Mama Miah!

This year my baby Miel didn't get the chance to do the Trick or Treat and attend the Halloween Party in her dad's office. Well, we'll try next year if we can... I haven't made a post on our Halloween experience last year, so I am going to make one now since it's Halloween. Hehehe...

Last year's Halloween was great, Miel's Halloween costume is a tiger and she really looks cute on it. It was his cousin's costume before and my sister-in-law let us borrow it. I made a Digital Scrapbook of it for remembrance...

Dylan, Miel's cousin wore a spider costume and they both look cute together. We can't help but take lots of pictures of them... This is one of the photos in Abreeza's Halloween Photo Op. We went to Abreeza to join the Trick or Treat. It's our first time to join an event like this and our babies are so happy whenever someone gives them goodies. It was tiring though, walking around the mall but it was worth it... 

A Digital Scrapbook that I made during the Halloween Party at Concentrix last October 31, 2012... :) Miel still uses the tiger costume and Dylan as the spider... :)

I am currently addicted to pom poms, specifically yarn pom poms. I just made a DIY Pom Pom Curtains made of yarns in different colors.  I was about to use the pom poms I made for a different project but I got excited and made it all to a curtain. 

I love the fact that my baby loves it, the different colors attracts her. There's just one thing though, she can't resist and grab the pom poms in the window! She would really make ways just to get the pom poms, like climbing in the chair then to her mini table and then to the window... 

Anyways, the process in doing the yarn pom poms is really simple, you just need a lot of patience if you want to make more. There are different kinds of process to make the pom poms and here are the techniques to make it easier for everyone to make it.

I recently find out a way to make yarn pom poms in bulk! This tutorial could have saved me a lot of time doing the pom poms. Well, there's still a next time because I will be doing more pom poms and make it as a curtain for my daughter's playroom... :)

You can experiment and mix different colors too. Try different colors that would blend and you'll create a colorful pom pom. 

By the way, after you have made your pom poms, you will be needing a thread and a needle. You can use a yarn too or a transparent nylon thread. Measure the length of your window so you'll have an idea on how long would your thread be and then you can now start sewing the pom poms in the middle... :)

This DIY craft is really nice especially on occasions like birthdays, christening or just a decoration in your house or your kids room or playroom. 

There you go, I hope those tutorials had helped you as it has helped me... 'Til next DIY crafts! ;)

I recently attended the soft opening of The Healing Spa and Massage along with a few of the Davao Bloggers. I was 30 minutes early and the owner, Miss Gloria was really friendly and Isis too who is the one who accommodated me. I was glad I went there early because I got the chance to roam around the place and take a few photos. 

I love their wall frames by the way... :)

Another blogger arrived early too and while waiting Miss Isis talked to us about their signature massage which is the Pinoy Hilot. 

In Pinoy Hilot the masseur will roll a bamboo on your back to locate the panuhot (flatulence) and when it's found they will use a steamed 'Thai Pack' and press it on the afflicted areas. The Thai Pack is composed of different kinds herbs inside like: tuba-tuba, tanglad (lemon grass), ginger, guava leaves, and other herbs. It actually smells good... In Pinoy Hilot, they will use a sheet to cover you and let you perspire (in bisaya, bukot). They also use steamed banana leaves on your entire back and when there's so much panuhot, it tears off. 

Isis also showed us a comb which is made of jade which they will use in Pinoy Hilot to comb your hair and help you relax. I think the other one is for the feet where the pressure points will be pressed.

Their place looks small and had narrow ways but they had maximize their spaces. I was surprised that they have lots of beds inside, I think it's around 12 and were divided by curtains. They have beds that are on the bamboo floor and there are also the typical massage beds.

The Healing Spa Massage and Spa is located at Davao Success Realty Compound, Walk-in Alley, Ponciano Reyes Street, Davao City (In front of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elem. School).

Contact Numbers: 09483452558, 09331888259 and 09228716856.

UPDATE:

Me, my mom and sister tried their signature PINOY HILOT and it was the best massage I have ever encountered. My mom and sister liked their services too. :)

I really want to make my own charm bracelet. I bought different musical charms a year ago because I wanted to make one but unfortunately forgotten all about it. Anyways, my hubby bought me a set of tools that I needed to make jewelries, so I finally decided to continue that overdue project. ;)

Here are the materials you need to create your own DIY Charm Bracelet:

It's just easy to make these charm bracelet when you have all the materials ready. All you have to do is connect your charms to the jump rings and from the jump rings, connect it to your bracelet or chain. Here, take a look at the final output... :)

The Anmum Pregnancy App is just one of the many great apps for expectant mothers. It is indeed a wonderful tool that you need as you journey from pregnancy to motherhood. I wish I had my iPod Touch and Android phone back when I was still pregnant, so I can have apps like this one. Anyways, I really like this app because it has weekly pregnancy tips, yummy and nutritional recipes you will need to help you keep fit and healthy. 

The appointment scheduler can be helpful too, you don't wanna miss any appointments to your OB?GYN right? The Kick Counter is one of the great features of this app, it can tracks your baby’s movement to help gauge its health inside your womb. Set regular reminders so you won’t forget to take your milk, vitamins, and supplements.

With this app, you can also receive weekly updates on the progress of your pregnancy so you know what to expect and you can be better prepared for it.. You can also take the 1-Minute Folate Test and check if you’re fulfilling your daily Folate requirement. Remember, Folate is a crucial nutrient for your baby’s proper brain and body development. It also helps to reduce the risk of having serious birth defects (like defects on the brain and spinal cord).

The Weight Tracker helps you track and maintain a healthy pregnancy weight. I used to drink Anmum too when I was still pregnant, but my doctor let me stopped drinking it when I was in my 3rd trimester because my baby is getting bigger already as shown in my ultrasound test. As much as possible she don't want our baby to be too big or I'll end up giving a Cesarean section  (CS or C- section) birth. As much as possible my doctor wants me to have a normal delivery. 

The Exercise Tips also helps you stay fit with the app's pre-natal and post-natal exercise tips. Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is now just one click away with the use of Anmum Pregnancy App.

The Anmum Pregnancy App helps you connects to Anmum's Caring Team of Experts (OB-gyne, Pediatrician, Nutritionist, and Parenting Experts). Get the answers and assurance you need when you need it with just a click away!

The Anmum Pregnancy App is available on Android and iOS.

I've been wanting to do this Do It Yourself (DIY) Bobby Pins but I always forgot to buy the materials needed to make one. So, yesterday, I finally had the chance to go out and bought the materials. I saw some cheap buttons in the Mall before and so I went back and bought the good ones. 

I got so excited when I got home. I can't wait to wash it all because most of the buttons where dusty and I don't want to work on dusty things, hehe... Anyways, after I've finished washing them with water and alcohol, I arranged them and started to stick them all with the use of a glue gun.

The process is really really simple! Put your desired buttons on the bobby pins  and clips then stick it with a glue gun. Wait for a few minutes and it's all done! :)

And here's the results:

Aren't they cute? I ran out of buttons so I might check out for more next time when we go out... :) Those two clips with the wobbly eyes aren't button, I just tried to put it on those cutie circles I found here at home and it turned out cute... ;) My little one liked it too, the blue one looked like cookie monster, she kept on saying 'cookie mommy'... :)

I've chanced upon a page in Facebook where it shares a lot of healthy tips for its followers and I just happened to be one of them. It's my first time to have learned about these "infused water" there, where you would add fresh fruits, herbs or vegetables in the water. There are lots of examples on the list like these combinations:

• Green tea, mint and lime - fat burning, digestion, headaches, congestion and breath freshener.
• Strawberry and kiwi - cardiovascular health, immune system protection, blood sugar regulation,  and digestion.
• Cucumber, lime and lemon - water weight management, bloating, appetite control, hydration,  and digestion.

I wanted to try the Citrus Water which is the Lemon, Lime and Orange combination (should be at room temperature). It aids in digestion, lots of  vitamin C, for skin care, immune defense and heartburn. This flavor infused water can also help us clean the toxins in our bodies, which is also the main reason why I tried this one.

What do you need to make a Lemon, Lime and Orange Infused Water? Just simple, you will only need: 1 Large Orange, 1 Large Lime, 1 Large Lemon (our lemons here are not that big, so I used around 10 small lemons, hehehe), I sliced them all and add them in 2 liters of water and serve after 30 minutes. :)

Note: Do not keep longer than 48 hours. You can put more water using the same fruit, but discard after 48 hours.

Sources:
I like to join daily health tips for keeping us fit & healthy
HealthyYouNow

It is important for all pregnant to take prenatal vitamins, to ensure their overall health and their unborn baby/babies. If you are having regular Prenatal Checkups, your OB/GYN will prescribe the essential vitamins, you will be needing during your pregnancy.
In my personal experience, during the first trimester of my pregnancy, my OB/GYN prescribed Folicard (Anti-Anemia) 5 mg to me. It has Folic Acid which helps to support the placenta and it also reduces the risk of having serious birth defects called the 'neural tube' (defects of the brain and spinal cord). There are fruits and vegetables that you can eat that have folic acids like nuts, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, pasta, fortified cereals, oranges, and strawberries. 

During the 2nd trimester of my pregnancy, my OB/GYN prescribed Calciumade and Macrobee with Iron to me. Calcium helps you to have strong bones and teeth, helps prevent blood clots, helps muscles and nerves function. It can also prevent a new mother from losing her own bone density, as the fetus uses the mineral for bone growth. Other sources of Calcium are milk, yogurt, cheddar cheese, bread, cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and calcium-fortified foods like soy milk. Iron prevents anemia and helps the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen. Other sources of Iron are pork, beef, spinach, dried beans, and oatmeal or grains fortified with iron. 

In the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy, I continue to take Macrobee with Iron then my OB/GYN changed my calcium vitamins into Caltrate Plus. I also drink Anmum but when I was in my 3rd trimester my OB/GYN let me stop drinking milk because my baby was getting bigger already. 

With the right vitamins and supplements added to a healthy diet and lifestyle, you and your baby will be in good health. 

 How about you, what are the vitamins you took during your pregnancy?

Having a regular exercise is very important to all the expectant mothers out there. Even a simple walking for 30 minutes is already good for you. Here's a helpful video I have found on YouTube: How to Exercise when Pregnant.

Good posture must be maintained all throughout pregnancy. The temptation to slouch is strong, especially during the last trimester, when baby’s weigh pulls the abdomen forward. Compensating by leaning backward puts undue stress on her back. High heels make things worse. However, a proper posture is not enough. A pregnant woman needs exercise more than ever to keep fit, prevent the development of varicose veins by improving circulation, and make labor a little easier. Here are some Helpful Exercise During Pregnancy:

From a standing position, sit down until your knees are fully bent and you are balanced on the balls of your feet. Do about 10 repetitions at a time. (For support, you can hold on to a chair and place a 4-cm-thick piece of wood or a rolled-up rug under your heels.)

1. Sit down and draw imaginary circles with your big toe by turning the ankles clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Do about 10 repetitions in each direction. Do the same with the other foot.

2. Alternately point your toes up then forward (forming a straight line from knee to toe). Do about 10 repetitions for each toe.

Get down on your hands and knees, and keep your back flat. Then simultaneously draw in your abdomen, tighten your buttocks, tilt your hips forward, and exhale. Do about 10 repetitions.

Source: Philippines Health Guide 2000.

TRIVIA:

Did You Know?

Studies have shown that women who work out while pregnant gain less weight, lose postpartum pounds more quickly, have faster deliveries, and are less likely to need a c-section.

Hello, soon to be Mom! Are you about to give birth in a month or less? Have you packed the things that you and your baby needs after giving birth? If not, here are some important things that you might consider to pack beforehand: