Party Inspiration: My Cousin's Debut, 50's theme

I know this is supposed to be a blog about pregnancies and babies, but since I have this party inspiration segment, I just really have to show you this one party I attended. Last Sunday was such a blast...from the past! It was my cousin's 18th birthday, and boy, does her family know how to PAR-TEY! No holds bard on this one. This was so much fun. Her 22 page, magazine-type invitation alone is much inspired (Photographer: Rolando Pascua):

Check out the decked entrance at NBC tent:

(Yes, I was able to find a suitable dress for the occasion though 7 months pregnant, thanks to Gingersnaps)

 And of course, inside the tent itself:

Awesome details...Table Number:

The emcees:

A 50's Cadillac on display :

A Jukebox for a cake...and a very stunning celebrant in a beautiful Ezra Santos gown:

Some very entertaining program numbers by Zian & her entire family (They're the cutest, biggest bunch ever):

Of course I had to grab a party souvenir on the way home. Guests got to choose from a variety of designer perfume scents: 

Thank you Zian, for a rockin' good night!

Car Seat and Stroller Shopping

Last Tuesday we went out with my husband’s sister, her daughter, and fiancé.  My sister-in-law a.k.a. our baby's ninang was more than kind enough to gift her inaanak a stroller, so Benedict and I were thrilled! We all headed to Megamall’s SM Department store which greeted us with a large variety of strollers and travel systems, from economical to high-end brands (DO NOT forget to bring your Baby Company Mom Card for SM baby purchases btw!).


My husband and I had been checking out baby stuff in different malls, but had often found ourselves overwhelmed by the numerous choices on hand. So with my sister-in-law's coaching (and magnanimity) we went home with a well-chosen car seat and stroller combo! 

Brand: Goodbaby

Price: Php 11,999.00
Color: Brown (It also comes in blue)
Features: Sturdy, 8-wheeled stroller with a car seat that also serves as an infant carrier or rocker. 
Details: One-hand fold, front suspensions, rear-wheel breaks, generous canopy, 5-point safety belt, well-padded seat covers 
Accessories: Under-the-seat storage space, a baby tray, 2 covers, a mosquito net, and a diaper bag


Here are a few quick, not-so-pretty photos I shot before my husband's instincts for pack-away-type tidiness took over (excuse the plastic, we'll take them out sometime nearer my due date):

 

car seat

 

stroller

 

diaper bag

Remember, when shopping for a stroller, have a ready criteria. Here's ours:

• Durable
• Easy to maneuver, store, and clean 
• Safe, comfortable, and practical features
• Grow-with-me capabilities (can accomodate newborns to toddlers)
• A neutral color...in case God blesses us with more children in the future
• Within budget 
• Can fit in the car trunk

For more help on buying a stroller, read this article.  Good luck!

Nightlife...nowadays

Entering the third trimester of my pregnancy, I've had a lot of sleepless nights this week. As my tummy continues to grow, so do my eye bags. Here are my "snooze-snaggers:"

1. Finding the right position
I can't lie on my back anymore because it gets harder to breathe.  Now, I either sleep on my right or on my left. I find that tucking a pillow under my belly and between my legs help me.  But then, there's...

2. Moving to find a better position 
So I find the right position, but it gets uncomfy after a while. No option there but to toss and turn. The thing is, it's actually harder to roll around in bed now because of the added weight. Sometimes I end up accidentally waking my husband.

3. The nocturnal call of nature

Every night I wake up to pee despite my attempts not to drink a lot of fluid before bedtime. It's bothersome, then again, so is UTI. 

4. A busy mind

Wishes, worries and weird dreams have crept up on me a few times. I just shrug them off and try to relax as much as I can. 

4. Baby kicks! 

This I don't mind. I've woken up to a kick or two, then linger a bit to feel a few more wiggles. :) 

I know that when the baby comes, sleep will even be more difficult to catch. What makes me go on is knowing that  these sacrifices will reap the sweetest reward in the end. 

Bonding in Utero

Some studies have concluded that fetuses can actually "learn" inside the womb through music, reading to him or her, etc., but there haven't been any solid evidence on how this "learning" affects the intelligence later on outside. (Source: Your Baby Today, Comic strip source: normaychris.com )

For my part, I don't want to subject my baby to such early social pressures, however I do find myself doing precisely such things because of two reasons. First, I admit that I have slightly yielded to the "what-if" factor of that theory. What do we have to lose? Second, I just find it relaxing and natural to have in utero bonding time. 

Now that our baby is at her 28th week, my husband and I find ourselves talking and singing (my husband's got talent) to her more because by now her ears have developed enough to hear us and her surroundings. So, I've got a "Classical Music for Baby" playlist in Grooveshark, and, though getting a clear signal of it can be quite tricky, my husband has temporarily tuned in our car radio to station 98.7 -- Master's Touch (...Okay, okay, so we cheat...we've plugged in a few of our cds and ipod a few times!)

Then my mother-in-law suggested that I read to our baby. So I find myself doing this everyday now. I read whatever I can out loud, but for extra bonding moments, I read children's literature, which I actually really appreciate. I've had a hand at teaching preschoolers, and children's books are just magically inspiring. (Who knows, maybe I'll be inspired to write my own children's book one day.) 

Anyway, I particularly love reading "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney:

I bought this book when I was in high school just because. Then I gave it to my husband later on one day, back when he was still my boyfriend, just because, too. Glad he kept it. Buy your own copy and see why it's so adorable. Check out the price at National Bookstore.  

I also got a hand-me down book written by Tish Rabe (aka Mrs. Seuss), way back before I got married. It's adapted from Dr. Seuss', "Oh the Places You'll Go" book. I read it once and vowed I would read it to my future baby. Unfortunately, I misplaced it through the years! I went to my parents house last weekend, but I couldn't find it. :(

 So if you know where to buy it, please let me know...

 If not, I'll just buy "Oh the Places You'll Go!" 

Hey, that rhymes!

Party Inspiration: Rain Shower Theme

The country has already had a share of typhoons last month, but the skies aren't all clear just yet. It's so gloomy outside. Nevertheless, I refuse to succumb to the sky's mood and instead have decided to take inspiration from it. Today's party theme inspiration is Rain!

First up is a concept by a creative author ironically named Lisa Storms. I'm in love with her pompom and raindrops ceiling decor!

 See her tutorials and other photos here.

Here's another version of pompoms and raindrops, but now with white and blue balloons to liven things up more. Visit My House of Giggles to see the rest of the party and the cute celebrant.

How about a more colorful take on the theme? Look at how Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line adds "bow" to the word "rain":

And what's rain without umbrellas, right?

Finally, how about showering some loot on the guests? See these awesome pinata and giveaway: 

Source? See the rest of those kids have fun at the party by A. Party Style. 

Hope this entry took away your gray clouds!

The Baby Bazaar Experience

Although I've already got some things covered for our baby-to-be, I still went to my first baby bazaar last Saturday with my youngest sister who is most eager to be an aunt. I was on the scout out for baby furniture --cribs, rocking chairs, etc.

We arrived at the Rockwell Tent after lunch, excited of course. We headed for the entrance decked in purple and green balloons, bought one August 2011 WorkingMom magazine (our ticket to inside), answered a quick survey, and got myself a pretty lootbag:

Here's a closeup of some of the (very practical) loot:

Inside, rows of baby bazaar booths occupied the tent. Many booths of which, I recognized, were owned by online sellers. It was good seeing them make a solid appearance.  Even better was that many of them gave one-day discounts or deals, so people were really busy, buying. My sister even got herself some huge, white feather earrings.

Unfortunately for me, there weren't any furniture vendors so I wasn't able to purchase anything. But I did enjoy just being there. First because the line of activities at the center stage were actually very informative, useful and entertaining. I was able to watch some belly dancing exercises and a talk on balancing work, life, and baby, which as a mom-to-be, is quite important.

Second, because going there made me more aware of the smart choices out there and where to shop next time I need something baby or mommy-related. Check out this directory a "bazaarista" online seller handed to me (I'm so sorry I can't remember who you are, there were just so many booths! But thanks a lot!) :

Third, I don't know if its just me, but I think there's something about the busy-ness of bazaars that automatically pumps up endorphins in females (anyone here who sees shopping as a sport?)

Fourth, I had some bonding time with my sistah! (That's me with the pink parasol and chopped-off hair)

So, all in all, I'd say if bazaar success is measured according to busy-ness,WorkingMom's All About Baby Bazaar was a hit! Oh did I mention, I also got a loot bag from Stemcord Philippines on my way out?  ;)

Party Inspiration: Glow Cones

Try this simple yet bright idea for your next party and see your little guests' faces light up! 

Glow-in-the-dark Snow cones

What you'll need:

opaque plastic/paper cups

clear plastic cups that can fit inside the paper cups

shaved or crushed ice

glow sticks

snow cone syrup

What to do:

Place an activated glow stick on the paper cup, then insert the plastic cup inside the paper cup.

Add some ice on the inner cup and drizzle in some syrup. Now call the kids and see 'em glow with excitement! See excellent photos of the whole process. 

*To make the snow cone syrup

just mix 2 cups of sugar, 3/4 cup of water and 1 pack of unsweetened Kool-Aid. Bring sugar and water to boil. Remove from heat and add the Kool-Aid. Refrigerate until ready to use. 

Read Giver's Log tutorial here or here. Or see WonderHowTo's version here.

Party Inspiration: Ready to Pop!

"Ready to Pop!" is a neutral baby shower theme yet to be POP-ularized in the Philippines. But it's a cute, clever concept in celebrating "infanticipation."  Just look at these things that POP from these four awesome sites: (For more and better photos, click on the site names)

1. Something Detailed:

2. Kojodesigns:

3. Pen n' Paper Flowers:

4. Stacey Poterson Photography : 

...balloons, popcorn, popsicles, poppy flower decors, confetti, lollipops, bubbles and of course, the current trend in the country, pop cakes! I first saw these pop cakes at my niece's 2nd birthday party. They're yummy,  and easier to serve to children than the common cake. Here's a photo of her pop cakes by Popcakes Bakeshop at Shaw Boulevard:

Hope you enjoyed this eye-popping display! Thanks for poppin' in!

August is Breastfeeding Month!

Will you breastfeed? --This is one of the most frequently asked questions I've been encountering so far since the dawn of my pregnancy.

I've seen my mother and other women breastfeed, so I think it's something very natural. I will definitely try it because of the many important benefits breastfeeding provides. I'll make a list of the benefits in another post. There are just too many! Meanwhile, I saw this breastfeeding advocacy video by The Bump. It's just too entertaining not to post:

Enjoy!

Baby Bazaar Broadcast!

Hey guys! Check this out!

Working Mom Magazine's redoing The All About Baby Bazaar since last year was such a hit! (Of course last year I was in the scout out for wedding bazaars. I didn't know there was such a thing as a baby bazaar, so my excitement meter's pretty high about this one.)

Expect quality baby products, talks, workshops, games and raffle prizes, discounts from over 60 bazaar merchants, and an appearance of Nickelodeon characters! (Bring your kids along!)  See their event page or fb page for more details.

Remember: To get in free, bring your copy of the August 2011 Working Mom Issue. Here's a closer photo of the front cover: (Interesting articles, btw.)

Sooooo....step into your shopping shoes on Saturday, August 13, 2011 and head over to Rockwell Tent, Makati , 10:00 am-9:00 pm. See ya!