Do's and Don'ts of Expectant Moms

Breaking my two year hiatus from blogging brings news. I currently gave birth to our second child, who is now a few months old. It was pretty unexpected. My husband and I never planned it, so we got surprised as well. This second one was pretty hard for me. I've gone through morning sickness, and extreme abdominal pains during my first trimester that I never experienced with my first born. I always feel overwhelmed with my thoughts which is why making blog posts will keep my mind at ease, giving credits to the hormones overload. Also this pandemic is giving me some idle time from work.

Now that I am through my second pregnancy, I took notes on the Do's and Don'ts that helped me with this journey.

First on my list is to stay healthy. I made sure to stick to healthier options for my food intake, to take religiously and carefully my prescribed vitamins. Healthier options for me means staying away from junk foods, foods with too much preservatives, sweets, and anything that won't help pregnant moms and our baby's nutrition. I also skipped my daily morning habit of a cup of coffee. I make sure not to skip my vitamins intake since it greatly helps with the development of the baby and also the changing body of the mom. I also made some research about when is the best time to take vitamins. Like Calcium is best taken twice a day, after having breakfast and dinner, it can be taken with Folic Acid. There are also multivitamins that must be taken an hour before meal or two hours after meal. If you want to get your facts or articles checked, make sure to ask your Doctors. Google helps a lot but it is always best to ask your Doctor. 

Second, to make a list of things you need to buy. As much as possible since it is my second baby and my first born is now four years old, I try to trim the list down by looking for options for the best-buy. Learning from my first pregnancy that I need not to buy anything I see on the shelf of the baby section, I will make sure not to buy a repeat mishap and buy the things I didn’t bought that I actually needed. Especially now that there is an invisible enemy around, as a mom we get to be extra protective of our children. I used to have a steam sterilizer but now I will invest on a UV sterilizer that will allow me to sterilize practically anything my children lay their hands on. I got my UV sterilizer from Babybee. I got the UV+ Dual Lamp Sterilizer. It has four functions; automatic, drying, UV and storage. It has dual lamp and HEPA filter. This is one of my best buys for this journey of mine. It is affordable compared to Korean brands that has the same functions.

Babybee UV+ Dual Lamp Sterilizer
(Photo sourced from link of photo)

I am still weighing about getting an air purifier and a germicidal lamp that will help in sanitizing our room but since it is quite costly, it will probably be my least priority considering that I still need to buy a few more things for my lil one. I am also listing down things needed for the post-partum recovery of the Mom. My husband failed completing my list last pregnancy, since he was tasked to do it without my help while I was already out of the hospital recovering. So, it is kind of a must for me to complete my list ahead of time, way ahead. *wink*

 

Third, I tried harder to prepare for breastfeeding. I admit that it was something I took for granted on my first pregnancy. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. This time I took it on a next level not to fail my baby. I am currently on Natalac supplements since my 8th month. Before I gave birth I was on a twice a day dose, right now I only take twice a day whenever my supply is low, but on a daily basis I take one capsule after breakfast. Also, Nestle's MommaLove drink is such a big help. This is tried and tested. I am currently in my fourth month of breastfeeding, and we've been on mix feeding ever since. I did not expect for my milk supply to last this long since, in order for moms to lactate, they need to be stimulated by latching. So, I was really surprise that I still have a supply of breastmilk. Whenever I feel like my baby doesn't get enough milk from breastfeeding, I drink Nestle's MommaLove, sprinkled with chia seeds on top. Since it is really effective for me, I already included MommaLove drink thrice a week in my Momma diet. I only latch my baby early in the morning before I go to work and at night time when I come home and so far, he is quite satisfied with his breastmilk. I also tried to hydrate myself more to help.

Currently using the Natalac Capsule on the left
(Photo sourced from link of photo)

They have two flavors, but I am Choco-biased
(Photo sourced from link of photo)

Fourth, as we go nearer and nearer to meet our lil’ bundle of joy, I already prepared our baby bag ahead of time. I had it ready on my 30^th week. By that time you probably have completed your list of necessary things to buy. We started washing all the baby clothes, blankets, linens, towels and feeding bottles early on. Sterilize your bottles and secure it by putting it in a proper storage. After washing the clothes and everything else, you may use your UV sterilizer or if you still don’t have one, get it all ironed. The heat of the iron makes the clothes and linens sort of sterilized so it is now safe for your baby to put on. Do exclude printed ones since it might get ruined. Proper washing also means using the right kind of detergent, fabric conditioner and dishwashing soap. There are a lot of brands out there in the market that caters specifically for the baby’s needs which makes us moms at ease since we need not to worry allergic reactions from our babies. Also, it is not just preparing for the baby’s bag but also for the mom’s as well. Make sure you also made a list so you will not forget a thing. A set of clothes for the mom at the hospital for a couple of days and for leaving the hospital, beddings for extra comfort, toiletries, disposable utensils, glass and plates is on my list. You also need to make sure to bring all your necessary identification cards like, Philhealth ID, Medical card, and any government IDs. Make sure your husband or your guardian knows the PIN of your ATM cards for emergency cash needs. I also kept a journal where I put necessary information that my husband should know and might be needed like savings account number, social security number, etc. I also brought with me this time my own set of surgical masks, gloves, thermal scanner, alcohol, wet antibacterial wipes, and disinfectant spray. I also prepared a bag for my four year old since I let my mom and siblings take care of her while we were still at the hospital.

 Lastly, I tried to prepare myself spiritually, mentally and emotionally for the big day. Everything went well during my first pregnancy. It was such a different experience from my first one, I was so stressed out that a few days before my baby came out, I was on false labor. So, I tried so hard to induce my labor by exercising. I found this really effective exercise video online that helped me a lot. I did the exercise in the morning, and I already had contractions in the afternoon, then the next day I already gave birth But make sure to get it checked with your doctor, better to be safe than sorry.

It helps that you talk about these things with your husband on what you feel and want to happen on the big day. By this, it will be easier for him to decide for both of you.

Leaving this chunky baby feet we all want to make gigil with. 

That's all for this post. I hope you guys find my experience informative especially to the new Momma's to be out there. Until, the next blog post.

Toodles!

xx

AnDi 

90's Comeback

I have always been caught with trends, no matter how fast or long they go. Somehow I learned to love a few trends that is still included in my staple wears. Until now, I still love wearing skinny jeans, statement necklaces, even when they are now far off different from today's new trends. The fashion scene always brings back trends from different cycles and generation. And I am so glad they're bringing back trends from my childhood. 

Like any other kikay out there, I never leave the house not wearing a headband, hair clip or hair tie. My hairstyle always sported something different every day, our helper then made sure of that. Ever since then the fashion enthusiast in me somehow sparked. My sister and I then would get hold of the newest, kikay-est hair accessories to wear to school. We've sported satin ribbons used as headbands or hair ties, small hair clams in every color, feathered headbands, ridiculously huge bows headbands, and dainty hair clips. 

I made sure not to look boring in school uniform. Hair accessories and bags then will always be the fashion talk about at school if you're sporting something really nice or extremely weird. My sister and I didn't care then, we were kids and we loved wearing them.

I am so happy that the 90's hair clips and barettes are making a comeback. Yassss! I am overjoyed that I literally bought every clips and sets I see online that I wanted. That made me want to open, Le Petit Reine by Vivienne Jean.

Le Petit Reine is a french phrase that means the little queen. The inspiration of the name of the shop is my daughter. And at a young age I want her to look put together as much as possible since she's a reflection of me as a parent and her mom. I chose the little queen since our hair is our crowning glory, and I consider hair accessorizing a thing to make us feel different, above among others and I thought sounding to look regal is almost the same as being royal in our own little ways. Also, I translated it into French since it sounds way fancier. (Thanks to my daughter who loves watching"Fancy Nancy Clancy")

We've recently launched three collections; Pearls and Gems, Rainbow Dream and Four Seasons. Each collection is actually composed of coveted pieces and sets I found online that are not yet readily available locally in the province. I actually chose pretty unique items and made sure that I'd be one of the firsts to have it available in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

I am glad and very passionate about this since I love collecting them and love the idea of sharing it to everyone with a profit. Hahahha! Sharing is caring but I don't get them for free but made them really affordable for everyone. Our items are priced from Php. 50.xx to Php. 150.xx at a maximum. I am actually pretty shocked how expensive these are in the metro, they actually range at Php. 80.xx to Php. 150.xx at a minimum and you still need to add up for the shipping fee if they are not based on the same area. 

Pearls and Gems are all about the dainty stuff. Obviously pearls, rare stones and gems that our combined with delicate hair clips to even out or balance the whole look. You can mix and match them with simple bobby pins and you'd still look like a queen. 

Up to down, L-R: Fiona, Cecilia, Jasmine and Anastasia
P 150.xx per set

Up to down, L-R: Margaret, Ariel, Charlotte and Giselle
P 150.xx per set

These are just a few of the items we just launched under the Pearls and Gems collections. I wasn't able to take a photo of all the items with their own batches since some were sold long before I was able to take a photo of them. Thanks to my supportive colleagues. 

For the Four Seasons collection, I was inspired by the seasons. I've matched floral snap clips with leather clips that I believe is the color that best represents each of the season. Yellow for summer, Orange for autumn, Dark Green for spring and Light blue for winter. I find this collection bold and fun. This collection was actually made for both adults and young ones.

Up to down, L-R: Spring 1, Summer, Autumn 1, Autumn 2, Winter, Spring 2, Summer
P 60.xx per set

Even when we only have two seasons whole year round, I find the colors manageable to be matched with any wardrobe. It's always fun to play colors and it might surprise you that it might be the thing that would make a boring outfit pop.

The third collection we launched is the Rainbow Dream collection. This collection was made for kids and young at heart. I know the unicorn and rainbow trend has now lie low but I still could not resist on not including them. 

Rainbow for P 50.xx

Unicorn for P 50.xx

This collection was a no-brainer for me when I bought stocks for these. It actually is also about fulfilling my fantasy dreams when I was a kid about believing in unicorns and sliding down rainbows and actually finding a pot of gold at the edge of it all.

It felt surreal when our page finally reached to over a hundred of Facebook Likes. Hopefully, you guys would support me also and hit the like button for Le Petit Reine by Vivienne Jean.

Also, please do check out the collection we still have a few more items up for grabs and we'll be launching a new collection this Sunday, April 21. Do watch out for it. 

That's all for this post. I hope you guys would drop by our online shop and send me a message if you have inquiries.

Thank y'all!

Toodles!

AnDi

Mommy Diaries: Summer Fun Activities to do at Home

Summer time is fast approaching. When I think about this, I always remember the times when I was little all we did was play, eat, take naps, go on swimming trips, and everything else that meant to have a vacation. It was so fun and now that I am now a working Mom. I always think of ways to catch up with my daughter and make her summer memorable each year, before she plans for herself when she grows up.

Since I am still can't decide yet on when to get her start going to school, I want her to learn a few things ahead earlier. She has now learn the alphabet, can now count 'til 30 and can now recognize colors and shapes. I thought it might be a great time to introduce her to new ways on learning.

The things my daughter and I enjoy doing after a long day at work is giving her a go with paper works. I always assume she plays the whole day consuming her energy at a maximum which makes me want to catch up with her the on a low key.

One of the things she loves doing is coloring. I make sure to get her new coloring books once in a while so she could have more choices. There are so many nice finds at bookstores and department stores. I love that this activity allows her to re-imagine the pictures as she colors. I allow her to choose which color to use.

Another thing we do is story telling time. I got her a lot of children books in her favorite cartoon characters. She just loves it when I read her books more than once a day and even allowed her to memorize the lines in the books. She could even finish the lines while I read them.

It's quite essential to let our kids explore for them to gain new interests and hobbies they could grow to love. One thing I love doing at home back then was playing pretend school. I love answering and making worksheets for my friends. But it takes a lot of effort making one considering I have to make more than one set for my pretend students. I recently came across Education.com which gives you access to downloadable and printable worksheets to help our kids with reading and writing. You can also get to choose what level your kids are have them in adorable theme selections.

Easter is just around the corner, and your little one will love practicing their beginner writing skill with this Easter-themed word tracer! For more fun learning activities, visit Education.com.

Let's make our kids' summer a fun journey and learning experience as well.

That is all for this post.

Toodles!
Love, AnDi

28 and Unstoppable

I just turned 28 and I am unstoppable. Sneaking this outfit post because I really miss making one. I've actually been getting back to my old habit of taking outfit photos because my good old friend Shamcey is back!! I am actually talking about my samsung nx11 camera. She was down for two years because I couldn't get a replacement for her lost charger. I recently just got a hold of one last December and was really happy that I get to use it again.

And for my birthday outfit, this wasn't my original peg but when my husband got this for me, I just knew I had to wear it on my special day. We actually both this from a thrift store. Our car passed by their store twice and it was still hanging in there waving at me, calling me. My husband needed to drive back just to get it for me. (Soo sweet!!) 

I love how it perfectly fits me. I also sported a comeback trend from the 90's, the good old hair clips. I couldn't get my hands on the trendy ones made of pearl so this will do for now. I've recently hoarded a bunch of new hair clips online and excited that I'd finally have them prolly next week. Also, I am so happy I finally braved wearing chunky earrings. It has been a while. I always take into consideration not wearing them since my daughter might grab them and pull my ear off but now that she's more mature, she now knows what not to touch and play with. I added a slim metal belt to accentuate my waist.

I am actually wearing the very same slip-ons I use at home. I didn't even think twice since its all matchy- matchy with my dress. It also made my look a bit laid-back. I was going for sneakers but remembered the very madam slip-ons of my idol Camille Co and Tricia Gosingtian I have yet to try. And hey! it actually worked.

Topping my look off with this lakas maka tita vibe leather bag. I was so tempted to make a boomerang twirling like no one's watching but there were people actually watching puzzled what I am doing, getting a picture taken on the same exact poses. Hahaha! Their confused look was hilarious.

That is all for this post. I hope you guys loved my birthday outfit as much as I did. 

Please show some love by leaving comments below. 

Toodles!

Love, AnDi

Mommy Diaries: Learn to Protect Kids from Online Monsters

It has been quite a while since I posted as a mom and it's prolly high time for me to make a new post. As much as we want to avoid giving out gadgets to kids because of the dangers it may put them through, there are still ways on how to protect them. I used to be in disapproval when parents let their kids at very young age use gadgets and now I've become one of those parents. My lil girl is only 2 years old and I admit that she already know her way through browsing her own apps.

It somehow bothered me that their are rampant platforms that are going on right now that pops up on children's usual cartoon videos that they watch. I took an action and made my own way to address this issue the motherly way.

So, I am giving you guys a few tips on how to protect our kids from these online monsters.

First, I made sure to make a Youtube account that are logged in to several gadgets. Like, my daughters iPad, and my own phone. That way, I could easily monitor the history on which videos my daughter watches. Also, you can restrict your account to block mature themed videos to avoid your kids to get to see such videos.

Second, I got her the Youtube Kids app that will surely get kids safe and totally appropriate videos to watch.

Third, when these apps they use are online, they are prone to pop-ups or ads that we can't monitor. So what I do, I download the videos I want them to watch. Both Youtube and Youtube Kids has these feature that you can watch videos offline. Just make use of your account, look for videos you want them to watch, then press the download button. And you are good to go. 

Fourth, it is not just the online monsters I protect my kids from, but also the danger of letting my kid watch for a number of hours. So, I make sure to give her proper screening time. That way, she won't be deprived and at the same time we make time for our kids that we also go offline to give time with each other. I give her a maximum of an hour but make sure that she gets break at least 20 minutes in between.

Fifth, if you guys have a smart TV you could always stream there whatever they're watching. You just need to press the stream button and make sure the TV and phone is connected to the same wifi connection.

Lastly, when my daughter is on her screen time I make sure to supervise and watch with her as much as I can. That way, I could get along with her and at the same time I have knowledge on where she learn things.

Educational or just pure fun videos to watch for kids help make them shape up their own personalities and it's scary sometimes that they learn these things by just watching videos but in this millenial age, they are all prolly going to end up making use of it in the future. Making them learn at an early age is both a risk-factor and beneficial for them. Let's just guide them as parents to shoo away these unwanted online monsters.

I still believe that it's best for our kids to enjoy their childhood both online and offline.

I hope you guys enjoyed my post. Just another post from my very own Mommy Diary.

Please leave some comment below on your own ways to treat this kind of Mommy issue. I'd love to hear from you guys.

That is all for this post.

Toodles!

Love, AnDi

Sunsets

Everyday I find myself chasing the sun, not because I'm always in a hurry but because I had this little moments that I feel I haven't done enough for the day. Ever since I was little it may not have shown in my academics or in mostly things that I do but I tend to push myself to my limits. I make decisions and make sure to get the things I needed and wanted to do to make all things work. At some point in my life, I've gone through a tremendous change that I have learned to accept and deal with such things I have never planned of and have always dread to seek a validation from my Dad. 

Sixteen years ago, I lost my Dad. Just like that, a blink of an eye, a snap of your fingers, a two minute phone call; hearing from the other line a crying, choking voice telling you, your Dad is gone. I have learned to accept the facts of it but every single day, I still mourn for him.

Every morning, when I drink my cup of coffee, I think of Dad when he was so thrilled then with all the new flavors of Nescafe.

Every Sunday meal when I take a bite of Mom's cooking, I think of Dad when he was always so dedicated to make his special dishes for us.

Every time my husband sends and fetch me to and from work, I think of Dad when my sister or my brothers or my Mom and I ride his motorcycle just to get in time to school.

I have quite some special moments with my Dad that I wish that it wasn't just memories now. I have so many points in my life that I wish he just stayed longer but it all happened for a reason. It may have been sixteen years without him but my Mom did such an amazing job in making us who we are now. Not to brag and all, but a lot have something to say with how I am doing an amazing job raising my lil girl. And I thank my Mom and my Dad for that. 

Learning to accept that I was defeated by such things like I would never have known what my Dad would think, or if he approves of what I am and have done every single day, is like learning to love the sun setting. 

It must have been why I loved sunsets because it always reminded me that at the end of the day, after all your shortcomings, all the deadlines you have missed, all the borrowed time you could never take back, there will always be a beautiful sun waiting for you to set and I thank God for that.

Year 2018 have been a roller coaster ride for me. I cried a lot this year for things I got sad and happy. I shared victory with my husband how my daughter have grown to be a witty kid. I learned and discovered many new things at work that only my Philtrust family could taught me. I shared so many memories with my family that are for that I am mostly grateful for this year, especially times when we were all together with our own little families in a deserted resort. Such a fun experience!

For all my shortcomings as a wife and as a mom, I wish to make up for it in 2019.

Year 2019, bring it on! We are so ready for you.

Make your Kids the Happiest this Christmas

Long weekends give us a time-off from daily whereabouts and gives us some time to catch up with our husband and kids. I have a helper that takes care of my daughter whenever I work and I don't make her come over during weekends and holidays so we could have a solid bond. I find this very effective especially now that she can now understand that there are days I needed to work and days that I am free and can tend to her. I find it such a hard time to give my daughter the best bonding days because I always ran out of things to do with her. A two years old is very hard to please since they have very short attention spans, they tend to make there own decisions and are very hard headed at a times.

So in order for us to bond and keep her entertained and at the same time she would learn new things, I found myself scrolling through Toytink on instagram. I've known the brand since I gave birth to my kiddo in 2016. I've been following the account since I want to give my daughter the best of both worlds, having fun and to learn. Upon scrolling the account I came across their Christmas giveaway, I got all giddy about the educational toys and mom-kiddo goodies they are giving away.

Toytinkr have partnered with Santa's Sack, BrightBrands Lifesyle Store, Bubba Doodles, Copii Kids, Fun Nest, Hiraya Tree, Lily and Tucker, Ma'am and Mom's Educational Hub,  Oli's Boxship, Peekaboo and Company, Pottery Barn Kids PH, Pumplepie Books & Happiness, The Kiddi Company, QT Baby, Trunk Show, Tonic, Bambina Philippines, and Beluga Dreams Books and Educational Toys. All generous online sellers will be giving out items they're showcasing from their brand. It's so easy to join just click any of the brands to check out the full mechanics. All links go straight to there official posts you could place your entry. 

I am sharing all these information because sharing is caring and it is very timely for the Holiday season. Head on now to your phones and instagram accounts to join the giveaway, it ends on December 9, 2018  and make your kiddos the happiest on Christmas day, making us the happiest moms all the same.

Have a wonderful, crazy and fun Christmas rushing to everyone as we count only 24 days 'til Christmas!

That is all for this post.

Toodles!

Love, AnDi