Mommy Fleur

Mommy Fleur and Friends at The Mind Museum

2013-05-25T17:00:00.000+08:00

Last week, 5 of my friends and I took advantage of the 5+1 summer promo of The Mind Museum at Taguig. I have always been curious about what's inside The Mind Museum because other friends who have been there have been raving about it.

We were greeted by Aedi the robot =)

We were greeted by two of their resident scientists called MindMovers.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Stan the T.rex. You can find him and learn about fossils at the Earth Gallery.

This was awesome so we all had to take photos with him!

Dino poop, anyone? =)

This cool tube here simulates a tornado.

This is the OmniGlobe, one of the exhibits that has new features. With a live feed, you get a visual update on the current state of the planet - from active volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis to a global weather report from a month ago to the past 24 hours.

We met our ancestors at the Earth Gallery too! =)

You can find this life sized whale shark at the Life Gallery.

Have you ever wondered how your brain works? You can see it when you walk through this giant brain. The exhibit lights up when you coax it to sense, think and feel.

One of my favorite interactive activities is the Van de Graaf Ball. You can find this at the Atom Gallery. It literally made my hair stand up on its end! Super cool and not scary at all!

In this exhibit, the atom is given massive limelight with a chocolate bar sculpture that's broken down to show its component structures - from molecules, to atoms, to quarks.

My friends' favorite naman is the Shadow Box. It takes photos of your shadows on the wall!! We tried taking photos of it using our cameras pero hindi umumbra. I have yet to discover the technique for it. It's so cool, I swear!

We saw how the moon changes its phases at the Universe Gallery. This was the closest we can get to the moon.

It's also in the Universe Gallery where you can find The Space Shell, with its more enhanced, more comfortable planetarium experience. Your trip to The Mind Museum will not be complete if you will not experience The Space Shell which now allows you to comfortably lounge while gazing into the majestic night sky or watching films of galactic proportions.

The last stop that we did was the Technology Gallery at the second floor. You can see here the greatest engineering feat in the history of the Philippines, the Malampaya Natural Gas Project. You can also see the solar-powered bugs and the technology behind Beauty Symmetry that puts balance into cosmetics, architecture and art. We also met Mimo, their smart, obstacle avoiding robot.

If you get hungry, they now have Kyle's Lab at The Mind Cafe that serves snacks and drinks. It serves delicious, science-themed snacks and is run by Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition's Grand Prize Winner Kyle Imao.

Obvious ba my friends had a great time =)

How cool is this first ever automobile in the Philippines?! =)

Due to our excitement, we weren't able to watch the MindMovers do their thing at the Mind Moving Studios. The MindMovers here are available to demonstrate mind-blowing, scientific experiments live. Kids can help out in their experiments as well!!

After going around inside the museum, we went outside to check out the Science-in-the-Park.

All in all, we had a great time at The Mind Museum. Ang bongga lang. Even at my age, I was reminded of the stuff I learned in school and I was actually able to learn more =) I also love that they have these interactive activities inside. It's a fun way to learn science and I'm sure you and your kids will enjoy it too!

Wait, there's more!

This summer, you can experience all that at The Mind Museum with more of your friends. For every purchase of five museum tickets, you can get one additional ticket for free!!

Check out The Mind Museum now! =)

The Mind Museum
JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

(+632) 909-MIND (6463)

www.themindmuseum.org

Museum Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 9am-12nn / 12nn-3pm / 3pm-6pm
Additional slot on Saturday 6pm-9pm
Mondays: closed

You can email them at inquiry@themindmuseum.org

Zac's Third Birthday Party

2013-05-25T16:00:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago, Anika's bestfriend Zac turned three years old.

We were invited to his birthday party at McDonald's Greenbelt.

Outfit of the day muna:

Top and shorts from Gingersnaps, Saltwater sandals, Celestina & Co. hair clip, Aldo shades

Dumi-detail ang likod ng top ni Anika =)

Giordano dress, Jelly Nelly sandals, Mango bag and Rayban shades

Ang pamilya Sombrero =)

Like I said, the event was held at McDonalds in Greenbelt.

I know I have been super mega busy but talagang naka-ukit na sa calendar namin ang birthday party ni Zac. We wouldn't miss it for the world. Zac's is Anika's only bestfriend. Anika has to be there =)

I love the looong candles on Zac's Toy Story cake =)

The super duper cute birthday boy!

Anika and I with Zac and his very pretty mommy. Naging suer shy ang magbestfriends when they saw each other =)

Anika borrowed my phone and took photos of the party details..

... including the photo of the birthday boy.

Happy, happy birthday Zac! Thank you so much for inviting us!!! =)

*most of the photos were grabbed from Ching's FB page =)

Ikaw, yes you!

2013-05-25T15:50:00.000+08:00

Eto sayo.

Gets mo? =)

2013-05-25T15:45:00.000+08:00

Ang Shorts.. Bow!

2013-05-25T15:30:00.000+08:00

Last night, Nuffnang invited me to watch Fast and the Furious 6 at the Edsa Shangri-la Cinemas. I took this opportunity for a date night so I took Alvin with me.

Here's what I wore:

Wrangler checkered polo, Penshoppe shorts and CMG wedges

Alvin picked me up at home because I was home early from work. Date na date lang ang peg hahaha! However, when we were on our way to EDSA, nagcomment ang lolo niyo bat ang iksi daw ng shorts ko.

I was surprised.

In 20 years of being on and off, ngayon ko lang naringgan ng comment na ganyan si Mr. Sombrero. Before last night, Alvin pretty much allowed me to wear whatever I wanted. Keber nga yan kahit magpalakad lakad ako sa beach na naka-two piece lang.

ALVIN: Ang iksi talaga ng shorts mo.

ME: Kaya nga shorts eh. Eh ikaw bakit di ka man lang nag-gel eh event etong pupuntahan natin.

ALVIN: Don't change the topic. Etong buhok ko madaling ayusin. Eh yang shorts mo hindi na yan pwedeng pahabain.

ME: And since when ka naging affected sa damit ko?!

ALVIN: Since now.

ME: Bakit?

ALVIN: Di ko alam.

ME: Dahil tumatanda ka na?

ALVIN: Hindi.

ME: Bastusin ba ako tingnan?

ALVIN: Hindi.

ME: Masagwa ba tingnan?

ALVIN: Hindi.

ME: Anong problema?

ALVIN: Hindi ko din alam. Basta wag ka na magsusuot ng ganyan ka-iiksi.

ME: Why?

ALVIN: Basta.

ME: Hindi pwedeng basta.

ALVIN: Di ko alam... Kasi may anak ka na?

ME: Dahil may anak na ako?! Ano koneksyon nun? Bakit si Carmina, si Gretchen, si Jodie may mga anak na pero nagshoshorts pa din?

ALVIN: Bakit? Artista ka ba?

ME: Hindi. Feeling artista lang. Bakit nga Babe biglang bawal?

Di ko matanggap kasi mga mudra eh.

ALVIN: Dahil manager ka na?

ME: Pagmanager di na pwede magshorts?

ALVIN: Basta itapon mo na yan.

That conversation went on and on the whole biyahe to the mall. He just wouldn't let it go. Nilambing ko na ang lahat, wa-epek.

We were at the mall na by this time.

ALVIN: O tingnan mo, ang iksi talaga eh.

ME: Bothered na bothered ka ba talaga?

ALVIN: Oo.

ME: Sige tara. Bili tayo ng pamalit ko na damit.

ALVIN: Wag na. Tama na yan. Mapapagastos pa ako.

Eh ikaw lang eh =)

Hindi ko talaga ma-gets why I can't wear shorts anymore. I want to wear shorts until keri ko pa siya. Bata pa ako! Parang kailan lang I just turned 30!

Or because, ang iksi lang talaga ng shorts ko na ito?

I'm wearing shorts now again pero wala namang comment ang lolo niyo. It's the same length as that one. Baka tinopak lang si Sombrero last night. Ano kaya ang nakain nun?

Anways, OMG guys! You should watch Fast and the Furious 6!!! For me it's the best among the 6 installments!

It's action packed so you won't notice the 2 and a half hours. It's funny too plus may love story na ganap. I like it talaga! I'm going to watch it again! =)

Speaking of awesome, a photo that Faye took was featured by Manila bulletin last week.

Faye took that photo. She's good with the camera too, like my dad. We all grew up kasi na familiar with photography bilang photography ang hobby ng Papa ko. Faye must have gotten Papa's touch!

I'm so proud of you little sis!!!

Mwah!

On Tantrums -- Di Ako Sure Kung Tama Ang Ginagawa Ko

2013-05-25T14:27:00.000+08:00

I've heard from a lot of mommies that the terrible two stage extends until the kid is like 5 years old.

Anika's already 3 years old and ramdam na ramdam ko mga bakla ang pagkaterrible ni Anika nowadays.

When she's mad, she crosses her arms, naka-kunot noo, tatalikod sayo then stomps away to stand in a corner with her head bowed. She will stand there in that corner while saying, "I'm not happy Nanay! I'm mad!! I'm mad at you!!!"

Mild pa yan.

When she has her tantrums, exage na exage talaga! As in pambasag eardrums ang level when she screams when she doesn't get what she wants. She kicks her legs and sometimes throw things pagfeel na feel niya magwala.

I feel like I'm a terrible parent whenever she does this. Hindi ko ba napapalaki ng maayos ang anak ko? Is Anika spoiled? Eto na ba yung sinasabi nilang karma ko kasi ang pasaway ko nung bata ako?

However, I don't have time to mope around and dwell on these things. I have to act on it immediately whenever she does this.

When she starts screaming and kicking, I don't mind her. Baliktad kami ni Alvin. Alvin always gives in. Konting drama lang ng anak, naaawa agad. Malas lang ni Anika if she has tantrums and I'm there with her and her Tatay. Magwawala yan. Alvin will attempt to pacify her but I'll give him a look. Yung tipong sige-lapitan-mo-yan-outside-the-kulambo-ka-talaga-mamya-look.

Effective yung not minding Anika when she has tantrums. You just have to make bantay na she won't hurt herself while making inarte. I remember kasi when I was young, ganyan din ako magtantrums. Ang ginagawa nila is hindi nila ako pinapansin. Crayola ng bongga ang peg ko talaga pero deadma ako with them. Tapos I'll get tired of crying. Then sa isip ko, tama na nga ito. Pagod na ako eh. And then I'll stop. Same thing happens to Anika. Mapapagod din ang mga yan and titigil din sila.

Another thing that I do when she throws her tantrums when there are other people around, binibitbit ko talaga yan sa loob ng room with matching, "I wanna talk to you.". Anika knows na what that means. I will put her on the bed and kakausapin ko talaga ng wagas until I'm satisfied that she got what I want her to understand. Sinisiksik ko sa utak niya that what she's doing is wrong. Umaayos naman afterwards. This happens often when she doesn't want to share toys or playthings with the other kids.

I'm very sensitive about disciplining Anika because Anika's in a situation wherein the people around her has a tendency to spoil her. She's the only apo in my side of the family. She's the only baby girl sa side ni Alvin. Anika's cute and smart and knows how to make lambing and manipulate the adults in giving her what she wants. Ayokong lumaking spoiled si Anika. So even if hurts when I see her crying, tinitiis ko talaga.

Eto na yesterday.

I was talking to one of my staff over the phone. Mainit ulo ko because of an irate client. While on the phone, Anika kept on telling me that she wanted to play golf.

ANIKA (shouting): Nanay! Play golf! Play golf now!

ME: Anak, wait please. I'm talking to somebody on the phone.

ANIKA (still shouting): Golf!!! Play golf!!

Hindi ko pinapansin.

Then bigla niya akong binato ng golf ball sa face!

Grabe! Ang sakit! I got so mad!

I put down the phone then and spanked her hands (once each). Galit na galit talaga ako!

She was crying while sitting on the floor while I was standing in front of her while my hands were on my hips.

ME: Why did you that ha?! You hurt Nanay! You didn't have to throw the ball at me. Ang sakit! Di ba I said wait lang?! And di ba I told you that you have to wait when Nanay and Tatay are talking to other people on the phone?! What you did was bad!

Galit na galit talaga ako.

ANIKA (in her small voice): But I just want to play with you Nanay.

Yun na. Akala ko ma-mamatay na ako sa kunsensya.

I picked her up and sat her on the bed with me.

ME: Anika, I know that you want to play and I want to play with you too. But sometimes Nanay needs to talk to other people. You just have to wait until Nanay finishes then we'll play together. Do you understand?

Anika nodded her head.

ME: Don't do that again alright?

ANIKA: Yes Nanay.

We played na after that.

One of the hardest thing I have ever done or doing right now is raising my daughter. Ang hirap. Wala kasing manual na kasama nung nilabas ko siya sa mundong ito. That's always part of my prayers at night. I always pray na sana mapalaki ko etong batang ito ng tama.

Naglabas na ba sila ng Raising Your Kids For Dummies na book?! For sure, bestseller yan! =)

Friday Kwentuhan =)

2013-05-24T12:05:00.001+08:00

Good morning guys!

Ang dami ko na sanang na-blog today however it's taking forever to upload photos now here at Blogger. I wonder what's wrong?

Anyways, I spent the whole day yesterday with Anika. We had a great time. I love that she's at that stage na pwede mo na talagang bitbitin anywhere. She's enjoying the gala already. I wish, given that I'm a working mom, we can have more times like yesterday. Eventually, we can go out na just the two of us without the yaya. I feel really close to her talaga when we're out together. Parang barkada lang ang peg.

She insisted on wearing my big sunglasses becaus she was "so silaw" already.

We had breakfast at Starbucks at Paseo De Magallanes.

As expected, winasiwas niya all the papers on my office table and my officemates' tables. Kagulo. Nevertheless, everybody was happy with her ka-daldalan. They were teasing her na nagnonosebleed na yung mga kausap niya. Her Ninang Rain said that Anika talks with an American accent. Don't look at me, wala ako niyan. Bakla ang accent ko. She definitely didn't get that from me. Sa Disney Junior maybe.

Outfit of the day: Lacoste polo shirt, Gingersnaps shorts and Converse sneakers

And then, another highlight of my day was having lunch with the SoMoms. I love being with these mommies. I learn so many things from them. Ang dami ko din chikang nasasagap. Yesterday's topic was about skin care and make up. Eli of The Painter's Wife was my seatmate. Siya ang make up guru namin so bonggang bongga ang sharing.

Ang bida that time was the Clarisonic Mia.

source

Nakaka-diyosa daw talaga ang gadget na ganyan because it cleans your face to the highest level. I so want one pero it's expensive if you buy them here. Kailangan kong humada sa mga raket ko. Lol.

And also because of Eli's influence, we went to Muji to buy and try their cleansing oil. Nakakaganda daw kasi ng skin eto mga mudraks.

Neva of Manila Mommy also joined us. Eli was talking to the other SoMoms kasi they wanted to buy too =) Eli should seriously be endorsing beauty products. Kung anong sinasabi niya, binibili ko eh! Lol!

Eto yung pinagkakaguluhan namin. This started with the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil that I bought online. I'll tell you about that in a separate post. Nakakaloka. And then Eli suggested this too. Ang bongga because this Muji Cleansing oil costs only around Php 600+ =)

I love the pens section at Muji! Ako si nagpapalpitate when I see different pens. I love pens! I love collecting them. Apparently, my little girl got that fetish too. Eto she asked me to buy this set of colored pens at Php 200+.

Happy little girl now.

Outfit: Giordano top, Gingersnaps shorts, Converse shoes and hair clip from Celestina & Co.

We went back to the office after that. I did some work then we needed to leave for Asian Hospital for her check up. Anika's being treated for her allergies or asthma.

I also showed Anika's pedia the spots that have appeared on her skin. I thought they were bungang araw however her pedia said that they're either insect bites or chickenpox. I asked what's the difference. Sabi ni doc, kung insect bites daw, sa extremities lang meron and hindi siya magkakatubig. Bantayan ko daw in two days.

After that, we went to Alabang Town Center to eat.

Anika insisted on taking photos while we walked. So she took photos of my pwet...

... and everyone else's pwets! Parang si Chuvaness lang hahaha!

I took this photo via Instagram. Ang cute lang kasi ni Anika dito.

Since I unintentionally destroyed Anika's zipper, she changed shorts. This pair is from SM Kids

This morning, I checked Anika's arm. Mukhang chicken pox nga because she has them now on her back too. Also, lumalaki siya ng bongga. I'll wait until tomorrow to have her checked.

Anika got vaccinated already ng chickenpox. Vaccination kasi does not guarantee that the baby won't have chickenpox anymore. Hindi lang sobrang malala yung mga lalabas unlike what we guys had before.

Etong Alvin, bothered na bothered. He never had chickenpox. Kung mahawa siya, wagas na wagas na chickenpox ang aabutin niya because he's and adult already. Malamang mala-gigantic mole-like chicken pox ang lalabas sa kaniya if ever.

ALVIN: Babe! Paano ako nito?!?!

Lumabas din ang pagka-vain ng asawa ko =)

ME: Dun ka na lang sa inyo muna Babe matuloy for a week para sure you won't get hawa.

Alvin called me up 4 times while he was at the office.

ALVIN: Kamusta na si Anika?

ME: Eto ganun pa din. May mga spots pa din. Isang linggo kaya ito. Katatawag mo lang kaya kanina. Ganun pa din ang sagot ko.

ALVIN: Sabihin mo naman kay LT diyan siya matulog habang hindi ako makatulog diyan.

ME: Babe, ano ka ba! Matanda na ako! Kaya kong alagaan anak mo while wala ka noh! Wag na nating istorbohin si LT. Nakakahiya. And besides parang ang layo naman ng bahay niyo. Tatlong tumbling lang, nandito ka na from there eh.

ALVIN: Nalulungkot talaga ako Babe eh.

I can understand what he meant. Addict kay Anika si Alvin. As in he needs to hug and kiss her all the time. Eh ngayon he won't be able to do it kung may chicken pox nga ang bagets. Ganun talaga. Buti na lang I had chicken pox already.

Anyways, this morning, Anika and I did some artsy crafty works. Anika loves watching Mr. Maker on Youtube. So last weekend, Alvin and I bought her art supplies.

She also did this to her SM Kids Hermes-inspired bag:

ANIKA: Nanay look what I did to my bag!"

ME: Wow so pretty anak!

ANIKA: Can I do your bag?

And then she runs to my Tory Burch bag!

Anak ng pating!

ME (running after her): Nooooooo!!!

Kaloka etong batang ito!

Have a great weekend mommies!

Happy Albeit the Pimples!

2013-05-22T23:04:00.001+08:00

Hello! Hello! Hello!!!

How's your week so far mga muthers? =)

If you're going to ask about mine, as usual, it's very toxic. We have been dressing up and turning over so many units these past few weeks. Good problem to have though pero super not good for my fez. Wagas ang pimples ko sa mukha because of stress. I have a total of 6 gigantic pimples on the left side of my face. Take note ha, lahat sila nandun sa left side lang ng face ko. Para silang nagmi-meeting dun sa side na yun. So weird. For somebody who seldom gets a pimple, big deal na big deal na ito for me.

Oh men.

Buti na lang even with all the stress going around, ang dami pa ding positive vibes.

This morning, albeit the meeting of the pimples on my face, my friend Des commented na ba't ang ayos daw ng hitsura ko. I take it na she thinks maganda ako this morning. Ang saya ko lang, I said. Di ba guys I always tell you that being happy makes you blooming. That's how I feel now.

Bakit kamo?!

Tingnan niyo naman:

The Mommy Fleur blog is at the rank #2 of the Top Blogs Philippines - Home & Living category since Sunday.

Ang bonggaaaa!!!!!

I have been refreshing that site again and again kasi baka namamalik-mata lang ako. Pero my blog's not moving talaga in that #2 spot. k

Super duper nakakakilig talaga!!!

At eto pa ang isa pang nakakakilig, Denise of Bebengisms.blogspot.com featured me in her blog!

Thank you Denise for the wonderful feature. You guys can read about it here.

Wait there's more!

Remember I posted in my Instagram that Nestle sent over Kimy ice cream sa house?

Anika enjoyed it so much! Okay lang sa akin because 100% free from artificial coloring ang Kimy.

Each Kimy pack has a Play Stix

Ano ang Play Stix?! Eto iyown:

Cool huh? =) Favorite ko talaga ang Kimy. Ako na ang nakaubos nung pinadala nila sa bahay hehehe.

Speaking of eating, I seriously have to get my exercising mojo back. I gained 5 lbs na because I was not able to exercise for 3 weeks!

Osha guys, I'll leave you with this quote I found online.

Positive vibes everyone!!!!

Good night!

The Most Wholesome Boudoir Photoshoot Ever =)

2013-05-21T23:27:00.001+08:00

Eto na mga muthers some of the approved photos ni Mr. Sombrero of my Boudoir Photoshoot with The Michelle Pineda!

This is the most wholesome boudoir photoshoot you will ever see!

You might ask me why I did this kind of photo shoot. Simple lang ang sagot ko diyan. I am now at a stage where I feel the most beautiful. Gusto ko siya ma-alala in photos.

When I was still a dalaga, I thought prime years ko na yun. Akala ko yun na yung time na pinakamaganda ako and pinaka-sexy. Akala ko after ko magbuntis, gone na lahat yun.

I was wrong.

Frances was right.

Motherhood changed me.

My body and my attitude changed after I've given birth. Like Frances, I feel more confident now. My figure has not gone back completely like how it was pre-baby and I now have what mommies call "battle scars" pero wapakels na ako dun. I've given birth and breastfed and I've never felt more like a hardcore woman until now. I have a husband and daughter that I try my damn best to take care of. I have family and friends who love me. I have a fulfilling day job and career that I like. I have a blog that actually makes people happy.

I am happy and thankful.

Hence, the boudoir photoshoot.

Konek?!

Hahahaha!

Osha, here are the photos! I have to note, walang photoshop pa yan mga muthers ha? These are raw photos. Ganyan ka-galing ang bestfriend ko =)

Make up done by Eddie Bruan.

Special thanks to my bestfriend, the Michelle Pineda of the Michelle Pineda Photography for taking my photos. I love you mare, alamonayan!

PS

I'll try to post the other photos soon!

On Sweetness

2013-05-21T22:34:00.000+08:00

Around two years ago, I'm married na to Alvin that time ha, I was at a mall with Toots. Alvin called me up about something. We talked for like 2 minutes. When I put down my phone, Toots asked me:

TOOTS: Sino yung kausap mo?

ME: Si Alvin.

TOOTS: Si Alvin?

ME: Yup why?

TOOTS: Bakit kayo ganun magusap?

ME: Like what?

TOOTS: Wala. Parang hindi kayo magasawa. Hindi kayo sweet.

Deadmadela lang ako sa comment niya that time.

Then I noticed as time passed, whenever I'm with somebody, they ask me bakit hindi daw kami ni Alvin sweet magusap. I shrugged it off saying we've always been like that ever since.

It didn't bother me until today. I was talking to my bestfriend when Alvin called. Again, after the call, I was asked bakit ganun daw kami magusap. Hindi sweet.

ME: Hindi ba kayo ganun mag-asawa?

Hindi daw.

So I began analyzing.

Pre-Anika, Alvin and I were very sweet. As in langgam sweetness ha? As in annoyingly sweet even in front of other people. Sweet akong tao, hindi niyo lang naitatanong. I'm very touchy. As much as possible, gusto ko nakayakap lagi. Gusto ko nagsasabihan ng I love you all the time. Alvin's relatives and some of our friends often tease me nga na patay na patay daw ako kay Alvin. Hehe.

Di ko lang sure bakit hindi na kami ganun ka-sweet like before.

Don't get me wrong guys ha? Alvin and I still love each other very much. We laugh a lot together. Kita naman yan sa mga kwento kong Sombrero Sitcoms. Hindi lang kami ganun ka-sweet like before.

And I miss it.

I admit nabawasan yan when Anika arrived. All the sweetness nabuhos sa bata. I've asked Alvin about this a couple of times already.

ME: Babe, bakit hindi ka na sweet sa akin?

ALVIN: Hindi ha. Sweet ako sayo.

Then he pats my head.

Yan lagi ang dialogue namin magasawa. As in every single time I ask him bakit parang hindi na siya sweet sa akin, he says that then pats my head.

So kanina, inabangan ko siya umuwi and I brought it up again.

ME: Babe, gusto ko maging sweet sana tayo ulit like before we had Anika. Bakit hindi na tayo sweet? If you pat my head, I'll box you talaga.

ALVIN: Hahahaha! Sweet tayo Babe. Ibang way lang.

Then he patted my legs.

Kaloka etong asawa ko.

ME: Eh bakit sa phone di tayo sweet magusap?

ALVIN: Di ba never naman tayo naging sweet magusap sa phone?

In fairness, may point siya. We have been tropapips (excuse the term hahaha!) for the longest time kasi so nadala na namin the way how we talk over the phone all throughout the relationship.

ME: Eh bakit hindi ka na sweet sa akin kahit in person?

ALVIN: Sweet tayo Babe. Hindi lang katulad ng dati kasi tingnan mo, pagyayakapin kita tapos nandyan si Anika, anong ginagawa ng anak mo? Di ba nagagalit tapos sisiksik sa gitna natin? Ilipat mo na ng kwarto kasi yang anak mo eh.

Ayaw ko nga.

ALVIN: At saka kanya kanya yan. Iba iba yung way paano ipakita yung love sa isa't isa.

He must have noticed na tumahimik ako.

ALVIN: Ikaw nga hindi ka na din sweet sa akin eh.

Naman kasi ateng, nahihirapan ako maging sweet sa taong hindi naman sweet sa akin. Or I'm just waiting for Alvin to make the first move na maging sweet para maging sweet din ako.

Ewan.

Pero hindi daw tama yun.

I tried googling it and read that if one of you notice na hindi na kayo masyadong sweet, that person should be the one to initiate the sweetness. Hindi naman honeymoon stage all the time. E-effort nga dapat kayong dalawa to keep the fire burning. Kaya nga marriage eh. Same principle also like in The Secret. You have to think about it and do things kung gusto mo ma-attract kung ano man yun.

Sige. I will be the one to initiate the sweetness from now on.

So kanina, I was at our living room, blogging. I noticed Alvin was outside, smoking.

ME (bringing my laptop with me): Babe, can I go there and stay with you?

ALVIN: Sure. Why?

ME: Wala lang. Gusto ko lang maging sweet sayo.

Natawa lang si Sombrero. Hehehe.

How about you muthers? May mga ganitong concerns din ba kayo diyan? =)

Tara, pagusapan natin yan ;p

This Kid Is It! --- Darling Lia

2013-05-21T09:00:00.000+08:00

Shirt: From a tiangge
Shorts: Guess

Have your kids featured in the Mommy Fleur blog's This Kid Is It! =) You can email me the cute photos of your babies with a brief description and clothes credit. Open to kids 0 to 10 years old.

Because Filipino kids are just so adorable and fashionably fierce! =)

My SM Department Store Loots!

2013-05-20T21:27:00.001+08:00

Last Friday, I found myself in SM Makati after work.

Don't ask me how or why, may magnet kasi ako sa SM eh. Hahaha! I seriously love SM! When they said that they've got it all for you, hindi sila nagbibiro. I swear. Hihihi!

While going around, napadpad ako at the kids section. I noticed that SM Kids had a lot of pretty dresses, tops and shorts. Since they have the summer collection now, bright colors na bright colors ang peg nila! I love making Anika wear happy colors.

So hindi na kayo magtataka that I bought some dresses and clothes for my little girl.

Little Miss dress priced at Php 599.75

Zap denim shorts priced at Php 399.75

Eyelet dress priced at Php 599.75

Hurry there because Maynika's on sale at 40% off on everything!

Top originally priced at 399.75 and white shorts originally priced at Php 449.75. Both less 40% pa!

After shopping for clothes, I went to the SM Accessories section to check out hair clips for Anika and some accessories for moi.

SM Accessories Kids are perfect because Anika's starting na Kinder 1 this coming June. She'll be attending a big school already and she'll be wearing a school uniform for the first time. She'll be wearing these hair accessories to school. Ang cute lang niya for sure!

Of course hindi magpapahuli ang lola niyo. SM Accessories has a lot of really bonggang borloloys for the ladies. Nakaka-donya talaga ang dating.

Black and white earrings at Php 249.75, white and gold earrings at Php 249.75 and bib necklace at Php 599.75

There are more designs and kinds of necklaces, bangles and earrings there to choose from. I'll definitely going back =)

On the way back to my car, I passed by Forever 21. It's been the longest time since I went there.

I found this really presko top at only Php 400

I dunno what's with blue with white polkadots pero type na type ko siya. If you remember, I already have a similar dress from Cache Cache. I still got this because of the soft fabric. Winner eh.

Priced at 1,175

I was one happy shopper that day =) Thanks to SM Department Store!

Sa uulitin!

This Kid Is It! --- Gwapito Siblings

2013-05-20T09:00:00.000+08:00

The featured kids today are sons of Joan, the mom behind the blog, Four C Sons.

Clian Gabriel 5 years old

SHIRT: Baby Bench

SHORT: Oshkosh

SHOES: Tough Kids from SM department store

Cyle Mikael 2 years old

SHIRT: Oshkosh

SHORT: Oshkosh

SHOES: Tough Babies from SM department store

Cade Ezekiel and Cale Mattie 4 years old

SHIRT: Disney Pixar CARS from SM department store

Behind the Scenes

2013-05-19T23:31:00.001+08:00

I had the most amazing day today!

A few months ago, I asked Alvin's permission if I can have a boudoir photoshoot with Pineda. Wala na kasi akong mapagkatiwalaan sa ganyan except for my bestfriend eh. I wanted to have a boudoir photoshoot kasi alam niyo naman mga mudraks, minsan lang tayo maging bata. Aminin na natin, napaka-validosa kong tao. Gusto ko when the time comes na uugod-ugod na ako, I have photos to look back to so I can remember na minsan ay naging fresh na fresh ako. Hahahaha! Loka loka!

Kidding aside, I really wanted to have this photoshoot for the longest time and Alvin kept on saying no. Hindi niya naman alam kung ano yung boudoir. It was my fault din kasi because when I showed him the sample photos, ang hahalay nung mga napakita ko. Naghigh blood agad ang lolo niyo.

I don't remember exactly when pero that was two weeks ago when finally I was able to secure his approval. Naka-inom kasi then nilambing ko ng todo. Ayun pumayag. Yiz! Dizizit!!

But. But. But.

He had a lot of conditions. One, hindi dapat bastos tingnan. Two, he has to approve ALL THE PHOTOS before I can post them. Three, babae daw dapat ang photographer. I said yes right away, pumayag lang siya.

Hihihi.

So anyways, this morning, I went to Eddie Bruan's salon in Makati. He was the designated make up artist for the day. He was the one who did my wedding hair and make up =)

It took Tito Eddie one and a half hours to paint my face. After that, I picked up Anika and off we went to the Picasso Boutique Hotel in Salcedo, Makati.

Outfit of the day:

Dress from Gingersnaps, sandals from her Ninang Arnaiz

Top from Forever 21, Guess shorts, Fitflops and Tory Burch bag

Arnaiz went with us kasi siyempre, the day would not be complete without her =)

This was the most wholesome boudoir photoshoot ever!

Anika and Pineda's baby girl went with us. Iba talaga pag-nanay ang kinukuhaan at ang kumukuha, nandun din ang mga bagets sa kama!

Ang timing ng anak ko makipagkwentuhan.

Baby M also wanted to join the fun.

Fine sige, sali na din kayo =)

Since we arrived, Anika kept on asking me if she could swim in our room's bathtub. She was extra super duper lambing that time, pumayag lang ako. Manang mana sa pinagmanahan =)

ANIKA: Nanay, can I go swim in the bathtub now? ME: Later anak, two minutes.

After two minutes..

ANIKA: Nanay, bathtub please! I want to swim in the bathtub! Please! Please! Please!

Okay so nagswimming na nga ang bagets sa bathtub =)

Thank you Pineda for taking my photos today.

ARNAIZ: Iba din etong si Pineda pagnakahawak na ng camera ano? Hoy Pineda! Siguraduhin mong payat din ako sa mga wedding photos ko ha!

PINEDA: Hindi ako si Belo noh!

ME: Ano ka ba Arnaiz! Anong akala mo diyan kay Pineda, magician?!

ARNAIZ: Eh bakit ikaw ang ganda mo sa photos?!

ME: Hanep ka talaga. Grrrr!!!

Hahahaha!

Thank you Arnaiz for paying for lunch and taking the behind the scenes shots =)

As expected, laugh trip na naman the whole day. Present ang dalawang Michelle eh. Super kulit.

Baby M and Anika were quarreling over the phone. Ayaw magshare ni Anika.

ME: Anika! Let Maeko pindot too!

ARNAIZ: Tae na english yan.

ME: sorry

Hahahaha!

Thank you so much guys!!! Love you!!!

http://michellepinedaphotography.com

Have a great week ahead of you guys!!!

Abangan =)

2013-05-19T20:59:00.001+08:00

The Past Three Busy Days

2013-05-19T06:45:00.001+08:00

Very, very, very early good morning to you guys!!!

It's 5am now as I am writing this. I woke up early kasi. Paano ba naman, I was sooo tired from the two birthday parties we went to yesterday so 7pm kagabi, borlogs na lola niyo. It didn't help pa that my panga was hurting so bad and Anika wanted to be carried all the time. I have to have my two upper wisdom tooth taken out via surgery asap. I just have to find time. The earliest time that I can ata is July. It will be Arnaiz's wedding on June 12 then our midyear reporting after that so I'll be very busy talaga. Tiisan muna ito while drinking a lot of mephanamic. Addict na naman lang ang peg. Lol.

Anyways, lemme tell you about my past few days.

Look at these old school cassette tapes that I saw at Wowa's house. Those are mine and I'm happy that Wowa kept them =)

Last Thursday, my friends and I went to The Mind Museum at the Bonifacio Global City. They have an ongoing buy 5 take 1 promo =)

It's so cool pala at The Mind Museum. My friends had fun. Five talaga sila na sumama. My bestfriend's camera shy so no show siya diyan sa photo hihihi. I'll tell you more about our The Mind Museum experience soon!

Then last Friday, I went to SM Makati to do some shopping =) I love talaga SM. Everything you need's there! So many cute dresses for Anika at very affordable prices.

I saw again their Fleur brand. Feel na feel ko I Instagrammed it. My friend DC told me that Fleur and Tarte Tatin have the same owners =)

Nagbabad ako at the accessories department for me and Anika =)

Palengke queen lang ang peg ko that day. Haggardo-verzosa na kasi because I came from work. Partida, ang sakit na ng panga ko niyan pero gorabelles pa din sa pagshoshop. I just felt the pain of my panga after shopping when I was walking back to my car. Lol!

And then, very quickly, nagsukat ako sa Forever21. Sabi ko sukat lang pero alam niyo na, low EQ di ba? =) I'll show you na lang my shopping loots in another post. Mga twenty years kasi magload eh. Hehehe

And then yesterday, off we went to two birthday parties.

First at McDonald's in Greenbelt for Zac's birthday party.

These two kids are super adorable =)

We stopped over at National Bookstore to buy some stuff. I finally have a copy of the Walking Disaster! =) I can't wait to read it. Also, I would like to encourage you guys to donate for their Project Aral. Php 25 pesos lang for one pack you'll make one child happy already =)

Next we went to Jollibee in Pioneer for Lia's birthday party. Lia's the daughter of Mars of Planet Marsy.

Naumay kami magasawa sa chicken and spaghetti that day but it was okay. Anika had so much fun at the two parties. Yun naman ang important =)

Today naman, after breakfast, I'll go to the salon of Eddie Bruan for my hair and make up. I'll be having a photoshoot with Pineda later at a boutique hotel =) Eddie Bruan was the one who did my wedding hair and make up. I'm soooo excited!!! =)

I'll tell you all about it soon!!!

This Kid Is It! --- Rock and Roll Star Jasper

2013-05-18T09:00:00.000+08:00

Today's featured kid is the brother of Kriska, the lady behind the blog, Sweet Nothings.

Shirt: SM Department Store

Pants: Guess Kids

Shoes: Tom and Jerry Shoes

This Kid Is It! --- Mafi and Nicos

2013-05-17T09:00:00.000+08:00

Margarita Fidel "MaFi" Balina, 3 years

Top: Brand Smart

White Dress: Disney Tinkerbell

Shoes not shown: crocs tinkerbell design

Nicolo Simon "Nicos" Balina, 5 years (Turning 6 yrs April 13)

Top: Cotton On

Shorts: SM Kids

Shoes: Crocs-CArs 2 design

This Kid Is It! --- Tori Lilah

2013-05-16T09:00:00.000+08:00

Top: Lizzie (@SM Department Store)

Shorts: Peppermint

Shoes: Dora

Hair accessories: Gift lang :)

Positive Vibes Thursday

2013-05-16T07:39:00.000+08:00

The troll just wouldn't stop. She has now progressed to calling me names. So funny. Where kaya she gets her energy to bash other people like that?

Just curious.

Imagine if I have that kind to of energy to exercise, ang sexy sexy ko na siguro ngayon. Dapat ma-channel yang energy niya to something more productive. Sayang naman.

Magcross-stitch ka kaya teh tapos ibenta mo para makapagshopping ka din. Kulang ka lang sa shopping.

Anyways, yesterday was really busy and stressful but I'm not complaining. Ang happy ko eh. And besides ang sarap ng feeling ng busy. Ramdam na ramdam ko na buhay pa ako. Lol!

Since stressed nga ako last night, I asked Alvin if we can go out. We met at Bar 360 at Resorts World. Okay dun mga ateng. If you go there before 9pm, there's no cover charge. You can watch the shows dun sa elevated round stage in the middle. You'll be seated on plush seats. And you can order their delicious frozen strawberry margarita. Yummy!

Alvin had a nice time because the show that we watched was parang a Beatles Band. As in they look like the Beatles din, Pinoy style. Alvin's a Beatles fan. As in he knows all the songs! So ayun when I was looking around, tuwang tuwa din ang mga thunders na customers dun. Actually, Alvin and I were the youngest customers there.

ME: Babe, hindi na ata cool yung mga gimik natin ngayon. Tingnan mo o. Puros matatanda na ang kasama natin. Sabi ko sayo dapat nag19 East na lang tayo. At least nandun sina Gloc9 and Kamikazee. Mga ganung age group pa naman tayo eh.

Hahahaha!

After a while we paid for our bill and prepared to go home. Biglang tinopak si Sombrero. He forced me to play Blackjack.

ME: Babe, you don't even know how to play Blackjack! Sayang pera.

ALVIN: Pero di ba ikaw marunong? Nanalo ka nga ng 3k eh.

ME: Dati yun. Buntis ako kay Anika that time. Eh ngayon di naman ako buntis eh!

ALVIN: Sige na please? Gusto ko maglaro.

With a sigh, I followed him to an empty Blackjack table. 300 pesos yung minimum na taya. After 10 minutes of playing, 1,600 na pera ni Alvin.

ME: Babe uwi na tayo dali!!! Dami na nating pera!

ALVIN: Wait lang last na.

Yung kaka-last niya, naging 1,000 pesos na lang yung chips niya. Ayun nag-aya na din siya umuwi.

ALVIN: Miss okay na. May pambili na kami ng gatas.

Lol!

In fairness! From 300 pesos naging 1,000 ang pera niya. Talk about beginners' luck!

Tuwang tuwa kaming mag-asawa =)

When we got home, I was super happy because I saw these:

Ice cream party anyone?! =)

ANG DAMING ICE CREAM SA BAHAY!!! I love it!!!

This Mother's Day sure feels like Christmas!

I'd also like to thank...

Avon Philippines

Bobble, which I will tell you about soon!

King Sue

Told ya it feels like Christmas! =)

So no negative vibes anymore. Let's always be happy kasi it attracts good vibes. Have you ever read the The Secret? You attract what you think so think about happy things all the time. Stay positive!

source

Have a nice day guys!!!

Mwah!!!

2013-05-16T06:59:00.002+08:00

This Kid Is It! --- Handsome Erwin Matthew

2013-05-15T09:00:00.000+08:00

Top: Snoopy

Shorts: Moose Gear

Shoes: Stride Rite

Wednesday Haka Haka

2013-05-15T08:00:00.000+08:00

I'm eating AND sleeping a lot these past few days. Alam niyo ba nung Mother's Day, I was asleep for half a day! Kaloka. Feeling ko I was just making bawi of all the puyat that I did in the last two weeks. I'm eating a lot because I have been dieting also since December. Bumabawi hahaha!

Either yan ang mga reasons or I'm pregnant.

Hep. Hep. Relax guys, di pa sure ha? Baka FB lang daw ako. Feeling Buntis. Lol.

I just feel weird all the time. I feel so lazy. I just want to eat lagi. And when I was talking with my bestfriend yesterday, nabanggit ko na gusto ko ng ripe mango. Yung makinis na makinis and mabango. Baka nga daw buntis ako. But I said di yan ang batayan. If I suddenly craved for pineapple, ayan close to confirmed na siguro na buntis ako.

It's just that the symptoms of a girl who's gonna have menstruation and a preggy woman are the same. Di ba girls? So let's just wait. I'm not that delayed pa naman eh.

For the meantime, here's what I'm wearing today:

Top from Forever 21, Divisoria pants and Payless shoes

I went for a comfy top today kasi I gained weight. 3 lbs din yun ha. Sana it's just bloated-ness. I seriously have to start exercising again. Phew.

Anyways, lemme take this opportunity to thank Dove Philippines for sending me their Mother's Day gift!

I love them!!! Thank you so much! Dove surely knows how to make mommies feel really beautiful! =)

Last night, I was browsing Pinterest while waiting to be sleepy. I saw this beautiful wedding dress

Isn't it gorgeous? I'm so in love with it.

If I would marry Alvin again, eto na talaga ang wedding dress that I want. Simple but elegant kasi yung peg ng gown ko nung kasal namin ni Alvin eh. Pero this dress, eto yung akong ako!

Pagawa kaya ako ng ganito, ipangsisimba ko lang.

Pak!

How about you muthers? How did your wedding gowns look like? =)

This Kid Is It! --- Little Miss Red Riding Hood

2013-05-14T09:00:00.000+08:00

HEADPIECE: LoveZhen (http://facebook.com/lovezhen812)

TUTU: From her Ninang Mama Anne

PHOTO BY: The Stork Studio

Ceelin's Pamana Ni Nanay

2013-05-14T07:00:00.000+08:00

Advertorial

To tell you honestly, when I found out that I was pregnant with Anika, 3 years ago, I was terrified.

First, I am the unhealthiest person in the entire world. I don't eat on time. I don't eat vegetables. And milk grosses the hell out of me. There was a living thing growing inside my tummy. Kailangan ko siyang buhayin and make sure healthy siya.

Second, I had no idea how to take care of a baby. In the first three months of Anika's life, I was scared na baka masira ko siya. She was so tiny that I was afraid I might break her or something. I kept on staring at her tummy while she sleeps because I wanted to make sure that she was still breathing. Konting iyak lang natataranta ako. How can you feed her eh she doesn't talk naman?!

Third, I also had no idea how to raise a human being. I want her to grow up to be a good person. But how will I do that eh si Havi nga hindi ko ma-train train?!

I could not have gone through the first few months without the help of Wowa, LT and Mama Lydia (my MIL). Masisiraan ako ng bait if they weren't there. They taught me how to feed her, bathe her and put her to sleep. Wowa told me to freaking relax. And of course, Alvin was there to talk sense out of me when I went through the post partum depression stage.

Being a first time mom wasn't easy but the experience was worth it. I have felt a wonderful feeling that I have never felt before. Masarap pala din yung feeling to have someone depend on you on their every need. Ang sarap makarinig ng I love you and thank you Nanay from Anika.

Best. Words. Ever.

I just hope that when Anika grows up, she'll realize that she can count on me on anything. I would drop anything and everything for her. I am willing to lose sleep just so I can rock her to sleep when she's sick. I'm willing to work my ass off with Alvin just to provide her with the best education we can afford. I'm willing to keep an open mind para lang I can understand her should she come to me with the most bizarre and out of this world concern. I am willing to put her well being and happiness first before mine. I would do those things in a heartbeat.

Eh ganyan naman talaga kasi ang maging Nanay eh.

I remember Wowa, she kept on telling me dati, pagnaging nanay ka na daw, isusubo mo na lang, ibibigay mo pa sa anak mo. I thought back then she was just being dramatic pero now when I had Anika, it's true pala talaga. All the mommies out there can attest to that.

Speaking of Wowa, ngayon ko lang siya na-gets. I was so annoyed at her when I was growing up. Lahat na lang kinontra.

I didn't understand why I had to be home by 6pm on a summer night while everyone else was out there watching basketball in our village court. Nahihirapan tuloy ako tumakas. It turned out that she was just protecting how other people will look at me. Pangit nga naman na gabi na, nasa kalsada pa ang babae.

I didn't understand why I only can talk to my boyfriends on the phone at 8:30-9pm on a school night. Pagpatak ng 9pm, talo pa niyan ang alarm clock sa kakaremind to put down the phone na. It turned out that she was just instilling discipline in me. Studies comes first even if she allowed me to have a boyfriend in high school already.

I didn't understand why I was having high grades na but it seems that she never got contented. Top 3 na ako sa class pero bakit daw hindi Top 1. It turned out that she believed that I can do more. She was pushing me because she knows I can do better and she was right.

And I cannot forget how mad she was when she saw me crying whenever I fight with my friends or boyfriend. Iritableng iritable siya sa akin. She kept on telling me to be strong. She was the one who taught me that people come and go sa buhay natin. It's constant and we just have to learn to accept that. She also taught me that I have to respect myself first so that men will respect me too. She also taught me not to worry too much. Tingnan ko daw siya, tawa lang ng tawa, keber sa ibang tao. Looking at her youthful face now, tama naman siya. She likes to laugh all the time so look, ganda pa din ng mudra ko. Peg ko na siya talaga.

I told her through Facebook that if I become half the woman she is now, happy na talaga ako. Then she commented on the same photo.

It read: I was half the woman you are now when I was your age. Am so proud you are a better mom than me.

Kung hindi ka naman talaga ma-touch niyan ng bongga di ba?

Last Saturday, I watched The Big Wedding at Greenbelt 5 with Alvin. Ceelin invited us to this event. Alam niyo sa totoo lang, that event was the nicest event I have ever been to.

Ceelin chose 5 people to give their messages for their mom. Ceelin recorded them on video and had it shown before the movie started. The catch there was the moms of these 5 people were also there thinking that they were just there to watch the movie. Nagulat talaga sila when they saw their kids giving them Mother's Day messages on the movie screen! It was so touching, naiyak ako!

Here's the video:

How about you guys? What are your mothers' pamana for you? =)

Happy Mother's Day!!!