Twitter Group

Please follow these happy Twitters: Follow @shydub Follow @_henrysmom Follow @aanalfafara Follow @itinbiquecalvo

His New Best Friend

Buzz Lightyear: Your chief, Andy, inscribed his name on me.

Rex: Wow! With permanent ink too!

(Toy Story,1995)

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Christmas Eve 2012

It's (Not!) The End of the World

Today is December 21st, 2012. And, the world did not end. We have survived another 'End of the World" prophecy. Thank you, Jesus. 

Photo Source: Bizzaro Blog

eDiaperCakes.com $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Today, I'm so excited to give you a post-birthday and Christmas giveaway!

Last week, Liz, the owner of eDiaperCakes and a new mom (she gave birth to a baby girl last year), reached out to me and introduced me to their awesome selection of diaper cakes. I recently have a cousin who just announced that she and her husband are expecting and I cannot wait to send them the cutest diaper cake.

EDiaperCakes make the most beautiful diaper cakes I've ever seen. I’d recommend visiting their website if you haven’t seen their cakes. I found them to be different than the other companies out there. Instead of having generic diaper cakes, they utilized popular characters that we’ve all come to love.

Some of the more popular characters they have are Eric Carle, Pat the Bunny, Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You, the Lion King, Mickey Mouse, Winne the Pooh and so much more. 

They also include books with some of their diaper cakes. They put approximately 75 diapers into their cakes and they stand 4 tiers. They have a sweet mix of diaper cakes that are made specifically for boys, girls and neutral ones.So they would make a great choice if you’re planning on buying one. 

EDiaperCakes is a mom-owned company that’s located in Michigan. Their diaper cakes are assembled in two business days and the shipping is $5.

Since it's the season of giving, eDiaperCakes is generously giving away a $25 Gift certificate for one lucky reader of this blog. (Thank you, eDiaperCakes!) 

To know more about eDiaperCakes, you can visit their online shop. You can also follow on them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 

How to win? It's so easy! Just follow the required tasks in the Rafflecopter form below. This contest ends at 12:00 am on January 2, 2012 and is open to US residents only. The winner will be notified via email 48 hours after the contest ends. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bento Box No. 2

Here's my 2nd attempt at a Bento Box lunch for the little boy. I haven't had the chance to buy shaped cutters or bento accessories yet. So, I only made what I can do with the good ol' kitchen knife. 

What's Inside: Grapes, Apple slices,
Rolled sliced bread with Cheese Whiz spread (his favorite!) &
2 pcs. of Hershey's Kisses

I really enjoyed making this for him. And I think it's a big improvement from the first one. Preparing a Bento lunch for him ensures me that he has a healthy meal even in school.

Friday Bento Box

I've been meaning to this for a long time and finally I did it. I prepared a bento lunch for Henry! 

Over at Pinterest, I have been searching for creative ways to prepare nutritious school lunches for kids and they all come in bento boxes. Bento is Japanese for "lunch in  a box".  According to WikiHow, The goal of bento boxes is entice children to finish all their food when they're in school.

Most of them I saw use silicone muffin cups. Luckily, I found them easily at Cooks Exchange in SM Megamall. I got a set of 20 for Php 250 only. (Hopefully, I to get use all of them for baking as well.)

Here's a look at my first Bento Box attempt. I gave him grapes, goldfish crackers and a PB&J sandwich cut in small squares.

First Bento Box Attempt

 I was a bit nervous at first thinking that he would not like the lunch I prepared for him. But his lunch box was empty when he got home. And he thanked me for the goldfish crackers. (Happy dance for me!)

Hopefully i make this a habit. I plan to squeeze in vegetables in his next bento box for a healthier meal. 

Now it's your turn to share. How do you usually prepare your kid's school lunch? How do you ensure they eat healthy? Please do tell. 

Bringing Out The Best In Your Yaya & Househelper Seminar

Hello there mommies and daddies! As parents, we believe that our kids deserve the best of everything - the best toys, the best food, the best education. But do they have the best yaya? 

Last October, VentureLab Business Resource Center has started the "Bringing Out The Best In Your Yaya & Househelper" seminar. It is a one-day seminar for yayas and househelpers that focuses on household etiquette, child care, first aid and hygiene. Since then, it has been available every Saturday.

Discussed are the following topics:

1. Self worth (Self-worth to better working attitude, love yourself, who are you working for, love what you do) 

2. Manners & Etiquette
3. Responsibilities/Housework (Cleaning, Food-related Concerns)
4. “KID”-centered (Stages, Care, Hygiene, Social Opportunities, First Aid, Emergency Situations)
5. Combating Stress

The seminar fee is PhP 2,500 (inclusive of lunch, 2 snacks, beverages, seminar kit)

For more information, you can visit their website at VentureLab.ph or email them at info@venturelab.ph.

Facebook Group 2 Hidden Hills Getaway Giveaway

Please LIKE the following FB pages. Thanks!

Yes Mommy Workshop: How to Talk so your Child will Listen and Understand

Isn't it frustrating that even if how many times you say "No!" to something your kids would want to have or do, they would not stop making kulit until they get it?

Often times, I would explain to Henry why he can't do this or that. But still, he would not listen and I in turn would lose my patience and start raising my voice. At this point Henry would give me this heartbreaking look, smoothen my angry forehead and say, "Mommy, please don't get mad." Oh, the many times that I wished it would not get to that point and that I would not see that sad look on his face that makes me feel like a bad mother.

A couple of months ago, I came across Optimommy.com, a website that focuses on positive parenting. Jayme, the Optimommy, encourages parents to practice patience with your children and gives tips on how to communicate with children persuasively and lovingly. Since then, I've been following her blog and sometimes when Henry is makulit and I feel like I'm about to lose my temper, I take a moment and ask myself, WWJD? (What would Jayme do?)

Now, Jayme, together with Manila Workshops, presents to us Optimommy.com's advocacy of positive parenting with a workshop called, "Yes Mommy: How to Talk so your Child will Listen and Understand". This will happen on December 15, 2012 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Pasig City. For more details, check out the poster below.

"Yes Mommy" will focus on practical tips and tools to build a foundation of good communication with our young children. Topics include:

• Self Talk for Mommies: Why positive communication begins with you
• How to understand your child’s personality
• How to adjust your communication style based on your child’s personality
• The Three Elements of Positive Communication: Crucial factors to encourage your children to listen and understand
• How to say "no" by saying "yes"

Interesting, isn't it? If you think this will help you, do join  and sign up through this form. I know I'm going. Hope to see you there too!

UPDATE: Good news! Since it's the Season of Giving, Jayme decided to give you, my blog readers, more than 50% off. Just type OPTIMOMMYDITAS in the discount code box and you get to attend for only P500. 

Workshop fee already includes lunch and snacks plus give away goodies from their generous sponsors.

Oh, How Pinteresting! 5 Kiddie Christmas crafts to try {A Spend-Less Holidays post}

I’m participating in the Spend-Less Holidays: Saving While Savoring the Season Blog Carnival, hosted by The Frugal Fil-Am and Dainty Mom. We’ll be sharing our tips on how to spend less this holiday season, so that we can have a more meaningful Christmas. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries.

I've been thinking of ways to get little Henry into the Christmas spirit. Since he started going to school, he always liked showing me his art works that he brings home. So I thought of rounding up some Christmas art activities that I found on Pinterest that I think he would like. Best of all, these crafts require materials that can easily be found around the house, so there's no need to break the bank just to give the little one some Christmas fun. They're such great ideas that I'd be too selfish not to share them with you. 

To go to the actual pin, just click on the picture.

1. Handprinted Christmas Ball - Our tree is already up but I haven't got the chance to decorate it yet. I'd like to try this so that Henry can have his own special ornament. There's no need to buy a new Christmas ball for this, just let your kids choose from what you already have. 

Source: megduerksen.typepad.com via Ditas on Pinterest

2. Popsicle Nativity Scene - I love this one! It looks like it's so easy to make. I may also use this activity to throw in the story of the first Christmas.

Source: dollarstoremom.com via Ditas on Pinterest

3. Thumbprint Christmas Lights strand card -  I bet Henry's grandparents would love to get a card made by their only grandchild. Henry loves finger painting so I am sure he will enjoy this one.

Source: meetthedubiens.blogspot.com via Maria'nMatt on Pinterest

4. The Footprint Tree - This would have been a great keepsake for a baby's first Christmas. Unfortunately, Pinterest wasn't around yet when I had Henry. But, you know what they say, better late than never, right? I want to write Henry's name and the year it was made in gold ink then put it in a frame. This one I'm really excited about.

Source: craftrookie.blogspot.com via Ditas on Pinterest

5.  Paper Plate Angel - Paper plate, glitters, buttons - these are the things needed to create this angel. You can hang it on your tree or put it on top. I'm sure the kiddo will be beaming with joy when he sees that his angel is the star of your Christmas tree.

Source: beafunmum.com via Sue on Pinterest

These fun activities can keep your kids occupied while you prepare for your holiday celebration. Or, you can do as a family and have fun bonding making these crafts. Just look around there house, there are many materials that you can use. 

Will you being doing some crafts with your kids this Christmas season? I'd love to know if you have other craft ideas for this coming holiday. Please feel free to share. You can email me or comment on the box below. 

Don't forget to visit the rest of the participants in this Christmas Spend-less Carnival!

• Domesticated Goddess
• The Learning Basket
• Apple's World
• A WAHMs Life
• Changing Nappies in High Heels
• Savvy Saving Couple
• Kids Party Hub
• My Life in Letters
• Super Mommy Wannabee
• The Frugal Fil-Am
• Henry's Mom
• Roller Coaster Ride 
• Saved By the Miracle of Baked Mac
• Mommy Journey
• City Girl, Country Home
• Ate Maui
• The World is Our Classroom
• Lique's Antics
• Mommy Bares All
• Consumer Queen
• Truly Rich Mom
• Dainty Mom
• Saving Well, Spending Less
• Mrs C's Sugarcoated Life

5 Mommy Closet Must-Haves

Last Thursday, I got to attend the annual Smart Parenting Magazine Meet and Greet for avid readers and fans. It was such a fun and awesome event. (read about it here).

One of the speakers was Cosmopolitan Magazine (PH) Fashion Director Donna Cuna-Pita.  Being a mom herself, Donna shared 5 closet staples that every mommy must have:

1. The little black dress (LBD)

Every mom, well every woman, should have an LBD in her closet. It's our go-to dress especially for sudden occasions. The LBD goes well with both heels and flats. Just make sure that you choose a dress depending on your own body type. 

2. Good fitting pants

We all know how hard it is to find good fitting pants. Donna advises that if we find one, buy two pairs. Why? Because chances are, we will use it often. 

3. A good set of underwear

When was the last time you bought a new set? Hopefully it wasn't during your last pregnancy. When choosing panties, go for the plain old cotton panties - preferably in beige or nude color.  Black or white can usually be seen through your clothes' fabric. And don't get the lacy ones, unwanted adipose might bulge out. 

3. All-purpose bag

You know us moms, we bring everything but the kitchen sink. Mommies should have an all purpose bag that we can grab and go. Choose a bag that you can use for several occasions, be it for a play date or a lunch date with your amigas. 

5. A crisp white top

Donna suggests that we invest on a wrinkle-resistant crisp white top. Like the LBD, it would go with anything. Plus, it provides for a classic look. 



Do you have everything on Donna's list or would you like to add something to it? Please, do tell. I'd love to hear from you. 

Smart Parenting Meet & Greet 2012

Yesterday, November 22, Smart Parenting magazine held their annual Smart Parenting Meet & Greet for their avid readers and staff. Fortunately, Henry's momma was one of the few lucky readers to be selected to attend the special event which happened at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It was my first to attend such an event.

Hosting the program was TV personality, Ms. Issa Litton (who I remember from her Star Wars themed wedding video a few years ago.) Issa, shared with us some of her experiences with motherhood and how she juggled it with her career.

Ms. Issa Litton

To officially open the event, Smart Parenting Magazine Editor-in-Chief,  Mia Fausto-Cruz welcomed everyone with a few words.

Photo grabbed from Smart Parenting's Instagram account.

It was an such a fun and insightful afternoon for everyone as we learned from different speakers in their respected fields.

First up was Cosmo Fashion Director Donna Cuna-Pita who talked about how to appreciate your own body type. She had helpful tips on how to accentuate your body's assets and talked about the dos and don'ts on what to wear. She even had tips for daddies as well. 

Cosmo Fashion Director Donna Cuna-Pita

My personal favorite part of the program was the second speaker's talk, "How to Motivate Your Kids to Read". Unfortunately, I didn't catch her name, but she's from Scholastics, the book publishing company. She emphasized on the value of starting early and reading aloud to your kids. She even did a sample "read aloud." I felt like I was a kid again. 

The third and last speaker was Michelle Tambunting, mommy/preschool teacher/life coach. She spoke on how to raise unspoiled children. And recommended the book, The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine to help understand how materialism affects our kids. She talked about the difference between external and internal motivation and enlightened us on how to raise and aim for a child to have a healthy sense of self. She suggests that we encourage our children to think for themselves and control their impulses by setting limits. She shared that her son was only allowed to watch T.V. on weekends. 

Of course, the purpose of this whole event was to meet and greet with the Smart Parenting team. Our table got to sit down with SP Online's Managing Editor, Lei Sison for a focused group discussion. Lei asked for our insights about the magazine, about what we like about it and what we think were lacking. She also asked us about how we find the website. (We all love the Family Weekender Guide, Lei! I also personally like the you have some of my favorite mommy bloggers as contributors.) 

But it wasn't all talks, we also had fun playing "Name that tune". Each table was joined by an SP team member. Great food was also served and there was a photo booth which everyone enjoyed - I know I did. 

Meet next month's cover of Smart Parenting

It was such a delight to see the people behind this magazine up close and personal and to meet other mommies as well. To top it all off, everyone in attendance won a raffle prize from SP and their sponsors. Some very lucky mommies even won GCs to California Nails & Day Spa (worth P2500! very lucky indeed). 

My loot from SP

Thanks for such an awesome day Smart Parenting! I learned a lot and had fun. I'm looking forward to next year's meet and greet already. 

with SP Editor-in-chief, Mia Fausto

To know more about Smart Parenting's events, visit SP Online at http://www.smartparenting.com.ph. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@SP_Online). 

FREE Blogger Sign Up: Palawan's Hidden Hills Giveaway

The owner of Hidden Hills Private Resort in the lush province of beautiful Puerto Princesa in Palawan is happy to give 2 nights/3 days free accommodation for 2 persons to ONE LUCKY WINNER!

The Travel Bug is happy to host the Palawan's Hidden Hills Getaway Giveaway which is scheduled to run from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15, 2013. This is open WORLD-WIDE!

This travel incentive promo will surely increase your stats. So, come and join this fantastic getaway giveaway by signing up.

Here are the important info about the giveaway:

Only 1 winner will be chosen for the Palawan's Hidden Hills Getaway Giveaway and the offer is valid for one year upon winning.

Prize:
2 nights/3 days accommodation with basic freebies granted by the sponsor.

Below are the specific freebies included in the prize.

• Accommodations : Exclusive use of the entire property

• Welcome Drinks
Welcome Pack / Fruit Basket

• Daily Freshly Picked Flowers From the Garden Free

• Unlimited Coffee or Tea
• 
Mineral Drinking Water

• Eat-All-U-Can Fruits & Veggies in season whatever grows in the farm FREE!!!

• FREE FRESHLY PICKED BUKO (YOUNG COCONUT JUICE) ON ARRIVAL.

• Cutleries & beddings / towels/ flip-flops / rain boots / beach mats provided for use

• ONE BOTTLE OF WINE (Seasonal Welcome Compliments)

• Cleaning services (daily)

• Cooking Assistance 

NOT INCLUDED: Transport. The winner will shoulder his/her plane/boat/land fare and if required, visa formalities will have to be the sole responsibility of the winner.

Great prize! And there is more!

Blogger opportunity for this event: 

There is an automatic free link for every blogger who signs up and a paid option for additional links for the price of $2 each link. Please add an extra 0.80 cents if your option of payment is for "services."

Bloggers are also invited to host a page for $12. 

This will be a great way to improve your traffic stat as your blog page will be the landing site for follows and likes group of either Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

This hosting page is limited only. So sign up now. Those who made the cut will be contacted and request for payment will be required once you've been notified that you're confirmed to host a page.  Please add an extra 0.80 cents if your option of payment is for "services."

Please click here for the sign-up and announcement form: https://docs.google.com/a/riablahgs.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=tru e&formkey=dGpRb1RPT1B4TGVVLTNfdm05UFF6VFE6MQ

And lastly, as a sign of appreciation, The Travel Bug will give a $25 prize to the top referrer for the Blogger sign-up before the giveaway goes live. 

So, what are you waiting for. Sign up now and take part in this fantastic getaway!

PLEASE SAY YOU ARE REFERRED BY DITAS FROM http://www.henrysmom.com

Our Balloon Family

The house was full of balloons last night as my mother-in-law was preparing for her latest gig. (She does party balloon decorations.) While they were pumping the balloons with air, Henry approached them and asked for a balloon and they gave them a white one.

Henry went to our room to show me his white balloon which gave me a bright idea. *insert Ting! sound here.* I handed him a permanent marker and told him to decorate the balloon. He came back with this.

The Henry Balloon

He drew a portrait of himself! When daddy saw this, he asked Henry to draw a daddy balloon as well. And so off he went to get another balloon and drew this. 

Four-eyed daddy

He made a balloon of version of me too. 

Balloon Mommy looks like a chicken, doesn't she?

These guys kept the little one busy for about half an hour. He talked to them and made them dance. After which, he asked me to take this picture.
  

Balloon Henry with Real Henry

Of course, they needed a family picture as well. So, I present to you the complete balloon family with Henry. 

Our Balloon Family

How do you keep your kids busy? I'd love to hear from you.

P.S.

I just made a Facebook page for Henry's Mom Blogs, hope you can be one of the first ones to "Like" it. 

It's a WAHMderful Life Workshop: Real Ways to be a WAHM

Finally! After the success of their 1st sold out event, DaintyMom and ManilaWorkshops.com are back to present the 2nd workshop of their It's a WAHMderful Life series entitled, It's a WAHMderful Life Workshop: Real Ways to be a WAHM . This time, the workshop will have breakout sessions to choose from so that you can focus on the WAHM job that interests you.

A WAHMderful Life: Real Ways to Be a WAHM is a one-day workshop for moms who want to find their bliss working from home while making a home. This is for stay at home moms, moms who want to start a home-based business, moms interested in working from home via outsourcing or telecommuting, women who are interested in starting a online business ... or anyone (single ladies, even dads!) who want to know more about starting a work-from-home career.

Featuring: Morning Plenary session on WAHM Realities (and How to Cope!) Afternoon Breakout sessions on Real WAHM Jobs Date: Saturday, January 26, 2013, 9:00AM to 5:00PM Venue: Studio SnR, 3/F Millenium Plaza Building, Meralco Ave, Ortigas, Pasig City Choose your afternoon session! Workshop Break-out 1: Virtual Assistance Business for the Work at Home Mom Workshop Break-out 2: Freelance Writing for the Work at Home Mom Rates: Regular rate: Php1,500.00 (Starting December 21, 2012) Early bird: Php1,300.00 (Paid by December 20, 2012) Group Rate of Php1,100 for group of 3 or more (until January 19, 2013)

If you are interested to attend, kindly fill out the form seen in either of these two links:

http://daintymom.com/wahmderful-life-workshop-work-at-home-mom-2/ or http://manilaworkshops.com/2012/11/its-a-wahmderful-life-real-ways-to-be-a-wahm.html

World Pneunomia Day: It's not "just a cough"

November 12 is World Pneumonia Day. And while it may already be the 13th in our country, the rest of the world is still celebrating this day to promote awareness to fight the world's leading cause of death in children less than 5 years old. 

 Watch this video by WorldPneumoniaDay.org to learn the facts about child pneumonia. 

It's starts with "just a cough".

Pneumonia is very easy to prevent and cure, yet children have been dying around the world because of it. 

Get involved! Please help us raise awareness.

Oh Wow! A Liebster!

Henry's Mom Blogs just turned a month old! Yey! And even with only 10 posts, this blog has been given a Liebster Blog Award. Thank you to Happy Mommy Adventures for the nomination. I'm flattered that you have thought of me. I learned about it while browsing the Smart Parenting Forum. 

Now, what's a Liebster Blog Award you ask? The Liebster Blog award is given to up and coming bloggers with less than 200 followers.  Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

According to Coffee with Kim, the rules of the award are as follows:

1. Each person must list 11 things about themselves.
2. Recipient of the award must answer the 11 questions of the person who tagged you.
3. Come up with 11 questions that you want 11 persons, whom you will nominate, to answer.
4. Link the blogs you nominated in your post.
5. Go to their page and inform them about the award.
6. Absolutely NO tags back. Remember only to tag bloggers with less than 200 follow.

11 things about Henry's Mom:

1. I'm a 3rd year medical student. From a family of doctors, really there is no other path that I would like to follow but theirs. 

2. I'm the only child of my mom and the 1st-born of my dad. 

3. I hate ice cream flavors with nuts. Rocky road is a no-no for me. 

4. I have an online business.

5. I got married when I was 20.

6. Became a mother at 21.

7. A kid at heart, sometimes I still dream of becoming a Disney Princess. 

8. I really believe that Tito Sotto should apologize.

9. Egypt is my dream destination. I wanna see those pyramids!

10. My lola is my hero. 

11.  AND LASTLY, I JUST RECEIVED A LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD! YIPEE!  *Happy dance*

Here are my answers to Happy Mommy Adventures 11 questions:

• What's your go-to/comfort food? If there's one type of food that would make me close my eyes and savor every bite, it would be Persian Food. Whenever I'm stressed or hungry or when my hubby asks me where I want to eat, I always say I want a Kebab. So sometimes he would drive me all the way to QC for some Mister Kabab or we go to Arya in Greenhills or The Kebab Factory in Megamall.

• Any weird habits? I don;t know if you call it weird but I crack my fingers. 

• How do you balance your time between work/school and blogging/writing? Blogging is something that I want to do and not something that I have to do. That is why I only blog when an idea comes into mind. 

• Your favorite place? Batangas City. It's where I grew up. Even if I am based in Manila now, I still consider it my home. 

• How do you de-stress? I sleep. Sometimes all you need is a little rest.
• What's the best advice anyone has ever given you? To study hard. It's the key to success. 
• What's the best advice you could or have given anyone? If you think it's a bad idea then it probably is. 
• Who's your favorite author and why? I've haven't really done much reading since I entered college so I would have to say, Judy Blume.  :P
• How has writing changed/improved your perspective in life? I'm not really a writer so I would have to say that blogging in general really just gave me an outlet to reach out to other people. 
• One "New Year's Resolution" thing that you always list down but never get to commit to. Diet!
• What's your definition of "Passion". What is your passion? Passion is something that you want to do and will never get tired of doing. At the age of 26, I am still on the road to finding out what my passion would be. I'm still in the look out for something that I can be passionate about. 

And here are my 11 questions:

1. What made you start a blog?
2. How many hours a day do you spend online?
3. What's on the top of your Christmas wishlist?
4. Do you still believe in Santa Claus?
5. Which do you think came first, the chicken or the egg?
6. Your favorite movie of all time is....
7. Who's your childhood hero?
8.  Would you change your religion for the one you love? (A beauty pageant question)
9.  What's your most guilty pleasure?
10. If you could be a celebrity for a day, who would you be?
11. What's one thing you can't live without?

Now for the nominees... Drum roll please...

Cym of Ceemee's Cazzopoeia

Terry of QC Mommy

Katie of Moore from Katie

Tet of Tet's Little Finds

The Promding Chamimay

Michelle of Stage Mom and More
January of Nails & Kolours

Thanks again Happy Mommy Adventures! I had fun answering your questions.