My Shawl

I use my shawl for various purposes. I do not leave the house without a shawl during long or whole day trips. I use it to:

1. cover when nursing one of my children
2. cover myself when expressing breast milk
3. cover myself or my kids from sun rays or drizzle
4. cover myself when it is cold
5. play with my kids: hide and seek or if my son would like to become super hero
6. make it as a blanket for my kids
7. shield from all sorts – dust, pollution, water splash, etc.

My partner in this blog, Mel offered me to try the shawl she is selling. I really like the feel of the shawl, it is soft and thick. It is really different from what I usually buy from the malls. Apart from its quality, it is affordable. 

When I said to her that I really like the fabric of the shawl she gave me, a new venture for us emerged again. Just like this blog – we were just chatting and then we came up an idea of hosting one blog about mommy stuff. 

We are going to re-sell the shawl. It is @ 250 only. For more details, just drop us an email at mommymel.mommymay@gmail.com or message us at any of these numbers: smart: 0928-507-3376; sun: 0925-870-3049; 0917-629-7877.

These are also perfect as birthday or Christmas gifts. Grab one now!

Mommy kisses,

May

My AVENTure with Philips Air Fryer

This is a late post. I prepared fries and chicken two weeks ago to try my new air fryer. Thank you Philips Avent J

I have two versions for fries. First, ready-made fries; and second, fresh potatoes that I cut in strips.

I just added a dash of salt. Voila! I have a healthier snack for my kids!

Both my kids love it plus of course, the entire household. But I prefer the fresh potatoes.

Then I tried fried chicken. Prepare a bowl of one beaten egg. The number of eggs depends on the amount of chicken you will marinate. I put some salt pepper, dried rosemary and thyme. Before I put it inside the fryer, I coated it with flour.

Then here are my finished products! My son also loves the chicken.

The Philips Air Fryer

Cut potatoes 

Output of ready-made fries

Output of cut potatoes. Actually I forgot to take a photo of it.
I just borrowed my son's plate and this is what is left.

Thank you Avent for giving me a chance to prepare food in just a couple of minutes without the mess, and of course a healthier version.

Happy Sunday!

Mommy kisses,

May

Do you allow your children to own or play with cats or dogs?

I am a pet lover. I love our cats and dogs. I had a cat that was with us for 12 long years. She died when I had spotting with my son in 2010. Then our ever loyal dog, Maldita came.

I allow my kids to touch and mingle with our cats and dogs. We teach them to love our pets and to learn how to take care of them through feeding and bathing them regularly. Plus, playing with them.

Maldita particularly has been our protector and most especially to my son probably because of their bond even before my son was born. I was pregnant when we had Maldita. She was my companion when walking around, waiting for my son to pop up from my big tummy. When I am eating while pregnant, Maldita will always sit beside me and of course will ask me to give her something to eat. She even rests on my big pregnant tummy.

There was a time that my son slipped on the stairs and Maldita was there to the rescue in just a snap to stop my son from sliding down.

What are the benefits of allowing kids to have pets?

1) Physical: Walking, running or playing with dogs help enhance the motor skills of our kids. My son loves walking our dogs - Cacai and Maldita. This is one of the activities that I encourage my son.

2) Social: It is a topic to start a conversation and story-telling. My son loves telling something about our dogs or cats to us and to our neighbors. It is a topic for discussion to both my kids.

3) Emotional: Kids get to learn – the sense of responsibility. Whenever my father feeds or bathes our pets, my son usually goes with his grandfather. Our kids will get to learn that we should be responsible as owners in taking care of our pets. We even allow my son to go with Maldita when she needs to have her vaccination.

My daughter is also fond of our cats and dogs because she always calls them. She shows interest through pointing them to us when the pets are around or making a dog baby sign.

I’m actually excited seeing the new puppies of Maldita play with us.

Enjoy the weekend with our kids and beloved pets!

Mommy kisses,

May

Kuya taking a break

Kuya is tired after walking Maldita

Sharing My AVENTure: Circle of 30 Moms

June 7, the awarding of the Avent's Circle of 30 Moms. It was a long and fun day for me and the rest of the proud Avent mommies.

For our team, yellow, we were picked-up between 8:30-9:30 along Shaw and Ortigas. My seatmate in the van and the first mommy I get to know was mommy Cherry Tagalog.

With Cherry Tagalog

Nice welcoming signage :)

Thank you for the plaque

We had the awarding and of course a short speech. I shared how Avent helped me to fulfill my duties. The product that I really patronize is their single electric /manual pump. I just hope there will be a special price for us, Circle of 30 Moms for our next purchase of Avent products. A double electric pump is now included in my wish list. Here is a photo of my dream pump showcased in their demo area. J

My dream pump - double electric breast pump

 We had lunch then prepared ourselves for the photo shoot and video shoot. Some mommies were done with those two activities because their call time were earlier and they came from the provinces so they can go home after taking their lunch.

While waiting for our turn for the video shoot, I got to learn some funny and amazing stories from my teammates. We mommies have our own stories to share. I really enjoyed the company of my yellow teammates.

Here are the stuff we received from Philips Avent.

The loot bags and the stuff given to us :)

The yellow team - while waiting for our turn

And of course, the Philips Air Fryer! Thank you.

It was a great experience. Thank you Philips Avent!

Can't wait for our next activity!

Mommy kisses,

May

Baby sign for the week: More

Hi Mommies!

Here is the baby sign for the week – MORE.

This is very useful for us because we do not need to push our little ones to eat more or to have some more. They just tell us if they want some more!

Mommy kisses,

May

AVENTure: Philips Avent’s Lactation Room

During my AVENTure last June 7, I had a chance to use the Avent’s lactation room.

I must say, this is the best lactation room I ever visited.

The couch is very comfy. You can relax while nursing your baby or expressing your breast milk.

Everything you see inside the room are soothing and pleasant – pictures, baby cute items and some tips on breastfeeding. Even the view outside, you can take a peek.

Any mother would love to nurse or express milk in this lovely room.

I hope all companies can provide this kind of room for all nursing mothers.

Of course, there is my big back pack
to carry all the breastfeeding stuff I need :)

Thank you Avent for giving me a chance to use your room. Hope to visit your office once again J

Mommy kisses,

May

A Museum Day!

We love visiting museums… its always packed with a lot of things to learn and see, plus it is usually less costly. So imagine our delight when we got invited by the SCIENCE CENTRUM to visit their place along with two more galleries featuring equally exciting exhibit. Yey! J

That was my son’s first museum visit at age two and he didn’t like it. He got scared even, but I don’t mind, I’m just after the exposure.

Kids his age are not usually interested with exhibits and artifacts, they get dumbfounded most of the time. Again, I don’t mind, I’m just wanted to tickle his curiosity.

Soon he became comfortable with those works of art and is brave enough to tinker with them.

Eventually, he will enjoy the visit and appreciate the experience.

So imagine his excitement when I told him that we will visit a Science Museum. He got really excited that he even asked Ms. Karen of Philippine Science Centrum if there is a dinosaur at their museum. Haha!

He got a bit disappointed with the absence of a dinosaur but that did not stop him from enjoying all the interactive exhibits.

Even we grown-ups enjoyed our visit at the Philippine Science Museum. I’m no expert in this field but I’ve visited a number of similar places and I must say that this one has its own characteristic charm. It may not be as humongous as the Hong Kong Science Museum but it is packed with massive exciting exhibits that you can actually touch, feel and experience. 

This may not be as posh as The Mind Museum that you can comfortably stroll inside a fully air-conditioned dome but it showcases almost similarly interesting and learning exhibits. 

And it may not be as nifty as the Marcos Museum, but it is as welcoming and as inviting to all curious and exploring individuals. 

Kudos to the all the staff of the Philippine Science Centrum! Many thanks for having us.

Mommy hugs,

Mel

Baby Sign for the Week: Eat

Good morning mommies!

Here is the sign for the week: eat

This is one of the first signs that my children learned. Whenever they want to eat, they will simply tell me through using this sign.

Voila! We do not need to make a wild guess what they want.

Mommy kisses,

May

Saved by the Bill – Book Review

My son would always be reminded of this book whenever he watches Finding Nemo… the portion there where Nigel (a pelican) asked Marlin and Dory to hop on his bill if they want to survive the albatross attack would always remind him of this book’s simple story about making friends.

This book is about Peter the pelican that helped Lori the leapfrog from being eaten by hungry stork despite the latter’s unkindly comment on his rather strange looking bill and how they became friends.

Lessons emphasized:

·       Do not make fun of people who are different, because you might miss the chance to make a great friend.

·       Looking odd/different is not bad or wrong.

·       Be kind and helpful.

Happy Reading! J

Mommy hugs,

Mel

Banana Malunggay Smoothie

I want to share with you one of my favorite concoctions to increase my breast milk supply – Banana Malunggay Smoothie. Actually, it will be up to you want you want to have.

These are the basic things you need:

Blender

Banana

Choco drink

Cold water

Ice

Malunggay powder – I got this from an online seller. 1 kilo is P650. I put one teaspoon for every glass of drink. For this smoothie, I intended to have three cups that I can drink for two days so I put three teaspoons.

Sugar or/and milk are optional. It depends on your preferences if you want to add these.

Sometimes, I include pieces of cookies, cereals or whatever leftovers of my children that I can find.

This smoothie will surely quench your thirst plus you will produce more breast milk for your baby.

Enjoy your own concoction today!

Mommy kisses,

May

Museums for the Mind and Spirit

Last May 31, we were given a chance to visit four interesting and amazing places – The Philippine Science Centrum, The Spirit of Bethlehem Gallery, Museum of Miniatures and Joey Velasco Gallery.

Today, we will share with you the Museums for the mind and spirit. These places are perfect for both adults and kids. Allow yourself and your children to appreciate great creations.

The Spirit of Bethlehem Gallery

Do you want experience Christmas everyday? Visit this place.

Philippine setting of Bethlehem

Amazing collections of the Nativity scene

Amazing Christmas tree

Museum of Miniatures

Great creations! Find the mouse in one of the sets J   

Joey Velasco Gallery

When I asked the tour guide if the man behind these amazing paintings was the one who created the Last Supper with the beggars. And when I turned my head and saw the famous painting, I had goose bumps. I think Mr, Joey Velasco was beside me J 

Ang Hapag

One of the unfinished works

Mr. Joey Velasco also sculpts

This is very dear to me. I have a special child sister.

For the people behind these amazing collections and creations, thank you for sharing it to us – the public.

Should you want to see more, visit the place. Here is the brochure. Feel free to contact them for bookings.

Mommy kisses,

May