When The Universe Aligns, What Would You Do?
Sunday, October 30, 2016I've been thinking a lot lately about the state of my mom life right now and where should I really be and what does God want me to do or...
When things seem to be going so well, suddenly life has a way to shake me up again and tilt me out of my comforts. Looking back at recent events, I think this shaking up started happening when I was bed resting and experienced working-from-home. It was a challenge for me, but manageable. Next, I had an emergency C-section when we were all preparing for a normal delivery of baby boy #3. Following that, our baby who was only two months then got hospitalized and at that tender age already experienced being inserted an IV into. When I got back to work, there were some changes which aren't exactly in sync to my long-term plans. Lastly, yaya problems.
But for every mishaps, there were equivalent blessings that come along. When I was bed resting my new team/s were gracious to allow me to work-from-home which isn't a standard practice in the office. Because of that, I was able to become more involved with household matters. Second, I was able to prove to others and myself that working-from-home indeed could work. Delivering and launching projects from home is possible! I had a taste of how working-from-home feels like. It was like a window to another life path which is still unexplored.
Second, when I had an emergency C-section, it simply meant, more maternity leave days for me. It just meant, extended time to be with my newborn and extra time for me to learn and do breastfeeding my baby. It also meant extra time for me to be present for my two older kids.
When our baby was hospitalized due to my spoiled breast milk, I became more conscious about breastfeeding and sensitivity breast milk storage hence, I was able to share this experience to other moms through my blog.
I was nervous when I was about to return to work. Because it was my first time to exclusively breastfeed, I didn't have any idea at all how to make breastfeeding work while working out of home. Fortunately, I was lead to meet angels and these angels helped and supported me a lot in my exclusive breastfeeding journey: from choice of breast pump, to recommended breastfeeding essentials, the how-tos, and to full-on moral support! This pumped me up and made me convicted to breastfeed baby exclusively as long as I can. Baby's turning four months already and is exclusively breastfed, thanks to the current support system I have. Imagine, I've saved almost Php 21K for being formula-milk-free (based on a can costing Php900 good for 5days).
Now speaking of work, there are decisions to be made and these decisions could be life-changing. I'm at that cross-road right now. Should I jump or should I hold back? While making a final choice is still impending, I keep on meeting angels who are entrepreneurs or working from home and who are inspiring and encouraging. It makes me think, if they can do what they do joyfully even if it means heavy work, sleepless nights, stress... then maybe I can too? The prize is being able to stay with the kids while earning a living doing what you love doing and being your own boss.
But there are times that I dismiss those thoughts because practically speaking, I cannot just leave work. I cannot afford to lose my security blanket (which has hospitalization benefits for my dependents, bonuses, and other perks) which put food on the table, pay bills, pay salaries, and send kids to school. Then the last straw blew: Yaya problem who has already said goodbye and gave us a termination date.
That's it, pansit! What now, brown cow?
Is the universe pushing me to jump off the cliff I'm afraid to jump into? Is the universe whispering to me to take that unexplored path? Is the universe telling me to make a choice soon because all these life situations, or dilemmas if you would call it that way, are happening?
When the universe aligns nga naman, you will be lead to riding that road in your life which is unsure because of unlit alleys. When they align, you will be lead to make a choice, which is not popular and could be scary, but it's what's right for you given the life you're presented into. When the universe aligns, those mishaps turn into opportunities, and it's up to you to take them or let them go.
Will I take it or let go? Will I explore the path I'm afraid to take or stay safe? Should I begin again before it's too late or just stay complacent with what I have right now even if the current is running against my life right now?
What would you do if the universe is aligning things for you? Will you realign your life or persevere with what you have right now even if it's already pushing away?
Great Mommy And Baby Finds At Mommy Mundo In Manila Sundance Bazaar
Sunday, October 30, 2016Happy Halloween Long Weekend loves! I'm typing away straight from our hotel room during our Halloween staycation (baby's first ever...
Anyway, I came to check out Mommy Mundo's Mommy Fair Area. It's packed with many well-loved and sought-after mommy and baby items! This collaboration aims to encourage women's and moms' self-empowerment and self-worth. I'm sure you would agree that as moms, we're always tired of managing the household budget, cooking, cleaning the house, caring for the kids (and the list goes on and on), that sometimes we forget to care for ourselves. Then our self-worth is affected right?
My eyes and my heart were both delighted to see so many Mommy Mundo partners selling their quality products. Hay naku, let me just share with you what to expect and the essentials you could purchase.
There's my diaper bag in the top shelf, second to the left. It's on 50% off! The nice tote diaper bags on the lower shelf is also in sale at 70% off!
This nice mommy bag is actually a diaper bag! Lassig bags marry style and function in every piece they have . Plus , it's really spacious and durable too.
Princess & The Pea
Do you have pretty daughters? Waah! I don't! Well for those of you who are blessed with princesses, you'll find adorable pieces of clothes here. Pretty dresses, stylish tops, and accessories too!
The Mommy Fair Area is found at the farthest part of the venue. I closed my eyes and braved reaching the end of the hall without getting distracted, to ensure that I have my shopping priority set straight. Baby and mommy needs first before my wants.
But on my way out, I failed because I toured the whole venue, aisle by aisle. Haha! But I didn't splurge, wala ring kasya masyado na sa akin! Manila Sundance Bazaar is a venue for great fashion, mommy and baby, and food finds happening until October 30 only. Do your early Christmas shopping for yourself and loved ones too! Last chance today loves!
Happy shopping!
For more of Mommy Mundo's upcoming events, like Mommy Mundo on Facebook and follow on Instagram.
Wink Supports Celebrating You - As A Mom, A Woman
Sunday, October 30, 2016That's the same question we were asked during a special event I, together with other wonder mommies, attended a couple of days back. So...
As a woman, I always find time and make time for ME-time. I also take time to find joy in simple things. And as a mother, I celebrate myself by being in the company of my loved ones and showing them my love. That's how I celebrate ME!
Celebrating YOU as a woman, mom or not, is the message which Wink, one of the top brand choices in shapewear, wants to tell every modern Filipina. Victory or defeat, just wink at it to feel great, and just celebrate! There's so much in life to wink about and celebrate especially if you're already a mom.
But while that last statement is true, giving birth and raising children could be really tough. One of the toughest times in motherhood is bouncing back after giving birth, emotionally, psychologically and especially physically. In all these aspects, we need all the help and support we could get. And on the physical side, that's where Wink Postpartum Shapewear comes in, to help us still wink at these things and celebrate motherhood!
Influential Women Testify About Wink
Many moms can testify to its effectiveness and a few were invited to share their experiences during the official launch of Wink Shapewear at Stacy's BGC where moms like me were treated to nourishing food, relaxing hand and fingers massage, and exciting games with exciting prizes and giveaways.
Some of these women who shared their, not so secret anymore, Wink experiences were Joy Sotto, Tina Rodriguez, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, Cat Arambulo-Antonio, Lee Shen-Cala-or.
Joy Sotto, a mom of 5, had an unexpected C-section in delivering her fifth child. She tried different kinds binders in the past but nothing compared to Wink. It gave her full support in her tummy and back area which the hospital binder failed to give her. The postpartum pain became bearable and Wink was really comfortable. She said, "..lesson learned, request to use it (Wink) right away instead of the hospital binder!"
A good friend of mine, Tina Rodriguez, shared that even if she delivered her babies through the natural route, she used Wink and it supported her back and body as a whole, which she needed most during the time she had to do a lot of walking to and from the IMCU after giving birth to her fourth child. It also helped her look slim postpartum and she highly recommends Wink to her preggy friends asking which binder to use.
Bianca Araneta Elizalde, mom of 4, model, and co-author of Project Mom, raves about Wink being the most comfortable binder she's used so far. No red marks on skin, no itch, and it's invisible under clothing.
Cat Arambulo-Antonio, fashion/beauty/lifestyle blogger said at first she was skeptical about Wink at first, but tried it after reading many good reviews online. She was happy to try it and that it actually worked for her in a sense that it kept everything tight, she was able to more more even after a C-section and no rashes. It keeps her flat and makes her look sexy, with that she says "it's the best thing ever!"
Another blogger friend, Lee Shen Cala-or attests to how effective Wink is in making her look slim and feeling great at the same time. It made her fit into her pre-pregnancy clothes and helped her with her posture during breastfeeding.
About Urban Essentials Inc.
Joy Astilla is the founder of Urban Essentials, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Wink in the Philippines (and also of Blanqi Maternity Support, Bellaband Maternity Band, and Ingrid & Isabel Nursing Bras.) She says, "It is our company's goal to make everyone know that it is okay for a woman to take care of herself.. to look and feel good...love for yourself should not stop once you become a mother. Caring for for yourself is essential so you could keep your sanity and take care of your family members who depend on you."
That being said, the company's philosophy is really about celebrating oneself. And when it comes to celebrating motherhood and womanhood as a whole, Wink's got our back (and tummy too!), literally and figuratively. Wink continues to serve moms' bodyshaping needs postpartum and beyond, and enjoins its #Winkmoms and wome everywhere to "Celebrate You!" every day.
Wink is available through www.urbanessentials.com.ph and in Mothercare, Rustan's, and The Parenting Emporium.
DIY Project: Ghostbusters Dessert Table For Wes
Friday, October 28, 2016It's been more than a month since we celebrated my preschooler's birthday in school which means this post is overdue. But who gave ...
I find joy in seeing that I made something out of nothing. In addition to that, the spark in the eyes of my son in amazement at the DIY projects I finished for him is priceless. It also feels good when I saw how proud he was that his mom made his dessert table during his school party. All his classmates marveled at the themed sweet treats and my son felt how special that day was, indeed a happy birthday.
I asked him which was his favorite character at that time so that mommy could make his party special. He said Ghostbusters. He shifts kasi to other characters quickly so I needed to be sure. :) So without any more delay, here were some DIY elements I did for his school party:
Conquering Fears And Washing Away Stains Of Past With Ariel
Friday, October 21, 2016I've written about stains in the past and how a woman should go on living her life by putting it all behind. While moving forward and m...
Ms. Kris Aquino showing off her fear: My loved ones being hurt |
Ariel 100 Stains In 1 Wash |
My greatest fear is getting sick and leaving my family behind at an early age. |
Dumping the stained shirt in a large bin to be washed with Ariel |
Panel discussion with women influencers, moderated by Bianca Gonzalez-Intal |
- Miriam Quiambao, fearless beauty queen
- Amina Rasul, fearless advocate for peace and development
- Anna Kapunan, fearless advocate for health and environment
- Marilou Chua, fearless beauty queen and children's education
- Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, fearless journalist
- Mandy Dela Rima, fearless entrepreneur
- Mons Romulo, fearless lifestyle columnist
- Aimee Carandang Gloria, fearless female pilot
- Badjie Guerrero-Trinidad, fearless founder of The Cravings Group
These Fearless Filipinas shared their fears to the audience during the Wash Your Fears Summit by Ariel |
Bianca and Kris helped each other in putting some of the stained shirts into the washing machine with Ariel |
One-on-one with Ms. Kris Aquino to talk about her fears and how she conquered all and continue to do so. |
Stains were no match to Ariel's superior stain removal. |
With one of the 100 Fearless Filipinas recognized at the summit. |
#Ariel100StainsIn1Wash
Baby's Multi-compartment Lassig Diaper Bag
Tuesday, October 18, 2016Seriously, there are so many baby diaper bags out there in the market to choose from. Selecting the right one for you and your baby could ...
What I like about this diaper bag is that it has its own stroller strap. So if mommy or daddy's hands are full or bag is too heavy to carry around, just attach the bag to the stroller and carry on!
Now let me show you the features and compartments of our new diaper bag and how baby's stuff could easily be organized. Let's open it now...
Here's how it looks inside. The interior has not three, but four divisions! You'll be amazed to see how this bag can hold so many of your baby's things inside!
- Three sets of clothes
- Baby blanket
- Nursing Cover
- Four pieces of diaper
- Baby wipes
- Drool bibs
- Baby bottle
- Water Refreshener
- Alcohol