even more discounts this summer: 

This product was very handy and it's perfect to carry for quick dip in the pool or to put inside your bag's little pocket. It has a very faint fragrance. The main ingredient of this product is aloe vera which relieves skin redness and inflammation, and it also helps to minimize discomfort, burning and itching due to heat or sun exposure.  It also has allantoin that helps to lock in moisture for healthy and protected skin. I like the instant cooling effect of this product on my skin. I was looking for the minty effect of the menthol but I didn't feel it. 

I guess you could tell by now that these two are my most favorite from the Tupperware Brands summer essentials. I highly recommend these products and I hope you give it a try and include it in your own summer essentials as well. 

WHY SHOULD WE WEAR SUNSCREEN? 

Wearing sunscreen, most popularly known as sunblock, benefits our health especially our skin in so many ways. Sunscreen protects us from the harmful rays of the sun (radiation). Suncreen also reduces the risk of having skin cancer, premature aging and the most common and readily observable effect - sunburns. It is very essential to note that it is not only during summer time that we need to apply sunscreen. The need for shielding our skin from the effects of the sun should be all year round - whenever we go out of our houses. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WEARING SUNSCREEN?

There are many benefits and here are some that I hope would make you start diligently putting on sunscreen (if you aren't yet):

I used this after my daughter takes a bath and she loves the fruity smell of the Zestful Purple variant which has a fresh floral scent. The SalScent Fragrance capsules activate when you perspire for long lasting freshness. I can't provide a good enough review yet because we haven't used this product that much so please bookmark my blog so you can be notified when I post my review about this in June.

According to the Tupperware Brands website, the satin lipsticks are non-drying and has a smooth satin finish on the lips. I haven't opened this yet so I could not show you a swatch but I promise to write a review really soon. 

There are four shades to choose from - sexy apple, happy orange, intense grape and sweet peach. As this is limited edition, I also plan to buy the sweet peach and happy orange to complete my review. 

FRUTY BODY MIST  (100ml)

I love how fresh and light this fragrance is. Its perfect for when you want to spray on a fragrance that is not overwhelming and won't smell sour when you sweat. The scent reminds me so much of the mists I used to use when I was younger. I tried spraying this on my hair and the scent lasted for a while. I love this a lot! 

I have other plans this summer while we spend another month here in the Philippines so I'll be sure that I am going to bring all these summer essentials with me and I'm going to use the Tupperware Brands expandable maroon/red bag. I'm a "big bag person" so this bag is perfect for me when we go back to the pool or when we go to the beach again.  

Catalogue shopping is a great way to save on more items for the entire family. I always do this especially when we are on vacation in Denmark. I borrow shop catalogues from my mom-in-law and browse through pages and pages of deals. When you’re ready to shop, consider a few of these tips to ensure you make the most of your online shopping experience.

Specialized shopping
If you’re buying women’s clothing, shop with catalogues which cater to this. For home furniture, patio furniture or décor I would recommend going with a specialized catalogue. You’ll find the best items, more selection and typically the best guarantees/warranties on all items you buy.

Check financing terms
Make sure you know what zero-interest periods are, what flat-fee interest is and what other ‘specialised financing’ means. If you aren’t sure, make sure you ask. This is the best way to ensure the greatest deals and to ensure you avoid hefty interest rates down the line.

Shop seasonally
Make sure you know when to shop for certain items. Shopping off-season is a great way to buy what you want/need and buying it for less. So, consider winter clothing in the summer and vice-versa so you can find lower prices on the items you are going to buy.

Comparison shop
Visit more than one catalogue. In fact, try to visit 3-5 before you ultimately decide where you are going to buy. This allows you to compare the styles you love and obviously to find the best prices but also the best financing options available out there as well.

Consider promos and deals
Sometimes you’ll pay a bit more for an item but you have 12 extra months of zero-financing to do so. In this case, it might be worth it. Learn about promos, special financing and other specials out there so you can find the best deals when you’re ready to buy items through online catalogues. No matter what you are shopping for, catalogues are a great way to find what you want and find the items you want to buy for a reasonable price. When the time comes to do your online shopping, consider these tips to ensure an enjoyable experience and the best pricing/deals when you shop.

While cleaning up the saved notes on my phone, I chanced upon a note where I jot down my monthly period - start date, duration, symptoms and end date. I started the note after I gave birth to my daughter who just recently turned 3 last month. It was when I had my first period back that I decided to do this because I noticed a difference in the amount of flow plus of course the fact that I  have PCOS and the best way to prepare for the next pregnancy is to track my period and follow doctor's orders. The note is long already but I plan to continue it to monitor my reproductive health in my own little OC way. I might probably create a chart out of the data I gathered.

So anyway, the main reason why I decided to write this blog post is really to bring in the open a topic that is rarely discussed. There are so many reading materials about breastfeeding, newborn care and losing weight after giving birth but I feel like the resources for menstrual health is not enough. I hope someone more knowledgeable than me could come up with a write-up that would help equip moms especially the first-time mommies who might be in shock to experience a heavier flow after giving birth.



YOUR PERIOD AFTER HAVING A BABY

After your period stops for several months after giving birth (especially when you breastfeed), your period after having a baby will return with a vengeance! Yes, vengeance it is, not because I could not find any other word, but because it will really come back with a bang. I was really inconvenienced when I had my period back. Add to that the fact that we were traveling in Europe that time and they don't carry the brand that I really like best when my period is heavier than usual. Looking back, I wish I had bumped into https://www.knixteen.com/ so I could have told my period to shut up as well. Hahaha! The period-proof underwear line though was made for teens but maybe I could have added that to my period arsenal to ward off leaks and stains.

For starters, I don't like using tampons and I haven't tried using the menstrual cup. Therefore, I'm still stuck to what I am used to using - the sanitary pads. I needed more than six to seven pads to survive the day when I have my period (at it's heaviest flow) after having a baby. Before I had Summer, I only needed around four to five pads within a 24-hour cycle.

I can attribute my heavier than prepregnancy flow to my pill intake. Maybe my lighter period before was suppressed by the pill when I'm off it. I've yet to discuss this with my OB-Gyne to confirm but I'm quite positive this is the reason. It could also be because I gained weight after I gave birth. If we put on weight, we produce more estrogen in the fat cells of the body, and this can influence how long and heavy our periods are. The other factor that can cause heavy, painful periods that having nothing to do with childbirth and everything to do with just being a woman, includes uterine fibroids or polyps.

I know that my hormone-level is out of whack especially after experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum while I was pregnant so I believe it could be the number one cause of the sudden gush of flow as well. Damn hormones! Haha! I consulted my OB-Gyne about this change and she assured me that there is nothing to worry about and that I should just monitor my period regularly. She also advised me to take anti-anemia medicine because supplementing with iron is often necessary for women.

I guess I just need to give my hormones some time to get back in the groove.

I feel that this topic is normal and should be openly discussed. It should not be treated as taboo by the society at all. I'm actually researching as early as now on how to educate my daughter about menstrual health as soon as she is ready to absorb such information. I would not want her to fear and feel ashamed of her period in the future.

How about you? Did your period return with a vengeance too? 

We were supposed to attend an egg hunting activity in a hotel last year but we had to scrap the plan because we had an important matter to attend to. This time around, we look forward to attending one because I'm sure Baby VS would love to wear a costume and hunt eggs. I've been scouring hotel and mall event pages to check what they have in store for the little ones this Easter. Please bookmark this page as I will keep on updating this if I see an interesting event in Metro Manila.

EDSA SHANGRI-LA


Discover mystical creatures and magical treasures hidden in the Kingdom under the deep blue sea. The Kingdom awaits all little adventurers and swashbuckling brave hearts with big, bold dreams and wild, vivid imaginings.

Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 1, 2018 Isla Grand Ballroom, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila

Enjoy live entertainment, fun-filled activities, exciting giveaways, a delicious bento box lunch, a grand dessert buffet and more!

TICKET COST Php2,200 nett per head
EARLY BIRD TICKETS at Php2,000 nett until March 16, 2018 only or, purchase four regular priced tickets and get one free!

Room packages are also available from March 24 to April 2, 2018.

Room Package A: Deluxe Garden Room at Php9,825.60 nett per night Deluxe Tower Room at Php11,053.80 nett per night

Room Package A inclusions: - Buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids below 6 years old - 2 tickets to the Kingdom Under The Sea: An Easter Adventure event

Room Package B: Deluxe Garden Room at Php13,510.20 nett per night Deluxe Tower Room at Php14,738.40 nett per night

Room Package B inclusions: - Buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids below 6 years old - 4 tickets to the Kingdom Under The Sea: An Easter Adventure event - Additional tickets at 20% discount

Please call 633 8888 or email events.esl@shangri-la.com.

Let the whole family create new memories this Easter with the hotel’s special Easter Egg Hunt! Kids will get to enjoy our giant playground of inflatables, game booths, musical show and a chance to meet and greet with Rafa the Rabbit!

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 Rizal Ballroom

Tickets are at Php 1,500 per person (adult or child) Inclusions: -Three (3) food stubs -One (1) beverage stub -One (1) loot bag giveaway -Access to Easter games and show -Access to Easter Egg Hunt

Guests staying with us from March 23 to April 1 get a special 20% discount on Easter Sunday Fair tickets. Terms and conditions apply.

For inquiries, call Events Information Center (632) 813 8888 local 74352. For room bookings, call (632) 813 8888 or email reservations.SLM@shangri-la.com

Learn more about our Easter offerings here: http://bit.ly/FamilyEasterHoliday
#RafatheRabbit #MakatiShangriLaExperience

F1 HOTEL MANILA



Join egg hunters this April 1, 2018 and let F1 Hotel take you to a jungle party this Easter Sunday at the Infinity Ballroom from 10AM-2PM. Swing through trees like Tarzan and play with your favorite safari characters in no time! Be in character as you party with us, either go Indiana Jones or be a jungle animal to get a surprise!

PRESS RELEASE FROM EASTWOOD CITY
Easter Wonderland Celebration (EWC)

Eastwood City is back with the grandest Easter Wonderland Celebration Witness the unveiling of nine Easter Worlds where kids get to explore the playful Mattel Easter Playground

As one of the Metro’s most anticipated Easter Celebrations, Eastwood City promises to bring the most extravagant Easter cheer for the entire family to enjoy after a week of solemn Catholic reflection. This year, Easter Wonderland unrolls nine different amazing worlds of Mattel brands for the kids to discover and enjoy.

Have the best Easter Sunday and explore these exciting worlds across Eastwood City: Cars, Disney Junior, Barbie Dreamtopia, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, Mega Bloks, Fisher Price, DC Super Hero Girls, and UNO.

Go on a fun hunt for colorful Easter eggs across the amazing world of Mattel and win special prizes. There are also a couple of kiddie games and activities for everyone’s enjoyment in each world. On-stage games, magic show, and a grand raffle will keep families and participants entertained throughout the program. Mattel characters will also have a surprise meet and greet on the day, so better stay tuned to find out if your favorite character is going to make a surprise appearance.

Interested kids get an Easter Playground Pass and a free toy for only P700. Hurry and get in line before anybody else before all the Easter goodies run out. Registration starts 10 am at Eastwood Mall Open Park. Easter Worlds open at 11 am. Easter activities commence at 1 pm.

For more information, please call the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Concierge at 709-9888 or 709-0888, 0917-8380111 or visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com.

Easter Wonderland becomes bigger and better with Mattel Easter Playground
Eastwood City plays host to one of the biggest and most anticipated Easter events in the Metro as it transforms to a life-size playground for the kids to play. Kids get to explore nine different exciting worlds brought by Mattel brands: Cars, Disney Junior, Barbie Dreamtopia, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, Mega Bloks, Fisher Price, DC Super Hero Girls, and UNO. Participants can explore each world and go on a fun hunt for colorful Easter eggs. Lucky participants also stand a chance to win special prizes! Registration starts 10 am, Easter Worlds open 11 am, and activities start 1 pm.


Forbes Town paints the town with Magical Rainbow Easter
It’s going to be a whimsical Easter Sunday at Forbes Town with its unicorns and mermaid inspired activities! Kids and kids at heart can indulge to their heart’s content with the following activities: costume contest, unicorn ride, dance with fairies, swim with mermaids, rainbow play, magic show, egg painting, donut styling, and more! Interested participants can register from March 23-April 1 near Robinsons Selections.

Doraemon Easter Adventure at Uptown Bonifacio
Fans of the all-time beloved anime Doraemon can head and transport to Uptown Mall and have a jolly good time egg hunting. Embark on a whole day egg hunting with Nobita and enjoy together the following activities: arts and crafts, Easter Egg DIY, Easter Egg Bowling, DIY cupcake activity, Fun Farm Photobooth, and more! Registration starts at 11am. Participants who completed all six stamps get a chance to join Doraemon and friends for a meet & greet session.


PJ Masks Easter Eggventure at Venice Grand Canal
Hop on the superhero train and have an exciting Easter Eggventure with PJ Masks at Venice Grand Canal. Shop and complete your PJ Masks toys, collectibles, and playsets from March 19 – March 31. Get a chance to meet and greet the kiddie superheroes Catboy, Owlette, and Gecko on April 1. Easter activities include: Superhero workshops, Superhero makeovers, Easter Egg Hunt, Romeo’s Science Show, and more.


Peppa Pig Easter World at Lucky Chinatown
From friendly superheroes to sibling playful antics, playtime is always fun with Peppa Pig and George at Lucky Chinatown. Play and party with Peppa Pig and enjoy eggciting kiddie booths from March 19 – April 1 with the following activities: face painting, coloring booth, Peppa’s playground, Peppa party games, peek-a-boo photobooth, and Peppa popcorn. Join them on April 1 for a Grand Easter Celebration filled with Lucky Egg Hunt, Play Pals: Kid and Dog Duo Costume Contest, and a Meet and Greet Peppa Pig and George event.


Easter Jungle Safari at Southwoods Mall
Celebrate a unique kid-friendly Easter Jungle Safari only at Southwoods Mall! Kids can escape into the wilderness with fun animal encounters, costume contest, magic show and more at Southwoods Mall. They can also look for fun treats and enjoy our safari-inspired attractions: EGGstravaHUNT and Face Painting, Bird and Reptile Viewing, Arts and Crafts, Jungle Musical Show, Game Zone, and more.


More event schedules soon...

You would think that I am a pro photographer just by reading the title of this blog but I am not. Let me clarify before I proceed that this blog post is aptly titled: 8 On Fleek Tips on Taking the Best Food Shots (A Non-Photographers Guide). Yes! That is right! If you are already a photographer I don't think this blog post is for you.

We all want to take brag-worthy photos - especially in this day and age. Grainy photographs no longer have a spot in any of our social media feed unless we purposely use a grainy filter in order to maintain an aesthetic. Regardless of skill level, we all just aim to take excellent quality photos. Gone are the days when only the photographer or the designated "picture taker" captures the memories because anyone with a smartphone can now whip it out, find a good angle, adjust the lighting, compose a shot, and boom one more photo less from our daily picture target. I'm sure you get what I mean here. There never seems to be an end of things to photograph - from the most mundane object inside the house to the most unforgettable memory we want to cherish and relive over and over again.

My blog post today aims to provide some basic tips on how to take the best food shots. I'm going to be sharing a hybrid list of tips (could be applicable to both the good old camera and our trusty smartphones). Oh and yes, please read until the end because I will be sharing a recipe that's worth the try - the pictures will speak for itself!

1. PICK A SUBJECT AND FOCUS ON IT

Many of the best food shots published in cookbooks and food magazines feature just one subject. When taking a photo of food, spend a good amount of time to compose the shot. It's not enough to just point and shoot literally. If you're taking a photo, make sure that the subject does not fill the entire frame unless you just want to zoom in to show an ingredient or two and of course, make sure that two-thirds of the photo should be negative space. Like in the photo below, you can clearly see how the focus is on the food and there's enough negative space around it. Remember that allotting negative space can make or break a photo. Keep that in mind shutterbugs, will you?
One camera phone function that we often overlook is its ability to focus on a subject just by tapping the screen on the space where you want your camera to focus. Oh and yes, after ensuring that your composition is worthy of a like or love, you can also crop the image to show a different perspective. By using photo enhancing apps/software, you can also improve the quality of a photo or just put more focus on the subject.

2. LET THERE BE LIGHT - NATURAL LIGHT

No one wants to see a dark or overexposed photo of a food and that's a fact. I'll bet my dinner for that. The best time to take food photos using natural lighting is in the morning and in the afternoon - when the sun is almost near the horizon (the magic hour as we all know it). It's really not the amount of light that we need to consider, it's always the quality that should take the podium. In the morning, right after sunrise is best as you will get just the right amount of light.
Note that if you are not a pro at handling artificial studio lights, using it to take food photos could sometimes lead to orange or yellow casts that won't do justice to your food. You should always aim to show the natural colors of the food that you are shooting. As in chocolate should be brown and not brown with a tinge of orange.

3. DETERMINE THE BEST ANGLE FOR A SPECIFIC FOOD

When shooting food, listen to your inner feeling and avoid overthinking a situation. Focus on your subject and the props you are using, identify the best angle to showcase the food, compose the shot, and move calmly as you find the best look for your food. Keep in mind though that sometimes you need to shoot freshly-cooked food and this requires fast thinking because the basil on top won't take forever to stay fresh or the steam could be gone in a few seconds.
Once you've decided on the angle, just push the shutter. Play with your camera by tilting left or right, zooming in or out, or just take the photo from a different perspective that you usually do. Have fun and a good variety of angling could lead to you taking the best photos than you ever imagined.

4. USE PROPS (FOOD STYLING)

Arrange your food neatly and use props that are related to the food. You don't want to have a book on how to butcher a cow when you are photographing freshly-baked salmon. You also don't want your creamy polenta to come out like a huge blob of yellow puke in the middle of the plate. You know what I mean? There's nothing worse than a photo of a messy food on a plate with the elements all over the place. Arranging the food can create visual interest and thus make your food look better and more delicious. A good eye for detail and composition will also come into play as you consider the props.
5. DON'T FORGET THE BACKGROUND - STICK TO NEUTRALS

Steer clear of super busy backgrounds. Make the food the center of every food shot of course. Make it the focal point or compose the shot where the eyes are led to the food. Heavy decorations or too much clutter in the background or a background with so many shapes and illustrations could make the photo cluttered and all over the place. It is always best to keep it to a minimum especially when deciding on a background. Less is more so they say...
6. CREATE A STORY

Believe it or not, a photo of a food can evoke different kinds of emotions. With the use of props, the food itself, background, lighting among other things, you can create an exciting story to convey to your audience and that is essentially the essence of food photography.
To make a photo a little bit interesting, photographers add hands, mouth or any part of the body associated with eating food in food photos. I have seen this technique wonderfully used in the past year or so. I think adding a human element can make the photo pop and creates a sense of presence for the viewer. It's like a POV (point of view) kind of photo sometimes.

8. USE BUILT-IN PHOTO EDITING OR APPS USING YOUR SMARTPHONE

With all the challenges posed by photography depending on camera or smartphone used or of course the human factor (the person taking the photo) - not vivid enough, not sharp enough, neede cropping, needs a filter for a little more drama, photo editing apps are heaven sent!
Of course, you have to begin with using a photo that could capture details so clearly and which boosts an ultra-sensitive f/2.0 aperture like Oppo F5.  You can then use the built-in photo editing tool to fine-tune your photo. If you are not contented with the beautiful photos and still want to take it up a notch, then a photo editing app is at your disposal. But be cautious in using too much filter - you don't want your freshly-cooked spaghetti to look like it has seen better days. For food it is also advisable to make the photo look softer, just a tad bit increase on the saturation and warmer temperature.

Oh yay! You're still reading up to this point! To reward you for patiently reading this blog post, here's a recipe of gourmet tuyo that I am sure you would love to make again and again because it's super easy and it does not require Masterchef-level skills to make. Ready? CLICK THIS LINK

NOW, WHAT GADGET SHOULD YOU USE? 

Now if you want me to recommend a smartphone that you could use to take mouth-watering food photos (aside from the thousands of selfies of course), I would highly recommend Oppo F5 because the built-in camera is just amazing.

Read more about the specs of Oppo F5 HERE. The phone comes in my super favorite color - RED, and it is also available in two other colors:
Do you have other tips and tricks on how to capture the best food shots? I would love to know. Please comment down below so we can exchange ideas. And before I finally end this post, let me invite you to visit my cooking/baking/meal delivery IG feed - FOODINMYLUNCHBOX

DISCLOSURE: This is my entry to the Nuffnang PH x Oppo F5 Red Blog Contest. I was not paid to write this blog post but I have a chance to win my very own Oppo F5 in my favorite color. I own a few of the photos featured in this post and some were copied from the Oppo website, as well as HauteStock and Stocksnap.io. There is no affiliate link included in this blog post.

If you are a big fan of rollercoaster rides then trust me when I say that being a parent is comparable to a very challenging ride with loops and turns - from the moment you find out that you are pregnant, to the moment that your sense of smell and taste start to betray you, to the times when queasiness or hurling becomes a daily routine, up to the time when your little ones just never stops making a mess at home yet they become everything you live for. Through all these, there are so many memorable experiences that happen along the way but the most unforgettable would be what it was like to give birth. You will never truly understand it completely when you haven't given birth to another human being and arguably it is one of the most underrated experiences known to us.

Childbirth is very common and it happens every second and every minute of the day in different parts of the world, it is in fact, one of the most beautiful experiences that a woman could ever go through. As they say, it is like one of a mother's feet is already in a grave but when you survive it, the profoundness of the experience trumps all the challenges. Childbirth as much as pregnancy should be celebrated because it is not an easy feat to carry another human being through pregnancy and then eventually deliver the baby when it is due.



I personally consider the birth of my little darling daughter, Viktoria Summer, as my most memorable experience with a loved one. Her birth completed me and it was an instant love affair as soon as I cradled her in my arms as soon as she came out of my womb. I did my best to plan for everything from pregnancy to childbirth but nothing could have prepared me for the adventure and fulfillment I felt for bringing her into this world. It was difficult, bittersweet, and extremely fulfilling. I have no words to accurately describe the feeling!

THIS IS MY BIRTH STORY

The birth of my daughter was the happiest and most terrifying day of my life thus far. For one, watching One Born Every Minute while I was pregnant did more harm than good to me (only because I am scared at the sight of blood and needles and all that) and two just the thought of delivering a new human being out into our world is just plain terrifying and too tall an order. I feel I did a pretty good job amidst all the health conditions that I had to go through though and today I want to share with you the story, my story, our story.

Our baby's due date was initially pegged on February 14, 2015 but after my last scan indicated that she was ready to go out and it was a bit risky to wait for her due date because of her size and the other complications and risks that shrouded my pregnancy.

I had three biophysical profile prenatal test to check on my baby's well-being in a span of two weeks conducted by three different doctors - Dra. Sandee Go, Dra. Jocelyn Bambalan and Dra. Christine Tantoco. Baby scored 8/8 on all tests except that her estimated weight was constantly increasing. My OB-Gyn Dra. Karen Alessandra Torredes discussed the possibility of delivering through cesarian section to me on my last visit as I was only 1cm dilated on my first internal exam and then progressed to 2cm after a week and that my cervix is still thick and baby's position is still not birth ready. She recommended natural ways to induce birth such as walking, having sex as sperm contains prostaglandin that causes the cervix to ripen and she also recommended the use of evening primrose oil capsules. See, I had gestational diabetes mellitus so it's a little bit risky to go beyond the 40th week although I made it clear that I really would try to give birth without undergoing a major operation, I wanted to experience the act of "pushing".

Labor Induction

I would usually feel contractions at night - most were Braxton Hicks though but I appreciated each and every contraction. I stayed up late so I can time contractions or I would be awakened by stronger than normal contractions in between baby's kicks and rolls and hiccups. I did basically all the normal things that I do daily and we even went out of town to finally close the deal on the parcel of land that we had our eyes on. When we got home, I danced and danced to induce labor as advised by my cousin, Kate. I was hoping that my bag of waters will break or the bloody show would finally show up as I danced but nothing happened and it looked like baby held on to her position and didn't want to move down.

I was both excited and nervous at the thought of labor because as a first-time mom I really didn't know what to expect aside from the stories of labor that I have read or heard. A couple of days passed and so on February 9, I sent a message to my OB-Gynecologist and told her that I am ready to be induced to labor. As soon as we got to the St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City High-Risk Pregnancy Unit and got our room, doctors and nurses started attending to me and my situation. I was hooked up to an electronic fetal monitor that picked up my baby's heartbeat and recorded the frequency and power of my contractions.

I went in 3cm dilated/40% effaced and with moderate contractions. After about 4 hours, evening primrose oil was inserted to my cervix to hasten it to ripen all the while monitoring my blood sugar level as well. Before midnight, I progressed to 4cm/60% effaced. As I was progressing very very slowly, my doctor deemed it necessary to augment my labor by giving me oxytocin (pitocin). My contractions improved but baby just won't budge as I was still 4cm/60% effaced at dawn of February 10. Just after breakfast, my doctor came by to ask me if I still want to try to deliver normally. I said yes with much gusto and prayed again when she left. I also talked to my husband and that's when we both decided that if around noon there would still be no progress then we will opt to deliver via C-section.

Biggest Decision

When I was checked around noon and still with no progress noted, I finally resigned to the fact that I will be cut open. I was scared and terrified but I have to trust the expertise of my doctor. I just wasn't prepared to go under the knife. I distracted my thoughts by watching TV and talking to my husband, my uncle and my sister. A couple of hours before the scheduled operation, I asked my nurse to unhook me from the fetal monitor so I can shower. I knew I would not be able to shower immediately after the surgery so I was so happy when I was cleared to shower.

Around fifteen minutes before my scheduled delivery (5PM), the anesthesiologist came in to interview me and he asked the usual questions and I had a chance to ask questions as well. At exactly 5PM, I was asked to prep for the procedure (wear a hospital gown, remove all undergarments, and remove all jewelry) and two nurses wheeled me to the delivery room. I was laughing nervously as I said my goodbyes to my husband, sister, and uncle. We entered the room at 5:15 and was promptly transferred to the operating table. I was cleaned up and given spinal anesthetic, which removed the feeling from my waist down. I remained awake while they cut me through to get Summer out. I liked how the anesthesiologist assured me that all is well and that my vitals are looking good. I was staring at the lights above me all the while praying that I will be able to go through the operation successfully and that my baby will be safe and healthy.

"Baby Out"

At 6:03PM of February 10, I heard the doctors announce that baby is already out. I was overcome with emotion and tears started to well up. I cried and cried and the anesthesiologist was nice enough to wipe my tears. I didn't know if I cried silently or I sobbed. I knew my heart skipped a beat at that moment. I still cry every time I remember it.

After 39 weeks and 6 days inside my womb, our "lille smuk pige" Viktoria Summer, finally came - 52 cms long and weighed 7.11 lbs. She was checked, cleaned, weighed and a lot of other standard steps before she was made to latch on to me. I started to tear up again as I kissed my baby daughter for the very first time. I knew she was worth every single medical condition I had to go through my pregnancy. She looked so beautiful, so precious and she is my daughter.

But the ordeal didn't end there, the doctors still had to check Summer's blood sugar level to ensure that she was not severely affected by my gestational diabetes. We were wheeled to the recovery room and that's where they pricked her heel to get a wee amount of blood to check. I was torn when she cried in pain but relieved to know that she is perfectly healthy and that she is not hypoglycemic.

We were both wheeled to our room six hours after birth. I threw up on the way because of the anesthesia and I felt itchy because of the morphine administered to me. I felt so groggy but overflowing with happiness. My husband was overcome with his emotions too and cried as soon as he saw his baby daughter. Oh, such pure joy! We now have our own unit we will call family.

HOW IS IT MEMORABLE?

1. LABOR PAINS AND THE WAITING GAME



I have read a lot of horror stories involving labor pains and since I did not experience the pain on different levels, the feeling of anticipation was just too much for me. I'm lucky to have a very strong tolerance for pain thus if not for the fetal monitors attached to my belly, I could not have known I was supposed to be in some level of pain already. The thing that was memorable about the labor process was the waiting, it took us more than a day in the hospital before I delivered my baby via c-section. It felt like forever waiting inside the High-Risk Pregnancy Unit.

Oh, and yes, this is not meant to scare anybody but it felt like I literally lost all dignity in a day after several doctors had to check on me to see how dilated I am already. I'm sure a lot of moms who gave birth could relate to what I just said. But I couldn't care less anyway, I was just too excited to finally deliver my baby and meet her for the first time. I was ready to fall in-love with her. Then again I take that back - I already love her as soon as I found out that I was pregnant.  Every minute seemed like hours already passed. My husband and I had little to no sleep throughout the whole ordeal but we kept our spirits up. We were extremely taken by anticipation. We couldn't wait to hold our baby for the very first time. At the back of our heads, this I am sure, we were thinking about the possibility of complications either to me or Summer. Her blood sugar level was at risk and had to be closely checked and monitored

2. SEEING MY LITTLE DAUGHTER FOR THE FIRST TIME - LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

What could be more memorable than delivering another human being from inside the womb to the outside world?

I still remember that very moment (although I could not remember how I became so yellow in the photo to be honest). The moment I heard my doctor announce that the baby was out, I started to cry. I was extremely ecstatic to see my baby come out. Her first cry were music to my ears. I had to ask if her toes and fingers complete because I felt that she was not well-nourished because I had hyperemesis gravidarum and if you have it, you won't be able to hold down basically anything you eat or drink and that includes the vitamins and other medications I took. Too complicated alright! But that made all these ordeal worth it, it made being a mother for the first time that much special!

I could not recall who handed her to me already. It was all a blur. As soon as she was placed next to me and eventually put on my chest and latched for the first time, it was moments filled with nothing but pure bliss. I felt fulfilled! I felt like I have found my purpose. I was filled with love that I could not even imagine where it's coming from. All I know is that this special little girl will be showered with so much love for as long as I live. No words can accurately describe this feeling, the moment is always magical - something I will never ever forget. Maybe if you are reading this and you want to know exactly how I felt, have a talk with your mom and ask her the first time she saw and held you in her arms.

3. CUTTING THE CORD

My husband did not want to cut the cord. Yes, he was so scared to do it because he did not want to commit a mistake. Up to the time that I was already in labor, he was so adamant not to be the one to cut it and just leave the process to the experts. So imagine my surprise when he was there to cut the cord at the delivery room. I guess his parent instinct kicked in and he mustered all the courage to do what almost every father wants to do to be a part of the birthing process. And so he did, and did it quite successfully.

Cutting the cord signifies the release of the baby from the womb and to welcome our little bundle of joy to the real world. I'm sure this is also one of my husband's unforgettable experience - something that he will always remember, something that will always move him each time he recalls it.

Up to now though he still tells me how happy he is that he let go of his fears and just did what he had to do and be a part of our daughter's birth.


4. HUSBAND WITH FIRST BORN

As soon as I was wheeled to our private room from the recovery room, I immediately requested to see photos and when I saw this photo of my husband holding our little pride and joy, I lost it! I cried tears of joy. Even though I carried Summer for nine months inside my womb, the bond between father and daughter is and will always be undeniably present. This moment right here is something so vividly inscribed in my memory.

I am very blessed to have a very supportive husband by my side while I was undergoing the operation inside the delivery room. He allowed me to rest and he carried our baby through the night and only gave to me when she needed to latch. Though he was sleepless and tired from the whole ordeal, he knew that what I had to go through (being cut open) was not easy.

Seeing this photo always brings me back to that evening of February 10, 2015 - the day of my most memorable experience. I may go through it again or maybe it could be the first and the last but one thing is for sure the experience will never be forgotten. I will always have a story to tell - the story when my daughter's life started the day she was born.


Looking back to that day, I wish my husband carried a smaller camera inside the delivery room. He had a DSLR with him and it was too bulky for him plus he wasn't really into photography so he didn't care about the lights and taking the right angles, composing the shot, etc. In fact, there was a moment that he gave the nurse the camera and she did the clicking. I wish we could have had a smaller camera with a very good resolution to capture the moment.

I guess I know now what to include in my hospital checklist when I have to go through childbirth again. I'm adding #OppoF5 to my list so it's more practical to carry and it would take better quality photos and not capture me looking all too yellow under the operating room lights. For now, I can always use the phone to capture more memories with our little darling who just turned three less than a week ago. #CaptureTheRealYou

A couple of months after I gave birth, I decided to give up my corporate career to be more present for my little daughter. I knew she needed me more than ever in her growing up years and it was a decision that I have never regretted even just once. There are boring moments at home especially when I miss working in an office setting but for now, I just choose to love, be grateful, and be more present in my daughter's life.

Fast forward three years from 2015 and we now have a little toddler that always fill our lives with love. How can you not love this pretty little miss?


Part of the plan for 2018 is to continue making memories and continue capturing memories through photos. I am saving to buy a new smartphone that would deliver excellent quality photos especially so that the little one loves posing for photos already. Just look at her photos during her pre-birthday shoot.

NOW THAT WE'RE DONE WITH MY BIRTH STORY, LET'S TALK ABOUT OPPO F5 RED

The #OppoF5 is nothing short of stunning. First, I am sold with the color RED because if you know me you will know that I love red so much. The AI (artificial intelligence) technology included in the phone lets you take beautiful selfies. With its FHD+ screen you can never go wrong. Its smooth all-around performance lets you seamlessly switch between multiple apps as it is powered by an octa-core processor, along with 6GB of RAM. It also has a 64GB internal memory. Perfect size for storing loads of photos and videos if I may say so. The 20MP AI Beauty Front Camera is arguably my favorite feature. Read more about the phone specs HERE.



DISCLOSURE: This is my entry to the Nuffnang PH x Oppo F5 Red Blog Contest. I was not paid to write this blog post but I have a chance to win my very own Oppo F5 in my favorite color. I own a few of the photos featured in this post and some were copied from the Oppo website, as well as PicJumbo and HauteStock. There is no affiliate link included in this blog post.