10 Years After 'I Do'...

“I have found the one my heart loves.”
Song of Songs 3:4

It was 10 years ago today that I walked down this aisle on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to marry J.

10 years (and 2 kids) today.  I'm stumped.
Wow.  For the first time, I really don't know what to share with you today! =)  I have been pondering about what to write for the past few weeks now but still blank.  I'll just type away and hope I make sense.

I actually planned on adding a lesson learned every year but I skipped writing about our anniversary last year 'cause I can't think of anything new or exciting to share.  And I believe I've written enough with my 7th and 8th anniversary posts, which I hope you can read first (if you haven't yet) to get a better idea of what I am taking about:

7 Random Things I've Learned
8th Random Thing I've Learned

I'm not sweet and mushy and I can't stand PDA, so please don't expect me to write a love letter here or send out a message to J, heehee...  Besides, it's OUR anniversary, so the well-wishes should be for both of us, right?  =)

I just wanted to say Thank You -- thank you to God and to the forces of the universe for bringing us together, for blessing us with two beautiful children, and everything that we are enjoying right now.  It was never easy, but it's been a good and solid 10 years.  I am still struggling as a wife, and mother.  There are old habits to break, and new ones to form.  I pray for inner strength and wisdom -- for me and J, for us to be a better spouse to each other.

That's it.  I'm signing out for now.  We're going on a stay-cation this weekend... with the kids!

Are you married?  Care to share what you've learned?
Let's compare notes and leave me some feedback. =)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Dishes with King Sue: Hams for All Seasons

Christmas in our home will not be complete without a juicy roll of ham.  We usually receive one every year and also gave them as gifts in the past.  This year, our hams came early, courtesy of King Sue!

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Mom-Finds: A Few of My (current) Favorite Things, 2

Fourth Friday of the month:  Freestyle Friday / Finds / Shopping

It's not supposed to be Mom-Finds yet coz there are 5 Fridays this month, and the last Friday is the 30th.  Today should be Freestyle Friday, anything goes.  But next week is a special day, it's my wedding anniversary, so I think I want to blog something different for that day.  Anyhow, since it's anything goes, I am doing this compilation of good finds again, just like what I did here the first time.

I have discovered and received so many wonderful products over the past few months and they all deserve to be shared here.  These four stood out.  So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are a few of my current favorite things:

PALMER'S - Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
When I attended a talk on skin care and pregnancy by Palmer's some months back, I received this wonderful gift from Rustan's.  I've been using this all over my body for three months now, after every bath, and I swear by this product!

I needed to change to more intensive moisturizing cleansers and creams so I found this light oil more effective to soothe my dry, and sometimes scaly and itchy, skin.  The Skin Therapy Oil is available locally through Rustan's for less than PhP700.  What makes this so special?

• Advanced multi-purpose skin perfection product for the body and face!
• Preservative-free, phthalate-free
• Non-greasy, non-staining, lightweight formula
• With Vitamin E and mild rosehip fragrance
• Formulated to help improve appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry and damaged skin, uneven skin tone, aging skin, fine lines and wrinkles

My skin really looks and feels instantly soft and smooth.  Same goes for their rich Olive Butter Formula Concentrated Cream which I use specifically on my elbows, knees, and heels after I slather on the Skin Therapy Oil.  That's double moisturizing for me! :)   I am a Palmer's fan every since I was pregnant with my eldest (that was almost 10 years ago) and even ordered a their Firming Lotion from abroad.  I'm glad Palmer's added products that are not just for pregnancy skin care.

TOPSHOP - Studded Black Ballerina Flats

I've been buying ballet flats for as long as I can remember.  I am taller that your average Filipino so I'm cool with flats. This latest trend with studs on accessories and bags have found their way on these ultra soft black pair from TopShop.  It's also available in cream.  I posted that shot on Instagram soon after I bought it from the store.  It was the last pair in my size.  I guess it's meant to be mine! =)

PhP 1,800+

Full soles are stitched all around, and the whole shoe is as light as you can imagine.  You won't feel there are studs attached on it.  There's no arch support and foot padding though, so it's not ideal for hours of walking.  But I can wear them everyday with my usual rounds.

SHU UEMURA - Rouge Unlimited Lipstick BR790

I love red lipsticks.  It's all I need to instantly brighten up my face, enough for me not to put on any other makeup on top of face powder.  When I was still working, I had several shades from brights to darks tones.  After I stopped working, I've been used to just wearing lip shimmers everyday.  It's been more than a decade since I bought a good red lipstick!  It's about time I get one.

With rave reviews from friends, Shu Uemura was the logical choice for me.  I finally got to try the different shades and decided on this deep brown-red color.  I decided on Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in BR790.  It's rich and high-pigment colour and double moisture system truly delivers with long-lasting color on my lips the whole day, without drying and flaking.  It actually lends a deeper color than what you see on the photo above.  I'm acidic so it eventually turns brighter.  If I don't feel like wearing it dark, I just press my lips on a tissue for a more muted shade (right photo).

PhP 1,195

BIG BAG THEORY - Market Bag
"Dark blue denim; sage green water-proof lining with inner pocket; vegetable-tanned tooling leather handle; antique rivets" -- this is how my friend from the Big Bag Theory describes this giant tote they recently launched.

As soon as I got it, I posted this shot on Facebook via Instagram and did not expect to receive so many likes and comments!  I called it the "reincarnation of the bayong" - a native Filipino market bag made of woven buri leaves. This roomy carry-all tote is made with durable denim and water-proof lining -- practical, finely crafted, very eco-chic.

PhP 990

I've been using it to hold all sorts of stuff -- from food to clothes, party materials, to toys.
Just to illustrate how big this is, take a look at the market bag's proportion to the objects (and kid!) below.

They have more lining colors to choose from.  Order your own market bag from Big Bag Theory.

See A Few of My (current) Favorite Things - 2nd Quarter

All of these things can be nice Christmas presents for the ladies too! 
Care to share your current finds?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Say Hello to the SoMoms!

What is Mommy Mundo SoMoms?

We are a collective of moms who are active on social media and have unique voices and points of view that are relevant to moms like us.
We have individual beliefs and advocacies covering a wide range of concerns that most moms today have namely, breastfeeding, babywearing, natural parenting, time management, mompreneurship, home management, beauty and fashion, health, and more.
We are passionate about sharing our discoveries with other moms, giving advice, creating conversations and building relationships online with our readers and followers.
We are proud to be social media moms.
We are always online.
We recognize the responsibilities of being an active influencer in social media and celebrate the opportunities that come our way.

First of all, let me just say I'm proud to be a SoMom.
I am privileged to be chosen as a pioneer member of this exclusive circle of social media moms formed by Kris and Janice.

When I began blogging in mid-2009, everything I wrote was random.  I just write and share, and had no clear direction whatsoever. You can read why and how I started blogging here on my Who page, and What I blog about.  Even though I worked as a copywriter, writing doesn't come easy for me -- it takes a lot of time and effort to come up with each and every post you read here.  I can only wish to blog three times a week, once at the very least.  That's why I really admire those who can actually publish a well-written feature almost everyday, some even more than once a day!

Slowly, over the past few years, I saw how social media evolved, not just blogging.  I guess I started at the right time and maybe did something right, which helped me establish my niche in the blogosphere.  I never thought I'd have an online persona (I use mymomfriday as my handle/username on my social network).

I also learned so much, and still learning, from people I have met through my social media network and from various activities I've participated in.  Aside from the many opportunities that came my way as a mom who blogs (I'm still not comfortable calling myself a mom blogger!), what I am most thankful for are the friends I've met, mostly like-minded women whom I share common interests with.  I'm blessed to have formed new friendships with them through our shared experiences as individuals, as wives, as mothers.  We literally got connected through the dynamic world of social media.  It feels great to be among fellow moms that I respect and share a voice with through SoMoms.

Read about SoMoms here: www.mommymundo.com/somoms

Get to know the founding SoMoms and join their blog giveaways:

Apples and Dumplings
Chronicles of A Nursing Mom
Go! Jackie Go
J and the Three Boys
Manila Fashion Observer
Manila Mommy
Mommy Fleur
My Mommyology
My Mundo

OC Mom In Manila
Painter's Wife

The SoMoms will also have a booth at the most anticipated Christmas bazaar --
Mommy Mundo Bazaar 2012 happening this weekend
November 24 - 25 at the Rockwell Tent

Get ready to shop 'til you drop!

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Havaianas Design A Smile 2 at Mommy Mundo Bazaar 2012

"What will you do to make other people smile?"
If you have, or know of, children between 5 to 12 years old, have them answer that question above through a drawing and submit their artwork for a worthy cause, which may also win them fantastic prizes!

Like many school kids, my boy and girl both love to draw.  I think this will be a great exercise for kids' creativity by joining this charitable project spearheaded by Havaianas called Design A Smile (DAS). Kids can draw on the spot and submit their entries at the Havaianas DAS booth during the Mommy Mundo Bazaar on November 24-25 at the Rockwell Tent.  As a member of the newly-formed Mommy Mundo SoMoms (which I will blog about very soon), I'm happy to support this cause so I'm sharing with you this wonderful opportunity for your kids to participate and enjoy while you visit the event this weekend.

So, what is Design A Smile?

Havaianas Design a Smile is a design competition for the benefit of Operation Smile Philippines, a non-profit organization which provides life-changing surgeries to children with cleft lips and cleft palates.  This year's theme is "Paying it Forward: Kids Helping Kids”.  Starting this November to January 2013, artistically inclined kids from 5 to 12 years old can join.  The design should answer the question “What will you do to make other people smile?” and illustrations should be submitted at partner events nationwide, beginning with the Bonifacio Global City Passion Fest at Bonifacio High Street from November 23 to 25, and at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent from November 24 to 25. 

The grand prize winner will have his or her design produced as a limited edition print to be part of the Havaianas 2014 Collection.  A percentage of its sales will help fund the operations of Operation Smile.

Look what's in store for this year's qualifying participants:
Finalists will receive:
a. Gift Pack from Havaianas
b. Bobble Water Bottles
c. Pininho flip-flop accessories
d. Gifts from Hobbes and Landes
e. Gift Certificates from McDonald’s

Grand Prize winner will receive the following (in addition to the above):
a. Production of design into an actual Havaianas Smile Pair
b. Plaque of recognition
c. Special Gift from Sony

See full mechanics here. 
Join this design competition and visit the DAS Booth at Mommy Mundo Bazaar on November 24 and 25, 2012.

Like the Havaianas Philippines Official Facebook page to find out other events that the Havaianas Design a Smile 2 booth will be visiting.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Moms for Anmum + Thanksgiving RAFFLE

I am one of millions of women who drank Anmum during pregnancy, and it's the only milk supplement I really liked.  I have already written here why I love this product, and how I am very thankful that they found my blog and decided to support it.  This is one of the things I am thankful for this year. 

My introduction to Anmum came a few years before I even needed it.  If you've read my earlier post, you'll understand why it was a no-brainer for me to choose Anmum milk as my nutritional partner during my two pregnancies.  I was, and still is, underweight.  Thanks to Anmum, my daily intake helped me achieve some balance with my diet, and at the same time, satisfied my cravings before bedtime. =)   I liked the chocolate flavor.  Now, their best-seller is hazelnut!

Screen capture from from previous Anmum post

This year, Anmum created this fun and growing online community, Anmum Mommy Circle on Facebook, which is sort of a support group where you can share information and ask questions, get tips and advise for all mothers and soon-to-be-moms.  It's also a great venue for Anmum to reach out to it's consumers.

As I've mentioned before, I am proud and thankful to be a blog partner of Anmum, so, it's time to give thanks and share the love with this quick and simple raffle! =)

2 Lucky Winners will each receive

3 (400g) boxes of Anmum Materna!

So easy to join:

1. Submit your entries and follow the steps via Rafflecopter below.
2. Earn bonus entries if you do the extra steps by sharing on Twitter and Facebook.
3. Raffle will close on November 26.
4. Two (2) winners will be announced here on November 27 and will be notified thru email.
5. All My Mom-Friday readers with a valid Philippine address are eligible to join.
6. Anmum (Fonterra Phils.) will deliver the prize packages to the winners.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Handyman Family Day at Robinsons Place Manila

I discovered Handyman at their first branch in Robinsons Galleria in the late 90s.  I frequent the mall back then, when I was still working in Ortigas Center.  I saw how the store grew after it partnered with US-based hardware Do It Best, and now they have a wider variety of high quality imported products to address a multitude of needs by homeowners, builders, and designers.

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Fun Friday: My First SPArty

Third Friday of the month: Recreation / Party

Mirror, mirror, on the wall... okay, I'm not gonna ask that famous question.  This mirror here was just too pretty to ignore, so I took a photo during my first "sparty" with friends.

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{Macaron} Love at First Bite

Sugar and spice and everything...French!

That's how I would describe my sweet afternoon delight.

My Instagram screen capture

It was really love at first bite with Alchemy macarons!  I can't stop thinking about it and kept looking at my Instagram photo since this afternoon.  I knew I had to blog about this -- it can't wait for my Foodie Friday post anymore.

Anyway, I was at a "sparty" today (more about the party on my Fun Friday post this week) and Paola brought these scrumptious French confection.  These were served as dessert, aside from my no-bake blueberry cheesecake. Instantly, these macarons made a wonderful first impression on me.

There were six flavors on the plate.  I got to try four and loved each one of them - the pink Chai Spice, Green Tea, the blue Salted Caramel, and this cream-colored one below (I think it's Coffee Caramel, not dulce de leche as I've posted on my IG).

These macarons were light and crisp, yet dense enough, chewy and moist.  A generous filling is sandwiched between cookies, each one having a distinct flavor.  I've tried some good ones from other shops that were a tad drier and harder to the bite.  Alchemy is so far the best among those I've tasted.

As soon as I got home, I checked out Alchemy's Facebook page and saw all their 10 flavors.  I will definitely order a big box for myself! If you're my friend and thinking of something edible to give me for Christmas, then think no more... *wink* Hehe! =)

* Three days after the first bite, I got myself 2 boxes... and 2 more ten days later! =)

From Wikipedia:
Macaron - (not to be confused with macaroon) is a sweet meringue-based confectionery made with egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder or ground almond, and food colouring. The macaron is commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies. 
The confectionery is characterised by its smooth, squared top, ruffled circumference (referred to as the "foot"), and flat base. It is mildly moist and easily melts in the mouth.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Family Friday: Babies No More

Second Friday of the month:  Parenthood / Kids

Growth spurt.  I think the boy and the girl are in this phase right now as I found myself shopping for more footwear and bottoms for them lately.  It's like their clothes and shoes are shrinking, when in fact, they are just growing up too fast!  Where have my babies gone?

HAPPY FEET =)

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Good Skin Foods and Johnson's Baby Milk for Nourished Skin

When it comes to skin care, it's all about intensive, moisture-rich and anti-aging products for me.  I'm pushing forty already so I also try to indulge in occasional facials and body treatments, and learn more about the right foods that will help promote healthier, younger-looking skin.

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Our 5 Favorite Unilab Products + RAFFLE!

Two years ago, I had a unique opportunity to visit the Amherst Laboratory of Unilab in Laguna.  It was a one-of-a-kind experience that made me better appreciate the care and high standard of quality that this top pharmaceutical company puts into manufacturing some of our most-used health products.

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Foodie Friday: Oatmeal Choco Chip Cookie

First Friday of the month: Recipe / Baking

I have not baked since this cookie post.  When I was browsing through cookbooks with my girl, I found this old print out of a chocolate chip cookie recipe stuck in between pages.  I've been searching a long time for this so it got me excited to bake again!

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