My Favorite Summer Experience

The Legend of the Seas

My favorite summer experience would without a doubt be

The Royal Caribbean Cruise with the family

Where we had more food than our tummies can hold

With activities and shows for guests young and old

Went down and visited Malaysia's Batu Cave, saw Petronas Towers

Rode elephants in Thailand, toured some places within a few hours

Bye to the Legend of the Seas, hello again to Singapore

Took photos with the Merlion, then a little shopping galore

One item on my bucket list was crossed out

An unforgettable summer experience no doubt

I have learned that I should always bring extra shirts and face towels for each of us during the land tours. The places that we visited were hot and humid like the summer weather in our country. Having drinking water at hand is very important, too. I also made sure that I have an umbrella in my bag, waterproof jackets if it would suddenly rain, and insect repellent patches. It helps to know the itinerary beforehand so I made sure to pack comfy shoes. You know what kind of shoes would be perfect for traveling? Native shoes! They are lightweight, comfortable, odor resistant and antimicrobial. Some designs are waterproof, washable and even shock absorbant. I wish to win GC's from Native Shoes for our next travel adventure!

The very recent lightning, thunder and raining episodes signal the end of our hot summer days. Soon, we would say hello to the teachers and classmates of our children. We would also say hi to muddy streets and increased traffic jams come wet season. I certainly hope the government and everyone who is concerned have prepared the Philippines for the onset of typhoons and floods. Surely, there were lessons learned from the past experiences? Anyway, Native shoes would be perfect for the rainy season as well! Actually, we could use Native shoes all year round.

But, I expect to go on more family trips out of town before my eldest's classes start. I certainly would appreciate the comfort of wearing Native shoes, especially as a mom to an active preschooler and two energetic toddlers.

Why I want to win the Wow Your Wardrobe Contest.

This is my official entry to the Howard Storage World + Dainty Mom Wow Your Wardrobe Contest.


Do you know what makes me uncomfortable? Hearing or reading these words:

Organize. Declutter. Domestic duty. *cringe*


I don't think I could call myself a good homemaker with my house in perpetual chaos. I feel like I am failing in this aspect of being a wife and mom. What is ironic is that I finished Interior Design from a good university, but if you walk into our house, you wouldn't think that an interior designer lives here. Awful, isn't it?

So, why am I not organizing is a good question. I could give a number of excuses like:

• The children are still too little.
• Storage solutions are expensive.
• Our home is not permanent.
• The stuff always reappear after clearing them away, it never ends!
• Blah, blah, blah!

Yes, they are all excuses. I really should start somewhere. And, I should be ruthless. I don't know why, but I find it very hard to part with things especially if they were gifts. I'm sentimental to a fault.

Reading about other moms' organizational skills should inspire me to make our house neat and pretty.

But, winning Howard Storage World + Dainty Mom's Wow Your Wardrobe Contest should kick me from behind and jump-start organizing ASAP!

I deserve to win a Php10,000 wardrobe showcase from Howards Storage World because I want to stop making excuses, start decluttering our home and be a good example of orderliness & cleanliness to my children. I'd like to maximize our very limited space and make our house a beautiful home.

I want to "Be Body Beautiful" with Wacoal

After giving birth to my second baby in 2010, and to another one last year, I haven't had the time to really look in the mirror or inspect my body. I guess I was afraid of what I might see.

And I was right!

As I was smoothing on lotion on my body, I was super shocked to see how loose my skin was becoming. I know that pregnancy changes a woman's body a lot. But, I never thought it changed mine so drastically! In line with this, I also notice my already wide hips are even wider and rounder. It also seems I have lost my waist's definition somewhere. And my twin peaks! I think I am on the Stage 2 in the picture below. *shudder* 

taken from Philippine Wacoal Corporation Facebook page

I am learning about gravity again! And how unforgiving it could be to maturing women like me. 

Of course, I wouldn't be able to go against gravity now, could I? Age and gravity definitely do not mix! To sort of defy them, I just really good supports in the form of undergarments. I admit I have worn ill-fitting underwear and it does not feel good. Let alone look good in my eyes, thus my clothes don't look good either. I love that Wacoal makes intimate apparel that that not only fits women of different sizes, but also fits women of different ages. They understand that women's bodies change as time goes by and they promise to provide comfort & support that we need no matter at what age and stage we are in.

For my loose belly, great for fitted dresses and gowns

For my sagging (I kinda loathe that word) boobs, great for tank tops

For my spilling tummy and hips, great for skinny pants and fitted slacks

I want to "Be Body Beautiful" at 30 and I am happy Wacoal understands that. I am squeamish, so undergoing invasive procedures in an attempt to look young is a no-no for me.

When aging has been catching up on me, there's nothing I can do but to be candid about it. I'm reading Aunt Erma's Cope Book again and now, I think I could relate to her woes more after being a mother. She cracks me up! In the 1970's, Erma Bombeck was already talking about how people were doing everything to not look their age.

"If you had a wrinkle, you took a snip.

If something sagged, you took a tuck.

If it jiggled, firm it up.

If it stuck out, suck it in.

If it was gray, touch it up."

Isn't that so true? 

My ZALORA Wishlist

As a mommy, I think that shopping would not be complete without scouting or buying things for my children. Even when I am just window shopping in real life or online. Online, I don't need to go out of the Fences of our home, but also, it could be a hassle to go to so many websites to find the stuff I need or want. Thanks to Churp Churp, I discovered ZALORA and thought that I might find my ideal shoes there. Believe or not, I haven't yet found a pair of shoes that I really, really love. Oh, and I have trouble wearing slip-on pumps, flats or heels without any strap, so my alternatives are the slingback, Mary Jane type or with ankle strap ones. So, the first on my wishlist is this pair of Shoo In DOTI beige high heels that hopefully could pass as nude pumps that could go well with any dress and would be good for a formal affair.

ZALORA caters to mommies like me who like to shop for their families. There are clothing and accessories there for the dads and the kids. There are also baby gear from popular brands. My husband needs a new pair of pants so I chose this pair of 101 New York Chinos for him.

ZALORA is great for mommies' little fashionistas to window shop and browse. The cute pink dress from Periwinkle below was personally picked by my 4-year-old. 

ZALORA is a great way for me to shop for my active toddler without having to bring him along. My one-year-old boy needs a pair of comfy shoes he can use for going out and about, so I chose this pair of TOMS tiny classics navy canvas for him. 

ZALORA has so much baby stuff I want to buy for my littlest angel. There are spoons, suction bowls, and teething rings from Munchkin. I chose this pair of cute Tip Tap Soft Soles eyelet Mary Janes for her to wear with her dresses. This is perfect for parties we will attend. Isn't it adorable?

ZALORA has something for each member in my family. These are just five of the many things in my wishlist that I was happy to create on their website. Try it, it's fun!

www.ZALORA.com.ph

Silver Smoke Blog Tour and A Kindle Giveaway!!!

To celebrate the release of a new novel to the Seven Halos series, author Monica Leonelle is doing a Kindle Fire giveaway for Silver Smoke, the first novel in the series! Silver Smoke is the highly-rated (4.8 stars on Amazon) debut novel about the Hallows and the Nephilim, the descendants of archangels and humans. Here's a description of the book:

Brie van Rossum has fame, fortune, and beauty, but there’s one thing she doesn’t have–the name of her mother’s supernatural killer.

The Hallows, descendants of the archangels, don’t think Milena was murdered.. but can Brie trust them when their government, the New Order, wants her dead?

She’d better figure it all out soon…

… because when Brie finds out who she really is, the hunt will begin.

And Milena might not be the only casualty.

Like mother, like daughter…

We'll get to the contest details in a minute, but first, Monica gave us an exclusive excerpt of the book for the blog tour:

“Do you—“ Brie started. “You just—“ she tried to think of the nicest way she could explain things. “You really don’t know my father that well if you actually believe that. James wants me to go to therapy because it’s a solution that he can pay for. That’s the extent of his ‘caring.’”

Rykken folded his arms across his chest. “From someone who has never known his biological parents, count yourself lucky that you still have your dad.”

“He’s not my dad! He left us when I was born.”

“There might be a good explanation for why he left.”

“Aside from selfishness?” Anger boiled inside Brie, causing her to rise. “You know what, Rykken? You can’t give me advice. You assume that you know me because you and Pilot are best friends, but you don’t know a single thing about me.”

Rykken flinched. “You’d be surprised how much Pilot confides in me.”

Brie barely resisted the urge to ask what Pilot had told him. “It doesn’t matter,” she said. “Here’s what I know: your foster parents are nice and have spent more time with you in the past few years than James has spent with me in my lifetime. Yet you spend all your time over here, ignoring them and trying to be a part of my family.”

Rykken stood up, facing Brie. “Do you think it’s easy growing up in foster care? You have everything here—every opportunity in the world to create a great life—“

“No,” Brie interrupted. “This may seem like a castle, but this isn’t a fairytale. Money means nothing when you’ve moved across the country because the only parent you’ve ever had is dead.”

“You know that’s not how I meant—“

“My friends have sold my story to stupid, trashy celebrity magazines. The entire country is watching my every move, hoping to catch me falling apart.  And now I have a whole lot more to worry about.” Brie walked to her bedroom door and turned the knob to open the door. “But you don’t know or care about any of that. You only see the upsides. You wish you had this money or fame or whatever you think is so great about us, and your friendship with Pilot gives you your daily hit.”

Rykken walked toward her, his eyes electrified, forcing her to take a few steps back. Immediately, she knew she had taken it too far—she wanted nothing more than to erase the last minute of her life and pretend it never happened. Not that she didn’t believe it could be true—lots of people had screwed her family over in the last couple months—but saying it out loud wasn’t going to go over well with Pilot, who genuinely trusted his friend.

Rykken leaned one forearm against the wall Brie was standing against, cornering her. “Is that really what you think of me?” His face contorted with anger, but there was a hint of sadness in his umber eyes.

“I’m not sure what to think,” Brie admitted. His hot breath emanated over her face. He smelled like peanuts and spices and rain.

Rykken balled his fists, ignoring her question. “James may be a bad parent, but he’s right about one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You do need therapy.”

CONTEST DATES:

December 20th thru December 31st (12 days long)

EASY WAYS TO ENTER:

• (3 entries) Blog about this contest and forward a link to monicaleonellecontests@gmail.com (see copy + paste instructions for the contest below)
• (3 entries each) Share a sentence about the book with your Facebook or Twitter followers, and include a link to the book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble (you pick). One entry per social media account per day during the contest. Forward a screenshot or link of your sentence+link to monicaleonellecontests@gmail.com. The links are available below:
  • Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Smoke-Seven-Halos-ebook/dp/B004MMERZ6/ref=sr_1_2
  • B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silver-smoke-monica-leonelle/1103721670?ean=2940012105332&format=nook-book

• (10 entries each) Write an honest Amazon and/or B&N review of Silver Smoke and send a link to monicaleonellecontests@gmail.com

PRIZES!!!

• Grand Prize Winner: Kindle Fire (or cash-equivalent Amazon gift card)
• 2nd Place (two winners): Kindle Touch (or cash-equivalent Amazon gift card)
• 3rd Place (three winners): Kindle (or cash-equivalent Amazon gift card)
• Special Bloggers-Only Winner* (for blogger entrants – must enter via the web form): Kindle Fire (or cash-equivalent Amazon gift card)

Winners will be selected using Random.org on January 1, 2012 and announced on How To Be An Author by January 2, 2012.

*To enter the Bloggers-Only drawing (in addition to the regular drawing), you must forward a link to your post to monicaleonellecontests@gmail.com AND add your name to this bloggers-only email list (not for promotional purposes… just an easy way to distribute promised items): http://forms.aweber.com/form/99/1958024899.htm

I need more nursing wear.

The bazaar at Bellevue started yesterday. I have bought tops there for me, for my hubby and for our daughter Elle last two years. Brands that were carried include Guess and Mossimo. There were super many people at the booth rummaging through the display cases and scoring sweet deals for themselves and to give as gifts.

I have decided to breastfeed my third child this year, therefore I would need nursing tops. So, I wouldn't be able to shop at the bazaar this season. I have a few nursing blouses I got at a warehouse sale while I was preggy. And, I'm hoping to win one from Dainty Mom Martine's giveaway of Latch a Babe Nursingwear.

I am eyeing this dress:

and this top:

Ceemee's Mommy Mission Statement

This is an official entry to Dainty Mom’s “Write your Mommy Mission Statement” contest.

When I was younger, I heard "horror" stories from my aunts and even from my own mom about the birthing process and how super duper painful it was. My imagination went overdrive and I vowed (together with my cousins) never to get married so we won't experience it. Two decades later, here I am, a wife and mother to three children. It seemed I ate my words. And, it seemed it was God's idea that I become a mom. 

There are times when I feel that this life is surreal, like it's a dream I'm going to wake up from any time soon. But,    a soft "Mommy" from my four-year-old, touching my one-year-old's smooth skin and chubby cheeks, and feeling the weight of my one-month-old's head on the crook of my neck, made me go, "Gosh! I'm really a mommy! There's no resignation." Haha!

Since there is no turning back, I guess my mission in life is to be the best mom to these three children the Lord has blessed me with. 

• As a Christian mom, leading my kids to Christ is one of my duties. To read the Bible with them, to always pray with them and over them, to send them to a good Christian school are what I aim. 
• I also want to help them develop qualities that will be beneficial for them until they are adults. These qualities include: being humble yet confident, simple yet outstanding, honest yet tactful, outspoken yet a listener, contented yet an achiever.
• To help them appreciate the presence of their daddy in their lives as we are blessed to have our own business and that my hubby has time for family matters.
• Confession: I am just a beginner at cooking. I aim to get better so my children could look forward to easy, healthy yet delicious meals from their mother.
• To shower my kids with many, many hugs and kisses; to incorporate much laughter, humor and fun so they would actually enjoy being part of our family.
• There is so much to learn from children. It is the best education I could get on this lifelong course of being a mother.

Color by Numbers Review and Giveaway

During the last days of my 3-year-old daughter's summer vacation and I was still wondering what to do for our home activity, the opportunity to review a coloring program came along in a timely manner.
The downloadable program is called Color By Numbers and it aims to teach kids to color pictures with numbers as guides. There are three types of "coloring books" that are available: Animals, Princesses, and Vehicles. Of course, my daughter Elle's favorite is the Princesses package. There were more pictures she finished here than in the other categories. There is a pre-determined set of colors for each of the picture. I like that Elle has the option to change the numbered "tube" to any color that she wants. Another option is the tubes are not numbered at all and it's like a real coloring book wherein she could fill in the colors to her heart's content. The coloring books come in 15-20 pages for each category. It's easy enough for my daughter because it's like using the bucket tool in drawing or photo editing softwares where the colors are filled into the area with just one click. The illustrations are cute, not too complicated and made for small children to capture their fancy. There is a wide range of colors available and most of them are pastel-hued, the way I like it.

You can see more information here: coloritbynumbers.com

Mommies and daddies, if you want to let your son or daughter try this cool coloring application, I have three serial numbers to give away to three parents or kids, one for each of the category. Simply:

• Follow me on Twitter: @ceemee
• Like my Cymplified Facebook Page
• Comment on this post telling me you did + your Twitter and Facebook usernames + which coloring book you prefer the most, the next, and the least
• Example: "I followed and liked, @ceemee, Cym Gonzaga-Marzan. 1. Princesses 2. Animals 3. Vehicles."
• I will let my daughter pick out the winners on July 31 via lottery. The first winner will get his first choice, the second winner will get his second choice if his first choice is taken, and so on.

Giveaway Dismay

Giveaways are supposed to be fun and apart from driving traffic to the hosts' website/blog, it should foster camaraderie among bloggers or people in the niche the hosts are reaching out to. I like joining giveaways with prizes that I think I, and especially my kids, could use and be happy about. I am thankful to the bloggers who are generous and are clear with their giveaway rules, especially how the winners will receive their prizes.

My latest giveaway winning experience was not a super pleasant one. 

I received an e-mail from the host that I won the diaper bag. I was excited because it was a welcome need although we have already purchased one the day before I knew of the news. This was for my baby boy. The prize would then be kept for our upcoming third baby. 

Although the rules did not state that winners would need to claim the prizes in person, I was set to meet up with the blogger at an event. And I was to meet with the sponsor even. I was a little nervous because I have never met a certified blogger. Then, she contacted me and told me that my prize will be sent via courier to me because she wouldn't be able to attend the event. I was asked for my address. 

I hoped she had taken note of my real name as I have already stated it in the comment section of her blog as part of the requirement. But, because she used my e-mail address as my name, the prize needed to be sent again since the people who answer the door were not familiar with my e-mail address. One sad part was that I had to shoulder the courier charge.

Another sad part was that the prize I was promised was not the item delivered. If we haven't already bought the diaper bag for my 2nd baby, then we would be wasting another trip to the mall. 

I was disappointed with this incident.

Giveaway from Chris Chronicles

Happy First Anniversary to Mommy Chris' blog, Chris Chronicles!!! In celebration of this delightful event, she is giving away some cool cash or a free Blogger or Wordpress template. Isn't that a lovely treat for her readers? The cash prize could be a wonderful addition to my plan of buying my dear hubby a gift to show my love and appreciation. The blog template could be the one I am dreaming of having for this blog since I'd like a new look for the new year.

These are the prizes:

1st winner will get $100

2nd winner will get $50

3rd winner will get $30

4th winner will get a two-column Blogger or WordPress template, color of winner’s choice.

Thank you to the following sponsors of Chris' giveaway:

 Pinay Mommy Online ,  Proud Mommy of Three ,  The Domain Angel ,  Life's Digital Moments ,  Eat, Drink, Blog ,  Caffeinated Muse ,  Reviewer's Haven ,  Janet Speaks ,  The Travel Diva ,  Sketches,  Yam's Files ,  Mum Writes Again ,  Travels and Musings , Viva Pinay , Small Kids Big Dreams ,  Azumi ? Kawaii Princess' Story , Fab ? Momma ,  Kawaii Princess ,   Samut-Sari ,   Joys in Life ,  Paula's Place ,  WAHM sa Pinas ,  Pop Ups of My Mind ,  Nursing Uniforms ,  Kero's Celebration ,  blankpixels - The Geek Side ,  Certified Foodies ,  jared's little corner of the world... ,  Travels and Explorations ,  Designer's Depot ,  Work at Home Dad,  Noobfoodie ,  The Smart Shopper ,  Living Life to the Fullest! ,  Happy Home Working ,  Life of a Filipina Blogger ,  Wahmaholic Designs, The Miscellaneous Me, Family and Home Living

Baby Caleb's 1st Pair of Sandals

So cute!

Some people's hands are blessed by the Lord in creating such wonderful crafts. This pair of crocheted baby sandals is one of them. It was sponsored by pjhillco.etsy.com for a contest I won. Head over to the site for more adorable baby booties.

Still too big?

Some Blog Love

I joined an Alice in Wonderland contest last month where I submitted this blog post over at Azrael's blog and won this cool pocket watch. It certainly is a collectible piece, isn't it?

Want a postcard, too? You can request one from Miss Igorota's blog. She has been to so many places!

Erratum: A, over at her blog, hosted her 100th post giveaway. She said I won a special prize. These are so nice! I've always loved Papemelroti stuff.

Season's Wishes

There is something magical about the Christmas season. It makes us giddy with childlike expectations, as if something wonderful is about to come our way. It gives us a glimmer of hope, that some positive change is waiting to happen, that wishes do come true. Maybe it is in view of this that we make wish lists and hope that some kind soul will grant our hearts' desires. Another reason for making this list is for a practical purpose, so we would get exactly what we need or want and that our friends and family would not have to waste time, effort and money on something we would rather donate next Christmas.

They say,"Giving is better than receiving." Christmas presents us with the opportunity to be selfless. It is one of my wishes that our country be healed. That means the removal of the corrupt officials in position, that our fellow countrymen will love the environment and showcase the love of God as a Christian nation. It makes me sad to see that many people (and children follow their examples) throw their garbage, even as small as a candy wrapper, on the streets. Like the whole country is their trash can. I also wish that everyone will have enough - enough work to fill their needs, enough time for their family and friends, enough faith in God to face a daunting tomorrow, knowing He will make all things work for our good. Of course, I would wish for my families' and my friends' great health, which is very important, so they may enjoy the delicious food especially this holiday season. And to be able to try the yummy food features of NomNom Club, too!

There are a couple of wishes I have for myself. First is that I won't be idle being a housewife and a stay-at-home mommy. I wish I could be making something I love and others will love, too, in the comfort of my home while having a small income on the side. That way, I will not be so much of a burden. Second, is that I will have a safe pregnancy and delivery of my second baby. And that he or she will be healthy and happy and would get along with his or her older sister very well.

These are my wishes this Christmas, and also my prayers to the Lord.

Planning on planning with your planner?

Planners are quite popular this month of the year because of the new year ahead.  There are some people like me who like the old fashioned way of encoding appointments, shopping lists, etc; but without the alarms, of course. Still, I like seeing them on paper, especially on a nice looking planner.

Vera is hosting her first giveaway of a Got Heart planner for those in the Philippines. Please visit her post to know more.

Note To Self

Since I have limited movements after my operation, I admit I have been lax in my beauty regimen. My skin has been experiencing dry spells lately, especially now that the cool weather is kicking in. I really need to do my favorite ritual as soon as the pain and discomfort are gone. Thanks to a reminder (also a blog contest) from YesNoMeh - a review blog by Josh, my high school classmate and his girlfriend Lizz.

What is my favorite beauty ritual then?

After taking a shower, I put slather on facial moisturizer, most preferably with SPF (I am so liking Olay Total Effects with a touch of foundation SPF 15 at the moment as it makes my face look smoother), if I am going out, and an ordinary moisturizer before bedtime. I plan to switch to a night cream when this moisturizer is all used up. I then apply lotion all over my body, I prefer ones with SPF or UV ray blocker. That's it! It's not much of a beauty ritual, I know, but it makes me feel more of a lady.

Of course I did not skip grooming altogether. I could cut the nails on my hand. It was hard for me to bend down and cut my toenails, so I had a foot spa with a pedicure last Saturday with my friend. It was nice, and since I was already there, I decided to add some color to my toenails, a light shade of purple. I am still deciding what to do with my long permed hair, so I put off cutting it for now. Grooming is quite necessary for a civilized and clean person. If one is unkempt and has long nails, he/she is more prone to attract germs and has the chance to ingest them or pass them on to his/her loved ones. I wouldn't want that to happen!

They're here!

My very own Ugg Boots! My early Christmas gift! Although, I don't know yet how to wear them in a tropical country like mine. But, it came just in time before the cool months of December and January kick in, so there'd be opportunities to don them, I hope. Click here if you want to win a pair yourselves. Thanks to Odette of little miss firefly for blogging about this, that's where I learned of this offer. I ordered the Classic Short, but I think they shipped the Classic Tall to me. Should I have it changed, I wonder?

You're The 1, Goldilocks

Every time I walk by Goldilocks, I see pink and purple, the colors of its Rainbow cake. The only one of its kind in the country and the cake that attracts me the most because I find its colors cute. Another thing special about Goldilocks is that it was a part of my simple childhood.

On Saturdays, when there were no classes, I would go to my Grandpa's and meet up with my cousins. Guess where our favorite snack place was? Goldilocks! I have to admit, I love, love cakes. So, it's a treat for me to be there and try the different cake flavors. I would look long and hard at the cake display while deciding which one to order this time. After putting my orders on a tray, I would walk to our table with a smile and we would start to talk about anything. We would even let each other try our orders. It was fun and relaxing just sitting there, without a care in the world.

Recently, I've taken a liking to Goldilocks' chiffon slices, especially the Double Dutch flavor, with the icing, chocolate chips and marshmallows sandwiched between two different flavored cakes-marble and chocolate. Yummy!

This, I gotta say, "You're the 1 Goldilocks, because you satisfy the Filipino's craving for food variety and good conversations."