Warning:  This isn't about HOW-TO lose weight.  You'll be reading quite an emo-post on weight issues.  So forgive me for being a little vulnerable right now. :)

Are you one of the many moms who feel insecure at times because of how their physique changed after having a child or children?  Physical changes could be anything between hair loss, dark skin in some areas, stretchmarks here and there to huge weight gain.

I admit that I am one of them.  But don't get me wrong.  I embraced motherhood from the very instant that I learned I was pregnant with my first born.  I also would like to believe that I am still beautiful and sexy, because both are qualities that are not only seen on the outside, but most especially on the inside.


When I was younger, dieting in a span of two weeks I could effortlessly lose weight and fit into any clothes that I want.  That was when my metabolism was still up and running which of course made losing extra pounds off me easy-peasy, even without exercise.

After having my first child, I still was able to go back to my pre-pregnancy weight, even lighter at some point.     I just cut down on food and involved a little exercise.  That's all it took.  Here's a #ThrowbackThursday photos to share how thinner I was before:

June, 2007

October, 2007

November, 2009

Then BOOM!
After having my second child, I looked like I was inflated.  I exercised when I already could, dieted a little and my weight went down to almost pre-pregnancy numbers.  Now the tough thing is: maintaining it.

Here are some photos of the heavy-weight me. :)

October, 2010 (one month after giving birth)

December 2010, 3 months after giving birth

LOSING WEIGHT
I am only human to sometimes feel insecure about the extra pounds I have, about the lose skin, flabby arms, layers of love handles, stretch marks here and there and uneven skin.  But most of the time, I feel great about how I look, even confident with the clothes I wear even if I'm on the large size category already.

I feel great because I have a loving hubby whom I know accepts me for who I am, no matter how I look, and what size I belong to.  More especially I have two children who ADORE ME!!!!

Being sexy and beautiful from within is more important than anything else.  YES!  That is so true!  But it's also important to TAKE CARE of ourselves, our physique and our health.  When you are already a mother, all you want to happen is to be with them for as long as you could, to take care of them and see them become successful adults.  Our children are our inspiration and our motivation to always strive for the best and become a better person/mom everyday.

I will lose weight because:

I want to live a healthier life.

I want to live longer for my children and hubby.

I want to feel good about myself.

I am already ready.

I cannot force myself, lalo na let other people force me to become thin just because.  I will start when I am ready, at my own phase and time and on my free will.

It's a DECISION to make and a COMMITMENT to stick to, parang relationships lang yan.  So for now, I know for myself, that I want to start already SOON.  I want it nice and slow.  I will still eat and not commit suicide by depriving myself, but in moderation.  I will walk more, use the stairs more, stand up more, laugh more and stretch more.  One day at a time.  No pressure but definitely some effort has to be exerted.

So for now, let me enjoy what I have, what I take in, how I look, all my love handles.  In time, when I am READY and mentally and psychologically PREPARED, I will START.  All for better health and longer years with my family, especially my children.  Just you wait.  Until then... until then...

Now on its 3rd run, the Babypalooza Bazaar will still highlight the same features that made the first 2 bazaars unique and successful: equal exposure for both PRE-LOVED (i.e. gently used) and BRAND NEW items for babies, young children and expectant parents.

Baby Palooza Bazaar 2013 poster

The Babypalooza Vendor Protection Program (VPP) will still be enforced to ensure that no two vendors of brand new items will be selling the exact same thing. This helps ensure that shoppers will not get bored from seeing the same merchandise over and over. Items that will be sold are necessities of parents and their children: clothing, shoes and accessories, gear, strollers/baby furniture, feeding bottles, nursing wear, breast pumps, skin care and cleaning products.  All at negotiable, easy-on-the-pocket prices!


To continue providing a family-friendly bazaar experience, special function areas will still be available for free for all visitors, these are the following: The Sulit Breastfeeding station, The Maya Kitchen play area, 88DB Daddy Waiting Lounge and the Mega Soft diaper change area. Besides, Sulit and 88DB, this event is also graced by the participation of WhenInManila.com as one of its online media partners.

Clean rest rooms are also just a few steps away from the bazaar stalls for added convenience.
Venue is fully air-conditioned. FREE parking and entrance.♥

I have been sharing on my Facebook and Twitter accounts that I have been yayaless for almost a month already.  I even created a blog post about it here.

When the previous yaya of my toddler left us and advised me via text message only, I panicked.  My elder son is more manageable and doesn't need a yaya anymore because he goes to school everyday and is now very independent.  As you may have known it's because hubby and I are working full time out of home.  My work schedule was affected because it meant having to go to work on a later time (thank goodness for allowed changed in work schedule) and even filing emergency leaves from time to time.  All for the love of our children diba that we sacrifice these things to prioritize them.

My daily routine changed for the last three weeks.  In the morning, I have to wait for him to wake up, which is around 8am, to be able to feed him breakfast, read books to him, play a little and give him a fun bath.  Although I still stay with my mom, I cannot bear the thought of leaving my toddler unfed and still smelling like his morning breath, if you know what I mean.

In these last three weeks, I found great happiness and fulfillment for the simple yet loving things that I was able to do for him everyday, which I don't get a chance to when I go to the office early.

I laughed with him more.

I played with him more.

I read books to him more.

I played bubbles in the bath with him more.

I held his hands more.

I talked to him more.

I kissed and hugged him more.

I heard "I-LOVE-YOU-SO-MUCH-MOMMY!" from him more!

Just earlier, my toddler's new yaya arrived.  I should be feeling relieved, I'm sure most would do.  But honestly, I felt sad inside.  Not because I don't want a helper anymore, but I will be going back to my old routine.

Lesser time to: 
Laugh

Play

Read

Bathe Him

Hold Hands

Talk

Kiss

Hug

Hear "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MOMMY!"

Now, I will be leaving him again every morning begging me not to go to work anymore.  I will be entrusting him to a stranger.

Isn't it IRONIC?  Don't you think?

More comfortable living, BUT lesser time with my kids.

Better performance and attendance at work, BUT kids waiting and missing me a lot.

Oh well, I'm sad the yaya arrived, but we can't not have one.

Photo Source here

Have you ever felt this way too?  Or is it just me?

June has gone by so quickly don't you agree?  It's also the month that marks the start of three things: Back-To-School, Rainy Season and Dry Skin.  Yes, you read it right, dry skin my loves.  Blame it on the elevated levels of humidity, grime and pollution that the rainy season brings!

Good thing Ardent World Inc. developed malunggay-based skincare products, known as Moringa-O2 Malunggay that can keep the skin moisturized and nourished throughout this rainy season and all-year-round.

Several weeks ago I received a Moringa-O2 Malunggay package and was pleasantly surprised to see these:

What I particularly love about this set are the Moringa-O2 Malunggay Room Mist and the Moringa O2 Malunggay Herbal Lotion.

I immediately tried the room mist then the lotion and it's definitely worth sharing to all of you just how much I love them!

Moringa-O2 Malunggay Room Mist
I've always been a big fan of Citrus and Green Tea scent.  I am not the flowery or fruity type of person.  That's why I love Moringa-O2's Room Mist!  It's scent is very relaxing and refreshing at the same time!  It gives any room a pick-me-up feeling.

Two sprays are enough to make a regular-sized room smelling good!  Works well in the rest room especially after my children (or anyone for that matter) poop.    

Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Lotion
When I applied the lotion on my skin, there's no exaggeration when I tell you that you wouldn't need to apply a cologne to keep you smelling fresh!  I couldn't stress how I love the green tea scent so much and I get just exactly that from Moringa-O2 Malunggay lotion.  Makes you think, "Malunggay pala could smell THIS GOOD?"  Plus points for me are: it's non-greasy and it dries quickly on my skin.

It's even recommended for dry and sensitive skin, for itchy skin, aging skin, and skin asthma and Keratosis Pilaris because it has Malunggay, Olive Oil and Sunflower Oil which are rich in multi-vitamins, anti-oxidant and minerals which deeply nourish and moisturize the skin.

Moringa-O2 Malunggay Skincare Line: Herbal Soap, Facial Toner and Lotion. Practical, Affordable and Natural!  Smells Really Good!

Going back to what I was saying earlier about the relation of the rainy season to having dry skin, let me give you some skincare tips so you could prevent the flaky skin from happening, using the Moringa-O2 skincare line.

Here are some helpful skincare tips:
Cleanse. Using Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Soap is made of natural ingredients that cleanse and nourish the skin without stripping its protective oils. It is also anti-bacterial and anti-acne.
Available in two sizes:  135g- P89.75, 60g- P49.75
 
Tone.  The facial skin tends to get oily during the humid weather causing breakouts. Toners such as the alcohol-free Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Facial Toner cleanses residual dirt, helps minimize pores and prevent breakouts.
Available in 100ml for only P89.75

Moisturize. Use Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Moisturizing Lotion to keep your skin moisturized. It also has UVA/UVB protection for everyday sun protection.
Available in 125ml for only P129.75

Very recently, hubby and I celebrated our happy forever anniversary over a lunch buffet at Buffet 101 in Robinsons Magnolia.  We love having buffet whenever we celebrate an occasion and it was a sweet treat for us that Buffet 101 has a branch at our current favorite family mall!


I always choose lunch buffet over dinner because it's a perfect time for me to eat aplenty.  Of course when you eat buffet you want it to be sulit, right?  Since it's an anniversary celebration, we prepared our tummies for a gastronomical experience expected at Buffet 101.

Ready for the Buffet Fight

First, Buffet 101's Menu Price.  Lunch and Dinner rates differ as well as the day of the week.  Rates for dinner and weekend are more expensive than lunch and weekday.  That's also one of the reasons why I prefer to have bonggang lunch buffet. :)  Here's their rate:

Buffet 101 Rate Card (photo from Buffet 101 Facebook Page)

Let me take you through the stations in Buffet 101 Robinsons Magniola.

BUFFET STATIONS:

• Carving Station: US Angus Beef/Ribs/Pork and Lamb Chop (first on the list because it's my favorite)
• Cold Cuts
• Soups and Salads
• Filipino/Chinese Dishes (meat and vegetables)
• Dimsum/Chinese (Siomai, Sharksfin, Hakaw, Peking Duck, Chicken Feet)
• Korean
• Noodles Station
• Japanese (Sashimi, Sushi, Tempura, Miso Soup)
• Grilling (mostly seafood)
• Pasta/Italian (Risotto, Spaghetti, Spinach Pasta, and Pizza)
• Desserts (Cakes, Ice Cream, Crepe Station, Halo-Halo, Mousse, Cookies, Chocolate Fountain, Fruits and Gummy Candies)
• Drinks (Fruit Shakes/Fresh Juices, Softdrinks, Coffee, and Tea)

Cuttlery set ready for an afternoon of a big fight.

All Meat Section

Pancit, Vegetable and Pork

Salad Shots

Sushi and Sashimi Bar

Salad Bar

Dessert Station

Crepe and Waffle Station.  Choose your filling and syrup to go with it.  Strawberry and Chocolate syrups are great for your waffle/crepe!  I chose the peach filling with raspberry and choco syrup with chocolate ice cream too.

Assorted mousse, panna cotta and cakes!!

Gummies and other candies

Cakes served that day were Triple Chocolate and Ube Cake from Red Ribbon

Ice cream station is brought to you by: Nestle Ice Cream, Simply Delicious

Halo-Halo Station

Yummy Chocolate Fountain

Assorted Fruits

Drink All You Can: Coffee, Tea, Softdrinks, Juice, Fresh Juice, Fruit Shakes

Shrimp Tempura and Salad

Seafood Chowder with Pastry

Pizza Slices

Black and Brown Rice, Salad Shot with Shrimp, Tenderloin Steak, Baked Potatoes

My second serving of Angus Beef with Mushroom Sauce and Spinach Pasta with Shrimp

Hakaw, Nacho chips with beef, Chicken Hainanese with Bokcha

Red Ribbon Chocolate Cake Slice, Orange Cheese Cake, Molten Cake, Gummy Candies

Peach Crepe with Chocolate Syrup and a scoop of Chocolate Ice Cream

Waternelon Shake

Sodas

Coffee to cap the lunch buffet

We only paid for P1,350 for two.  We had a 5% discount for cash transaction

After having buffet at Buffet 101, we're of course so full and satisfied.  It was a good experience!

• Circles Event Cafe Buffet at Makati Shangri-La Hotel
• HEAT Restaurant Buffet at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel
• Vikings MOA Buffet Experience
• VIkings MOA Birthday Buffet
• Puso Restaurant Breakfast Buffet at Quest Hotel Cebu
• Corniche Buffet at Manila Diamond Hotel
• F1 Hotel Breakfast Buffet/Hotel Staycation

My Instagram was flooded with pictures galore from yesterday's celebration.  It's our, wait a minute, we've lost count, Nth anniversary.  That's why on my Facebook, I greeted him Happy Forever Anniversary! :)

All I remember was, one 28th-of-June day, a long time ago, when hubby said he loves me after a gig, I didn't immediately respond with a positive "YES I DO LOVE YOU TOO!"  Instead, I was trying too hard already to bottle up my feelings for him inside, because of fear of what I was going to get myself into and if he was for real.  I knew I felt the same way, and it was just a few hours of making "pakipot" until I gave in.  Hahaha!  Few hours lang pala ang paghohold ng feelings ko! So there, at the end of that momentous day, I said the magic words.

2006 still friends and band mates, Mocha Blends, San Juan, MM.

We were starting to date, taken during my birthday celebration at home.

 Then BOOM!  We're now Forever-Years together and still madly in love each other even if we have kids in between, a household and budget to manage,careers to take care of, a professional band we play in together, some healthy fights we went through and trivial habits we learned to accept   How did we do it?  We prioritize each other's happiness, needs and gave importance to time.  If budget permits, we do go out on a date.  If it's tight, we have fun simply watching downloaded films at home.

2012 - 2nd Birthday party of our son Wes

To you Mahal, my partner in life, my bestfriend, my crush, my boyfie, my drinking buddy, my business partner, my band mate, my housemate, my everything, HAPPY FOREVER ANNIVERSARY!  I love you then and I love you more and more now! Cheers!

Here's how we simply celebrated our anniversary:

Buffet 101 at Robinsons Magnolia

Up next was a movie date.  Mahal na pala talaga ang sine ngayon! hehehe!  Minsan lang naman.  We watched "World War Z" at Robinsons Magnolia Movieworld.  We watch movie on the big screen if the movie is really good such as this! :)  It was worth every peso shelled out.

Movie-movie din pag may time (at budget!)

Swedish/Shiatsu Combination Massage with Sauna to cap the anniversary day at Lime Body Care Spa

So again, remember to keep the fire burning between you and your spouse/partner.  Make sure you take some time out to celebrate important occasions be it at home (by cooking a delicious meal or watching your favorite movie) or if budget permits, out on a date.  Then, don't forget to put the kids to DEEP sleep if you're going to make some "action!"  If you know what I mean!

Happy Anniversary to us (binati na lang ang sarili!)  How about you?  How do you celebrate your anniversary?