Ears Pierced!

          I've been so excited for this day! When Kiera will finally get her ears pierced. I wanted to get her ears pierced early on pa, kahit nun una checkup niya with our doctor sa Medical City, but Dra. Liza Cruz told us her ears were to soft pa and wag muna namin lagyan. So im soo thrilled to share with you all that she has earings na!

          I had such a hard time picking alin hikaw ilalagay, syempre first un eh! hahha May heart kasi, may red diamond, meron pink meron green, thers even flower shaped ones! omg well guess which one i went with? Plain Diamond hahaha para elegant. haha Dra. Cruz told us that we can change it after a month. After every bath on drop of alcohol at the front of the ear and then the back.

         She was such a good baby i thought she wasn't gonna cry but she did I felt really bad kasi nasaktan sha but after a while she stopped crying din naman, doctor said di daw masakit natakot lang sa sound, I actually thought it would bleed and mamamaga pero mo parang wala lang, she doesnt even know its there! Grabe each time i look at her super kilig ako she has earings na, shes growing so fast!


         I'll be uploading the video when Kiera got her piercing on my youtube channels soon.. stay tuned!!! youtu.be/tSfvtNc1hOy

OH MY BABY BAG

          Hi everyone! I had a request from an IG follower who is giveng birth really soon to write a blog about what to bring to the hospital when you gonna have a baby! This is one of the thing I definitely needed help with! I also had no idea, thanks to my mom she reminded me of the important this that i needed to bring to the hospital with me. Its always better to get this ready a month before you due date, make sure everything is clean and washed ha! So here my must haves during the most important day in you life!!!

YOUR BAG :)

1. Camera
          You cannot, absolutely not forget you camera! Make sure its always charged and has enough memory, this instance in you life will NEVER happen again! Take as many  photos as you can and tell someone else to take them you dont wanna have a bunch of photos without you in it haha.. My BF charles totally forgot to take pics kasi sobra taranta na sha thank goodness my bestfriend Thirdee was there! I always wish I had more photo! So this is the number one DONT FORGET!

2. Diapers-
          Yes you read this right! Diapers! yes yes for you, not for your baby! I wasnt really imformed about this earlier but, sorry moms to be per i dont mean to scare you, if your baby is alittle big, kailangan pala tahiin down there! and when they say after normal deliver para walang ngayri.. Hindi ganun un, well i guess for me, i had bleeding for a month, depende daw sa tao kasi my bestfriend Helga 1 day lang using a diaper ako medyo heavy flow nun blood soo mga 3-4 weeks ako nag bleed so i got the good type of diaper un adult pullups, kasi the have naman sa hospital pero un stick on sides hassle, hassle pa mag CR. but only buy a few you not sure if you'll end up like me, or you will be totally fine!! Fingers crossed!

3. Toiletries/Towel-
          Basic! No one likes hospital shampoo, toothbrush and soap and all, bring your own!

4. Night Gown-

          I would recommend that you bring this instead of pajamas, first, its easy to use the bathroom without all that hassle of pulling the jammies down when your in a little pain, second, make sure the have a zipper sa top or buttons for easy access to breast feeding. Bring a couple, maybe 3 pairs.

5. Power Bank-
          Worst thing ever is ma low batt. Camera man or Phone, always have the power bank charged, you dont wanna sit all day in you bed with a dead phone, lots of people will be checking on you and you'd want to send you selfies with baby im sure, so keep in mind to always have that powerbank fully loaded hehe

6. Granny Undies-
          Yup heard me right, you wanna be comfy. Then bring this!

7. Nursing Bra-
           I didnt even consider buying this, kailangan pala! my bras wouldnt fit me anymore! Plus hirap mag pa breast feed pag wala! At least with a nursing bra hook on of for each boob, easy access! So please, wag ako gayahin! have nursing bras!

8. Breast Pads-
          I had no idea what these were. They are little circle pad you put inside you nursing bra when you start producing milk, kasi, tutulo yan, sisirit yan milk natin! Wasnt informed also about this ehehe once you start producing milk it just keeps going and going and going! The look like little circle panty liners! very useful!

9. Sleep Helpers-
          Anything that will make u feel comfy, or make u sleep better bring it! being in a hospital is no fun, and you dont even know how long your gonna be there so might as well get comfy. I brought my pillow and my 25 year old teddybear to keep me company.

10. Headband/Hair Ties-
         One word HAGGARD haha

11.Robe-
          Showering may be a challenge, and changing to, so keep a robe!

12. Coming home outfit-
          Its a must, be pretty when you leave it you 1st day out of the hospital heading home with your baby,wag ako tularan na haggard at naka pajamas! hehe Didnt think of that while packing!


BABY BAG

1. Diaper-
Baby diapers, buy one pack muna, and new born muna. Kasi wala pa idea ganun kalaki baby mo and minsan they get allergies. I recommend huggies!! :)


2. Baby Wipes and Cotton-
          Keep baby wipes handy, but I recommend using cotton while cleaning your baby. You can used wipes later on pag medyo older na sha. But keep incase of emergency!


3. Lampins-
          For carrying baby and wiping spilled milk on baby.

NEW BORN BABY SET -@ENFANTPHILIPPINES


4. Receiving Blankets-
          For keeping baby warm, wrap her/him in a recieving blanket bring   at least 5 or bring swaddles.                


5. Bonnets/Hat-
          Baby should always be kept warm lalo na ears and head.

6. Socks-
          Little feet should be kept warm

7. Mittens-
          You dont want you baby to scratch herself soo keep her in mittens, also for keeping her warm.

8. Full Onesie-
          Para less hassle isang buo na isusuot.

9.  Baby Bath Towel-
          For her shower time
       

These are what I brought if u have any additions comment below to help other new moms! Bring at least 3 sets of each! Hope I helped!



        Love,
               Mel

          BE KIND
       
       
       

Did you say something?

        I've been wanting to write a blog about this for the longest time. Its a topic that I've struggled to understand why other people think its okay to be rude? I have been raised to keep quiet if I have nothing nice to say, especially telling the person upfront, there's a difference between been taklesa and having no manners all. Sorry to say but this is a thing our filipino culture has been struggling with and I wish to change. 

        Last week it happened a few times to me, I walked into a spa, where I clearly am paying and did not deserve to be greeted in such a way. The lady said to me right when she saw me "ang taba mo!" Automatically my instinct was to answer back, but I just smiled and said "syempre"  sarcastically. Another time I was in Megamall with kiera and a lady came up to me and said that un yaya ng anak niya is a fan, kung pwede daw pa picture, syempre, sabi ko okay lang, so lumapit un yaya to me, I smiled at her and said hi, then she said to me right away "ay tumaba ka talaga noh" Di ko nalang pinansin and smiled for the photo, after I said thank you and she looked at me head to toe and she said once again "tumaba ka talaga noh" Excuse me naman diba? Close ba kami? is that a way to greet someone you've met for the first time? Putok fuse ako and i said "ikaw din ate" These kind of things happen to me everyday, I do not understand bakit yan ang unang bungad ng tao sayo, ayyy pumayat ka or ay tumaba ka?  Where are your manners? You can say hello, or how are you?  I'm pretty sure if ako gumawa niyan madami magagalit sakin, sabi nga nila "treat others like you would like to be treated."

Pictures were taken during ASAP, during this time I was told mataba or tumataba nako and was asked to diet..

         For the past 4 years weight has been a struggle for me, I've eaten the same things I have been eating kahit nun payat ako, but somehow my weight has gotten the best of me. I have spent so much money on machines and diets that haven't worked. Ive spent hour in the gym and could hardly walk but still I wasn't losing weight. Imagine nun payat ako pinapakain ako para tumaba, I wasn't allowed to leave the dinner table unless I finished my food and even sa taping ko, hindi mag reresume until I eat all my food. Pag pay at gusto patabain, pay mataba gusto papaya tin? pay kulot gusto straight, pay straight gusto kulot, away! This world! can we be accepted for who we really are? 

         Did it ever cross peoples minds that I just had a baby 5 months ago and I have lost 25lbs? But no one acknowledges this, all i hear is she's fat? Sayang ka naman? Bakit nagging sayang? This no longer bother me being called fat, but what bothers me is the manners of the people around us, they way others treat you, with no respect. Why do we have to be this way towards others? Naiisip ba ng bang tao un sinasabi nila before they say something? Or di na sila nag iisip at all, para lang may masabi sila? I really don't understand this matter. In my case they say I'm a public figure and people have the right to judge me. I sa NO! You do not, just like I am not allowed to say anything bad about you. I pray one day people will boost each other up instead of bringing each other down. Bullying never got anyone anywhere. 

          Never naman ako un pinakapayat, I never wanted to be the skinny one, I was okay with how I was. Each and every person is different, and for me I was happy with myself, but with all the things I heard, and what people were telling me on a day to day basis, I actually started to believe I was fat, and it took a toll on me, I started to eat more, I started to be depressed about my weight, but when I look back at photos of me before, I can say I wasn't Fat, why would people be so cruel, I wasn't skinny but i was FAT. Certain shows turned me down because of it, other shows tinaggal ako, and also endorsements. For me though I dint take it personally, ganun talaga ang industry ng showbiz. although I think setting a good example to the younger generation is more important that our appearances. Words no longer hurt, but peoples actions do.

Let me know yor thoughts on this.

         Love,

              Mel

         BE KIND

Kiera's first swim

           Last week we drove to Tali beach. I was so tired, Kiera would sleep a little but after she would refuse to sleep in her carseat so I'd carry her or she's sit on my lap. She can't sit still nowadays, I guess she wants to start crawling and walking soon. So for that 3 hr drive I was exhausted. We got there around 7:30pm and surprised Kiera's ninong because it was his bday and had no idea we were coming.

          We settled down, Kiera and I slept early, na-mommy vibes ako soon I was so tired, buti we slept early so that the next day we would have energy to have fun and go swimming a little. It was so cute, she wore this cute butterfly hand-me-down ng pinsan niya, it was adorable, it had a pink tutu on the bikini, how I wish I had a baby bikini when i was a baby, and how i wish I could still wear one now!

     




        She went swimming! OMG it was so funny, she didn't seem to like it very much, well we have to take into consideration that she just woke up from a nap. I though she would enjoy it because she loves taking showers and baths but for some reason she didn't smile much during her short swim.

          I was actually planning to take her swimming sooner but good thing i asked my Pedia Dra. Liza Cruz, I had no idea babies were not allowed to swim in pool because of the possible bacteria and the chlorine in the water. Kiera is 4 1/4 months, will turn 5 months on the12th. Pero wabi ni Dra. Cruz with kieras weight and size pinapayagan na niya mag swim si Kiera just need to make sure she washes off  well. Being a praning mo i didn't make her swim long , ahha for picture purposes nlng mina, plus, maybe she's appreciate it more when she's older haha

               Sungit with Daddy                                                     This is fun!! Right Kiera? ahhaha

          Make sure u have proper sunblock for your baby and and don't swim during peak hours of sunlight. The heat is intense! take a dip!

         Love,

           Mel

         BE KIND

That day I found out..:)

          Exactly this time last year i found out I was pregnant. I'll never forget that day when my bestfriend Thirdee forced me to take a PT after how many weeks of not feeling well. It all started in Boracay during Laboracay, first few days we were there I was fine! The last 3 days we stayed i stayed most the time in the room because I wasn't feeling well. Until we got back to Manila i wasn't feeling my fever best I thought maybe i had a little too many drinks or I was just really tired from all the events we went to. So after a few days i saw my friend Gab post that he was sick and Gretchen as well, i started to think "ah oo, napagod lang kami" ayun after a week they felt better. Ako, nope! Still felt sick. I started to think, OH NO i might be pregnant? Hindi naman cguro?

         
          I took the PT and 2 lines came out, I kept reading the box over and over again, medyp na memental-block ako, maybe I misunderstood the directions? But no, 2 lines meant positive, sabi ko kay Thirdee, "isa pa, baka nag error yan or masyado ako madami nalagay na kiwi" but deep down inside I had that feeling.. I'm preggy!

          Thirdee then said para sure sure at dahil ayaw ko maniwala sa PT na ginawa ko, na to call our doctor friends who are close to us, sola Doc Joyce and Steve lim. So thats what i did, the said if the test reads positive with 2 lines 99.9% that its correct. OMG! my heart dropped nut i was sad, i wasn't angry or upset, I was scared! So we went to St. Lukes to our OBgyn Dra. Joji Rey-Matias and had our ultrasound. BOOM! I saw my little Kieras heart beat for the first time.

Thirdee was in shock, as you can see in the photo above.. hahhaha akala at a niya aha buntis! 

After a few week i was able to tell my mom and dad na,  that was the hardest part and that was finally done! Now inisa isa ko na close friends ko, which included Bianca Manalo and Gretchen Fullido (who are Kieras ninangs) Their reactions were funny but both happy for me. I was so happy how everyone kept it a secret till I was ready to talk, I really appreciated how wretch never said anything even if kinukulit na aha ng mga tao, until I was ready, sa sakanya ako una nag pa interview.

This was before my The Buzz interview with tito boy.., Full support ang mga atey! 

With that behind me, everything went smoothly after, i had no bashers, I had no ba reactions, everyone was surprisingly happy for me, and I was so thankful and thanked God for such a wonderful blessing. He's always been by my side

Time to celebrate!! Some of my closest friends set a party for me!--->

My pregnancy was a fun one, I didn't stop myself from having fun, I was able to go to Cebu, and even Brunei twice! I had a blast. Lucky for me my pregnancy was an easy one, di ako pinahirapan ni baby Kiera ko.

<-------Baby shower!!! here I'm almost 8 months preggy!

My little ones first picture via 4D ultrasound--->

                                           










                                            My journey...:) thank you for being part of it...

                               Love,

                                    Mel

                               Be Kind

Being a New Mom..:)

          Im just home, sitting at the dinning table, baby is sleeping. So while waiting for Kieras bottles to finish sanitising, here I am finally being able to write another blog. Today I'm home alone, trying to get by with no help haha. My PA is out running errands, and Charles is at his parents house because he has a bad cold and cough, nahawa ata sha kay baby eh. hehehe so I decided to write a post about being a new mama, and how to cope.
          I've always been the type of girl who handles pressure and stress in a well mannered way, I never let it get to me, but being a mom, omg! Out of this world! haha. Heres a few rules I did that maybe might be able to make your being a new mom a little bit easier.

1. Its okay
     Its okay girls, you don't have to do everything on your own, its okay to take a minute and let you mom or help take care of baby for a bit, you need a breather, you can't master everything all at once, everything is a learning process. When you get that overwhelming feeling, just take a minute, back off, then when your ready again, your beautiful baby will be right there waiting for you. You never want to get to that point where you tell yourself, "pagod nako" "di ko na kaya' or even "ayoko na' being a new mom is the hardest job, your responsible for a precious little life. Remember, Its okay to cry, being a mom is not an easy job, and crying has actually been proven to make you feel better.

2. Me time
     Never forget about yourself, wag mo pabayaan sarili mo in short. We deserve some pampering and some love. Make sure you still feel beautiful, even if its that 10 minutes in the shower, or that 10 minute manicure or even that 1 hour massage! After all that pushing and carrying that baby in your tummy that the least we deserve.

3. Friends
     Have a good set of friends that understand you, the journey of motherhood is no joke, your whole world changes, make sure you have a support system around you in form of family, friends or loved ones, or even other moms that helped me a lot knowing they are going through the same things.
They will be the ones who will keep you sane and make the journey a really fun one.

4. Shop hahaha
     Yes, Shop... need I say more? For me i found that shopping is a huge stress reliever, not only that but baby enjoys going out, seeing people, lights, colours, and of course while baby enjoys so do I! (specially now nothing fits) Few dresses, some little toys for baby or even a piece of your favourite cheek tink will take away all that stress instantly! Its every girls magic. SHOPPING!

5. Time off
     Leaving baby might be difficult but a few hours won't hurt, watch a movie, go on a date with you partner, at least once a week, it makes all the difference, plus, keeps the love alive! hehe

6.  Love that Mom Bod
     Kung may dad bod may mom bod, hahha that post partum body is nothing to be ashamed of, you carried a little life inside you for 9 months, we even have battle scars haha in form of stretch marks. Why be ashamed? We have a huge blessing in form of a baby, thats healthy, and of course cute, that weight, it will go away, don't pressure yourself, if someone says your fat, masama lang talaga ugali nila haha Take your time don't pressure yourself to lose the weight right away, your baby needs you thats you #1 priority, when your ready, go!

7. Every mom is different
     I used to compare myself with other moms, how the carried the baby, taught them to play, discipline them, or kahit un mga "haka haka" ng mga magulang nation or mga nakakatanda. How you take care of your baby is your way. It good to take advice from others but mothers instinct is the best way to go. Tayo nakakakilala sa anak nation and we know whats best for them. Everyone has a different way of taking care of their little one, if you make a mistake, it doesn't mean your a bad mom. Its a learning process

8. Enjoy it
     Remember time goes by slow, but years fly by. Before you know it malaki na si baby so cherish every moment you have with them, di na mauulit yan. One day, we will miss this.

9. When baby sleeps, you sleep.

10. Acceptance 
     We're walking down a new path, a new journey, a new life, and we let go a lot of things that we are used to. Thats a big part pf being a new mom, don't feel bad, don't be discouraged. God has put you on this path for a reason, trust his timing, and trust his plan. I've always said a baby was exactly what I needed it opened my eyes to a whole different world, I became a better person. Just always remember, things always get better. Sometimes it even turns out better than it was before. You are blessed.



          Love,
            Mel

          KE KIND

Strechy problem.. -_-

          So I never thought I would be that girl, but I was. I have severe stretch marks, really bad, across my tummy, on my sides, behind my arms and inner thighs, and for some reason I feel like lalo sha dumadami? Anu ba to? Super na depress nako, looks like I was attacked by a lion! Haha but no worries I found something that won't eliminate stretch marks but help make them less visible and prevent it na dumami pa, I really wish someone would have told me about this when I was pregnant. My good friend Bianca Manalo failed to tell me this early on but its their family secret- Argan oil, she doesnt have a baby yet but all her sisters do and none of them have stretch marks, so pregnant or not argan oil is absolutely a must and a girl secret we shouldn't keep from each other!

          I always hear and see argan oil being sold some even mixed in shampoo but pag ganun madami ng iba halo ng products so it not really PURE, minsan may halong olive oil or other thing i dont even know, in other world tinitipid tayo, tas mas malaki kikitain nila.. Well im really lucky that my good friend @sel_guevara who is a fitness blogger and PBA courtside reporter is a distributer of the PURE ARGAN OIL.. You can order your "Liquid Gold" directly from her as i can asure you it the real thing! I use it everyday now and i can definately see and feel the difference! Its somewhat addicting! as you see sa pic malapit ko na maubos haha

         

Here are the top 10 uses for Argan Oil- 

1. Face Moisturizer - After cleansing morning and/or night, massage a few drops of argan oil directly onto your face and neck. Since argan is considered a dry oil, it absorbs quickly and is not greasy. If you want to use it as a serum, apply your night cream after the oil absorbs into the skin.

2. Hydrating Toner – Add a few drops of argan oil to your favorite facial toner to hydrate and tone simultaneously. You can make your own toner by adding a few drops of argan oil to Rose or Orange Blossom water.

3. Rejuvenating & Brightening Face Mask – Add a few drops of argan oil to your store-bought mask. Alternatively, make your own mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 3 teaspoons of Greek-style yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 3 drops of argan oil in a bowl. Apply on a clean, dry face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

4. Exfoliating Lip Scrub and Moisturizer – To smooth and moisturize your lips, add a few drops of argan oil and vanilla extract to fine brown sugar. Lightly massage into lips using circular motion and rinse off.

5. Face Glow – Add a drop or two of argan oil to your foundation, bronzer or tinted moisturizer for a dewy, luminous glow.

6. Leave-on Conditioner – After the shower, while your hair is still wet, add a few drops of argan oil to your hair, ends and scalp to hydrate and moisturize. It’s especially nourishing if your hair is dry from daily use of a blow dryer, straight-iron or curling iron.

7. Hair Styling Shine – When your hair is dry, use as a styling product by adding a few drops of argan oil to the palms of your hand. Rub your hands together and run your fingers through your hair to create shine and tame frizz. You only need a small amount. It lasts a long time.

8. Overnight Hair Treatment – Massage a generous amount of argan oil into your hair, ends and scalp. Wrap your hair and leave it on while you sleep. In the morning, wash your hair and you’ll have luminous, soft locks.

9. Cuticle and Heel Softener – Massage a few drops of argan oil into your cuticles to soften, moisturize and encourage nail growth. Use as an overnight treatment to nourish cracked heels by working a good amount into your feet and toes. Cover with socks and wake up to supple feet.

          Aside from Argan Oil I made another discovery, Mustela Restructuring Gel! I already use Mustela products but for Kiera they have a huge selection of baby washes and other baby products that I adore! while searching for other baby products I could get for Kiera, I came across some of their mommy products that were amazing, as well as the nipple cream that really help me help after breastfeeding to prevent that boo boo and ouchie if you know what I mean haha but lets talk about the tummy gel first.. I also use this under my corset, you can instantly feel the tightening and it dries so quickly! Use at least twice a day for a month. The main effect of the get is to restore firmness of tissues, remodels body contours and restores skin quality. This is also the only product on the market that is especially formulated for the post partum period, its also not sticky! as my research tells me 84% of women clinically tested reported firmer skin and 89% reported increased tone and 81% notice skin restructuring. This product is also compatible with breastfeeding! i love it! Its also a mommy must have for me.... you can check the out at a mall near you or on IG @mustelaphilippines 

          One day pag naka lakas ako ng loob i'll show you guys my stretch marks and how it changed.. kaya ko to! Its never to late!

          Hope I helped you out! 

          Love,

            Mel

          BE KIND