Muther dears! I just noticed that I haven't been posting about my practical #OOTD.  So here's a digest of my weekend outfits.  For those of you not aware, I sing in a band every Saturdays at Luxent Hotel.  The only times I get to dress up really fancily are during my hotel gigs.

The point is, even if I wear either super short or super long  cocktail dresses, hindi sila mahalia muthers.  For me, fashion and looking good doesn't have to come with expensive price tags, minsan they don't come in tags at all (if bought in a bazaar diba?)

Here goes:

Hello MOMs, expecting or not or expecting to be expecting soon, I have an announcement to make!  A very close friend of mine from college, Joy Dominguez-Yap, has recently found her bliss which is to teach moms about natural birth and also basics of breastfeeding.

Joy happens to be Wes' ninang.  I have a lot to thank her for actually.  If not for her, I had already given up on breastfeeding.  Yes muthers, I breastfed my toddler for eight months, although I wish I could have done it longer.  I was desperate to get my days-old baby to latch on my breasts because I didn't have support that time, I didn't know how as in I was clueless.  I called her to come over our house and demonstrate how to.  She came with her 1 year old son and showed me how.  Since then, I had one of the most wonderful experiences of being a mother, which was to breastfeed my son.

Going back to the announcement, my friend Joy is now teaching Childbirth Preparation.  I would like to help her by letting all of you know about this.  So if you are pregnant now and would opt for natural birth, this class will truly benefit you as well as your partner, because you will be going together!  Here are more details:

What is Childbirth Preparation Class?

1. Couples attending the childbirth class reduced their fears and anxieties when they learned what to expect during this stage. They are more confident to make informed decisions if anything happens.
2. You will meet other couples and get to share your anxieties, fears and experiences.
3. You will get to do hands-on practice during class and be facilitated by your teacher.
4. Fathers or partners will be more involved with the pregnancy and parenting.
5. Strengthen the bond between couples.

Watsons, the leading health and beauty retailer that provides you with everything you need to look good and feel great, honors this year’s biggest and brightest brands in the Watsons Health Wellness Beauty Awards. Now on its ninth year, The Watsons HWB Awards 2013 recognizes the most outstanding brands in terms of sales, promotions, customer service, and overall product excellence.

Watsons continues to live up to its promise of bringing more to the lives of our Filipino customers. Aside from great savings, exclusive member privileges, and freebies, it recommends the most effective products for your daily health and beauty needs, assuring you with the best possible care. Watsons holds the annual HWB Awards to help consumers choose only the best health, personal care, skincare, cosmetics, and hair care products, thus getting more value for their money.

2013 Winners of Watsons Health, Wellness & Beauty Awards

I guess I had too much fun over the long weekend that this day didn't turn out so well.  Pak na pakfor now ang mga quotations na ganito:



Tomorrow will be a better day (monthsary din namin ni Macky!)

I can't wait for September, my happy month because it's my two sons' birthdays and it's our scheduled Boracay vacation.

Enjoy the rest of the week loves! :)

Wow, I can't believe it!  Finish,  no more, wa' na long weekend.  Just like that, it's over!   How did you spend your long weekend?  Well ours was jam-packed, busy, but a lot of fun!   I spent most of my time with my family, my bosses aka my three boys.  So here's a weekend kwento through photos.

Saturday morning was spent at the mall with the whole family.  We had lunch at Greenwich then went grocery as well.  This is what we had:  A Barkada Feast that's good for 3-4 persons for only P499.00!  What a deal right?  We had Chicken, rice, 2 types of pastas, a pitcher of drink, and a double sized pizza.

Barkada Feast/Meal only P499.00 at Greenwich, SM Manila (Chicken with Rice and a pitcher of drinks)

Barkada Feast/Meal at Greenwich, SM Manila (Pasta and Pizza)

That afternoon, I went to attend my blog idol, Mommy Fleur's #MommyFleurDay to celebrate her 4 years of her successful and entertaining blog.  I was late and left early but my short stay was worth it!  I even took home some raffle prizes and a yummy souvenir cake! :)

Attended the super successful and fun #MommyFleurDay where I met a lot of other beautiful women!

Saturday nights are always devoted to my other passion which is singing.  We had our regular gig at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.  It's the day of the week that I get to dress up fancily and put some make up on.  I love performing and I'm blessed that I'm given a chance to go for my passion and share my talents by entertaining guests. :)  Here's what I wore that night:

Gig #OOTD at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City

The following day was our usual Sunday family bonding.  First we attended mass at San Beda in Mendiola, had lunch at Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City, took the kids to a play area where they had so much fun and made friends with other kids.

He was super having fun at PlaySafe, Robinsons Magnolia  indoor playground

D making friends with another gwapito iho at Robinsons Magnolia

Pancake topped with 3-flavored Ice Cream for merienda at the in-laws

Cousins get to see each other and alam niyo it pains me to see them each holding a gadget and play individually but all together in a room.  So I took away all the iPads, tablets, mobile phones and gave them a pen and paper to draw.  I organized a drawing contest kuno, successful naman.  I made a rule that each time we'll get together, they shouldn't play with any gadgets.  I'll teach them piko, tumbang preso, langit lupa, lahat ng games na nilaro natin nung mga bata pa tayo! :)

Drawing instead of gaming using gadgets, hindi na kasi minsan nag-uusap-usap ang magpipinsan

Monday was a Heroes Day and the #MillionPeopleMarch day.  I was supposed to go with my BFF Karina because they sponsored food to the rally goers.  But as soon as I woke up, my kids asked (actually kinulit ako) if they could have a date with me.  Tinuturuan ko na kasi ng concept ng "date" si kuya, para maaalala niyang AKO ang unang date niya EVER! :)  The little one naman has been bugging me to ride the choo-choo-train daw.  Of course ang malapit lapit sa Thomas the Train concept ng train is the LRT.  Took them to Araneta Center Cubao to have breakfast, hubby is at work kasi, and the little boy was thrilled sobra!

My concept of Choo-Choo-Train Ride as requested by the little one

We went around Gateway Mall, took them to the indoor mini-garden and just spent precious time together.  Whenever I would go to a store, the little one would grab me and say: "Mommy, stop that!  Get out, let's play!"   So kahit sale, STOP talaga.. gora with the little boy and play!  Here were the highlights of that super fun trip:

Simple Holiday bonding with kids at Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao

Birthday Party at Shakey's Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Hello my labs! :)  My long weekend was well-spent with a lot of activities and events.  Speaking of events, as the title of the post says, I was one of the invited guests to the #MommyFleurDay!  The Mommy Fleur Day is a celebration of Fleur's 4th year blogging anniversary.  Instead of her usual bonggang giveaway, she had a "Fans" Day (yup, that's what I call it because I'm one of her avid readers and fans as well!) where everyone who knew each other online are now offline, live in person! :)

DIY Greeting standees made by Fleur's Hubby, Alvin, and cute daughter Anika

The Star of the Day - Ms. Fleur Sombrero of Mommy Fleur

 There was a shower of raffle prizes, a gluttonous food buffet and parade of stars too! :)  Fleur's celebration was a blast!  I was late (because I came from a weekend bonding with my family) and I also left early (because I had a band gig that night.)  But the over-an-hour-stay I had there was worth it!

In action while giving out raffle prizes generously

Rawai Skylounge was jam-packed with friends, readers and fellow bloggers

Everybody had fun that awesome #MommyFleurDay

It was my second time to meet Mommy Fleur (I'm a huge fan of hers) and I was so glad to be able to make it there (sadly not on time lang!)  I was able to talk to Wowa.  When I had a chance to talk to Wowa, I knew instantly kanino nagmana si Fleur!

Mommy Fleur and Mommy Practicality  (hong-bongga-lang!)

With my instant ka-chikahan, the famous and gracious Wowa, Mommy Fleur's mom.

I met a lot of my fellow bloggers for the first time/second time and what was heart-melting too was meeting some of my readers there as well! :)

With fellow mom/bloggers: Sha, Em Tiquio, Maggie, Peachy amd Aimee.

I am so happy to meet some of my blog readers too!  :)

 Here are the other highlights of the event:

#MommyFleurDay Activities

Super yummy food at the party

Paper plates, paper cups and wooden spoons and forks by Paper Chic Studio

Salamat din Fleur for the invite!  Ang saya lang talaga!

Cakes and macaroons for giveaways!

My boys D and W posing with the cake before namin lafangin ito! :)

So there you have it loves!  It was a short but sweet event which I attended.  Pinilit ko talagang makapunta even if I was time-constraint and amidst the rain and traffic.  Kasi naman, Mommy Fleur Day to eh, di dapat ma-miss!  Thank you once again Fleur for the invitation, hope to see you again in one of the blogging events or just plain playdate for more chikas!  Continue inspiring others as you have inspired me.  God bless you and your family and more power to Mommy Fleur! :)

Halloo halloo loves!  On a positive note, Maring gave me more time with the family lalo na with the kids.  With this, I was able to converse and closely observe how my toddler processes his thoughts at such a young age and how he expresses himself through words even if he's still bulol.

That's why I launched the #WordsWithWittyWessie feature on my blog.  See the first volume here.  So now, here's the second volume! :)

#WWWW 1: ANO DAW?

Wes: Mommy can I play with the iPad?

Me: I'm sorry it's still charging remember it's lowbatt?
(Dahil iniiwasan kong maglaro nang maglaro ng tablet.  Kahit the other night pa siya nag-rerequest kungpwede mag-laro ng Temple Run at Minion Rush - kunwari nag-chacharge pa rin)

Wes: What?! Not again!

Me and Mac were left dumbfounded at nagtataka saan niya nakuha yun?  Eh 2 years old pa lang siya!

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WWWW#2: Concept of Big and Small

While Mommy was washing Wessie's pwet after making poopie...

Wes: My poopie is small Mommy noh?  Because Wessie is small.

Me: Yes Wes!

Wes: How about your poopie?  It's big mommy noh because you are big?

Me: (Nahihiya at natatawa) Ah, yes Wessie that's correct!

He did the same analogy for his patootsy and his dad's patootsie!  Di ko na lang i-eelaborate! hihihi! :)

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WWWW#3: Using Spoon and Fork

While eating dinner, and ang ulam ay tilapia with bean sprouts, kamatis at pulang itlong, ang Daddy niya ay nagkakamay because masarap kumain nang nakakamay kapag yan ang ulam.

Wessie, nanita sa Daddy niya from his high chair:

WES: Daddy! (galit ang tone!)  Why are you using your hands?  That's Eeewl!  Dirty!  Use Spoon and Fork!

Daddy:  (Nagpapaliwanag pa at ayaw papigil kasi nga masarap magkamay) No baby, sometimes only, I also washed my hands.

WES:  No Daddy!  Use spoon and fork for eating!

Me:  Oo nga naman, spoon and fork Daddy for eating, diba teach by example nga?

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So there you have it, ang aming bulinggit na hindi mo malaman saan niya pinagpupulot ang mga naiisip!  It's crazy and amazing how their little minds work noh?

I've had a lot of ups and downs about the five straight days without work.  Downs because of the unfortunate kababayans that had to evacuate their homes to evacuation centers, those who totally lost their homes and those who had far worse mishaps than just losing their belongings, but their loved ones.

Typhoon Maring stayed in our territories for quite a while.  Though milder compared to Ondoy, it's still a disaster to some parts of Luzon.  All we could do was pray for everyone, stay safe ourselves by staying home and make the most of our time at home together.  The flood was an unwelcome guest in our home for the last two days, as well as the emergency budget alloted to instant house re-construction to prevent the flood from coming in.  Kayo ba binaha din muthers?

Our flooded driveway. View from the 2nd floor of our house.

The typhoon "staycation" also meant more bonding time with my kids.  So that's the sunshine in my off-work days.  I got to do the following:

1. Cook for the family.
2. Do the laundry.
3. Organize Things In The House
4. Bond with kids. Singing. Dancing. Playing.
5. Movie Time with Hubby.
6. Sleep.
7. Wake up later than usual.
8. Pamper Myself.

The best part of the staycation was this:

Wes' Cover of "You Get Me" by Tom and Angela of Talking Friends



So how about you muthers?  What were you busy with during the typhoon Maring days?

Ayan, I think first time kong ifea-feature dito one of my BFFs, alam mo naman, when you go around places, let's say hop from one work to the other, you gain both enemies and friends sometimes.  Some of those friends remain your true friends.  I'm glad I've got those and one of them celebrated her birthday recently.

Her name is Karina.  We've been friends since 2001 pa, wow so that's 12 years of friendship already.  We've seen each other grown into the persons we are now.  Pero before the mature and grown-up individuals ngayon, ay grabe ang mga kalokohan at pinagdaanan namin nitong babaeng to.  LAHAT na, to the highest levels pa.  Save ko na lang yang mga "nakakahiyang" details na yan.

Eto ang CUTE na greeting ko for you:

Hindi natin kinakailangang magkita o magkasama araw - araw para masabing totoo and pagkakaibigan natin.

Hindi rin ako naniniwalang birds of the same feather flock together, dahil magkaibang magkaibang tayo at hindi naman tayo ibon to begin with.

Hindi rin kailangang perpekto ang mga lalaking minamahal natin o maging pareho tayo ng pananaw at paniniwala para lang magkasundo tayo.

Hindi kinakailangan pareho tayong mayaman, kasi alam nating hindi, para lang magkaroon tayo ng panahon para sa pagkakaibigan natin.

Ang importante ay tanggap natin ang isa't isa at na pareho tayong MAGAGANDA at MABABAIT (wala nang tututol.) 

At dahil dyan, hindi rin kailangan sumabay ako sa maraming bumabati sa yo sa Facebook, dahil hindi mo na mapapansin itong pagbati ko.

So my dearest BFF ko doon, come what may, through all kinds of weather, I'll always be here for you, alam mo yan. Happy Birthday Karina! I love you!

Karina, I'm glad I have you in my life.  You're an angel sent by God to watch over me.  Thanks for everything.  So there, ang sweet ko no?  Lokaret yan eh!  Happy Birthday Bakla! :)

Warm Bath is therapeutic and relieves sore muscles

Condition Hair and Have a Fragrant Body Scrub
Being clean all over is unquestionably one step to feeling instantly better.  Deep condition your hair to make your crowning glory oh-so-soft and manageable.  I use Head & Shoulders for shampoo because hiyang na hair ko dun and it definitely gets rid of dandruff plus the apple-fresh-scent smells really fresh!  Other shampoos build up on my hair and give me dandruff, do you experience that too kapag hindi hiyang sa shampoo?  I condition my hair everyday with Creamsilk.  I used another brand before but I came back to this.

For body scrub, I use Camay Romantique Rose scent.  The scent gives me an instant womanly feeling, alam mo yung feeling mong babaeng babae ka na Ms. Universe ang dating?  For me ha, that's the feeling I get whenever I use this.  Fortunately I am not allergic to any products.

Conditioning Hair and Scrubbing Your Body give you instant happiness

Facial Cleansing and Toning
For my face, because I have a  Normal-Oily/combination skin type, I use all natural Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash.  My facial skin feels so clean yet not rubbed off its natural moisture.  It leaves it soft.  It's important to choose the right facial wash for you because after-all, fez pa rin ang unang hinaharap natin sa mga tao when we meet and talk to them right?

After cleansing, I tone my face using Human Nature's Balancing Facial Toner.  Toning is an important part of facial care because it closes your pores and readies it for moisturizing and make-up.

Human Nature's Balancing Facial Wash doesn't strip off natural moisture

Moisturize All-Over
After bathing and cleansing the face, to keep skin soft from head to toe, I moisturize.  Hindi ko tinitipid ang moisturizing part, especially that my skin is not as supple or young-looking as when I was a teen.

For the face, I use non-greasy Myra Daily Protect Facial Moisturizer, it has SPF 15 already.

For the body, first I put on Dove's Ultimate White deodorant to keep me odor-free and it's not harmful to the underarm skin, plus it helps lighten it as well.  I also use Human Nature's 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil on some parts that need this miracle bottle.  It has a lot of benefits muthers!  Believe me it works, it lightens dark areas of the body like your eye bags, knees, elbows, ankles and can also be used as hair serum.

To moisturize my hand and whole body, my current favorite is Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Mositurizing Lotion.  It's not at all greasy, it's great for dry skin, and my most favorite about it is that it smells REALLY GOOD!  I love the green tea scent, and this lotion is just all about that!  It smells even better than other known brands I've tried.

Moisturizing leaves your skin soft and smooth

Lift Your Legs
We often abuse our feet and did you know that just by lifting it at a comfortable angle does the trick in relaxing it?  According to Kioeskea.net, "Raising your legs will allow the blood to return back to heart and avoid stagnation in the legs."  Few minutes is what you need to keep your legs up and relieve the pain or heaviness your feet feels when they are tired.

Lifting legs improves blood circulation and relaxes tired feet and legs

Spend Time Doing What You Love or What Entertains You
When I talk about something I love doing, one of the first things that come top of mind is blogging.  If I can't write one whole post, at least I check on my old posts and see if there are things I could edit or improve on it.  I also think of topics that I believe will be worth sharing so I could inspire others.  Doing something I love which I know helps other people gives me a feeling of fulfillment and happiness, promise!  :)

This is one thing I love to do: Blogging

Speaking of something that entertains me, it could be Candy Crush for some but for me, I currently am loving Playsoft's Hotel Dash.  I feel like I could relate to Flo, the multi-tasker hotel concierge.  It started with Diner Dash then this game app.  It's on my mobile phone, so whenever I feel like escaping for a little while and challenge myself, I play this for about 5 -10 minutes, then I'm okay.

Currently hooked on Hotel Dash Game App

Jollibee, the leading Filipino fast food chain, is the choice of venue for practical moms like us, to have a birthday party for our children.  At Jollibee, birthday party packages are complete and will truly make your child's birthday party memorable.

Both my children had their birthday parties at Jollibee when they were celebrating their 2nd birthdays.  I also shared in my previous blog posts our experience during my toddler's Jollibee birthday party and the available party packages over HERE.  Now it was my nephew's turn to celebrate his birthday at Jollibee and let me share with you details of the birthday party.

Did you know that it's now easier to book for your child's party?  Jollibee now has an Online Party Reservation where in just three steps, you could book and plan your child's birthday party.  I simulated booking a party, now let me share how easy it is.

I simulated how to book a party online and it was no sweat!  Done in less than 5 minutes.  It even computes automatically the running cost of the party you are planning.

STEP 1: Find A Store
Select the municipality, branch, date and time of your child's birthday party.  A complete detail of the venue of your choice will show on the screen.

STEP 2: Plan Your Party
Here are the available Jollibee Party Packages themes to choose from.  Select from any of the following:
- Hello Kitty
- Batman
- Jollitown
- My Best Friend Jollibee
- Barbie (available until October 15, 2013 only)

Jollibee Party Themse

Party Theme is P1,250.00 which comes with these favors

Should you need additional party favors such as lootbags, invitation, party hats or trayliners, you may add more.  Indicate the number of pieces of any additional item and the online reservation will compute the running party cost for you automatically.

Additional Party Favors

A party is not complete without food right?  The next step is to choose your Food Package.  You may choose from any packages below (good for 30 pax) or you may create your own.

Food Packages or Create your own

Food Packages:

You may also order your child's birthday cake (Red Ribbon is the official cake supplier) online for only P900.00 (8x12) to P1,100.00 (12x12) only.  You will be prompted to input the cake message details, your personal details/customer details.

Here's the total cost of the Jollibee Birthday Party Package I availed for a group of 60 people.

Cost of simulated party booked online for 60pax

Birthday Party Banner

Balloons

Jollibee Guestbook

Game Prizes

These were the other game prizes included in the party theme paid (P1,250.00)

Additional game prizes

To keep guests entertained while waiting for the food to be served, the message board which also came with the party package were passed around so people could write their wishes for the celebrator.

Message board

We ordered Food Package D which costs P198.00/person.  The package includes 1pc Chicken Joy, Spaghetti, Regular Fries, Regular Drink and Sundae.

Loads and loads of spaghetti for all

One and onlyJollibee Chickenjoy

The highlight of the party is none other than the appearance of Jollibee himself.  Jollibee performed a cute dance number, sent his birthday wishes for my nephew and was ready for a lot of goofy photo-op with the guests.

Jollibee Mascot Appearance

Honestly, all the Jollibee Birthday parties I had for my kids and even those we just attended as guests, were nothing but superb fun!

Happy Family, Guests at Jollibee Birthday Party

Kids do love Jollibee and I personally love it that they came up with different themes to choose from.  Their party favors are already complete.  They are quite flexible should you want to bring additional prizes, loot bags, banners, additional balloons or cake from a different supplier.  What's important is the happy feeling everyone experiences after leaving the party, most especially of the birthday celebrator.