Book Review: The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I know this book targets the young adult genre but for me, I think this book tackles mainly everybody's awkward stage in life --- high school. Although I wouldn't consider myself as an introvert, this book still gave me memories of my past self (goosies!) minus the drugs, sex and violence.

Adolescence is a beautiful phase, full of curiosity and questions and yes, even experimentation. I wonder what happened to all of us when we grew up because really, the wondering and thinking began to subside when we hit the 9-5 job life style.

Another interesting topic of this book is the collaboration and explanation of the wonderful classical stories like To Kill A Mockingbird, Peter Pan and Catcher in the Rye to name a few plus the amazing films (like Dead Poets Society) which our generation today fails to comply with.

Anyway, I would highly recommend this book especially to teenagers although parental guidance is advised (especially when you reach the part where... ooppps, don't want to spoil the fun!)

Mommy Wardrobe

I remember posting a few pictures of my pregnancy wardrobe and since then, I've been longing to write more about fashion (as it is clearly stated that I am into clothes and style). I consider myself not a fashionista but a stylista. You see, fashion come and go but style, well, it's more of a long-term basis.

Now that I'm a mom though, I try to stay away from loud colors (except hot pink because in my opinion, everybody looks good in pink) and tend to stick with the neutral. I have a tendency to also stay in a monochromatic format, thus my love for matching pieces.

As you can see from the pictures above (on my way to the office), my style is more of classical girly and royalty preppy. I love clean-shaven fashion and I find nothing wrong with prep (ie navy blue sweaters and long strands of pearls). In fact, it makes people, in my opinion, look smart and well, privileged.

I adore dresses, may it be in plain or in prints. High heels is a must footwear for me as I only stand 5' tall. Nonetheless, that doesn't mean I don't wear shorts. Heck I do, but I still try to look girly in them *teehee* Leggings and tights are my best friends and yes, I pair them with flats.

I think copying someone else style should be considered as a crime because, really, fashion and style should come from within and should be effortless. I do have style icons though and they are the people pictured above, starting off with Audrey Hepburn, Blair Waldorf (I prefer the character's sense of style over Leighton Meester because I find hers mostly Bohemian), Kate Middleton, Reese Witherspoon (and her character Elle Woods too!), Gwyneth Paltrow, Emma Stone, Charlize Theron and Katie Holmes. As you have guessed, most of them (if not all) exude prep and class.

I think that's all for now. If you want to see more about my fashion interventions (and what-nots), check out my Polyvore here. Oooh, I love this site. It helps me think (and list down) the items that I need to buy on my next shopping trip! My pinterest is also kinda full of fashion-related goodies. I think if I'm not an underwriter, this might have been my chosen career (although on second thoughts, I think it's not yet too late to try on a different career path, don't you agree?) Seize the day!

First Haircut at Cuts4Tots

Today, my son officially turns one and although I have already cut his hair when he was a few months old (due to his bangs irritating his eyes), as part of a Filipino family tradition, today he also gets his first official haircut at Cuts4Tots, Trinoma.

We heard mass, had a simple lunch at Super Bowl of China then Zeke had a go at the carousel at Timezone. This is how I want him to remember his birthdays --- simple but with family. Although I'm still not sure if we will celebrate his birthdays on a yearly basis (I mean, in a grand, party-filled way), we will always make sure that we incorporate hearing mass in his birthday ritual. After all, it's a day to be thankful for and I think God will always be the first one we should always be grateful for.

UPDATE: here is a picture of Zeke's certificate from Cuts4Tots, Trinoma. I got it last night! :)

Alec Ezekiel Turns 1!

If you're an avid reader of my blog, you'd probably know that my son officially celebrated his first birthday yesterday, July 7th. Although it has been raining the whole week, thank goodness that prayers always work as there was not a single cloud in the sky yesterday! I am still in a bliss because I can't believe I was able to pull off a party without any party planner's help!

To say that the party was a success is an understatement. There were so many people, literally! Our house was packed and the food was all gone by the time I decided to eat. Everything was in order and the party suppliers totally did a good job.

My sister (pictured above) did a good job as a host. She truly entertained both the kids and adults and as a compliment, most of my guests thought she was a professional host.

The food was superb! My sister-in-law's catering stint was the talk amongst the adult guests as they all love their Chicken Pastel, Fish Fillet, Pork Pot Roast and Fruit Salad. The kids definitely enjoyed their Spaghetti, Fried Breaded Chicken, Puto and Jumbo Hotdog on Stick with Mallows.

JD Party Shop outdid what I had in mind when they set up our place. Everyone was asking me about the styro backdrop. The whole package cost Php 9000 and it's worth every penny.

The Candy Atelier was extremely meticulous about their set-up and because of that, I am very grateful. Every kid has enough candy and the candies were all imported and not too sweet. The package was worth Php 6000 (which Zeke's cousin and I shared in the payment) and really, I think it was more than enough.

The Little Cakes Factory was well-known about their cupcakes but their cakes should be highlighted as well. Zeke's cake was all edible and for only Php 6500. The cakes were all moist and really yummy.

The bubble show entertainment from YanPle's Party Shop was very kid-friendly. All the kids want to get inside the bubble, although my little prince was a bit scared when it was his turn, worth Php 2500. A bit pricey but I think the smile on every kids face was well-worth the money.

The ice cream cart, also from YanPle, had a weird after taste and really, the amount Php 3000 (plus 500 delivery fee) was not as worth it as I thought it would be. But the kids enjoyed it so I am happy about that.

The photobooth courtesy of PixGalore (a gift from Zeke's cousin worth Php 4000) served as the souvenir as well and really, when I was going through all the hard copies, I was very delighted with the outcome. Everyone was so candid and it showed how much they've enjoyed the party.

Once again, happy first birthday Pots! I can't believe it has already been a year since I gave birth to you, my precious. Time sure flies when you're having fun. I love you so much, Alec Ezekiel!

On Teething and Walking

My son will be turning a year old on the 9th and before he reaches that milestone, I have noticed two extremely opposite err, developments.

First, he doesn't have any teeth yet.

And quite frankly, I am worried (because I'm not sure if this is normal although his pediatrician said it has nothing to do with health problems) and I am irritated (by all the questions and comparisons to other babies, blah blah blah; if you want to point the obvious, let me tell you "BULAG KA BA?").

According to Baby Center (my trusty online source of information, besides Zeke's pedia whose number is on speed dial):

The age at which babies sprout their first tooth is extremely variable. In rare cases, babies are born with a tooth, called a natal tooth, which either falls out or is pulled to prevent a choking hazard. At the other end of the spectrum, some babies' first tooth doesn't break through until they're a year old. If your baby falls anywhere in that range, she's perfectly normal, says David Geller, a pediatrician in Bedford, Massachusetts.

The average age at which a baby gets her first tooth is 6 months, says Geller. He considers 4 months early and has seen a child who got her first tooth at 17 months.

If your baby's first tooth hasn't come in by 12 to 15 months, she'll probably be referred to a pediatric dentist. X-rays may be taken to make sure teeth are in place to come in. If your baby's on the late side in getting teeth, it's no indication that there are any problems with her overall development, says Geller.

Parents often mistake a baby's drooling and chewing on a fist as a sign of teething, especially around 3 months of age. These are typical activities among babies this age, but they're not necessarily a sign that a tooth is coming in.

Whew. Thank goodness. But not to worry; I can see the beginnings of baby teeth on his gums now and I can definitely feel it whenever he's breastfeeding. Let's wait and see.

Now into the second part. He's walking, on his own.

This part I am very proud of. He started cruising in his crib (using the bars) when he was 9-month old but began to stand up on his own earlier than that age. The playpen surely helped him develop trust and was not even afraid to try again and again each time he falls.

Now, on his 46th week, he was finally walking! It was the best feeling in the world. Some says he has an advanced motor and intelligence development. He was saying a few audible words like "daddy", "no", "mama" and even "hindi". He loves to imitate the people around him and would gladly even laugh at you when he knows you're feeling blue.

What's next now that you're baby is walking? Baby Center says:

After those first magical steps toward independence, your child will begin to master the finer points of mobility:

• At 14 months, your toddler should be able to stand alone. She can probably squat down and then stand back up again, and she might even work on walking backward.
• By 15 months, your child may be pretty good at walking. She may enjoy push-and-pull toys while she toddles. At this age she will walk with her legs fairly far apart and her feet pointed outward . This is normal and helps her maintain stability.
• At about 16 months, your child will begin to take an interest in going up and down stairs –though she probably won't navigate them with your help until her next birthday.
• It's likely your child will be a proficient walker by 18 months. She might like to climb all over the furniture, and she can probably motor up stairs – though she'll still need help getting back down for a few more months. She may try to kick a ball, though she won't always be successful, and she probably likes to dance to music.
• At 25 or 26 months, your child's steps will be more even, and she'll have the hang of the smooth heel-to-toe motion adults use. She's also getting better at jumping.
• By the time your child's third birthday rolls around, many of her basic movements will have become second nature. She'll be able to walk up and down stairs  with one foot on each stair. She'll no longer need to focus energy on walking, standing, running, or jumping, though some actions, such as standing on tiptoes or on one foot, might still require concentration and effort.

Your role

As your baby learns to pull himself up to a standing position, he may need some help figuring out how to get back down again. If he gets stuck and cries for you, don't just pick him up and plop him down. Show him how to bend his knees so he can sit down without toppling over, and let him give it a try himself.

You can encourage your baby to walk by standing or kneeling in front of him and holding out your hands. Or you might hold both his hands and let him walk toward you. He'll probably also enjoy a toddle truck or push toy that he can hold on to as he walks. (Look for toddle toys that are stable and have a wide base of support.)

You can also hold off on introducing shoes until your baby is walking around outside or on rough or cold surfaces regularly. Going barefoot helps improve balance and coordination.

As always, make sure your baby has a soft, safe environment in which to hone his new skills. Follow standard childproofing guidelines, and never leave your baby unattended.

Whew! We still have a long way to go, mommies! Motherhood is the biggest life-changing experience a woman will surely have, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Filipino Pamahiin About Babies

My son's birthday is just around the corner and to tell you honestly, I am pretty psyched and not to mention, worried. I mean, I know I have prepared everything on my list --- from the back-up tent in case it rains on Saturday (which, according to Kuya Kim is unlikely) to the extra goodie bags (in case more kids arrive). If you really know me, you're aware that at this very moment, I am a complete wreck.

Yes, I am.

I am completely, utterly in mayhem! My mind's racing, a thousand negative things running through my brain. As if that's not enough to torture me, I am hearing several people side commenting that I SHOULDN'T have done my baby's birthday earlier; it will bring bad luck (daw) to my child.

Oh c'mon! When I was planning my baby's birthday and was thinking of doing it on the 14th, some people said it's also bad luck to move my baby's birthday on a later day! What the f----???!!! Seriously, you're telling me this NOW?

That's why I came up with this post. OMG, I can't believe there are HUNDREDS of pamahiin! Honestly, if you follow everything on my list, your child will probably end up either a:

• stinky kid
• kid with perfect white teeth
• make-shift boy version of Rapunzel
• kid with talons (not nails)
• unloved child

Why? Here's why:

1. Don't cut your baby's nails from Monday to Friday, in the evening, before taking a bath.
2. Don't cut you baby's hair before his first birthday. If in case he's ready to have his first haircut, make sure that the person who cuts his hair is brainy and lucky in life. Also, keep your child's hair inside a book to make him intelligent as well.
3. If a child touches his two feet or sucks his toes, he's asking for a sibling.

    4. The child cannot move house or travel long distances if he's not yet baptized
    5. Cut the child's eyelashes to make it grow long.
    6. If a child learns to sit first, there will be delay in the growth of his teeth.

    7. If a child's milktooth falls out, throw it up onto the roof of the house so that the rats will find it. When  the new tooth grows in, it wil be as strong and as powerful as a rat's tooth.
    8. Stepping over a child while he is asleep will slow down his growth.

     9. A child that cries during his baptism is a sign of prosperity. The harder the child cries, the richer he will be.
    10. When a child is ready to walk, put him on the stairs. Have him step on a plate or anywhere else so long as his feet do not touch the ground first. This is to ensure that he will always find his way home from wherever he may roam.

And a lot more! Trust me, try to Google "pamahiin" and you'll be overwhelmed with the results. Good thing my mother-in-law and mom don't really believe in them or I might not know what to do as I have defied most of them. I think what's really important is to have higher faith in the Lord but of course, it varies from people to people.