The Milk Tea Craze

I currently being addicted to milk tea, especially the wintermelon flavor. I have been a coffee aficionado eversince college and it has only been in the past year (after my childbirth) did I begin to enjoy tea (no milk added... yet).

Starbucks patron through and through

Maybe the reason why I changed my caffeine fix from the strong and bold black coffee to the mild and serene honey-sweetened tea is because of my sudden change in lifestyle. From being a serious office worker, who loves to render her extra time for the company, I have become this laid back (but still worry-wart) mother. Or maybe, I just got tired of being overly-hyped that my body needed a new gasoline to quench its thirst.

My top three picks:

1. Gong Cha Milk Wintermelon Tea

I love the way the foam tastes and when it mixes with the tea, kaboom! a match made in heaven. If you're a newbie in the milk tea craze, go for their sweetened milk teas like the wintermelon and chocolate.

2. Happy Lemon Green Tea with Rock Salt Cheese

Don't be deceived by the rock salt and cheese combo because it actually works! Reminder: sip the foam first before you mix it because the taste of salt and cheese is one of the yummiest flavor I have ever tasted. Thank you, Chris Tiu!

3. Cha Dao Milk Tea Wintermelon Creme

This is actually one of the latest outlets I've tried and although it is cheaper than the two above-mentioned tea places, their variant of wintermelon is actually pretty good. And the sinkers (pearls) were a good surprise.

Other tea places also offers good wintermelon variants (like Serenitea and Cha Time!) but since I have a hard time reaching them (usually located in the far south but I heard Cha Time will open in Mega soon) so far, call me crazy, but these are my top threes ♥

So c'mon sisters, give in. ☺

Book Review: How to Walk in High Heels - The Girl's Guide to Everything by Camilla Morton

This in not your typical seek help book. If you ask me, it's more of a chick lit with a twist of self-help meets fashion magazine. As you all know, I love fashion and really, I found the very definition of fashion AND passion in this book.

I know you might find that the tips in this book are beyond your means --- you're right. How much does a pair of Manolo Blahniks costs? I wouldn't know as I've never even seen a pair. But, if you read between the lines, you'll see that all the advices are not only for a specific brand. When and if you read this book, be open-minded and try to think of other brands where you could actually use the said advice, ie Tory Burch shoes or a Longchamp bag.

Anyway, this book also gives advices about your career, family life and even the simplest, forget-me-not things like brassiere and clubbing. Remember, it won't hurt if you think about yourself for a little while. How can you bring out the best in others if you don't know how to bring out the best in you?

Have fun. Live life to the fullest. Read a book like this and you won't regret it --- I didn't.

DIY Party Planning (Part One)

Note to self: It might be harder to do a DIY party but the effort would be worth it.

I inquired with Jollibee, McDonald's, Shakey's and Pizza Hut --- they don't do customized themes. Max's Restaurant will allow you but I thought, since Zeke had his christening reception in Max's, much better to try another place. Not that I didn't like the service we got (believe me, we loved Bong, the Banquet Manager at Max's Ampid), we just want to try another place. Or give DIY a try.

Okay, now that I have relaxed and collected my thoughts, I was able to come up with a GREAT solution to my party planning dilemma. This will surely cover for the two months prep. Since I know I work best when I have a list or a visual motivation, I have decided to do this:

Yes, I'm going old school! I took an old notebook of Dydy's, made a collage-like cover and voila, I have an instant kiddie party planner. As of now, I have already covered 1/4 of the notebook with ideas, from the date, theme, suppliers, contact numbers, etc.

Right now, here's what I have (photos courtesy of Google. I don't own any of these pictures, just using them for presentation purposes):

Date: Since my son's birthday falls on a Monday, my hubby and I have decided to do it two days earlier so that the kids (and the parents) can have a good time on a Saturday. We'll probably do something intimate or like a small gathering at home for his real birthday.

Theme/Motif:

 o

As you've guessed it, the theme will be Disney Pixar Cars. Zeke loves F! racing and of course, Disney, so I thought, why not merge the two and make it the cutest, racing 3D cartoon on the planet?! Hopefully, I'll be able to pull this off. I have been in and out of the FN site for ideas. Thankfully, other mommies were very willing to share their party pictures and tips.

Venue: It was a debate between doing it at home or renting a really nice resort. My sister-in-law recommended Villa Ronar in Marikina Heights (since we live near Marikina) and I'm still waiting for their reply to my email.

Cake: I've seen the works of Little Cakes Factory, also in Marikina, and right now, I'm having a debacle with myself on what to get --- cupcake tower with a customized cake topper or a customized, two-layer cake?

Invites: I have several ideas but what I really want to do is a Piston cup design with Mater and Lightning on top while Zeke's smiling face is displayed at the middle. Or maybe a checkered flag.

Zeke and Dydy/Mymy's costumes: Well, I want to showcase our labor of love so yeah, I'm thinking of having a racer outfit for my baby. My hubby and I could do with store-bought clothes but for the star of the day, of course we need to have it customized. This is just a rough design to show you what's on my mind.

I keep on hearing that I can get emblems/patches at Divisoria but I don't know how to shop there, let alone haggle! But I have to try because I'm thinking of getting the prizes, loot bags and everything I can get my hands on, in there. Good thing my mom said they'll check out the place tomorrow. Ooh, I'm really excited!

Suppliers: Partypipol.com will hopefully provide the photo booth needs and Kiddie-party.com will provide the food carts, magician, host service that I need. I'm not sure if I'll get a package as I have promised my husband that I won't go over the budget limit of  Php 30,000 (good luck!)

Others: So far, I'm pretty much at the top of my ideas. But the best idea yet came from an officemate. She suggested that we have a candy buffet. This I will definitely put my heart on:

Whoops, I can hear Zeke crying. I have to breastfeed him (yes, I'm still doing it as his night cap and he's almost 10 months old). We'll visit his pedia again tomorrow for his last I've shot of PCV vaccine. Now that I've mentioned the vaccines, I think this is his last vaccine before he turns one. A quick backtrack on this post would do the trick...

Vaccines
BCG 7/17/11 Php 1000
Hep B 7/9/11 incl in delivery package/ 8/6/11 Php 1000
Penta (Infanrix) 9/3/11 Php 3000/ 10/29/11 Php 3000/ 1/7/12 Php 3000
Rota (Rotarix) 9/3/11 Php 3000/ 10/29/11 Php 3000
PCV (Prevenar 13) 10/1/11 Php 4500/ 11/26/11 Php 4500 then last shot tomorrow for another Php 4500 **updated 4/28/12, make that Php 5000**
Measles 3/17/12 Php 1500

I think I better look in for the next types of vaccine for 1 year and older. Maybe next time. My little one is getting very restless and wants some mama's milk! Gotta go! Keep your fingers crossed for my planning! :)

Planning Zeke's First Birthday

I have never been a party planner in this lifetime and honestly, I don't think I can ever be a party planner in ANY lifetimes. The last party that I tried to organize on my own was my twin sisters' 18th birthday, which turned out okay but that was eons ago. They're now 22, for crying out loud!

When I organized my best friend's bridal shower, I had help from her ENTIRE family so it wasn't bad. Now, I'm in a real dilemma as my son is about to celebrate his first birthday this coming July, in less than three months to be exact.

I'm hyperventilating again.

I have browsed the pages in FN to help me and really, the only ideas I've got was my theme ---- Disney Cars. I also found out that if I want to do it in a fast food restaurant, I have to sacrifice the theme because each restaurant has their own theme. Oh c'mon!

Crap. If you're a mommy like me who is clueless when it comes to party planning, here's a few tips I have Googled in the net:

1. What's your budget? Be sure to give yourself some wiggle room for unexpected costs. Set a budget that you can afford. Be practical and remember, it's his first birthday, NOT yours.

2. Where will you have it? It's almost always cheaper and easier to have people over your house, unless you don't have the space. Fast food restaurants are life savers for planning and cost-friendly too. Big venues may be way expensive but will assured of privacy.

3. Will you get a party planner or DIY? DIY requires more planning while party planners require a higher budget.

4. How many people do you need to invite? (Remember wedding guest list hell? You may need to negotiate to keep the numbers down here, too). This is becoming like my wedding!

5. How many kids/babies will there be? Babies don't need a ton of entertainment, but you'll want to have fun games and crafts planned for toddlers and older kids attending.

6. Invitations: Will you send out formal ones, shoot your guests an email or just let everyone know over the phone? Facebook and blogging will be of huge help here.

7. Will you have a theme or color scheme? This can also help you figure out food, decorations, cake and favors.

Now, to the juicy part. Here's what I have in my mind for Zeke's party.

Budget: It appears that my husband and I have finally agreed on one thing and it's the budget. We can't go all-out because, let's face it --- we only have a few moolah saved for Zeke's party. Right now, we have 20k and he's thinking of still negotiating it. He keeps saying that Zeke won't remember this and as I keep telling myself, this is NOT my party.

Theme: We both agreed on having it ala-Disney Pixar Cars theme as Zeke loves racing and cars. We wanted a Disney Junior theme too but we realized some of the characters like Handy Manny are not available locally. So, Cars theme it is.

Venue: We're still debating as to whether celebrate it in a fast food restaurant or just do it at home.

Guests: Family, friends and co-workers come to mind. Of course we need kids. Hopefully, lots and lots of kids.

Souvenirs: We decided on doing a photo booth to save money (2-in-1) LOL

Sigh. There's still a lot to do and really, I hope my husband realizes it too (before it's too late). I hate cramming! Wish me luck, dear readers.

Zeke's Latest Antics

At 9 months, my little Zeke can do all sorts of things. He has now mastered the art of sitting, crawling and standing up. His words has now included the syllables "da", "ma", "ta", "ge", "no", and "hindi". He understands anger and delight and he's still in his anxiety stage.

He's now learning how to walk and hopefully, before he turns a year old, he has mastered the fun art of walking.

Look at my little BIG boy now:

37 weeks (4.14.12)

38 weeks (loves the water!) taken today

I'll upload his videos next time.

Cooking 101: Holy Week Special (Part Two)

In continuation of my quest to have a no meat holy week, here's the list of recipes I made for Holy Wednesday to Good Friday. I hope this helps you get inspired to do the same on the next holy weeks to come. Enjoy! xx

Holy Wednesday Dinner: Halabos na Shrimp and Fried Tofu

Ingredients:
1/2k shrimp, cleaned but leave the head and tail intact
5 pcs tofu
1 big onion, diced
1/4c soy sauce
1/4c vinegar
2T sugar
oil for frying
salt & pepper to taste

Procedure:
1, For the Halabos na Hipon: Heat wok. Add shrimps (no oil needed). The trick is to let the shrimp cook in it's own water. Just add enough salt and pepper. When the shrimps turn orange, they're cooked, Don't overcook them as they tend to become tough and their shells will be difficult to remove.
2. For the Tofu: Deep fry in wok with oil. Make sure you cut the tofu into little cubes before frying to make them crispy.
3. For the Tofu sauce: Mix the soy sauce and vinegar. Add sugar then the diced onions. Serve as dipping sauce or with the tofu.


Maundy Thursday Dinner: Fried GG with Salciadong Kamatis

Ingredients:
4 pcs GG (galungong)
2 pcs med-sized eggs
4 tomatoes
oil for frying
salt and pepper to taste


Procedure:
This is the simplest meal I have ever cooked so far. All I did was saute the tomatoes then add the egg when the tomatoes are wilted. Add salt and pepper then voila, you have a home-made salciado. For the fish, easy peasy. Just fry it in a wok then drain into paper towels.


Good Friday Dinner: Grilled Bangus Steak with Homemade Coleslaw

Ingredients:
For the Bangus Steak-
1 whole bangus, cleaned and cut into steak portions (including the head)
1 pack Maggi Magic Sarap
5T soy sauce
3 pcs calamansi


For the coleslaw-
1 head of cabbage
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2c vinegar
3T sugar
salt & pepper to taste


Procedure:
1. Rub Magic Sarap into each bangus steak. Mix the soy sauce and calamansi then add to the already seasoned bangus. Marinate for at least an hour.
2. Prepare the grill. When top is already sizzling, add each bangus steak then drape more of the marinade while grilling to avoid "dry" steaks.
3. For the coleslaw: Shred the cabbage then blanch. Blanch means submerging into hot water for about a minute then cooling it immediately into ice cold water.
4. Add vinegar, mayonnaise and sugar to the blanched cabbage. Season with salt & pepper to taste.


There. Enjoy mommies!

Zeke Turns 9 Months!

Today, my little boy turns nine months. I can't believe that it has already been 9 months!

Now, his physical and emotional developments are in rapid speed. As I've mentioned in this post, Zeke can now stand in his play pen using the bar handles. Now, he can stand ON HIS OWN. Woah. Even I was too surprised to speak. Then, he starts to walk while being assisted. Honestly, it's one of the most precious moments a mother can ever witness.

my little family at BGC, walking :)

I know that he's not yet ready for shoes as according to experts, going barefoot not only can help strengthen your child's arches and leg muscles but can also make it easier for your baby to balance when his shoeless feet are free to feel all the textures of what he's walking on but, well, his titas can't help it.

his shoe collection LOL

Playtime is more fun as well. He loves to play in his tub outside and loves to imitate sounds. His vocabulary is increasing as well, with "dadadada", "yayayaya" and "agigigig" for samples. He's more expressive of his anger as well. Whenever I take a toy away from him and he's not yet finished with it, he'll definitely throw a fit (not a tantrum, mind you).

But, he's learning to play on his own. Sometimes, whenever I'm really busy, I just place him in his play pen, add a couple of toys and BAM! He'll be as quiet as a mouse, until it's time to feed or sleep.

If you say his name, he'll look at you. He knows how to listen and somehow, beginning to learn the meaning of the word "no". Unfortunately, he's still at his curiosity peak so he won't stop what he's doing.

I love you to pieces, little Zeke. Don't grow up too fast; Daddy and Mommy are still enjoying your cute, baby antics.

Happy Easter!

I can't sleep. I've been in front of my lappy for two straight hours now. I've been doing nothing in particular, just writing random things on FN when I suddenly came up with this poem:

Don't stop dreaming but don't forget to live
for a day wasted on nothing
is something you can never rebuild

I miss writing in rhyming words. All I do now is assess medical conditions then see if they can qualify for the best class. I need some oomph in my life.

Don't get me wrong; I have the best husband and the most beautiful son, there's nothing to complain about. It's just that, sometimes, when life starts to become monotonous again and your mind starts thinking about crappy things, you subconsciously believe your life is nothing but a bunch of dung.

What would Papa Jesus say?


He always says the right thing so I believe He'll tell me lay off the caffeine and stretch my leg muscles more. Which is good advice as I'm not able to jog around UP anymore. Not that I don't want to but because time is something I don't have right now.

Time is the devil's best temptation yet. It eats up your entire day when you're busy but casually tricks you of doing nothing when it's a slow day.

Today is Easter, the time when Jesus was resurrected from the death. I think I will follow his example, without dying of course.

If you start thinking about it, I think it's time I start changing how I perceive my work. Today, I will be resurrected from the death of monotony. I will celebrate my new life by inviting only positive vibes.

With Him by my side, I can never go wrong. Seize the day.

Visita Iglesia 2012

This is the first time my husband tried to do a Visita Iglesia. I told him that in our family, it's an annual tradition where we embark on a journey with nothing but our prayer books and a good meal in tow. It makes our family closer and what better to express family bonding than through a journey of prayer, right?

So I asked my husband if we could do a Visita Iglesia this year. He was hesitant at first because we don't have a car yet. I said that it's okay to commute as long as Zeke's not too exposed to the harsh heat.

He agreed but on a few conditions-
1) The Churches that we will visit should be somewhere near (err, I was thinking of visiting Manila churches but there's always next year)
2) We stick to seven churches (12 churches on my little piece of paper)
3) No complaining (I ain't gonna say anything)

Maundy Thursday, at exactly 15-minutes after 9 in the morning, we embarked on our little journey.

powernap!

Visita Iglesia in the Philippine setting, means visiting seven churches on Maundy Thursday to follow the Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross. Traditionally, two stations are contemplated per church, but more enthusiastic ones though complete the stations for each church. In my little family, my husband and I have decided to follow the seven church pattern as we have a little kid in tow.

Before going to the seven churches, here is a list of a few things that you need to bring:

1. Stations of the Cross booklet
2. feeding bottles, milk and a few biscuits for your baby
3. sando and shorts change of clothes
4. a few blankets
5. nappies, powder and wipes
6. water
7. toy for long drives
8. munchies for you and your hubby

The Seven Churches we visited today were:

San Isidro Labrador Parish in Marikina Heights, Marikina City

Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Concepcion Uno, Marikina City

Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish in Sta. Elena, Marikina City

San Antonio de Padua Parish in Calumpang, Marikina City

Monasterio de Santa Clara in Katipunan, QC

Church of Gesu in ADMU, QC

Maria dela Strada Parish in Loyola, QC

As you can see, all the churches we've visited were in the same area (as I have promised my husband). It's not about sight-seeing (which may be included but not necessarily important); it's about praying with your family, remembering what Jesus Christ has done for us, to save us and because, He loved us all so very much.

Remember, when you do your Visita Iglesia, do the Stations of the Cross but don't forget to visit the place where they keep the blessed sacrament. Pray and reflect this Holy Week.

Walk Way 2012

Today, Zeke, my sister and I went to visit my hubby The Fort, Taguig. It was Holy Wednesday and naturally, everyone is entitled to leave the office at around noon. I was lucky enough to have the whole day off that's why I was able to bring Zeke to his daddy's office.

My son was very noisy, clearly enjoying his new surroundings. Good thing my husband's boss is used to seeing kids around the office during special occasions. Nonetheless, he was not reprimanded. I can't imagine a tall, Swedish man trying to hush my babbling kid, now that's a sight to see.

After parading his little son, my husband agreed to let me shop at Serendra (oh boy, I must have done something to please him because my husband doesn't usually allow me to shop, especially in High Street where all the designers are readily available. Heh). When we got there, I saw this sign which eventually got me curious:

I pulled my husband towards the starting station and well, we found ourselves totally mesmerized. It was The Way of the Cross, only in a more interactive setup. Even though we will do the Visita Iglesia tomorrow, it was like an appetizer to our faith.

My personal favorite was the first station:

Why? Because for the first time in many years, I was able to see myself. The real me. Don;t take what I said literally for you might not get it. In the activity with the mirrors, you have to stand up and be yourself. No pretensions of being okay, no nonsense, no anything, Honestly, it made my eyes glistened a bit.

There were a total of 14 stations, each requiring a specific reflection task. If you happen to drop by BGC, take a few minutes off your busy schedule and visit the Walk Way. I believe this is there fourth year and I heard each time it's different.

Have a safe holy week everyone!

Fashion Tips for Young Mothers

It has come to my attention that once I gave birth, it became harder for me to choose what types of clothes to wear. I'm still breastfeeding and the hassle of rushing to the Breastfeeding Stations at the mall with a fussy baby in tow plus fumbling with my clothes give me the headache that has the capability of ruining the day.

So, in line of keeping up with my love for fashion, I have searched high and low for a few tips on what to wear (especially if you're a working mom like me):

Tip #1 If you love dresses (like moi), opt for something that's made of cotton and has buttons infront. Avoid fussy silk when you're out and about with your kid as any accidents (pee, poop and even applesauce) can just ruin the fabric.

choose something that has removable straps like this one

button-down dresses are a lifesaver especially in special occasions!

Tip #2 If you're doing an errand or just wanted to flaunt your legs, you can wear shorts but make sure you pair them with a button-down polo and a pair of flats. I'm a self-confessed high heeled girls and I make do with wedges but sometimes, I find it silly to wear them especially when I'm pushing Zeke's stroller. So now, I'm also loving the ballet flats.

this kind of polo not only are cute but can make breastfeeding fuss-free

 

who says flats are boring?

Tip #3 For accessories, minimal is IN. Carrying two bags, a stroller and your baby are a big NO-NO. There are several baby bags that are hip and fashionable (try Baby Couture) but if you're like me who's a one-bag convert during doing errands or hitting the malls (I once swore to carry two bags, one for myself and the other for my cutesy baby but got frustrated when I don't know which one to carry especially now that Zeke's almost a giant baby), then a big yet stylish bag is for you. Try Longchamps; they're stylish and can be a space saver most of the time.

my trusty mommy bag

Tip #4 If you're breastfeeding and is frightened to color your hair (like me), opt to color your tips in a bright color instead. It will still give you that special feeling a good hair day can bring. Besides, once your milk has run out, you'll miss that special bonding you and your baby share. So cherish every moment that you're still able to breastfeed. That's what I'm doing with my little one.

Pumping will always be IN

RED for a fab day ahead!

Tip #5 If you feel uncomfortable, always remember --- you can never go wrong in wearing denim or black leggings!

Who says moms can't shop at Forever 21? You might have switched to MotherCare during pregnancy and early lactating days, but you will always have your heart in this place. :)

Leggings can go a looooonngg way :)

Don't be afraid of fashion, embrace it! And, always remember to smile. It's the best accessory a girl can have. Seize the day!

For other tips, check this out!