Summer Beach trip

In celebration of my birthday next year, Dan and I have decided to plan a trip to Boracay on April 25-28. This will also be the post celebration of our 7th anniversary (3rd wedding) and will be Zoe's first beach trip so we wanna make this extra special.


The first thing on my checklist is the plane tickets. I've been waiting for seat sales but to no avail so I booked our round trip flights to Kalibo via Zest Air for Php6,600. This includes the 10% discount since I booked it through my BDO virtual card online. 

The next thing on my list is the hotel accomodation. I know a lot of people would say that hotels shouldn't really be a big deal since you would go to Bora for the beach and not the hotel. But I have never stayed on a budget hotel in Bora and I don't have plans anytime soon especially since Zoe's coming with us. We've stayed at Boracay Regency in the past and had no complaints whatsoever. The thing now is that their rates for April hasn't come out yet. Here are my top 5 hotel choices for Bora:


1. Boracay Regency
2. Regency Lagoon
3. Boracay Garden
4. Boracay Mandarin
5. Le Soleil


All of these hotels are at Station 2 which is a good location since it's at the middle of all the places we would want to go to. 

Christmas shopping

Every christmas, I've always looked forward to three things: 1. shopping for myself; 2. gifts from other people; 3. parties. While those things still remain the same, I've also developed an intense excitement for toys and children's clothes since I had Zoe. Last year, we practically raided Baby Gap, Baby Guess, and Ralph Lauren Kids on top of Mothercare, Gingersnaps, and Rustan's. This year, my husband can only watch me with amazement as I went from one store to another without feeling tired and with the same excited expression on my face. One can only imagine the number of calories I burn when I shop!

 This year we decided to break our Chistmas shopping into a couple of trips. I've already had my share of shopping at my ultimate favorite stores (but I'm not yet done ok?) such as Forever 21, Bayo, Plains and Prints, Mango, and Zara. Not to mention my make up spree at Bobbi Brown, MAC, and Nars. And yes, I shop even when I'm at home via the internet (I wont even bother to defend myself). If the three of us could have a shopping score system, Zoe will come in as first place, I will be at 2nd place, while Dan will be at third place (since he hasn't bought anything yet!).

 My little shopaholic leads the shopping race with her stash of new clothes from Gingersnaps, Tarte Tatin, and Mothercare; shoes from Converse and Rustanette; Havaianas; Skip Hop backpack; Plates and utensils from Playtex; and Baby Alive doll. This weekend, we're getting her baby bike. I'm so excited for her!

Review: Skin Story (Robinson's Metro East)

My skin has been begging for justice and tlc for such a long time. I haven't gotten any facial treatments for nearly 2 years since I got pregnant, gave birth, and breastfed Zoe until her 8th month. So last Saturday, I decided to get a facial and diamond peel after working out at Fitness First in Robinson's Metro East. After checking one skin clinic after another, I decided on Skin Story since the place looked clean, posh, and promising.


Boy, I wasn't disappointed at all. I got the diamond peel with facial treatment for 950. Their treatment room is very clean and quiet. Their beds are also quite unique with a built-in back warmer. The procedure lasted for 1 hour and 30 minutes; the therapist assigned to me was very gentle yet thorough. There were facial and neck massages during the treatment and I really felt that the therapist was taking her time in making sure that everything was done perfectly. The pricking session went very well too considering the fact that I haven't gone through it in 2 years. The result of the session was a really clean and smooth face. I couldn't be happier with the decision I made.


They also served coffee after the session but I didn't get the chance to drink it anymore since my husband was done with his work out and was waiting for me outside. I highly recommend this skin clinic to anyone within the Marikina/Rizal area.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Last week, Zoe was diagnosed with early stage of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Some people may have heard of this as the disease transmitted by pigs but there is another form of HFMD which is rampant among babies and kids. So, no, my daughter didn't contract the pork disease as what some people have said.


Symptoms: A few days after Zoe's birthday party, I noticed that she started to have rashes all over her legs. They weren't red and itchy since Zoe wasn't really bothered by it and she wasn't even scratching it. However, it bothered me since I'm very particular about taking care of her skin. I also knew there was something else behind it so I scheduled an appointment to the pedia even though I was told by a nosy neighbor that it might have been just 'tigdas hangin'.


Diagnosis: Dra. Chanyungco, Zoe's pedia, diagnosed my baby girl with HFMD in its early stage. I panicked since I have seen a severe form of this disease months back from another patient. I was really worried that Zoe might suffer the same but I was assured my doc that it may not progress anyway since Zoe's immune system is pretty strong. She prescribed anti-histamine medicines and skin treatment which consist of wiping Listerine on the affected areas three times a day and applying a mixture of Elica cream and Calmoseptine to the rashes right after the listerine. We started the treatment Saturday night and come Friday, the rashes have dried.


How the disease is transmitted: While HFMD is still a disease, it isn't nearly as scary as how it sounds. It's still considered as a minor illness which is very common among babies and kids. It is transmitted by people who are affected through hand contact. It is also airborne that's why people who are affected are advised to stay at home so that the disease is not passed to others. It really doesnt have a medicinal cure since it usually goes away on its own after 5-7 days, however, more severe symptoms such as mouth sores and blisters on skin can cause misery to babies and kids who are affected. I was just really thankful that Zoe didn't have to go through such.

My Typhoon Pedring experience

Yesterday, while typhoon Pedring was in full blast, I was at Fitness First at The Fort as early as 6am determined to work out for 2 hours. I have been using a different car since Monday and although it wasn't a challenge driving it, I was a bit unfamiliar on how the thing worked. When I got to the gym, I was literally the first person and the first car to park and I was happy to get a good spot. I hurriedly got off the car since I was so concerned about getting wet because the rain was coming from all directions.

At 930am, I as on my way back to work and since it was still raining like crazy, I pressed the car alarm key from afar so I can get inside the car immediately. I was mildly surprised that the door didn't open but I dismissed it thinking maybe it was because the key got a bit wet from the rain. To my great horror, the car wouldn't start! I tried several times but it was moot point. I called my husband who told me that it must've been the battery. By that time I was in a state of panic. It was raining very hard, I was already dressed for work (got my hair curled and all), plus, I couldn't see anyone who could help me. Finally, I spotted a man who was sweeping the leaves off the parking lot and asked him to check the engine for me. Too bad, he knew nothing about cars. I was talking to my husband on the phone and he told me I needed to have the battery charged using jumper cables connected to another car battery.

So after a couple of minutes, the sweeper came back with one of the security guards who told me I LEFT MY HEADLIGHTS ON. Damn it. Good thing he had just what I needed: a pick up truck, jumper cables, and an armload of patience. So in short, he got my car to start and you could tell that it was the happiest time of my life. I swore to myself that from then on, I wouldn't roll my eyes off at people who leave their headlights on while parked.

Supplier Review: Zoe's 1st birthday party

Zoe had her first birthday party last Sunday, September 25th at Shakey’s El Pueblo. It was a wonderful result after months of planning and anticipating. Our families and friends filled up the 2nd floor function room of Shakeys that we were not able to go through the original plan of serving the food buffet style cus all the tables had to be used for the guests. My amazing daughter, though cranky at first cus she wanted to take a nap, cooperated beautifully and managed to wave to everyone and to smile all throughout.

 I owe this supplier review to several ladies from the forums that I frequent so here it is:


Venue: Shakey’s El Pueblo


Our earlier discussions with Shakey’s El Pueblo weren’t very smooth but I’m happy to say that they delivered what was expected of them during my daughter’s party. We ordered 7 sets of Monster Meal Deals, 30 sets of kiddie meals, 30 party amenities, and had them plot an hour of extension. They initially misquoted the price of the MMD and the extension fee but honored it anyway since it was stipulated on our contract already.


On the day itself, the party before us ended a bit late but the staff were able to clean up the party area immediately. Anna, the party staff, was very cordial and attentive. She also informed me that there had been some issues with the party amenities and that she would give 15 Barney themed loot bags and 15 Justice League themed loot bags. It was actually alright with me since that how I wanted it originally, only they said it wasn’t allowed. Overall, our experience with Shakey’s was really good.


Photographer: Jay Raon (www.jraon.tk)


Among all my party suppliers, this is where I focused most of my time. I originally thought of booking several other photographers until I came across Jay’s website. When I saw his shots, I was immediately blown away and decided right then that I had to get him as photographer for Zoe’s party. His shots are really crisp and clear, not to mention the fact that his concepts are always different for every client.


Jay had a pre-shoot with us on the day of Zoe’s party and he arrived on time at the Discovery Suites with his brother Chris. He was super pleasant to work with and he knew how to adjust very well since my daughter was a bit cranky that day. True enough, I was really amazed with the teaser photos that he posted in FB right AFTER the party. I can’t wait to see the rest of the photos and get a hold of the photo book. I highly recommend Jay Raon, he’s worth every penny =)

 Videographer: Moviescape


Moviescape is one of the last suppliers that I booked for this party. I originally wanted to get John Aguas’ services but Shakey’s had a problem with outside P/V suppliers. Since Jay Raon was a non-negotiable for me, I decided to get Shakey’s in-house video supplier since video wasn’t really at the top of my priorities. The videographer arrived a little bit late and I almost thought Shakey’s failed to book them but I just let it go since it was only for a couple of minutes and they were also a joy to work with.



Balloon Decorations: Ma-an Santos


Ma-an was recommended by my sister in law (they’re cousins). We corresponded through text/email, met up once, and we were set. I was really happy with the decorations because it made the room more festive and attractive. Ma-an was also very easy to talk to. I just gave her my working budget and specified the colors and arrangements that I wanted. The results were really fabulous.


Cake and cupcakes: Swirls N Sprinkles by Nadine Abraham


Nadine has been my cake supplier since Zoe’s christening. I started speaking with her regarding the cake design early this year and I just let her work her magic. She also gave me a huge discount. As expected, the cake and the cupcakes were fabulous. It’s always a pleasure working with her.


Party Outfit: Periwinkle


We bought 2 dresses for Zoe; 1 was a brown dress for the party itself and another dress for her pre-shoot. Her shoes were ordered from Pediped US.


Hotel Accommodation: Discovery Suites


My husband and I decided to book a room the night before the party just so we could have a place to do the pre-shoot at. Also, we wanted to be sure that we were closer to the venue just in case there were some issues that we needed to attend to. Good thing, Deal Grocer offered a deal for a junior Suite and we used it to book our room.


Invitation: DIY


I just chose a design online and sent it to my brother who’s based in Bahrain and had him edit it. This was the invite that we sent to our friends and families. We didn’t even bother printing it anymore :)


Overall, it was a really good party. The function room overflowed with guests that I had to ask my sister and her friends to move over to the ground floor. Even with so many guests, our food was still more than enough which I think was one of the best things about the party. At the end of the day, we were just really happy to have been able to celebrate my daughter’s 1st birthday with our families and friends. Looking forward to next year’s party.


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Happy birthday Sweet Love

At 2:10 AM on September 22, 2010, I gave birth to the cutest chinky-eyed munchkin in the world. At 2:10 AM today, little miss patootie turned  a year old. People may say that you're a baby no more but I will always look at you with the same awe as when I first laid my eyes on you as a newborn. Wherever life may take us, always know that I will be here for you and with you. I love you very much my Zoe Alexa =)