A mother's love

After two weeks of giving birth to my "pogi" son.. I sometimes think that it's really hard breastfeeding every two hours. But every time I see him sleeping, it melts my heart and love him even more.. I want to give him everything and the best that I can. Breastfeeding is hard, it is very painful every time the baby latch. It's hard when you have to wake up every two hours at night time to give your baby the very best of nutrition. But when I see him contented and sleeping, every pain, every tired bones on my body is gone. Maybe this is what my mother told me once when I was very scared of having a CS. "Mawawala lahat ng takot mo pag nakita mo na baby mo" This is very true, scared or tired or even pain is gone. It is replaced by love and care and giving what I could to my precious baby boy. Mom's out there, tell me what you think and feel. Do you feel the same?

Blog Giveaway From Fabnaima

As I was browsing thru my facebook account, I saw a post from the Stork Studio about fabnaima's blog. Fabnaima is giving away Nipple Butter from Motherlove! Yey! I hope I win this one! I already tried 100% lanolin but I am still in doubt because it might contain pesticides. Having researched about nipple cream, 100% lanolin is a waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands in a sheep's skin. Of course we don't know what they eat and what else they produce, that's why I'm really in doubt. Motherlove have been making natural, safe and effective products (without toxins!) for women since before any other company thought it was necessary. Visit Fabnaima's blog to join the giveaway! 

Alex III After my OB visit

My hubby and I went to Alex III morato branch for a quick lunch after my OB visit. He really misses the food here and I was glad he suggested it. I love Alex III barbeque chicken and dinuguan. Nothing beats good old Filipino dishes!

27th weeks..and counting

I am now on my 27th week and on bedrest for 3 days! According to my OB last sat, I had an infection and my cervix was weakened. She ask me to take Canesten vaginal suppository for 3 nights and Zegen 500mg orally for a week 2x a day for the infection. Beleive me, the canesten suppository burned during insertion. I nearly cried everytime! Oh well, all for the good of the baby inside me.. hehe!

I look horrible.. during bedrest!

Haagen Dazs Facebook Promo

I recently browsed Haagen Dazs facebook account and clicked "like" (My Indulgence). They have quizzes, prizes and giveaways every week. I joined them and viola! I just won a pint of Haagen Dazs Cappuccino Truffle! I really love it! Sweet and creamy plus enjoyed it with someone special!

The coupon I used to claim

Done!!! Yummy!!

Super looking forward to another free pint! 

Mooncake Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese people, dating back over 3,000 years to moon worship in China's Shang Dynasty. It was first called Zhongqiu Jie (literally "Mid-Autumn Festival") in the Zhou Dynasty.^[1] In Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, it is also sometimes referred to as the Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, which is usually around late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. It is a date that parallels the autumnal equinox of the solar calendar, when the moon is supposedly at its fullest and roundest. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, of which there are many different varieties.

Speaking of mooncakes, a friend of mine bakes mooncakes and sells it. I was lucky enough to get it as a gift! She has 3 varieties, without egg, with 1 egg and with 2 eggs. I prefer the one without eggs. I find the later too salty to my taste. Take note she only uses the freshest and purest ingredients. 

These are the yummiest I had since childhood! Thanks Zell for giving it to me! If you guys want to order just place comments at the bottom. The price is Php65 (without egg), Php75 (with 1 egg) and Php85 (with 2 eggs) per piece.

Lanvin + H&M Collaboration

The announcement of the next designer collaboration for H&M has taken the fashion world by storm. So much so that Lanvin is trending on Twitter. That is right fashion folks, H&M upcoming designer collaboration is with Lanvin, clearly one of the most influential brands of this century.

I always love Lanvin Bags. Lanvin, one of the oldest Paris fashion houses, is known for their luxurious and well-made clothing. Part of the dream for Lanvin was to reach a wider audience, and this collaboration will do just that.

The collection of womenswear and menswear will be revealed on November 2, with the collection hitting the stores three weeks later (November 20th in North America and November 23 in the rest of the world). As far as the pairing of designer collaborations go, this is sure to be one of the most anticipated ever.

What do you think of H&M’s partnership with fashion house Lanvin: do you plan to buy from the line?

Stop Sex Trafficking Petition!

I found this at my email today! Let us all support this and sign the petition! Children and young people deserve more than getting themselves in this situation. I know you feel the same way as I do! Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People! Just click the link and sign the petition and join the battle against sex trafficking! Kudos to all!

LYB Workshop Schedule (The Body Shop)

I had an email coming from The Body Shop today. I'm always a fan of The Body Shop products. From their make-up to their body care line. I always made sure I have stocks of their Vit E Moisture Lotion SPF 15 for my face. Anyway, The Body Shop offer make-up workshops for their members. Be sure to call, text or email them for reservations. I am sure your not going to regret it!

Following Old Wives Tale of being pregnant?

I became pregnant last March 2010, upon seeing a double line at pregnancy test I was overjoyed! You see, I had 2 past miscarriage already, both on the same year of 2008. We had treatments amounting to tons of money. I got treated for APAS, which I was required to undergo a series of LIT treatment. Before I should be pregnant again. Upon knowing that I was pregnant, my husband suggested to have IVIG done to me on my 6th week. And I could say it's not cheap but it's worth it. I heard my baby's heartbeat by 7th week. All was smooth until my 14th week, which the doctor suggested to have another IVIG treatment because I had a tear near the placenta. I'm following my doctor's advise every time but it seems not enough.

My uncle, who was a pastor and a Feng Shui Master at his own temple, told me that it's wise not to go out for the first 7 months of my pregnancy. My husband, who was really caring and very supportive is overprotective. I can't blame him though, this is our first baby with a beating heart. He doesn't allow me to go down the stairs, that's why I'm eating in my room.. (If you read my rants on my previous blog, you'll understand why i'm ranting). I also can't do much work because I might get tired.. But if you should know, my previous routine was really active. I always went to the gym, I ran for 30 mins and carry weights for another 30 mins. If that's not enough, I also use the transport and stair master for another 30 mins. I walked towards our office from the gym for 15 mins. I am really active then, but now I'm sedentary.. waiting for my darling baby to come out..

No watching of ghost movies or going out this ghost month for this pregnant woman..! I also can not eat eggplants, or food that has been offered to chinese saints or the deceased..

Enough of my ranting.. my 7th month is fast approaching anyway. I could not just wait for the day that I could go out with my husband and have a quiet dinner together again. You see I eat alone at my room everyday since I became pregnant. Once in a while my husband would join me but that could only be counted with my ten fingers. When our baby is out, I wonder if when would we be able to have our alone time again..

Getting tired of eating...

Right now, I'm so depressed with my food. I know I should be thankful that I had something to eat everyday and I should be thankful that my food is cooked and delivered right to my room every single day. But if you are served with bland or something that was not really tasteful, what would you do? I could do nothing! I had to eat it because 1st reason is that it was made by my mother-in-law and I don't want to hurt her feelings. I know she is getting tired of cooking and I know that she made an effort to cook for me. That's why I ate everything she served.. But I'm really getting tired of eating her cooked food.. If she can't think of anything to serve me it's either fried fish that's not entirely cooked or fried pork chops. If those two were served to me a day or two I would be served non other than a diced chicken with corn and carrots! (fried again!) I'm so sorry I'm ranting.. I can't vent it out to my husband.. I know they were doing everything they can for me.. I just wished I could cook for myself.. Anyway, I'm already 25 weeks pregnant and I can still walk without an achy back.. I'm going to try to talk with my husband later.. Hope he could listen to me for once..

Reminiscing my Wedding Day

How time flies! It's almost 3 years since we've been married! An uncle told me once that a love story in a human life only last for 3 years since they met. My husband and I met in Mar of 2006 and got married Dec of 2007! I know it's fast, but who could blame us? We are in love! I remember waking up really early that day, excited and ready to have my big breakfast at Sofitel. My family and I checked in at Sofitel the day before my wedding day, which is also my birthday. I asked my dad and brother to have breakfast with me. I really love the food at sofitel. They have a vast selections from Filipino food to Chinese food to American food! I could eat all day but well I might not fit in my wedding gown! After eating breakfast we proceed to our room. Our suite was located at the 10th floor of Sofitel. This is where they have their privilege card holders stay. On that floor, they also have the lounge where we can eat sushi and drinks to hearts content. 

Back to our room, the first to arrive was Summer, my wedding coordinator. With her was our photographer/ videographer, Robert Lester. Next one to arrive is Barbie Chan, make-up artist and last but not the least was Jerome Ang, my Couturier. As I said earlier, I could eat all day.. My mistake, because I almost can't fit in my wedding dress! QUE HORROR! Thanks to Jerome! He really was there to assist me in dressing! 

Jerome Helping me dress

  

Binondo Church

Fast forward, As I arrived to Binondo Church, there was still an on going wedding taking place. I was asked to wait inside the car. By the time I was ushered by Summer, I was giddy! I am ready to walk down the aisle towards my new life!

Silently walking

At the reception, everything was in place! I was really thankful to Summer for setting everything right! Less hassle and headache for me! Including our cake was magnificent!

Alex Franco's 5 layer cake

A Cup to remember

I have been searching for a mug for several months now. I went to Rustan's Department stores and also consider Starbucks mugs. This is to replace my trusty mug that's been chipped off by our maid while washing. I am very particular with my mug I don't know why. I just wanted it to be white in the inside and easy to handle.

My Mother-in-law saw that I can't find any mug to my liking so she volunteered to buy me one at Starbucks. Although I appreciated her gesture, I didn't like the mug she bought. Mainly because of the color and the shape. She bought me an orange mug. Oh well, it's a gift! That's why I've been using it even I didn't really like it.

Then I came across a friend of my hubby at Facebook. She is selling Thermal Porcelain Mug with Silicon lid to seal it from spillage. Sort of like those paper cups in Starbucks when you ordered to-go hot drinks. Also, they have designs like London Bridge, Eiffel tower, Merlion of Singapore, Great wall of China, etc.

I decided to buy the Merlion of Singapore! Bought it at Php450 pick up at Binondo area. Since, it's realy near our office, I asked my hubby to pick it up for me. Once it arrived I opened it, washed it and used it! Really loved it to pieces!

I could drink hot chocolate, hot coffee or even iced tea in it. Plus it's just the right size for me.

Engagement Day

Our engagement day arrives, everything was ready. I just booked 3 tables at Century Seafood Restaurant in a private room. I also booked a videographer for that day to send to my mom in the US. My gown was made of course by Jerome Salaya Ang. Make up artist was Elaine, recommended by my cousin Avie. When I arrived at the restaurant, everything was already prepared. I don't know who arranged things in order but at least no worries for me. I was asked to walked backwards towards the main table. I saw some of my friends and I was grinning as usual. At last I reached the main table and had my seat.

Tea Ceremony

The routine is that every family members should put jewelries around us. First is the necklace, then the bracelet and watch last will be the rings. My aunt told us that Bryan had to carry both cake outside and had to drive around the block and bring the cake back at the restaurant. This would bring good luck and blessing. After those, we would served tea to each elders. Starting with grandparents then parents up to aunts and uncles.

Posse for a picture!

Afterwards we went to the dining table to eat misua with eggs. It's yummy! I really love Century Park! Lastly, my sister and brother gave each family giveaways consists of sweets like biscuit, chocolates and candies. The day ended well.Now, my main concern will be our prenup shoot and the wedding day itself!

Wedding Preps

I was still working at Super 8 as a purchasing specialist that time and I was overwhelmed with work plus my wedding plans. It's a good thing that Bryan went to scout churches and reception venues with his sister. He already had booked Binondo Church and Diamond Hotel for our reception. But alas, his family didn't want a hotel reception, so we had to change venue to Century Park Hotel with chinese dishes of course.  I was freaking out because 30k for a reservation at Diamond hotel down the drain! I could buy a lot of stuff using that money! But, oh well.. it's their money not mine.. Our family is not that rich and me, myself, don't have money for a wedding. That's why all expenses was paid by my husband's side of the family. The good thing is that his mother let us have our way throughout the planning of the wedding. Well, except the reception..

Second booking went to a wedding planner. I already had one in mind, Summer, my client before for gift aways. She is a wedding planner and I already knew her that's why Bryan and I agreed to give the contract to her. You can contact her at her ym account vrc_creative@yahoo.com. I could say she is very organized and upto date with me all the way until my wedding day! She also came with me at my prenup shoot! I really love her to bits! Plus of course her husband! I also ask her to contact Barbie, my make up artist, to coordinate with her.

We had a trouble finding a host for our wedding. Due to our very lovable date which is a day after my birthday. Everyone was booked that time. We change 3x for a host and finally decided the last one is good enough. I didn't like him but he's OK. He sang my wedding marche and also sang 2 songs at our reception. His package also include sounds system which is a plus for us because we are really tired of checking suppliers left and right.

Time for booking flowers, Carlito is a cute guy and I think he is reliable enough. He gets his flowers at Dangwa that's why he was cheap.I don't like his flower arrangement of my bouquet though. It seemed so plain, it's a good thing that my gown was really fabulous. Thanks to Jerome Salaya Ang! He also gave me my Engagement dress for free. That's why I booked him for all my entourage including the guys suit! I love their suit and my entourage dress! all of it for only 120k That also includes 2 dresses for mothers and 1 for my grandmother. Love him!

We didn't had food tasting at Century Seafood restaurant because it seems unnecessary. We always ate there whenever there are functions. So we trusted their food will be exceptional.

Last but not the least booking was the invitations. We booked at Unifair Printing because they are close enough at our work place and I also wanted a very simple invitation. The normal Chinese emblem with heart which I suggested. I wanted to take credit for it because the design was tweeked by me first. Anyway, I was already proud of it.

My hotel of choice which I will be sleeping the night before the big day was Sofitel. We got the one bedroom suite at the corner with wonderful views. I just love it. We got it for 2 nights and cost us at about 30k. By the way, did I mentioned our wedding car was a jaguar? I love it also but it was too small. I just wished I got the Lincoln.Overall, wedding preparations are okay. I had fun. If ever I'll do this again I might do it the same as I did before.As you could see all my suppliers are based on practicality except the wedding car! haha!

The first change in my life

Ok here goes my first post! I always wanted to attempt writting a blog that would document my experience being married and my pregnancy woes. It might be a diary of some sort, so please bear with me.

I First met the man I would marry in a Chinese Temple managed by my uncle Tom in Q.C. That was Chinese New Year evening of 2006. We really did not met but our eyes came in contact everytime. It's just like highschool once again for me. Seeing a crush and getting giddy.

After 2 weeks, we met again in that same temple. I think he saw me talking to one of his aunt that time. After 4 days viola! I got a text from his aunt saying a nephew of hers' wanted to meet me and if it's okay with me to give my number to him. Of course I knew that time that the nephew she is reffering to is the same guy I saw.. (I did my research!) And so after getting tickled by my cousins to death I texted her and said yes. That night was the start of everything. We texted and he (Bryan) asked me if I wanted to go have some coffee the next morning before going to work. Of course I said yes! Gone are the days of Maria Clara! After this, we were inseparable!

Feb. 14, 2007 That's the day he gave me an engagement ring. He reserved a table at the Fireplace in Hyatt Hotel. Gave me my bouquet of flowers and blabber about a chocolate that was so expensive that he could not affort to give to me. It turns out it was an engagement ring! That night I can't even described what I was feeling. I came home so high and cheerful, my smile from cheek to cheek. Not even my father, who I have been irritated before I went out, did anything to my soaring mood.

I know it's been short and we just met a year ago and now we are going to get married! But let me tell you this, I never felt this right to belong to someone else as I felt it with him. Someone told me that love stories usually ends on the third year. Maybe true or maybe not.