It's A WAREHOUSE SALE At Big & Small Co.!

Sent by our friend Lynda, Christmas is really just around the corner! Sale after sale are coming out for those Christmas loot bags and socks that Santa needs to fill up!

Have fun! :D

Big & Small Company holds Warehouse Sale

On November 16, Big & Small Company is holding a Warehouse Sale where you can get clothing brands Big&Small, Spin, and Orange Juice for as low as 70% off! Also on sale are smart and practical pieces from their high fashion boutique brand H.A.B. Maternity and More, perfect for your friends or family who are moms or expectant moms. With the lineup of brands under Big&Small, you’ll likely find a gift for every child on your Christmas list, from your youngest inaanak, to your dalaginding niece, to your energetic nephew.

So get started on that Christmas list by visiting the Warehouse Sale at Nutrition Center at 2332 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. The Warehouse Sale will run from November 16-20, from 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Credit cards are also accepted during the Warehouse Sale.

For any inquiries, you may call Big & Small Company at 889-6956.

Identity Crisis: Reinventing Me

I know that something major has happened in my life when I find myself building my proof of identity from ground zero. I don't mean just paperwork, but the little components that make up who I am are reinvented, reshuffled and remade.



College Me

 Declaration Of Independence

Leaving home to be my own woman let me claim who I was and build on the foundations I was laying. It helped me clarify the blurry lines between me and other personalities I unconsciously projected but were not really ME.

I fully realized this molding of identity the first time I saw a huge rat in the very first house I rented as an independent woman. I was broke, the room was a god-awful mess with half-unpacked boxes and that rat was shocked that I had moved in. Guess he didn't get the memo. Haha :D Gross, I know but I felt content. MY RAT. MY ROOM. MY MESS. :D

Prior to that were the usual pressures of school and peers for identity but nothing really solid that I can fully claim as my own. You could say I've been trying out clothes from the rack and while some did look good on me, they really weren't my style. So by the time I was able to move out, I was more than ready for some tailor fitting.

Our Anniversary Layout
I framed this as a triptych and gave it as a gift to rf.

Then, I Got Married.

Who knew that marriage could be such a legal headache? Proving who I was and tracking each and every paper of proof that I am myself took forever! Then, I had to change my name on all those pieces of paper, which again, took forever and a day. I remember asking myself if those scraps really defined my existence. Legally, yes. (Thanks to that experience, I never underestimate the value of a piece of paper again.)

Other than the legalities, I had to wrap my brain around being someone's wife too. Compromises need to be made and one's quirks have to be outgrown or at least thoroughly discussed. I wasn't wholly my own woman anymore, going where and when I please. Complete control over my life wasn't something I had for long, and just when I thought I was getting the hang of it, I found that I had to relinquish some of it when I signed the dotted line. That took some getting used to!

Okay, not that I regret it, mind you. Marriage gave me new ways in which to grow and surprisingly for me, discover that I wouldn't be as restricted as I thought I'd be. Maybe it's also because RF has been very supportive and understanding through all the stresses we've muddled through together. I'm thanking my lucky stars I didn't marry a lemon and I haven't yet prayed for divorce to be legalized in this country!

Ground Zero: The Day You Find Out You're Preggo



First few weeks of Oona's life.
Had to drink Duphaston (those white things)
to help her hold on in my womb.

 One milestone I thought marriage would prepare me for was the inevitable role of motherhood. But getting pregnant and giving birth to Oona opened up an entirely new dimension in my character development. I never really thought there could be so many things to being a mother! Nothing is too small, insignificant or inconsequential, everything affects you and your child! 

Once again, everything is erased and it all starts in your head. You build yourself again with this new factor whose variables are exponential.

Example: I never used to be afraid of germs, strangers or be so deeply concerned about the environment, politics or finances. Now, I'm all about what these things could mean for my kids' future. I never really thought I'd be a mom, actually, but the things that suddenly concern me never cease to amaze me. There's a new one every day! Like today, I think I'm turning into the bad word patrol and I'm trying to find a good explanation why 'What the hey!' still isn't good even when you don't say 'hell'.

I'm also finding out that I thought I'd be all progressive and modern parenting but I'm more traditional than I actually suspected. I suddenly have issues about everything! I even have anxiety attacks about things that haven't happened or can only happen in the remotest possibility. Like, if I could put in a GPS microchip on each kid of mine, I would! (But I might be damaging them for life so I don't know.) Maybe just teach them to go for the jugular if anyone dares harm a hair on their heads.

***

My little girls clwoning around!

Anyhoo, it never ceases to amaze me how many times one has to reinvent oneself just as you were getting comfortable with who you are at the moment.

Like now, I find that reinvention happens everyday especially around kids. It's totally crazy and I don't know how I manage it, but I do.

I have to.

When babies depend on you, it's a whole different ball game, a whole different level of involvement. It's not just your future hanging on the balance anymore. Who I am means so much more than my own reasons for building an identity. It's the foundation I build to raise good human beings.

(Whoa. Intense much?!)

So Yummy Soya! SOYAMI Snacking On A Friday Afternoon

I seldom get to see friends, let alone go to events, that the October 22 rains could not stop me from hauling the kids and my mom out to the Soyami Chips Launch at Active Fun's SM North Annex Branch. Just getting there was an adventure in itself as we were all over the metropolis, getting stuck in traffic with the rain and excited children on board. We met up with sexy bloggerista mom delisyus  (currently very preggy Mec) and her entourage (Yakee and Ate Gang) in Makati and was only able to make it to the other end of the world after more than two hours! Much to the relief of everyone, the two pre-schoolers and the baby weren't too much to handle. The kids just got a little bit worried that we adults were not really going to bring them to the "playground" like we had promised as the trip was getting to be too long for them.

photo courtesy of Mec Arevalo :)

Oona had been excited about Active Fun for quite some time now as we always passed by the SM Annex branch on our way into the mall from the parking lot. Whenever we come across any branch for that matter, there would be balloons and kids playing inside on slides, jungle gyms and colorful mats that RF and I are hard-pressed not to give in to her pleas to let her play in the "playpen". So now, with the added bonus of her new friend Yakee, her excitement and happiness knew no bounds.

Yakee and Oona

Active Fun's aim is to encourage exercise through fun, active play and social interaction among kids in a safe, friendly envronment. Nowadays, when kids can't seem to get enough of computer games and other electronic nannies, it's really refreshing to see a place concerned with getting kids out of the couch potato danger zone. Being on a journey to health myself, I want my  kids to develop an appreciation of physical activity, sweat and all! Healthy active bodies, healthy active minds, right? I don't want them to develop the health difficulties I have now from a sedentary lifestyle so it's really important for me to start them on good habits this early.



Apple Morales

Apple Morales, Active Fun SM North's franchise owner, even shared with us how much it's meant to her own son to be able to play with the kids who frequent the place. Since he's always wanted a younger sibling, Active Fun has given him the extra joy of having so many little kids to be big brother to. You can see just how proud she is of her warm, caring boy! It's really validating for a mother to know how she's raised a beautiful human being!

This is just one side
of the HUGE play yard!
Photo courtesy of Mec Arevalo :)

I was very happy to observe how hygienic they were (SOP's: socks and disinfect hands with alcogel) and how well-attended the children were by the warm and engaging aides. There was even a camera hooked up to a TV so you can get a better view of what goes on inside while you're outside waiting.

While Yakee and Oona were playing in the huge play yard, Mec and I joined other mommies in sampling Soyami Chips, a healthy snack made from soya. Apple and Howie explained to us how they believe that healthy snack alternatives should be available to kids and since they offer food and refreshments inside Active Fun, this idea came at the perfect time.

And what could be healthier than soybeans? Soya provides the body with a lot of vitamins and minerals. Studies also show that it helps the body fight against diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and even certain cancers!

The beans used for the Soyami chips are organic and non-GMO. That means little to no chemicals were used in growing these soybeans. Even when processed, the chips are kept healthy as they are made without added preservatives, no MSG (which I'm allergic to), 0% transfat and with very low salt levels. Very high in protein and fiber, the Soyami chips help give you more energy to keep your body healthy and on the go.



Olly enjoys the soya chips!
Courtesy of Mec Arevalo :)



Packaged in three flavors, Soyami comes in yummy Original, White Cheddar and Pizza. I liked the pizza flavor best and I really couldn't stop crunching on it! Good thing it was guilt-free, healthy snacking or else my health journey would be shot! Even Olly liked munching on it!

So watch out for the newest healthy snack alternative, yummy Soya chips SOYAMI and snack healthy! Soyami Chips would be available in leading groceries and supermarkets soon. Of course, Active Fun outlets would have this healthy snack alternative readily available in all its branches too! To find out more about this yummy snack, you can visit them here or better yet, hop on over to the Active Fun outlets, let the kids enjoy the play yards and let your taste buds feast on these crunchy munchies!

I really enjoyed going out that Friday especially since the kids had so much fun (even Olly!). I met up with mommy blogger friends, was able to check out a great new kid-friendly place, and had the Soyami Chips experience! When it was time to go home, I knew how Oona felt cos she didn't want to go "so soon". She had made friends in the play yard, aside from "her Yakee", and she had gained a lot of confidence to explore on her own amidst new faces. For me, it's a definite sign that my baby's growing up well and it's assuring me that she's gaining valuable socialization skills.

I'm happy to know that I'm validated as a mom with how confident Oona is and how Olly, the happy baby smiles at everyone. I'm even happier to know that there are places I can bring them to that are safe and clean and that there are alternatives to keep them healthy, hearty and happy!

Active Fun Branches

PASAY 

Hobbies Mall, Macapagal Blvd.
(+632.5561233)

ALABANG
Westgate Center, Commerce Ave.
(+632.7104619)

ORTIGAS
Fun Ranch, Frontera Verde
Ortigas Ave., C5 Pasig City
(+632.3965291)

SM CITY NORTH EDSA
The Annex, 3rd Floor
North Ave. cor. EDSA, QC
(+632.2159891)

Bedtime Snuggles

Right now I'm once again squashed between a rolly polly Olly and fast-growing coltish Oona, all rosy cheeked and gangly legs. Under a thick yellow comforter, we snuggle together for our afternoon nap. Christmas is just around the corner and it's drizzling outside, so even though the A/C's on low, it's nippy enough to warrant the cozy, soft nest we made with the comforter.

As the kids doze off, I remember how it was when I was a kid. My grandmother had a huge bed in her large airy room. She had a pink chenille bedspread that I always fell asleep on. I was supposed to slip under it but it was so inviting to roll around on. There was a bamboo grove right outside the window and since the wind would rustle through the leaves, I was asleep before I knew it. I always woke up refreshed and ready for play.

Sugar (Olly) and Spice (Oona)
right before the afternoon nap :)

On my next shopping expedition, I'm thinking of getting more of these beddings. Not only are they lovely to snuggle in with the babies, they also make great caves for little bears (or tigers, Oona says) and padding for Olly who loves sliding from the bed to the floor. Since I have the plain and floral ones, I'll get a polka dot comforter next with different colored circles in different sizes. Olly is into prints right now and it's also how I taught Oona shapes when she was Olly's age.

My daughters are deep in slumber now. I'm actually using my cellfone to type this as they're snuggled up to me that I can't move without waking them up. *Sigh* I'm nearly ready to doze off myself! It's so comfy here with their fresh baby scents enveloping me and the warmth of our nest. Maybe, I'll snip off a little piece of this comforter when it's past its prime and keep it in a keepsake box. That way, I'll have something tactile to keep the memory of our wonderful times together.

I really wonder how my kids would remember their afternoons with me when they're older. Right now, I'd like to take this moment and this feeling of contentment, wrap it up and keep it in my heart. When I'm old and gray and feeling lonely, all I have to do is take out that memory and feel the warmth again. I love these girls so much!

The Luscious Dare: L-Carnitine and Green Tea, Grapeseed Oil and Malunggay

I decided to lose weight to keep up with the demands of having a toddler and baby running around the whole day. I hated being sluggish and how cranky I was from having such low energy. Having come from childbirth and its complications, poor diet, no exercise and being overweight to begin with, it was high time for a change and reclaim my life from unhealthiness.

With eating smart, eating right and balancing my diet, I decided to support my weight loss with health supplements as my body had just come from childbirth and I am still breastfeeding Olly. It is important not to deprive the body as it could do more harm than good. Instead of getting your natural metabolism in gear, it could slow down further as your body thinks it's being deprived due to a famine. It's a normal response of the body protecting itself and why crash diets don't work in the long run. You stand to gain twice what you initially lost. You may think it's working but what you're losing is just water and mass.

L-Carnitine and Green Tea Extract seemed to be my best bet as I needed the energy boost and the anti-oxidant. I was apprehensive about it at first but a quick email to my OB put my mind at ease. She even sent me this link and surprised me by saying pregnant and breastfeeding mothers do need the supplement as these are high energy activities. Even babies needed l-carnitine that they get from breastmilk! Sometimes the body expends more than is produced because of this, so capsule intake may be prescribed.

I did not want to take just any supplement with appetite suppressants as eating less would interfere with my breastfeeding. So I decided on Luxxe Slim as it only had l-carnitine and green tea and no other unfamiliar ingredients in their formulation.

L-Carnitine converts body fat to fuel, metabolizes sugars, starches, and other carbohydrates. It promotes good circulation of the kidney, pancreas, good digestion and replenishes bone mass. Protects the heart from damage, clears the bloodstream and can be used to supplement breastfeeding mothers.

Green Tea's antioxidant qualities promote increased metabolism and fat oxidation, detoxification, enhances immunity and has cancer prevention properties.

Luxxe Protect's Grapeseed Oil on the other hand is 20 times more potent than Vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E.

It is good for the skin and vision and is an antihistamine, anti-inflamatory and lowers cholesterol level.

Malunggay or Moringana Olifeira capsules are packed with natural multi-vitamins many times over than artificial multi-vitamins. It also promotes lactation and keeps up my milk supply for Olly.

Calcium and Iron multivitamins are also usually needed as I'm a breastfeeding mom. Most of my supply are being transferred to Olly that's why my teeth, bones and hair are suffering for it. My period also resumed after being absent for so long so I need to build up my iron reserves. I felt so weak and dizzy on my first day from the blood loss!

Luckily though I've been taking malunggay. Imagine how weak I would have felt if I wasn't. After my period stops, I can stop the extra calcium and iron and just stick to the malunggay and other supplements.

So far, these are the supporting health supplements I take with lots of water and a regulated diet.

How Do I Feel?

With the extra vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants flooding my body for about a week now, I definitely feel better. During the first few days though, when my body began to give up the toxins it had accumulated, I had a cold. I also itched, sweat a lot, felt tired, sleepy and cranky. My period also resumed after several months of amenorrhoea.

I read up that the colds, the sweating and the skin itching I had were due to the normal expulsion of toxins. Our skin and respiratory systems are organs that help eliminate our body's waste. My sleepiness and lack of energy was due to my monthlies whose recurrence I would put down to the metabolic boost the supplements gave my body. After all, that's part of the body's cleansing process.

After my body got used to the new balance of things, I felt much lighter, cleaner and definitely less cranky. Losing 5lbs worth of toxins after a week is definitely progress! :D I can't wait to see how much I lose again after another week!

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