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!

No Dads Allowed!

Today was my 6^th Prenatal Consultation with my lovely OB, Doctor Gina Macaranas of UST Hospital.  I enjoy going to her for checkups because she’s a very cheerful, positive woman who knows what she’s talking about. She’s very informative and concise, plus she answers many of my questions untiringly, and always with a sincere smile. I always go out of her clinic feeling pleased, light, and excited.

At my 6^th month, I am happy to know that my baby and I are doing well: blood pressure…check. Weight gain…check. Fundal height…check. Baby’s heart beat…double check (love hearing it ;) ). There was only one downer during my consultation though. I learned that my husband can’t go inside the delivery room with me even if he does work there. He’s a nurse. Has seen pregnant women give birth. Not afraid of blood. Not squeamish at all. Chances of trauma equals 0%.

Darn. I was really counting on it. It will be my first pregnancy after all, so I was looking forward to him holding my hand while I (most possibly) scream my lungs out. It would have been nice to share the glorious moment of childbirth with him. The only chance of that happening now is if we have a Lamaze certificate to show. Fat chance of that happening. I know that in other hospitals husbands are permitted in the delivery room. Oh well.

I now draw strength from the fact that my mom was able to give birth to five beautiful girls without my dad holding her hand too. I remember her walking bravely towards the labor room during my youngest sister’s day of delivery, looking back at her other daughters with such a confident smile. Thank God for that memory! I only hope I can be half as confident as her on that anticipated day.

  

image source: http://www.daddydoctrines.com/2010/06/10/8-dad-in-the-delivery-room/

Party Inspiration: Got Milk? Theme

First up on our Party Productions segment is this very fresh, out of the box baby shower idea from Carrie Sellman of Half Baked - The Cake Blog. The MILKaholic Sip & See theme is deliciously perfect for the urban, posh mommy.  Just take a look at these awesome photos:

For more moo-tivational photos on this theme go to http://www.thecakeblog.com/category/real-baby-shower or http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/06/clever-modern-milkaholic-sip-see/