Hubby's Surprise Gifts

One of the traits that I love about my hubby is his ability to be super sweet. He can be sweet in all sorts of things - in words, in deeds, in material and non-material things. The thing is, lately we've been so busy with household concerns and taking care of the kids that it has been quite of a challenge for us to spend some alone time. We manage to do so sometimes but usually only for a few minutes. It has also been challenging to do sweet stuff for each other aside from the usual day-to-day taking care of each other kinds of things. 

With that said, it really came as a surprise to me a few weeks ago when he came home and gave me not one, not two, but three Human Nature products. Woah! I love Human Nature products!!! The kids and I have been using them for years, ever since I first discovered them from Echo Store, which is a store owned by my former boss and forever mentor, Ms. Chit Juan. I just love that their ingredients are all natural, which makes their products very safe to use. 

Anyway, my hubby gave me a Human Nature 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil, Mineral Blush (Rosy Cheeks) and Mineral Hydrating Lipstick (First Kiss). Oh, you cannot imagine how happy I was!!!! 

You see, I've been wanting to buy those when I first saw them several weeks ago in a Human Nature catalog. However, I never got around to ordering them. Little did I know that my sweet hubby actually took note of the list I made and ordered them from a friend of his who happens to be a Human Nature dealer. Awwwww!!!!! It really made my day. To this day, he still continues to amaze me. Don't you think I'm just so lucky to have him? 

Zoe Learns To Cook Pasta

Teaching our kids independence is a very important thing in our family. That is why we have assigned specific chores for Zoe and Ziya to do, especially since it's their summer vacation and they're spending most of their time at home. We want them to grow up knowing how to take care of themselves. Growing up, I wasn't really taught how to cook although I did learn basic stuff by watching my mom and our cook in the kitchen. It was only when I became a stay-at-home mom back in 2010 that I really started learning how to cook for real.

Compared to myself, Daddy Kai is a better cook in the sense that he's been doing it for years. He's known for mixing and matching whatever ingredients he can find in the kitchen and the dish would actually turn out good. Although I think I have good cooking skills now, I am still not confident in experimenting. So, the best person to actually teach the kids how to cook is Kai. Zoe and Ziya already know how to cook rice using the rice cooker. Kai also taught Zoe how to make French toast for a school project last year. That's all they know so far. So, this summer, Kai decided it was time to teach her something else - PASTA!

What kind of pasta, you ask? Well, it doesn't have a name because of course, it's another one of Kai's experiments. It consists of garlic and onions, tomato, ground pork, eggplant, tomato sauce, and of course the spaghetti noodles.

I'm so proud because Kai really taught Zoe the whole process, including slicing the ingredients. I was actually scared that she might cut herself and so I didn't bother watching her cut things. So, no photos of that in here. Here's Zoe, though, when she was sauteeing the onions, garlic, tomato and pork. Beside the pan, the noodles are being cooked as well.

Of course, Daddy Kai was around to guide Zoe throughout the process.

Here's the final product!!!!

I'm so happy the pasta turned out really good. We're a family of pasta lovers and so I'm pretty sure we'll be learning to cook a lot of different pasta varieties in the future.

Me: The Party Planner

Back in 2006, my two best friends and I decided to be in business together. Two of us didn't have a full time job at that time and so we thought starting a business would be the perfect thing for us to do in order to earn a decent income. When it came to deciding on a business, we chose party planning, specifically kiddie parties.  We named our business Stars and Rainbows Party Planners. I've had years of experience doing marketing and events management, aside from the fact that I was already a mom for six years at that time, and I've had to plan parties several times for my own kids. One of my friends also had kids and the other, was still single, but also interested in party planning. It was definitely a lot of fun for us but unfortunately, the partnership didn't last. My single friend became busy with her full time job while I found a full time job for myself too. So, my mommy friend decided to continue it on her own, and its now called Stars and Rainbow Events Management.

Anyway recently, my mommy friend offered to let me help her with SR Events since she's busy with another business of hers. I accepted the offer since I couldn't find a new job that fit me. Plus, our household helper suddenly left leaving me with most of the chores, aside from the kids. So, here I am, now going back to the party planning world. I didn't actually think I'd be back here again. If you think about it though, it makes sense. I love events of all kinds. I love to attend them. I love to organize them. I get a rush whenever I'm in the middle of managing one. I guess you can say it's my thing. 

A few weeks ago, I asked God to show me a sign and tell me which path I have to take. At first, I didn't take being offered this opportunity as a sign. But know, I think it is. I have been trying to veer away from opportunities that would have me manage events because it can be very time-consuming and hectic. However, being in SR Events is just perfect because I will get to work from home and just schedule meeting with clients and/or suppliers a couple of times a week. I would be able to have an income doing what I love and at the same time have the privilege of staying home and taking care of my husband and kids. What could be more perfect than that right?

So, anyway, now that I'm on party planning mode, why don't you guys help me out? If you are in the market for a party planner for your kids' birthday, baptism, baby shower, etc or need party supplies, let me know, okay? :D

SAHM vs. Working Mom: Which One Is The Best Choice?

A little over a week ago, I watched an episode of one of my newest favorite TV shows, Up All Night. I love it because the story is about the experiences of first-time parents. The mom part is played by super funny Christina Applegate.

Anyway, on that particular episode, Christina's character was struggling to balance her work responsibilities with her mom responsibilities. The episode showed Christina hurrying to go to a play date with her stay-at-home husband and their daughter in this play school. The problem occurred when a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) of this other baby began to make sarcastic remarks about Christina not being a good mom because she works. She even said that Christina's baby wasn't developing as fast as her own baby because Christina was too busy working. Christina tried to wing it at first because she wanted to have a pleasant experience at this play group. Eventually, however, she couldn't take it anymore and it led to a very heated argument in front of all the other parents and kids. Who among you working moms feel this way? I bet a lot of you do.

Sadly, this is not the first time that I've heard of SAHMs bashing working moms or vice versa. One group would claim that they're better parents than the other for whatever reason. So, which one is really the best choice? I have been on both sides of the fence. I've been a working mom for years and a SAHM/WAHM since September 2010. I also have SAHM and working mom friends. Some working mom friends of mine have expressed their desire to stay home with their kids because they miss them so much when they're at work. However, they struggle with the idea because it's hard to give up a regular income nowadays. Those SAHM friends of mine, on the other hand, still sometimes crave for that satisfaction and income that can only come from having a profession. I've been asked on several occasions about my thoughts on this. So, which one do I think is the best choice?

All I ever really tell my friends is to do what floats their boat. I say that because each family and each situation is different. There are families who will work better with a SAHM and there are those who will benefit more with a working mom. In the past, I worked full time because I wanted to and I could. I had household help and nannies to take care of my growing girls while I was at work. Although I did miss my kids, I just did my mommy duties at night when I got home and on the weekends. I don't think that made me a bad mom. My two girls are now 10 and 9 years old and they've grown up really well. It was indeed a struggle, though, to reach that balance between family and work, but it wasn't an impossible thing to do.  For me, it was just a matter of organization and time management.

I became a SAHM in September 2010 partly by choice and partly by circumstance. I was then pregnant with my son when I decided to resign from my job because it has become so stressful that I had to go on bed rest for three days. That really scared me because I had a miscarriage back in 2007, which I attributed to stress. Since I didn't want to lose this new baby, I decided to resign and find another job. However, it really did not end up that way because two weeks after my resignation, I was again put on bed rest, this time for two weeks, because I experienced bleeding several times. It was then that I decided to stay home and try to find work-at-home opportunities instead. After I gave birth to my baby, my hubby and I couldn't bear to have a nanny take care of our son because although he was really sweet and smart, he wasn't exactly the easiest, calmest baby. So, I stayed home until last November 2011. Then I finally accepted a new job in December 2012 because we really needed the additional income. Unfortunately (or fortunately), it only lasted two months and now I'm back to being a SAHM. 

For the past few weeks, I have actually been job hunting again and became frustrated eventually because I couldn't seem to find one that really fit me. I was beginning to become depressed but held on, knowing that God has reasons for not giving me a job just yet. Then suddenly, a few days ago, our household helper just up and left without so much as a goodbye. I took that to meant that I'm not meant to go back to work just yet.

What I'm trying to point out here is that, the best option for you really depends on what will work for you or your family. There are both benefits and disadvantages in being a SAHM and a working mom. In my opinion, it's not only whether you're a SAHM or a working mom that will be the ultimate deciding factor on how your children will grow up. Of course, your decision will be a huge part of it but what matters is how you balance everything and make things work. Just trust in your parenting instincts and capabilities and pray that you will make the right decision.

Fun in the Sun at Bonifacio Global City

Oh, I think it would be an understatement to say that it has been very hot here lately. The heat is excruciating!! If not for our air conditioning, we would not survive staying at home at all. Yesterday, though, since it was Sunday, Kai and I decided to take the kids to Bonifacio Global City again. It's one of our favorite places to go whenever we want to hang out with the kids because it's fun there. Aside from shopping and eating, kids and pets are free to roam and run in the grass. The main reason we went there yesterday, though, was because we found out that the new family park there was finally open to the public. It was a free summer adventure for the kids so, off we went! Unfortunately, of all the days, I forgot the digicam at home and so I had no choice but to use my mobile phone to take pictures. So, sorry if a lot of them are blurred. 

We got there at around 4:00 p.m. and it was still scorching hot. At first we hung out at the playground, which was really cool because it has the swings and the slides and all but the way they were made was different. Check this out.

Finally, around 5:00 p.m. it became a little cooler and we found a place with a shade wherein we were able to set our picnic blanket, snacks and drinks.

The park was really nice because it was organized in such a way that the place was divided according to popular Filipino childrens' games. Aside from the playground, there was also a maze and areas for Luksong Baka, Patintero and Piko. Zoe, Ziya and I actually played two rounds of patintero. It was so much! I found myself missing my childhood. Since I wasn't able to take a photo of us playing, I just took a shot of the other kids playing patintero instead.

There were also other cool things to see like this area wherein the kids can climb up and down the stairs. As they do so, they will step on circles that will play musical notes.

There's also this dinosaur-looking thing that babies will love because it's "scales" are made in such a way that it turns around and around when you move it.

After we got tired of the park, we went to this other area in BGC where there were fountains. It's the new area near Bonifacio High Street, where the new Jamba Juice can be located. However, our main purpose for going there were the fountains because Kai and I saw kids playing there the last time we were there. We wanted the kids to play in the water to relieve themselves of the heat. And play they did!!!! Ziggy loved it!!!! Zoe and Ziya loved it too but since they didn't bring extra clothes they had to be extra careful not to wet what they had on.

It was such a fun and wet family day! I truly love days like this. We love it so much we're going back again this weekend. Yahoo!

Press Release: Pig Teaches Kids How To Handle Money

Teaching kids how to save money is never easy. More often than not, children would want to spend allowance money on candies, stickers, toys or gadgets almost immediately after receiving it from their parents. Usually, it is the children who are more vulnerable to the temptation of spending cash on personal luxuries.

To encourage the practice of saving money, there is a need to show children the benefits of keeping their cash. Once they understand the concept, it is easier to make it a habit.

Thankfully, there is a tool developed specifically to help kids learn about money early. Developed by entrepreneur Mr. Rommel Juan and made by differently-abled staff from Bahay Pangarap, the Kiddie Entrep Piggy Bank offers a smart way of educating young minds about wise saving, investing, donating and spending.

At first glance, the wood and plastic appearance of the Kiddie Entrep Piggy Bank makes it similar to the common piggy bank. However, the big difference is that it has four coin slots dedicated to four individual compartments. Made from clear and durable plastic, the compartments are emblazoned with easy to read labels; SAVE, INVEST, DONATE. SPEND was placed last to teach kids that there are other uses for money other than spending.

This visual representation of money decisions will help kids understand their financial choices. SAVE will persuade kids to "pay their piggy bank" before they even think about spending. INVEST can show children how money can grow over time if invested wisely. Basic introductions to the world of business or the stock market can start from here. Learning takes time so it’s better to start slowly and gradually. DONATE will encourage kids to "give back" to their favorite community organizations or charities. SPEND will greatly explain the difference between "wants" and "needs" by having kids buy the things they "want" with their own money. The practice will make them careful about their purchases.

The Entrep Piggy Bank was initially designed to teach Mr. Juan’s kids how to handle money. It’s simplicity and ease of use makes it easy for young minds to understand basic money matters. No wonder the product became the best seller in last year’s Kiddo-preneur Bazaar at the Rockwell Clubhouse.

The Kiddie Entrep Piggy Banks, priced at Php500 each, are exclusively available through Juantrepreneurs (cousins namely Maxine, Francine, Carrine, Elias, Roque and Max Juan). You can order by emailing juantrepreneur@gmail.com. Juantrepreneurs will also be selling the Piggy Bank at 2012’s most awaited kiddie bazaar. Watch out for the Juantrepreneurs and the Kiddie Entrep Piggy Bank in the Kiddo-preneur Bazaar on April 14 at the Tents @ Alphaland Southgate Mall. See you there!

Courtesy of: Rommel T. Juan

What's So Special About Blended Families?

Recently, I was able to read the article, "A Happy Blended Home", from the April 2012 issue of Smart Parenting magazine. The article gave tips on how to handle situations unique to blended families so that they can merge well together. I was so happy to find that article in the magazine because I hardly find any being written on blended families. Of course, I am very interested in them because we have a blended family and have been going through ups and downs for the past three years. I'm glad to find that we have already been incorporating the tips stated in the article in our daily lives.

I also came across another article online entitled "5 Tips on Stabilizing Your Kids' Lives After Your Marriage Ends", from the Female Network website. Although my ex (Zoe and Ziya's dad) and I separated years ago, I was still interested in reading it because I know that it takes years for everyone involved, especially the kids, to really move on from what happened. Similarly, I was also pleased to note that the tips in the article are already things we do with our kids. It makes me feel good to know that we are not alone and that there are other blended families going through this as well. 

For the past three years that we've been a blended family, I find that most people are intrigued when they find out about our situation. Most of them are really curious to the point that they ask a lot of personal questions about  how we make it work. They're also really surprised to find out that I'm friends with my ex and that we still co-parent the kids. Sometimes it puts a lot of pressure on us to make things work because all eyes are on us, waiting to see if we can actually be successful.  But really, what's so special about blended families anyway? Why write these articles at all?

Truthfully, I don't really find anything super special about us. For the most part, we are just your typical family. There's a dad, a mom and three kids. It just so happened that we didn't all get together the traditional way. Like regular families, we operate mostly the same way as well. The kids (at least the older two) go to school, the baby and the mommy stay home (at least for now) and the dad goes to work. We spend family time on weekends. We watch TV together, eat meals together, play together. Somehow, some people are in awe of that. To a certain degree, I do understand the fascination. However, I would be the first to admit that we are not perfect. We don't think of ourselves as a "model" blended family.

The reason why I named this blog Roller Coaster Ride is because, like any other family, we also experience our own set of ups and downs. We have happy and sad moments. We have accomplishments and struggles. So does everybody else. Just because we came together differently doesn't make us "special" or "weird". We don't want anybody looking at us or treating us differently. True, sometimes we find ourselves in certain situations that "regular" families most likely do not experience but to us, those situations are part of our reality. It's our everyday life. 

The past three years haven't been a breeze. As a family, we still have a lot to learn and a lot to get past. I guess, if there's anything special at all about us, it's the fact that we accepted and loved each other despite our past. It's the fact that we, as a family, continue to push and move forward despite difficulties. It's the fact that we made a choice to be together and are choosing to stay together. What's special about us are the people who form part of our family. Don't you feel the same about your family too?

Happy Easter Sunday!!!!!

This year, we celebrated Easter Sunday at my sister-in-law's house because it was also her son's birthday celebration. Zoe was unable to join us this year because she decided to spend time with her dad in a family function they were having. Ziya, on the other hand, had been talking about easter egg hunting for weeks. She was so excited for the easter egg hunt that my SIL prepared that she even designed easter baskets for all the kids.

Anyway, all the kids had fun finding the eggs. Here's Ziya asking me for help in reaching one of the eggs.

Here's our niece, Sam, on the hunt for more eggs!

And so is birthday boy, Mccoy!

Of course, Ziggy and Daddy Kai hunted as well. It wasn't Ziggy's first Easter. He had his first Easter last year when he was only a month old. So this was the first time he actually joined an egg hunt.

They all had fun but I think they had even more fun opening up the plastic eggs to see what treats they have inside!

Happy Easter everybody!!!!!!!

Three Generations - Ziggy is Walking!!!!

We were at the mall with the in-laws earlier today to celebrate the birthday of my nephew. Anyway, we were walking in the mall after lunch. Ziggy, who learned how to walk on his own last week (yippee!!!), was walking with my hubby when my father-in-law took Ziggy's other hand and the three of them walked together. I realized  I still don't have a photo of the three of them together. So, I took the opportunity to document this priceless moment - a photo of Carlito, Carlson and Carl. I LOVE it!!!!

I also want to share this photo of Ziggy. This wasn't the first time he actually walked on his own. He's been walking since February but only by holding on to furniture or to other people. We've been helping him practice to walk on his own for about a month and he would take a maximum of four steps only. He would never get up on his own to walk unless we coax him too. Last week, though, he finally took it upon himself to get up and walk unassisted. Hooray!!!!! What a milestone! And it wasn't just a few steps anymore. He can really walk now. So adorable!!!

Events: Having Fun at the Babywearing Meet 4

I have been a fan of babywearing ever since Ziggy was about a month old. Since then, I've been using the Saya, which is one of the most popular brands of baby carriers out in the local market now. Daddy Kai is also a fan of babywearing and he uses a foreign brand of baby carrier that was actually a hand-me-down from his sister. It really is a good thing that both of us babywear because Ziggy hates his stroller. I just wish more of my friends wear their babies too. I think none of them do, which is really too bad because babywearing has a lot of benefits both for the baby and the parents.

Anyway, I was really happy to finally be able to attend the Babywearing Meet last Saturday, March 31. It was the 4th meet that has been organized and I wasn't able to attend the first three. I was really excited about it because I was eager to see the other baby carriers available because I've been wanting to buy more. However, most importantly, I wanted to be among other moms and dads who babywear too. So, I was really glad when I bumped into a former college blockmate, Belle with her baby, Julia. She babywears too!!!! 

It was really nice to see like-minded people there. A lot of people came and it was really fun. I am proud to be part of this group of people who are happy to be HANDS-FREE!!!

Photo courtesy of Stanley Ong Photography

Another great thing about this experience was the raffle. All sorts of prizes were given away. Of course, if you know me, I'm usually lucky about these things. I actually won a Blissful Babes baby pouch from Indigo Baby! I was so happy because I really wanted a pouch since it's great for those times when you're in hurry to wear your baby. It's just super fuss-free! Here's a photo of sleeping Ziggy and me holding my new pouch and posing with Buding Aquino-Dee, the creator of the Saya and one of the babywearing advocates mentoring moms and dads during the event.

I'm looking forward to another babywearing event. Now that I have the Saya wrap and the Blissful Babes pouch, I'm dreaming of getting other carriers too. Hahaha! I'm getting quite addicted to this, don't you think?

Promo Alert: Baby Company's Baby Travel Gear Sale

All over the country, people are already scrambling to schedule their summer vacations/escapades. Well, good news for families travelling with their tots. Baby Company is currently having the Baby Travel Gear Sale up to April 30! 

Now is the best time to head on to Baby Company and buy those baby travel gear essentials because there is up to 50% off on selected items. Plus they're giving away a trip to Hong Kong for three to not just one but 5 very lucky winners. Unfortunately for us, we're not really in need of new travel gear for Ziggy but for those of you who are, well then, good luck! 

PRESS RELEASE: MILO Heats Up The Summer With Sports Programs For Future Young Filipino Achievers

GREAT THINGS START EVERY SUMMER!

MILO Heats up the Summer with Sports Programs for Future Young Filipino Achievers

MILO once again makes summer the perfect time for active play with the MILO Summer Sports Clinics. With its goal to make children into champions, MILO ensures that the participants of its trusted sports programs not only get the training they need to become future world-class athletes but also the necessary values that they would need to succeed in life such as determination, commitment and teamwork.

Beginning April until the end of May, MILO will be opening its sports clinics in over 20 cities all over the Philippines.  Kids ages 7 years old – 16 years old have 10 different sports to choose from: badminton, chess, football, gymnastics, karatedo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, and volleyball. Every day, for 2 – 3 hours, each child will be enjoying their summer playing the sport that they love and learning to be the best person they can be.

 “MILO goes beyond our role to develop a child’s physical growth,” said MILO Sports Executive Andrew Neri. “Instead, our sports clinics combine sports excellence with character-forming values that will hopefully lead to the maturity of well-rounded young adults.”

To improve on the quality of the MILO Summer Sports Clinics, MILO has centralized the locations to ensure that more children will have access to the best coaches and the most effective training methods for a wide range of sports.

For moms and dads who think children should remain busy and active over the summer vacation, getting children involved in sports would be a more enjoyable and productive alternative to hours of watching TV or playing computer and video games. “Summer sports activities are an excellent cure for the summer slack,” says Melanie Nicolas, corporate executive and mother of two. “I won’t have to worry about my children becoming overweight from lack of exercise, or growing bored from not having anything challenging to do.”

Parents who believe in giving their children the opportunity to learn new skills and over the summer can rest assured knowing that MILO Sports Clinics have a more systematic training regimen that are better catered to improving individual skills and sharpen values like discipline, fair play, self – control, and honesty.

Visit http://www.milo.com.ph or call (02) 353-5090, (02) 966-6333, and (0917) 589-9880 to register for any of the sports clinics this summer of 2012. 

Travel Made Easy in Port of Miami

It's that time of the year when a lot of people are travelling and going on vacations. If you had the funds, one of the best things to do is to go on a cruise. Some of the best cruises to take can be found in Miami. However, travelling can also be a pain if not planned well. Some of the troubles one can encounter while travelling is transportation from one place to another. You need not worry about this when you’re at the Port of Miami.

Travelling to and from the Port of Miami can be made easy by taking the Port of Miami shuttle services, which has been in business since 2004. They take you to and from the Port to either the Miami International Airport or Ft. Lauderdale Airport and even to any of the Miami hotels and residences. Shuttle services can be customized and are managed daily by the owner. So, you can be assured of professional and reliable shuttle services.

Port of Miami shuttle offers very affordable private shuttle vans and shared ride services. Plus, reservations can be made easily and paid for online via Paypal. Book now to avail of their services and have a worry-free vacation experience. 

Bonding With My Girls During Earth Hour

We've been participating in the Earth Hour event for several years now and I am proud to say that we take it seriously here in our house. It's a great way to remind the kids that everybody should take part in caring for the Earth. It's not enough that they learn about it in school. Most importantly, they have to learn and practice it at home as well.

Last night, at exactly 8:30 p.m. we turned all the lights and other electronic gadgets off. Both Kai and Ziggy were sleeping and so the girls and I had nothing to do. We decided to just stay in the girls' room and talked. No big deal, right? Well, for me it is. We lead such busy lives that most of the time I really don't get to spend one on one time with my girls. We usually have family time with all of us present but it's rare that I get to spend even an hour with just Zoe and Ziya.

That one hour spent in the girls' room turned out to be one of the best bonding activities I've had with the girls lately. We talked about so many things from why the other neighbors weren't joining Earth Hour (sucks!), to whether they're going to be transferring school's next year or not, and to more complicated stuff like whether it's true that humans used to be monkeys (that topic actually came from them!). We were just sitting there on the bed talking and laughing and enjoying the cool breeze coming in from the windows. It was perfect! As much as I love my baby boy, Ziggy, so much, I also love spending time with my girls, who are growing up so fast. I truly treasure simple moments like this, thanks to Earth Hour.

So, how did you celebrate Earth Hour at your house?