Hey, Ya!

It’s exhausting to read and blog-hop sometimes. You know with the variety of blogs that we have today. I used to enjoy reading blog sites before. Well, to be honest; it came to a point that blog-hopping has become like a routine to me. I lost interest in reading blogs. So for a while, I’ve stopped visiting my favorite blog sites and relied on Instagram for useful updates (mostly beauty and fashion)! Cos it’s easier and mobile, and yes, I’ve gotten lazy. Hehee. I still read blogs from time to time but I stick to mostly personal blogs now and I’ve never been happier! Happier because when I blog-hop; I get too acquisitive-- especially with fashion and beauty blogs! And I hate it. It’s a disgusting feeling whenever I tend to desire too many things. So I try to avoid it like a plague.

I guess I’ve gotten too conservative when it comes to blogging and social-media sites now. It used to be fun! But now it’s just too much. Bleh. I’m getting old to be feeling this way. In any case, I’ve always been old-fashioned so I’m okay with it. And with all honesty, I think I can survive without the internet. I can. It’s hard but it’s manageable. You know, and it’s constructive when you’re off it cos you get to do a lot of things. I mean tons of things! Of course it’s completely different when you rely on internet connection for your work. Not to be a hypocrite though; staying connected has its advantages too. One major advantage is network. I realized how important this is when we were just starting with our business. It matters to know “people”. You definitely need a lot of connections to be successful in this field. So staying online has become a necessity. I think the operative word here is balance.

Like most things that I do, I have a love-hate relationship with the internet too. Sometimes I love staying connected but most of the time I don’t. I suppose the reason why I’ve been blogging for such a long time now is because deep down I want to stay relevant. You know, to stay connected. To share things that I like, to spread awareness on things I’m passionate about. I’m kind of hoping that I can blog now for at least once a month. I will try. Haha. But I’m on Instagram anyway. Let’s see each other there, then?     

My Breastfeeding Journey

I still couldn't believe that our youngest will be half a year old in the next couple of weeks. Wow. Just like that! Sometimes I still couldn't get over the fact that I already have three kids. Time sure flies so fast when you're a mom, no? Anyway, I decided to blog my breastfeeding journey today cos I'm too lazy to take product photos for reviews. Feeling beauty blogger lang! I'm kidding. I love talking about skincare products (and sometimes makeup too but my knowledge is very limited to eyeliners and lipsticks) and I really don't know how many people visit this blog so I might as well write about something relevant.

I've exclusively breastfed Dylan for close to 5mos. A few weeks ago, we started with formula feeding (when my supply drops and whenever I leave the house). I'm a stay-at-home mom so I don't have to pump anymore. And I personally think that it's too tedious compared to just letting it all hang. Haha. Plus a good automatic pump is super duper expensive! But I'm really planning to buy one cos I'm going back to work soon. I'll talk about the pros first then the cons and some tips to amp up your milk supply. Here goes!

Pros

• It's economical. Hello, it's free! Need I say more?
• Convenient. No need to wash and sterilize feeding bottles. Milk is always warm and ready. Less burping needed. Less colic too!  
• Breastfed babies are more resistant to disease and infection.
• Breastfed babies tend to develop faster.   
• Breastfed children are less likely to develop psychological and behavioral learning problems as they grow older. You're raising happy and smart babies!
• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop food allergies.
• Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytoxin, responsible for shrinking the uterus back in all its glorious state more quickly.
• Breastfeeding helps with the weight loss. But you know in most cases, the body will hold onto the last 10lbs (my case). But don't fret cos after weaning, the weight comes off as well.
• Breastfeeding gives you a sense of pride as a mother. You're a milk making machine so be proud! Plus the bond of a nursing mother and her child is stronger than any other human contact. 
• Breastfeeding works as a natural contraceptive so it helps with child spacing. That is if you're breastfeeding exclusively (and you have lactational amenorrhea).
• And a lot more about preventing certain types of cancer, diabetes, etc.

Cons

• The only con I could think of is that you have to constantly watch what you eat. It's hard especially if you enjoy eating. In my case, I had to cut down on chocolates, cakes and pastries included. I had to avoid spicy and greasy food. I can't drink coffee, tea and wine; which makes me sad sometimes especially if I'm around with friends. That's it! I don't care about my sore gorged breasts and cracked nipples. Seriously, I don't care about them. And over-the-counter cosmetics can wait too.       

And some tips for a joyful breastfeeding journey

• Stay stress-free. I noticed that when I'm too stressed out my milk supply drops. And the baby gets all sorts of fussy. So try your best to stay relaxed and calm when nursing the baby.
• Take moringa supplements. It helps with the milk supply production by upping it up to 200%. That's a lot! (plus moringa supplements make the skin glow. heeeeh) 
• Have soup! Especially those of ginger-based clam/mussel soups.
• Buy a pretty yet light nursing cover to make you feel well pretty and the baby comfortable.
• Have fun! You'll miss it badly once its over. So cherish every feeding moment.

If you can, choose to breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding rocks so the hell with the cons. ;)

Forever a Wallflower

I was in a 'blog event' the other day, make it a beauty event! Yes, being the huge introvert that I am I dragged my lazy ass to attend a social gathering of some sort. To be honest I'm not that into makeup. Don't get me wrong, I buy makeup and I'd like to believe that I know how to put makeup on. I see makeup as an art. You know how a painter appreciates a good painting? Only in this case, I appreciate a beautifully made up face. That kind of thing! But I'm a kikay at heart. I might not look like one but I am, just on my own messed up way.

It was Project Vanity's 5th year anniversary. I've been reading Liz's blog since her Ukay Manila days and it was so awesome to have finally met her in the flesh. She is so nice that when she noticed that I had no one to talk to, she approached and introduced me to some of the bloggers. And of course the others too! It's good to have finally put faces to the names that I just see on her blog. Everyone was so pretty and fasyon! As Tita K has mentioned: Gaganda ng kilay! It was actually the first time that I went to a blog event. I had a great time people watching!

Well I had to be at the back because I'm tall! Char!

I'm not a fan of meet and greet. I don't have social skills. I blurt out things I'm not supposed to say. I stutter or freeze most of the time. That's one reason why I like to blog so much cos in real life, I suck at talking. But then I thought that it's too self-centered (add pathetic too) of me to think that I should just stay in the house and stop meeting new acquaintances. Cos no matter how shy I am, I still like meeting different kinds of people. 

Oggling galore! Haha! Had a side-shave last year just like hers.

Ms. Nelly See of Pinkbox and Karrots of Live Love Lolz

These are exactly the kinds of  people I look up to. Beautiful, passionate, strong-willed and down-to-earth. Women who inspire other women in their own little way. I was thinking that maybe one day, I'd outgrow my ridiculously-awkward-self, or not. Who knows? I'm grateful to have met these women. Grateful that we have these things called blogs and the internet.

All Things DIY: Jars, Kites and Some

Hi, everyone (assuming that someone's reading or visiting)! How was your week so far? Mine's been busy with crafts and cooking hence the lack of posts. I'm doing some crafts for Dylan's DD next month. I'm so excited! I've started with a few already.

Jars as table centerpieces 

Kites for backdrop 

And some books that I wrapped

I'm so glad that the ideas have already come to fruition. Normally, I wouldn't spend money on decorations because I'm stingy like that! But I've been wanting to do this for so long and I think now is the perfect time to do it budget and time-wise! So, I bought some nice papers from Print Cafe, ribbons from National Bookstore and textiles and fabrics from Uniwide. Then I'll be using some 'old looking' stuff I can find in our house. I'm still cheap considering the loot mentioned above. Haha. Can't wait to show you guys the outcome! Wish me luck! :)

P.S. I'm road-testing a VMV product right now. I'll let you know in full detail on my next post! :)

To Scrub or Not To Scrub

There's something so gratifying when you scrub your skin. But be careful when you scrub (especially your face) cos if you scrub too enthusiastically, it can do more harm than good. Sometimes your cleanser and a wet washcloth is enough to get rid of dull and flaky skin. But if you're like me and you can't simply get away with the obligatory scrubbing, be cautious and always observe how your skin behaves after a scrub.

Most of the time, I use a wet nappy cloth to get rid of accumulated dull skin. If my skin is behaving well, I use St. Ives Olive Scrub or St. Ives Apricot Invigorating Scrub (just around the nose and chin). I like how St. Ives has always been against animal testing and how the company supports recycling. Plus their skincare products are now paraben and phthalate-free. Both are fruit based kernel scrubs so I’m getting the AHA that I need which promotes cell renewal (a small amount of AHA is not so bad for sensitive skin as long as you use it sparingly). And cheap, you get a big tube for the amount of Php200+.

Read on for efficient and safe scrubbing tips:

A pea-size amount is enough to scrub your whole face. Make sure your face is completely wet before proceeding with the scrub. Massage with circular and gentle motion. Rinse your face thoroughly; pat your face with a clean freshly washed towel. Don't forget to tone and put on moisturizer to avoid skin dryness.

Look for facial scrubs with granules that will dissolve in water as they’re more skin-friendly (or you can concoct your own! My favorite is oatmeal + honey).            

Steer clear of rough face puffs however natural they may be.

Be careful when you scrub around the cheeks. Sometimes it's enough to just scrub the nose, skin surrounding the nose, forehead and chin.

Scrub not more than once a week regardless if you have sensitive, normal, oily or combination skin. Resist the urge to scrub often however satisfying it may feel like.

Prevention is always better than cure. So always be safe. Happy scrubbing... or not!  

My Brow Story

I have this thing for brows. I admire pretty and well-shaped brows. Maybe because mine are sparse and thin, so I want my brows to be full and thicker. I bought my first brow pencil right after I graduated from high school. Aahhh freedom from the prying nuns' eyes! I need it that early as my brows are really thin and light colored. I've tried everything to make it thicker and darker; from coconut oil to aloe vera! But they're still thin and well, shapeless. 

Neat and perfectly arched eyebrows frame the face. You can get away with well-groomed eyebrows without any makeup on. You'd still look decent enough to face the world. It's true! 

When I gave birth three months ago (it was a c-sec); the second thing that I did when I regained consciousness was to color my brows (still lying and still couldn't stand up). Yes, it's that important! I look terrible without brow product! I won't say that I have perfectly groomed eyebrows but I think they're pretty okay for a diy. So how do I groom my brows, you might ask. Well, I pluck and trim them. I haven't been into a brow salon to have them threaded and shaped. Because being the OC-do-it-yourself-stingy girl that I am, I just can't! 

My eyebrows look okay but it could be better!

For a diy brow grooming, you need a good pair of tweezers and small scissors. I can't elaborate on how to's because I don't have perfectly-groomed eyebrows (and you have google for that) but the rule of thumb is not to overpluck them. It can be pretty overwhelming when you do it yourself, especially if you're not careful. So I suggest that you do it gradually or better yet, go to a brow salon to have them threaded and shaped. Now for brow product, choose a color that's slightly lighter than your hair color cos it's more natural-looking. If you have thick eyebrows, use a brow gel to tame them. And last but not the least, after defining (wax) and filling (color) your brows, brush them with a spoolie for a more polished look.

That's about it! But I've been planning to visit a brow salon soon. It's about time, no? My eyebrows look okay but it could be better. So wish me luck!    

Online Shopping Etiquette 101

Do you like to shop online? Well, like most mommies and busy working girls, I do too! I like online shopping cos it's a great way to save time and money. You just need to find a reputable online shop for a hassle-free transaction. I've recently tried the Multiply cart (I know I know I'm so late) and boy oh boy I like it! I really really do! It's so easy (and fun) especially if you have a credit card (or online banking). Just don't be too trigger-happy when clicking the "buy" button if you're not so sure about a particular item you want to buy. Sellers hate bogus/joy reservers/buyers, so practice online shopping etiquette at all times!

So what are the basics of online shopping etiquette? Read on.

1. You're looking for affordable and cheaper (compared to mall prices) finds that's why you resort to online shopping. But as much as you want to haggle, don't. Unless you personally know the seller or if you've been a long time loyal customer, I guess that's okay (but at some level, it's still not okay). Avoid annoying comments like: "Last price?". Sellers state the prices for obvious reasons. If you're a frequent buyer from a particular site, chances are, the seller will give you freebies or discounts. No need for haggling.

2. The thing with online shopping is: "What you see is not what you usually get." Always bear that in mind. Especially if you're shopping for clothes and bags (colors, fabric and texture will always/may vary). Don't blame the seller if you hate didn't like what you've bought from them. Not unless the seller deliberately lied (fake items) about what they're selling, then you have every right to get mad and get even. Read the seller's terms and conditions thoroughly before purchasing a certain item so you'll know what to do if you can still return and have your item replaced. Be a responsible online shopper.

3. It's convenient to use social networking sites to communicate but if you're shopping online and you want a particular item (and especially if that item costs a lot of money). You text-call-pm-email instead to assure your seller that you're serious and you intend to buy the item from them. Don't just leave comments (this is common in Facebook) on the photo. It's impersonal and it would look like you're bragging (not unless it's really your intention).

4. It's okay to ask the seller if their items are authentic (I do it all the time), just be discreet. Or better yet, do your research! Online shops that have been in the business for more than 3 years are the most trustworthy ones. Read the customers' feedback so you can be assured that you're buying from a reputable shop.

5. Read. I can't state this enough but if you want a hassle-less transaction, read; it's the most prudent thing you can do.

5. After paying (whether you do it over the counter or online banking), make sure to notify your seller as well and include your payment details (bank details, time stamp, amount, etc).

6. Lastly, after receiving your package. Thank the seller for a hassle-less transaction (I won't say free cos online shops are not perfect). You need to build a good online relationship with your seller if you want a hassle-free transaction the next time you buy from them.

There you have it! Remember to be polite and be smart!