Cutie Cute Cute

Yan-yan: Mom, I want a baby alive for Christmas
Me: Anak, it's so expensive and you've got lots of toys!
Yan-yan: But mom! PLEASE (with puppy dog eyes)...
Me: Oh, you have Peyton. He's a baby and he's alive (hehe)
Yan-yan: Aww man! mom...Peyton's not a doll.

My little darling will be turning 6 months soon

He's the sweetest (yet bossiest) little baby. He pulls his Ate's long hair and smothers her with kisses and lots of saliva hehe.

Our Peyton, how time flies. :)

Buffing up

I'll be hitting the gym starting Monday.

I need to make sure I stay within the weight that's equivalent to my heigt and frame plus, I can't afford to buy anymore clothes.

I refuse to get a bigger waistline and not be able to tuck-in my shirts because of the pregnancy belly.

I want to be able to carry my kids with little effort, run and play with them as much as I can - OUTDOORS!

I want to take care of myself better this time so I can also take good care of my babies.

These are the moments of drama in my life. hehe. But it's all good. Thank you Lord.

If you're looking for a gym in Makati which is affordable but has well maintained equipment, classes and lots of freebies for skin treatments! Go to Slimmer's World Pasay Road and look for Pritch. :) Tell them I referred you so she can give you a great package.

I got a package for Php800 a month only!

Image from Getty Images

Hair Dare

 

How I wish I can pull this off!!!

I find her really pretty, sophisticated and admirably mature for her age

But maybe I'll try to enjoy my long hair and possibly try to make it look like hers! *still wishing*

I'd really like to have my hair colored to a great brown shade like this except the hubby won't allow me (sigh).

Anyhoo, I'll figure it out soon.

photos by Getty Images

In the mood

 

mood board

it's not really a vision board

most probably things a look I'll try to pull-off

i must be bored haha

This just in

2011 Style Forecast: What to eye for eye wear

Vintage takes another quick step into these modern times: what comes around goes back even better!

Take it from the experts and authority in all things eye wear: RAY-BAN

Sweet Tooth

I have been into sweets since I can remember and my husband is really complaining about it and I think so will my body since I really am gaining weight.

So I'm hitting the gym soon again! hehe.

But this weekend, I'll be attempting to make an Indian desert called Gulab Jamun.

I have tasted it once when my boss gave us some of her mom's home cooked Gulab Jamun and I have been wanting and looking for places to get it.

I went to Kyss in Makati Ave for dinner and was so happy they served it there.

Thanks to my friend Google, I was able to download a lot of recipes for it.

I will update this post soon and see how my attempt goes.

Another part of my wish list is an oven. I LOVE TO BAKE and I want my kids to enjoy home cooked and baked meals and snacks like my brothers and I did when mom and I baked together at home. :)

Glitz and Gold

I've been collecting various accessories in gold recently.

I used to not like gold much. I was always on the look out for silver but now, I am in love with all things gold, sparkly and regal (ish). Anyhoo, my picks from my fave store, Forever 21, as they have a large selection of dainty and pretty pieces which I love.

I wish they expand soon in Makati so there are more options and places to go to aside from Megamall. Despite how near it the area is from my house, it's SO TRAFFIC.

Long weekend ahead. Enjoy!

PRIVADO

Don't miss out on this once a year event that gets bigger and better each year!

ONE DAY ONLY - Catch this exclusive designer accessories sale from leading eyewear brands like Ray-Ban and a lot more.

NOVEMBER 19, Friday from 10am to 10pm!

Supermarket Surprise

Seriously surprised that my current favorite lipstick of the moment is only Php79 bucks and a Filipino brand.

I never expected that I would love this lipstick, get it at a cheap price and really wear it everyday.

Ever Bilena's Matte Lipstick in their Mauvey shade

I use it to even out my lip color then place my Dear Darling clear gloss from Etude House on top.

Instant plump and pout in this season's nude palette when you don't want to overpower your face with too much color.

Try it! Got it from Robinson's Supermarket of all places. Sweet.

It's Hot

Why is it so hot in the Philippines and it's already nearing December???

I miss those times when the weather was stable enough that the BER months sent sudden cool breezes and I can actually wear scarves and peacoats!

Global warming. Sad.

I have 2 peacoats in my closet that I am hoping to wear soon!

I hope the weather gets cooler and breezier sans the heavy rains.

The Knit List Part I

I shall knit you soon!

I hope. mwahahaha.

Good night! Oh, rather, Good morning!

From Korea with Love

I change my make-up every 6-10 months, depending on the type.
A basic pressed-powder would take me 4-6 months to use-up.
Lipsticks, I change up to 10 months, as I have a number of lippies and usually don't use them much.

Ok, I'm mumbling here. So case in point, I rotate my make-up and keep at least 70% of the same brand because I think I get to blend them well (or maybe that's just me).

6 months ago, I tried The Face Shop.
My faves:
- #2 Stick Concealer (which is OUT OF STOCK for so long so I'm getting 2 when they restock)
- Span Clear Matte Compact Powder
- Baked shimmer powders and blusher
- The Rice moisturizer + toner with Ceramide (light and not greasy!)

Wardrobe Wishes

I took out a lot of clothes which don't fit me anymore and with organizing my closet, I gathered everything and tried to organize them by color, then by style (basics / essentials to one-of-a-kind pieces).

This way, I can start my SHOP SMART PLAN (title still a work in progress).

Because I don't want to end up with useless stuff and I hate preparing my day to day outfits in the morning - in a rush!

So I've narrowed down on my essentials and the key pieces I still need to purchase.

But to drill down on the key pieces, I had to determine which looks this season I want to try. So with my best friend Google, I came-up with my wish list of looks I'd like to experiment on.

SOCKS

I've been wanting to try knee highs without the preppy looking vibe

So part of my list: basic shades of knee highs and ankle length socks in black, cream and grey

SHOPS TO TARGET: F21, Topshop, SM and Landmark Dept Store (Because they have a big selection at great prices!)

The Good Stuff

I've been stuck with the business that is work so much that I can barely blog and I miss blogging.


I've been trying to make a summary of the line-up of entries which are eternally pending.

So to start off, I'm quite excited to post a lot about Baby Food and why I was quite happy to attend one of the best product launches so far.


OH BABY!

I'm not doing a Britney rendition here, mind you. But I'm talking about one chic idea that two mommy chefs have come-up with: an answer to every parent's dilemma when it comes to ensuring their baby's food is indeed HEALTHY and NUTRITIOUS!

Mommy Chef Rebecca and Mommy Chef Tina

with their Elite Team of Food Critiques

Eye Love

Either you buy quality or you get a bargain.

For my eyes, I'd rather spend than have them ruined by cheap sunglasses.

I've been to careless to buy the cheaper ones, only to realize later on that I get dizzy spells and eye strains.

Note: NOT EVERYTHING WITH A UV PROTECTION STICKER IS THE REAL THING

Plus, if it's limited then that's a super plus.

For one thing, I also like the smell of leather and most things hand made, may it be designer or from indie and local artisans.

This is the cherry on top.

Ray-Ban's Craft Collection boasts of premium Italian leather wrapped and hand stitched on its Outdoorsman design for Aviator and Caravan styles. Each piece is also made in Italy with superior hardware and lens quality including Polarized lenses (great for driving and avoiding glare from direct sunlight) and the LA or light adaptive lenses (which adapts to various lighting conditions).

I got the silver lens with the grey leather (will revise post and place photo soon).

I'll take good care of it so I can pass it on to my kids because Ray-Ban eyewear can actually be great heirloom pieces, especially these styles which are quite limited.


:)

The Joys of Feeding

This is a family oriented / wholesome blog so despite the headline, it's really not what you think. :)

Mothers will always be more choosy than their picky little eaters nowadays at least because processed baby food really isn't the best staple for our little ones given the many studies of how these food types are made, they just aren't that healthy enough.

For working moms like me though, doing everything from scratch is quite an ordeal already and not all yayas will be able to get what you want and how you want it.

So, one rainy day, I got a special invitation and was totally surprised to be invited as a mom blogger guilty because I haven't been able to update my blog for the longest time.

Fashion Fever

I have tons of pending blog entries and a lot of those I want to share in my own little space here in cyberworld.

First off, if you haven't experienced the fashion overload at Forever 21, then you are indeed saving money missing out on a lot. I've told myself that I'll never step in there again but I keep coming out of Megamall with those yellow shopping bags. Where's the fun in life if you don't spend a little bit on fashion for yourself? (me trying to put reason behind the F21 shopping fever I've had).

So much missed!

I miss blogging! I barely have time but I'm not complaining. We've been quite blessed.

My little boy is healthy, happy and just turned 3 months.

My little girl is very happy with school and with her regular activities.

I went back to work and I'm quite happy where I am now with my career.

The hubby is in a new career path and has more time for us now.

I've been able to make time for some other hobbies and friends.

Hopefully, blogging will have it's own time too.

I've got so many stories and stuff to share! I can't wait.

Thank you Lord for everything!

Proudly plugging!

I've uploaded the first set of bags (of designs I personally handpicked) inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

We all need a little whimsy and quirkiness in our wardrobe and I fell in love with the vintage styling in most of the hardware and designs of these bags.

What I'm most excited about would be the ones I personally designed!!!

Quite soon! heehee

More pictures..read on!

From Small to Medium

It's a given, I have to face the fact that I no longer have a 24 inch waist line and that all of my favorite jeans won't fit me anymore.

Seriously, I'm thankful I'm not suffering from postpartum depression and to all the mommies out there, SHOPPING is indeed therapy.

(i want those legs!!! oh and the body too please!)

image from Mango

Bottle Battles

I've mentioned it HERE before that I bought The First Years Breastflow Bottles. 

They were quite promising...until we used them.

 

Under the Weather

I've been trying to squeeze in everything around my little one's schedule - seems impossible!

First, my allergies are back because of the weather.

Second, I had a root canal and apart from the fact that it's a painful tooth experience it's also a painful pocket experience at 16k a molar!

Next, I've got a backlog of net activities like fixing both oOhwables & goOhwables, merchandise photo shoot, editing and making the artwork for the collections.

Feeling Good

It's such a great feeling to finally see and hug my baby boy!

I also won't deny that it's such a great feeling to be able to do things without the fear of harming a little baby in your tummy.

Since I got pregnant, I avoided a lot of products, particularly those which I use on my skin which may contain chemicals and other preservatives that may harm my baby. But now, it's more of a craving than a need.

POST PREGGY PRODUCTS I'M LOVIN'

Here are my FEEL GOOD products at the moment:

The Face Shop's 
SWEET BODY MOISTURE BALM

*Picture borrowed from The Face Shop's site

Don't let the Avocado thing fool you into thinking its going to make you smell like the fruit. It's a semi-sweet, lovely scent that will richly moisturize your skin. Getting pregnant really does make your skin dry and less supple so I truly recommend this especially when you're always in an air-conditioned environment.

Php600+ - cream is compact and a little goes a long way so this is well worth the price!

I'm almost back!

How I've missed blogging!

But I don't regret taking a breather. I'm quite happy now that our second little bundle of joy is with us!

We welcomed Peyton Nehemiah last June 5 at 5pm, at the Medical City.


Many thanks to my OB, Dr. Chit Lector (and her lovely team of doctors, midwives and nurses) and our Pedia, Dr. Cristina Bernardo who have been the best we've worked with so far.

I've got so many posts I want to publish already! It's my goal to get the blog going again this month.

The Breast is Best

Breastfeeding has always been the best option for babies since life was created by God. 

It's not just because it's natural and saves us from formula milk expenses, it's the healthiest option giving our babies the needed antibodies to combat diseases. 

Breastfed babies are also known to be healthier and it's also the best bond between a mother and child.

For moms (like me) who are working full time, as much as we would want to breastfeed our babies the entire day, we simply can't. 

For Them Little Boys

I never had a hard time buying stuff for my little girl as there are A LOT of choices. The hard part was keeping myself from buying! 

But when it comes to baby boys, there aren't so many choices specifically when it comes to clothing.

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a cute multiply shop which I've recently just revisited. 

MYOH 2010!

I wasn't able to attend the previous events because I was usually working and didn't have the strength anymore to go through a big crowd of Havaianas enthusiasts.

But I do love Havaianas! They're the most comfy flipflops and I never had any allergies using them. I usually get allergies from rubber flip flops, but these are special. 

I have 5 solid pairs and 1 printed pair, a mix of slim and top designs. 

My daughter recently got the hand of wearing flip flops so she now has 2 pairs. ☺

Sossy Siopao! :)

Well, it's actually affordable! But the fact that they offer so many flavors aside from your usual Bola-bola and Asado makes GOURMET PAO so great!

Brainchild of Mikaela Martinez, who is a mom of 2 but still an active model (you won't even know she's already a mom!)

They have several flavors to choose from but my daughter and I's favorite is Bacon and Cheese! :) 

Support Group - LATCH INC.

I'm happy that my pedia, Dr. Cris Bernardo supports breastfeeding and even helps plan out a feeding plan. She's quite nice and do HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER TO ALL MOMS and DADS still in search for a pediatrician.

I'll post her details soon here on another blog post.

When I moved back to Manila, I was no longer breastfeeding. But I did plan to join this wonderful group because I have vowed to breastfeed again once I have another baby.

 

They are a great support group who charges only minimal fees from Breastfeeding workshops, Hospital or Home visits, Phone/Text/Email support, Pre and Post Partum One on One classes and other tools to help you breastfeed and bond with your baby with ease!

Check out LATCH's counselor profiles HERE

You may also contact them HERE

SO WHY BREASTFEED?

Below are great resources you can read:

Breastmilk Jump-Starts Baby's Immune System

Breastfeeding might Reduce Risk of Developing Diabetes

Fewer Allergies 

Check out the rest of the resources at http://www.breastfeeding.com

Are you a working mom and need the right tools?  read my previous blog entry HERE

:) 

Breast Feeding for the Working Mom

Since I decided to stick to my plan of really breastfeeding, I didn't care to buy bottles just yet until I remembered that I would need to go back to work after 2 months.

It's heartbreaking!

I took a year off to make sure my eldest was properly taken cared off and I was able to breastfeed for 6 months.

I'm hoping I could do the same for my little boy, who I'll meet next month! (So excited).

So thankful that there are already a lot of products available here for on the go moms like me, I've created a list of the things I saw online (most of which I'm wanting to buy soon):
 

Feeding Bottles

I'm looking at the ones which will resemble natural feeding of course. Babies can be quite choosy.

Top of my list:

1. Tommee Tippee

Their Closer to Nature Bottles are not only cute but also have the following features:

• Nipple mimics natural feel, flex and movement of breastfeeding
• Allows for easy transition between breast and bottle
• Wide neck nipple for easier latch on
• Anti-colic, anti-gas, advanced easi-vent™ valve
• BPA & Phthalate Free
• Graduations in mls and ounces
• Hygiene Cap seals the nipple for travel

Although they can be quite pricey at almost $8 each or around Php300+ each for a 5 oz bottle. But here it's Php449 aty SM Baby Co.

I'm planning to get 2 and try for my little one. If he "approves", then I'll get more.

QUICK SAVING TIP: Remember mommies, you don't need to buy everything all at the same time! Buy in pairs or three's first for these types of things to avoid spending too much on things you might not be able to use later on.

2. Adiri Natural Nurser

The design is quite nice as well plus it has unique Fill, Twist and Feed System. :)

"The Adiri™ Natural Nurser™ Ultimate Baby Bottle is soft, safe and simple. With an easy to use and dishwasher safe Fill, Twist and Feed™ system, the only nipple truly shaped like a mother's breast, soft polycarbonate-free and bisphenol-A free materials, and a unique Petal™ vent that helps reduce colic, the Adiri Natural Nurser enables the ultimate safe bottle feeding experience."

I haven't seen these in malls yet (or maybe some specialty shops have them already). I have encountered online sellers though selling these for Php2,980 (3 pack, multi stage nursers).  Pretty expensive than your normal bottles but if it's going to last longer and make it easier to keep baby nursing from the breast and bottle (and vice versa), then it's worth the investment.

3. Nuby Natural Touch Softflex

Another option I'm looking at is Nuby

Polypropylene Bottle With Slow Flow Silicone Teats

• SLOW FLOW teats, perfect for newborns
• BPA FREE 100% Bisphenol A free and keeping your baby safe

Price at Php319.75, from Youjiandme.com (they also have other cool baby items specifically from abroad made available in various retail outlets here in the Philippines).

4. Milk Trays by Sensible Lines via Indigo baby

Since I already have my Pigeon electric breast pump, all I need to do is look great storage for the milk I'll be leaving for my little one. 

I don't like storing them in bottles or regular plastic disposable zips (Yey for the environment!)

I found this from indigomanila.multiply.com 

Php1365 for a set of 2 trays 

Milk trays are made from flexible Bisphenol-A FREE plastic and durable enough for the freezer. Notable attributes of the Milk Trays:

-Bisphenol- A FREE
-Sixteen 1 oz. cavities
-1 oz. frozen Milk Sticks will fit through ALL bottle openings (even if it is 4 oz., 9 oz., narrow, wide-mouth, or bent-neck bottle)
-A lid to block out freezer burn and eliminate smells from other items in the freezer
-Reusable - stop continously spending money on nurser bags!
-Slim in size to fit any freezer to ensure ample room for other frozen foods

Milk Trays are not ice cube trays with lids. They are a better choice for freezing breastmilk

-Patented design specifically for breast milk
-Exact measurement of 1 oz. Milk Sticks
-Versatile shape - fit through all bottle openings
-Very flexible and absolutely reusable

Milk Trays (breast milk storage trays) are used to freeze expressed breast milk, not actually store breast milk. Breastfeeding/pumping mothers will pump their breast milk into the bottles that come with the breast pumps and then pour that expressed breast milk into their Milk Trays. This will then freeze it into the one-ounce servings and patented shape that will fit into any bottle opening in just a few short hours. Once frozen mothers will then "pop out" their one-ounce Milk Sticks and store them in freezer safe zip lock bags (easily found in every kitchen) until ready to use. Now the trays can be reused for the next round(s) of pumping.

Freezing expressed breast milk this way allows for more room in the freezer by allowing mothers to place as many ounces as they want (usually over a two week span) into one bag. Since the one-ounce Milk Sticks are already frozen they remain separated in the bag allowing mothers to remove only the ounces needed for that bottle at that time. Also in one-ounce servings breast milk freezes faster minimizing the amount of nutrients lost during the freezing process. Freezer safe zip lock bags are safe to hold frozen food products like breast milk remember the milk is already frozen! It is safe to touch the frozen breast milk as long as hands are washed prior to touching the milk.

Let’s face it, breast pumping is hard! Babies know how to get feed better than we can pump. However since women make up over 46% of the work force, mothers wanting to continue working and breast feeding have to pump and store their breast milk. Breast pumping requires dedication and patience not to mention staying hydrated and well rested! What mother can achieve all that?

Since mothers don’t want to have hundreds of barely filled nurser bags in their freezer they tend to pour four to eight ounces into each bag. The entire bag must be thawed and since breast milk cannot be refrozen once thawed (even warming then cooling then warming again is also a "no-no" because of early spoiling and even more destruction of valuable nutrients) usually several ounces get thrown away. Think about that for a moment - several ounces thrown away - that can really add up over time.

As recommended by many notable organizations, the bext way of freezing and storing expressed breastmilk:

-At room temperature between 4-6 hours in an air-tight container
-In a refrigerator between 4-8 days in an air-tight container
-In a separate freezer 6-12 months in a feezer-safe container
-Hard sided plastic containers with well-fitting tops
-Recommended to freeze in small quantities (1-2 oz.)

Made in the USA

Invented by breastfeeding working mothers.

Milk Trays can handle all the problems that working/breastfeeding mothers face while staying true to the environment.

Visit www.sensiblelines.com

5. Lansinoh HPA Lanolin

If you're a first time mom, don't give up when it get painful to breastfeed. There are always solutions and aids to help you. Remember that you are not doing it to save on formula (but really, you do SAVE on formula) but it gives your child all the antibodies he/she needs to fight off diseases!

Lanolin Soothes sore nipples from regular breastfeeding and Lansinoh has a great product which is safe to use as well!

• Soothes, heals and protects sore cracked nipples
• Does not need to be removed prior to breastfeeding
• Patented refining process means Lansinoh HPA Lanolin is the world's purest lanolin
• Contains no preservatives or additives of any kind
• #1 selling nipple cream in the US

I'm not sure if local department store have these but I got mine from the states through a great friend. But I've seen several multiply and ebay sellers offer this. Usually it goes around for Php500-650.

6. Bottle Warmer

I've got no particular brand in mind as of yet. But thinking that I'll be leaving breastmilk stored and frozen, I'm not too keen on microwaving the bottles or melting them in another container (to avoid contamination). 

So while I was surfing, I was thinking of getting a bottle warmer to warm up the breastmilk sticks (if I decide to use the milk trays) plus I'm assured the temp will be just right.

To name a few I've seen brands like Chicco, Avent/Philips, The First Years to name a few. Prices usually start off at Php2,000 going up to Php4,000.

Yes, pricey, I know. So if you're getting this, might as well make the most of it by using it to warm baby food too. :)

 
 Tommee Teppee from SM Baby Co at Php3,400+ (Food and Bottle Warmer)

Note:

- Make sure products are BPA-FREE (It pays to be safe!)

- If buying from abroad or from online sellers, check that any electronic items are 220v otherwise, buy a transformer first (Check out your local hardware store - they start at Php300+ each for 110V-220V conversion)

:)

Crib Update

I'm so excited! 

My dad will get the crib for the baby on the week of the 18th and the maker assured us it would look exactly like this with a few adjustments I made with the railing.

I wanted the front railing to fold into 2 so I can just have one height for the mattress base (more secure for me as I'll be using this as a day-bed or toddler bed later on)

Made from solid wood with natural finish same as in the picture.

I can't wait! 

All I need to do is buy a 52 x 28 mattress at the department store and the bedding set as well.

I've already bought cute fabric so I can make fitted sheets and bumpers (Yes, I will attempt to be crafty once more!)

Will post pics as soon as it arrives!

New Toy For a Busy Mom

After waiting for a month or so I was finally able to get my new toy!

First off, I was highly satisfied with my HTC Touch Viva, being able to surf via WIFI and GPRS, email here and there. But having to run after a 3-year-old or lug stuff around and text using a touch screen all at the same time was a little bit harder. 

When the QWERTY phone revolution came in, I was immediately interested. 

First, I bought a dual sim card capable unit  which was Blackberry like china phone to house my corporate and business numbers so I won't have to carry 3 phones in total. It was pretty sleek and for the features and price, all was worth it (It had Wifi too).

Then my supplier told me that she'll be having 2 limited edition Blackberry Curve 8520s in White. I was so excited. So finally, I gave in and reserved the unit and sold my HTC phone (as I've said, I'm practical, there's no use in keeping too many phones).

Then finally, I got it, I was so happy!

I was opting or a BB 9700 but I found it too bulky and seriously executive like. I just really wanted the features and the mobility and since I don't rely on the phone's camera, I decided to stick with the Curve.

Upon getting the gadget, I phoned Globe immediately and inquired about their BB plans. I initially just wanted to get the 700 plan on top of my current subscription but accounting that it's quite limited and for an additional 500 a month for the Supersurf Unlimited Plan, I opted to try the 1200 first.

Globe Supersurf for BB Plans:

700 - has 6 month lock-in period

1200 - no lock-in period, cancel and re-activated any time

• Rate will be on top of your existing plan
• You must be able to have your plan + add-on services within your given credit limit (default is usually 2500 for plans 800 and up and 1500 for plan 500). 
• If you go over the credit limit you need to request for a credit limit upgrade and present the following:
• 1 Valid ID
• 1 month Payslip or Copy of front and back of your Credit Card with at least 20k limit
• Letter of stating details of your plan (account number, mobile number), current limit and new credit limit request (how much you want to apply for)
• You can fax, email or bring the requirements to any globe business center (I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU GO TO A BUSINESS CENTER!)

Initially, I thought the process will be quite easy, but it turned out to be a complete nightmare dealing with customer reps over the phone having to state your information over and over again plus the emails that you have to reply to over and over again as well! (note: 80% of the customer reps were quite helpful, I guess it was their system)

So after 3 days of no service update, I went to Globe in Glorietta and asked for after sales assistance.

It turns out that my plan 1200+499 (superduo)+1200 (bb supersurf) exceeded the default credit limit I had of Php2,500. So I had to submit documents which I actually did via Fax and Email 3 days before I went there and was the root of all the frustration that made me drag myself (my big pregnant self) to Glorietta because that establishment has NEVER failed me (except for the guard on duty who gives wrong number allocations for the wrong departments! Sorry manong but you had me wait for am hour!)

So once I go to talk to the after sales rep, I explained my frustration and she checked on my account. No buts, ifs, waiting time and in less than 5 minutes, she handed me a paper to sign and activated my subscription. She even saw all the emails and fax details I sent and didn't ask me to give copies of my requirements!

My Blackberry Supersurf Plan was activated within an hour! Awesome! 

So a very very BIG THANKS to Ms. Joanne Garcia of Globe Glorietta Business center, YOU ROCK!

So after getting my service up I registered at http://globe.blackberry.com and placed in my 2 main emails and will be placing in my work email as soon as I get the settings next week from our IT. I think you can place as many as 10.

I activated my BB messenger and instantly connected with friends here and abroad. So convenient, you're not only getting unlimited internet access which a breeze to use and pretty much better than regular phone browsers with the BB's built in browser or Opera Mini, you get unlimited messaging capabilities via BBM, YM, MSN, GTalk, etc.

Tweet all you want via UberTwitter or Twixtreme.

Download free applications via Blackberry Apps or other third party providers. I downloaded the BB Bible and My Tube, Flickr and Mini Paint.

You can read MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel Files too. I'm still searching for a PDF reader.

I was able to download a cute Hello Kitty theme with Zebra background. Pretty chic and my daughter loves it.

Got a free screen protectr and clear jelly case from my supplier too and my pink Halo pouch. Now I'm all set and my phone is childproof! hehe

The camera's pretty nice and the screen's resolution is quite ok, despite reviews you see that it's not as good as the other BB phones in terms of screen resolution, I think it's pretty sharp compared to other phones.

The trackpad is so much better than a trackball and the fact that my BB is white makes it smudges and fingerprints less obvious!

Over-all, if you are looking at added mobility without toting a laptop around all the time, get a blackberry. :)

If you already have one and want to chat about parenting, gadgets, shopping and reviews, add me up on twitter: mommygtm or BBM 21A79F4E

Give back to Mother Earth

For 60 minutes  or 1 hour, you can give back to Mother Earth

Join EARTH HOUR and VOTE FOR EARTH!

On March 27, 2010, 8:30 PM, switch off your lights (and other appliances even!) 

For just an hour, you're giving back so much for our future, especially our youth's future.

For more information visit: http://www.earthhour.org/

While you're at it, light a candle, spend time with your love ones or say a silent prayer. :)

Getting Crafty On the Go!

When you're stuck in traffic, waiting in line or for someone or if you're just plain BORED, what do you usually do?

Most of the time, I see people fiddling with their mobile phones (probably playing games or sending SMS). I also see some reading a book and some who just stare blankly into space (which most often than not are the irate ones...hehe).

Thanks to my cousin, I was introduced to knitting a year ago. I never really thought I would enjoy it until I was able to finish some projects.

I later on got so hooked on it, I started acquiring cool knitting tools and imported yarns. They're not the cheapest but they're the best especially if you're planning to use your finished projects on your kids or yourself.

"Knitting is for grannies..." 

I DON'T AGREE because well, I'm not a granny and my mom or my grandma don't knit PLUS there are quite a number of celebrities (both young and old and MEN even, who knit!)

There's Hillary Duff who knits to keep herself occupied on plane trips

Model Kimberly Stuart even hosts knitting parties with her friends (yes, the one who also parties with other celebrities like Paris Hilton).

Julia Roberts apparently knits while in between shoots and is planning to star in the film Friday Night Knitting Club (which reminds me that I've been wanting to get that book).

Scarlett Johansson - so knitting is SEXY! (hahah). She even knitted a scarf to use for her role in Lost In Translation!

and her Husband, Ryan Reynolds also knows how to knit (I've given up on teaching involving mine...)

 

To name a few others, there's Debra Messing (I miss Will & Grace!), Uma Thurman, Sarah Jessica Parker!

 

and get this: KATE MOSS!

 

Catherine Zeta Jones taught Antonio Banderas during their film The Legend of Zorro (cool eh?)

 

The sense of accomplishment when you finish a project (no matter how imperfect it looks) is the best joy ever!

I must admit that I have been slacking off and after organizing my tools and yarns, I need to get back to knitting. Plus traffic is horrible, so I might as well bring a project along. I also like knitting while I'm waiting at the doctor's office or to take a break during the day, just to relax.

It's the best thing (ever) when someone you love LOVES the stuff you make. :) I hope one day, it can be a bonding activity between me and my daughter among many other hobbies.

     

TOOLS OF THE TRADE TO GET YOU STARTED:

1. Knitting Needles (straight or circular, depends on your preference) - I personally like circular needles because they are easy to bring along than straight ones. I like ADDI CIRCULAR KNITTING NEEDLES because I find that I work faster and they just glide like butter on your hands. 

2. Yarn - There are a lot of options - in the Philippines, it's quite hard to find really nice yarn and the ones usually available are Acrylic (synthetic). I like the acrylic ones from Bernat (which comes from the US) and the cotton ones from Lion and Lily (which are also from the US). 

3. Patterns - you can download so many online. It's quite handy especially if you're just starting to knit. What I do is I download them and save them on my mobile phone as PDF or as an e-book so I can have them ready when I knit outside. 

Here are my favorite websites for tips and patterns:

http://www.vogueknitting.com/ (Yup! Vogue has a knitting magazine and site!)

http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/

http://www.dailyknitter.com/

http://www.knittinghelp.com/ - GO TO THIS SITE to learn the basics and advance techniques!

So WHERE can you buy awesome knitting stuff, especially the imported ones from the US? Go to DREAMS Yarn Shop in Glorietta 5, 3rd floor. I love that shop, the owner and their sales associates. They are quite helpful plus you can hang out, learn and share from other knitters (who are amazing!).

I haven't been able to visit for quite some time (since I've got more than enough and I can't help but buy something) but I will very soon!

Got the munchies

The weather's not so good. It's so humid. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to gulp on a really chilled / ice cold SODA.

But since I'm pregnant, I made me some fruit shake instead.

But still! I don't know what it is I want to munch on and I'm too lazy and tired to go out at this time.

Seriously, I wish there was a delivery page with all the kinds of "Comfort Foods" available. From Halo-halo, Chok-nut bars, Champorado, Dinuguan at Puto and all the food that makes you warm, fuzzy, sentimental.

I'm just blabbing. I think the heat is getting to me.

Funny Book: ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!

I stumbled across Bob Ong's books one time in National Bookstore. I didn't buy it right off the bat but I did Google it that night and I was surprised that so many people really like it.

I've been meaning to blog about the book I got: ABNKKBSNPLAKo?! Mga Kwentong Chalk Ni Bob Ong

I was like: "Uhm, Miss, do you have a copy of, ahhh...well do you have any Bob Ong Books?" until I figured out how to read the title (hehe!)

It's a fun read plus the books aren't really expensive (not more than Php200!) but for me are keepers if you want to cheer yourself up.

The best laugh trip moments are the ones about your childhood and the many silly antics you did when you were a kid.

So reading this book was really fun (and I didn't mind some people staring at me when I really laughed at one his entries regarding the games you play while in class like SOS and all that while I was waiting for my daughter in ballet class).

At the end of the book you'll also realize that he tackles really good issues, like this book in particular tackles our Education System and he gives really good insights especially on the plight of public school teachers and students.

I bought a couple more of his books and I'm looking forward to more funny and interesting stories from Bob Ong. :)