SUPAHMUM

Summer Class 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:44:00 +0000

It’s been a long time since I last posted. I’ve been busy at work at home and in between. Yesterday was the first day of summer school for my 2 older kids. My 3 year old and 8 year old are both on a reading class with kids their age in preparation for the new school year on June. I thought I’m so over that jittery first day of school feeling. And I thought my worries over first day of school anxieties are long gone. I have no problems with my eldest son. Being older means he’s wiser and more responsible now than the previous years. He is now more focused and his attention span is better. My 3 year old, Kindergartener is more “allergic” to school than my 8 year old when he was his age. Monday upon arriving at the classroom, he suddenly threw a tantrum because I stopped him from opening the class closet full of toys. A moment later, he refused to sit on his own little chair and asked to be carried which is a tedious job by the way. When it came to the sing and dance activity, he covered both of his ears because he didn’t like the nursery songs. He only participated on the closing prayer. Perhaps he figured out it was time to go home. Tuesday, I had high hopes that today would be different. Wrong again! Hubby tagged along and we stood outside the classroom watching him from the outside. The second he sat on his chair, he opened his bag and started munching his snacks. After he was through, he carried his backpack, went outside directly to us, oblivious to the kids singing around him and asked to go home. We repeatedly led him back to his chair but unfortunately, he decided to stick to the door this time and refused to do board work. I’ve been hoping so bad the third day won’t be as bad as today. Let’s see tomorrow.. J

Playing with the class toys.

My eldest and his friends.

Wishing he was someplace else. Lol.

Follow me on Instagram ; )

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:48:00 +0000

Yes, I’m on Instagram. I love IG because unlike some of my FB friends who oftentimes snub my photos thinking that I’m weird, my IG friends and even random strangers appreciate my photos. So, yay! If you wish to follow me there ( I hope you do! ), then click HERE. Mwah!

Hello Jailbreak!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:36:00 +0000

After a year of using my iPhone 4s, I decided to ditch the apprehensions and jailbreak my device. With the recent release of IOS 6.0-6.1 jailbreak from evasion.com, I had to give it a try. So I took a huge gulp, plugged my device and went through the whole jailbreak process. I loved the results because I can now tweak my phone’s themes, fonts, interface etc. to my own liking. Here are the apps that I have installed on my phone after jailbreak.

1. Cydia

2. Winterboard

3. iFile

4. BytaFonts

5. BiteSMS

6. Activator

7. Clock Hide

8. IconRenamer

9. SBSettings

10. Color Keyboard

With that I said goodbye to the old boring iPhone interface and keyboard. Here’s my new pink and purple theme. I downloaded it from the internet.

Down with the Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:01:00 +0000

Sometimes as a family, you get sick together. That is exactly the case with my family this week. Hubby was the first one with the ailment. He got sick with pneumonia from staying too long in the cold weather one night. And the 3 boys followed with the flu complete with dry cough and fever. Amazingly, I didn’t catch the bug though. And I’m so thankful because if I’d get sick no one would attend to them. My 3 boys are doing a good job, although down with fever they were still their normal alert selves, were eating normally and chugged down bottles of water and juice to keep them hydrated. I wasn’t even forcing them to do that which is often the case when they are sick. So instead of hospitalization, I opted for them to just stay at home and rest and treated them with their over-the-counter meds. Instead of panicking, I observed my boys’ disposition if they’re weak or alert and because they looked okay to me; I just hit the internet for further info and tips. Otherwise, we’d be going to their doctor for check-up.

According to the website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

· Children younger than 5 years old have a greater chance of having problems with the flu. Children with a long term condition such as asthma and diabetes are also more likely to have severe problems if they get the flu. If your child is younger than 5 years of age or of any age with a long term health condition (like asthma or diabetes), and develops flu-like symptoms, they are at risk for serious complications from the flu. Ask a doctor if your child should be examined.

· Most children will get better without needing to go to the doctor. Other children may have more severe illness from the flu. A child of any age with severe signs of the flu should go to the doctor.

· Antiviral drugs used to treat the flu work best when started within the first 2 days (48 hours) of getting sick. The doctor may start your child on antiviral drugs even after 48 hours from when flu signs started, especially if your child is in the hospital or has a higher chance of severe illness from the flu.

· A fever is a temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). If you do not have a thermometer, feel your child’s face. If your child feels warmer than normal, has a flushed appearance, is sweating, or is shivering, your child may have a fever.

· If your child has a fever there are medicines that can be used to reduce the fever. Some are sold at stores (over-the-counter) and you can buy them freely. Others require a prescription from a doctor. Make sure you talk to your doctor and see what medicine your doctor recommends based on your child’s age.

· Some medicines sold in stores (over-the-counter) are approved for children to make them feel better. You should call your doctor to make sure these medicines are okay for your child. Note that you should never give aspirin to children who might have the flu.

· To reduce the spread of the flu, keep your sick child at home until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, except to get medical care.

· Children can go back to school 24 hours after their fever is gone WITHOUT the use of medicine that lowers fever.

· While your child is sick, make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants, Pedialyte®) to make sure his or her body has the fluids it needs.

· Keep your sick child in a separate room in the house as much as possible to limit contact with healthy household members.

· Do not allow your child to share food or drinks with others.

· Try to have one person as the main caregiver for the sick child. If possible the caregiver should be someone who is not at high risk for severe flu, such as pregnant women or people with health conditions like asthma.

Source:www.cdc.gov

There’s So Much to Be Thankful For

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 01:19:00 +0000

I have so much to be thankful for the past year. 2012 began just like any other year but ended up with an unexpected blessing with me letting go of my SAHM (Stay-at-home-Mom) status and finally learning to let go of my anxieties when it comes to leaving the kids with someone else and embracing my new life as a Working Mom. Last Christmas was unlike my past Christmases because with my pay, I was able to go on a shopping spree, and bought gifts for all my nephews, nieces, godchildren and family without asking money from my hubby (who doesn't complain anyway). I had a lot to be thankful for the past year, because the family remained intact, healthy and happy. I mourned in silent for some friends who lost a loved one last year and thanked the Lord for the countless blessings He gave my family. The boys are growing fast than I could grasp. I’m fulfilled that they rarely get sick and are getting smarter each day. I have stopped making New Year’s resolutions because I couldn't keep them anyway or at least try to. But just like any other year, some things are constant, I promise to be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend to everyone who mattered to me. I surely hope that 2013 will be a great year. Cheers to you my fellow bloggers and may 2013 give you luck and success. =)

^My babies^

^A rare moment when they all sit down for a photo op^

Sample Room

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:59:00 +0000

I've always been hungry for samples. But unfortunately unlike other countries, the Philippines lack websites that actually give out free product samples without having to fill up dozens of surveys. My purpose for the samples is of course personal use, trying the product before buying and to review them on my blog. And that's when I came upon the Sample Room. According to its website, Sample Room is a sampling site that banks on the power of free product sampling. It is an online community that changes your beauty-shopping pattern; and an interactive community where your opinions matter and where all beauty lovers are valued.

This is how it works, first you have to register and be a Sample Room member. Upon registration you immediately get 100 points that can be used to start your product sampling adventure. Product samples have given points for them to be availed, all you need to do is use your points to get the sample. You earn ever more points as you rate and review products. Unfortunately, shipping is NOT free. So you have to pay for it. Minimum shipping fee ranges from 100 for Metro Manila and 130 for provinces outside of Manila. The Sample Room do not ship internationally since they are into the whole local online community thing. They have a whole range of products for you to try from SKINCARE, HAIR CARE, BODY CARE, FRAGRANCE, COSMETICS, TOOLS, HEALTH, SLIMMING AND LIFESTYLE. Availability of products depends on the demand. I was eyeing the Kérastase Oleo-Relax Fluide because I'm a hair freak, unfortunately it's not available for sampling as of now since it's out of stock.

So i turned my attention to the Celeteque DermoScience Brightening Eye Tuck plus Dark Circles Lightener because I have raccoon eyes from being sleep-deprived through the years which kind of like a mainstay now. It just won't go away!

You only need 35 points to get the sample plus, it has 23 samples in stock. If you love free samples, visit the Sample Room and check out their available items. Happy Sampling!

Rockin' the LWD with Red Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 01:09:00 +0000

My other bestfriend is getting hitched this December. And what better way to celebrate the holidays than to have a red and white theme wedding. Well, it was always a tradition in the family to wear red/white for their weddings. I was told that hubby and I are going to be candle lighters, just like the rest of my friends' weddings this year. Three of my friends got hitched this year. So, I guess 28 is their ideal age to get married. Unlike me who started earlier than the rest.^_^ The thing is, I was so sure that I'm going to buy a red dress for the wedding. But Emma, the bride-to-be frantically texted me that we're supposed to wear white. Oh-kay, I thought, that's an unusual color for the bridal entourage. I wore pink and purple in my other 2 bestfriends' wedding. Being in a little city where there are only a few shops, I didn't hesitate to look elsewhere than risk having someone else wear the same clothes as mine. So I went online. I looked for classic pieces because I never liked too much frills in my dresses. Ok I'm boring and all but that's another story. Being an all-time E-bay shopper, I was surprised that this time they ran out of cute dresses that caught my fancy. Most of them are too summery and definitely not great for weddings. I went outside of Ebay and these are my finds:

BAYO P1,595

BAYO P1,195

BAYO P1,495

As we all know, white is boring as is. Because red is another wedding motiff, I decided to play it up with red shoes and a red belt. And perhaps minimal accessories not to overdo it. I've read that bib necklaces are the perfect match for the little white dress especially those shift dresses. But I'm not a fan of huge necklaces. I was never adventurous with necklaces being stuck with silver and gold all my life. Snore-worthy, I know! Perhaps I'll just imitate Salma Hayek below, necklace-free and only clad with earrings.

VIRUS P 1,584, ZALORA

EMBELLISH P 350, ZALORA

GIBI P 1,999.75, ZALORA

GIBI P 2,399.75, ZALORA

SCARLET P 1,099, ZALORA

My favorite online shopping website at the moment is ZALORA. Because unlike most Facebook and Multiply shops, the choices are varied and shipping is free once you purchase at least 1,000 pesos. But mind you, even if you only purchased below a thousand pesos, shipping fee is only 100 p. That's enough to pump up my shopping adrenalin. The website is also easy to maneuver and any internet-challenged individual can go places around the website. So for the shoes, belt and other accessories which are supposed to be red, I decided to just look for them all in Zalora. It has to be red. And with that, I found lots.

ENVY P 375, ZALORA

LALA GARCIA MANILA P 350, ZALORA

MADE YOU LOOK P 500, ZALORA

SWOON P529, ZALORA

SWOON P 410, ZALORA

Now for the budget, I hate to be too tight so I guess I can let loose for a bit on my shopping. I'm not purchasing them all, just some yet I love looking at them for comparison. I'm excited for the wedding which is only days away. Will keep you posted. Kisses. Mwwwaah!

I won a Premade!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:25:00 +0000

Today, I got an email that I won the Blogger Premade Theme Giveaway on A Mommy's Blog Design. First thing's first, I have never joined any online giveaway ever. Because one, I'm a lazy ass and two, I simply have no confidence in taking a chance and winning. I think I won because there were only 11 participants. And they had to choose 5 Blogspot bloggers and 5 Wordpress bloggers. I had an inkling even before I got the email that I'm going to win. So, I'm happy! For a cheapskate like me, every little thing means a LOT. And of course, I feel happy enhancing my blog and getting a new premade for free especially if I have nothing to do at the office. I chose the Superhero Mom template because it fits my blog name like a glove. It's also accented with soccer balls which also complements my being a mom to 3 boys.(see pic below) I can't wait for the design file to be emailed to me so I can start with my blog overhaul. I'm joining other contests starting now.♥

Premade Blog Theme Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 06:56:00 +0000

I've always wanted to do yet another blog overhaul. But sometimes I find blog premades expensive so what I do, I find free blog templates that I really like, open Photoshop and enhance it a bit to suit my taste. Most of the time though I google blog freebies so I can get away with enhancing my blog for free. Imagine my delight when I came upon A Mommy's Blog Design. She's giving away 5 Blogger premades and 5 Wordpress premades to 10 lucky people. So yeah, I joined! Who knows, I might win. For those of you who are interested to join the giveaway just go to www.amblogdesign.com and follow the instructions. Giveaway ends on NOvember 25th. Good luck to us all!

SAHM no more

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 06:18:00 +0000

Today marks my first month at work. Yes, I’m now a working mom and calling myself that still sounds weird. I’ve always been a SAHM when I married right away after college. So it’s all the job I know aside from my usual blogging stints. Blogging and web content writing somehow meshed well with my mommy duties. Before when I see working moms walk by the window or even across the street, I can’t help but feel envious. I wanted to be like them, to feel the morning rush, to feel that sense of fulfillment that comes with having a career. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing I love more in the world than taking care of my kids but the fact is, you always want to be anyone you’re not. Now that I’m working 8 hours a day, I can’t help but miss my past routines with the kids. It all seems a million years away. I have never left them with a nanny before. And there’s always that sense of dread that comes with it. My 2 year old took it with the slightest apprehension; my 3 year old is a different story. He won’t let the nanny bathe him or change his nappy. And worst of all, he won’t eat. I was about to potty-train him but he began to show signs of potty-withdrawal. He won’t tell me when he needs to use the potty or even when his nappy is soiled. I also realized that good nannies are so hard to come by these days. I was not nervous with my new job. I was more uncomfortable with the strangers that I was about to thrust into my children’s lives. We found a nanny a week before my first day of work. She was all very sure that she would report for work a day before my scheduled first day on the job. Imagine our surprise when she declined. And I only had a day before work starts! We scoured our place looking for available nannies but found none. Most of them made a beeline to the big cities looking for their fortune. We remembered our tita’s old housemaid and took our chance. Lucky for us, she agreed without hesitations. With the big change that comes with me working, my kids are also trying to adjust. They still have crying spells whenever hubby and I left for work and oftentimes a full blown tantrum just when we’re running late. I oftentimes miss them when I’m at work and miss the cuddles and watching cartoons while being total couch potatoes. I sure hope that in time, they will learn to accept the fact that mommy’s no longer home most of the time. This is a big change and there’s no turning back.

AMALAYER!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:02:00 +0000

Today, Twitter got me confused with the trending topic #Amalayer. Thinking that it’s probably the new expression people are so into now, I decided to search for the source. So it’s about a girl getting all hysterical with the lady guard in an LRT station who admonished her for using the wrong entrance. In the video, the girl was heard saying to the lady guard, “So you’re telling me I’m a liar? I’m a liar? I’m a liar?”; which sounded like AMALAYER. Well you can be excused with wrong diction at times but there’s no excuse for bad manners. Too bad Miss Rude Girl got caught on camera. Apparently, according to bystanders, the lady guard exhibited the right behavior and was calm the whole time. I just don’t understand why some people get so bitchy. She has no right to treat other people that way especially to other people who are just doing their jobs no matter how low paid they may be. Well Miss Amalayer, you’re famous now. J

K5 Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 01:42:00 +0000

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.Check out their website and info for the free sample Here!

Photos taken with iPhone4s

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:42:00 +0000

With my Samsung point and shoot camera slowly dying on me,I stopped toting it when I go out.Somehow,the flash doesn't usually work in dim places but works perfectly fine in well-lit areas in example,the bright outside.Since then,I started using my iPhone 4s when the urge to snap strikes.All I can say is,not bad.Not bad for an 8 megapixel camera phone.Gone were the days of crappy cellphone pics that just don't look right.I was surprised that moving photos don't get blurry like the jump shot photo of my hubby and son (shown below).Here are photos I took with my iPhone 4s.The photos are great in itself but I usually itch if I don't get to tweak my photos with different apps.I used the apps Camera Flash,Photo Wonder,100Cameras and BeFunky.All free in the AppStore.

Sent from my iPhone 💜

The Next Best Thing to Your Shopping Experience Usharethis.net

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:04:00 +0000

*I'm hosting an article for Usharethis.net. Read on.

What do you get when social networking meets shopping? A new obsession! People embracing the idea that book marking and social sharing slowly are replacing search with regards to product discovery. We’re taking that experience closer to you. Usharethis.net a social store created by the community.

An online shopping community where regular people share their uncommon finds. A movement of regular people who help each other find things they like and most of these things are affordable. It’s a portal that connects you to trending and unique products at your fingertips. Chances are there are a few other people on who think like you do. This mass marketplace has become specialized just for the target market “you” and “me”. Social sharing, desire to discover as well as the sense of community all in one.
It’s shopping made easy! It’s shopping with an interesting twist!
Usharethis.net can make everything easy by putting the internet’s stores at your fingertips. It gives you the opportunity to save items you crave in a wish list. If you’re more of a window shopper, you can put items on your wish list for a rainy day. Users post, collect, organize products and follow people and stores they like. Users can visually keep track of their own shopping wish list.

Usharethis.net is a means to share your style with your friends and this means no more ugly sweaters for Christmas gift. Usharethis.net is primarily user-generated so you can trust that it’s not just one person or company throwing what they think looks good on you and it links you directly to the site where you can purchase the products. It’s like treasure hunting. Everything you want in one place.

What to expect on Usharethis.net

- Great interface. Navigation is simple and straightforward.
- Integrates well with your online presence – connect to Facebook, Twitter, your blogs and websites.
- Built in trending and sharing
- The inspiration factor – a marketplace with collections of products can provide some great ideas for themes.

We’re launching soon! In the meantime join us below to get updates.
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Usharethis
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Usharethis
Tumblr Blog: http://usharethis.tumblr.com/
Check out our teaser page: http://www.usharethis.net/
The community is buzzing! Since our Facebook fan page launch last July 9, 2012, we already have more than 1,000 likes, more than 500 Twitter followers and still growing by the day. Don’t be left behind! Join the fun!

Usharethis.net, Your next shopping obsession! Share unique finds whenever, wherever!

Yummy First Finger Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:01:00 +0000

Here are yummy and nutritious finger foods that babies who are first time solid eaters will surely love.Great ideas from Parenting.com.

1. Banana Slices

2. Avocado Slices

3.Cooked Peas

4. Peach Chunks

5. Shredded Cooked Chicken

6. Macaroni

7. Cooked Carrot Slices

8. Small Tofu Cubes

9. Soft Tortilla Pieces

10. Cheese Slices

Xoxo,Charlotte

www.supahmum.com

Joy's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:56:00 +0000

<p align="justify">I've been meaning to update sooner but our recent move caused the delay of posts.Right now,we've moved into a fairly decent place.It took hubby and I 2 whole days to unpack and arrange all our stuff.That's the exhausting part and we still have unpacked bags sitting in the corner.On my last post,I talked about my anxiety with my toddler and my bestfriend's wedding.It turned out I worried too much.My son did his part well with zero fuss and tears.He was able to walk down that aisle without a yaya in tow and blew his bubbles.I was so proud!;) I guess toddlers never fail to surprise us with their unpredictable mood swings.Here are some photos of Joy's beautiful wedding.:)))

Xoxo,Charlotte

www.supahmum.com

Toddlers and Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 07:31:00 +0000

This weekend is my bestfriend's wedding.Prior to that she asked me who among my 3 kids is going to join her wedding entourage.She asked me and without batting an eyelash,I said child no.2.Child no.1 is well..bouncy and hyperactive.And child no.3 is too young and tantrum-prone.Child no.2 seemed like the choice because he's got milder temperament than the two.But as days went by,I'm starting to doubt my decision.Child no.2 refuses to be fitted for his vest and bowtie.Even his formal shoes and slacks without him screaming.I tried talking to him about the wedding and his role but he appears uninterested.I seriously doubt he's going to walk down that aisle as a bubble boy blowing bubbles smiling for everyone.I believe he's going to cling to daddy for the rest of the ceremony.With all those bubble boys and girls at the wedding (there are 12 of them),I hope he's not the only one who's going to have a meltdown.Haha.Desperate for help,I had to do my research on how to handle this uhm.."tough" not to mention embarassing situation just in case because it pays well to be ready especially with kids.These I learned:
1.Children under 5 cannot sit still and listen quietly to a lecture or speech.As expected,they will fidget in their seats and lose interest by the minute.It might help bringing along a small toy or activity books to make him occupied.
2.Pick an unobtrusive spot to avoid distracting the guests. If your child starts his drama and is going louder,silently whisk him out of the area.
3.Bring a change of clothes because kids being kids love to horse around and ruin their nice wedding clothes.
4.Let him have his snacks before and after the wedding.A hungry toddler is a cranky toddler.
5.If it's possible,let them practice walking down the aisle prior to the big day until they're comfortable with it.
6.Bribery works like a charm.Toys or candies..anything to make the kids march down the aisle.

Kids being unpredictable,there's always room for plenty of surprises.I hope mine is going to be a pleasant surprise and little boy is going to cooperate.I hope.(gulp!)I will keep you posted next time with the pictures.Mwah!

5 Signs that your child is ready for Preschool

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:08:00 +0000

Now that June is looming round the corner,parents might be asking themselves if they should enroll their children for preschool or is he ready for preschool?I've been asking myself that question years ago when Khym was three but ended up skipping preschool with him going straight through Kindergarten at five.For a parent with Preschool anxiety,here are some points to ponder to determine if your child is indeed preschool-ready.

1.He's potty-trained.
Some preschools require their pupils to be potty-trained first before enrolling.While others allow diaper-clad tots to go to school.If your tot has already mastered the toilet,then he's probably good to go.My 2 year old has regressed when it comes to potty issues so,next year will probably do just fine.

2.He has spent a considerable amount of time away from you.
When you leave your kid with a baby sitter when you go to work,chances are he's going to go to preschool without a backward glance,not even a whimper.But with kids like mine,who are always with me 24/7,separation anxiety might be an issue.So before the school year starts,it's time to start introducing your toddler to the idea of separation by leaving him with grandma for example while you do the grocery.

3.He can take instructions.
Preschool structures aren't as complicated as kindergarten but your child is still required to follow simple instructions like picking up the toys or hanging his coat in the closet.If you think he needs practice in this area,start instructing him to help you with simple house chores that are perfect for little hands.

4.He interacts well with other kids.
If he's used to playing and interacting with other small kids and at least knows the value of sharing,then preschool shouldn't be a problem.If your child is a loner,then signing up for a "playgroup" might be a good idea to prepare him.

5.Comfortable in switching gears.
Observe on how your child reacts when it's time to stop an activity and moving on to the next.If he throws a tantrum,it's probably best to inform him in advance so he may be able to handle transitions better.

In the end,being preschool-ready relies on the child.If he shows signs that he is eager and ready then he probably is.If you're having second thoughts though,just hold off another year.Children are different but many made the transition to Kindergarten just fine regardless of when they started preschool.

Zalora Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:46:00 +0000

Zalora,an online shopping site for shopaholics is now available for Filipino shoppers.This website offers a wide array of both local and foreign brands that will surely delight anyone.I happened to click the Zalora ad on Ebay while scouting for a dress to wear to my friend's wedding.I got distracted by their shoes.Really lovely.I got busy going through their website checking out their heels and dresses.The good thing about Zalora is that shipping is free nationwide!And accepts returns when something does not fit right.They also accept almost all payment methods that are most convenient to us shoppers.Sometimes I wrinkle my nose when prices go higher than 1,000 pesos.Zalora has a special shopping category labeled UNDER 999,so that makes me giddy with excitement.Haha.And the products under that category are equally cute and fab too.I don't understand why hubby received an exclusive invite to their grand launch on May 9.It should have been me.Lol.Anyway,when you sign up today,you'll receive 250 pesos voucher.So visit Zalora at www.zalora.com.ph.

Wordless Monday:Twins!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Mon, 07 May 2012 08:03:00 +0000

So okay..I can't help but add a few words.Here's a photo of my 2 toddlers looking every bit like twins each day.That's the funny thing when you have closely-spaced kids,everyone would think you have twins.:)))

6 Health Conditions that can be Inherited

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:51:00 +0000

Other than you or your spouse's distinct features,your child may inherit some chronic health conditions that run in your family.But family history on its own does not usually guarantee that your child will develop your illnesses in the course of time.It's a condition that is triggered by genetics and other environmental conditions.
Here are the most common health problems that affect families:
1. Vision Problems- Nearsightedness, color blindness, and lazy eye (amblyopia) are often inherited. If both parents have vision problems,a child has a 25 to 50 percent chance.
Signs and Symptoms:
1.squinting or tearing up when watching tv or reading
2.complains of consistent headaches

It's best to start regular eye exams with a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist by age 1 if eye problems run in the family.Early detection and correction of vision problems could save your child's sight and let her function at her best.

2.Eczema-The odds that your child will get it is the same as allergies which is 50-50.But some parents may be surprised when their child develops Eczema when neither of them has it.According to experts,what's inherited is not the specific allergies but the tendency or predisposition to allergic conditions.Eczema can be triggered by cold, dry environments,dairy,eggs and even stress.
Signs and Symptoms:
1.dry, itchy skin
2.red, rough patches usually form on the cheeks, insides of the elbows, and backs of the knees
3.presence of little pus-filled sacs when its severe

See your doctor to confirm your suspicions so he can advise a maintenance routine to help prevent more breakouts. He may prescribe a topical steroid cream to prevent inflamations and ease the itching.Or if it's severe,antibiotics may be prescribed.

3.Migraines-If one parent has it,there's a 50% chance that your child will get,a higher chance if both parents suffer from migraine.
Signs and Symptoms:
1.combination of throbbing pain (usually in the front or sides of the head)
2.nausea or vomiting
3.sensitivity to light or sound

Fortunately, kids' headaches are often relieved by going to sleep or taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the strategies provided by your pediatrician don't bring relief, she may suggest seeking out a pediatric neurologist.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-
People who suffer from IBS are more than twice as likely to have a first-degree relative with the same symptoms.It's very common to see colicky infants whose parents have IBS or reflux.
Signs and Symptoms:
1.frequent crampy abdominal pain or alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea

IBS can be managed with lifestyle changes like avoiding certain foods that might be triggers, adding probiotics (the healthy bacteria found in yogurt), and/or teaching kids some stress-management techniques, such as relaxation exercises or yoga.

5.Allergies- There's about a fifty-fifty chance they will if you oryour spouse suffers; if you both have allergies, there's an even greater chance the kids will too.
Signs and Symptoms:
1.Frequent colds, sinus or ear infections
2.constantly runny, stuffy, or itchy nose
3.itchy eyes, rashes, or hives
4.wheezing or a chronic cough

For mild cases,your pediatrician may
suggest medications such as antihistamines and prescription nose drops, which may provide ample relief.If needed, other medications and immunotherapy (allergy shots) are available and can bring tremendous relief too.

6.Mood and Anxiety Disorders-Certain types of psychological and emotional issues can be inherited like ADHD,depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Signs and Symptoms:
unusual sadness, irritability, anxiety, inattention, or a change in appetite, sleep, or ability to enjoy things

It's best to talk to your doctor about your mental health problems history so that he can zero in on the cause of your child's behavior and get help sooner.

Loving Life

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:27:00 +0000

When Heather Von St. James dropped by my blog and asked me to email her,I had an idea it was about a guest post.But I didn't know how inspiring her story was until I turned to Google to get a glimpse of who she is.Read her story of courage and survival and be inspired to live and beat the odds.

Loving Life by Heather Von St.James

No one ever forgets a day when his or her world is turned upside down -- a day when everything changes. That is true for me. I will never forget the day my daughter was born. I will also never forget the day three and a half months later when I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The date was November 21, 2005. My health was on a steady decline. My daughter was steadily getting bigger and I had a lot of thinking to do. I had to choose to prepare for my demise or fight for my life. I found the strength within me to choose the latter and fight for a chance to raise Lily.

One of the partners in my fight was a man named Dr. David Sugarbaker. I was sent to see him at Boston Brigham and Women's hospital. Around that time, I started researching my illness. The outlook was grim. If I managed to live more than another five years, I would be one of only two percent of malignant pleural mesothelioma sufferers who make it that far. Something inside me knew I could be one of them, so I adopted a new outlook on life. I would be fiercely determined and taking absolutely nothing for granted.

To say the next year was easy would be a bald-faced lie. Mesothelioma treatment is extremely difficult to endure. I had my entire left lung removed and underwent months of chemotherapy and radiation. I had to rely on the kindness of family and friends to help me raise my daughter while I dealt with my illness and tried to spend as much time with Lily as possible. Her first birthday was a momentous occasion. Lily was one and I was nearing the end of my treatment. A few months later, I had my last treatment appointment.

I have learned quite a bit since the day I was diagnosed. Being a mother, fighting cancer and surviving cancer have all contributed to my new outlook. I cannot afford to under-appreciate anything in my life. I would do myself a disservice by ignoring what is important or taking it for granted. That is why everything from natural beauty to every breath my child takes has become something for me to soak up. This is what gives us the strength to survive.

My family and I are not the only people dealing with this terrible disease. I encountered many people like us along the way. Some of those people sadly lost their battles. They, along with those who remain, inspire me to bring awareness to our struggles. I hope to turn mesothelioma into something more than a commercial. I want others to see the face of mesothelioma -- these people -- and carve a place in their hearts for them as I have.

Sure, this has been a difficult road to traverse. Nonetheless, I carefully fight away any negativity and strive to take advantage of everything life throws at me.

To know more about Heather and her inspiring story, please visit her blog HERE

Logo Design Works

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:20:00 +0000

Whether you have a personal or professional website, your website's logo enhances your website's overall feel.Or it could be that you're creating your company logo and need professional help for a more polished look.But sometimes,finding a good logo designer that does the job well can be a hassle for some.Let alone finding one with affordable rates.If you're searching for a US-based logo design company that is world-renowned for it's high quality logo designs with the best affordable rates around, then you must give Logo Design Works a try.Logo Design Works is trusted and reliable when it comes to logo and web designing so you can be sure that you're in good hands. I've tried creating my own website logo but the overall look made me cringe that's when I realized help is needed.With Logo Design Works,price packages start at $197 and go all the way up to $797.The bigger the package, the more initial concepts and designers work on it.All you have to do is fill up the form with as much information about your logo,pay and the design process will start.The good thing is, they keep in contact with you the whole time and send in their initial design for your approval.So why waste your time working with mediocre companies and get bland results?You should at least try Logo Design Works or go to their website here to check out their rates and works, you'll surely be one grinning customer.

iPhone App:Things for Baby Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 02:33:00 +0000

With my first baby,I used to list and relist all the things the baby needs on paper.With my other two,I recycled the list scratching out things I already have or things that are not really necessary to say the least.So when we go shopping,I have this crumpled paper with me all the time.But thank God for technology,you can leave all that paper list behind.I came upon this cute app because it's on price drop.From 0.99 to FREE.For moms-to-be,this app can really help sorting out your lists because sometimes,this part can be mind-boggling and time-consuming.This app is grouped by 10 categories and over 70 items are provided.All you have to do is tap the boxes to check and uncheck items you need.Check this app on the App store and say hello to hassle-free baby shopping. :)

5 Tips to Healthier Baby Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Charlotte Garces) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:10:00 +0000

According to a recent poll on Babytalk.com,only about 6 percent of moms diligently wipe their babies' teeth and gums with a wet wash cloth to get rid of food particles.That's like a small percentage when tooth cavities in children are on the rise.To keep our kids' teeth gleaming, here are tricks on how to take care of them.

1.Brushing routine.One goal is to routinely wipe them once or even twice a day.Some kids need a little getting used to.And routine teeth cleaning minimizes screams of protest.

2.Better brushing.When baby sprouts a tooth or more,it's time to ditch the damp washcloth and go for a small toothbrush with soft bristles.And clean all surfaces including the gum line.

3.Using toothpaste.You don't need toothpaste until your child turns two.Before that age,brushing with water will suit just fine.But if your toddler wants to feel grownup,a kiddie flouride-free toothpaste will do.

4.Dental Check-Ups.Experts highly recommend taking your child to the dentist at the age of 1.But you could also ask your child's pediatrician to check on his chompers if you could not get to a dentist around this time.