Book Review: Mommy Loves You Just The Same by Teresa Dumadag

Have you ever heard stories about older kids wishing that their new baby brother or sister be back in their mother's womb?

Well, I have and it happened within my own family. I am the youngest of the 3 siblings and with a 6 and 8-year gap. They said that my brother was a bit jealous and wants to stay as the "baby" in the family even though he is already 6 years old. He kept on bugging my mom to put me back where I can from. Well, it's funny but true.

So when I found this upcoming children's book by Teresa G. Dumadag entitled Mommy Loves Me Just The Same, it reminded me of that story. The book was written while she was pregnant with her 3rd child to help inspire moms to breastfeed continuously (tandem feed if needed) and to involve the older kids in caring for their younger sibling. The book provides ideas for older siblings on how they can bond with the coming baby even while still in their mother’s womb and what they can do to help when the baby arrives. It's also a great tool that moms can use to assure their older children that their love for them remains the same even with an additional child in the family.

I believe that this can benefit other moms and families. It is highly recommended for moms who are expecting another child or who gave birth to another child not so long ago. It will help moms assure their older kids that their love for them remains the same even with the coming of another baby. It also provides ideas on how the older sibling can help prepare for the baby's coming and take care of the baby when the baby arrives.

It is a good read for both moms and older children. The message has been captured in a simple yet meaningful approach that was brought to life through the beautiful illustrations by Jia Rubio- Monserrat.

Mothers and Babies from the South Gathered for the Great Cloth Diaper Change

The Great Cloth Diaper Change (GCDC) by South PiNanays (SPiN) was held at Festival Mall, Alabang last April 23, 2016. It was a great success with 69 mommy and baby pairs who simultaneously changed baby diapers to celebrate this worldwide gathering.. This event was done in partnership with Modern Cloth Nappying Pinays (MCNP), Breastfeeding Pinays, Mommy Talk Philippines, and Newlyweds@Work.

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

The GCDC is an annual worldwide event created by the Real Diaper Association that aims to spread awareness about the benefits of cloth diapering, advocating cloth diapers as an environment-friendly choice for families. This year, there were 235 registered GCDC events in 19 countries, eight were held in the Philippines, one of which was the SPiN event in Alabang.
Aside from the actual diaper change, there was also a mini-bazaar featuring small mom-owned businesses that offered family-friendly products. There were also talks about cloth diapering, breastfeeding, and oral care and dental health for children.

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

There were also free fluoride applications for the kids and free haircuts for the mommies and daddies. Lots of raffle and game prizes were given away throughout the day. Sponsors for the SPiN GCDC were Festival Mall, David's Salon, Sylergy, Sydenase, Tempra, Green Cross, Zonrox, PeeWee Explorers, The Nest, Kidsmile Pediatric Dental Clinic, and Ingente-Valencerina Photography.

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

Source: Ingente-Valencerina Photography

If you are wondering what SPiN is all about, it was Established in October 2013 and officially registered as an NGO last July 2015 as South PiNanays Women Empowerment, Inc. (SPiN). It is mainly a breastfeeding and parenting support group for mothers and families living in Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon. The group aims to educate, support, and empower the community, one baby, one mom, one family at a time.

If you are not yet a part of this wonderful group, check out our group in facebook and follow the instructions on how to be a member.

To all the organizers and members of SPiN, congratulations for this beautiful and meaningful event. Looking forward to more SPiN activities and events.

Go Green and Practical with California EcoBike

With crazy heat and the scary weather patterns, we no longer need more evidence that the ill effects of climate change is here. 

Though some say that the effects are irreversible, I am encouraging everyone that we can still do something about it by not making it worse. 

The use of eco-friendly energy source like solar panels as well as eco-friendly transportation alternatives is a must nowadays. Not to mention that the fuel prices continues to soar every week, add that to the burden of motorists and commuters alike as horrendous traffic in the metro persist. Thus, the use of electronic bikes is a smart choice.  

These E-bikes can either charge on an electrical outlet or completely off-grid through solar charging. These should lower fumes on the road caused by petroleum type fuel and considerably cheaper if not free. 

With the steady growth of e-bike followers, California Ecobike is gearing towards its mission to improve transportation in an eco-friendly way, one e-bike at a time. With their continuous effort in offering various alternative, here are two of their newest model:

Apart from it's advantages, I would like to share to my readers more reasons to switch to e-bikes. CD-R King and California Ecobike will be holding this promotion, Libreng E-bike that will run from April 15 to May 15, 2016, and here are the mechanics: 

1. Participants must purchase one (1) unit of E-bike worth P10,000 or more to qualify for this promo.

2. Participant must sign an application form and submit 2 valid IDs to join. Approved participants will be given a referral ID card.

3. Participant must accompany each of their referred buyers during the purchase.

4. A successful referral can only be approved if the following conditions are met:

a.) Each of the referred buyer bought an E-bike worth 10,000 or higher.

b.) The transaction was made within the promo period. 

c.) The transaction was made on the same branch where the participant enlisted in.

5. After completing 10 successful transactions, the participant can avail 1 free Reedley2 E-bike.

6. To claim the free Reedley2 E-bike, participant must present his/her Referral ID card along with 2 valid IDs. After 3 working days, store will call up the participant for claiming.

7. Redemption period is up to 60 days from the end of promo.

Also, here's another good news for Two wheels enthusiasts on the North: 

CD-R King and California E-bike are testing the market as it initially offer the iRover and Malibu for rent for mall-goers of Star Mall, San Jose. With a minimal fee of as low as Php30, Mall goers can rent these gadgets to be used within the mall vicinity. Renter should have a valid ID for processing.

For further inquiries visit www.ebike.cdrking.com or their facebook page. 

‪#‎LetsSpreadHappy‬ Everyday!

I have always believed that happiness is a choice. Our decisions in life and the consequences that we are willing to take are the key factors in our personal happiness. It's either about being contented of what we have or about reaching our dreams and goals in life. 

The only most important thing that we have to remember is that we have to begin with ourselves to be happy. I am very grateful that I found my true bliss and passion in life. At the age of 30, I was able to figure out what I want to do. 

I am not an office girl with her dream job. I am actually a work-at-home professional and I can say that it is not as easy as it seems. I have several (currently 4) part-time jobs that never makes me bored. 

I used to work for international clients I met through Upwork however late last year, I have decided to work for Filipino clients instead. I believe that our talents should be shared to others in helping their businesses grow and I guess it is about time, we help out start-ups and SMEs in our country first. Just like the famous line "Para sa ekonomiya" It definitely brings much joy to know that you have helped another Filipino through your expertise. 

Apart from work, I also manage our little rental shop, Bacolod DIY Party Rentals. It just opened a few months ago and it grew out of my love for themed and styled parties. I want to inspire people to be creative and have beautiful parties in their own homes by providing them decorations and equipment that are affordable. 

Am I busy every day? Definitely. However, on rare occasions, I still find time to write and blog after a hectic day of household chores, wife and furmommy duties, work and business. Some ask, how do I have all the energy to balance everything?  

Well, let me share with you my secret. I make sure that I start my day right. My typical mornings start with a prayer, quiet time with my plants and not so quiet time with my dogs, a heavy breakfast and Enervon C. 

Yes, Enervon C helps me have the energy to be happy. So, make the right decisions. Choose to be happy. Find your bliss and passion and don't forget that once you have found happiness, please don't stop there.  #LetsSpreadHappy everyday!