Mom-Finds: Myra VitaGlow Tinted Facial Moisturizer

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds under P500 / Beauty


Moisturizer. Foundation. Concealer. With minerals, Vitamin E and SPF 15. All these in one tube.

 

I've been using Myra VITAGLOW Tinted Facial Moisturizer for almost a week now and I am loving it!

This is only my second beauty post after a year of blogging. My first was a lip shimmer. Obviously, I am not a cosmetics junkie so you can be sure that I only feature fab beauty finds that I actually use and would rave about. And Myra VitaGlow is one such find.

What it does for your skin:

Gives a hint of color

Evens out skin tone with a natural coverage

Contains minerals

Gives your skin a healthy glow

Enriched with Vitamin E

Helps keep skin soft, healthy and young-looking

With SPF 15

Protects the skin against the sun's harmful rays

Dermatologist-tested / Hypo-allergenic

Mild, gentle, and safe for everyday use

Apply gently and evenly on your face and neck after cleansing.

Use daily as your facial moisturizer, or as make-up base.  Best to pat on light face powder for a more flawless finish.

Trying VitaGlow:
Below was my "arm test" to make sure I would not have any reactions to the product.  I squeezed a pea-sized amount on my inner forearm and spread it on one side (left), leaving the other side bare.  Notice the instant sheen and glow on the left.  Also, it evened out the tone and added a subtle color/tint on the skin.

Now moving on to the face.
You have to forgive me for my self-portraits as I attempt (really hard!) for the first time, to illustrate how wonderful this tinted cream is. And a much as I avoid featuring myself, for this purpose I simply have no choice but to "model" this one.

My big boo-boo:  I failed to take a 'Before' shot.
But I don't want to scare you people so consider that slip up as a good thing! Hehehe..

Note:  Portraits were NOT retouched nor enhanced, meaning the skin tone and texture was not "doctored".  Only sharpness, brightness and contrast were adjusted for a more vivid image.

RESULTS:

 - Myra VitaGlow in Beige evened out my skin tone with light, natural coverage. 

 - Some blemishes on the lower cheek, and dark circles under my eye were still visible up close. (My chicken pox scar can never be concealed though.)

 - Skin really looked more healthy and dewy because of the subtle shimmer which I really like. I was already confident to step out of the house looking like this.

Of course you cannot expect this product to be long-wearing. Although you can wear it alone, it is recommended that you apply your favorite face powder for a more flawless look. With that in mind, I dabbed on this shine-free face powder by Myra for a matte finish (below, right).

After dotting my face with the cream, I just have to spread it out quickly and evenly since it dries up fast. I was very happy with the results and I did not require a touch-up of powder the whole day. You can still see some shimmer, and my dark circles and blemishes were now almost completely concealed after putting on powder. And my skin looked more smooth and even. I am very satisfied.

@ P135.00 - 35ml tube.  Comes in 2 shades:  Ivory and Beige

What I like about this tinted moisturizer:

• Not sticky or oily
• It feels light on the skin and smooth to the touch
• Leaves a dewy-healthy glow on the skin with a hint of sparkle
• An all-in-one product in a tube, at a very friendly price
• Made by a trusted brand in health and personal care
• A one-step beauty cream that shortens the time spent on beauty routine
• Practical and fabulous
• Perfect for busy moms and women on the go

Many thanks to Unilab for these wonder products which were part of the gift bag from our mom-bloggers' recent plant tour of their Amherst Lab. Honestly, if not for that exposure trip, I wouldn't even give these products a second look if I saw them on beauty stands.  I was simply partial to imported cosmetics brands. Am I bad?

After witnessing how Unilab places a premium on quality through their world-class manufacturing process and practices, I am now a more educated consumer and is confident that this proudly-Philippine-made product is good for me.

Now, who needs imported, and very expensive tinted moisturizers when you can have Myra VitaGlow?! Plus, it is 'major-major' affordable!  :-)  I am hooked.


Available at the beauty sections of leading department stores and drugstores.
Manufactured for Innovitelle Inc. - a subsidiary of United Laboratories, Inc. (Unilab)
Be a fan Unilab on Facebook!


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A One-of-a-kind Excursion for Discerning Moms

It started with an invitation to be a part of a project that advocates health and wellness. As a mother, the health and welfare of my family comes first and an opportunity for a plant tour hosted by United Laboratories, Inc. (UNILAB) was something I didn't want to miss.

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Fun Friday: WIN a Fro-yo Treat from TUTTI FRUTTI Centris Walk!

Third Friday of the month:  Fun & Recreation


There's a fro-yo frenzy now sweeping the nation, and TUTTI FRUTTI blew me away with more than 40 flavors!!!

Last weekend, the kids and I finally had a taste of one of the newest frozen yogurts in town -- Tutti Frutti at Centris Walk. Tutti Frutti is a very popular self-service, soft serve fro-yo US franchise which boasts of more than 50 flavors. But here in the Philippines, they carry 44 flavors. Still, among currently available fro-yo brands in the country, Tutti Frutti has the most flavors on offer.

With the invitation of our friends from Tutti Frutti Centris Walk, which opened its doors only last July, we were finally able to try some of their healthy and refreshing frozen yogurt. Like a kid in a candy store, I didn't know what to have with a row of flavors and assortment of toppings to choose from!  And all flavors are low- or non-fat. Add to that, the whole ambiance of this outlet is very cool and contemporary, with their gorgeous red lounge chairs calling you to sit on them, to chill out and indulge.

I found out they have unique and interesting flavors, with quirky names, like: Very Berry Raspberry, Kiwi, French Vanilla, Cappuccino, Lychee, Strawberry Cheesecake, P-Nut Butter, and bestsellers like their Taro, Almond, Death By Chocolate, and Original Tart. Check out more flavors here. There are 8 flavors available everyday, which they change every two weeks so customers can expect something new each time.

One of the partners, Cath, disclosed that they only use top quality ingredients from the U.S. like (the famous brand) Ghirardelli for their chocolate flavor.  And they have flavors unique only to Tutti Frutti such as Guava, Pomegranate, Coconut, Just Peach, Orange Cream, Melony, and Pina Colada, among others.

Here's my boy eagerly pointing to the 'Death by Chocolate' which he can't wait to try.  It has a light, creamy chocolate flavor, though I was expecting it to have a richer chocolate-y taste, the kid seemed to like it.

 The boy's cup of Death by Chocolate topped with fresh mangoes, cookie dough and choco chips

I actually liked their' Original Tart', but taste is really subjective as customers have different preferences on the level of tartness. And how can I miss my favorite taro flavor, which I shared with my girl. As expected, their 'Taro-bly Delicious' is a winner! Subtly creamy, not too sweet, no artificial taste. No wonder this light purple confection is a bestseller.

The girl with her 'Taro-bly  Delicious' showered with her usual colored sprinkles and mini marshmallows

Aside for a wide selection of delectable flavors, they also offer 37 toppings such as fresh fruits, assorted chocolates and nuts like almond chips and walnuts, cereals, cookie crumbs, and syrups. Yum!

Whether you crave for a full tub or a small serving, Tutti Frutti has 3 cup sizes you can choose from to satisfy your craving. Their 'Medium' cup, good for 2 when full, is actually a counterpart of a 'Large' cup from other brands. I was already very satisfied with our regular cup (",)

5 flavors down, so many more to go!!!  I can't wait to try their Almond, Tutti Frutti, and Coffee flavors!

For their store opening salvo,

Tutti Frutti Centris Walk is giving away

3 medium cups of Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt!

(with your choice of flavors and toppings)

Just leaving me a feedback and follow our sites.

Offer ends at 12 midnight of September 1, Wednesday (Manila time). It's that easy!

To qualify:

Raffle A = 2 Winners

Step 1 - Just answer:

What flavors do you want to try at Tutti Frutti Centris Walk?

Write answer in my comment box below (register name & email in the form to verify your identity).
You only need to comment once. That's it!

Want more chances at winning?
Step 2 - DO any, or ALL of the following and get 1 entry for each. That's up to 4 bonus entries!

1. Subscribe here to my blog

2. 'Follow' me on Google Friend connect (box on the sidebar)

3. Follow me on Twitter AND Tweet / Re-tweet this post

4. “Like” My Mom-Friday page on Facebook AND comment on my wall below:

Copy-Paste:  I can't wait to try the {write your flavors here} of Tutti Frutti - Centris Walk! 

The #1 and #2 names that appear on the Random.org list will be the lucky winners for Raffle A.


Raffle B = 1 Winner
“Like” Tutti Frutti Centris Walk (click here) AND put this comment below the contest announcement on their wall:

Copy-Paste:  I can't wait to try the {write your flavors here} of Tutti Frutti - Centris Walk!

The #1 name that appears on the Random.org list will be the lucky winner.

Remember, you have to DO STEP 1 FIRST to qualify for both raffles and for me to verify your identity.
Feel free to join both raffles, but you can only win once. No spamming, and no double posting of comments please :-)

Join now! Cut-off at 12 midnight of September 1, Wednesday (Manila time).

Winners will be announced on September 3, Friday.

* * *

WINNERS POSTED HERE. Congratulations and thanks to all of you who joined!

* * *

Reminders:

• This giveaway is only valid at Tutti Frutti - Centris Walk branch.
• Make sure you post a feedback on the comment box below with your name and email (not visible to public) so I can contact the winners
• Relatives of Tutti Frutti management and staff up to the first degree are disqualified to join.

More good news!
Tutti Frutti Centris Walk is also running their own Facebook page promo!  One more chance to win a medium cup of your favorite frozen yogurt! How?
Suggest people to be friends with Tutti Frutti Centris Walk on Facebook and the one with the most suggested friends wins a medium cup yogurt! You have until August 25!

Have fun and good luck!
Many thanks to our generous friends at TUTTI FRUTTI Centris Walk for these super yummy giveaways!

Read more about our visit to Eton Centris Walk here.


Tutti Frutti Centris Walk
Eton Centris Walk, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue

Tutti Frutti came from the U.S. and is 100% Self-Serve. It's now present in different countries like Canada, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia. Thailand. In the U.S., you may find it in Washington, Hawaii, California, Virginia, Nevada and Texas. For more info, you can check the Tutti Frutti website.

Note:
Top 3 photos courtesy of TF Centris Walk.


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Day-Out At Eton Centris Walk

A new commercial center right smack in the middle, or should I say corner, of busy EDSA and Quezon Avenue?  First time I've heard of Eton Centris, I cannot really visualize where and what this place is, so I have got to see it first hand.

The family took the opportunity to visit the place when hubby had a scheduled lunch meeting at one of the restaurants in Eton Centris Walk.  My curiosity was finally satiated. The complex looks cool and futuristic! As soon as we walked through the promenade, I was impressed.

Centris Walk is part of business tycoon Lucio Tan's Eton Centris property on that huge corner of EDSA and Quezon Ave. which conveniently connects to the MRT Centris Station. According to it's website, Centris Walk is a "mixed-use complex that epitomizes the vibrant work-shop-play-and-live concept...covering a gross floor area of more than 14,000 sqm. ...making use of “green architecture”, this new dining and lifestyle oasis will feature lush landscape, covered walks and pedestrian-friendly promenades."  Wow.

I was held in awe by these mushroom-like discs towering over the whole complex.  Honestly, I don't know their purpose but they definitely made up for the lack of scenery at this time.  There are a number of establishments already open but I was informed that everything will be up and running before the holidays.

Despite the scorching mid-day sun, the kids just went crazy at the play area...with the swings and slide, mini camp house, and their all-time favorite carousel!

Worth mentioning was our lovely lunch with my friend and her kids at Italianni's. We had our favorites like calamari, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana, and their latest offering, Spaghetti Al Granchio -- tossed in aglio olio and crab meat. I love anything with crabs but this pasta dish didn't make an impression, so I had leftovers. But service was excellent and they even went an extra mile with customer satisfaction when they generously offered to cook me a new serving of the pasta dish after they asked how our meal went.  I gave an honest feedback that it tasted a bit bland and they offered to replaced it. So thank you to the Italianni's Centris Walk service team and their training officer Rich (hope I got the name right)! It was a welcome surprise. And that's what I have here in my take-out bag. :-)

Then off we went to Tutti Frutti for some yummy fro-yo desserts courtesy of our friend, who invited us to sample the different flavors on offer. I was really looking forward to this part of our day. :-)

Don't miss my full story on our visit to Tutti Frutti Centris Walk, up next .

And this summed up how our day went.

 

GOOD NEWS to all Mom-Friday followers!

TUTTI FRUTTI Centris Walk will be giving away a 

SPECIAL TREAT!!!

Find out how you can join on my next post!

(Update: Tutti Frutti Fro-yo Treat happened here)


Tutti Frutti - Centris Walk
Eton Centris Walk
EDSA corner Quezon Avenue



This is my first participating post for Pixel Bug Weekend. Thanks for the invite mommy Salen! :)


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Family Friday: On Picky Eaters and Feeding Woes

Second Friday of the month:  Kids and Health

"No, I don't want to eat yet."  "I still want to play." "I can't finish..."

Sounds familiar?

Everyday, there's always an excuse for my kids to escape meal times. Or maybe escape my cooking?!? (",)  Those are their usual lines up there. And now that they're both going to school, it's doubly hard to prepare a good baon or healthy snack that can sustain them through their classes.

I was fortunate to have attended seminars on parenting and wellness & nutrition, from which I make an effort to apply what I've learned in our daily lives. Part of that series is on proper feeding of children which I truly came to appreciate as a discerning mom to two growing young children.

The talk was conducted by pediatrician and health care expert Dr. Mary Jean Guno. She presented effective means of promoting proper eating habits and solutions to feeding difficulties among children. I was all ears the entire time and I'm now sharing these excerpts from her presentation:

As children tend to say “NO” to everything, parents should respect that it is a form of establishing their identity, thus, the challenge for parents to provide healthy options and give the children the “power” to choose what to eat.

Research showed that 50% of the population has eating problems.  And for hard-to-feed kids, what they end up eating are low-calorie foods or food with no nutritional value.

Tips and slide presentation by Dr. Mary Jean Guno

Here are some very helpful feeding tips from the doctor:

• For toddlers, introduce one new food at a time and offer the new with something familiar
• Provide 2 options
• Try to alter the form or texture of the food to change association into more positive ones
• Prepare complete dishes, i.e. Arroz caldo, Pesang isda
• Add nutrients to their favorite foods: “hide” vegetables, fiber, egg, meat in the food, i.e. add veggies, egg, shredded chicken to instant noodles; in meatballs
• Offer praise and positive reinforcement, ignore negative behavior or scolding: create an enjoyable experience during meal times, i.e. give praise for at least tasting the food; resist bribing or giving sweets to encourage them to eat
• Create hunger: eat only within the given period of time, unfinished food should be taken away when time is up, and offer food only on the next scheduled meal
• Serve meals at consistent intervals and times
• Allot 20 to 30 minutes to eat; schedule meals 5x a day
• Kids should be given the responsibility to decide how much they should eat, while parents decide food choices, the time and place to eat.
• For compulsive eaters, start by changing the quality of food first, then, adjust the quantity of food intake
• What is important to note is the child’s Growth Curve – good weight and proportioned to height, and not to be too concerned “thinking that the child is not eating enough”
• For children with special needs and diet restrictions, consult a nutritionist

Dr. Guno also reminded parents to regularly offer food from the five main food groups in the Food Pyramid:

Building healthy eating habits mean offering a variety and nutrient-dense foods, and limit their access to low-nutrient, high-calorie foods such as:  store-bought crackers, chips, cookies, candies, instant noodles and powdered drinks.

It was concluded that by establishing good nutrition early in life, parents are investing in the health of their children and preventing future diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, bulimia, among others.

After all the talks I've attended on nutrition, I was still faced with the fact that we cannot get all the required daily nutrients we need from the food we eat.  And this is when nutritional supplements may play an important role in keeping kids, and adults, fit and healthy.

Are they effective? Are they safe? Do they have side effects?

I often consider these factors before choosing what I feed my family. As I was growing up, I took my daily dose of vitamins and minerals plus other dietary supplements to promote weight-gain (some may hate me for this but I am perpetually underweight, which is a curse in my case!).  Thankfully, I was not a sickly kid and, despite the weight problem, I was generally healthy. So aside from trying to provide nutritious meals, I also believe in the benefits of health supplements to aid in their growth and overall wellness.

Giving children appropriate vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A & D, vitamin B complex, iron and calcium, among others, can be essential supplements for picky eaters. Of course, always consult your doctor first before giving them any supplements.

In reality it's very difficult to provide a balanced diet and the variety of food that children need. That is why for me, proper feeding combined with multivitamins or nutritional supplements do make a lot of sense.


Read more about the top supplements for healthier kids here.

Resource speaker:
Dr. Mary Jean Guno
Pediatrician / Health Care Expert
Talk was organized by DML-PTA

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Mom-Cook: Garlic Chicken Pesto Rice

Leftover chicken + Lots of garlic + Homemade pesto + Rice = _________.

Garlic Chicken Pesto Rice is what I call this dish. And the equation above is all it takes to toss this whole rice dish together for a quick, flavorful and satisfying meal.

My first guest feedback nailed it right away, and a few who texted me guessed correctly as well, so thank you for joining in the fun earlier. But I think my picture was already a dead giveaway! =)

Easy as 1-2-3!

1. Sautee 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 2 pcs. chicken fillets (diced) in a little olive oil until well cooked.
2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of pesto sauce in the pan.
3. Toss in 1 cup of rice (or a little more) and mix well.

Serve immediately.  Top with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Good for 1 to 2.

You may use any pasta instead of rice, then adjust the amount of pesto to your liking.
Buon appetito!

 

Get my Pesto recipe here.


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Mom-Cook: What Rice Dish is This?

While making a pot of my Cream Corn and Chicken Soup for the family, I decided to have this instant rice dish dinner meal for one -- that's for moi!

Can you take a guess?

Watch out for the reveal on Wednesday.

If you didn't catch my first mystery food game, click and guess here, and try not to peek at the answer okay! :-)




Update:
Click here for the answer.

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Foodie Friday: Cream Corn & Chicken Comfort Soup

First Friday of the Month:  Mom-Cook / Food


It was drizzling the other day and finally got inspired to feature this family favorite.

I realized I have been holding on to several picture files and recipes for too long. Like this one, I have a line-up of dishes waiting to star in their own Friday post. Today is for this simple, traditional hearty soup which will make another appearance on the dinner table tomorrow. It's been a crazy week so our meals were, as usual, express dishes.

I made this one (pictured above) months ago and I missed it. This comfort soup is a bestseller especially with the kiddos. It's always 'bottoms up' for them at the end of our meal.  What I love about this soup is how the flavor of tender chicken bits and sweet corn perfectly complements in every slurp. A perfect starter for any meal.

Anyone can do this in minutes. Easy peasy. 

Cream Corn & Chicken Soup

2 pieces chicken (any part you prefer, fillets can do too)
1/2 can of cream corn
1 liter chicken stock (or water boiled with 1/2 chicken bullion)
1/2 white onion, chopped
1 egg
1 tablespoon cornstarch diluted in 1/4 cup water
salt and pepper
sesame oil
spring onion
hard boiled quail eggs (optional)

To prepare:
Boil water in a small pot and add around 1/4 teaspoon salt when it reaches a rolling boil.
While boiling, chop onions. Whisk the egg. Set them aside.
Drop chicken pieces in the boiling water and leave until cooked through, around 20 minutes.
Once chicken is cooked, turn off heat. Do not throw away the broth.
Chop chicken in bits, the size of a corn kernel.

To cook:
Add chicken bullion, if desired, to broth and turn on the heat.
Pour cream corn, chicken bits, and onions to the pot. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.
Prepare cornstarch water and mix in soup to thicken.
Mix in the egg and use a fork to whisk lightly. Turn off heat.

Add a few drops of sesame oil and garnish with chopped spring onions.
Stir and serve immediately.
Serves 4 to 6.

Season with more salt and pepper as needed.
Drop some hard boiled quail eggs for a chunky, hearty soup.

Enjoy your weekend people!


Related posts:
Try this very simple clear Miso Soup.
Savor this rich and creamy Roasted Butternut Squash & Carrot soup.


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Got Milk? It's World Breastfeeding Week!

First Friday of the month:  (Baby) Food/Drink

Breastfeeding is one of the most fulfilling experiences that motherhood has brought me. Breastfeeding is serious business as it can bring much joy and deep depression at the same time. Mothers each have unique experiences on nursing, and I thought I'd share mine today, plus a few personal thoughts, serious and otherwise, on this week's advocacy.

"organic baby: breastfed" printed on my girl's tee -- love it!

Breast milk is baby's first food.  I learned that babies can live on breast milk alone during their first 6 months, which can provide all the nutrients they need.  I've always believed that breastfeeding is a choice and it should be a wonderful experience shared by mother and child.

By definition, Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from human breasts rather than from a baby bottle or other container. (from Wikipedia)  

Cannot breastfeed? Then by all means bottle-feed.
Express milk (by pumping) if baby cannot latch or mommy is not physically/emotionally capable of nursing the baby directly. Yes, we all know by now the super benefits of breastfeeding. But for me, the important thing is that baby gets to drink breast milk.

Sadly, not all mothers are "built" the same way.
While others can supply milk for two infants at a time, others may fall short and desperately try to provide a sufficient amount just to fill one serving. Mixed feeding is the next best thing for me (mixed, meaning alternate breast milk and formula, not combined in a bottle). Make an informed choice. If all else fails, then I say go for formula. To each her own. Let's not judge.

More questions like 'How long?', 'How much milk?'
It is inevitable among new moms to compare notes about their nursing experiences. To quote Ms. Daphe Osena-Paez, "it's not a competition...".  No thanks to those who can be so judgmental and belittling, making other moms feel less able.  Believe me, I was so clueless on nursing my first baby that the frustration really got to me. On top of that, I was a shocked and unprepared emergency C-section patient! I was still thankful that I was "loaded" with milk to feed my child, though I failed to breastfeed the first time.

I was one of those who cannot nurse in open public. I'm shy :-)
I was not comfortable nursing in front of other people outside my immediate family members.
Not comfy = can't breastfeed. That's just me. The most public I've done was in the car, and in the (clean and air-conditioned) rest rooms of malls and restaurants.  That's why our choices of places to dine and unwind were very limited for like 12 months! I really admire mothers who can breastfeed anywhere.

                                  Bottle-fed baby boy                   Breastfed baby girl                   

Look at how different my nursing experiences were with the boy and the girl:

The Boy
Me lactating as early as 5 months.
Boy cannot latch. Me and baby frustrated to the max.
Engorged boobs bordering on mastitis.
Pumped all the way for 2 months.
Bottle-feed all the way. Over supply of breast milk.
Mixed feeding from the start = breast milk by day, formula by night.

The Girl
Me lactating at 7 months.
Girl instantly latch. Me and baby happy to the max.
Sore nips for days.
Breastfed all the way for 18 months.
Pumped excess milk in between feedings. Over supply of breast milk.
Exclusive breast milk for 12 months. 
Mixed feeding after 1st year = breast milk, formula, fresh milk.


On hindsight, I now realized that the term "breastfeeding" has been misused (or loosely used) many times over. Technically, the term 'breastfeeding' is not the same as 'feeding breast milk'.  I breastfed, and I bottle-fed as well with breast milk (and formula). To illustrate, look at these contradicting, albeit funny, lines from actual conversations and interactions I've encountered:

Mom 1:  Been breastfeeding for # months now...
Mom 2:  Wow! So you don't use bottles?
Mom 1:  I've always breastfed, but not direct. I just pump.
Mom 2:  (Huh?) ?!?!?!

Mom 1:  I'm still breastfeeding, but I also give formula.
Mom 2:  How long have you been breastfeeding?
Mom 1:  # months already, but he can't latch, only on the first month.
Mom 2:  (Huh?) ?!?!?!

Confusing, right? :-)  Heehee.
Breastfeeding = Directly nursing.  If it's not direct, it's not breastfeeding. If one can't breastfeed, then pump and bottle-feed. Nothing wrong with that.  After a wonderful breastfeeding experience with my second, I have been more confident in encouraging other moms to try and breastfeed, or pump, for as long as they can, drop by drop, ounce by ounce. And don't count the days or months.

While awareness on the importance and benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding is at an all-time high, this has also put undue pressure especially on moms who “can’t” -- can't breastfeed, can't express enough breast milk, can't latch.  Although I unexpectedly produced a lot, I can still relate to the frustration and pain that goes with trying to breastfeed, especially with a baby that can't latch.  Extra challenge for me then was being a working mom too.  So for me, as long as mothers are willing to try, successful or not, direct or pump, that is more than enough effort already.  No shame in that mommies!

Bottom line:  parents should simply be thankful for being blessed with a happy and healthy baby, breastfed or not, that’s all that matters in the end anyway. :)

Thanks to Manilamommy for inspiring me on this post.  Stay tuned for my regular Foodie Friday entry later. ;)

More tips from my previous post on breastfeeding: To (Breast) Feed Or Not To (Breast) Feed?

Read about my c-section stories with The Boy, and The Girl.
What's next after breastfeeding?  Click here for babies' first foods.


I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Espadrilles a'la Liliw

Cool, comfy, colorful, open-toe, ankle strap, denim upper, locally-made abaca platform wedge sandals -- or simply, wedge espadrilles from Liliw, Laguna. Nice!

I know Mom-Finds is for the last Fridays, but I can't resist posting this yet another fab shoe find since they are only available in Tiendesitas up to the 15th of August.

I've always been a fan of espadrilles since the 80s and I had my share of those colorful slip-ons made with canvas and braided jute sole from Spain. Now they are back with a vengeance, from imported and local brands, in a multitude of colors and styles tempting those with insatiable shoe appetites.

@ P450.00 :  chic denim open-toe, 3" wedge sandals

These stylish footwear you see here are made from the town of Liliw, in the southern province of Laguna, which is known for their quality, handcrafted abaca tsinelas (slippers). They can now add espadrille sandals to their list of bestsellers. Prices range from P450 to P650 (pesos).

You can buy up to 10 pairs from this merchant with the amount you would pay for an imported pair. I also found more trendy stocks from another brand in Greenhills. Just scour the lifestyle bazaars around the city and you are bound to find locally made espadrilles you fancy, and horde! =)

Let's support our local shoe industry. Buy Liliw-made espadrilles  (",).


Princess Footwear
Tiendesitas La Plaza Village
Frontera Verde, Pasig City
Until August 15.

More about shoes:
Ballerina Flats
Shoe Tales


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