Early this month, I was one of the invited media partners for the launch of Celeteque Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream, Celeteque Brightening Radiance Body Cream and their first in maternity line, Celeteque Maternity Anti-Stretch Mark Cream at Kuppa Roastery & Cafe, BGC.

Kuppa Roastery & Cafe, BGC

The event was short, well-attended and organized.  I had a time to chit-chat with my seatmates, pretty Ira of Stylebible.ph and Belle. Marcie Linao of Love and Light Productions, the woman behind the organized event also joined us.

Marcie, myself, Ira and Belle

While waiting for the presentation to start, there were roving beauty consultants that talked to the guests one on one to discuss about skin types and what Celeteque product is for you.  Since I have a combination to sometimes oily face, I got a Celeteque Dermoscience Acne-Solutions Oil-control Toner as a freebie.

I got a free Oil-control Toner from Celeteque's Acne-Solution line

Zei Reyes of Celeteque Dermoscience started the presentation with a pleasant surprise for all guests.

Zia Reyes of Celeteque

We each got a box of the new products they launched that afternoon.

So happy about my Celeteque loot!  I'm using them already! :)

Buffet lunch was served shortly.

Lunch!

I had a wonderful girl-chat with beauty blogger Shen as well as Ira (whom I never even guessed that she's already a mom!)

Ira, Belle, myself and Shen - nice meeting you girls! :)

Celeteque Dermoscience new products are definitely for women who want to have healthy skin.  For moms or non-moms, there is a Celeteque Dermoscience product for you.  Let me share with you the wonderful news that was delivered to us first-hand that lovely afternoon.

Click on the links to view the wonderful news from Celeteque Dermoscience:


Céleteque DermoScience products are available at Watsons, SM Department Stores, Landmark Department Stores and Robinson’s Department Store, Select branches of SM Supermarket, PCX, Mercury and could also be purchased online at http://service.healthfirst.com.ph/celeteque/.

Have you ever wanted to wear that cute midriff, sleeveless shirt or two piece but never had the confidence to show off your skin because of stretch marks? Well, most probably, you’re not the only one. Having stretch marks is one of the common skin problems experienced by both men and women in their adulthood. These marks are caused by hormonal changes, fluctuation of weight or size, growth spurts and pregnancy among others.

Stretch Marks appear more often in adults because the skin becomes less resilient and collagen production becomes slower as we age. To help in the prevention of future stretch marks and reduction of existing ones, Céleteque DermoScience now has the Maternity Anti-Stretch Mark Cream.


The Maternity Anti-Stretch Mark Cream has skin firming agents such as Elastonyl and Alchemilla vulgaris extract that help protect and restore the tone and elasticity of the skin. It also has effective moisturizers such as Phyto Collage and Shea Butter to help skin become more pliant or stretchable.

Just apply the product liberally using circular motions on stretch mark prone areas such as the abdomen, the arms, hips and thighs and for best results, use it both in the morning and evening.

Céleteque DermoScience products are available at Watson’s, SM Department Stores, and Robinson’s Department Store.  Suggested Retail Price:  Php 445.00also and can also be purchased online.

Let your radiance shine!

Have you ever wanted to look as if your skin is glowing all over?  Have you always wanted that soft silky looking skin that just seems to radiate whether you are wearing jeans at the mall or a long gown at a wedding?

Céleteque DermoScience introduces its new hand and body lotion called Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Radiance Body Cream.  It contains MultiBright™ Complex, a revolutionary fusion of seven plant extracts that reduce melanin to help you achieve glowing even-toned skin.


To keep your skin looking radiant and luminous, the Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Radiance Body Cream also has SPF 15 which provides double sunscreen protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays that cause skin darkening, uneven skin tone and premature skin aging.

Céleteque DermoScience also offers other products that will help you achieve radiant and even-toned skin such as the Brightening Facial Wash, Tri-benefit Power Cream, Multi-benefit BB Cream, Dark Spot Corrector and the Eye Tuck Plus Dark Circles Lightener.

Céleteque DermoScience products are available at Watsons, SM Department Stores, Landmark Department Stores and Robinson’s Department Store, Select branches of SM Supermarket, PCX, Mercury.  Suggested Retail Price:  Php 270.00 and could also be purchased online here.

Finally, a BB Cream based on DermoScience!

Celeteque Dermoscience Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream

 BB Creams or blemish balms have become one of the hottest beauty trends across Asia today.  With all the brands out there, which one should you buy?  Now, Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream gives you a clinically-tested solution to uneven skin tone. You’ll be surprised at how this new BB Cream can really give you a lot of benefits in just one tube.

• Lightens while giving coverage: Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream not only gives your skin an even-toned look, it actually works on the pigmentation on your skin to lighten your skin tone and dark spots. It contains Biobenefity®, a trademarked ingredient that provides brightening benefits and BioWhite™, which helps reduce fine lines and lightens dark spots.

• No more shine and oil: Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream goes on matte and stays matte.  It actually absorbs excess sebum or oil that can cause shine and unsightly pimples. 

• Refined skin means smaller looking pores: Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream helps minimize enlarged pores giving you that smooth, refined, and glowing look.

• UVA and UVB Protection: And because Céleteque DermoScience understands skincare protection needs,  it will always give you double sunscreen protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream has SPF15.

 Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Multi-Benefit BB Cream is available exclusively at Watsons (SRP P325.00).  Ask your Céleteque Skin Care Advisor for more details.

Céleteque DermoScience also offers other products that will help you achieve radiant and even-toned skin such as the Brightening Facial Wash, Tri-benefit Power Cream, Dark Spot Corrector, Eye Tuck Plus Dark Circles Lightener and the Radiance Body Cream.

You can also purchase Céleteque DermoScience products online at here. 

Birthdays are important occasions for our family.  We celebrate life, all the blessings, the year that has passed and the miracle itself of living and breathing which make being physically together still possible.  We thank God for another year HE's given so we may continue to love, to appreciate, to support and to take care of each other.

Yesterday was hubby's birthday and I took a day off from work to simply celebrate it with him and the family.  We've been together for more than five years already but I never fail to surprise him on his birthday.  I love making him laugh, making him feel special, important and very much loved.

Sharing with you loves how I simply showed how special he is to me, his early morning birthday surprise:

It's the middle of July already!  Bonggang how time flies right?  But here on my little blog, super tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ligaya!

As I've said on my Facebook shoutout, all-month long celebration of my blog anniversary!  I feel so blessed and very inspired to do more and be better.  All because I have you my dear readers! :)  So this is really a thanksgiving celebration!  Which wouldn't be possible if not for my very supportive and generous sponsors!

So without prolonging our excitements, let me present to you

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS PACKAGE BLOWOUT



Five (5) winners, yes FIVE, will be randomly selected to win this package.  But wait, there's a bit of a Twist!  If you SHARE this giveaway photo on Facebook, you'll have an extra entry to win!  So four winners from Rafflecopter and one winner from Facebook Share (details of this share contest will be announced on my FB Page.)

Thank you once again to my sponsors:

• UNILAB
• Pure Deal
• Bamboo Dappy
• Human Nature

1. The Blog Anniversary Blowout is open to readers of Mommy Practicality in the Philippines.
2. To earn entries, make sure you follow all the tasks enumerated in the Rafflecopter.
3. You may also earn entries manually by doing this:

EARN ENTRIES NOW!  Good luck loves! :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I had my son DL when I was 23.  The first time I held him in my arms, I felt: Happiness. Fear. Worry. Excitement.  But only one stood out, LOVE.  Back then, I had zero experience on taking care of a little baby.   But our daily activities taught me how beautiful and fulfilling it is to be a mother by doing little things for him myself.
When his brother was born seven years after, it felt like having a child the first time again.  But the experience became smoother because DL was very much involved in everything.  He reminded me of the lullabies I sang to him.  He vividly recalls the bath time talking bubbles I did with his shampoo, the soft strokes on his back when I put powder before and after running, our dancing feet characters, the bedtime massages and the underarm-smelling and tickling play.

My Sons, Dandre and Wes

I realized that I made a strong bond with him.  My very own signature of love are imprinted in his heart and now, imprinting once more on his brother WL.

If you’ve seen Johnson’s Baby Signature of Love TVC, (which I’m sure pinched your heart like it did mine,) it’s exactly the expression of love that I’m talking about.  I appreciate that Johnson’s Baby clearly understands and even celebrates the importance of mom-child bonding through the daily activities we do with them.

Johnson's Baby Signature of Love TVC

I’ve been using Johnson’s Baby products for as long as I can remember because it’s a brand I trust for safety and effectiveness.  We never experienced any allergies nor irritations.  It has played a big role between me and my mom, and now, between my children and I.  Johnson’s Baby is like a part of our family, who will always be there through our journey of growing together.

Our daily loving activities together, my own signature of love

How about you?  I’m sure you have your own signature of love as well.  That’s why I encourage you to submit your 30-second video on their  Facebook Page App.

Good day loves!  As promised, announcing today the winners of the first wave of my Blog Anniversary Blowout!

Drum roll please.......

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will receive an email from me on when and where to claim it.  Please be reminded of the Terms and Conditions of the Blog Anniversary Blowout my dears! :)

Terms and Conditions:

1. Winners may win only once per giveaway package.
2. Winners will be notified through email.  If no reply received within two weeks from notification, prizes will be forfeited and another winner shall be drawn.
3. Prizes are transferable but not convertible to cash.
4. Winners or their representative should be willing to claim the prize at the following venues: M-F: Ayala Ave., Makati City (exact time and location to be emailed) between 10am to 6pm only; Sat-Sun: Gateway Cubao, Robinson’s Magnolia, SM Sta. Mesa or SM Manila (exact time and location to be emailed)
5. Winners/representative should present a printed copy of my email and at least one (1) valid ID when claiming the prize.
6. Mommy Practicality’s decision is final.

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.♥