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:

baby owner book from The Gwenster

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)

Care for a #galactagogues rich @mommytreats merienda? 😍 #lactationbrownies #lactationmuffins #lactationbrownies #chocospoons

A photo posted by Mommy Treats (@mommytreats) on Feb 18, 2016 at 12:30am PST

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

A photo posted by Marian Rivera Gracia Dantes (@therealmarian) on Dec 31, 2015 at 5:14am PST

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!

I stumbled upon this yahoo article about a few weeks ago by Amber Doty, which was initially entitled: "Why I love my husband more than my children", but now I guess they changed the title to "Why I'll Always Put My Husband Before My Kids"...Yeah the latter sounds more appropriate.

So, what's it about? 

Mainly it's about the author valuing their marriage and investing in their relationship, therefore putting her husband first before her kids, and seeing it as an important way of showing her children what a healthy relationship is and that they all benefit from having a happy, loving family.

There's nothing wrong with it right? It's all for the family, which is a nice thought really.

Now, let me share my own thoughts about the topic, and a little bit more...

Like the author, my husband and I found ourselves as expectant parents soon after we got married. We we're excited to make a family. Why not? That is mainly why you get married, right? Well, for us, it was a main reason. My husband is an only child, and was orphaned to his single mother at fifteen years old. Eight years into our relationship, he proposed and we got married the following year. Now, after almost thirteen years of togetherness and 4 years into our marriage, we have 2 toddlers in tow.

We didn't get to spend as much time as husband and wife as compared to the time we spent as parents to our young kids. Sometimes, we think about the "what ifs", that if we didn't have a child early on or if we spent a couple of years just with each other. And those "what if" thoughts are normal I guess, but we adore our children, and we don't mind the less time we had as a married couple compared to the time we are as mom and dad.

So...

Why would I put my husband before my kids?

My husband is my first love.
I fell in love with my husband before I fell in love with my children when they were born. I became a wife first before I became a mother. I was his first, before I was theirs. These will always be facts.

In as much as I love my children dearly, my husband will always be my first love... not necessarily putting his needs first before my kids, because the priority depends on what kind of needs, but let's put in a way that my love for him is incomparable and unquestionable.

Some might say that the love we show our significant other is different than that of our children, or that there are different kinds of love. But, I sometimes consider my husband like one of my children, and he even considers himself as the "panganay" (eldest child) too.

This somehow rings true to most of us, right?

Husbands need to be taken care of, see that they're fed, dressed properly, and cuddled every once in a while... yes, just like children. See? 

Even before we got married, I was the doting girlfriend to him, cleaning up after him, cooking his meals, and scratching his back!

I guess I learned to be a better homemaker and mother because he let me take care of him and love him first. 

He is my partner.
I love my husband even more because he is my partner in this thing called "parenthood". We are very hands-on with our kids. And I am very proud of him because he was raised by a single mom, and yet fatherhood is becoming on him. He is involved with raising this family, not just providing for it. Other than that, he also does his part with household chores.

We are compliments of each other. He works hard at the office to provide for us, while I make sure our children and our home are well taken care of. He makes the large-scale, long-term plans, while I make the detailed, daily ones.

I want to give him a good reason to want to continue to be part of this team, which is our family. I see to it that our hard-working provider gets well attended to when he goes home from the office. I ask the children to greet him, welcome him with open arms and kisses, and I do too. I make sure to provide him with unconditional love and affection.

He is my best friend.
I always treasure the time we have alone with each other, even more so now that we have kids. We love talking about a lot of things, practically anything under the sun! And I guess that's why I consider him as my best friend. 

He is someone I turn to during the happiest of times and during the saddest of times. We tell each other secrets and dreams. We even have moments when we're thinking of the same thing, or talk at the same time, and even finish each other's sentences. We're in sync that way.

I also want our kids to consider us as one of their best friends, to share their secrets and dreams with, to be able to open up and talk to, because they see that their parents are the best of friends too.

And in sharing the same sentiments with Amber Doty, I want to keep this kind of relationship with my husband until we're older. The time will come when our kids will grow up and have children of their own, and I want to spend the rest of my days with my first love, partner, and best friend.

I also want to greet my husband a very Happy 4th Wedding Anniversary!

Now you know, I care for you and love you the most!

Warning. This post might be too sexy for you. R18!

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Valentine’s Day is just a few days away. 

As a wife and a mom, it’s that day when I get an excuse to go out on a date with my husband and take a break from taking care of the kids.

Let’s make it an excuse to be sexy too! Why not, right?

There I said it.

I want to feel sexy again!

It's not that I want to hit the gym or do yoga and instantly get a smokin’ hot body… what I meant by “sexy” isn’t plainly the physical appearance, but also the mindset of “being sexy”.

I know my husband thinks I’m beautiful and sexy; he tells me so and he’s a nice, sweet guy. So maybe I’m the one who needs convincing?

I’m a work at home mom, and sometimes on the busiest of days, I feel ugly and bloated… I don’t care if I brushed my hair or have a hole in my shirt. I know it’s important to take care of one's self too, but there’s only so much you can do with two kids and keeping a decent household. 

And so back to being sexy again…

Part of being a mom is having outdated undergarments. I look in my drawer and say, “Hey, I think I need new ones? Nah, pwede pa toh!”… even if they’re faded.

I used to love buying underwear. I wanted them comfy and chic. It made me feel confident. I read somewhere that sexy undergarments or wearing high heels boosts a woman’s confidence.

So this Valentines, I think I’ll get me some new lingerie… Not for the husband mind you, but mainly for me!

Dita got the idea spot on!

Source

But where do I start?

Lingerie has different types and styles: babydolls, chemises, bikinis, teddies, corsets...

Wait, what?

Yes, there are various styles. So how do we know which ones best fit our body type?

The description below are from PartyGal’s Girl Guide. 
Photos are from their New Valentines Collection

1. Babydoll
A short negligee that runs up to your bottom. Loose and free flowing around the tummy area

Why Buy It? Babydolls are probably the most flattering lingerie. Snug around the bust area, they either show off your assets quite nicely, or make you appear fuller. It flows loosely around the stomach area, perfect for those who wish to camouflage a bit of tummy. 

2. Chemise
Longer negligees reaching until mid-thigh. These are like soft mini dresses that drape your body.

Why Buy It? If you're proud of your body shape, chemises are perfect for you. These lingerie are made of soft material that drape your body to flaunt your natural curves. Perfect for women with slim body shapes, or curvy women who want to show off their bust and/or butt.

3. Teddy
Like one-piece bathing suits with a sexy twist! 

Why Buy It? It’s Stylish and HOT. If you want to get something a little different and unique, but not quite ready to show as much skin as with a bikini, then a teddy is for you. 

4. Bikini
You know the type - you've probably worn one to the beach before: brassier-like top and undies (usually a thong)

Why Buy It? THEY'RE BIKINIS ('nuff said?) and they're the ultimate sexy lingerie!

5. Corset
A fashionable body-shaping lingerie that hugs your waist and bust. 

Why Buy It? Corsets hug your figure, giving you a very sexy silhouette.
Aside from the fact that you can wear these lingerie with a pair of jeans and walk out on the street in style, this is great for the gifted ladies who want to show off their shapeliness. 

Don’t these lingerie boost your confidence and make you want to, well, rule the world? I'd love to get my hands on a corset!

Good News! My friends at Party Gal Lingerie are generous enough to offer FREE STANDARD SHIPPING to the readers of this blog!

Simply use this coupon code (VDayLingerie28) when you order: 

No minimum order required. Coupon Code is valid until February 14, 2015 only.

You can order online at their website, or contact them at 09175100745.

Website: http://www.partygallingerie.com.ph/
Facebook Fan Page: PartyGal Lingerie
Email: info@partygallingerie.com.ph

This Valentine’s, let’s go out and be Sexy!

I've been seeing a lot of 2014 Year in Review in my Facebook News Feed. It's nice to have a glimpse of your family and friends' year highlights. I wanted to make mine, but decided to just document it here in my blog, for a more personal touch, don't you think so?

2014 was a year of Family get-togethers for me. We had a baptism, 3 birthday parties, 1 wedding, 2 Family Reunions, 2 Staycations, 1 Long Trip to Ilocos, and numerous Family Days-Out: Parks, Zoo, Farm, Museum, etc.

Here are the highlights of my year...

January

Hailey's Baptism and Kiel's 2nd birthday

February

Enchanted Kingdom (Daddy and Kiel's first Time)

April

Lola Celsa's 90th Birthday



Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary at Tagaytay - Bulalo, Horseback riding, Fish Foot Spa, and Staycation at Crosswinds.

May

Paradizoo



Ilocos-Pagudpud-Vigan Trip

June

Ate Josephine's Wedding

July

Kiel in the hospital - After Typhoon Glenda dwindled and left Manila with a blackout, Kiel suddenly had a seizure and we rushed him to the hospital. Turns out it was a febrile seizure due to high fever. This was his first time so we were very afraid. Imagine! We rushed him to the ER in our pambahay clothes! 

Ok lang makulit, basta wag magkasakit...

August

Bowling Day with Yayas - My husband had this idea to do a "team building" for our 2 yayas. Turned out they were better at Bowling than us! Haha.

October

Trick or Treat

Dimayuga Family Reunion

November

Hailey's 1st Birthday Party

Joson Family Reunion

December

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

This was also a productive year for me as a Work-At-Home-Mom. I got to work on various projects for Artique, mostly projects for WAHMs like me. I feel so blessed to have a wonderful Network of WAHMs in our Facebook Group. Shoutout to Martine, Meme, Marge, Ginger, Sharon, Liza, Raquel, Ginny, Rigette, and Elizabeth, among others, who have trusted me in doing graphics for them. I still have a few pending projects for some of you, promise I'll finish them soon! Hehe.

But most importantly, the main highlight of my year are 3 special people who fill my heart with love and bliss... that eventhough I get dead tired at times, it's all worth it at the end of the day.

Just look at those adorable faces :) they are God's blessings to me.

Hope you had an amazing year too. 

Here's to a more prosperous 2015 ahead!

Wishing you a Happy New Year,

If you know us well, you'll know that Jejo and I are highschool sweethearts. If we're close, you'll know that he was my first and only boyfriend. Yes, I'm lucky! :)

We've been together since June 28, 2002... so it's almost 12 years of togetherness!

Us during our highschool graduation in De La Salle Lipa (2004)

We got married April 30, 2011 in Batangas.

April 30, 2011 at Santissima Trinidad Church in Batangas

Now, 3 years and 2 kids later, we couldn't be happier... exhausted from sleepless nights, but definitely happier! :D We adore our children, poopies, loud shrieks and all.. especially when they laugh and play together, makes my heart melt :)

To celebrate our 3rd Wedding Anniversary, we planned a staycation in Tagaytay. Luckily we came across the Summer Promo of Crosswinds Resort Suites:

Hurry, Promo is until June 30, 2014! :)

"Crosswinds Resort Suites is located inside the leisure community of Crosswinds Tagaytay, nestled on the hillside of this 100-hectare development. The crisp scent of 20,000 pine trees perfuming the air and the view of rolling hills with sweeping vistas offer a welcome repose for nerves frayed and tattered by the stress of work and urban life. 

Sitting atop one of the highest points in Tagaytay and away from the busy main road, Crosswinds offers a quiet alpine escape, be taken away by a beautiful stillness you almost never experience in the metro." (http://crosswindsresortsuites.com/)

Yes, we wanted to "escape" the Metro! We booked a One-Bedroom Suite for one night, since the whole family came along, plus the Yaya too :)

It was easy to book since the Agent was very friendly and replied to my email queries immediately.

Crosswinds is located a little bit after Picnic Grove. The Hotel is located within the estates, about a 5-minute drive from the guard house. We opened the car windows and enjoyed the wind and the view of the Pines trees along the road.

Click to Enlarge Maps

When we got to the hotel, housekeeping was still cleaning our room because we were a little early. So we went to the Christmas Village which was nearby. It was a bit of a steep climb though, but the little boy was very happy when we got there. We were just disappointed because the Santa house and Christmas shop was closed and would be opened only in December, according to the front desk.

When we got to our room, we were happy to find a spacious dining area for 4, complete with table setting for 2. The room had a fully functional mini-kitchen: with pots and pans, a knife and chopping board, and even a stove and microwave.

We also had a nice view from our balcony.

The Living Room had cable television and a dvd player. The sofa even had a pull out bed, so the entire room can accommodate up to 4 adults.

The Bedroom has a Queen-sized bed, so the 4 of us (Jejo and I plus 2 babies) could fit just right. The room had 2 spacious cabinets, one with shelves and drawers, the other with hangers and a safe. 

The room and the living room had separate air conditioning units.

The Comfort Room had a shower with heater. The faucets in the toilet and kitchen sink also had heaters. 

The following morning, Jejo, Kiel, and I ate at the Breakfast Hall right across the hotel, while Yaya Nini cooked eggs and noodles for her breakfast :) The breakfast buffet selection was delicious and aplenty. There was rice and viands, also assorted breads, jams and butter, and cereals. Drinks choices are coffee, milk, chocolate milk, and juices.

Good Morning babies!

My family arrived for a quick visit, and we planned to have lunch out to celebrate mama's birthday (May 1). Before going though, we wanted to take a swim in the pool, which was another 5-minute drive from the hotel. Kiel played a little in the playground adjacent to it.

We checked out before noon and had some picture taking over at the Express Bus and Gift Shop near the gate.

The kids with Lolo Papa and Mamu Pau :)

Overall, we had a very comfortable stay there. A staycation was just what we needed, to relax and celebrate our 3rd Anniversary.

Only comment is that there was only one elevator and it was a bit small too, so it would take a while to be able to ride to go up or down. Also, we did have a problem with the toilet bowl, because it wouldn't flush properly :( 

But I would want to have another chance to stay there again..here's hoping to more promos! They actually have one for Mother's Day!

Photo Source

Interested in booking there as well?

For updates and contact information:

Website: http://crosswindsresortsuites.com/
Facebook Page: Crosswinds Resorts Suites
Contact #s:
T: +632 856 9601 | +632 623 7084 | +632 579 1240
C: +63917 569 6280 | +63920 464 2404 | +63935 409 1773
Email: reservations@crosswindsresortsuites.com

Cheers,