Mommy Bloggers Philippines Halloween Party 2014

Mommy Bloggers Philippines (MBP) is an online community of mommy bloggers where I am a proud member.  I remember how excited I was to be part of this group when Ms. Lani, the founder of MBP, invited me to join.  I said to myself, "Wow!  Finally, a group of mommy bloggers in the Philippines. This is where I belong."

Product Review: Attipas Functional Shoes

Last month, we received this shoes for Baby C from Attipas PH to review.  At first I thought it looks funny because of the big toe box but when I read that this shoes is specifically designed for cognitive and behavior development, I started to look at it in a different light.  

 

Attipas Lollipop Baby Shoe Socks (Yellow)

What is  Attipas?

Attipas Functional Shoes teaches your baby to walk correctly. Attipas Shoes is aimed at helping babies to start walking correctly by evenly distributing foot pressure and correct toddler’s walking behavior while he/she learns to walk. The design is based on kinetic and physio-dynamic test of toddlers’ walking that enables the steady and stable walking pattern of the toddler. It also helps in the toddler’s brain development by enabling the sole and toe movement while walking.  (Taken from Attipas PH)

Healthy and Nutritious Meals by The Good Box

I used to eat whatever I like.  But when I reached my 30's, I started thinking about my health and as much as possible, I try to eat a balanced diet.  I started preferring vegetables over meat, and fruits over chocolates or ice cream.  But I eat a lot!

Luckily, I still have my slim figure (thanks to breastfeeding!).  The only time when I went on a diet was when I was pregnant because I was advised by my OB-GYNE not to eat too much so my baby will not be too big.  And it was really hard for me.

Admittedly, when I received my one whole day meals from The Goodbox PH, my initial reaction was, "Hmmm, looks yummy, but I'll definitely starve!".  Then I thought, hey, I'm a breastfeeding mom!  1200 kcal is definitely not enough for me.

Goodnight Moon Craft for Kids

As soon as Baby C woke up this morning, she started yelling "paint!".  I did not give her any brushes or paints but I gave her the pre-cut colored papers I prepared last night.  We were supposed to do this "Goodnight Moon Pasting Activity" last night but she fell asleep while I was preparing the materials.

Baby C's very own window!

Shapes Arts and Crafts for Toddlers

Since I bought Baby C her first art set consisting of brushes and tempera paints from Ma'am and Moms last month, we started doing different arts and crafts every weekends.  She likes painting and she requests for her brushes and paints almost everyday.  So I took advantage of this and used painting to teach her colors, shapes and even letters and numbers.

I started posting our projects on Instagram and on my personal Facebook account and I got overwhelming compliments from my friends and readers.  It felt good knowing that I was able to inspire other moms to try arts and crafts with their toddlers.

Ogalala System in Play

Children learn while playing.  Playing is their work.  For the past one month, I have been busy thinking of ways to make our homeschooling sessions fun.  When I am too busy to think of new activities, I just give Baby C her educational toys.  Our favorites are her Melissa & Doug Toys. 

Last week, I was invited by The Binondo Mommy to attend a free workshops offered by Manila Workshops together with IGMI, the company behind Crayola, Melissa & Doug, Baby Einstein, etc.  They are setting up a series of Child Development Workshops which they called as Ogalala System In Play. I immediately searched in the net what is Ogalala and found these suggested fun and simple learning activities which I can do with Baby C. 

www.oga-lala.com

DIY Floor Puzzle Tutorial

Yesterday, Baby C wanted to paint so I drew an apple and a banana in a cardboard for her to color.  While writing letter "A" for apple, Baby C shouted "AH", and after I wrote the letter "B" on the banana, she said "BA"!  Wow!  That was a confirmation that she really knows those letters already.  

I gave Baby C the materials and she immediately went to work.  I bought our non-toxic and washable tempera paints and brushes from Ma'am and Moms.

In deep concentration. Shhhh..

After she finished coloring the pictures, I asked myself what to do with them aside from keeping them in an envelope for her to see in the future.  Then I had an "Ah-ha!" moment.  I'll make them a floor puzzle! 

Product Review: Orange and Peach Breastmilk Storage Bags and a Giveaway!

Baby C is now 20 months old and we are still breastfeeding! Yehey! My milk supply already dwindled and it is just enough for Baby C, so it has been months since I last donated breastmilk.

When Baby C was about 2 months old until she turned 10 months, I could save in the freezer around 100 ounces of breastmilk a week.  And all frozen breastmilk goes to donee babies.  My milk is so abundant then that there was no need to defrost any frozen milk for Baby C.  100 ounces is 25 pieces of milkbags per week!  It kinda hurts in the pocket.  I have already tried numerous brands of milkbags and there were really few that I like and did not regret buying.  I experienced leak on some brands and some bags even burst.  There were also some brands needing scissors to cut the tip of the bag which I find a bit hassle.  I also received as a gift some milkbags that are too big and consumed so much space in our freezer.

Last month, I received Orange and Peach Breastmilk Storage Bags from Cudsly to try and I give this brand a 5/5 rating! 

Sooo nicely wrapped!

Orange and Peach Milkbags

Matching Letters with Tongs and Sponge for Toddlers

Baby C is now 20 months old and she knows the names and sounds (phonics) of 5 letters, namely: B,O, S, M and A.  We already did all sorts of simple alphabet activities like coloring letters, connecting capital with small letters, and finding the hidden letters to name a few but this morning, we tried something new.  

The WAHM 101: How to Be a Work-at-Home-Mom

This is not a secret.  I envy work-at-home-moms.  There are times when I wish I can just stay home with my little girl so I can focus on her.  It feels bad every time she will cry because I have to leave for work.  But how can I work at home and be a lawyer at the same time?  I have to attend hearings and meetings.  Sigh!  How I wish it is easy to quit work, give up my career and be a housewife.

So who wants to be a WAHM just like me?  Manila Workshops and the WAHMderfullife.com, together with 88DB.com and  Unilab, will hold the most awaited and the most attended workshop under the WAHMderful Life Workshop series of Manila Workshops  -- The WAHM 101: How to be a Work-at-home-mom.  

Learn from successful Work-at-home-moms from the WAHMderful Life Community.  Get to network and share experiences!

Manila Workshops: The Winning Mindset of Successful Stock Market and Forex Traders

Stock trading is what keeping me busy lately!  I started trading last year but I only open my COL Account few times a month.    Then I got inspired to learn more about it after I read the book of Marvin Germo, Stock Smarts Stock Investing Made Easy.  After that, I attended seminars about fundamental and technical analysis and so far, I know the basics. 

Are you interested to invest in the stock market too? Or perhaps even forex?  Good news!  Manila Workshops is having a seminar that will teach you the proper discipline and skills needed to become a successful trader. 

Learn the difference between stock market and forex trading and discover which one is best for you.

Browhaus: Hello to Perfect Brows!

Thin brows are out and nowadays it seems like the more bushier the brows, the better.  Good news to those with thin or sparse brows! You can have that perfect shaped brows you've been dreaming of through Browhaus' Brow Resurrection 2.4. 

First Time Parents Workshops (Plus a Giveaway!)

Manila Workshops and Medela Moms held morning and afternoon First Time Parents Workshops last May 24, 2014 at the Medela House.   Attendees went home loaded with information and they were given lots of goodies from sponsors.

Rates are lower than previous workshops.

Lots of attendees!

Berta Rojas: Coming to Manila and Cebu

I have a guitar (which I left in my parents house and is now collecting dust) but I don't know how to play it.  It was a gift from a priest who must have thought that I know how to play the instrument.  I tried watching You Tube, but too bad, I found out that I am not the musically gifted type who can learn by just watching videos.  Maybe a motivation and an inspiration can give me the push to learn the instrument.  Since as of the moment, I do not have the time to take guitar lessons, I'll just indulge myself by listening to classical guitar music.

Berta Rojas, a star in the international guitar community, will hold concerts in Manila and Cebu on May 15 and May 17, 2014, respectively.  She is the tourism ambassador of her native Paraguay and she is said to be the most popular musician in her country.  I'm excited to attend her concert and to hear her music LIVE!

Movie Stars Cafe: Dining with the Stars

Last Easter Sunday, I was invited to dine and experience Movie Stars Cafe located along Seaside Boulevard in MOA.  Movie Stars Cafe is a movie-themed restaurant/cafe where you can watch costume play and musical shows while dining.  We were so excited to bring our little girl, Baby C.  We knew she will have a great time!

Let me tour you around first before I show you the food and some of the shows.

 

Facade of the Restaurant

Deprivation and Meditation: Sudden Flight Series at the Picasso Abstract Painter Chiqui Rodriguez

Filipino abstract painter, Chiqui Rodriguez announces her major new series entitled SUDDEN FLIGHT, her solo show to be held in Zurich by late summer will have its preview opening in a two-man show at the Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, hosted by Altromondo Gallery on 29 May 2014 and continuing through 18 July 2014.

The 15 selected paintings from a total of over 100 works that comprise the SUDDEN LIGHT series, awash in vibrant color, are sure to dazzle visitors to the Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences. Chiqui’s unique approach to blending acrylic pigments on canvas creates gem-like surfaces. Peering through the surface to what is depicted below, the viewer realizes that all is not as glowing as it first appears. Chiqui is noted for her deep abstraction of complex realism.

Chiqui also explores a complex subject; her work calls attention to our culture’s thought of hardwork. Much of Chiqui’s artwork is influenced by her experience in the corporate world. Through this new body of work, she connects hardwork to social class as a form of meditation.

Babywhiz Company Winner!

As I've mentioned on my previous post, there will be three (3) judges who will choose their favorite photo and from these chosen entries, I will choose the winner.  However, since one of the chosen entries is the daughter of a friend, I asked an officemate to do the judging.  I also mentioned that yours truly will give consolation prices to the two other entries.  So here they are:

Judge No. 1 who is a fashionista and one of Baby C's godparents  chose ZAIRI PABLO BAYLON.

My Not-So-Picky-Eater Baby

Judge No. 2 who is already in his 50's, a father of four and a successful businessman chose LARA GEORGINA CORRAL.

I waited for her signal that she's ready for her first solids, finally, when i gave her her 1st cereal, she made a point.

Judge No. 3 is an incoming law student who loves to eat sweets chose KAMILA ELISE BERMEJO.

Ang Batang Matakaw

Judge No. 4 who chose the winner is an engineer, a loving husband and father.

And the winner is... DRUMROLL!!!

LARA GEORGINA CORRAL

Congratulations Mommy Joni Tan-Coral.

Mommy Apple Ugay and Mommy Alyssa Almira Baylon, please PM me on Facebook your address and contact numbers.  Mommy Joni, please wait for my message and go signal when you can start your online shopping from Babywhiz Company.

All the judges had a hard time choosing their favorite.  If only all of these cute babies can win.  Any sponsors?

Thank you to all who joined. 

Love! Love! Love!

Babywhiz Company Photo Contestants (11-14)

There were some readers who submitted their entries but failed to complete the mechanics and some who did all the mechanics but wasn't able to send the photo.  To be fair to those who dutifully complied with all the mechanics, I will not consider their entries valid.  Hope it is ok with them. =)

Below are the other four (4) photos:

Yummy!

Aerith Bernales
16 months old

My Drinkaholic Baby

Yvolette Zoe Baclayon
11 months old

Food Lover Baby

Tiana Zhariane Baquiran
11 months old

Years had passed, changes were made, and I am a proud momma watching my little one's feeding milestones.

Baby Airicka
Now 2 years old

For the first ten contestants, please click HERE.

Hobbes and Landes: Art Lab

It is summer time again and parents are on the look out for interesting summer classes for their kids. I was never enrolled in any summer classes when I was a child.  Summer vacation for me means helping out with our family business or going to the province to visit my aunt and cousins.  I sometimes envy my classmates taking up swimming, voice lessons or baking sessions.  Be that as it may, I do not regret working during summer because it taught me how to be hardworking and gave me a sense of accomplishment as a child thinking that I was a part of our business.

Solaire Resort and Casino "1 in 1"

Although I've heard about Solaire Resort and Casino since its soft opening last March 2013, finally I was able to visit it two (2) weeks ago when I claimed my complimentary concert tickets to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis 2014 World Tour.  I saw my schoolmate there at the Solaire Rewards Club and he gave me a welcome card.  I wanted to use it right then and there and explore the casino to see how it differs from other casinos and why Solaire claims that theirs give an ultimate Las Vegas gaming experience, unfortunately, hubby and Baby C were waiting for me in the car.  I really hope we can go back there and dine in one of their restaurants or maybe watch one of their events especially now that Solaire is celebrating its first year anniversary.  

Babywhiz Company Photo Contestants (1-10)

Below are the first ten (10) entries for the Babywhiz Company Giveaway!  They are also posted on  Legal Mom Archives Facebook Page.  This is not a photo-liking contest but I will ask three friends to pick their favorite and I will choose the winner from the 3 chosen entries.  Consolation prices will be given to the other 2 entries. =)

Ang Batang Matakaw

Kamilah Elise Bermejo
9 months old

My Not-So-Picky-Eater Baby

Zairi Pablo Baylon
11 months old

Baby Eating Chicken

Alexa Yu
15 months old

I waited for her signal that she's ready for her first solids, finally, when i gave her her 1st cereal, she made a point.

Lara Georgina Corral
1 year 8 months

*She was 6months+ old on this pic.

Sossy Baby-Bottle Holder and Thumb Lover!

Stacey Red Malasan
2 months old

Yum Yum Yummy

Carlene P. Sangal
21 months

This calamansi looks yummy!
Oops! Ang asim!

Gilliane Melissa Garciano
18mos.

She was 15mos. old in this photo.

I'm a Breadstick Lover!

Josher Rhainne M. Cunanan
11 months old

Yumminess all the way!

Gracie Ramirez
15 months old

And I So Love to Eat!

Janinn Elisha Remoroza
6 months old

Contest is until March 31, 2014.  To go to the mechanics, please click HERE.

Thank you so much for joining and supporting Legal Mom Archives. 

Love, love, love!

Mommy Edel

Book Review: I Wish They Taught Money in High School

Everybody loves money and we all wish that we can grow money on trees.  But is it possible?  Author Clarissa De la Paz said that perhaps if you start believing that money grows on trees, if you plant the proper seeds, they will.

First Time Parents Workshops by Manila Workshops

When I was still pregnant, my Saturdays were usually spent attending seminars and workshops about breastfeeding and childcare.  I have no regrets investing time attending these seminars.  Being a first time parent, I admit I have many things to learn and these seminars guided me during Baby C's first year.
 

On March 22, 2014, Manila Workshops in partnership with Medela Moms will hold two (2) separate workshops for first time parents.  First workshop is all about breastfeeding and in the afternoon, topics are toddler care, first aid and dental care.  I will attend the workshop in the afternoon because I want to refresh what I learned about first aid last year also from Manila Workshops and I want to pick up some pointers on toddler care and dental care.

Babywhiz Company and a Giveaway!

Are you ready for another giveaway?  Mommy Joy will give away P500 worth of Babywhiz Company store credit.  I had a hard time choosing the winner during the Baby Wizard Giveaway via Rafflecopter because a lot who joined failed to follow the instruction or failed to do a mandatory step.  To make things easier for me, this time, I will just ask for the cutest photo of your baby while eating/drinking/breastfeeding.  Before I state the mechanics of this contest/giveaway, let me introduce to you Babywhiz Company.

Babywhiz Company is an online store also owned by Mommy Joy of Baby Wizard PH selling almost all kinds of baby products from baby clothes like branded rompers and onesies, socks, pajamas, dresses, baby costumes, swimsuits, sunsuits, to bathrobes, bath gloves, wash mittens, bath towels, bibs, shoes, Shupeas, breastpumps, baby bottles, rockers, baby gym, toys, baby bags, different brands of cloth diapers, feeding sets, sippy cups, baby food and even Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter!  As I've said several times on my previous posts, Joy's price is lower than other online stores that I know and the P500 store credit will already buy you a lot.  Every once in a while, she has promo items so be sure to like her Facebook Page and put the notification on so you won't miss anything.  

Brave Women's Self-defense Workshop

During high school days, it crossed my mind to take taekwondo lessons, but my parents did not allow me to enroll.  They gave me the same answer for not allowing me to take gymnastics, "Baka mabalian ka ng buto."   

I was thrilled when Sally of The Binondo Mommy invited me and another mommy friend to attend the launching of Brave Women's Self-defense Workshop last February 22, 2014.  All three of us attended the workshop for free.

Sally, Me and Germaine

Lenten Practices

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday which marked the beginning of Lent.  I attended mass at 6pm and ashes were placed on my forehead (Imposition of Ashes) as a sign of repentance to God.  For some, ashes on their forehead is enough observance for the first day of lent, however, having studied in Catholic Schools since kindergarten to law school, I was constantly reminded that we should observe fasting and abstinence.  I was not able to sleep well last night and woke up with my conscience bothering me. 

There are only two (2) days in a year when Catholics are required to FAST and ABSTAIN from meat.  They are during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  FASTING means we can only have one (1) full meal in a day and ABSTINENCE means no meat.  Catholics ages 18 to 59 years old should practice fasting and abstinence on these two days.  This was usually easy for me even when I was pregnant.  But yesterday was different,  I ate 3 full meals!

Baby C's First Birthday Party Suppliers (Part 2): Sophiaphotography

We do not have any plan to hire a videographer for Baby C's birthday party last year.  I was thinking that a good photographer is enough to preserve the memories.   However, two weeks before Baby C's birthday, Doc A and I changed our mind and I started to look for a videographer.  

Since this was not included in our budget, my goal was to find an affordable videographer below P10,000.00.  It was not easy.  I saw some studios offering a video package for as low as P3,500.00.  Unfortunately either they were already booked or I do not like their editing style.  I was about to give up the idea when I stumbled upon Sophiaphotography's Facebook Page.  Their photo-video package rate is P12,000.00.  For video package only, their rate is P8,000.

Tips on Properly Brushing Your Teeth

I saw yesterday a lady vigorously brushing her teeth.  I wanted to tell her to be gentle to her gums and teeth but she seems not to be the kind who will take an advice from a stranger.  To spread awareness, I'm writing here instead.

When my family visited our dentist last January, I was so relieved when she praised my pearly whites. She said "Very good ang teeth ni mommy!"  I know mothers who lost some of their teeth during or after pregnancy.  Phew!  

Shupeas, the Most Versatile Baby Shoes in the World! (Plus a Giveaway)

Baby C has tons of shoes.  When I say tons, I mean about 40 pairs of shoes.  12 pairs of these shoes were already outgrown by Baby C, 12 pairs are currently being used and the rest are still big for her.   By the way, almost all her shoes were given as gifts by relatives and friends or hand-me-downs from her cousins.  Doc A forbade me to spend much on baby's clothes and shoes.

Photo by Life at Imagination Photography

Baby C's Quest: The Search for the Missing Keyhole

Baby C likes playing with keys.  She watches intently everytime we open our car.  This morning, Yaya Leah gave Baby C a set of keys.  I followed them outside wondering what Baby C is up to.

Yaya Leah and I had a good laugh as Baby C tried each and every keyhole she can find in search of the right one.  

Skills developed in this quest/activity:

1. Dexterity of baby's little fingers and hands

2. Hand and Eye Coordination

3. Problem-Solving

Paternity Leave Benefits

Are you married, pregnant and about to give birth or recently had a miscarriage?

If your answer is yes, continue reading the Q & A below to determine if your husband is entitled to seven (7) days paternity leave with full pay during your period of recovery.

What is paternity leave?

Paternity Leave refers to the benefits granted to a married male employee entitling him to his full pay for the seven (7) days during which he is allowed not to report for work, on the condition that his spouse has delivered a child or suffered a miscarriage for purposes of enabling him to effectively lend support to his wife in her period of recovery and/or in the nursing of the newly-born child.

Baby Wizard PH and a Giveaway!

I'm sure many are waiting for the giveaway to be sponsored by Mommy Joy of Baby Wizard PH.  Your long wait is over, finally it's here and I have good news for you my readers! Mommy Joy will not just sponsor Baby Wizard Cloth Diapers, but will also give Babywhiz Company store credit!  Yehey!  So watch out for my next giveaway which will be posted immediately after the announcement of this giveaway's winner.

About Baby Wizard PH

Baby Wizard PH is an online store selling Baby Wizard Cloth Diapers.  The owner, Mommy Joy is an authorized distributor of Baby Wizard in the Philippines.  She welcomes resellers.

Baby Wizard Distributor Certificate

Facebook Online Support Groups for Mommies

Almost everybody uses Facebook!  I myself read news on Facebook, shop online on Facebook, I chat with my friends on Facebook, I search people on Facebook, I join contest on Facebook, and so on.. 

Since I don't have the time to surf the internet all day to find the right information that I need, I started joining Facebook Groups. 

I would like to share with you some of the mommy and parenting groups on Facebook which I've joined to help me to be continually abreast with the latest information about parenting.

1.  BREASTFEEDING PINAYS

Medela Moms Brings you "Seeing Doubles" Multiple Support Group

Breastfeeding is a challenge for some moms.  I have friends who struggle with their milk supply and their babies are just singletons.  Although I am blessed with abundant milk supply for Baby C, I salute moms with twins who are exclusively breastfeeding their babies.  When Baby C was 6 months old, she can consume 25 to 32 ounces a day plus direct latching at night.  If I have twins, I need to produce around 64 ounces a day to make sure they will have enough milk supply when I am at work. 64 ounces expressed milk a day?! Wow!

If you were able to read one of my first blogposts entitled "My Pumping Paraphernalia at Work", you probably know that I recommend Medela Swing Maxi for working moms.  I bought mine from Medela Moms Inc., the exclusive and authorized importer/distributor of Medela Breastfeeding Products in the Philippines.  Medela Swing Maxi played and is still playing an important role on my breastfeeding journey.

We Love Babywearing

Below are photos of our family babywearing Baby C.  Me, Doc A and Yaya I.

Baby C at 6 months.  Recently I was told that front facing should be made with caution.  After that, I never carried baby front facing again.

Doc A babywearing Baby C using a Next 9 pouch.

Breastmilk Storage Guidelines Specifically for the Philippines

While still pregnant, I got confused with the different breastmilk storage guides I learned in seminars and read in books and in the internet.  In the end, I made my own time frame for my expressed milk and of course, I trust my nose and taste buds.

Last May 2013, one of the admins of Breastfeeding Pinays on Facebook posted guidelines which is specifically made for the Philippines.   This guide has helped a lot of breastfeeding moms especially those who needs to transport their milk or those working with no refrigerator at home. For those not yet members of Breastfeeding Pinays, sharing to you this breastmilk storage guidelines from the Trainer's Reference Manual "Gabay kay Nanay sa Tamang Pagpapasuso". 

Baby C's First Birthday Party Suppliers (Part 1)

Baby C's first birthday bash was a success!  Friends and relatives' feedback about Baby C's 1st birthday party is heart melting! Everybody, old and young enjoyed the party! Some kids even asked their mommies or titas when they will attend Baby C's next party.

So far, almost all the birthday suppliers were able to deliver and some performed even beyond my expectation.  Below is my list of suppliers and my rating for the first 5 suppliers, 5 hearts being the highest and 1 heart the lowest:

1.  Food: Verleo Catering

2.  Food Carts: Precious Party Needs

3.  Venue: North Greenhills Clubhouse

4.  Event's Stylist: Pink and Peach Party

5.  Host/Magician: Chayno

6.  Videographer:  Sophiaphotography 
7.  Photographer: Life at Imaginenation Photography 
8.  Cake and Cupcakes:  Hearts and Bells

9.  Photobooth: Snap Patrol Photo Booth

10. Souvenir:  Handicrafts atbp

11. Face Painting and Kiddie Salon: c/o Pink and Peach Party