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I have a lot of friends who gave birth or are about to give birth this year... And I told my husband this, there is obviously a "baby boom", hehe.

 Kidding aside, I suddenly had a thought about the gifts we give to our pregnant friends... they are mostly just for the baby.

 Don't get me wrong, expectant parents love getting gifts for their baby, and who doesn't adore buying those little outfits and amusing toys? But the Pregnancy Journey wouldn't be complete without the parents who started it all: the Mother who carries the child for nine moths or so, the Father who makes sure that his wife and child are safe and secure.

 That being said, I just thought about writing on what other possible gifts could we give the expectant parents? Yes, that thought just went into my head, so I am writing about it now...haha!

 Here are some gift suggestions you could give your pregnant friends. I'm sure the mom and dad will appreciate being thought of too, during their pregnancy journey :) 

 1. The Baby Owner's Manual
Photo source

 This was a gift from one of our friends, and it's very helpful! Not to mention very geeky, and I mean that in the best way!

 The illustrations in this book are quirky and it is, in fact, easy to understand and follow. Great gift for first time parents!

 I don't actually know where they bought it, but perhaps it's in your favorite bookstore :) You can also catch this gem on Amazon/Kindle or iTunes, if you want a digital copy.

 Here is a sneak peek of what's inside:


2. Nursing Cover or Nursing Clothes (for mom)
If your friend plans on nursing, whether for just a few months or for a couple of years, it would be really helpful to give them nursing clothes or a nursing cover. 

 It wouldn't only help the breastfeeding journey easier and more comfortable, but also it would benefit the baby too, so it's a win-win! 

 To know about the different nursing wear brands, READ ALSO: Nursing Wear for the Breastfeeding Mom

 3. Nursing or Body Pillow
Source: www.snugahug.net

Personally, we don't have this, but it's something I would have loved to have during my pregnancies and even post-partum!

 The body pillow is basically an all-around pillow for every stage: Maternity, Nursing, Baby pillow, and more! I'm sure dad would also love to use this pillow :) 

 For more information, you may head on to: http://www.snugahug.net/about-us

4. Prenatal or Lactation goodies (for mom... maybe some for dad too)


 Again, if your friend plans on nursing, why not give her yummy goodies too? I personally tried a couple of local pastries that are not only delicious, but also very effective in helping boost milk supply. And mom and dad can share them too (don't worry, dad won't lactate, hehe). 

 Some also offer prenatal snacks for expectant moms that have Wheat Germ (rich source of folate) & superfood Chia Seeds!

 Lactation pastries have "galactagogues" (milk-increasing ingredients) such as fiber-and-iron-rich oats, Omega-3-flowing flax seed, cholesterol-and-blood-sugar-lowing fenugreek, and Vitamin-B-packed brewer’s yeast.

 To know more about the different lactation cookie brands, READ ALSO: What are Lactation Goodies?

 5. A "manly" diaper bag or baby carrier (for dad)
Source: Baby-Wearing Celebrity Dads
I know, I know. I said there was no baby stuff on this list... BUT, this is different because the dads get to use them mainly, ok? :)

 More and more parents are being hands-on when it come to taking care of their children. And dads are no exception.

 My husband would almost always say that there should be more "masculine" or neutral baby stuff for the dads too! And I agree. Don't you?

 Why not give your dad friend something he'd be happy to carry around or wear, like a neutral or "manly" diaper bag or sling.

 READ ALSO: Moby Go Carrier Review

 6. Shapewear (for mom)

 There are various shapewears now for every stage of motherhood, and I personally got to use a girdle, post pregnancy. It was a gift from my mom (thanks mama!). It helped me to get back in shape. And for those who've had C-sections, it serves as a support garment.

 I'm sure your mommy friend would appreciate to get one too, whether it be a maternity tank, girdle, or belly bands.

 To know more about shapewear, READ ALSO: Urban Essentials: A Modern Mom's needs from Pregnancy, Post-pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Beyond

 7. Teething Jewelry (for mom)

Who wouldn't love jewelry as a gift? It's a plus if the baby can chew on it when he's teething. YAS!

 I personally own a teething necklace and bracelet. I wear it occasionally, and when my daughter was younger, it was one of her favorite accessories and teether, hehe.

 Here's where you can get one too:
IG: @chunkychewelries or @teethingbeads
Facebook: Teething Beads

 8. Matching clothes


 Twinning with your kids is SO "in" now. I mean, who doesn't find it adorable that you have your own "mini me"? 

 Boutiques and online shops are into the matchy-matchy thing too. So I'm sure there's a perfect pair of outfits or a family set of outfits for your expectant friends :) 

 9. Digital Picture Frame
Photo Source

In this digital age, we take a LOT of photos... I mean a LOT. And if your friends are first time parents, they will definitely get the unlimited baby picture taking syndrome as soon as their bundle of joy comes out!

 So, a digital photo frame would be a wonderful gift for storing those numerous baby photos and milestones. I believe you can get some at CD-R King or appliance stores.

 10. A Photoshoot Voucher

 Family photos are one of the most treasured keepsakes. It would definitely be a unique and thoughtful gift for any expectant family to have a photoshoot: maternity, newborn, or family portrait.

 What do you think?

 READ ALSO: Remembering your Baby Bump: Getting a Maternity Photoshoot

I hope this post helped you somehow. Next time you attend a baby shower or plan to give an expectant friend a gift, maybe consider these things on the list too? :)

 Cheers!
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I'm a frustrated chef and baker. There, I said it! I watch Cupcake Wars, Giada at Home, Barefoot Contessa, just to name a few... and I just enjoy watching them cook and bake!

 I even included enrolling in a cooking and baking class in my Life List... Thinking that, someday, I'm going to have an amazing kitchen, so I better have the skills :)

 So last Saturday, Kiel and I attended a baking class together. Yes! It was a Parent and Child workshop arranged by the celebrity mommy-slash-baker-slash-entrepreneur Bettinna Carlos.

 I have been her avid follower on Instagram, and we she announced that she was going to have a baking class, I immediately signed up! 

I wasn't going to miss the chance to learn how to bake, have some bonding time with my child, plus be able to meet Bettinna herself and her daughter, Gummy!

 And what made it even more exciting and impressive, was that mommy Bettinna and Gummy personally prepared everything, from the buying of ingredients and materials, making the hand-outs and certificates, and prepping the class kitchen and everything else!








Another thing I admire about Bettinna is her strong Faith, that's why she has all that energy and perseverance to prepare all this (“I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13”). She mentioned that she has been praying for this before she finally decided to teach and share her love of baking, which I'm glad she did :) Thank God!

 We woke up early Saturday morning because the class starts at 9AM. The little boy was excited to learn to bake too, so he woke up extra early for this.

 The Venue, CCF Center, is right beside Fun Ranch. The Entrance is at the back, near Avilon Zoo.

 When we got to the kitchen, we were given our handouts and hairnets. 

 Bettinna was very down-to-earth, that's how I describe her... Parang hindi artista yung kaharap ko, because I can tell that she is very passionate about what she teaches and she was very humble. We said a short prayer before the class started, and then she proceeded to sharing about why and how she planned this workshop, by the Lord's grace. 

 After that, she taught us the basics of baking, some terminology, which were all in her handouts by the way. Gummy helped of course, she even had her own visual aids, so that the kids present can understand too :) 



Mommy Bettinna then made a demonstration of the 4 goodies we were about to bake, and she was very hands on, walang kyeme kyeme. She was really a teacher to us that day.

 Needless to say, we enjoyed our day baking, plus we learned a lot! And we're very happy to bake such yummy goodies! Promise, masarap! I especially love the chocolate chip cookies and red velvet cupcakes, which Bettinna shared with us her "secret" recipes.

 All participants got certificates at the end of the day, and three mom and child pairs were awarded best baking buddies and got to take home a wooden tray from Kids Furniture Hub.

 That's 2 things crossed off my Life List (attend a baking class and bake cookies and cupcakes... plus banana bread and brownies pa!)

 Now, next step is to get a good oven... Bettinna suggested La Germania or Elba :)





If you want to learn to bake with your child too, Bettinna still has 3 upcoming classes!

 Learn to bake these yummy goodies:

  1. Moist Bananutty Bread
  2. Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
  3. Red Velvet Cuppycake
  4. Dark Fudgy Brownies

When: February 27, March12, and March 19
Time: 9:00am-2:00pm
Where: CCF Center, Frontera Verde, Pasig
Fee: 3000php (1parent and 1child) - includes hand-outs, ingredients, live-demo, hands-on work
What to Bring: Aprons, kitchen and hand towels, lots and LOTS of containers for take home goodies!

 To reserve a slot or for other inquiries, text or viber 0917.861.BITE(2483) 

 To learn more, just search for the hashtag #BakingwithGummyBites in IG

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 post signature


Well hello 2016! 

It's only been a few days since you began but it seems a lot has happened already.  

 Just recently we attended a friend's wedding, and I know more things are yet to come for me and my family this year. 

But before anything else, I'd like to make a quick reflection on my 2015...

 Cherish.

 Ah, 2015... where do I begin? Let me just mention the most important, memorable moments for the past year.

 First, let me recount the things or goals I've/we've (my family) achieved:  
  • It was my first time to travel abroad! Yes, after 27 years, I got to experience travelling beyond the Philippine Islands, and it was a happy experience of course, being with my family. (You can read about our Singapore Getaway HERE)

  • We bought a new car! August of 2015, we got our new SUV, an Isuzu MU-X. It was only a dream for my husband and I to upgrade our sedan to a more family-friendly vehicle. Now, it's a dream come true :)
This is not our house ha. Hehe. But behold, our new car, yay! Thank you Lord!
I will cherish these experiences:
  • We let go of our yaya/helper of 3 years in the middle of 2015. I know, it's hard to find a helper these days, but it we couldn't take anymore of her "attitude problem". But being yaya-less (and counting) has taught me to be resilient and I became more systematic with how I manage our little household. Besides, we appreciate the privacy and the savings (because of that, we got to buy a new car)! Although we had to sacrifice our frequent couple dates, but we're a happy family, and that's what counts :)
  • We enjoyed a staycation for our 4th wedding anniversary at Hotel H2O at the Manila Ocean Park (You can read about our staycation HERE and HERE) 

  • I got a special day out plus pampering, thanks to Luminisce.
I admit, I usually join online contests, just because... it's easy to join, why not, and wala lang 😄 I've won some, here and there... But this is like THE jackpot for me! I was able to join beautiful ladies over lunch at @lejardinmanila , and got to talk about beauty, inside and out. The ambiance was a pretty, chic Parisian theme, styled by @heyholidayph . And the food was delicious I rarely get to go out, because I'm a stay-at-home mom of 2. So thank you to my wonderful husband for letting me go to this event, even though we had a birthday party to attend to later that afternoon, we eventually made it work, I attended both events 😉 Aside from lunch and the inspiring talks, we were treated to an afternoon of relaxing, luxurious facial treatments and tea. But since I was a bit of in a hurry to leave, I did not get to have my one-on-one consultation with the amazing derma behind it all, @drkayceereyes Thank you again Luminisce, Dra. Kaycee, @audreyangcos and to all the Skinvestors that day @stellapastores @ina_feleo @wilsonmaggie @bea.Santiago @iamsofiaandres ... This is an experience I will never forget. I even got to make new friends, kahit mga bagets pa sila haha, feeling bagets narin ako 😄 I would love to visit your beautiful clinic once again PS. When my husband came to pick me up later that day, he said I look fresh and flawless 😉😄 Ganun ka-effective yung treatments nila! (Photos from @luminisce_official Facebook page) #skinvestorstreat #luminisceevents
A photo posted by Lique Dimayuga (@liquesantics) on

And I shall always remember these moments:



Hope.


 For 2016, I hope and pray that our country will have good, deserving leaders in the government. I want my children to experience a great country, have bright futures, and that Filipinos finally get the prosperity we deserve.

 I also hope to holistically improve this year: mind, body, heart. Of course, I want to get fit, I need to stay healthy and strong for my family. May God grant me more Patience, Wisdom, and the ability to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, that I can be. 

 Stay Focused.

 I have a number of goals this year, and I wish I could want to Stay Focused. One of those, is being able to expand my services and work on Artique. 

 I also really want to get fit this year, and I want to join a marathon this time, if the schedule permits, hehe.

 I am also aiming to learn a couple of new skills this year, perhaps get to attend workshops. 

 We are also planning to enrol my son (hopefully in UP) this coming school year. I'm teaching/reviewing him the things he needs to know, basically writing his full name and knowing his alphabets and numbers.. fingers crossed!

 My husband and I are also determined to stick to a workable schedule for us, so that we could achieve our little goals. We've also started to commit to our daily Gospel reading and praying the rosary.

 Also, hopefully we'll get to lessen our debts this year, little by little, I know we will get there.

 And perhaps, start planning for our house this time? Who knows. In God's time :)

 How about you? What are your cherished 2015 moments? and what are your hopes for this new year?

 Cheers to a blessed and blissful 2016!
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City on a Hill Gallery. Those are tablets with photos and information about the city sights and infrastructure.
I have been hearing about the new QCX Museum from our Homeschool Facebook Group and I also read it in Rappler. So, we finally decided to visit it yesterday.

 Being a Quezon City resident for quite a while now, including my college days in UPD, I honestly have little information about the City. Besides, visiting an interactive museum sounded like a fun afternoon activity for me and the kids.
QCX or Quezon City Experience is an interactive and socio-cultural green building-compliant city museum which was inaugurated in November 9, 2015 within the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. QCX primarily displays the history and culture of Quezon City. It is touted as the first interactive museum of the city. (Wikipedia)

 The museum was a little hard to find, since it's new, there were still no signages pointing to its location. It is just across Commonwealth Avenue, so it's best to enter through that gate.
A photo with Manuel Quezon's bust
Interactive Table of QC history
Malacanang Gallery
We arrived there just in time for the final tour, because they close at 5pm. QCX has has around 16 galleries, including a business center with a small theater and lecture room, and an event center, which can be rented out for occasions and special events.
Event Area
Business Center
A tour guide was with us and our designated group all throughout the museum experience. We got to visit various themed galleries, from the City's past, present, and future, and the tour guide explained each one. After each gallery introduction, we were then given about 10 minutes to roam around, take photos, explore interactive displays, and read information on the walls and tablets in each gallery. Unlike other museums, there are lots of photo opportunities in the museum and the tour guides are happy to take a group photo for you.

 The complex is fully air-conditioned and well-lit, so the tour was comfortable for us, especially that I had 2 toddlers tagging along. 

My children especially loved the Housing, Jeepney, School, Street Scene galleries because they had child-sized, child-friendly exhibits.
My little boy thought this was a microwave, hehe.
Housing Gallery. These are kiddie-sized houses to replicate the city's housing projects. You can also see here the wall of all the City Mayors, from past to present.
Jeepney Gallery
School Gallery. That TV is interactive, it has a sensor so you can swipe to explore. 
My little ones absolutely loved this school bus. Who wouldn't? It's so cute!
You can even browse and listen to OPM music
Tada! I'm in UP! 
Street Scene Gallery
Local Business Gallery 
Entertainment Gallery. As QC is home to the well-known TV Stations
I was impressed with the War Gallery where the guide retold the story of the infamous legend of the White Lady along Balete Drive... this was a bit of a "horror moment" for the kids, because the effects were a little bit realistic for them, hehe. I won't spoil too much details, better experience it for yourself! :)

 I also appreciated the Monuments Gallery, because the scaled models were so detailed (I asked the tour guide, and indeed they were built using a 3D printer). 

 I am also happy that the QCX complex is a green-building compliant structure, meaning they did not cut any trees during its construction, and built around them instead. Maybe it's the Landscape Architect in me that appreciates those little details :)
War Gallery

UP Diliman Scaled model
Iglesia ni Cristo Church
Santo Domingo Church
Welcome Rotonda
The Big Dome
Green-building complaint structure 
They even found a way to preserve this big tree :)
Now I won't flood you with too much photos, because it's best to see the QCX Museum for yourself.

 They will ask you for your feedback at their Expressions Gallery after the tour (the entire tour lasts about an hour).
Current Issues Art Gallery. This Sardine sculpture is meant to represent the current sad state of our "education" system.
Environment Issue
Barangay Gallery
Expression Gallery 

If you're planning to visit soon, take advantage of their FREE ADMISSION extended until the month of December 2015!

 They QCX Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9AM to 5PM (Yes, they are closed on Mondays).

 Rates after the promotion are as follows (Source: Rappler):

 Students with ID – P80
Quezon City resident – P100 (must present valid ID with address)
Non-Quezon City resident – P150
Group of 50 – 20% discount
Group of 50 students – 30% discount
Senior citizens/Persons with disability/Solo parent – 20% discount
Family of 5 members – 20% discount
Free admission for children 6 years and below

Cheers,
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