Slowing Down

In a few hours, we will be saying good bye to 2017 and welcome the new year, 2018. This year wasn't the easiest for us but I am still thankful for all the blessings and opportunities given to me and my family. I'm still doing ok with my home-based job although I wish I can work longer hours so I can earn more. But then, motherhood is still my primary job so my home-based job and blogging career will have to make do with whatever spare time I can get. My husband, on the other hand, left his office job (after more than 10 years) and venture to working at home too. His current job should have been ok except that he is working on a graveyard shift which is not ideal for us. We are still adjusting to this new schedule and hopefully we will be able to adapt well, or find a better opportunity in the days to come.

With that, we've been busy with running the house (and running after our child !) and I barely have time to blog, hence the title. I've decided to take things slow here and not pressure myself with twice-a-week post. More importantly, I need to focus on my new site, the Boracay Wedding Network and its predecessor, the Iloilo Wedding Network. I've been neglecting the latter for years now and I feel sorry for my followers and anyone looking for updated information about the wedding industry here in Iloilo.

So the first half of 2018, or until I have established my two wedding sites, you may find less posts here. But I promise to make it up, as always, when things go as planned.

Happy New Year everyone! May the coming year be as fruitful as the fruit basket on our tables. :D

Here’s Why Your Online Dating Profile Doesn’t Work

So, you decided to look for love online on pinalovesite. You found a decent dating site or application and got your membership. Filled out all the necessary information. Chose an image that represented you best.

And nothing is happening. Nothing. No one replies to your messages and no one texts you either. You are browsing the Net trying to find out if something is wrong with the site. But no, everything is totally fine and other users communicate and meet each other. So what is wrong?

We are 99% sure that you made one or a few mistakes when filling out your dating profile. So, here are the reasons why your profile does not seem to be alluring at all. They may serve as online dating profile tips, too.

How to Survive Working from Home as Hands-on Mama

Working at the comfort of your home sure sounds like an amazing opportunity for mothers but working from home at the same time looking after your kids, especially toddlers, isn't the easiest task in the world. Imagine in the middle of a conference call with a client when your child pooped or asked for milk. You either go on with your task and let your child finish on his own and pray that his dirt will not leak out his diaper or hold the call and deal with your child's mess at once. The former may be the most popular choice as choosing the latter can be detrimental to your job.

I've been working from home for over a year now and here are some tips I can share on how to survive being a WAHM (work at home mom) based on my own experience.

Find the most suitable job opportunity for you

The types of job we can find online vary - full time with fixed schedule, full time with flexible schedule, part time with fixed schedule and part time with flexible schedule. There are also project-based opportunities if you are not keen on doing long-term job commitments. For me, the most ideal is the part time flexible since it gives me the freedom to get the job done whenever I can, usually when my son is asleep.

Use your time wisely

While it helps to stick to a schedule, it's just so hard to do so when you have a toddler when often-changing schedule. Usually, I can't be glued on my computer screen when my son is awake since he's a fairly active boy and he tends to run around, climb furniture or eat anything. To make use of my time while looking after him, I'd usually do some offline tasks like drafting an article for my blog (like this article) using the good old pen and paper since I can take them with me when following him around. Sure I can use my mobile but I don't want my son to see me often glued to my gadgets.

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Cause' there's a blue sky waiting tomorrow...

Review: Skin Genie Pit Perfect Underarm Whitening Scrub and Cream

I've always been conscious about my pits for years, more so when I got pregnant and gave birth. It isn't very dark but it isn't flawless either. Actually, my major concerns are the tiny bumps we call chicken skin and underarm hair. I have tried various products to remedy the problem but nothing seems to work really well.

I temporarily gave up my quest for that perfect pits when I got pregnant and gave birth because I became busy being a hands-on mama but now that I have a little time to spare and felt the need to update my looks, I decided to pick up the quest again.

This scrub and cream duo from Skin Genie came with my very first BeautyMNL haul. I originally wanted to get the cream alone but upon reading the reviews of other users, I decided to get the scrub as well.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Cream
CLAIM TO FAME: A whitening cream that gently lightens dark underarms

FAST FACTS: Moisturizes and conditions; brightens and smoothens; works to control odor for all-day freshness; formulated with natural extracts that protect skin from pigmentation and dark spots; enriched with an herbal cream base, tea tree oil, and floral and papaya extracts

PERFECT FOR: Dark underarms caused by shaving and deodorants

Scrub
CLAIM TO FAME: A whitening scrub that brightens and smoothens the skin under the arms

FAST FACTS: Absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities for a fairer look; helps close pores; restores skin’s natural acidity; boosts elasticity; formulated with ground rolled oats, apricot kernels, apple cider vinegar, apple oil, papaya extract, herbal cream base, and phenoxyethanol

PERFECT FOR: Clean and soft underarms

Source: BeautyMNL

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Practice drawing of my boys. The eye is by Paps while the lines other than the eye is by no other than the little one. 😂 

Romantic Portugal: Top Places for Couples

Choosing the destination for your romantic trip is a very responsible task. If you know that your significant other is interested in visiting a particular country, you can book tickets and tell her to pack the suitcase. A trip together, especially if it’s your honeymoon, should be interesting for both. That’s why it’s important to discuss where you want to go. If both of you can’t make your minds as to the destination, we have something to recommend. Portugal. Until recently, tourists mainly overlooked this country and chose in favor of Spain. However, today Portugal is frequented by tourists, and for a reason. Lisbon is the most popular destination, but there many more romantic places in Portugal that are worth visiting. If you still do not have someone to go to such a journey, then you just need to meet single girls.

The Douro Valley

This is a region in the north of Portugal famous for its winemaking. People come here to enjoy the unique and fascinating landscapes created by the Douro River. You can stay in one of the wine estates, walk through the vineyards hand in hand and taste the local wines. Tasting authentic port is a must. Take a boat trip to enjoy the view of the scenery from the water and see the sunset.

Madeira

Madeira is beautiful and welcoming in every season. High season lasts from May till September, but any time of the year is perfect for a trip as the temperatures are comfortable for tourists. Most of Madeira’s sights are natural attractions: mountains (Pico do Arieiro, Cabo Girao, Pico Ruivo), caves, extinguished volcanos, amazing waterfalls (Risço and Rabaçal), a relict of the old laurel forest (Laurisilva).

Evora

130 km away from Lisbon, there is an ancient town Evora. The labyrinths of narrow streets, old buildings, squares with fountains, the surrounding mountain landscape – all this makes Evora a unique city. History lovers will definitely like this town. Among the must-see sights are the Diana Temple and Chapel of Bones. Drive a few kilometers away from Evora to Montemor-o-Novo and stay there for a night to contemplate the clear starry sky.

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Proud and regal this bird. I feel happy each time I see birds flying around our place because they all look so healthy. They, too, definitely love the provincial life!

Review: Be Organic Sulfate-free Shampoo and All Natural Conditioner

If you've been following my blog, you might have probably read my posts mentioning our love for Milea Organic Shampoos, particularly the Aloe Vera variant. We've been using the said shampoo for more than three years now and we're still loving it, as usual.

However, the price has been increasing so the budget-savvy mama in me thought of scouting for something more affordable. I discovered this Be Organic through BeautyMNL and decided to give it a try because of the reviews people give. I started using the Aloe variant a little more than a month ago and I think it is best to review the shampoo and conditioner tandem now.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Shampoo

CLAIM TO FAME: A sulfate-free shampoo infused with soothing aloe vera

FAST FACTS: Cleanses, nourishes, and fortifies hair and scalp with nutrient-rich aloe; promotes hair growth and controls frizz; reduces dandruff and relieves scalp itching; free of sodium chloride, sulfates, and parabens; made with 100% natural ingredients

PERFECT FOR: Regaining healthier, softer, more manageable hair

Conditioner

CLAIM TO FAME: An aloe-infused, dandruff-fighting conditioner that moisturizes hair

FAST FACTS: Hydrates, nourishes, and strengthens hair with aloe vera; packed with healing oils to restore shine and luster, tame frizz and flyaways, and repair damage; rejuvenates hair follicles to reduce hair fall; free of sodium chloride, sulfates, and parabens; made with 100% natural ingredients

PERFECT FOR: Frizzy, damaged, and dry hair prone to dandruff

Source: BeautyMNL

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The rolling stone rolls echoing from rock to rock; but the rolling stone is dead. The moss is silent because the moss is alive. - G.K. Chesterton

Review: Skin Potions Tomato Juice Serum

I love tomatoes! I love it in my sandwich, salad and even just tomato alone. Aside from being savory, tomatoes are loaded with Vitamin C to help make our skin healthy. So it's no surprising when there are now skin care products with tomato content such as Skin Potions Tomato Juice Serum.

Actually, this is not the first tomato skin care product I have used. I've had experience with tomato soaps before and the effects are quite okay. I couldn't remember, though, the exact reason I stopped using them - must be boredom, too drying or they just stopped working alright. Whatever the reason maybe, I don't think it was breakout. So when I discovered this through BeautyMNL, I got interested and didn't imagine I'd get pimples after using this. But, did I? Keep reading to find out the rest of my opinion regarding this serum.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

CLAIM TO FAME: An all-natural essence that targets common skin ailments

FAST FACTS: Formulated with natural tomato and aloe vera extracts; brightens skin for a radiant, glowing look; helps restore skin’s natural pH balance; minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores; reduces irritations and inflammations such as acne; relieves and heals sunburnt skin; fights free radicals with an antioxidant powerhouse that includes vitamins A and C, lycopene, and proteins

PERFECT FOR: Dull and blemished skin

Source: BeautyMNL

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Ice cream, anyone?

Review: Rire Pore Tightening Fresh Toner

When I was younger and still have all the time in the world for beauty regimen, I have tried various toners - Pond's, Celeteque, Nivea, Dickinson Witch Hazel and a few local organic brands. However when I got pregnant until I gave birth, I discarded lots of products and went with the basics - mild cleanser, moisturizer and/or sunscreen. During pregnancy, I wanted to limit the skin care products I use for fear that it may affect my pregnancy thus the simple routine. When I gave birth and had to take care of my child all by myself while the husband is away, I got so busy that I can barely take a bath longer than five minutes, more so follow a strict skin care regimen. No toners or masks but if I am lucky, I can hastily apply moisturizer sometimes.

But now that my husband has decided to leave his office work and started to work-from-home at the same time help me with our child and the chores, I got a little more time for myself. I have started to develop a skin care routine based on my skin type and issues.

I got caught by Kbeauty bug because of all the articles I read online, and besides, acquiring beauty products from Korea is easier now so it's not surprising that I have added this Korean item to my arsenal - the Rire Pore Tightening Fresh Toner.

I learned about this particular toner through Althea Korea. It has lots of positive reviews without being expensive so I added one to my shopping cart.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

A refreshing toner that minimizes the look of large pores

FAST FACTS: Deeply cleanses skin and removes blackheads with Amazon white clay and volcanic ash extract; soothes, hydrates, and nourishes skin with green tree extracts and aloe barbadensis leaf extract; leaves a comfortable feeling with tea tree and lavender extracts; delivers superior pore care with diospyros kaki leaf extract and castanea crena; 5-free formula contains no parabens, talcs, mineral oils, silicones, and artificial dyes
Source: BeautyMNL

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We collect our vegetables scraps for composting and we unconsciously added squash seeds to our bin. Instead of decaying, the seeds sprouted and have grown into this. We can learn a lesson or two here...

Review: Skin Genie Natural Moisturizing Water Lotion

I've been religiously using organic shampoo and on-and-off organic soaps for years now but it's the first time I laid my hands on local organic lotion - a water lotion to be exact.

I've come to know Skin Genie Natural Moisturizing Water Lotion through BeautyMNL. It has some positive reviews so I got one hoping that it'll become a favorite since it is also organic and affordable too.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

A lightweight, non-greasy skin conditioner with intense moisturizing properties

FAST FACTS: Nourishes skin without leaving it oily; protects against environmental damage with antioxidant-rich hibiscus extract; soothes, refreshes, and hydrates with aloe vera, sea minerals, and cucumber extract; boosts elasticity and fights free radicals with vitamin E; helps treat troubled skin with horsetail water plant extract; tones and firms skin with pelan silt

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My first attempt at flower photography. 😁

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Homecooked. From fresh goat meat to this delicious kaldereta.

What Are Your Secrets to a Long Lasting Relationship With Your Loved One?

Every woman who are in a relationship, and even those who are still looking, have one thing in common - that the one they currently have, or the one they are going to find will be their "forever". But finding someone to spend the rest of your life with may not be very easy, more so keeping the relationship last.

Love, of course, is the biggest factor in every relationship. How can you be with the person when love don't exist? Or when love is one-sided? Love should be a mutual feeling for a relationship to last. But being in a long-term relationship and now happily married, I realized that love is NOT THE ONLY element for a long lasting relationship. Couples should have...

Photo by Gabby Orcutt on Unsplash

ACCEPTANCE AND RESPECT for each other. It is important for couples to accept and respect each others beliefs, choices and even your partner's pasts. It shouldn't cause a rift when your partner's opinion is different from yours nor can your partner force you to vote for Presidential Candidate A when you believe that Presidential Candidate B is the better choice. Also, respect is earned, not forced so be the best person you can be to earn not just your partner's respect but others' around you as well. Acceptance and respect are always associated with...

Ninja Van Experience

Online shopping can be a life-saver especially if you have no time to go to the mall or if you live in the province and the products you want or need are not available near you. And since you never have to spend for your transportation, snacks, etc., online shopping can save you money as well especially if you buy in bulk. I have been shopping online for years and just recently, I made a purchase from BeautyMNL for the very first time. I know the shopping site has been around for years but I only purchased now since I have finally found the products that I like and need.

I had great shopping experience with BeautyMNL - from scouting the products, filling my virtual shopping cart and paying. Additionally, I had great experience with the courier too - Ninja Van. It was the first time I heard about the said courier and I was kinda hesitant that they will deliver on time, or if they will deliver in my area at all since I had my order shipped to our house which is outside Iloilo City. I'm glad that they did and I couldn't be more satisfied.

Below, I outlined what I like and dislike about Ninja Van.

LIKES

• They deliver on time - not the fastest courier but they deliver within the time frame they promised.
• Shipment is guaranteed safe and ensures that you receive your parcel. In the event that you are not available to receive your parcel, your authorized recipient needs to show the code the company provided via text message in order for the delivery man to release your parcel to that person.
• The delivery man contacts you (through text message) before they deliver to your specified address.

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Like a kid on Christmas...

BeautyMNL Haul and Shopping Experience

My journey to motherhood is definitely one for the books. I prepared for it - mentally, emotionally, financially, physically and spiritually, but it can get really tiring in the long run especially if you are alone with your child almost the whole day. Working (online) at night or whenever my child is asleep, breastfeeding, changing nappies and looking after my son when he's awake left me with no time for myself. I cannot even eat properly, take a bath longer than 10 minutes, more so get an uninterrupted beauty rest every night.

Less than a year after I gave birth, my pregnancy glow disappeared as well as the weight I worked hard for prior to my pregnancy. From my ideal weight of 50 - 52 kilos, I went down to 45 kilos. My under eye circles became darker, my face thinner and without a glow. I honestly felt ugly and I sometimes dread going out of the house because I do not want others to see me in that state. 

Honestly, I haven't fully recovered yet and still working on gaining back the weight I shed but I am grateful that I am no longer as depressed with my looks as before. I can look in the mirror now and smile at what I am seeing... and this is how this haul came to happen (LOL!). Now that I can spare a bit more time for my skin care regimen, I got a bit addicted to finding products appropriate for my needs.

For the last couple of weeks, I have been visiting beautyMNL.com almost everyday to "window" shop and read reviews of the products I consider buying. And after adding and deleting products off my virtual shopping cart, I finally clicked the checkout button and proceed with my order using my HSBC Mastercard. I actually have tried placing an order in the past using the same credit card but for some reason, my order cannot go through so I ordered elsewhere out of frustration. Thankfully, my order went through this time around so I'm one happy mama.

My order came in a ziploc bag aside from the courier's packaging.

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Thankful that my little boy is not choosy with his toys... for now.

Review: Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

It's been while since my last beauty product review and I honestly miss it - from testing the product and then taking product photos to writing and posting the review itself. But if you're a hands-on mama with an active toddler and no house helper, you can't even take a bath properly much more focus on beauty products you use.

But now that the husband has decided to leave his 9-5 job in the office to work from home like me, I'm hoping that I'd be able to do more reviews in the days to come.

In this post, I'll be reviewing one of the Korean skin care products I recently tried - the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Absorb sebum and purify pores with Jeju's volcanic cleansing foam 

1. A pore-cleansing foam containing Jeju volcanic scoria that strongly absorbs sebum and purifies clogged pores 
2. Volcanic scoria--One of Jeju's natural ingredients 

Jeju volcanic scoria is an alkaline substance with pH level similar to the human body. It is an ingredient free from impurities.

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My one-year old is scared so we just watched it go round and round.

Anti-Dengue Arsenal

Being sick or having someone in the family suffer any form of sickness can be hard. What more if the disease is as serious as dengue? I have seen family and friends faced this threat and I wouldn't want anyone, especially my loved ones, to go through it. That is why I feel like a mad mama each time I see a mosquito hovering around my son. But then, mosquitoes can be persistent. They are ready to attack a few seconds after you divert your attention somewhere else.

With this, I believe I need something that will keep my family and myself protected all the time. Here is the complete list of the items included in our anti-dengue arsenal.

Human Heart Nature Bug Shield Oil

This variant is G6PD-safe so this is a must-have for us since my son has G6PD deficiency. The scent is okay in my opinion but since I'm not a big fan of applying oils, I would love it if they'll come up with a water-based variant. This 100ml bottle costs Php 169.75 online, Human Heart Nature branches and dealers nationwide.

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Waiting for the danger to pass.

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One slice of each please...

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Dulgies (Valeria) used to be our after-work hang out place when we were still dating and we felt sad when they closed the said branch. But we're glad to know that they have transferred to a better location and is just a ride-away from my town.

Book Depository Shopping Experience

A few weeks ago, my husband was lamenting how we was not able to pre-order a book he has been waiting to come out and now that it is out, the price of the said book increased to around 50% of its pre-order price. He is planning to order in the coming days but since it is his birth month, I decided to order it for him instead.

The book, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume 2, is available in BookDepository, an online bookstore based in the United Kingdom. While it is based abroad, I have no qualms in ordering due to the following reasons:

• free delivery worldwide with no minimum order required.
• various modes of payments including VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, VISA Debit, VISA Delta, Maestro, Electron as well as Paypal. For this purchase, I use my HSBC MasterCard.
• the site is safe and reliable.
• delivers to the Philippines in less than a month.

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We wake up to the sound of the birds almost everyday. Rural life suits us!

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I gave him this book spick and span. A couple of days after, it looks like it has been handed down from his ancestors. :D

Locally Made Organic Insect Repellents

It's rainy season once again! And with rain comes... MOSQUITOES! During rainy season, we see an increase in dengue cases all over the country and everyone can be a victim, young and old, and even celebrities. Remember when the taping of the now defunct series "Be Careful with my Heart" got affected when the lead star Jodi Sta. Maria suffered from dengue? It goes to show that dengue chooses no one. So it is always important that we protect ourselves and our loved ones from these dangerous creatures.

There are many ways to prevent dengue outbreak. One of course is to keep our surroundings clean. Breeding places of mosquitoes must be destroyed. Also, we need to avoid areas that are infested with mosquitoes. But sometimes we fail to realize that the danger is lurking just inside the comforts of our home. With this, we need to to make sure that our home is indeed a safe haven for everyone especially for our little ones and that they are always protected wherever part of the house they may be.

In my case, insect repellent products such as lotions, sprays and patches are a must-have. I used to buy chemical insect repellents since they are widely available in my area and they were the most popular back then. But when I learned and tried organic insect repellent products, I never looked back. I prefer organic over chemical or synthetic products because they are safer for humans particularly now that I use them to my son as well.

In case you weren't aware, there are lots of organic insect repellent products from local companies. Find out more about them...

Review: Pampers Baby-dry Pants

Previously, I blogged about EQ Pants and Happy Baby Pants. This time, I will be blogging about the latest diaper pants we have tried, the Pampers Baby-dry Pants.

FEATURES

• Magic gel for dry and peaceful sleep
• Air circulation for dry skin
• Baby lotion helps protect baby's skin
• Flexible waistband for soft and comfortable fit
• Wraps your baby's skin with comfort

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Last week when I had the restaurant all to myself. It was a weekday hence no crowd.

July Recap

The month of July has ended and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead for us this August. This month is a special month for our little family since we will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary as married couple and 7th anniversary of being together. But, let's leave that topic for later since this post is about the month that has ended.

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I've been craving for this for the longest time so when I had the chance, I immediately grabbed it. Nowhere else but Netong's!

New Ride: Toy Kingdom's Family Mini Trike

A few weeks ago, we bought a trike for my one year and three months old son Lorenzo. I've been meaning to buy a bike/trike for him for the longest time but I was sort of hesitant since I'm not sure if he will actually use it. But having a fairly big boy who weighs more than 10 kilograms, it's a bit of a struggle to carry him around especially if we are not using our baby carrier. Example, if we are going out for our afternoon strolls. I think it is better if we are using something that will give him a better view of the surroundings. We have a Graco stroller he inherited from his cousin but he is no longer keen on using it hence the decision to buy a new ride.

We got this blue and gray trike from Toy Kingdom (Php 2299.00) because I think it got what I want in a trike for my son.

Removable arm rest

This is to protect him from falling off the sit.

with arm rest up

with arm rest down

Review: Happy Baby Pants

Previously, I reviewed EQ Pants - our favorite diaper pants at the moment. This time, I will be reviewing the second diaper pants we have tried - Happy Baby Pants.

I have been seeing this particular brand each time I go grocery shopping but I wasn't too keen in trying since my son is somehow doing good with EQ Pants. However, he gets garter marks and tends to scratch his waist since EQ's waistband is too tight for his "milk belly" so I decided to find something that is more comfortable for him. So Happy Diaper Pants enter the scenario.

FEATURES

Relaxed Waistband
Elastic waistband so gentle that it won't put pressure on baby's waist.

Tailored like an underwear
Designed and shaped like a regular underwear fit for baby's mobility, with ease and comfort.

Quick absorbing material
Soothing to baby's skin and prevents rash.

Dynamic anti-leak system
Quick fluid absorption and prevents leakage.

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Mismatched... and I don't care! Such is the life of a child - carefree and fun.

Review: EQ Pants

Every mom, I think, has gone through the challenging phase of putting on taped diaper to an active toddler. That challenge started for me when my son learned how to crawl. After bathing/washing, I would place him on one side of the bed to put on his diaper but after like one second, he is already on the other side and would crawl away each time I try to get near him. That is why I decided to shift to diaper pants, though I still try to put on his cloth diaper or disposable taped diaper from time to time.

EQ Pants is the first brand of diaper pants we tried since we use EQ Plus and EQ Dry.

FEATURES

360° Snug Fit
Waistband is stretchable and made of soft cottony materials that allow for a comfortable fit even when baby is on the move. Its breathable waistband allows air to flow through, giving baby a fresher feeling while helping prevent irritation and rashes.

Leg Cuffs
Leg cuffs stretches with baby's every move for a snug fit. It also prevents leakage.

Stand to Wear
Easy to put on your active toddler; it's just like underwear!

Tear-Away Side Seams
Side seams of waistband are easily torn for quick removal when changing pants.

Super Absorbent Core with LDL
Allows maximum dryness by drawing urine away from baby's skin, keeping baby feeling dry. The LDL (Liquid Distribution Layer) distributes urine evenly to prevent leakage.

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Restaurant... with chairs still up! It's because it rained so hard before we arrived and water got inside the establishment. But that didn't turn me off because their pizza, particularly their All Meat topping, is a favorite.

Pizzaro
SM City Iloilo Southpoint

Review: Ainon Feeding Bottles

As soon as I learned my son's gender, I started buying the things he would need including a feeding bottle, though I was determined to breastfeed him. Through research, I learned that many moms recommend Avent Natural feeding bottle for it is designed similar to the breast to make mixed feeding easy. So Avent it is! At first, I only got one but later on added three more bottles so we'll have back up when I will be away for a few hours. Now that my son is a year older, and me getting slimmer everyday, I decided that we use formula milk so my body can recover. Subsequently, we need to add more bottles because four is simply not enough. But Avent products can be painful to a frugal mama's pockets so I decided to try other brands. I went "bottle-hunting" and Ainon bottles caught my attention.

Since I'm not quite sure whether my son would love these bottles, I decided to get one of each; wide neck and slim.

WIDE NECK BOTTLE

Pros

• Its capacity is more than 270ml (more than nine ounces)  so it is easy for me to prepare eight ounces of milk for my son considering the 2:1 water and milk ratio. Other nine-ounces bottles like the Avent Natural, the infant formula milk would reach the brim if I fill the bottle with water first, followed by milk.
• Had no problem with my son using it.
• I can add milk to the bottle without spillage since it is wide enough to accommodate the milk's scoop.
• BPA-free and lead-free.
• It is easy to clean.
• Affordable

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♪♩♫🎜Point to the ceiling, point to the floor... point to the WINDOW, point to the door! ♩♫ *kinain ng nursery rhymes*

The only time the curtains in our room are down is when my son is asleep. Most of the time, I tie it out of his reach to avoid him pulling the end.

June Recap

I can't believe the first half of the year has ended! Where did time go? Anyway, I am starting this series as a way for me to look back and share to you the highlights of the month, not only regarding my blog and posts but my life in general. For the month of June, here's the recap...

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A big section of the store for colorful neck pillows? Only in Miniso! I love dropping by this store, though I don't need to buy anything, because the whole store feels relaxing and so kawaii. That is why I love strolling around and check their items for sale. Who knows? I might find something I need... or something I think I need. 😀

The store only opened last month (May) so expect that it is always crowded these days.

Cerelac Nutripuffs: My Son Loves It... and so does mama!

As a mother, it's always a joy each time I see something I think my son would love. Just like when I saw Cerelac Nutripuffs for the first time at the local grocery store, I felt happy knowing that snacks such as this can now be purchased easily as opposed to the Gerber Cereal Puffs which can only be purchased in S&R (as far as I know) to which I am not a member and is not easily accessible by public transport. 

Cerelac Nutripuffs comes in two flavors; banana and orange, and banana and strawberry. Banana and orange tastes bland while banana and strawberry is a bit sweet. Lorenzo and I love the two flavors. Yes, you read it right! I love my son's snacks too! The packaging says it is recommended for kids aging ten months to three years but there's nothing wrong if mama eats them as well. LOL!

What You Should Know About Being a Work-at-Home Mom

Every mom's lament is the time they spend away from their kids when they're at work. It sure does feels sad thinking about your child left behind at home, in the hands of others. It feels sad not being able to witness their milestones and not around when they are sick and needed you the most. Additionally, finding a reliable helper is just so hard nowadays. Where did they go, by the way? They're getting extinct! 

When this working-from-home trend emerged, I believe the first people who rejoiced are the parents. Imagine earning money while looking after your newborn. Imagine being around to see your child roll or crawl for the first time. Sounds like a dream job for every parent, right? Working from home, though, is not as easy as it sound particularly if you are a newbie or do not have background about all this.

Below, I am sharing the things you should know before you decide to hand your resignation letter to your boss...

Friday Photo: 1 | 28

Note: I'm reviving my series "A Photo a Week" and renamed it Friday Photo. I'm hoping I'd be able to maintain posting one photo every Friday until the end of the year as preparation for next year because I'm planning to do this daily.

I think I'm not the only mother who loves eating her child's snacks. My son loves his Cerelac Nutripuffs, and so does mama. 😀 I love that this snack is available in most grocery stores in the city, unlike the Gerber Cereal Puffs which is only available in S&R (which I'm not a member and is not easily accessible to public transport). In the photo is banana and strawberry flavor. We have tried banana and orange before and he liked it just as much.

Review: Madid's Inn Boracay

Boracay is home to the world-renowned white sand beach. Given its popularity, it also became the home of hundreds of hotels, resorts, inns and guesthouses to accommodate thousands of tourists. From budget-friendly accommodations to five-star hotels, they got it there in Boracay. So if you're a first-timer, choosing where to stay in the island can be quite challenging especially if its peak season.

During our trip there to celebrate our son's first birthday, we stayed at Madid's Inn, a budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of station two. We stayed there for three nights and four days and here is my review...

Location

As what I've mentioned above, Madid's Inn is located in the busy station two. The white-sand beach is like five minutes away from the beach though it is not visible in the main thoroughfare since it is situated inside an alley where three or four other budget-friendly accommodations (Tan's Guesthouse, Eriko's House, Shenna's Resort, Villa Simprosa) are located. Restaurants, coffee shops and souvenirs shops are just a few minutes away. 

To find this hidden gem, look for E.S. Pascual Store and 928 Cafe and Grill (beside Island Souvenir). In between, these two shops, there's a small alley leading to these budget-friendly accommodations.

How I Got Php 500 Discount From Althea Korea

How would you feel if you are given Php 500 voucher from your favorite shopping site? In my case, I felt excited and happy! It's not everyday that you get free Php 500, be it in cash or in kind. 😄

Just recently, I made a purchase from Althea Korea and when I logged into my account, I was surprised to see that I have 500 reward points that I can use when I make a purchase. And with Althea, 500 points is equivalent to Php 500. Amazing, isn't it?

So, how did I earn these points?

Initially, I thought it was from my previous purchase, like a loyalty reward. But when I dig further, I learned that these points are from referrals. I have published two blog posts about Althea Korea in the past and I included a discount code for my readers to enjoy. I think that is how I got these points. Actually, I didn't gave much attention, nor promote these particular posts since I'm a busy mama who can barely eat her meals properly. I'm glad that people found a way to these coupon codes without me doing much.

With this, I feel motivated to post more (but not overly promotional, of course!) not just about Althea but other stuff that matters. But like usual, I just hope I can find time do it. 

Want Php 200 discount on your first order? Use this code A200A-SXNDOBQRTC7D during checkout...

Budget-friendly Swimwear Sellers in Instagram

Summer is coming to an end soon but it's never too late to blog something about summer since our country's tropical climate allows us to experience summer almost all year long.

When Mr. Sun is out and about, one of the best ways to combat the heat is through swimming, be it in the beach, pool, spring or other bodies of water. And while we can always wear whatever we please especially when swimming in the beach, we can always amp up our look by wearing cute swimwear and summer outfit. However, less common apparel always comes with a price. Swimwear that is not similar to your co-worker, her neighbor and your co-worker's neighbor's high school classmate can cost as much as Php 2000 per piece. The cost may be nothing to some but to frugal women like me, it's just hard to part with our hard-earned money (I traded sleep for those moola!). Of course, I can always find cheaper alternatives but the chances of bumping into someone wearing the same outfit as mine is great so I try my best to find unique, or at least less common items for my OOTD.

The other day, I scoured instagram for sellers who can provide me with what I want for a swimwear and I am sharing them here. Check out these sellers whose swimsuit costs less than Php 1000.

SummerNeverStopsPH

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