Getting ready for Halloween Costumes

Since I’ll be giving birth in September and would tremendously be busy until October, I might as well plan on what to get for Eve’s kiddie Halloween outfit. I admit, I’m such a worry-wart! Halloween is 3 months away and yet I’m already planning it for my lil’ kid.

I’m a super fan of making costumes for my little daughter. I remember making a cake costume for Eve’s Halloween costume in 2008. I made a 2-layer cake costume using an insulating foam, pink creep paper, cardboard, empty toilet paper roll and masking tape. My Eve is so cute in it she still used the cake costume during her 2nd birthday last November 30, 2008. Too bad I wasn’t able to back up the photo!

Now that I’m a working mom, I don’t have enough time to make homemade halloween costumes for my kiddo. In 2009, I bought a witch’s costume for her but I wasn’t satisfied with her look. It seemed to plain for me.
Luckily, shopping online is super convenient for me. I found Costume Couldron’s creative, unique and stylish line of Halloween costumes for kids of all ages.

I personally like the Monster Bride Costume

The costume looks sophisticated and very European. Of course, I'd want my kid to stand out that's why I may opt to buy the stylish look of Monster Bride.

I’d also love to see Eve in a Clubhouse Minnie Mouse Costume.

The pink dress is really attractive with its big bold white polka dots, puff sleeves and white collar. It even includes the headband! Eve will surely look super sweet in this costume.

Now, I can’t wait for Halloween to come! Might as well get a sexy halloween costume for me! To know how many days left before Halloween, click here. For other cute and unique costumes, you may visit Costume Couldron's website or they're facebook account.

Your Family's Safety: Carnapping Incidents on the Rise

Last night's news regarding recurring carnapping incidents along EDSA surely gave me shivers and tremendous fear for my family's safety.

Based from news reports, the victims came from the airport and on their way home, the hijackers bumps their car from the rear. The subtle collision is intended to prompt the passenger/victim to alight from their vehicles. Apparently, the criminals start tailing their victims from the airport. Most of the hijacked vehicles were SUV's.

Sharing with you the news article on Car thieves strike again, this time on Edsa from Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The news affects me big time because most of my relatives especially my dad flies in and out of the country for like 4 times a year. Early this quarter, he wanted to buy an Isuzu Montero but I just convinced him to delay the purchase. Call me a freak but I fear for my parents' life so bad. Speaking of family safety, my husband and I invested in a zapper where we bring wherever we go. Our zapper is very handy and carries just enough electricity to make an attacker unconscious.

Likewise, I do hope the government would approve and implement the GPS tracking devices in vehicles. I heard that LTFRB has this project last year but it wasn't successful.

Home-Made Chicken Nuggets

As someone who’s still a rookie in the kitchen, I have been researching on how and what to prepare for a kid’s meal or a snack. I’m not a big fan of fast food but I know with a little creativity, I can make nutritious and mouth-watering recipes for my Evee.

I was thinking of making chicken nuggets minus the preservatives and oil from deep-frying. So I bought everything I need to make my little foodie experimentation. On my basket were:

Chicken fillet (cut into strips), calamansi, flour, cornstarch, iodized salt, pepper, Magic Sarap, eggs, fresh milk and corn oil

Using calamansi, salt, pepper and Magic Sarap, I seasoned the chicken fillet and kept it inside the ref overnight. I also prepared the batter which included flour, cornstarch, egg, fresh milk and a dash of salt. I may have taken experimentation by heart for as you may have noticed there are no measurements for the ingredients so it’s basically a trial and error thing.

I woke up early the next day to combine the meat and the batter for frying. I cooked fried rice, egg, dilis and chicken nuggets for breakfast. I also sliced 3 sweet potatoes so she can have something to munch on for her morning snack while watching her favorite Nickelodeon show “Team Umizumi”. I also had to rush for work that morning so I ate quickly (with hubby and Evee still in the middle of eating), took a shower and got dressed. Eve’s empty plate and loud burp is enough to make me feel like an Iron Chef Mommy!

Oh and by the way, she’s requesting for French fries. Might as well run to the grocery to get some large potatoes for tonight’s homemade crunchy fries!

Avent and Tommee Tippee:Product Primer Review

I’m on my second pregnancy right now and I’ve started to research for baby stuff to buy. I’m planning to exclusively breastfeed my baby and thought it should be the basis for the things on my shopping list.

Breast Pump
First, I’m going to need a trusty breastpump. With my first child, I didn’t bother to buy a pump since I said I’m not going to use it. Turns out, even if you nurse directly from your breasts, you’re really going to need a breastpump to express excess milk especially when baby is asleep or is still full. I suffered from engorged and aching breasts because I don’t have a pump. Good thing my SIL gave me her own breastpump. As for the brand, I think its from Bebe and it tortured me like hell! Its like squeezing an unriped lemon.

Just last week, I already received the Avent ISIS BPA-free Manual Breast Pump I bought from an online seller for like 90% off. I joined a forum for Pinoy parents and I’ve read great reviews of the product from experienced moms. Since I plan to continue on breastfeeding after my maternity leave, I’m hoping to make the most out of my Avent Breast Pump. I also bought a spare pump from Chicco for which I have yet to try. I’ll be writing a separate review for the breastpump once I use it.

Avent vs. Tommee Tippee
I would also need to invest on bottles and milk storage for my breastfeeding needs. Top two things I look for in bottles are: it should be BPA-free and anti-colic. I will be transferring my precious breastmilk in these bottles so they should also be safe when stored in a freezer or ref. I researched on various brands and came down to two choices: the BPA-free line of Avent bottles and the hard to find Tommee Tippee.

I already bought 5 BPA-free bottles from Avent (comes with a free bottle brush) and 2 Tommee Tippee bottles from their Closer to Nature line. I’m glad both brands were made in England. Compared to Avent, TT is hard to find here in the Philippines. I purchased my TT bottles at SM MOA when I went there last week for a work-related affair (to think that I reside 2 hours from that mall). I wanted to test both products first to see what suits my baby best.

Tommee Tippee Closure to Nature’s claim: Their uniquely shaped bottles are designed to help infants’ seamless transition between breast and bottle feeding. Suitable for working moms who want to continue giving breastmilk to their babies. The nipples are lifelike, soft, flexible and has a built-in valve to reduce air intake.
I will soon be posting my review for these two brands as soon as my newborn and I use it.

Morning Bliss

Mornings for me are sacred. It’s the time of the day when you get to wait and watch your little angel slowly open up her eyes. It’s when you get to feel the warm snuggle of your still asleep hubby. It’s when you get to thank the Lord for another day, another week.

Since I live just 10 minutes away from my workplace, I have the luxury of getting the most out of my morning free time with Eve and Gab. Wakey time for the three of us means playtime before breakfast, cuddle cadoodles and kiss squeezes (picture Eve between me and Gab as we both kiss her on the cheek until she feels squeezed). I love how Eve smiles whenever she sees her dad and I hug or kiss. I simply get the vibes that she feels secure with the sight of her parents show their affection in a "wholesome", kid-friendly way.

After maybe 20-30 minutes of kulitan, we go downstairs for a hearty breakfast. Eve is the life of our mealtimes. She always manages to make us laugh with her innocent remarks and responses.

One time, she was at the living room and I had to call her and shout from the dining area as I’m about to get late. She immediately said, "Mom, don’t shoouut!" Then i said, "ok little girl, no more shouting for mommy. I’m sorry!" Whenever I remember this scene, it never fails to make me smile. She’s really growing up....so fast.

Oh, how I love mornings!!!

Lessons you learn from other people

It’s amazing how other people can cheer you up unexpectedly...

I was feeling the blues this morning (either because of a complicated situation or pre-partum depression) and I had to literally drag my feet going to the office. I was glad to see my dad and sister via webcam but the elated feeling instantly evaporated. Given that I’m already on my 7th month of pregnancy right now, some days just doesn’t feel good for me. A mixture of mental, emotional and physical stress has overwhelmed me for the past few days. Yet, I find no reason to give up knowing I badly need this job.

My good friend in the office isn’t around so I had to keep myself busy to distract myself from the negative mood I’m having for the day. During lunchtime, I opted to eat alone since I don’t feel like chatting with the others.

After I finished my meal, I was waiting at the pantry for my turn at the washing area and I noticed one of our janitorial personnel was having a conversation with one of my officemates. I overheard my lady officemate say " Rico, after 5 minutes marami ka na ulit huhugasan jan at lilinisin. Di ka ba napapagod?".

"Ma’am, alam mo dapat masaya ka palagi sa ginagawa mo kahit marami, konti, maliit o malaki. Ako nga masaya palagi kaya pogi at maraming biyaya!", Rico said.

Unconvinced, she said " Dami ko kaya problema!". Then Rico even added, "Pag puro problema iisipin mo ma’am, naku tatanda ka! Di naman mawawala problema pero kung naka-smile ka habang may problema eh di hindi mo proproblemahin and magmukhang matanda!"

It was a simple logic from a simple person who cheered me up with his words that day. It’s not that I feel more fortunate for having much compared to him, but the contentment and hope I saw in him was enough to inspire me. Thank you Lord. You always manage to make your presence felt especially when my spirits are down.

Sending our love to other parts of the world

Eve: Mommy, where’s Lolo?
Me: In Africa
Eve: Where’s Mamala, Papalo?
Me: In New Zealand
Eve: How bout Tita Judith, Kuya Ribo and Ate Kimmy?
Me: In Cebu
Eve: Where is Kuya Seth and Ate Babu?
Me: In Manila
Eve: Where’s Ninang Ben?
Me: In Africa, with Lolo
Eve: No! In Disneyland lang!

Everyday, my little girl always asks me the whereabouts of our loved ones. I never once hesitated to answer her because I want her to realize that our family may be in different places but still the love and care is always there.

I remembered when I was still a kid, I would feel sad everytime dad would leave for work. But then I’d feel giddy again knowing he’ll come home in time for dinner. Back then, I look forward to family gatherings or birthday celebrations because I know everyone, from my lolo and lola to my aunts and uncles plus cousins will be there to have a great time.

But now, times have changed. We have to be extra strong to accept the complexities that comes with an unstable economy (or should I say government?). Opportunities overseas became a window for our family members to financially sustain the needs of other loved ones. My dad, who I admire for his great dedication at work and impeccable skills in plantation management is now reaping the fruits of his labor. For 5 years, he ignored the big time offer to be a chief engineer in a British owned company in Africa because he didn’t want to be away from us. It wasn’t until the realization of economic crunch in the country that made him decide to accept the offer.

I am a working mom, who earns just enough and survives with the help of my parents and my husband’s relatives and yet planning our life in 5 years times seems vague for me. I credit it to the fact that I don’t feel secure in my own country to give what is due to its struggling citizens who incessantly pay their taxes rightfully.

I never loose hope, though. It’s a blessing everytime I wake up and feel God’s shower of graces upon us. I’m grateful that my daughter understands why some of our families are worlds apart. I’m thankful that each day brings new hope for us. I’m praying to God for wisdom so my husband and I may lead our kids to where and what God wants them to be. I’m praying for our country as well, and wisdom for its leaders to serve rightfully.

*This post is dedicated to our loved ones from all over the world. Sending our kisses and prayers to Dad, Brenda, Mama, Papa, Tito Noel, Tita Lily, Lynell, Lyzel and Azreal. Also to Tita Judith, Tito Koko, Ribo, Kim, Tito Nikko, Mommy Merz and Daddy Pitt.

Mommy wants Eve's DS lite

The original title of this post is actually ‘Eve and her DS Lite’ but a realization suddenly struck me. So read on so you’ll get the rationale behind the selfish title above.

Our relative from the US sent Eve a Nintendo DS Lite just a few weeks ago. Her dad, being a video game geek, loaded the console with a number of cool games. Eve quickly got her way thru using the DS since she loves tinkering with the stylus that comes with it. She particularly likes the game Sally Salon and Cooking Mama. It’s entertaining to watch her solve the challenges without getting frustrated. One try didn’t stop her to reach a higher game level. I also appreciate when she asks for either me or her dad for help everytime she gets confused with instructions.

Although she has her DS to play with, her painting, coloring and block-building activities aren’t forgotten and is still part of her daily play routine.

I got to experience DS during my lax time after office and surely, it’s addicting. I remembered when I was still in highschool, I got hooked with playing computer games in the weekends. The likes of Counterstrike, Ragnarok, Sims, and Battle of Realms were the games that I’ve taken interest in. I used to play from sun up to sun down with my meals being taken on the couch beside the computer.

This time feels different. I don’t have the luxury to waste time for computer games when I should rather spend it actually playing cuddle cadoodle with Eve and her dad. I shake off the feeling of self-pity everytime I feel deprived of the things I could get if only I’m single. Being a young mom, I also struggle with thoughts of wanting to experience what it could be like if I only spend for myself.

But seeing my little doll is enough for me not to regret anything that happened in my life. Her bright eyes and infectious smile is God’s answer to my senseless doubts and fears. With Eve, I don’t need a cheat code just to get her to laugh. I don’t need to level up just to gain her affection, hugs and kisses. The high feeling you get when you finish a video game is incomparable with the contentment in your heart just by knowing you’ve spent quality and quantity time with the person that matters most in your life.

have a heart for mother earth

I was heartbroken this morning.....

I'm not a hardcore environmentalists but I'm practicing simple green living in my daily routine hoping I could be of help in saving mother earth. The moment I turned on my PC, news of rescue efforts at the gulf of mexico immediately caught my attention. Birds were emerged in oil, dolphins and sharks are seen dead at the shore...

Gulf oil spill: Wildlife rescue effort is a challenge in the gulf - latimes.com

I can't help but pray for these poor animals. I fear for the next negative impact if the oil spill crisis wouldn't be resolved.

Rain on me...

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Originally uploaded by eve.dominique

As Eve enthusiastically sings "If all the raindrops are lemon drops and gum drops, oh what a rain that would be. Standin' outside with my mouth open wide, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!, I can't help but feel cheerful. The rainy season is here. Thank God the dry spell had already ended.
(photo shows Eve when she was about 2 while enjoying a rainy afternoon)