Hello Sunshine!

Hi! Welcome back! First of all, Before you think this is a PAID posting, it is NOT! haha These are some products I have come across in my journey to find the perfect sunblock!

 I really haven't been a fan of skin care till my mid 20's, dati deadma lang ako sa skin but now we need all the help we can get and you know what? Sunblock is the SECRET! I didn't realise the importance of SPF till I got older and could see visible sign that my skin was aging! yikes! so here are some of my favorites!

Snail White Sunscreen CC SPF 50+ 

     This I super love! I have been using this product for the past 3 months, and the very 1st Snail White purchase I ever made! The Snail White Sunscreen gives a natural flawless skin,its ultra light weight, it really doesn't give much coverage, its a little more liquidy, not a thick formula, and once spread, it becomes a sheer, matches every skin color, and give the appearance of the "glass skin look" or glowing skin. This product has Snail secretion Filtrate and helps restore and correct the appearance of spots/pigmentations, helps stimulate collagen, also premature skin aging! Retails at P995

 Snail White GOLD

Alright, now when there is sun exposure we need something to help our skin because the sun makes our skin dry! Skin White GOLD is dense and alittel thicker, which is good, but when applied it dries instantly and has no sticky feeling. This works wonders for me! love love love! It's packed with 24k Gold! This product helps stimulate cell turnover for smooth complexion and diminishes the appearance of micro damage like sun spots as well. The secret to glowing skin! ayiiiie!! I beleive this helped me alot LOVE THIS! Retails at P1,545

Thermaderm BB White SPF 50+ Sunblock and Whitening

     Thermaderm is a way thicker formula, where a little goes a long way! When I first tried this I was shocked how FULL COVERAGE it was,  just like a full coverage foundation, you dont even need to use a concealer anymore! This for me is more of a makeup kind of sunblock. It also provides physical and biological defense against sun damage, has whitening, is an anti oxidant, repair cream, its also says its micronized ZnO & TiO Broad spectrum filters, at the same time a color makeup!
Sells at P1500.


  Thermaderm BB Sun Cover SPF 50+

This is your average powder but with SPF, exchange your normal powder for this and get extra protection from the sun. This retails at P1000

       Snail White Body Booster SPF 30

I've been looking for a lotion that has SPF because I dont want to smell like the beach everywhere I go and be oily like the normal sunblocks do, and this hit the jackpot! It's not sticky, has SPF 30 and dries right away, no trace that Im wearing a sunblock! Anyways, I'm starting to develop freckles kasi, so I wanna wear a sunblock but I don't want it to be sticky or thick or namumuti! haha This is absolutely perfect! Its formulated with Snail Potion and antioxidants which helps repair dull and damaged skin, makes our skin brighter, firmer, and hydrated, and most of all protects our skin from UVA and UVB rays! Retails at P449

Cheers to Aging and more Happy Skin days for us! Stay pretty Mommies!

       BE KIND,
           Mel

Heavier But Happier

The title says it all. Yes. Im Melissa, I'm heavier but ALOT happier. Okaaay so, first a little intro! haha  I'm starting to Blog again because I think this is how I can make myself productive, I'm gonna make this is a very informal Blog, more of an online diary, speak my mind, speaking to your guys, and hopefully a Blog that will help uplift others especially during this time when a pandemic has hit our beloved country.

Here We Go...

Alright lets get started! I definitely have grown to love who and what I am now. I remember when I first had Kiera I refused to leave the house, aside sa walang kasya sakin, I felt miserable. Why? Well first of all I was used to being stick thing, I was used to being told to be on a diet and when motherhood struck, nako, patay! I gained like 40-50 pounds. I didn't know what to do with myself, I have tried everything and any possible way to lose weight (except surgical) Well at least I tried, but maybe not hard enough until I realised that THIS is the NEW me and you know what when I accepted that I became a happier person. I guess what matter more to me before was what others thought of me and now what matters most is what I thought of me.

Who Are YOU?

It can be difficult to love yourself in this day and age, everyone has an opinion! You should do this you should be that, you shouldn't say this and so on and on to the point that when someone says something to you, or enough people tell you the same thing, you believe it. I would get comments on my social media pages na "workout ng workout di naman pumapayat" or "ano ngyari sayo sayang ka" pls explain to me paano naging sayang buhay ng isang tao dahil sa weight? How terrible. I came to a point where I was crying, I had a bad attitude, I was grumpy, I was just over all a wreck. I didn't believe in myself anymore. Its definitely took a toll on my Self confidence, self esteem and self love. It made me indulge more on things I should be eating, and living a unhealthy lifestyle. 

My Wake Up Call

I lived like this for a few years. almost a decade! I have wasted so much of my time minding if other people loved me or liked me, instead of me liking me. It was terrible, everything was to please other people and one day I just woke up and said enough, so what I gained 40-50 lbs, it just weight, the person inside hasn't change, I was still me and I miss the happy version of me. What was  my wakeup call? It was my health, I couldn't do activities I used to do, like go to the gym, go mountain climbing, and other things that I lovefd to do.  I would get tired easily, my knees would hurt, then naisip ko wait, how can I take care of Kiera if I dont take care of myself. Since that day I think little by little I gained confidence in myself again. How? By not caring what others thought, basta ako mag workout ako kasi I feel better after I do, I feel stronger and the fact that I finished a workout I feel proud of myself, a sense of achievement, and unti unti my self love starting coming back, and its still a journey, but Im definitely on my way.

Why I Workout?

I have been having unstable feelings lately, worried about absolutely everything, my family, the frontliners and most of all Kiera, I have been overthinking which is causing me stress and anxiety not know what the future holds. Like lately during this Pandemic halos twice a day ako mag workout, aside sa wala magawa, it really lessens my stress and makes me less anxious about everything. I workout for ME, it makes ME feel good, makes ME feel better, and it really just helps so much to put you energy into something productive instead of worriyng about things we cant control.

How I do it?

I get this message alot from my followers, I get dozens of Direct Messages on my IG asking "Ms Mel, paano niyo po nagagawa yan, how do you stay motivated" Honestly one thing that keep me going is YOU guys. You inspire me so much that I just cannot give up on myself because so many of you believe in me. So many of you can relate to my story and so many of you are having a hard time just like I am. I got a DM the other day saying na paano ko daw nagagawa na lagi ako postive and smiling? Trust me, Im still a wreck sometimes, I still cry, I still have bad days, there are days that we just cant manage our emotions, but not everyone sees that, not everyone knows how affected we are when they blurt out small comments or something we find offending, we just take it in, take a deep breath, smile, even though inside we die a little. You know what Im talking about? Not everyone know what your going through, not many care, so we need to do ourselves a favour and protect your thoughts, especially of yourself. I always sa, kill them with kindness, remember be kind, this is actually a reminder to myself, because in this life, not everyone will be kind to you, but it doesn't mean it gives you the right not to be kind to others. YOU have the power to BE KIND. Its alot easier to be mean trust me, being kind is hard, being mean mas madali aminin mo. hahaha The only one that can help you is YOU. Happiness is a choice, and when we choose to be happy, and believe we deserve to be happy, WE WILL.. Remember its a process, it doesnt happen overnight, but you WILL get there, we will get there together. Kaya mo yan, kaya ko to. Lets support each other on this, if you have a story you would like to tell, advice, uplifting words feel free to comment and share below, we need a world of more encourging people, more encouraging women, lets start with ourselves. We might be heavier, but we are definitely on the road to being a HAPPIER version of ourselves.


BE KIND,
Mel

Pet grooming made easy!

         Isn't it such a hassle bringing your dogs to the vet then they have to wait their turn and it take hour before you get them back home? And when they get home they seem so stressed and tired? I finally tried Vanity Furr! This is all dog lovers solution to that quick fix for our beloved pet without the hassle of leaving your own home!

         I first saw their truck in Valle Verde, my boyfriends parents live there and I always see the truck parked outside, i was always curious but was too lazy to write down the # hahaha.. Then napanuod ko sa Korina on Abs-Cbn and I remebered again.. But this didnt call. 

        The problem here actually is that my  boyfriend is allergic to dogs.. And I have 3, if you follow menon instagram you know that i absolutely love my little bulilits Potchi who is almost 9yrs old, chewy who is 5, and toffee the youngest is 2.. If I had more space I'd definitely have more but I can only manage 3 specially having a baby. Having a baby also means I dont have time to bring them sa groomer and wait then go back. So thats when i called.

        I called maybe 3 times, no andwer maybe they were busy, and to my surprise someone called back? Usually when we call a place no one cares to respond but then called back right away, I tried to book for December but they were full! Imagine, that many people wanted to avail their service so I was guessing they might have been really good. So i planned they get groom today, Jan 22, noon.  They came right on time!! I brought my dogs downstair and all pf them inside their purple Vanity furr truck.:)

        I always wanna make sure my dogs are safe and in the hands pf the right people so I went and look around, the groomers were very friendly and nice.. Usually kasi ang susungit tas di man nag smile they just wanna get the job done, but these guys were friendly even to my dogs, petting them and talking to them. That I super like! There was a driver and 2 groomers the service was quick! Got there on time and maybe finished in a hour! 3 dogs!! Thats awesome!

         I was looking at the interior and it was clean! They have a table for the cutting off the hair and a sink for washing, the truck is also airconditioned so bongga!

        I always need to bring them in 3's kasi pag hindi nag wawala sila, they always like being together. So while Potchi and Chewy were getting their hair cut toffee stayed in the middle and watched.:) 

       So here they are!! All finished, clean cut and smell very good! Thanks soo much Vanity furr! Super convenient and sufficient service! Definitely trying you guys again, may rating from 1-10, is a 9!!! Love love loveeee! To all my dog lover friend!! Try na! Yeeeeey!

BE KIND,

       Mel

Kiera's Sweet One!!!

In photo: @cosplayperformers

       After months of prepping and meetings, the day was finally here, Kiera's first birthday was a success! What a process! OMG! Setting up and planning a birthday is no joke, and not just a normal birthday but a 1st birthday that I have no experience with what so ever! I dont even plan my own birthdays, nevertheless know how a children's party should go about, but aside from all the stress it came with was such an amazing experience to see how happy my little mam Kiera was with what everyone had put together for her.

       We started brain storming aroung October, Im so glad i had a put together a great team, people who have been helping since my baby shower, Ms Ana of Patrybitzandpieces who is in charge for the styling of the whole venue, Ms Juneth of julienespartyneeds who makes amazing balloon in all forms,  and styling our ceiling, and a new addition to the team Ms. Amor of lamour events, who became the coordinator of our party. Together with these girls, we made all this happen, I'm not really creative in anyway so the all helped me put my thoughts together and we decided that a "California Girls" themed candyland would be the theme or Kieras Sweet ONE. 

        

        Grabe talking to so may suppliers, and canvassing on prices, trying to get the best deals i can for Kiera's party wasnt an easy process, I didnt know what entertainment was good, or what kind of entertainment kids wanted? Or even food! Its crazy! I'm super glad that my team had awesome suggestions on who to get and which suppliers were easy to talk to, Im so lucky that some of them were willing to sponsor for my lovely Little Mam.

     

         Lets fast forward to the day of Kiera's birthday, I had my hair and make up done by Eica Decepida and Vinessa Vidania (you can find them on instagram)  and all was well then I started having a mommy struggle day, to many things on my mind, the dress I bought I suddenly I didn't want to wear, and so I had to look for other options like an hour before the party and then on the way to the party I forgot to bring the video presentation we made for the oepning! I was soo sad i cried, not only once but three time in the horrible Tuesday traffic that we were stuck in. My invite said 3:30 because I was assuming that everyone was late because aside from being "filipino time" it was also a working day and a school day as well. Guess what time we got there? Almost 5:30pm. OMG I wiped my tears and picked up Kiera and as we walked it i couldn't help but smile to see all the hard work everyone but into the set up! It was exactly how i imagined it to be thanks to Ms. Ana, Amor, Kat and Juneth who were there since 10am! They are definitely angels!!!

     KIERA'S DRESS- @mommyqueenbowtique - 0998-547-1622

       The party went smoothly im glad I had the Lamour events team helping me sign in guests, take care of set up, keep Kiera's gifts in order, and letting me know whats going on. During my baby shower and binyag of Kiera it was all me! I had no one helping me, everything I did my self, super stress pawisan and ngarag ako I didnt get to enjoy the party, but this time all went smoothly and I definitely recommend you get them as a coordinator, aside from super dali nila kausap, they also are very friendlt and have alot of suggetions to make it easier on your part! Thank you so much Kat and Amor of Lamour events so glad I met you guys!

Balloon ark- Ms Juneth - @julienespartyneeds - 0917-649-2258

Our staff from @lamour.events along with Ms Amor and Ms.Kat

Our photo booth from @creativestylingbyjbl inlove the design and i just love photobooths overall, you absolutely need one! 

The beautiful set up of Ms. Ana - @partybitzandpieces - 0926-289-2187

Name Standee- @ella_souvenir_shop

Balloons Ms Juneth- Julienespartyneeds- 0917-649-2258

Below Friends that have been around since forever!! love you guys happy they were there!

Doc Steve Lim, Angel, Ate Kath, Doc Joyce Lim, Gionina, Nay Gio, Paul, Kevin and Helga, and Dianne. Thanks for loving Little Mam.

                                                   My Ate!! Ninang Bianca and Fabio

The only person who can make my candy buffet tables!! Thank you again @partybitzandpieces - 

Ms Ana -0926-289-2187

       The set up gave me goosebumps! Sooooo pretty! even the table clothes! The Tiffany Chairs, The Chair Ribbons thank you to Julio's Catering! @julioscateringph - julioscateringph@gmail.com

        Of course we can never ever go without giveaways! I highly recommend them not only because they are my friend but because the quality of their products are just superb! the pillows don't fade and they are soft! Not to mention that the printing is super nice! Thanks soo much to Ms. Miracle and hubby Kuya Skipp for her pillow giveaways! Pillows - @Insta_mug - 0917-317-6838

       The super cutie Little Mam CAndyland themed stools are from @ella_souvenir_shop Im obsessed with them they are super cute!!!! and Kiera just loves to sit on them during playtime!

     Heres our stage and the kiddie area where all the kids stay to get a better view of the program, at first I didnt consider the kiddie tables, i was planning just to have reglat table but mas ok nga ata all the kids stay together, para din mag bonding sila and the adult can mingle as well, we were thinking na play mats kaya or tables like that, mas hindi space consuming and tables so we settled on those. CUTE!

       This is our prize area, I wanted to make sure all the kids had fun and that everyone went home happy!!!

      My Mom flew in from Florida just for Kiera's birthday! Unang apo! Alam na! hehehehe

       Super happy to have these guys with me through my journey! Almost 15 years of friendship!! Roxanne, Joseph and RJ, others couldn't make it because of work or were out of the country but surely show their love for Kiera.

                                                  Kiera Standee- IG- @ella_souvenir_shop

         She loved each and everyone one her gifts!                    Cake- @heartsnbells 

         Below Empress' little girl Athalia with the birthday girl

Hair and makeup- @makeupbyeicaecepida and beautybyvhen

These must be my favorite cookies ever!!! They are not only pretty but super yummy I've had them since my baby shower, binyag ni Kiera and now birthday! I highly recommend! IG- @whiskedawayph

       

       The party was a success, im glad it went well and some how I'm Glad we survived it ahahhaha thanks soo much to all my suppliers and people who made this party possible. I hope I helped out fellow mom preparing for their little ones birthday! I made a list of all my suppliers

Event styling- partybitzandpieces 

Dessert buffet- partybitzandpiece

-0926-289-2187

Food carts(mixed balls, hotdogs) all balloons and ceiling decor, dirty ice cream - julienes party needs

-0917-649-2258

Lamour events- Contact details:

   Amor Saravillo +63917-3041789

   Katrin Lopez +63917-8161240

E-mail info@lamoureventsmanagement.com

Food carts- snow cone, lemonade, French fries - crafty celebrations- Ito pala sa crafty food carts-09175304343 Georgette Estabillo 

Corndogs and burgers- charlies 

-+63 917 635 8390

Elsa, olaf, ana mascot- @Cosplayperformers

-(0998) 554 4975

Cookies @whiskedawayph

Pillows- insta_mug

-+63 917 317 6838

Stools- @ellasouvenir

Photo booth- creative styling by JBL

-+63 917 302 3797

Catering - Julios

-+63 916 322 5420

Face paint, balloon twisting, bubble show - groove paint party needs

-(0927) 245 5289

Magician- mardee -+63 906 214 3456

               - ian and co. - +63 932 854 9946

Opening dance- dance all the way 

Color play happy (play dough station)- Teacher lace - +63 922 885 4015

D'soundz rentals(sound system)- dsoundzrentals@yahoo.com

Bartenders at work - mobile bar

Organic Cotton candy-@Spuntaneously_organic

Gown ni kiera- mommy queen bowtique- 0998 547 1622

 pls stay tuned on my IG for more posts!

        Be Kind,

            Mel