I'll be honest, when I was single or even a new mom, I would always turn down meetings set by friends connected to the financial institutions selling me the investment and also insurance ideas which at that time I was allergic to.  Heard of, "Coffee tayo?" or "Open-minded ka ba?"  I thought they were asking for a date, hindi naman pala.  Either business proposals or insurance proposals.  I stopped saying yes to those invitations a long time ago.
I guess it had a lot to do with financial literacy, which of course was very low for me.  It also has a lot to do with influences from the family, my parents and brothers - who also didn't see investments or growing money was important.  I was taught to keep on saving and put savings in the bank - but that too, I didn't religiously do.  I remember the first 5 digit money I earned from a raket, I just spent it on shopping!  Had I known better, wish I invested it and it could've been worth a million or more now (that was almost 20 years ago!) It became a pattern: Earn, shop, help pay bills, party, save a little, loan - I was spending more than I earned.  Aaahh young and reckless me!  Nakakainis.

Fast forward to not so long ago, I was introduced and became more open to investing (that includes mutual funds, VULs, stocks, and more) back in 2012 and when I realized how much money I wasted on expensive coffees, night outs, and excessive shopping, I said to myself, the unwise spending had to stop.

Since then, I got myself a VUL, invested some in mutual funds, enrolled in UITFs, got a memorial plan, got 2 burial boxes (as investment and also for preparation when I get to my final destination) and presently still looking for means to diversify.  Naks, big word right?  Diversify.  I learned that also from the financial advisers I have been meeting and asking for advice.  The most important thing I did was to - START.

INVESTMENT - BIG WORD, SCARY WORD
Mostly, people get scared of investments because of the following reasons, tell me if relate ka:

1. Investment sounds unreachable or expensive.  Did you know that for as low as PHP5,000 you can already grow your money or invest it in mutual funds?

2. Trust Issues.  Why will I give my money to someone I don't really know and trust them to manage my money and make it grow?  What if they just run away with my hard-earned money?  That's why only trust in well-known financial institutions such as First Metro Asset Management, Inc. or FAMI to help you with your financial goals.

3.  Traditional thinking.  Like me I was taught to just save.  Having savings is not at all bad especially if you're saving for an emergency fund you could readily withdraw should the emergency arise.  Again, emergency cases ha, not mall SALEs.  Did you know that the money will grow more in investments compared to just storing them in banks?

4.  Financial Literacy or Lack of Knowledge.  We always hear about self-care.  Learning new things and being open to new things like financial or investment ideas is also self-care because you invest in yourself and with it you make better decisions for your and your family's future.

SMART WOMEN INVEST
A Financial and Investment Literacy Workshop
Last March 21, I was among the few women who joined First Metro Asset Management, Inc. (FAMI), the fund management subsidiary of First Metro Investment Corporation, when they hosted Smart Women Invest, a financial and investment literacy workshop specifically catered to help Filipinas transform from savers into investors.  FAMI tapped two of the country’s leading female finance experts to help their fellow Filipinas in their journey towards investing: FAMI’s first-ever female president Karen Roa, a 25-year expert in the field of finance, and Ms. Rose Fres Fausto known as FQ Mom.
Figuring Out Finance
Roa and Fausto engaged an eager audience of fellow go-getting women in an animated discussion about finance. Roa said, “Finance doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. Women can do it—and excel in it, too.” Both agree that part of self-determination is mastering the art of handling money.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the online FQ Test, which determines the participants’ standing in terms of Financial Intelligence Quotient (FQ). Fausto said: “In order to have a high FQ, women must first understand their relationship with money." She also added that "those who didn’t fare well in the test need not worry because their FQ scores are not cast in stone. They can be improved by tweaking some of their money habits and unleashing the female characteristics that are actually good for investing, allowing them to go beyond saving.”

The best part about a healthy FQ is that its concepts can be learned and, in turn, shared with the family. Fausto said, “Women are large influencers in their community so a woman with high FQ can be a driver in raising children with smarter money sense, build a career and investment life that is fruitful and lucrative, and even lead a household and home that is sufficient and stable. Again, with fortified FQ—women have proven once again that they’re on top of their game.”

I  agree on this because when I first took an FQ test, I had the first failing grade of my life.  But being the competitive me (competing with myself that is - bettering myself always), I didn't let failure stop me from learning more about this aspect.  Now, I can proudly say after being open to financial concepts, investments, and preparing for a brighter future for my kids, my FQ test is in flying colors.  I am surprised myself because I didn't think I would love the financial and investments concepts because to me they used to look just math and numbers, which I was allergic to before (kaya ako nag-Communication Arts major in college eh!).  But now, I appreciate it all the more because it's practical, it's real, it's for my and my family's future.

Securing a Financial Future
I know how moms like us worry a lot about our kids' future, their education, our jobs' security, how to earn money (more money) while our bodies are able - to be able to put them to savings or investments, our own retirements, our future as non-earning senior citizens, and even to our hospitalization or other expenses when emergency comes, and lastly, our place when our earthly bodies retire.  I know because I also worry about them but it lessened seriously since I started investing on myself by first BEING OPEN to financial and investment concepts, second by SAYING YES to it, and third, by STARTING.

With bloggers Lace, Minette, Joy, and Ms. Karen Roa of FAMI.

Thanks to FAMI for the workshop which was very timely done - on Women's month.  I was affirmed that I made the right decision for myself and my family.  That's why I opened another mutual fund I entrusted to them. Why do I trust FAMI?  As a member of the Metrobank Group, FAMI holds a veritable reputation in asset management. FAMI’s mutual fund business is adept at promoting savings mobilization and advocates investment literacy, making it the perfect partner for women to learn, live and start loving finance.

Roa said, “This is our way of thanking the women who attended our workshop. The First Metro Consumer Fund is invested in industries that benefit from the Philippine family consumption and expenditure pattern. These are industries supported by women and mothers in our country. This is a great way to start their investment journey.”

Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure to be in a group of women in an intimate discussion with Senator Risa Hontiberos (Princpal Sponsor and Author, Senate) on the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law or RA11210 at The Parenting Emporium.

With Principal Sponsor and Author or RA11210, Sen. Risa Hontiveros

I remember this law was already in the talks when I was still working a year ago.  Moms in the work place were all joking to avail of it right away.  And of course to be able to avail this expanded maternity leave, we all have to get pregnant again.  I remember how it was just every working mom's wish, now it's actually happening!

Though I may not be part of the work force anymore, I rejoice with all my working moms friends and all working mothers in general both in the government and private sector for this development even those belonging to the informal economy who's had at least three (3) SSS monthly contributions a year before giving birth.

More than anything, this law is a celebration of motherhood as she extends her bonding time with the newborn during the crucial first few months of life, establishes breastfeeding pattern or routine, is given a longer time to recover physically and past the baby blues, and comes back to work in tip top shape and pink of health. To begin talking about getting over a new mom's baby blues would require another long post.  I feel joyous that finally, working mothers' after childbirth needs and health conditions are now recognized and are addressed fairly by this law.  It's about time because other countries have long time implemented this with even longer number of days. 

An intimate discussion of the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law with other moms at The Parenting Emporium

Sumptuous dessert buffet by Mamachows (my personal faves are the lactation cookies and cheese cupcakes)

I experienced maternity leaves twice in my last workplace. When it was time to.come back, I found it hard to leave my infant behind feeling as if the maternity leave wasn't enough. It sure was heartbreaking for me, but I (and many other working moms for sure) had no choice, but to come back to work.  Every day I had to cry before leaving the house and condition myself on my way to the office.  I wasn't able to establish a healthy breastfeeding routine with my second.  At that time as well, there weren't any proper nursing area, no massive community support for breastfeeding, limited available breastfeeding products, and educational materials weren't as present as they are now.  That's why, I had to pump in the restroom crying and feeling sorry for myself, feeling as if I wasn't giving my best to my newborn, which of course affected the breast milk I produced.  I learned that I wasn't over the baby blues when I was back to work immediately.  Had this 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law been enforced back then, I would have been over my postpartum blues, I would have established my breastfeeding routine and milk production without unnecessary stress, and I would have been back to work feeling thankful to the company I work for for not taking me away from my newborn too early - and in tip-top shape.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am really thankful about this law even if I won't be able to avail of it anymore.  It is because it's inclusive, it's definitely pro-working mothers of different status whether married or single mom.  To better communicate the beauty of this law to you, I will be posting the FAQs for your reference:

1.  Who can avail of the 105-day Maternity Leave?
All covered female workers in government and the private sector, including the informal economy, who gave birth after March 8, 2019, are entitle to 105 days maternity leave, with an option to extend for 30 days unpaid.  Solo mothers shall be given an extra 15 days above the 105 days.

2.  How many times can Maternity Leave be availed of?
Under RA 11210, Maternity leave can be availed of at every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy.

3.  How many days leave does a covered female worker get for miscarriage?
For miscarriage, a covered female worker will be entitled to 60 days.

4.  How much maternity leave monetary benefit will be a covered female worker be entitled to?
Female workers in the public sector and the private sector shall now be entitled to full pay.  Employers from the private sector shall be responsible for the payment of the salary differential between the actual cash benefits received from SSS be the covered female workers and their average weekly or regular wages.  This is subject to the following exceptions:

a.  Those operating distressed establishments;
b.  Those retail/service establishments and other enterprises employing not more than ten (10) workers;
c.  Those considered as micro-business enterprises and engaged in the production, processing, or manufacturing of products or commodities including agro-processing, trading, and services, whose total assets are not more than Three million pesos (P3,000,000.00); and
d.  Those who are already providing similaror more than the benefits herein provided.

5.  What about the DADDIES?
Any female worker entitled to maternity leave benefits may, at her option, allocate up to seven (7) days of said benefits to the child's father, whether or not the same is married to the female worker.  The female worker's leave is then reduced to 98 days.

6.  How does this harmonize with current Paternity Leave law?
The current Paternity Leave law grants 7 days paternity leave to the father of the child, if he is married to the female worker.  Thus, a married new father can enjoy as much as 14 days leave (7 days Paternity leave and 7 days under RA 11210).  An unmarried new father, on the other hand, may enjoy 7 days allocated leave.

7.  What if there is no father?
The law provides that in the death, absence or incapacity of the father, the benefit may be allocated to an alternate caregiver who may be a relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or the current partner of the female worker sharing the same household upon the election of the mother taking into account the best interests of the child.

8.  What about informal workers?
Female workers in the informal economy are entitled to maternity leave benefits if they have remitted to the SSS at least three (3) monthly contributions in the twelve (12) months period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth, miscarriage or emergency termination of the pregnancy.

9.  How do we ensure that employers comply with the new law?
Whoever fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this Act shall be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) nor more than Two-Hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00), and imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day nor more than twelve (12) years or both.  If the act or omission penalized by this Act shall be committed by an association, partnership, corporation or any other institution, its managing head, directors, or partners shall be liable to the penalties provided in this Act for the offense.  Failure on the part of any association, partnership, corporation, or private enterprise to comply with the provisions of this Act shall be a ground for non-renewal of business permits.

As explained during the discussion at The Parenting Emporium with other moms (who by the way came up with so many questions and raised many scenarios such as household helpers, contractual employees, etc.), this law is retroactive. Meaning, even if this is not finalized at this time, once the IRR has come out with the fine prints and details of this law, carefully considering all possible scenarios, all working moms who gave birth after March 8, 2019 shall be covered.

So there you have it working moms!   This is definitely one great news to all mothers, working or not, because this is a win for all women in general.  As they say real queen mothers fix another queen's crown.  Let's rejoice for every mothers because finally, a voice for us is being heard!

Mabuhay ang RA11210!  :)

I went to my son's school last week to talk to their guidance counselor and principal about my son's minor violation.  So I faced the school administrators with a ready heart and an open mind.  We had to give consequences even if it hurts me to see my son suffer.  That same week, my grade-schooler told me about a persistent bullying that a classmate's been doing to him.  Whenever he shares these things, I really stop whatever I'm doing and intently listen and draw out more from him by asking the right questions.  It pains me as a mom that he had to experience this almost on a daily basis.  The night before I was crying in prayer asking Him why I had to go through this challenge, when I've already devoted to become a SAHM to focus on and be more present for my children.  I felt like a failure.   But I was reminded that there are some things I cannot control.

The things we do as a mama right?  Motherhood is not always butterflies and rainbows, it's also many days of sad, painful, and exhausting experiences.  But as a mom, we cannot just give up.  We've gotta be tough mama and learn how to cope with this.  I cope by praying and cooking and eating or going to the salon or meet friends for coffee.

A TOUGH MAMA EXPERIENCE
Not so long after I experienced those school challenges of my kids, I was able to do all those coping activities, attended an event of a brand which spoke so much about what I was going through - as if the universe timed it perfectly.  I knew I can't pass on that event.  It was a brand I actually use and attest to its toughness and durability - TOUGH MAMA Appliances.  I met there my good friends who cheered me up that day.  (Thanks Nish!)  The activities during the event helped take away my thoughts from my motherhood chaos.  And I was just really thankful to be there.
By the way, I've been a Tough Mama user since they launched five years ago.  The appliances they had my try before which are the 2-in-1 hair iron and curler, bread toaster, and rice cooker are still working efficiently to this day.  I was surprised to see their expanded range of their appliances display that afternoon and thought to myself - I want them all! Look at some of these which caught my attention:
First activity was a live cooking demo done by Chef Jam Melchor whose demo made me want to take home 8-in-1 Multicooker, Commercial Blender, and Infrared Induction Cooker.  He taught everyone how to prepare a Crab and Native Corn soup using the Tough Mama power blender efficiently.  He also cooked Beef Stew using the  8-in-1 Multicooker over the induction cooker.  By this time, the whole venue was smelling really good and it made me forget everything else including my name.  Haha!  Last, in the same multicooker, he cooked Porkchop BBQ!  The Multicooker by the way is made of non-stick material which makes it really easy to clean and make cooking healthier without the need of putting too much oil!
There are no perfect moms only real ones, as what I keep on saying.  To each his own because our children and our circumstances are different.  One cannot push what works for her to another mama because her situation or challenges may be different from yours.  But it's tough to be a mom in the first place, the choices we make, the selflessness we have, the physical exhaustion, and even how we handle each tantrum or how we respond to school/teenage issues.  But here are some things that help me toughen up gracefully: Unending Prayers.  Seeing good friends to talk to, share laughter with, and know you have their full support - friends who will cheer you up, appreciate you and validate you .  Learning new things such as cooking (thanks again Chef  Jam and Bento Mommas). Surrounding my household with dependable appliances (such as Tough Mama Appliances) which make my SAHM life easier. 
Lastly, Self-care or self-love.  Going out to take a break is not selfish nor it means we love our children less.  It means we love them so much that we want to be the best versions of ourselves when we face them.  We need self-care so we fill ourselves with love, with appreciation, with affirmation, and with beauty.  These are what make me a tough mama, hope these help you too!

Ever since I became a full-time stay-at-home-mom, I realized three things about TIME.  First, I realized how much valuable TIME really is for the family. Second, I also realized how time management plays an important role in making sure that as a mom I am able to give more of myself to my children – the very reason why I left my corporate job last year.  Third, I realized time flies by so faster at home compared to sitting on a desk in an office ticking one corporate task after the other.
TIME also spells love in the family.  I became busier at home than I’ve ever been the office.  I thought I was already tired and stressed in the corporate setting managing and executing one nationwide project after the other, but it’s different at home.  It’s like I have so much to do and yet I have very limited time.  I do almost all the house chores from the time I wake up, until they fall asleep.  One of the chores I do more than three times a day at times is washing dishes, kasi naman hello sebo!  I don’t want to use a greasy plate or a half-cleaned pot or pan for cooking.  Believe me it takes a lot of TIME away from my husband and my kids.  Although, yes the home is organized and clean, but my husband and my kids feel less loved – because all I do is clean.  Nagtatampo na sila to be honest, and I feel guilty about it.
This 2019, I need to come up with a sure solution, especially the dishwashing part which takes too much time away from them. I need to make up for loss time of bonding with my husband and play with my kids and have Zero-Worries when it comes to managing our home and my precious time with my family.

Let me share with you some hacks that I do in dishwashing that will not only save time but money too (a practical mom knows well that she should get the best value-for-money on products she uses at home, isa na ditto ang JOY!):

1. One (1) drop of JOY goes a long way.  Make sure you also use quality sponge to partner with Joy.  Agitate or piga-pigain ang basang sponge para bumula.  Then you could start washing many dishes with just a small amount of JOY.
2. Separate pots and pans from dishes.  Pots and pans are greasier, so wash them after the dishes.  Don’t mix them with plates in the sink as well.  Put a drop of JOY and hot water for a few minutes before washing them.  Makikita mong nahihiwalay nang mas mabilis ang sebo.
3. Delegate or ask help.  Do you have a teenager like me?  Or a young child who’s old enough to handle dishes?  Teach them how to wash dishes properly using a dependable product such as JOY to save time, energy, and make you less physically exhausted or drained.  You hit three birds with one stone.  One, they learn life skills.  Two, you’re less tired.  Three, you save time and spend it with what matters more.

Recently, I celebrated my first year anniversary as a Stay-At-Home-Mom!  WOW!  I know, it's been a year since I turned my back on corporate world!  Sometimes I ask myself, has it really been a year?  Seems like yesterday and memories of my last day in the office are still fresh!  Well, yes, it's been a year and time flew by so quickly that I didn't notice a year indeed had passed.
I know you may ask, do I miss working?  Do I miss the adrenaline rush when I manage and launch nationwide projects?  Do I miss dressing up and fixing myself up to go to the business district of the metro?  Do I miss my co-workers?  Do I miss being busy and having a routine?  To be honest, NO I don't miss any of those (except for very few friends I made during my working years).  If there's one I truly miss, it's having a regular salary with attractive benefits which I receive twice a month.

Do I regret my decision and miss having a regular and stable job?  No.  I never regret leaving corporate at all.  Some of the people I know who tried to be a SAHM and weren't successful or dreaded staying at home told me, "Louise, in a few months, maybe weeks pa lang, you're going to miss working, your corporate life.  Baka malosyang ka sige!"

I could choose to be offended with that statement or just let it pass and prove that being a SAHM do not mean I will let go of myself and get lost in the pile of dirty dishes or mountains of clothes to wash.  I fully understand where they are coming from.  Why they thought I would feel the way they felt and had to urgently come back to the workforce.  That is their story to tell, not mine.  I could easily tell you too that a SAHM life is not for everyone.  But that would be too selfish because I would make it appear that being SAHM is exclusive.

Instead, I want to share how I prepared to become a SAHM.  This chosen path is my obedience to God's design for the family - become a submissive wife to my husband, take care of my children and manage the household.  You can't just wake up one day and decide I just want to stay at home instead, just because your work sucks or your boss is a slave driver or your colleagues are too gossipy or judgy.  If you plan to leave your jobs to be a SAHM someday, you really have to prepare yourselves spiritually, mentally-psychologically-emotionally, physically, and even financially.

SPIRITUAL
Every family life's major decision should not only be discussed with your husband but also be prayed about intently, whole-heartedly, and with obedience.  Praying about this decision helped me and my husband decide that it was finally time for me to leave behind my life as a corporate life. We prayed for it for a year.  There were many triggers and situations that led to my resignation.  We've lost a number of yayas, I was exclusively breastfeeding, my second son's behavior wasn't doing great.  God made all these things happen to help us decide about my resignation.  When God's message became very clear to us, obedience was in order.  That's why when I passed my resignation letter, I knew I was ready and my decision was rock-solid.

MENTAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL-EMOTIONAL
Being a stay-at-home-mom is not as easy as others see it.  I never knew how MORE exhausting and draining it is to be a SAHM.  Now, I breathe it, attest to it, and tell everyone that work at home is non-stop.  At the same time, home environment with loads of work ahead, and without a helper, is totally different from the office.  From a clean office desk I come to daily to a house which is  most of the time a mess when husband and kids leave me and my toddler for work or school.  I made adjustments and adapted to the new normal.  I mentally condition myself that there will be no more regular meetings to attend to nor team huddles to discuss my ideas or report my accomplishments to, no colleagues I could ask to come with me for coffee.  It's hard.  I am all by myself, no adult around to converse with but my husband when he comes home from work.  All the work and exhaustion absorb all the energy and positive vibes in me.  I go crazy at times and I have no one to express the bottled up frustrations, weariness, worries, loneliness, and even occasional self-pity.

When I reach this point, I seek help from my husband by taking a day-off, it's usually Saturdays.  I get support from other SAHM friends, I ask prayers from my friends from church community.  And because I am a blogger and a digital persona, I also connect with my mom blogger friends online.  Self-care is definitely a MUST - it's one way of coping with all these negative feelings towards yourself.  I cry it all out privately and lastly, I pray.  Prayers really work all the time.

Staying at home could affect a mom's mental health, there's even a condition now called Stay-At-Home-Mom Depression - it's real.  What are causes of this depression?  Lack of recognition and appreciation, over fatigue, and having no income could trigger this.  Want to stay at home?  You have to prepare for this big leap of faith.  But know that there's a greater God who will send you His angels to keep you sane, keep you safe, keep you motivated, keep you hopeful, and keep you energized so you could give your best to the best persons in your life.

PHYSICAL
There are so much to do in the house when I became a stay at home mom.  When the last yaya left, we intentionally didn't get a replacement anymore.  I did everything from laundry to dishes to mopping, carrying the garbage, cooking, and taking care of the kids and my husband.  Being a SAHM is a tough job which most people take for granted, ignore or even belittle.  With everything that's happening at home, a SAHM needs to make sure she's in tip-top health to endure the daily draining tasks.  I also have to possess high levels of immunity because if I get sick, nobody else will care for my kids.  My physical exhaustion resulted to three things, one, I lost weight; two, I felt stronger each day; lastly, I learned to delegate tasks to my husband and kids.  The new normal sat pretty well with me and my boys because even if we didn't have a helper, they are happy to see me at home and personally do things for them which usually other people do.

Speaking of physical aspect, prettifying myself wasn't a priority anymore.  I rarely go to the salon to have my nails done nor the spa for a regular massage.  Sa bahay pa lang kulang talaga ang oras and when you have a clingy and still exclusively breastfeeding toddler, you can't be separated that long.  When I have time on Saturdays, my day off, I do self-care.  Now I understand where the notion that SAHMs become losyang.  I make sure though even if I don't get to date myself that often, I don't let myself go.  I bathe everyday and smell good, I make an effort to dress up when going out and apply make-up (#kilayislife) too.  Staying at home taught me to be more selfless and part of this is letting go some of my personal agendas in the beauty department, because I'd rather spend time (and money) with my husband and kids.  I've also become less of the physical world, because my new world now revolves around my family.  Staying at home taught me simplicity and contentment.

FINANCIAL
This may be a sensitive topic for some but I want to point out that this is one of the major consideration should you plan to stay-at-home.  From two income generators, my husband is now the sole provider, the breadwinner.  I couldn't thank him enough for all his hard work, for providing for us, for stepping up in his role as a husband and father.  It wasn't easy at first.  Imagine, our family was living comfortably.  All our family's needs and wants were given - when I was still working.  But you see, it isn't always about money.  The kids need me more than what we could materially give them. They are the reasons why I resigned, our growing boys.

All kids naman should they have a choice, they'd really want their moms to be at home instead of working.  Let's focus on a a regular family unit, one that has a father a mother and child or children.  It's a different ball game for single moms or when incomes of both parents still can't seem to make ends meet.

To prepare, make sure you have savings and had set up an emergency fund. This emergency fund should be 6 months worth of your salary or household expenses.  You could build this while you're still working.  Set aside 10 to 20% of your salary monthly to go to this fund which you could use for rainy days or when you decide to quit your job to give way to staying at home.

My husband and I listed down all our monthly household expenses, that includes bills, food and groceries, transportation and communication, and even leisure expenses.  You should be doing this religiously so you know if you're still within your means or going over your budget.  When we assessed that we can do a one-income generating route, given his monthly take home pay, our emergency fund and savings, my part-time jobs - we decided I stay at home.

I realized that I had been spending too much on unnecessary expenses while I was still working like daily coffee and doughnuts, lunch outs, and impulse shopping.  While staying at home, I only spent for basics like regular groceries and food.  I saved more staying at home because I didn't have to spend for daily parking fees, set weekly gas budget, salary of a yaya, lunch outs, and expensive coffee.

I guess what's important is we never let financial challenges create misunderstandings or rift between me and my husband.  It was a mutual decision and a choice we prayed for, if anything goes wrong, we shouldn't play the blaming game.  We're both accountable and we are partners in making this route work.  We also know in our hearts and have a strong conviction that God is our great provider and we wouldn't have survived a year with just one regular income.  God's grace and provision paved way for extra income for me through blogging, some opportunities (which surprisingly just sent my way) so I may save on some expenses, and of some business transactions that will enable us to help others and glorify Him more.  Trust in God's plan - that's what we do.

Staying at home, may or may not be for you.  It's a big decision to make. Being a stay-at-home mom shouldn't be frowned on.  One should never say when asked what her work is with "Sa bahay LANG ako" or with "Stay-at-home-mom LANG ako."  Be proud of being one.  It's harder than a regular office job.  I know so because I've been a working mom all my life until this major life decision.  Staying at home one is an obedience to God's design for every family, and with that alone, He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Because of this decision, I became more focused on my priorities, my husband stepped up in his role as our family's provider, and he's become more loving and sensitive to our needs.  I became more selfless, simpler, though yes more exhausted than ever, but more fulfilled than ever.  Lastly, I became more prayerful and thankful for the gift of my life and my family.

~ Are you a stay-at-home-mom?  How's being a stay-at-home-mom?  How did it change you?  How did you prepare for it?  Why did you decide to become one?  What are your challenges?~

Last January 20, our family was invited to Zed's first birthday party and dedication at Kidzoona Robinsons Galleria.  Only I with Wes and Damien were able to go because Dandre had a basketball game (yes, on a Sunday!) and my husband had to repair his e-scooter.  Daming paliwanag, but the most important thing is, I didn't miss it.  I cannot!  I was made Zed's godmother or ninang by my good friend Omni of #TheClingyFam.

With Omni and my inaanak Baby Zed

Wow, to be invited to be a ninang by someone means a lot to me.  Being a godparent goes beyond material gifts or aginaldo every Christmas season.  I take the role seriously and the gesture of inviting me to be a ninang meant I was given an important role to help them guide Zed to grow up God-fearing, kind, compassionate, good, and a happy child.  Thanks Omni for making me Zed's ninang.

Mars Jaya, Janice, Vanessa, and Gracie

Spotted a very pretty and kind-hearted mom, Nish!

So bakit ba ako kinuhang Ninang?  Not everyone knows about my offline friendship with Omni. After all, not everything is shared online naman.  We used to be colleagues (PLDT - Smart) and were both part of The Asian Parenting PH Tapfluencer.  We first met last year in an event.  We chatted a little bit about what we do online, I blog, they vlog - and shared tips with each other.  The next thing we knew, we met for coffee one afternoon and we cried buckets when we talked about life and how God's grace and love brought us together.  Didn't know that this online/event meeting would blossom into a beautiful friendship that made me worthy to be their son's godparent.  It was an honor to be Zed's ninang.  Thank you Omni and Bryce.  So tama na iyakan, happy part na!

My kumpares and kumares!

It was indeed a #GrandFamilyPlayDate for all invitees who came and celebrated with their family.  Kidzoona was closed for their event. And when you say Kidzoona, no parent of toddlers couldn't keep their attention to the program in front, yeah, referring to myself all right!).  All I remember was it was an awesome Thomas And Friends themed party.

Wes at 8 years old is still very playful and loves indoor playgrounds such as Kidzoona.  Damien is my Mr. Explorer.

Wes who found a buddy during #TheGrandPlayDate

An active toddler made more active during the party!

Happy 1st Birthday and Dedication Day dear Zed!  We love you!

#TheGrandPlayDate

Such an adorable Thomas And Friends birthday cake

While I was still with the children's characters licensing agency, I handled the Thomas And Friends brand.  My eldest was still 2 years old then.  I already grew in love with the brand and for a time collected their toys.  So to see Thomas And Friends themed party from McDonald's was like a trip to memory lane.

The #GrandFamilyPlayDate of Zed's 1st year party and dedication became the launchpad of McDonald's newest party theme, Thomas And Friends.  The other character themed party are Barbie and Hotwheels.  All these brands are handled by Richwell.
Here's what a Thomas And Friends party theme in McDonald's would look and feel like:
For food, you could choose from their party food packages which go as low as Php125/pax and for add ons as low as Php29.

For more information and booking your Thomas And Friends party, visit McCelebrations website: https://www.mccelebrations.com.ph/.

Thank you so much Omni & Bryce of #TheClingyFamily for inviting our family and making me Zed's ninang.  This definitely would make our bond as sisters in Christ stronger.  I pray that I'll be worthy to be Zed's guide as he learns the ways of this temporary world.

Mommies, subscribe to Omni & Bryce's YouTube channel HERE where they share their journey as a family showing you their positive, practical, and inspirational lives as a family.  Watch them fulfill their dreams one at a time, fun unboxing and review of toys, events, brands, and many more.

Watch Zed's 1st Brithday Party video here:

I've already shared on my Instagram and Facebook Page my new look for 2019.  I have been contemplating the new hair cut for a month or two already.  I was supposed to have it done last December, but bilang the Christmas and the New Year seasons are the busiest, I wasn't able to find time to do it.  Finally, last January 6, Sunday, I chopped my hair.

Having a short hair again is liberating!  I love my new hair!

For some, having a new hair especially coming from long locks to super or extreme short meant may pinagdadaanan ang nagpagupit, like a heartbreak, loss of a loved one, or gusto magrebelde.  Some have their haircut to come out as a new person (psychologically speaking - the crowning glory really affects how we see and feel about ourselves most of the time right?).  But personally, no wala akong problemang mabigat, hindi ako heartbroken, and it's not really meant to welcome the new year with a new me kumbaga.  It's really to put an end to my longtime hair problem, damaged, curly, frizzy, and unmanageable long locks.  It had been years that I refused to have it rebonded again because I believe the damage and the reason why it became curly was because of years of it had been rebonded repeatedly.  I resorted to hair treatments, all the Brazilian spas, other restorative hair treatments, and daily conditioner, but waley, nega, deads pa rin, #salotkulot, and buhaghag forevs pa rin ang hair drama.

I just wanted to snip all these damaged part of my hair and start new, sumakto lang talaga sa new year. 

Let me share that this isn't so new to me because I sported a short hair since Grade 6, all throughout high school - college, and up until I gave birth to my fist baby.  I decided to grow it long after child birth up until last January 6! :)  So when people commented that I looked 10 to 20 years younger, I guess they were just reminded of how I looked when I was younger with this short hair.  Here are some photos of my younger self in high school and college:

High School grad pictures

College Grad pictures

Let me share with you my hair inspirations, it's like my hair-mood board:

Maricar Reyes-Poon and Riki Flo, my hair inspirations

Okay, so here's my haircut story.  I was referred to by many friends to Bench Fix Salon in Eastwood Mall.  It was where my kumare had her pixies and I really loved her cut!  I told her last year, someday mamang, I'll have that hair too!  So she supported me and went to see me pa after the hair cut!

My sister from another mother, Joy!  Uso na ang pogi-mommies!