Green Minded Mom Blogs

Family Events In 2012

2012-01-07T20:02:00.001-08:00

I’ve always had this feeling that 2012 is a good year for me. Probably because during my youngers years when I daydream about what my future would be, everything falls on 2012. Of course, I got married earlier but there is still something that makes me very hopeful for 2012.

Based on what already happened and what will be happening, I made a list of events I’m looking forward this 2012.

1. Miggy starts preschool. The event that my husband and I have been preparing ourselves, bank accounts and schedules. Miggy turns 4 this March so it’s inevitable that he should start primary schooling. I am praying that we find him the best education.

2. 5th Year Anniversary. It may only be 5 years but it is half a decade already. It sounds a lot longer when I use the “half a decade” phrase to describe this wonderful relationship milestone. We don’t have plans on where to go yet but where checking some online deals that we can use. Maybe could do a contest for the planning.

3. My sister arrives from Dubai. My sister has been working in Dubai since 2010 and her contract is supposed to end this year. I’m not sure if she’ll extend for a few months but I’m sure she’s coming home this 2012.

4. My Brother-in-Law gets married. I’m very excited for their wedding this January. This is one of the matches made in heaven and I’ve seen how in love they’ve been. I know that being in a long distance relationship when my BIL worked in Singapore is a proof that they were destined to be together. Yes, I’m a sucker for great love stories.

5. 2012 Family Trip. The last trip of 2011 we had at Baguio was surely a great head-start for trip we’d like to plan in the coming years. 3 days of fun, food and family made 2012’s start so positive since we were able to get rid of stress and pressures before the 2011 ended. Hopefully we could drop by somewhere in Visayas this 2012.

Happy 2012!!!

2012-01-04T01:21:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most have new resolutions and there are some, like me who'll have the same resolutions as 2011.
It often pains me to write it every end of year but this time, I don't have to write it - I'll print it instead!

I'd like to share a printable New Year's Resolution from Lil Magoolie - one of my favorite craft blogs.

You may download the Wall Art Printable.

Or you may download the the iPad and iPhone wallpapers.

iPad wallpaper (1024 x 1024)

iPhone 4 wallpaper (640 x 960)

Thank You 2011 for a Hopeful 2012!

2011-12-31T04:08:00.001-08:00

Before 2011 ends, I’d like to be reminded of the blessings we’ve received.

Although there were few visits at the hospital early this year, we still feel blessed that we are now more health conscious and have gone stronger as we bid farewell to 2011.

We are also thankful for having more food on the table this year. Through hard work, knowing and doing what we are passionate of, we are able to provide food at table and also offer help to those who are in need.

Our friends and families, have been a constant source of inspiration. We thank them all for opening their hearts to our family and for constantly guiding us.

Thank you 2011 for giving us a good year and keeping us hopeful for 2012!

I AM BUSY (Sort of)

2011-11-24T01:45:00.000-08:00

Instead of deleting my accounts in different working sites, I've been praciting the long lost art of "patience".

Also, I have been very busy this part weeks that if I have something to funny to say, I only say it myself. And guess what? It ain't funny.

For those who've missed me sincerely and for the others I can't even describe - I am currently fascinated with Cute OWLS. Hoot!

Guess what's our Christmas theme this year and for sure you'll know the prize too!
(not a real guessing game actually).

Green Raves: Krispy Kreme's Reusable Coffee Cup Sleeve

2011-10-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

Today didn't start well for me so I decided to treat myself with a good coffee. A little bit of caffeine boost never failed me so decided to order at Krispy Kreme. I know Krispy Kreme is known for it's doughnuts but their coffee shouldn't be undermined.

When I got my brewed coffee, I was impressed with their reusable cup sleeve that I decided to find time and blog about it.

I know there are a lot of coffee companies who've also made "green" efforts but I got to give this to Krispy Kreme.

Aside from the cup sleeve being reusable, it is also made from 100% recycled plastic bottles!

You can easily keep it in your wallet or bag so that you don't have to ask for another sleeve next time you visit Krispy Kreme for another cup of their smooth and rich coffee.

Kudos Krispy Kreme!

Kind reminds me of a cup sleeve I posted a few years back...

Pinterest of the Day: Why We Shouldn't Compare

2011-10-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

from howjoyful.com

The good thing about how God created us is that he created us equally. The good thing about how God made life is that it can't be measured. So why compare?

I've learned to love my flaws because my flaws gave me my strength.
I may not have the best speaking voice but when I sing, I can sing high notes.
I may not be rich (yet) but I have friends who value me not because of the materials things that I possess but because I invest my time and love in them.
I may not have my dream wedding but I got my dream man.

There maybe things in life that I haven't received yet, but I have faith in God's plan and timing.

Green Raves: UPCYCLING

2011-10-04T06:07:00.001-07:00

I stumbled upon the word “UPCYCLE / UPCYCLING” while googling various green trends and new ways and approach to attain sustainable living.

“Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.”

Basically, with UPCYCLING, we make more with the things that we no longer use. Instead of turning an old shirt into a rag, we can make it into several bibs. The best that I’ve seen is upcycling old shirts to fashionable scarves.

from julieannart.com

With all the inspiration I got with some upcycled items I found on Pinterest, I can’t help but share it with you guys.

from chiccheapnursery.com

From ragandbone.com

I hope I’ve given enough inspiration on upcycling and how we can use this in our lives.

from baileyforest.tumblr.com

M is for Miguel - Our Litte Monkey

2011-09-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

A few block fonts with my son's initial and his alter ego.

From Etsy

Also from Etsy

I guess everthing's from Etsy

You know where it's from.

The Full Bangs Theory

2011-08-24T06:21:00.001-07:00

I usually get anxious a month before my birthday or any major celebration for that matter. So last Sunday, I was having issues with my hair and I was about to attend my Aunt’s birthday in Tagaytay. With all hopes lost in figuring out how to get my hair done, I opted for a full bangs. Having full bangs is a do or die for me but after several trials, I’ve finally managed to understand the art of bangs cropping.
Let me know what you think!

Satur-Date with the Fairly Odd Parents

2011-08-20T06:59:00.001-07:00

Today, we had a so much fun at Alabang Town Center. I was supposed to meet the Southern Belles group just in case they were at the area but the main reason we were there was to make sure our little kid enjoys weekends with Mommy and Daddy.

We arrived a few minutes before 3pm and we noticed that the activity area was filled with families awaiting the start of the Fairly Odd Parents tour. We wanted to grab some seats but Miggy wanted to eat first and we didn’t want a cranky kid during the show. Fortunately, the show is playing 3x/day from August 19-21 so we made it for the last show of the day.

Before the show began I still had a chance to chat with an old friend and her family. They, too, watched the show. The show was free so the parents were also happy!

From the Alabang Town Center Facebook Page

See Timmy, Wanda, Cosmo and Crimson Chin perform Timmy's Wishful Adventures live with singing, dancing and games for you and your friends!

August 19 to 21
11:30am, 3pm and 6pm
Activity Center

Quick Green Tip: Natural Car Deodorizer

2011-08-19T21:33:00.001-07:00

Green Tip by Eco-Expert Danny Seo

Keep your car smelling fresh and clean with a homemade air freshener. Fill a large tea strainer with either charcoal (from the grill) or dried lavender. Charcoal is a natural deodorizer and will absorb foul-smelling odors. Lavender (when left in warm car) will perfume the air with its soothing and pleasing scent. This is a healthy alternative to chemical / artificial car fresheners.

Additional note by Green Minded Mom

For an “Eye-Candy” natural fresheners /deodorizer, opt for reusable hemp tea bags and personalize with personal affirmations or your initials.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine

2011-08-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Tip by Eco-Expert Danny Seo

Refresh your washing machine. Pour a large bottle of white vinegar in the wahsing machine and let it run through a regular cycle (without clothes). This will dissolve all soap residue and help the machine run (almost) like new.

REduce, REuse and REcycle | Ayala Recyclables Fair at NUVALI

2011-08-17T16:21:00.001-07:00

August 20 and November 19, 2011
8am - 3pm
NUVALI, Laguna
(Entrance along Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay road)

Nanay Online: Best Love Advice

2011-08-17T06:03:00.001-07:00

This week, I asked fellow mommy bloggers to give share the best love advice they have. Before I share which words made it to their list, I’ll first share you mine.

Click on the quotes to get to their respective posts.

Sometimes, advices may not even suffice to make a relationship work. But when you get to that point when you’re ready to let go, it would be best to know that you did everything to make the relationship work and that you hoped for the best.

Nanay Online: 3rd Weekly Topic

2011-08-11T05:50:00.001-07:00

Greeting again to my Nanay Online friends. I hope you’re digging my blog’s new look because I’ve been working on it for the past few weeks. Unfortunately, my mind can only take a few tasks together so I had to put the weekly Nanay Online on hold.

The good thing is we’re back. Thank you to Nuna of Choose Happiness! I needed that loving “slap”.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of sad love stories. Unfortunately, this sad love stories are real and is not over.

This week, let’s reminisce your

We may have different stories but I believe that we’ve all had our fair share of trials and issues. Share with us which words helped you.

Smart Parenting’s Baby Shower 2011

2011-08-09T06:02:00.001-07:00

Celebrate motherhood in a delightful day of workouts, freebies and games perfect for moms-to-be!

August 13, 2011, 1;00 to 6:00 pm
Emerald A & B Room, Crown Plaza
Yoga Session - Baby Talk - Childbirth Class

Share and discover the beauty of motherhood by pre-registering now!
To pre-register, send your name, age, home address, contact number and specify how many weeks/months pregnant you are and email to spbabyshower2011[at]gmail[dot]com. The email subject should be "SP BABY SHOWER".

Walk in registrants will also be accommodated. Just don't forget to present a copy of Smart Parenting's August issue to enter the event.

Funny Miggy

2011-08-09T05:43:00.001-07:00

I have already shared this anecdote with a few of my mommy friends but that won’t stop me from sharing it again.

It was a normal weekend and we were planning to have brunch at the mall. I went to check on Miggy since it was time to bathe

Mommy: Miggy, ligo na tayo.
Miggy: [Nakadapa] May sakit ako.
Mommy: Huh? Anong sakit?
Miggy; Opo sakit. Sakit ulo ko.
Mommy: Bakit? Nauntog ka ba?
Miggy: Opo, untog ako.
Mommy: O sige, kiss ko para di na sakit. San ka nga pala nauntog?
Miggy: Sa unan.

In a nutshell, he told me that his head is aching because he bumped his head… to a pillow.

Did I mention he had a smirk on his face the whole time? Naughty yet funny kid.

Sweet Treat of the Week: My Boys

2011-08-06T02:39:00.001-07:00

My husband and I go to work together since our offices are just a few blocks away. It is actually better than my previous commuting stunt from Makati to Ortigas and then Ortigas to Makati.

This week, I was fortunate enough to have both my boys drop me off at the office and then pick me up after work.

EcoTREElogy: Theater Series at Solenad 1, NUVALI‏

2011-08-06T01:57:00.001-07:00

Journey to a present-day enchanted woodland right in the heart of NUVALI!

Make Believe Productions invites you to witness EcoTREElogy, a dramatic narration of three tales about preserving nature.

Join us in an enthralling interactive show where storytellers weave magic and also promote Filipiniana in commemoration of Buwan ng Wika.

Nature-inspired face-painting will be offered for free before the event as well as a theater workshop sampler.

AUGUST 7, 2011, Sunday,
3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Solenad 1, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
See you guys there!
http://www.nuvali.ph/ecotreelogy-theater-series

UNICEF Celebrates Global Breastfeeding Week

2011-08-06T01:46:00.001-07:00

Press Release For UNICEF

UNICEF celebrates Global Breastfeeding Week by taking the message beyond health clinics

Manila, 4th August, 2011 - During World Breastfeeding Week, UNICEF joins global partners in calling for the benefits of breastfeeding to be broadcast beyond clinics and delivery rooms to the public at large, ensuring that young people both in the developing world and in wealthier countries understand the importance of breastfeeding long before they become parents.

Breastfeeding is directly linked to reducing the death toll of children under five, yet only 36 per cent of infants under six months old in developing countries are exclusively breastfed. In the Philippines, only 34% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for 6 months, and the number drops to 2% at one year. One of the factors is the lack of a strong enabling environment that supports breastfeeding mothers.

“With so much at stake, we need to do more to reach women with a simple, powerful message: Breastfeeding can save your baby’s life,” said Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director. “No other preventive intervention is more cost effective in reducing the number of children who die before reaching their fifth birthdays.”

The powerful benefits of breastfeeding for child survival, growth and development are well known. Scientific evidence has shown that breastfeeding could lead to a 13 per cent reduction in deaths of children under five if infants were exclusively breastfed for 6 months and continued to be breastfed up to two years.

Breastfeeding also plays an important role in preventing stunting (low height for age), a condition that can cause irreversible physical and cognitive damage, and which is viewed as a key indicator reflecting inequities in society. Given its critical importance, UNICEF firmly supports all efforts to accelerate comprehensive action to improve breastfeeding rates globally, in every country and with a particular focus on reaching the most disadvantaged and hard to reach populations.

“Breastfed is best fed, whether the baby is born in Uganda or England, the Philippines or Canada,” said Lake.

Women generally have received information about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding when they go for antenatal care visits, or after they deliver their babies. That is why community health networks should have staff that not only possess updated knowledge and skills to support mothers to start breastfeeding, but also offer guidance and clarification on how to sustain exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and to continue to breastfeed until two years and beyond.

Yet, while breastfeeding rates in the developing world are on the rise in two-thirds of countries with data, millions of infants are not benefiting from this life-saving practice.

In the Philippines, UNICEF is working with the government, the private sector, NGOs, breastfeeding advocates and mothers to create an enabling environment for mothers to breastfeed. Through continuous advocacy, helping peer support networks, reaching out to mothers in communities and workplaces, supporting human milk banks and enforcement of the Milk Code, UNICEF helps promote a breastfeeding culture in the country.

‘It’s clear we need to take breastfeeding awareness to every corner of the country, from cities to rural communities. Not just mothers, but fathers, in-laws, teachers and business leaders all have a role to play in supporting a breastfeeding culture in the Philippines. In doing so, they are giving infants and young children the best possible chances of a healthy, secure start in life’, said Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF Philippines country representative.

UNICEF embraces the idea of using all possible means of communication and encourages others to do the same, using the opportunity of World Breastfeeding Week to trigger action the whole year round. UNICEF Philippines will have a month-long celebration with the Department of Health, the World Health Organization, other government agencies, corporate partners, NGOs and mothers to spread the word about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond.

This year’s celebration emphasizes the role that every member of society, especially fathers, can play to raise awareness about breastfeeding – a natural and nurturing start to life for infants and mothers. It also emphasizes that communication on breastfeeding should take advantage of non-traditional and newer communication tools such as social networking, blogs, mobile phone technology, the arts and flash mobs.

Sweet Treat of the Week

2011-07-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

Early last June, we were searching for several marketing students who would want an intership at Levi's. After a week of searching, I received an email sent by a group of students from DLSU.

Long story short, they became interns for the Sales and Marketing departments.

Yesterday was their last day and they gave everyone some sweet treats before they say their goodbyes.

What sweet gesture to remind me that there are more people who appreciate help and kindness, even from strangers.

To Mel, Mark, Kris and Gena, thank you for being good interns and I wish you all the best with your studies and future careers.

SP Moms Outreach at Grace To Be Born

2011-07-17T02:01:00.001-07:00

Last February, my mommy friends at SP Forum organized an outreach program for the kids at PGH. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to join since my major application process was about to go live and I needed to be available for any issue. (That just sounded geeky.)

With the hype of the success of the Outreach program, the moms again decided to do another outreach. This time, we’ve chosen Grace To Be Born.

Grace To Be Born cares for pregnant women who at the same time are undergoing major crises in their lives. They offer shelter, food and rehabilitation. For more details regarding Grace To Be Born, you may visit their website at http://gracetobeborn.i.ph/

SP mommies devoted time and resources to come up with a program and a pack of goodies such as milk, vitamins, toiletries, baby toys and clothes.

We won’t be able to share as much pictures since we have been informed that they would like to maintain the anonymity of the women at Grace To Be Born.

Here’s a group shot without me since I was taking the picture.

Here's another group shot with the packed goodies from the mommies and our sponsors Unilab and Wyeth.

Breakfast at Mile-Hi Diner Tagaytay

2011-07-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have been avid fans of Tagaytay and as much as we could, we spend a day or 2 relaxing in Tagaytay.

Then came family life.

Vacations for us have been synonymous to sleeping for 8-10 hours at home and Miggy staying at the grandparents for a week.

So this weekend, we decided to have an impromptu breakfast at Mile-Hi Diner Tagaytay. There’s really no special occasion. We only wanted to experience Tagaytay even for a few hours.

Had to take a picture of my coffee.

Miggy with Ate Nita.

The breakfast club.

Miggy entertains us while waiting.

Daddy isn’t a fan of coffee so he went for hot choco instead.

Miggy specifically demanded for chicken so there’s Chicken Tenders with Fries. (You can ask them to make the tender less spicy for the kids.)

Just needed to have a doze of cheese in the morning – Cheese Sticks with Marinara sauce.

Our breakfast – can’t resist the vigan longganiza.

Miggy’s all smiles after his breakfast.

We then headed off to the Mahogany Market to buy veggies and beef. We never miss going to the market whenever we’re in Tagaytay and today won’t be an exception.

We also dropped by the second resto of Bag of Beans which is located at Tagaytay Rotonda.

The view of the second Bag of Beans.

The mastermind of the impromptu breakfast.

Still A Wanna-Be…

2011-07-02T22:44:00.001-07:00

It is time to finally admit that I haven’t achieved who I wanted to be.

But before making any assumptions, I’m talking about the purpose of the this blog. As far-shot as it was, I really wanted to instill to my family that we need to live sustainably. But like any goal, I needed a plan but I was too stubborn to make one. So here I am, still an “Environmentalist Wanna-Be”. Trying but not doing enough.

The mother part, I am on track.

The wife part, I know very much in track.

The Queen part, always been on track.

The Environmentalist part, stuck at being a wanna-be.

When I read articles about women here in the Philippines who’ve managed to live sustainably, I feel proud for them but devastated for myself.

Where to re-begin?

Nanay Online: His Father's Child

2011-06-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

When you show someone a picture of your child, they always try to figure out whose genes dominate. I get that a lot whenever I share photos of Miggy. Sometimes they tell me he's more me, sometimes he's more his dad. But I know the trruth, he resembles his dad more.

When I first saw my son, I never saw any facial trait that he got from me. It may be the epidural but I saw his dad in him. It still see the same until now. Although I am not sure the epidural has worn off.

You can tell me their best trait and I'll always be proud but deep inside, it not the eyes, the smile, the height that I am more proud of as mom. It is my son's sweetness, that surely he got from his, that makes me smile everyday.

I haven't been the sweet kind or anything. Well, if I tend to be sweet it will always be with so much effort unlike my husband. Yes, he is innately sweet and I am the luckiest woman.

Thank you for teaching our child how to be compassionate, for a boy. When he reaches his teens, I know his looks will superb but of course, a sweet guy is always a girl's weakness.

Happy Father's Day

Time post linky!!!!