Sabado de Gloria malling (a.k.a. palamig sa SM)

Para kaming nasa pressure cooker sa bahay. Summer na talaga! Para makatipid sa kuryente, we just decided to go to SM North yesterday para mag palamig. And because it's a holiday, nakahanap nanaman ng reason ang SM para gumastos - opo sale nanaman sila.

Well actually aside from wallowing in their airconditioning, we really had a purpose to go there. We had to buy a gift for R's cousin C, who will be celebrating her 1st birthday today. That's why we'll be in Fun Ranch, Alabang later. Also, R needs new AVENT nipples (nginat-ngat nanaman niya kasi).

First stop was Baby Company. We bought the AVENT nipples for R (Fast flow no. 4) as well as for baby JD (Newborn flow no. 1) buti sale. Also, we stocked up on AVENT Tempo liners, sale din kasi. I'll also blog about that amazing bottle, yun kasi ung nagtawid samin sa mga out-of-town trips and Hong Kong trip namin.

I saw this newborn, co-sleeping bed/mattress. Try ko pagawa sa shop nila Mama for baby JD. Mas madali kasi pagkatabi lang sa bed pag nagbre-breastfeed. 

Then we bought a cute outfit for R's cousin. And because we reached a certain amount, we were able to bring home this free toy caddy:

We had merienda at Burger King. As usual, R snacked on the fries. She also asked us to buy popcorn nung naamoy niya un sa may cinema area.

Afterwards, we went for R's usual amusement area rides. Mababaw lang ang kaligayahan ng anak ko. I'm lucky hindi sya ung tipo ng bata na pagnasa mall eh pabili ng laruan. Pasakayin mo lang sa carousel, masaya na yan.

I easily get tired nowadays, maybe because I'm towards my third trimester. So after just a few hours, hay hirap na ko maglakad. Nagyaya na ko umuwi. Mama texted us nga lang to go to the supermarket to buy ingredients for tomorrow's Sunday lunch. We bought those on the way nalang, sa Monterey and Savemore. Mama will be cooking lengua kasi for Easter Sunday (special request ni Papa). I'll post in a separate entry the recipe as well. Recipe pa un ng lola ko and it's one of the family's favorite dishes.

We had dinner last night in Mama's house and prayed together as a family for Papa's healing. Papa's been having fever again since the other night. Hope he gets better.

So that's how our Black Saturday went. 

Papa's surprise 60th Birthday party

Before the month of March ends (my father's birth month), I'd like to post this entry on Papa's 60th birthday celebration last year. I really had fun with my mom preparing for this surprise party.

On the day of his actual birthday, after mass, we had lunch at Yakimix para akalain ni Papa un na ung celebration namin. Little did he know we were preparing for a big celebration in the evening. Kinunchaba namin si Tito Tony and Tita Phines para yayain siya in the evening para sila namang friends ang magcelebrate kuno. Yun pala dadalhin si Papa dun sa venue at sisigaw kami lahat ng "surprise"! Classic lang noh?!

 
So here are the details of Papa's surprise 60th birthday party:

Venue: We held it at Tramway Garden Buffet in Timog. You will see in my other posts na medyo favorite lang naman namin tong place na to for various celebrations (dito rin ginawa ung surprise 60th in Mama at ung binyag ni R). It's so affordable here kasi and the buffet dishes are quite extensive. Buffet is at Php338 per head. We also rented their center function room for Php3,500 which can comfortably sit 100 guests.

Menu:
Staple Dishes: Yang Chow Fried Rice, Pancit Canton Guisado / Pasta
7 Main Dishes: (Examples: Steamed Fish, Sweet & Sour Pork, Vegetable w/ garlic, Fried Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Fried Wanton, Pork Tendon)
Side Dishes: California Maki, Fried Pao, Century Egg, Japanese Steamed Egg, Chinese Dimsum, Vegetable Salad, Tossed Lettuce/Carrots/Cucumbers/Onions (Salad Dressing: Thousand Island Sauce), Macaroni Salad
Dessert: Seasonal Fresh Fruits (Examples:Watermelon/Papaya/Pineapple), Buchi, Ginataan

Decors and cake: These were all DIYs. The poster and balloons were care of Tita Phines. As for the cake, we just bought a chocolate cake from Red Ribbon and I printed a caricature of Papa.

Program:
After shouting "surprise!" We blessed the food and enjoyed the sumptuous feast. Then we showed an AVP which I prepared: 

Click here to see the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8UQT8INu_A&feature=youtu.be

Then came honoring speeches from our relatives and Papa's friends from way back and those from the Couples for Christ community. First was Tito Ernie, who described him as McGyver, the handyman. Tito Danny naman described his brother as caring to his siblings with a strong unshakeable faith that lead to his healing. My Lola Anita described him as loving son-in-law, even joking that he was more concerned with her than her own children. She also told us that when Papa courted Mama, he also courted Lola as well by bringing her flowers and seafoods. Then came speeches from Tito Benny (my mom's eldest brother), Couples for Christ leaders, Tito Boy (our neighbor), Tito Danny D. (who equated Papa's friendship to gold), Tito Tony (one of Papa's closest friends), who made jokes about being a senior citizen. Tito Lito followed (another close friend of Papa), then Daddy A, me, then my brother, and lastly Mama who described Papa as unselfish and kind. Papa then thanked everyone and blew his cake. We and all the guests then extended our hands for the blessing of the celebrant.

Ang sarap pala mag60th birthday. Mas masaya pa kesa sa 7th birthday, sweet 16th or debut. It's where you'll learn if you've already made a difference in this world, how many lives you have touched and if there's still more you need to accomplish. Exciting din kasi may senior citizen discount card ka na at libreng makakapanuod ng sine sa Q.C.!

Life begins at 60 pala.

Our annual Stations of the Cross and reflections

Yesterday, Maundy Thursday, our family visited 7 churches (technically 8, I'll tell you later) for our annual Stations of the Cross. This year Daddy A decided that we visit the churches that we used to visit during our BF/GF days (eto ung sinasabi kong nagvivisita Iglesia kami for our Saturdates here).

We started off the first two stations at the Sto. Domingo church (or the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary) in Quezon Ave. We even got to tour their museum (it was free of charge).

Interiors and facade

 Inside the museum. L-R: Priestly vestments, Christ contemplates His impending passion and death; The La Naval

1st Station: The Last Supper
Personal reflection: Lord forgive us for the times we have failed to appreciate your gift of self to us. You remain with us, but we rarely acknowledge that and only turn to you when we are desperate and in need.

2nd Station: The Agony in the Garden
Personal reflection: You were alone O Lord in the garden of Gethsemani, agonizing your impending death. Yet you never fail to comfort us in times of sorrow and despair.

For the next two stations, we visited Sta. Teresita parish in Mayon, Q.C. This church is very special to me, as my patron saint is St. Therese of the Child Jesus. A lot of times during our college days, Daddy A and I would hear mass here. St. Therese has powerfully interceded for me countless times in my life. As gratitude, I named R after her. I shall write more about St. Therese in another post.

 Inside Sta. Teresita Parish

Me & R outside with St. Therese of the Child Jesus

3rd Station: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

Personal reflection: Sorry for the times we were quick to judge others and how easily we fall prey to gossiping.

4th Station: The Scourging and Crowning with Thorns

Personal reflection: You endured unimaginable sufferings and never did complain. Samantalang kami, konting kibot lang sa katawan, a little hardship at work and some minor trials in life, feeling pinabayaan na.

For the next stations, we proceeded to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Retiro, Q.C.

5th Station: Jesus Receives the Cross
Personal reflection: You without sin accepted to carry the cross for our own. Yet when we are given our own crosses to bear, we even question You at times. Sorry Lord.

6th Station:  Jesus Falls under the weight of the Cross
Personal reflection: When we stumble and fall, forgive us Lord. And when our brothers and sisters seem unable to carry the burden of their trials, we pray we won't let them down as well.

We then reached UST chapel, another dear church to Daddy A and I. A lot of memories took place here, and of course, this was where we got married. Andami rin tao dito yesterday.

7th Station: Simon of Cyrene carries the Cross of Jesus
Personal reflection: Make us like Simon Lord, who without question, carried the cross for others.

8th Station: Jesus meets the pious women of Jerusalem
Personal reflection: Lord, these women were sincere in their sorrow for you. We pray likewise to be sensitive and empathize enough to help others who are suffering: the poor, the sick, the hopeless.

The next churches we visited were the twin churches in Bustillos: Our Lady of Loreto and St. Anthony of  Padua parish. Even Daddy A still doesn't know upto this day why these two churches stand so close together. We were only able to finish two stations here because there were so many people.

Our Lady of Loreto on the left and St. Anthony of Padua on the right

9th Station:  Jesus is nailed to the Cross

Personal reflection: Lord grant us the grace to do our duties out of love, even if it should entail pain/suffering that resembles the crucifixion.

10th Station: The Repentant Thief

Personal reflection: Lord we pray for true contrition, like the repentant thief. Hindi ung tuwing Semana Santa lang kami magpapakabait. Also grant us the grace to be forgiving when others have done us wrong.

Our next stop was our beloved Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy. It was surprising to see the pictures of my parents in the bulletin board. They are currently head of the family & life ministry. I really pray Papa gets well soon so he could go back to serving the Lord.

11th Station: Mary and John at the foot of the Cross

Personal reflection: How deep was Mama Mary's agony seeing You suffering. Lord I pray that You continue to bless and protect my children. I could never bear to witness my children in such a painful and heart-breaking state.

12th Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

Personal reflection: Father into Your hands we also commend our spirits. May we be faithful to You, all the days of our lives.

We finished the last two stations at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Claret. We even saw our couple friends R and O with their eldest son. Si R naman, eto knock-out sa pagod:

13th Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

Personal reflection: You are like a precious treasure placed in a chest, as we wait for Your coming.

14th Station: Jesus Rises from the Death

Personal reflection: Your resurrection Lord is a challenge to all of us, to rise from the death of sin to a life of grace.

Thank you Lord for saving us all over again.

Blogs which I love and inspire me

Why did I get into blogging in the first place? Like I said in my very first post, I loved keeping a private journal. But upon googling stuff, I stumbled upon these fascinating blogs that really inspired me to share my own experiences to the world. Because maybe, just like them, I may be able to bring joy and insights to someone else.

So here are the top blogs I follow:

Mommy Fleur - I can relate to Mrs. Fleur Sombrero so much as a working mom and wife. We have a lot of similarities. We both got married in 2009. We both have wonderful two year old daughters. Most of her experiences, I have gone through as well. I just love her writing style, simpleng kwento lang, no fuss, no pretenses, so real and true. She inspired me to blog my everyday happenings. Despite winning blog awards, she still maintains a warm and down-to-earth disposition. She even gives tips and advices to aspiring bloggers like me. Check out her site: http://mommyfleur.blogspot.com/

Oh My Buhay - Mrs. Annie Tan-Yee is a self-made woman. Siya ang peg ko 15-20 years from now. She's a caring wife and has brought up level-headed and well-mannered children (girl and boy din like mine). Despite being rich, beautiful and elegant, you can feel how down-to-earth she is that's why she captures all kinds of readers. She writes anything from the mundane to serious issues and current events and also provides comic relief in her blog. See more about that here: http://www.ohmybuhay.com/

Patty Laurel - Well who doesn't know Mrs. Patty Laurel-Filart? I still recall during my college days how I've been girl-crushing on her on screen as a UAAP courtside reporter. She's my travel, beauty and fashion peg. You could also see in her blog, a lady who was brought up well, spiritual, and humble despite being blessed with beauty and brains. Aside from her travel stories, I love her posts on wedding planning and now her newlywed stories. I'm sure most of you know her site: http://www.pattylaurel.com/

Daphne - Again, who also doesn't know Mrs. Daphne Osena-Paez. Her blog is just a collage of all beautiful things about home design/decor, furniture, jewelry and fashion. I've been a fan since her Urban Zone days, which my mom and I would stay up to watch (my mom's an interior designer kasi). I also love her stories on her children wherein you could see how she encourages them to make a difference in this world. Visit her well-known site at: http://daphne.ph/

The Busy Budgeting Mama - Natalie's blog just caught my eye for the love of beautiful DIYs. She's an amazing homemaker who handles three kids (I can't imagine myself now with two, and with househelp at that!). I love the toys and other cute stuff she creates for her kids. She styles any party for any occasion with a practical budget yet they turnout sooo beautiful. Besides all of that, she's very spiritual and you could see how she brings up her family very well. Check out her beautiful blog here: http://www.thebusybudgetingmama.com/

There you have it, the blogs that have inspired me share to you all how Lei Loves Life. =)

Coping with common work challenges

What a hectic 3-day work week it was! But I'd rather be tired those three days than work 'til the holidays.

Because "Stress Drilon", "Hagardo Verzoza", at "Pagoda Cold Wave Lotion" ako nowadays, I decided to release stress through my words and write this post on common challenges at work and how to cope. By the way, if anyone I work with reads this, wala po akong personally pinatatamaan. These are general views which I believe are experienced by anyone who works in any field or any type of workplace.

Here they are:
1.  Unreasonable and challenging boss - For me, with every person you meet, you need to try and understand their personality. If you can learn about their background or life story go ahead. It will give you an insight on their character. Like if you have a demanding boss, try to assess why they are like that. Most probably they worked their ass off to reach their position and state in life, and probably they see some potential in you that's why they challenge you to the brink. But remember also, challenging is different from being rude and abusive. If your dignity and self-respect are battered to the ground, it's time to think things through. Is this the kind of person I look up to and would want to work with, or worse, be like in the future? Remember, we tend to get traits from the people we look up to. If you have an understanding and unselfish boss, you tend to be like that to your staff too, or the other way around.

2.  Demanding clients/war-freak contacts - When you are in the service industry, there are just clients who think they not only paid for your services but for you as well. These are those who expect you to be at their beck and call, as if your banyo time is being paid too. Sometimes naman ung direct contact mo sa office nila mga super antipatika na susungitan ka everytime you ask information from them. Hello! If you're a consultant, or auditor, or researcher, natural na manghihingi ka na documents or magtatanong ka ng information. Trabaho lang po, kaya gawin mo rin ung sayo. Kaya ka nga inappoint na contact eh. (Parang may pinaghuhugutan hehe)

Well in my opinion, pagsinungitan ka ng mga taong ito, deadma nalang (kakarmahin din yan, mag LBM yan or magka pimples yan for ilang days - sumpain ba? hehe). For clients, try to address their concerns right away. Whether it be a call or an email, try to respond to them, specially if you cannot accommodate their request as soon as possible.

To serve people takes dignity and intelligence. But remember, they are only people with money. And although we serve them, we are not their servants. What we do, does not define who we are. What defines us is how well we rise after falling. - Lionel from the movie Maid in Manhattan

3.  Backstabbers and crabs - Eto na ung mga may crab-mentality. Pagchichismisan ka nila pag coffee break o sisiraan ka sa boss. For me, kahit anong paninira ng mga yan, if your work output is really great, it will show. Ika nga ng kanta ni Rihanna, "shine bright like a diamond". Mag ning-ning ka sa trabaho mo at hayaan mo sila mainggit hehe. Kidding aside, just try to do your best in everything you do and work for God's greater glory and He will give you what you deserve. If you also have friends in the workplace who are achievers, be happy for them as well, maya ilibre ka pa pag na promote sila =).

4.  Tight deadlines - Hay eto ang pinaka kalaban ng mga working moms/dads. Tipong wala ka ng magagawa sa deadline dahil set na talaga un at hindi na mauurong. For me it's really just about focusing on your goal and finishing your task. I'd rather work overtime on weekdays matapos lang ung work, than compromise my weekends and holidays with family. Just concentrate on your work/task at hand and avoid unecessary activities (e.g. internet, chikahan).

It's truly a great blessing to have work which provides for your family's needs. But don't also compromise your health, your sanity and most of all those that really matter to you - your loved ones. Pray for patience, a strong mind and body, and offer your work to God.

Image from the web

Happy 61st Birthday Papa!

Papa and Mama were both born in the year of the dragon. Last year, I really had fun preparing for both their surprise 60th birthdays (I will post these in other entries).

A lot would say dragon babies are swerte. Kaya nga last year andaming naghabol gumawa ng dragon baby. I myself would like to think it's more than luck, they're made of something else. Well based lang naman yan sa experience ko of having both parents that were born in that year. They are tender hearted yet strong in mind and character. They also emerged as survivors eventhough faced with the hardest of trials.

Since it's Papa's birthday today, I'd like to honor him first by sharing things about him. These are traits that inspired me and molded me into the person I am now.

1. It was with Papa that I learned the value of parent and child bonding. Yung simpleng samahan lang sya pagmay errand, he already calls that bonding. He would just ask us to accompany him to the bank or store, and he'd say "tara bonding tayo", then we'll go for meryenda afterwards. Isang favorite ko ung pagpunta namin sa Joe Kuan after he picks me up from school. I loved reading the Pupung comic strips sa balot nila ng siopao kasi.
2. Papa taught me the true meaning of serving the Lord. Papa was either head of the prison ministry, family ministry, or whatever projects in our Church. When I was in my teens, I had the privilege of tagging along his various endeavors. We got to visit the women inmates in Camp Karingal. I also had a chance to see him visit the sick and give Holy Communion to them. He also guides the parents of the Church's scholars, that encouraged me to tutor the children scholars during Saturdays back when I was in college. Our house was also literally a home for the homeless or a diner for the hungry, eventhough we ourselves were not that well-off and you would say "gipit" at times.
3. Papa also showed us the true meaning of sibling love. One time he was critically ill because of food poisoning that he almost died. He managed to utter the words "Lord not yet, my brothers and sisters still need me". He would give anything for his brothers and sisters. He showed how much he loved my dear aunt and cared for her until her dying days. Even another uncle who was, well, the black sheep of the family was never spared of my father's care and support until that uncle died just last year.
4. Papa is a survivor, many times in the past his life was in peril. The most notable was his first cancer diagnosis in 2009, which is now back after almost four years. But everyday he shows how he struggles to fight this dreaded disease. 
5. Lastly, because of Papa, I learned to rely on myself. There will really be times when I would have no one to turn to and I just have to do it myself. Papa taught me how to drive stick shift. I also learned how to tread/swim in deep waters because of him. Being the handyman that he is, we never have to call for a carpenter, plumber or electrician. 

Before, birthdays to me were something to be excited about, basically a cause for celebration. But now they mean so much more. I call them another miracle, another chance, another reason to live life fully. To you Papa, who have shown me the true meaning of life, Happy 61st Birthday! I believe in God that there will be many more we'll share. I love you. Thank you Lord for this day.

Derma and Manila Zoo

Since R graduated from her 2nd semester in Kindermusik last week, we had our Saturday free. Daddy A also didn't have work so pasyal mode kami.

First, we headed to R's pedia. We had to have her rashes and wounds in her fingers and toes checked already cause it was getting worse. I believe she inherited her Tito C's (my one and only brother) skin asthma. It starts out with tiny water-filled bumps (butlig-butlig) that are very itchy. Then when she scratches it, comes the abrasions. The skin then dries up and cracks then has lesions.

Upon seeing R's skin condition, the pedia referred us to another pediatric dermatologist. The Cocolife representative then referred us to Dra. Melissa Lazaro. Good thing she had clinic hours at that time. We had lunch first because the line was long and knowing derm clinics, waiting time is long because some patients have treatments, unlike with pedias or OBs na check-up/consultations lang. 

When it was our turn, Dra. examined R's condition and first thing she asked "may pinagmanahan?" I was right she really inherited skin asthma from her tito. She said the lesions can be treated and there are ointments and lotions for the itchy butligs and cracked skin. Also, through time it can be outgrown or can come back with certain triggers like food or stress). Naawa naman ako sa baby ko, babae pa naman. Kung pwede lang akuin. =(

Anyway, Dra. was very assuring and mabait, she said she also experienced it and her kids inherited it as well. She gave her prescription of anthihistamine, soap, lotion and ointments, as well as banig slippers (no rubber slippers daw). And here they are:

Sabi ni Daddy A, "anak ang mahal ng balat mo". Oo nga eh kakapost ko palang dito about how low maintenance my skin is, bumawi naman sa anak ko. 

Anyway, after the hospital, we headed straight to Manila Zoo for our weekend family bonding. Our last time here was in 2006, BF/GF palang kami ni Daddy A nun. Well it seems not much has changed in the last 7 years. There were really more animals when we were kids in the 80's. But at least for posterity, I was able to bring my daughter to that iconic place.

Left: Mommy Lei at 2 years old with a real giraffe in Manila Zoo; Right: R at 2 years old, with fake giraffe in Manila Zoo.

Entrance there was at Php40 per adult and Php20 for children 2 years and below. We first saw Mali, the 38-year old elephant from Sri-Lanka. R kept saying "hi elephant". I said "what's the elephant eating?" She said "flowers".

Next, we saw the reptiles. R was kind of scared in this section when she saw the iguanas and big lizards. Takot kasi sya sa butiki. We then saw the crocodiles. It was amazing that R recognizes the animals' names too. We also saw the mammals (hippo, monkeys, zebras, horses, deer, goat, tigers) as well as the birds (serpent eagles, peacocks, ostrich, etc.).

Top (L-R): Large pythons; Anak ka ba ni Lolong?; Hippo is enjoying the water in this heat

Middle (L-R): Native zebra?; Bat parang puro pwet lang nakukuhanan ko?; Ibong mang may layang lumipad

Bottom (L-R): Magjowang tamaraw; Hello there big bird; Man-made lake where you can go boating

Overall, my family had a good time. It was nice to share this place with R which we once enjoyed as kids.

Our Family's Vision Board

If I recall correctly, in college, a professor once told us the secret to realizing our goals and dreams. This was long before the bestseller book "The Secret" came out. He said you have to envision yourself attaining them, literally grasping them in your hands, seeing yourself accomplishing your goal, and living in it. He even asked us to list 100 things we want to achieve before we die. In couple of years before you know it, you would have accomplished half of that list.

Unfortunately, I cannot find that list anymore. But you know what, I still recall some of the items there and to tell you the truth, I did accomplish a lot from that list. So I decided to try out something more during that time. "Envisioning" was the word that stuck to me. So I created a "Dream Chart". It was a 1/4th illustration board wherein I placed post-its or pictures of anything I wanted to achieve like:

1. Have a boyfriend (I placed a picture of Daddy A lang naman. Oo TL ako, crush ko sya sobra noon pa)
2. Pass the CPA board exams (sana pala nilagay ko specifically top the CPA board exams hehe!)
3. Buy a house (I posted a picture of the little bungalow a few blocks across our street)
4. Ride an airplane and travel locally or abroad (yes hanggang college hindi parin ako nakasakay ng airplane)
5. Work in a Big Four auditing firm, I also placed there my promotion dates.
6. Help my family with their business
7. Buy a car (I did not specify any car at that time so ok lang kahit 2nd hand or luma)

Well a couple of years later I did accomplish all of those! 

1. Hindi ko lang naging first boyfriend si Daddy A, he is my last and now my dear hubby and father of my children. 
2. I'm now a CPA working in a Big Four auditing firm and rose to be a manager.
3. Start palang ng career ko sa firm noon nakasakay na ako kagad ng airplane to Davao, and the firm has brought me to other places around the world. 
4. I was also able to buy a second hand delivery van for my mom's interior design business. 
5. I was able to buy my first car, a 1987 Lancer just during my first year of working. Bulok-bulok sya noon (pero umaandar). But napa restore ko sya now and naisama pa sa 2011 Manila International Auto Show!
6. And finally the house, I was able to buy that little bungalow in 2008. Well nagloan ako of course and with some help from my parents for the downpayment. But just last year, we made a huge pre-payment. And it is now my family's love nest and humble abode.

Now that I have my own family, I decided to continue with the dream chart, but now we call it "Our Family's Vision Board". Madami narin ang natupad dyan like:

1. Babies (we now have R and JD)
2. Innova (I specifically placed a picture of a brand new Toyota Innova which I saw in a raffle coupon. Hindi man kami nanalo sa raffle, through hardwork I was able to get a car plan from our firm.)
3. Family trip abroad (Hong Kong)

This quote really stuck on me and I have placed it in my dream chart/vision board eversince. I found it in a card from my dear late aunt Linda which she gave me on my graduation day:

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” 
- Anatole France

Here's a picture of our current vision board now:

So create one for yourself and place it in an area you see everyday. We have ours in our computer desk in our room. Before you leave the house, look at it and envision yourselves living all those dreams.

And I truly believe, through prayers and hard work, we will achieve all of those.

My tried and tested beauty products

I used to say before during my dalaga days how low maintenance I was when it comes to beauty regimens. I would even joke kahit sabon panlaba o dishwashing soap ang ipanligo ko, ok lang. But when you hit 30, it's something you no longer joke about. Fine lines and dark spots may appear. Also, the stress from work and juggling home-making could take a toll on your skin. It may not be so visible now, but in a decade or few years it will be very apparent.

Still, being the low maintenance girl that I am, you could say that I have the simplest beauty regimen and I have a short list of products which I use on me. These are those I have been loyal to since my late teens to early twenties, when I became more conscious of my skin.

For my body:

1. Bath soap - I use Palmolive Protect & Moisture with shea butter. I just love it's scent (sort of powdery). 
2. Lotion - Marks & Spencer's Floral Collection: Magnolia. Again I'm a sucker for light scents (well it of course smells like the Magnolia flower - teka naka amoy na ba ko ng Magnolia flower?) I like that it moisturizes but is not greasy.
3. Body butter - Palmers Cocoa Butter is for my growing preggy belly. Well with R, I never had stretch marks. But it may also be hereditary cause my mom said she never did get any stretch marks.

For my face: 

1. Pond's White Beauty facial wash
2. Pond's White Beauty toner
3. Ponds White age-defense cream

I'm stuck to the usual cleanse, tone and moisturize routine and have been loyal to Pond's eversince. First, I like it's packaging (it's in pink!). Next it's tagline "pinkish white glow" is what draws me. Please note I'm proud of my morena skin, it's just that sadyang mas maitim ung mukha ko kesa sa body ko, gusto ko lang medyo magpantay. Lastly, since bata pa ko, Pond's na yan. I was always curious with my mom's little jar of Ponds cream in her dresser.

Daily make-up:

1. Face powder - I use Cover Girl's Trublend minerals face powder (No.4). Swak na swak to sa color ng face ko. And because it's in mineral powder, it's very light and feels just like your skin.
2. Eyebrow pencil - I have the most non-existent eye-brows. For me, any cheap brown eye-brow pencil will do. I like Nichido cause it's not too hard and already comes with a brush.
3. Body Shop lip and cheek tint - I use this just to put some hint of blush and color on my face and lips.
4. Body Shop Strawberry lip balm - I love strawberry scents.

For events/evening make up I just add these:

1. Revlon Grow Luscious mascara - It really volumizes my super thin lashes.
2. Almay Intense I-color shimmer kit - It's a great neutral palette that helps you contour your lids to create deep set or smokey eyes and highlight at the right places.

So there you have it, my simple list of beauty products that make me presentable everyday. But I still believe that the best beauty secret is to have a positive attitude and always carry a smile. It all just really comes from within.

So many to write, so little time

I'm still here. I'm still breathing despite the volume of work I'm so deep into right now.

Pero honestly, kating-kati ang mga daliri ko magsulat. Yes, I have so many ideas to blog about. So many stories and happenings, yet so little time. I'm afraid if I blog during these jam packed weekdays, my family time and much needed sleep (buntis pa naman ako) will be compromised.

Don't worry babawi ako over the coming holidays. Here are the various topics swirling around my head:

On Family

1. My ancestry (san ako nagmula) as inspired by the cable show "Who Do You Think You Are" (I already have a draft folder of this)
2. Family events (birthdays/anniversaries/reunions we attended and planned - like my dad and mom's 60th birthdays last year)
3. Individual posts on the weekend bonding places we went to (museums, theme parks, play centers etc.)

Growing up years (reminiscing lang)

1. My birth
2. Early childhood/pre-school
3. Gradeschool
4. Highschool life
5. College life
6. Friendships

Love and Marriage

1. Our Love Story
2. The Proposal
3. Planning a Wedding
4. Wedding Day
5. Keeping the Love Alive - check

Pregnancy and Motherhood

1. Pre-natal - (finding out, check-ups, outfits, mommy journal)
2. Baby gear - check
3. Baby's layette - check
4. Delivery day
5. Baby book inclusions
6. Breastfeeding (storage, work, travel, gear, stories)
7. Baptism and planning
8. The First Year (milestones, monthly birthdays)
9. Birthdays and planning
10. Toddler years (funny things they say/do)
11. Kindermusik
12. Activities/Places to Go - check
13. Disciplining

Travel

1. Bohol
2. HK (1st trip and then recently with my family)
3. Macau
4. Singapore 
5. Malaysia
6. Ilocos
7. Travelling with kids/how to pack

Work

1. Searching/Applying
2. Going up the corporate ladder
3. Bloopers/stress points/triumphs
4. Working mom survival - check
5. Office parties and other events (attire/fashion)

Beauty/Fashion/Fitness

1. My tried and tested beauty products - check
2. Outfit posts
3. Pole dancing - kaabang-abang =)
4. Healing diet

Inspiration

1. On trials and being grateful - check
2. Dream chart/Vision board and answered prayers - check
3. Cancer and the road to healing - check
4. My favorite Saint(s)

Home

1. Decor/Design
2. Organizing
3. Recipes
4. Crafts

O diba siksik, liglig at naguumapaw ang topics ko! Wish ko lang talaga masulat ko lahat yan this year. I know this drive in me to blog is very strong given I've only started. Some experienced bloggers/writers have gone through writer's block at times. I hope looking back at this post and crossing topics one by one will inspire me to continue this passion for blogging.

'Til my next post.

Sunday happenings

Yesterday, we had a fully-packed Sunday family day. After waking up late and eating breakfast, we headed to the south to have lunch at Daddy A's family home. R's cousins were there and she had so much fun seeing them as well as her lolo and lola.

She was so bibo and showed her new tricks (tricks? aso lang ang peg?), este skills. R sang her favorite "Ako ay may lobo" (with matching actions), then she had a duet with her dad of "After All". She also showed her ability to recognize all letters of the alphabet by reading of letters in labels of products (like in bottles, cans or boxes).

Here she is playing her cousins:

After that we went to St. Peregrine Parish. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients and those with incurable diseases. We first asked his intercession in 2009, during Papa's initial cancer diagnosis. Now we are back asking him to intercede for Papa again. We first bought a medallion with his relic, candles and some holy oil. We lit candles for our petitions, then attended the 4:30pm mass. Sakto nga lang during the Gospel, nagpupu si R. So we had to go out to change her during the homily.

Here's a picture of St. Peregrine's relic (his rib) in the relic chapel:

After mass, we headed back home. But before that, we dropped by SM cause I had to replenish my beauty products (I'll blog about that soon). Also we had to go for R's weekly horse back riding (carousel lang). We had dinner at Tokyo Tokyo at sinulit lang naman ng mag-ama ko ung eat-all-you-kanin nila.

We then dropped off R at our house and proceeded to the hospital to visit and pray for Papa. I annointed him with oil from St. Peregrine. Hope he felt better. He looked good naman and was smiling and chatting with us. Also got some good news that his platelets increased a teeny weeny bit. At least hindi na bumaba. Praying for more good news so he can proceed with his next dose of chemotherapy.

So that's how our Sunday went.

My List of Essential Baby Gear

I’m super excited to be a mom again which brings me to reminisce how giddy I was to shop for baby gear when I was first pregnant with R in 2010 (pero ang wallet di masyado excited hehe). I kid you not, baby gear is expensive, but you also have to consider that safety is not an option. There are things you can do to save though like borrow from a relative. Others would consider top of the line gear as investment, which they can use for subsequent babies.

I did a mix of both. So here’s my top essential baby gear:

1.   Crib – I just borrowed from a cousin after their daughter turned a year old and could climb out of it already. I just placed in a new mattress and lucky me, my mom’s interior design shop took care of the linens. Safety features of any crib should include: 

 - Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart; 

 - corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame; 

 - no cutouts in headboard or footboard; 

 - and top rails at least 26 inches above mattress.

2.    Bath tub – We bought this cheap tub at SM for around Php300 and a mesh support for baby.

3.    Breast pump and milk containers -You really have to invest in a good pump. I bought the Avent Single Electronic Breast pump and it was my "breastfriend" for over a year. I'll tell you all about my breastfeeding stories in other posts. It costs around Php15,000 but I think it's a good investment because 2 months palang bawi na ung cost as compared to using formula. And of course, breastmilk is still best for babies. I also bought VIA cups to store breastmilk. They have an adaptor as well where you can attach the nipple and feed baby directly. The VIA cups can also be used to store baby food later on.

Images taken from http://www.philips.com.ph 

4.   Feeding Bottles - We spent around Php10,000 for Avent bottles which are BPA free and anti-colic (although with my experience, nagka colic parin si R). I could still say sulit parin siya because upto now parang bago parin. My baby boy would still be able to use this, I'll just have to buy new nipples. I bought the honey-tinted bottles which were of durable material. 4-6 pcs. of 4oz. bottles for the first few months, specially if you direct feed once you get home from work. While 8 pcs. of the 9oz. bottles, when they are bigger and matakaw na.

Image taken from http://www.philips.com.ph 

5.    Sterilizer – I bought this Chicco sterilizer for less than Php1,500 and used this for bottles and breast pump parts.

Image taken from the web

6.    Stroller plus car seat/carrier - This lightweight travel system from Graco costed us Php16,000 but sulit naman talaga. Pati ako kaya nyan isakay eh. It has a lot of compartments/holders and is easy to fold. But for travels abroad wherein you basically commute, umbrella strollers are still more convenient. Un nga lang walang reclining positions. For the one we used in Hong Kong, we bought it for around Php1,000 only.

7.   High chair - We bought this from Landmark for around Php1,000+ only. The salesman said it was made in China. I liked it for it's minimalist design and because it's easy to clean. Later on did I know it's a knock-off of Ikea's Antilop chair =).

There goes my list of my barely basics baby gear. But you'll eventually see out there in the market that the list goes on as your baby grows. It's really up to you and your budget what you think your baby really needs.

Keeping the love alive

Lately my posts have been mostly about parenting and I haven't blogged anything about my hubby and how we keep our love burning naks! Baka mamaya isipin nun katawan nya lang ang habol ko hihi!

Well in our exactly 9 years and 4 months of being together (that's 7 months of being MU or mag unggoy-ungguyan lang, 5 years and 4 months of being BF/GF, and 3 years and 3 months of marriage), we've had our share of fights, suyuans, lambingans and certified patok dates that manage to add excitement in our relationship.

Here are examples:

1. Fun and wholesome weekend dates - Nung BF/GF pa kami our dates were on Saturdays. We usually go to museums, zoos, and exhibits. Nagvi-visita Iglesia din kami and do corporal works of mercy like visiting the poor and the sick (super religious kasi ng asawa ko at muntik na mag pari). We also go malling and watch movies. Nagpipicnic din kami sa parks like Quezon City Circle or go biking and eat street food sa Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Sa hilig din namin kumanta nagvivideoke kami.
2. Weekly dates - Now we are hubby and wifey, we regularly have our dates on a weekday because weekends kasama naman namin si R. We either have lunch (this was when he worked in Makati) or dinner together (after he picks me up from work). We watch movies, or go bowling and billiards. Kung traffic and tamad na kami lumabas, we just watch DVDs/cable shows and have popcorn at home (pagtulog na si R).
3. Sweet nothings or nothing sweet - My husband is not really the type na pag merong occasion bongga mag gift. But what I love is he never fails to surprise me kahit walang okasyon. Nung nag-aaral palang kami sa UST, I don't know how he would sneak and put something in my bag like a stationery pad, a cute key chain etc. Also, when we used to work together in Makati, I would just find some gifts pagbukas ko ng locker ko (like trinkets, perfume, little notes etc.). He would also write letters if he's on fieldwork out of town (OFW lang ang peg). Then the usual flowers/chocolates on holidays, anniversaries and special occasions will never be forgotten (war kasi yan paghindi hehe). There's also the pasalubongs like isaw, cheapipay pizza and buy one-take one burgers. During coding he brings me to work and picks me up and we have our wonderful conversations in the car.
4. Anniversary/holiday dates - We usually go on staycasions like hotels. For our first wedding anniversary, we took the Manila Bay cruise, watched fireworks in MOA and stayed at Sofitel.

Our BF/GF dates (wag nyo nalang pansinin ung makalumang hairstyle ni Daddy A noon)

Our hubby and wifey dates

Ok ngayong alam nyo na mga pinaggagawa namin, walang basagan ng trip hehe. It just helps that we enjoy common stuff and the simple pleasures in life. Our conversations during these dates vary from the mundane to serious issues like politics and the economy, and of course we like to reminisce a lot. It reminds us of how we fell in love with each other and makes us fall all over again.

My two and a half year old entrepreneur

It's really amazing what toddlers can pick up from what they see. Yesterday, I heard R shouting "taho, bili taho" and saw her riding her tricycle around the house. For pretend play, I stacked up her tricycle basket with tin cans and paper cups. Later on, she sold some to her yaya, me and her daddy.

R: Taho, bili taho!

Yaya: Pabili po (she handed 2 pesos for pretend play)
R: No (nakasimangot at parang ibabato na ung dalawang piso)
Yaya: Magkano ba yan?
R: 5 petos (pesos)

What the?! She knows the concept of pricing and mark-up at two?!

Also one day while cleaning up my bag and wallet, I gave her some of my old/expired cards for her to play with. Then I saw her doing this:

Swiping the card in her laptop like the cashiers in the mall/grocery.

Hope you keep up those entrepreneurial skills anak, and payamanin mo kami ng daddy mo someday hehe.

Weekend activities and places to go with the kids

It's another wonderful weekend after a tiring work week. What better way to spend it than with the family. Like I said in my previous post, weekends are sacred for me. I made a vow when I started my own family that my weekends will be entirely devoted to them. So what exactly do we do during these days?

Well our regular schedule for Saturdays would be:

1. Kisses, snuggles and cuddles when we wake up;
2. Breakfast together;
3. Kindermusik classes with R (I'll write about this in another post);
4. and we do any of the following activities:

Walking the dogs

Swimming in the garage

Art projects (like finger painting, stamping)

Cooking/Baking

Groceries

See it doesn't have to be expensive. These bonding moments are practically free, could be done in the comforts of your own home and you don't even have to drive far.

On Sundays naman, here's our sched:

1. Kisses, snuggles and cuddles when we wake up;
2. Breakfast together;
3. Mass;
4. Lunch at Lolo and Lola's house;
5. and in the afternoon we usually go malling or to any of these places:

Museums: The Mind Museum, Museo Pambata, Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center

Play areas in the malls: David's Playhouse, Kidzville, Gymboree, Active Fun, Timezone, Tom's World

Zoo: Ark Avilon Zoo (this was taken during R's 1st birthday celebration)

Theme parks: Manila Ocean Park, Star City, Fun Ranch, Enchanted Kingdom

Watch out for individual posts on the aforementioned places we went to. For these places you may have to shell out some cash, which I believe is still reasonable and within budget. Besides, the experience, discoveries and learnings your kids will pick up from these activities are truly priceless.