Always Panalo si Mommy at Puregold

I have a confession: I consider grocery time as "me time". Feel ko talaga mag-grocery shopping mag-isa coz I find it relaxing while I take my time browsing through the aisles, comparing prices, and discovering new products and good deals. Marami niyan sa Puregold 'coz they priced their goods at more affordable prices. I even made hashtags #MomGrocer and #MomFindsPH because aside from eating, I truly enjoy going to the supermarket. Mana ata ako sa mama ko, eat and shop, heehee. But, there are days when my kids make it more fun to shop too, kasi I learn about their preferences. Sometimes, they even surprise me by picking out grocery items they know I like and what we need for home. That's always panalo for me!

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Hair Makeover with Seamless Balayage at Piandre

Two hours and forty-five minutes. Would you believe me when I say that's the longest I've sat through a salon treatment in my entire life? Well, it happened yesterday morning at Piandré Salon when I was treated to their Seamless Balayage hair color treatment -- and the wait was so worth it!

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Fun Friday: Our Stars Aligned on Mom's Day

Third Friday of the month: Event / Celebration / Recreation

May is special for me mainly because we celebrate motherhood this month and it's also my blog's anniversary every Mother's Day. For my blog, I really don't plan anything special but simply thank my readers and friends for the continuous support. As for Mother's Day, we usually dine out for lunch and treat the grandmothers as well. But what I love most are all the gifts and pampering I receive as mom's day weekend approaches, heehee! =)

Bonding and shopping at Hunt & Gather Festival

Mother's Day weekend:

I love all the gifts that came from flowers to chocolates, accessories and even matching Lock & Lock Horoscope Tumblers for me and my girl. More on that towards the end of this story.

Saturday -- my family had a simple lunch at a pizza place. Afterwards, the boys went home and my girl and I went to the first Hunt & Gather Nutrition and Fitness Festival in Glorietta, celebrating "Strong Moms". We snacked on vegan ice cream, coconut juice and bought myself a new pair of grip socks for my pilates class. Our spanking new tumblers came with us too.

Having her with me at the event was really fun as we bonded over yummy food and shopping. I told her na Mother's Day gift na nya sa akin yon, being with me that day. I always tell her that I like shopping with her and that she's my foodie buddy whenever we go out and travel since we both enjoy eating and appreciate good food. She agrees! =) 

Aside from being foodies, I also like that we get to dress up in similar looks from time to time, or what millennials would call "twinning". Here's one example, where she observed that we have matching looks and our colors are in reverse daw.

Sunday -- Mother's Day, we had lunch with the grannies and as expected, we both enjoyed our orders, especially the decadent and sinful molten chocolate cake that we shared. Watch these short video clips and see what I'm talking about. =)

Sumptuous Sunday lunch with family.

Sharing dessert of molten chocolate cake!

Now, going back to my Mother's Day gifts... best surprise I got was a pair of Lock & Lock stainless steel tumblers for me and M!!! Woo-hoo! Naturally, we brought them with us to the festival at the mall.

SRP : Php 1,149.75

You know what's fascinating? M has been curious about astrology and horoscopes for the past few months. She's been asking me about our signs, the meaning and the symbols behind each one. Lo and behold, Lock & Lock, one of our trusted and favorite house ware brands, sent us their Horoscope Tumblers based on our astrological signs! What a coincidence and a wonderful surprise! I tell you, the stars have aligned for us on Mother's Day. =)

Here's M, resting by the stage with our handsome royal blue horoscope tumblers at the event, of course her LPS toys came with us too. 

Capricorn for this January celebrant, and Pisces for me.

What we love about Lock&Lock Tumblers

• Ideal to keep hot or cold drinks -- 400ml
• Tumblers are vacuum insulated and keep drinks hot or cold for at least 6 hours
• From the time we left the house for the festival until that evening, my leftover water was still cold after 8 hours
• M did not drink too much and forgot about her tumbler until the next day -- 24 hours and her water remained cold!
• Slim stainless steel body with polished royal blue metallic color and constellation design
• Secure plastic lid with seal, removable mouth ring and rubber gasket
• Mouth ring design controls flow of water while drinking, prevents spills even in a moving vehicle
• Non-slip rubber base

I stopped buying plastic bottles for years now and switched to glass or stainless, so these Lock & Lock stainless steel tumblers are prefect for us. Basta kasya sa bag ko, we always bring water bottles whenever we go out.

Thank you, Lock & Lock for this super cool mom's day gift! Matching clothes and now may matching tumblers na with M! I have to thank my lucky stars too! =)

Get the latest product updates from Lock & Lock on Facebook and Instagram:

Like www.facebook.com/LocknLockPhilippines

Follow www.instagram.com/lockandlockph

Shop for your Lock & Lock tumblers and food containers at these 
Lock&Lock Stores:

Eastwood


Fisher Mall


Shangri-La East Wing


Alabang Town Center


Glorietta 4


BF Paranaque

Megastate Bldg. - Araneta Ave.

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Foodie Friday: What Have I Been Eating???

First Friday of the month: Food Finds / Dessert

Dessert. Cake. Ice Cream. Nuts. Chocolate. For the past month, my foodie finds have been mostly baked goods and sweets, except for this natural cracked pili nut. I really have a sweet tooth and it's simply a challenge for me to refuse desserts. The sad truth is that I have an intolerance for gluten and eggs -- what pastries are mainly made of. Well, Mother's Day naman...okay, Mother's month, hehehe, so I'll "cheat" na muna! =)

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Kid-Style: Paddington Bear™ Meets babyGap

Paddington bear was found by Mr. and Mrs. Brown at the Paddington Station in London. He's a very curious and polite bear, and loves going on adventures. Paddington wears an old bush hat, a hooded blue duffle coat fastened with wooden toggles, and sometimes, with a pair of Wellington boots.  Do you know the story of the Paddington Bear™?

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Mother's Month Gift Idea: Limited Edition Corelle Set

It was all about treating moms last weekend.  We did not plan anything except we had Saturday dinner with my side of the family and my mom.  I was hoping for a surprise from J or the kids, but didn't turn out as expected, hahaha... just Sunday family lunch with them and my in-laws. Well, May is still considered mom's month, so if you still have not given your mom any gift last Mother's day, you an still have a chance.  Here is one great idea that I know my mom (and myself) can appreciate - getting a beautiful new set of Corelle dinnerware.

I've mentioned in my earlier Corelle feature that I grew up with Corelle. I love how well-made their products are.  Their dinnerware is made of vitrelle glass - lightweight yet resistant to breaking, chipping and cracking.  Corelle's non-porous surface also resists bacteria, stains and odors.  No worries about icky smells stuck on the plates, no food stains, or toxic contamination - making it safe and healthy.

Speaking of moms and Corelle, I remember when I was younger, I dropped a plate and it fell flat on the floor.  My heart stopped and was scared it will shatter.  Nothing happened! No crack, no chip. I was so relieved 'coz I know I'll upset my mother if our set will be missing a plate. 

Corelle has so many new collections now that's just perfect for modern women and young homemakers.  I am eyeing a few new designs myself. They're thin, stackable, oven and microwave safe, and dishwasher safe. Designs can be matchy-matchy too with the Corningware cookware lines. We like having the same or complimenting patterns on our Corelle and Corningware casseroles that can be used from kitchen to table.  Both pretty and convenient to use.

Now, here's the good news from our friends at World Kitchen:

Own stylish limited edition Corelle sets for as low as P2,450!  

Surprise your mothers with a set or two of their lovely dinnerware, or use it to bring her breakfast in bed with her brand new plates!

Hurry!!! Avail of this special offer which runs from today until May 18, 2014 only!  
So, head over to any of the following outlets to get Corelle sets:
SM, Robinsons, Landmark, Metro Gaisano
Other leading department stores nationwide

For inquiries, call:
Raffles and Company, Inc. :  (632) 687-4715 to 16, local 33 to 34
Visit www.raffles.com.ph.  
You may also email: marketing@raffles.com.ph.

Note: Top photo from World Kitchen AP Facebook page.

Are you a mom with a flair for healthy and stylish cooking and dining? 
Join the Women of Health and Style Club now! 
Members can enjoy discounts and perks from Corelle, Corningware, Pyrex, Visions and Snapware. Just send your photo via social media using one of our brands with the hashtag #ilovecorelle, #ilovecorningware, #ilovepyrex, #ilovevisions or #ilovesnapware.

Follow World Kitchen:

Facebook: worldkitchenAP

Twitter: @WofHS

Instagram: @womenofhealthstyle

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Me, My Mom-Friday and I

Second Friday of the month: Personal / Motherhood

My Mom-Friday is 5 years old today!!! THANK YOU!

I deserve a drink! =)  

Sorry for the lame title. =)

I can't believe I was able to keep up with the writing... it didn't come easy, you know.  But I enjoyed it, even if I stayed up late just to finish a blog post.  I'm really glad and thankful that I've grown to love being a blogger - being Mom-Friday, that my family and friends recognize this as a part of my life, how my blog gained me new real friends and wonderful opportunities, and the joy it brings me - having a creative outlet and receiving words of encouragement from friends, and from readers all over the world.

It's been five freakin' years!!! And it's Mother's Day again on Sunday. Ang tagal na rin... though I still wished I was able to do a blog make-over.  That will come, soon.

If you have not read it yet, click on the photo to read my very first blog post and learn how and why I started My Mom-Friday. =)

Blogging has been, and still is, therapeutic, fun, introspective, nostalgic, exciting, fulfilling, enriching.  I truly believe that with everything I've experienced since I started My Mom-Friday five years ago, I've become a better parent, better wife, a better version of myself.  Of course, there was a phase where I felt so unproductive as a homemaker.  I just can't explain it, but there's this energy, when you're online, that really sucks you in, and you get hooked - you get addicted.  I think I'm learning to balance it better now, and has spent (a bit) less time online, compared to the past two years.  

What keeps me going?

• Continuous self-discovery - Blogging makes me a better individual, a better mom. The exchange of knowledge is limitless.  I learn so much from my friends, from the online communities I belong to.  The emotional support is overwhelming.  They are a gift.
• Spiritually rewarding - I feel rewarded when I receive feedback (good or bad) from friends and followers, knowing I've affected them somehow, inspired them, or helped them in any way. Knowing that readers enjoy what I share, or learned something from me, is the best motivation to continue to blog.  This is the best feeling and makes blogging truly worth it.
• Blog partners - They are the unexpected icing on the cake. I never asked for it, but they came. Their trust and support make me feel that they appreciate what I do, that I am credible as a blogger, and that my online voice counts.  I must be doing something right, something good. I am grateful.

My heart is full.  I feel very happy knowing I was able to share much of myself to all of you, and gained so much more in return. Having this blog allowed me to meet many fascinating people and experience new things. My blog has enriched my life.

I'd love to know how I can improve My Mom-Friday.

What other topics do you want to read about?

What do you like and not like about this blog?

Tell me anything! =)

Here's my card, you know where to reach me. =)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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A Mother's Legacy: Celebrate Mother's Day at Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Last week, I finally had my first gastronomic feast at the famed Spiral buffet restaurant of the grand Sofitel hotel.  I was welcomed with fellow blogger friends to a preview of "A Mother's Legacy" -- Sofitel's unique celebration and tribute for Mother's Day starting this Friday, May 9, 2014.  Incidentally, my blog will be five years old on Friday!!! =)

The event at Spiral was literally a feast for the senses - with a bounty of mouth-watering dishes, display of gorgeous floral arrangements, beautiful works from local artisans with actual demos... feeling overwhelmed was an understatement.

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Date with Mom: Pevonia Caviar Facial at The Spa

Freestyle Friday: Moms / Wellness

The month of May is extra special for this blog -- Mother's Day celebration and My Mom-Friday's anniversary month. This month happens to have 5 Fridays, so I get a Freestyle Friday post again and you know what that means.

For today, I'm sharing my date with my mother, who celebrated her birthday yesterday.  When I was invited by Jenny of Pevonia Botanica Philippines to try their caviar facial with a friend at the The Spa, I immediately thought of bringing my mom for a belated Mother's Day and birthday treat.  We never had a facial together before, so this is our chance to be pampered!

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Mothering, Milestones, and Memories

I still have a hangover from Mother's Day.  One day is not enough.  

I was not able to relax and be queen for a day.  But I expected that.  We don't really celebrate it in a big way - just the traditional Sunday lunch at a family restaurant and then have food delivered for dinner.  At least I get a break from preparing our meals for the day.

With my mama and kids - November 2008

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My Mom-Friday is 4 - Happy Mother's Day!

The poem that started this blog.  My very first blog entry here.

The inspiration behind My Mom-Friday posted 4 years ago on May 9, 2009.

Thank you dear readers and friends, for a wonderful, exciting, and fulfilling four years of My Mom-Friday.  I will try to keep this up as long as I can and hope to continue to entertain, inform, and inspire you.

To all the women with the best and hardest "job" in the world, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

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: My Chaotic Summer

Second Friday of the month:  Home Life / Kids / Parenting

First, I have to thank Mommy Mundo for including this quote in their 2013 planner, and making this special poster.

Okay, I was trying to be humorous when I said that.  But I am also serious about it.  This summer proved that sentiment even more.

In my previous posts here and here, I shared how I dealt with having no househelp for months, and then posting this photo on Instagram when our yaya (nanny) left for her vacation last April 30.

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Thoughts on Mother's Day

Of all days, I couldn't find the words to express myself this Mother's Day.  I have so much in my mind right now and I thought I'd share some quotes that share my sentiments on this special day for moms.

It is often difficult, tiresome and hard to be a mother, and there is never a rest from being a mother, but helping my children grow to be competent, caring, sensitive, successful, and happy individuals is the most important thing I could ever do, and it is, by far, the most loving and rewarding. - Susan Polis Schutz

My girl wore her favorite pajama set for me

The love between a mother and her child is a bond of the strongest kind. It is a love of the present, interwoven with memories of the past and dreams of the future.  It is an unconditional, forever kind of love. - Barbara Cage

My boy made this paper flower for me to put on my hair :)

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. - Rajneesh

Creativity in the age of technology -- a cake for mom from the iPad

Creativity in the most basic form -- a cut-out heart and a 'mom & me' sketch from my girl

'Mother', my original poem for Mother's day.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I am also celebrating my blog anniversary so if you haven't joined yet, you still have a chance at winning cool prizes on the succeeding weekly draws!!!  Join here. (Concluded)


Quotes from Schutz and Cage:  From the book The Language of Parenting

Thank you for dropping by.
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Mommy Journey's Giveaway With A Cause

While I am running my own weekly blog anniversary blowout this month, I'm happy to share that one of the blogs I follow, The Mommy Journey, is also hosting a one-of-a-kind Mother's Day giveaway -- a special family photo shoot with Tracey Heppner Photography for one lucky momma and her family.

I rarely join giveaways wherein I have to blog about the contest to be able to qualify. But this is different mainly because Chris is hosting, and it's for a charitable project. And maybe I can finally be in a family portrait and not behind the camera for a change! :)
Learn more about how you can join her giveaway here at The Mommy Journey.

May has just started and there's a lot to look forward to this month for all of us mommies!

Thank you for dropping by. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it! Get instant updates and Follow me on Google friends, Facebook and Twitter, or Subscribe here via email!

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Mom-Friday is Throwing a Blog Anniversary Blowout!

MY MOM-FRIDAY is turning 2 on May 9!!!

I still can't believe I'm a blogger.  I can't even say it with a straight face... but I'm proud to be one. It's almost 24 months since my first post on Mother's Day of 2009, so I consider every mum's day my blog anniversary as well.

Thank You for reading, following, sharing, leaving your thoughts, and for the trust.
I hope I could continue to inform, help, and entertain you in any way with my future posts.

Your feedback always makes me happy so keep 'em coming! :)

I'm bumping off my regular month-end Mom-Finds feature to bring you...

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A Fitting First Post

For weeks now, I have been contemplating on starting this blog. What title? What topic? What theme? Questions unending. The only thing I was sure about is that the blog should be for moms, for kids, for family. Then it was literally a light bulb moment for me - tomorrow is Mother's Day and I know it is just fitting that I launch my blog on this special day.

And so my search for this tear sheet of a milk ad. It's my one and only mom's day ad and I wanted it to be image #1.

It must be kismet!
Check out the date of the publication (upper right corner of the image) - exactly a decade ago, this print ad was published in the leading local broadsheet in time for Mother's Day. This is my sign. And so I blog today! Big shout-out to my friend, Jen, for her encouragement.

I am particularly proud of this material since it was the first poem I've written that was approved for use in a print ad, and for a major account at that. I still remember my creative director teasing me about being so mushy with the copy, but was quite pleased nevertheless, and approved this without revisions. My client was also quick to give a go on this material and so this ad came to be.

It needs to be an emotional ad. That was the objective. I was not yet a mom, nor was I married then, when I wrote this. I definitely can't recall what my mood was and what inspired me while composing it. I just know that I wanted it to be sentimental and touching - yes, mushy. That is how I want the readers (targeted at moms and expectant moms) to feel when they get to read the ad. I want the moms to feel appreciated, important, loved.

Being a mother is the most underrated of all 'jobs' - I know this now since I am mommy to two precocious tykes.

This post is my personal tribute to all the superwomen -- mothers of the world -- the Mom-Fridays! To my mama, and to all my mom friends, I salute you!

Happy Mother's Day!

p.s.
Just so you know, I was working as an account manager/copywriter for a local advertising and PR agency when this ad was produced. And for all succeeding posts, my goal is not to be too poetic, to keep it short and simple, yet still insightful and entertaining enough for you to keep on reading, and hopefully have my own following :)

Follow-up post:
Click here to read a clear copy of the poem.

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