I don’t usually bring my son to the grocery store because it will take me forever to finish my grocery shopping if I do. Nope, he’s not the type of kid who points to every single item in the supermarket that he wants Mommy to buy for him. Rather, he plays with the grocery cart, which is bigger than him. He likes to be the one to push the cart around the grocery store. For this week’s Mommy Moments theme, however, I had no other option but to take him with me to buy our groceries.


Look how excited he is!


It’s not heavy yet, Mommy!


Happy to get his Hansel!


Mommy said I’ll get two of this only.


Chicken nuggets taste test. He ate everything on the plate!


Almost done!
What we bought at the grocery store was our one week’s supply of food and toiletries at home and mostly Justin’s things (milk, 12-piece diaper for when he sleeps at night, and his snacks and yogurt drink for school). Because I was with my hyperactive preschooler, I wasn’t able to linger long this time to check out some weight loss products in the store. I made a mental note earlier to buy Sarsi Light (this is both caffeine-free and sugar free) and a few bottles of Fit N’ Right, but I wasn’t able to buy any of those. We went home, however, with several cans of Del Monte Heart Smart pineapple juice. This product contains Reducol, a cholesterol-lowering ingredient. I need lots of this right now, and I also encourage my husband to drink it.

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Share with us your bedtime routine and win JOHNSON´S® Baby Bedtime products!!! (click to join)

Sleep is one of the most important factors in releasing growth hormones, most especially for very young babies.While your baby sleeps, her little body produces 3x more growth hormones.

The good news is there is a way to promote better sleep for your baby: through a consistent nightly bedtime routine.

Learn more about the JOHNSON´S® Baby Bedtime Routine, clinically proven to stretch your baby´s sleep by as much as 23%.

In addition to the JOHNSON´S® Baby Bedtime Routine and products, there are countless other ways you can help your baby fall asleep and even share bonding moments in the process!


This is my official entry to Pehpot’s latest blog contest.

JOHNSON'S® baby products are essentials in my son’s daily bath time and bedtime routine. In the morning before Justin goes to school, I give him a warm bath, and I use Johnson’s baby top-to-toe wash. It’s really gentle on the skin, and I love its mild scent. I use this, too, sometimes when I want to have that smooth, refreshing feeling on my skin.

Anywhere from 8pm to 9pm, I give him another warm bath to get him prepared for bed. This is where I use Johnson’s baby bedtime bath to help soothe his hyperactive nerves and condition him to a good night’s sleep later. As much as I’d like to put JOHNSON'S® baby powder on him, I can’t. He had an asthma attack last year, just one, and to prevent recurrence, anything that can trigger an asthma attack (dust, allergens, etc.) should be avoided. But he would ask me to put Johnson’s baby bedtime lotion on him because he wants to run his fingers over his smooth skin afterwards.

Then, he would scoop up a few of his small toys (cars or trains) to keep him company while he sleeps. While curled up in bed, he would request Mommy to tell him stories, not the ones from his books, but Mommy’s made-up stories about the 3 dogs in our family: Porsche, Poochie, and Bench.

The first dog is Porsche; she is the dog of Justin’s lolo (grandfather). Porsche is sick right now. She has an open wound which the veterinarian said might be tumor. I tell Justin the story of how Tatay took Porsche to the doctor to have her treated. The next dog is Poochie; she’s the dog of Ate Hazel and Kuya Ron, Justin’s older cousins. Justin used to be afraid of Poochie but later warmed up to her when Justin learned that Poochie meant no harm. The story about Poochie is how Justin and Poochie became friends. The last dog is Bench; he is Tita Meann and Tito O.’s dog who died a few years ago because of heat stroke. My story about Bench is how Tita Meann and Tito O. found him lying dead on the road. Although this is a sad story, Justin doesn’t seem to get affected because what he’s really after is Mommy spending quality time with him.

After the stories, I would embrace my son and lull him to sleep. He likes to sleep with my arms around him; those are his security blanket. It won’t take long before my son and I drift off.

Please help me win this contest by commenting on this post. Thank you!

Are you familiar with term life insurance? Term life insurance is a life insurance policy that provides coverage for a limited period of time. Once the policy expires, the policy owner has the option to end the coverage or renew the policy. Term life insurance is the opposite of permanent life insurance where the coverage extends until the policy owner reaches 100 years old. Term life insurance is also less costly than permanent life insurance.

If you have a limited budget but you need life insurance protection during the child-rearing years or you need life insurance coverage to settle a loan, consider getting a term life insurance policy. You can get free term life insurance quotes online from some of the finest life insurance companies. These can help you decide what’s best for your needs.

“Aww, Mommy!” That was what my son said when he peed in the toilet this morning. I thought he was just joking. When I was giving him a bath, however, he flinched when I started cleaning his genitals with wash cloth. “Is it painful, baby” I asked. “Yes.” he said. That’s when he asked me to go to Makati Medical Center to see his doctor.

Because he had two incidents of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the past, one in November 2009 and another in January of this year, I wasted no time in texting his pediatrician who advised me to have the following tests done: routine urinalysis and urine C&S (culture & sensitivity). We will know the result of the routine urinalysis tomorrow, while it may take 3 to 4 days for the result of the urine C&S to come out.

While in the taxi on our way to the hospital, my son leaned his head against my chest and charmingly said he wanted to eat certain foods after his tests. Because I wanted him to feel better, I just said yes to anything he asked.

Justin: Mommy, I’d like to eat pizza later.

Mommy: Okay, baby. (All the while, I was muttering to myself, that’s a lot of calories!)

Justin: I also like French fries.

Mommy: Alright. (More calories!)

Justin: And Dilly Bar.

Mommy: Okay. (My diet plan will definitely be ruined today. I think I’d be needing a lot of quick weight loss tips later.)

Just when I was ready to give in to all of his requests, he changed his mind quickly.

Mommy: We can have pizza at Pizza Hut here in the hospital.

Justin: Okay.

Mommy: Then, you can have French fries at McDonald’s outside.

Justin: Mommy, I’ll just have Dilly Bar.

Mommy: You’ll eat it here or in the taxi?

Justin: Here.

Mommy: If you want, you can have Dilly Bar at Robinsons Galleria.

Justin: Okay.

Mommy: (In the taxi) Justin, you’ll attend afternoon class later because you missed your morning class. If we buy Dilly Bar at Robinsons, you might be late for class. Is it okay if we buy your Dilly Bar when you go home after school?

Justin: Okay, Mommy!

My son’s an easy kid to deal with, well, sometimes. I just hope his test results will be normal.

Last Friday afternoon, July 23, 2010, Justin, his Dad and I went to his school for their Back-to-school Night. Like last year, the parents were introduced to the kids’ teachers and were shown around the classroom to see the class curriculum, some of the things the children do inside the classroom, and some of the kids’ artworks.












Last year, the kids were treated to a free magic show and ice cream. This year, the school opted to serve refreshments for those who attended. Because I already had a light snack at home before we went to my son’s school, I politely refused the treats being offered, not that I don’t like them.

It’s just that I’m on a diet right now in preparation for my second round of blood tests in August. I’m really working so hard to lose weight and to get my triglyceride and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels back on track. Popping diet pills is the last thing on my mind right now, so yes I’m sticking to my diet plan. As for the delicious goodies on the refreshment table, thanks, but no thanks! Maybe next time!

If you’re thinking of renting out your house, think again! We have a two-bedroom house in Tanza, Cavite that we decided to rent out in 2006 because the two-hour drive to and from our place every day is putting a toll on both my and my husband’s health and a dent on our financial budget. A year before that, we decided to rent a studio apartment near both our offices, which made things a lot easier for us. We had our place in Tanza rented out for more than 3 years, and last April, the family who rented the place moved to their own house in the same subdivision.

In all the three years that they rented, they paid monthly rent late most of the time, but we did not ask for late rent charges. We also only talked to them via cell phone; I haven’t seen any of them in person. It was actually my father who saw them occasionally because he lives in Cavite, too. And because we had been busy with my mother’s angiogram then heart bypass later, we didn’t have the time to inspect the condition of our place in Tanza after they left.

It was only last Friday morning that my father was able to get the keys to our house from the family who rented it, which were actually coursed through the helpers. He wasn’t able to talk to our contact person, the head of the household, because she said she had important things to attend to which was why she left the house very early that day. However, the key to the grille door padlock was not part of the bunch of keys given to my father. When I texted our contact person, she said all the keys were there, but none of those given was able to open that lock. Ergo, my father wasn’t able to get inside our house.

According to my father, our house from the outside was a mess. One part of our gate and one side of our grille door were unhinged. All window screens badly needed repair. Our garden was badly kept, too, with tall grasses growing everywhere. Now, I’m wondering what damage inside our house awaits us. Would we have to replace things inside the house, such as kitchen sinks and bathroom fixtures, and what about the parquet wood flooring inside our two bedrooms and the vinyl floor tiles in the dining and kitchen area? We’re now having second thoughts about renting out our house again.

After me and my blogger friend accomplished our secret mission last Wednesday, we went back to Market! Market!, the place where we met earlier, to while away time. Incidentally, my Tatay, Nanay, younger sister Meann, and Tin-Tin (my call center agent niece), were going to Market! Market! too to have a very late lunch. Nanay had a follow-up checkup with her cardiologist and heart surgeon at the Philippine Heart Center earlier that day, which explained why they were just within the vicinity.

I was glad I waited because it happened to be my sister’s treat for our dear Tatay who will celebrate his 67th birthday in two days’ time, July 23 to be exact. Because we all love seafood, we went to Blackbeard’s Seafood Island and ordered the following sumptuous delights: Steamed Lapu-lapu, Salt & Pepper Squid, Tuna & Crabmeat Sisig, and Vegetable Kare-kare.


Steamed Lapu-lapu


Salt & Pepper Squid


Tuna & Crabmeat Sisig


Vegetable Kare-kare
I liked everything we ordered, but found the Salt & Pepper Squid a bit “makunat” (rubbery) but tasted good nonetheless. I was also not able to get the price of each dish we ordered because it was my sister who settled the bill, and I was seated across from her. Because I ate a little too much, I felt so heavy and sluggish when I went home. I made a mental note to read apidexin reviews later for some weight loss tips.


From left to right: Meann, Nanay, Tatay, Tetcha, and Tin-Tin
Happy Birthday, Tatay! We love you!

This was a casual conversation my son and I had the other day while he’s busy tinkering with my cell phone.

Justin: I don’t like one of my girl classmates anymore.

Mommy: Why?

Justin: Because she’s not pretty.

Mommy: What makes her not pretty?

Justin: She doesn’t have a headband.

Mommy: Really? What makes a girl pretty?

Justin: Bracelet. She should have a bracelet.

Mommy: What else? Does a pretty girl wear a skirt or pants?

Justin: Skirt.

Mommy: What about her skin, white or dark? (My son doesn’t know fair complexion yet.)

Justin: White.

Mommy: What about her hair, long or short?

Justin: Long.

Mommy: Curly or straight?

Justin: Curly.

So there, my four-year-old defines a pretty girl as someone with a headband and a bracelet, wears a skirt, has white skin and long and curly hair.

If there’s one sport that really fascinates me, that would be horseback riding. I have often wondered how a rider tames his horse. How do you make such a strong and huge animal listen to you? While doing my research on the topic, I’ve discovered that one should learn the following horseback riding basics: how to lead a horse, mount a horse, sit correctly in the saddle, walk and halt, steer a horse with direct reining, neck rain a horse, sit the trot, canter or lope, dismount, and keep your heels down. Whew! That’s a lot! One also needs a competent coach to become a really good horseback rider. Getting high quality equestrian apparel should get a person started on this fun and interesting sport.

Because Justin’s dad had a routine blood test scheduled last Saturday at Makati Medical Center, we took advantage of this opportunity to pass by Greenbelt Park. It’s been a while since we last visited this place, and it was refreshing to be back there again.

There were only a handful of people at Greenbelt Park at that time because it was still early. The place usually comes alive in the afternoon or at night when mall goers stop by to visit the various coffee shops nearby and to laze around the park. We had the place pretty much to ourselves, which made taking pictures easy. We didn’t stay long, though, because our little boy was raring to go to the mall already.


Isn’t that lovely? The waterfalls, I mean!


Look at that wacky smile!


Sitting on a crocodile sculpture
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Aside from school that he’s really enjoying, there are his new toys. The drum set and the busy ball popper are courtesy of his Dad’s officemate. Her sons have already outgrown these toys, but they’re still working, and my son loves playing with them.


Drum set


Playskool Busy Ball Popper
And these are some of the toys he received as birthday gifts when he turned four last July 7.


Buzz Lightyear from Ninang Belen


Thomas the Tank Engine & his buddies from Tita Sharon, Tita, Zen, and Tita Mina
My husband and I didn’t buy him anymore birthday gift because he has enough toys to keep him busy. Besides, his renewed interest in going to the playground in the afternoon after his nap keeps him preoccupied, too.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Given a choice between generic labels and brand-name products, I’ll go for generic brands anytime. Why? Because I don’t think it’s wise to spend more on something when I can get the same quality for so much less. I know there are people out there who won’t buy generics because they think it’s an indication of their personal wealth or a reflection of their personal taste, while others believe that generic products are not as good as the branded products and that they aren’t getting their money’s worth.

The truth is that generics are no different from the branded products because they are made of exactly the same ingredients. Sure, generics may not look as appealing as the brand-name products or even taste the same way as our preferred brand, but they work just as well as the branded products, and they save us a lot of money, too! Isn’t that what we all need in this time of penny-pinching and belt-tightening?

Do you want to learn new money saving tips? The article entitled “10 Products to Always Buy Generic” lists the following items that we should always buy generic: (1) over-the-counter-medications, (2) cereal, (3) pantry staples (sugar, salt, flour, etc.), (4) soda, (5) gasoline, (6) electronic cables, (7) makeup and other beauty products, (8) batteries, (9) salad mix and produce, and (10) baby formula. Aside from the great savings we’ll incur, these products are just as good as brand-name products. I have a stock of generic cough and cold medications at home because they’re just as effective as the branded medications but they cost so much less.

Speaking of infant formula, did you know that there isn’t much difference between generic and branded baby formulas? That’s because the Infant Formula Act sets the same regulations for both generic and branded-name infant formulas. Therefore, you are assured that store brand formula meets the same FDA nutritional requirements as the branded baby formulas. You also get to save up to $25 a month when you buy generic infant formula.

Justin came home from school last Wednesday with a leaflet, which happens to be a partial directory of exclusive schools for girls, exclusive schools for boys, and schools for boys and girls. This is so that the parents can inquire early about the big schools’ application requirements and fees, submission deadlines, and entrance exam dates for their children.

Coming from both co-ed schools, my husband and I preferred a co-ed big school for our son. We have noted, however, that most of the co-ed schools listed in the pamphlet are international schools, which means they’re way too expensive!

Last Friday after dropping my son off at school, I talked to one of the directors of the school to seek advice on choosing the right big school for our son. I asked her first which among the co-ed schools listed in the pamphlet they gave out was nearest our place; she said La Salle Green Hills. It was also her choice of exclusive school for boys.

I called La Salle when I reached home and learned that based on my son’s age, he would be accepted as Kinder 1 next school year. Classes would be 3 hours and 10 minutes; I didn’t ask what the extra 10 minutes is for. They’ll also be open for application beginning August 23. And the most important question I asked, which made me gasp for air, was “How much is the tuition for Kinder 1?” The person on the other line said Php123,000.00. All I could say was a meek “Thank you,” before hanging up the phone.

Wow! With the high cost of education in our country right now, how could poor deserving students ever afford to study in good schools? I called my husband at work and discussed what I just learned. To be honest, Php123,000 (approximately $2,673.00) is not something we can afford right now. We’re still paying for our house in Tanza and for our condo unit, and I’m still giving financial assistance to my parents. We’ll have to look for a less expensive big school for our son. The thought of not being able to send my son to a reputable school makes me really sad.

When Justin was much younger, he was afraid of going on a ride in amusement centers/parks. There was something about the movement of the amusement park rides (cars, planes, etc.) and the sound that they produce that scared him. Now that he’s a lot bigger, he prefers the amusement park games over the exciting amusement park rides.

Last weekend, though, we were able to convince him to ride the Crazy Bus at Tom’s World in Robinsons Galleria. It was his second time to ride the Crazy Bus, but we didn’t bring a camera then.


The Crazy Bus


Ready for take-off!


Look who’s up there? Where’s Justin, Daddy?


Going down


Reaching their final destination

And these are his older pictures.


Big animal ride with Tito O.


Train ride with Mommy


Race car ride on his own

Bisolvon Supermoms

Bumper boat ride with Dad
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