SOME THANKSGIVING READINGS

photo: BirchandBird

Some readings about Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all! Hope you enjoy this list. :)  (Just click the title)

• 5 Scientific Facts that Prove Gratitude is Good for You
• What Peanuts got Right About Thanksgiving
• 8 Kids Who Totally Get This Thanksgiving Thing (Kind of) - This one's really funny but the kids are adorable! A must-see!
• Places Nobody Wants to be on Thanksgiving
• 51 Things You Can Be Thankful For On Any Day
• Read This Before You Come Out On Thanksgiving
• 5 Reasons Why Gratitude Is Good For Your Health
• Scientific Proof That Being Thankful Improves Your Health
• Silly, Happy, Heartwarming Reasons To Be Thankful For Our Kids
• 60 Things To Be Thankful For In Life

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7 DIY Baby Pants Projects You Should Make

Today I want to share a compilation of DIY baby pants which I gathered from different mommy bloggers, hope you  like it! (Just click on the labels for the links)

1. Dear Lizzy's DIY: Baby Chevron Tights and Triangle Leggings

2, By Wilma's DIY Jersey Baby Pants

3. Junkaholique's DIY Baby

4. Cirque du Bebe's Baby Sarouels

5. Take Time to Smell the Rose 's Toddler Longies or Pants

6. Make It Love It 's 2 Legging Styles

 

7. The Crafty Doulah's  Baby Pants Tutorial

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Worth reading Indeed

I found this well written article worth reading for first time parents. For me, the best part of this article is

3. Your baby is not like the other babies.

"Your baby is the only one of herself who has ever been, and you and your partner are the only experts on her. Your baby will not behave like the books say, won't like what she's supposed to like, won't do what she's supposed to do when she's supposed to do it, and that's normal and great and perfectly OK. The best thing you can do is put down your literature and get to know your baby. What does she like? What makes her laugh? How does she best fall asleep? What does hungry sound like? The discovery of these things will serve you so much more than any stranger's care instructions ever will. You don't have to make your life or your family look like any particular model -- you don't have to follow the rules. You just have to create a life that works for you and fosters love and security and a whole lot of laughter. If that looks like 2 a.m. pancake parties, I'm not going to tell on you. I might actually admire you and be just a little bit jealous. "

So without further ado, here is the link to the article 10 True Things About the First Year of Parenthood

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Cutie Baby Shoes!

I was looking for some gift ideas for the holidays. Then I found these cutie baby booties. I want them for my baby fiefie. Pinterest is really a good place to find awesome stuff.

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I'm Back!

Hey everyone! Yes I'm back again. I've been very busy at home.  So I just want to clear that this blog is still active. :) Anyway, I am excited to share a lot of stuff! Hope I can finish them on time. Lots love :)

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The Devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines

I know this is off-topic, but I can't help but write something about Super Typhoon Yolanda and its victims. In my 27 years of existence, Yolanda (International name; Haiyan) is the strongest typhoon I have ever seen. Although it did not directly make landfall in our region, we still experienced its wrath and left some damages to our beloved city. The scene in Tacloban, one of the cities that experienced the power of this nasty storm, is truly heartbreaking. The city lost almost all of the houses, people, buildings, and all.

Super typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan was described as the most unusual, the strongest, and the most devastating typhoon worldwide for this year. It targeted the Visayas and its ten areas due to their massive size. It is a Megastorm as described by National Geographic. Read more of this info here.

I have also seen a few videos that will leave anyone in shock. Here are some of the footage taken by our country's brave media men.

Here are the links


Super Typhoon Yolanda Video 1


Super Typhoon Yolanda Video 2

In the city where I live, we also experienced strong winds and heavy rain. It is not the first time I share a powerful typhoon. Typhoon Reming is similar to Yolanda, it may not be a perfect storm, but it is also one of the strongest that left us with many casualties. We were also flooded and lost our home. So I know how it feels.

I am praying for the fast recovery of the affected areas. I know it will take a long time to recover and leave a massive scar in our hearts and minds, but life continues. We have to be strong and be thankful that God saved most of us from this typhoon. Bangon Pinas! Kaya natin 'to.

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Helpful Resources for Toddler Separation Anxiety and Clingy Baby

(photo credit: Parents.com)

Recently my 17 month old baby is getting too clingy. She cries almost everyday. I have no idea what triggered her. I researched the web and found out that I am not alone. Many moms from around the world are also facing the same issue. In one website, Parenting.com an article with a title Make your Clingy Baby Confident - it stated that this clingy thing is called separation and stranger anxiety. But one thing made me smile.."Babies who are the most connected early on have such strong trust in their parents that calm reassurance from mom and dad gives them the comfort to try new things or explore unfamiliar territory, knowing that help will be there if they need it." If you want to know more about this article, you can read it here.

Now, I am already aware of the clingy part, so I tried to find tips that will help me get rid of it. And here are the helpful links I have found:

• Calming your Clingy Child
• Very Clingy 12 mo old - it is a forum discussion of moms worldwide giving tips and advices. A must-read.
• 10 Ways to handle a Clingy Kid
• 7 year old clingy, can't play alone, becoming disrespectful - if you have a kid like hers, you must read the doctor's advice in this Q&A.
• Attachment Parenting - How to break free - Some people believes that being clingy is a result of attachment parenting but the experts says 'it is just a myth'.
• So there you go, hope these links will help you as well because I did. But you know there's nothing to worry about because being clingy is just a normal phase that we need to understand and let our children know why it is not always good.
• UPDATE: She's okay now. It seems that teething caused her to have that mood. whew!

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Bored? Check out these cool links NOW!

The internet is such a huge place to wander. If you don't know where to go, you'll find yourself trap in the middle of crappy websites. And yes, it can be stressful too. If you know how to dig in deeper in the world wide web, you'll find tons of websites that will help you guide through life. Yes, you read that right. Well, aside from this, you will also learn and have fun. So without further ado, here is my first set of cool links that will free you from problems, stress etc.

Unstuck
Relevant Magazine
Thought Catalog
Mind Body Green
Good Net

Hope you liked it! Please comment if you want to add more sites here and I will update the list. Thanks a lot.

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How To Be More Confident

Happy Wednesday everyone! Be confident! love lots :)

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Missin' Single-hood?

To mommies and even daddies out there, have you ever felt missin' your single life? Me, I do, sometimes. I think it's normal to first time parents to feel this. I feel guilty whenever I think about it since I chose to have my own family.

The memories of my single-hood strikes when everything isn't good. I even wish that sometimes it will be like this and like that. I can't even have my "me time" since my daughter is sooo energetic and she always want to be held.

My hubby and I used to do food trips even late at night, we go to different places to eat. After the baby comes, we rarely do this kind of thing. But despite of it all, we are blessed. Our baby has given us endless joy. Whenever we are down, she makes us so happy.

Yes, single-hood may have given me a lot of freedom to do things my way, but having my own family is still the best experience, gift, and blessing. How and why? That inexplicable joy you feel whenever you are with your family or loved ones is called blessing. There are things in life that we need to give up for something that is more important.  And that is how we give up single-hood to welcome our own family.

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The Break up Script - I want to Find Myself

Recently, I have encountered a lot of break up stories from my friends mostly have long term relationships, you know that kind of 6 to 8 years relationships which we almost thought will end in a wedding. And the reasons? Guys and their " I need to find myself" script. If you're a girl, it is devastating, right? I don't see any good reasons about finding yourself after so many years. In fact, you can still find yourself while having your partner helping you. Or better find yourself first before settling or entering into a relationship. I think it is better that way than hurting other people especially if you and your partner already have a child. What is more painful is that, that guy saying " I want to find myself" is hooking up with other girl..sad. To girls who are currently in this situation, just remember you are strong and blessed enough not to be with that person that cheated you or played you for so many years. God has reasons why he gave you such love story. He wants you to learn something. He has different ways of letting us know what he wants us to do. Just trust him. He'll give you a happier life than you had with your previous partner.

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Product Review: Human Heart Nature Baby Wash

Many moms are complaining about the stinky smell of sweat on their babies. Yes! even our sweet little angels can get a not-so-good odor. And I am one of those moms, Fiefie is a very active baby, she plays a lot and sweat a lot. I've tried branded shampoos and soaps found in every stores but they are not that effective. Until a friend of mine recommended Human Heart Nature Baby wash. I purchased a 50ml bottle first to try and I love it. HHN baby wash is an all in one baby wash made from all organic ingredients. It has a lavender smell which is heavenly soothing. What's good about this product is that, no matter how sweaty my baby is, she still smells good. It doesn't easily go away. You don't need to use a baby cologne or anything. I use it mostly as a shampoo since it's good on Fiefie's hair making it more smooth and shiny. As a liquid soap, it somehow makes my baby's skin dry which is the downside. Every baby's skin is different so it might not work well with my baby but who knows it might be good to your baby's skin. What I did is, I solely used it as her shampoo and Dove baby soap for her body.

closer look to the ingredients

As you can see, the ingredients are mostly natural. Here are some of the ingredients:

• Decyl Glucoside - Decyl Glucoside is a natural, non-ionic surfactant, ideal for all foaming and cleansing products.  Our Decyl Glucoside, obtained from renewable raw materials, is a combination of plant based fatty alcohols (coconut c8-16) and glucose (corn starch).  Decyl Glucoside is a mild surfactant and because it does not dry it is ideal for the formulation of personal hygiene and toiletry cosmetics.  (Source: Ingredientstodiefor)


• Coco Glucoside - is an non-ionic surfactant that can be used as a foaming agent, conditioner or emulsifier. It is derived from renewable raw materials such as coconut oil and fruit sugars, and is completely biodegradable. It contains no diethanolamides, lauryl sulfates, laureth sulfates, parabens or formaldehyde. (Source: newdirectionsaromatics.ca)


• Gkyceryl Oleate - Glyceryl Oleate, also called, Glyceryl Monooleate, is obtained from naturally occurring oils and fats. It occurs as a clear amber or pale yellow liquid. In cosmetics and personal care products, it is predominantly used in the formulation of lipsticks, eye shadows, makeup bases, and skin care products. (Source: cosmeticsinfo.org)


• Sodium Lactate -  a 60% concentration in water, and is the sodium salt of natural L(+)-Lactic Acid, produced through the fermentation of sugar, an alpha hydroxy acid that occurs everywhere in nature. (Source: Ingredientstodiefor)


• Sodium Gluconate - is sodium salt of gluconic acid that is produced by the fermentation of glucose. PMP Sodium gluconate comes in a fine granular or powdered form. It is soluble in water, non corrosive, non toxic, biodegradable and biorenewable. (Source: pmpinc.com)


• Sodium Cocoyle Isethionate- is a sodium salt ester, or a fatty acid derived from coconut oil. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a surfactant and is often seen in hair care products like shampoos because of its ability to help water to mix with oil and dirt, allowing them to be more easily rinsed away, according to CosmeticsInfo.org. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is also seen as an ingredient in a variety of soaps and cleansing products. As a surfactant, it creates a wet feeling, it solubilizes oils and reduces surface tension, and can aid in foaming as well. (Source: Truthinaging.com)


• Xantham Gum - Xanthan Gum is used by people who are allergic to gluten to add volume and viscosity to bread and other gluten-free baked goods. It is made from a tiny microorganism called Xanthomonas campestris and is a natural carbohydrate. (source: bobsredmill.com)

There you go. I would say this is perfect for my baby Fiefie. Now, my 50ml bottle (44.75 pesos) is empty and I purchased a bigger size 200ml which is worth 129.75 pesos . :) For me it's affordable.

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Welcome to Mommyhood

Sleepless nights...exhausting days...but a rewarding job to do, that's motherhood. I started to appreciate my mom even more when I had my own child and experience everything about taking care of my own baby. I told myself, so this is how I gave my mom headaches, how I made her cry with exhaustion back then. But she loves me even I'm giving her problems. It is the exact thing I feel about my daughter who is kinda' giving me a hard time to sleep and tiring day. However, I know this is just the beginning. My daughter will not always be a baby and time will come I will miss the days I held her when she's crying, playing, kissing her endlessly and cuddling her when she's sad. Now I know, the hardest job in the world is not being the leader of a country or anything, but being a mother. :) I salute all the mothers out there whose trying to balance life as a mom, a wife and being her

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Organic Brands and Sellers in the Philippines

After I gave birth, I decided to go organic. There are many reasons why I chose this path and one of these is to keep my family healthy and safe. I enjoy shopping organic made items especially for my baby. However, I do it online since our province does not have a store that offers pure organic products. Hopefully soon! And because of my obsession in organic things, I listed the stores and companies offering natural made products in the Philippines.

1. Human Heart Nature - A friend dealer asked me to like her FB page and decided to check if they have baby products. I was impressed by the positive reviews from their customers. HHN has affordable products and easy to navigate website. I haven't tried their products yet since I have just ordered from my friend. They have huge varieties of products with prices that every mom will love. HHN offers products for babies, women and men.


2. Tiny Buds - I discovered this product when I was pregnant, I used their rice baby powder and it was awesome. I actually bought it for my baby, but since I sweat a lot during my pregnancy I used it and it really works wonder. It keeps me dry and fresh. This powder is biodegradable and hypoallergenic, completely free from harmful talc and other chemicals. It keeps the baby’s skin healthy, fresh, moisturized and dry from perspiration. Aside from this, I also tried their Tiny Buds Baby Bottle & Utensil Wash which is made from mild natural cleaner. It is safe to use for babies since it is made from 100% food safe fruit extracts. It easily gets rid off the bacteria and foul odor from a left over formula. And since my baby frequently have insect bites, I used the Tiny Buds Scratch Off Natural Soothing Cool Gel which is specially formulated with natural ingredients to help soothe common skin discomfort like itch, swelling and redness from insect bites and other minor skin irritation for children and adults. (Source: Tiny Buds FB Page) Their products are quite pricey, however, they are effective and safe.


3. Milea Organics - Haven't tried their products yet. But it has tons of positive reviews as well. They have products for babies, women and men. They also sell organic honey in different flavors which I would also want to try.


4. GIGA Ventures -  One of the most well known sellers of natural beauty products. I heard a lot about their Giga Shampoo Bar, many customers says it has miraculous results. Will add this item to my grocery list for product review. They have many outlets in Manila. Unfortunately, here in Albay, we don't have their branch that's why I have to purchase online.


5. Messy Bessy - They are known for their natural household cleaning products. I haven't tried their products too but definitely I would also want to purchase and see if they are really effective. I also love their vintage-like packaging, so cute. However, their products are pricey (ooops!). But if you mommies are interested, you can always check out their website.


6. Zenutrients - It is a family owned business offering various types of organic products. They have different branches in Manila. Zenutrients is a brand that has everything you need from head to toe and more! All natural + organic shampoos, soaps, lotions, scrubs, butters and other products, made from the best that nature has to offer, handmade & bottled for you. (Source: Zenutrients FB Page)


7. Leyende - From the Spanish word leyenda, meaning “legend” or “story,” Leyende is an emerging Filipino brand of handmade, natural and organic bath and body products following eco-friendly, artisanal principles. (S0urce: FB Leyende Page)


8. Indigo baby - A one stop shop baby store. Their mission is to promote attachment parenting- breastfeeding, co-sleeping, babywearing and use all natural products for moms, dads and babies! (Source: Indigo Baby FB page)


9. Sensou Nature Source - This shop sells almost all products of the brands listed here. In 2007, a group of friends began to individually discover how not just their lifestyle but also the products that they choose to use, can affect the well-being of both their families and the world outside. In the search for cleaner alternatives, they realized that they had to go all over Greater Manila to maintain this renewed lifestyle. These friends agreed how uncanny the irony was: buying green also meant buying more gas! (Source : Sesou Nature Source FB Page )


10. Ilog Maria - one of my favorite organic sellers. They sell affordable organic products from their honey bee farm. Would also love to try  their products.

That's it! So far this is my compiled list of organic products sellers in the Philippines. Will update this post to add more brands and sellers. Ciao!

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