Why Not Consider a Writing Career Online?

If you think you have a knack for writing, why not try your luck with the many possibilities swarming on the Internet so you can earn from this talent of yours? Writing online is becoming quite a popular trend at present, and if you are based here in the Philippines, you already have an advantage because Filipinos are known to be hard workers plus we can usually use the English language better than other nationalities.

You may be surprised to find out that writing online can actually bring in more bucks than if you work for 8 hours as an employee. The regular salary of an ordinary Filipino ranges only from P10,000 to P25,000, and the given raise each year is just measly and often gets eaten up by the tax. With online writing opportunities, you can enjoy hourly rates of around $2-$10/hour depending on your credentials. At first you may not be given a high rate yet, but as you go along, you can get raises every three months and your accumulated experience and portfolio of works can push up your earning several notches higher! What's more, this hourly rate is not just for one client. You can have as many clients as you can handle and therefore maximize your earning potential.

Some online writers choose to be paid with fixed rates. There are clients who also prefer this alternative. In this set-up, you are paid for each piece of work that you submit or for every project that you complete. It really depends on your agreement or contract. If you are fortunate, you can earn as much as $30 for just one 500-word article! But the common rate given is usually $3-$10 for this number of words.

Other great benefits of writing online include being your own boss and not having to attend meetings and take on other additional work you don't like; having time freedom to work at your own pace and choose your amount of work; saving on gas, food and clothing allowance; and enjoying the alignment of your income with the work you do (the more hours you put in or the more articles you complete, the higher pay you receive!).

So if you want to join the band of home-based online writers who are earning dollars without having to be apart from the family, pay a placement fee and other expenses, go through all the hassle, and adjust to a new culture, give it a try now. Keep posted for more details, tips, and suggestions about this exciting career. :)

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Digiscrap-Designed Mementos for Dear Mommies

Being a mom is not an easy thing to do. This is why we always put motherhood up there on a pedestal, to give honor to the hardships and challenges involved throughout the journey of a mother in taking care of her children.

As we were able to read about the stories of Mommy Grace and Mommy Danaly, the winners of the Mother & Child Photo Contest last month, we have come to see two strong women who have shown great love for their kids in their own ways and who continue to struggle and stay afloat with a brave smile despite the difficulties that they encounter. As they say, one kiss or one embrace or even just a little grin from a mother's child is all it takes to cast away all the pain.

For our two dear mommies, Mommy Keepsakes offers you inspirational poems about motherhood embedded in unique digiscrap-designed mementos for you and your adorable, tiny treasures.

Congratulations once again, Mommy Grace and Mommy Danaly--- for winning the contest, but more importantly for being successful moms to your wonderful children!

NOTE: For orders and inquiries regarding digiscrap-designed invitations, guest books, notebooks, tarpaulins, and more, please email mommykeepsakes@yahoo.com. 

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Johnson's "My Kid's Growing Up So Fast" Contest: The Winner Commenter

Do you guys remember my blog entry to the contest "My Kid's Growing Up So Fast" by Johnson's? I had asked you readers and followers to come up with your own creative captions for the photo of my baby Khalil. And now, the winning comment has been chosen!

Congratulations to Floraine Balgos for your winning caption "Mommy and Daddy, I'm gonna turn your world upside down!" You win a special Johnson's gift pack! Details of how you can claim your prize will be emailed to you.

Thank you so much to everyone who sent in their captions. And thank you to all the moms who continue to support Mommy Keepsakes! :)

Blogging by Mommy Olive

A Gift of Love on Hearts Day

Flowny Anne Vita Ramos was the perfect Valentine's gift to her mother Danaly Vita Ramos. Born on February 14, 2008 during a leap year, this adorable little girl was certainly a rare and precious jewel for her parents. 


As a mom, Danaly has always made it a point to make time for her baby despite her busy schedule at work. For many busy moms, it is really a struggle to be on your toes at home when your mind is filled with a lot of tasks you need to accomplish and your body is already beaten with fatigue after a long and tiring day. Nevertheless, moms were made to be tough. And Mommy Danaly was surely one tough mother who did not give up even when the going became rough.

Since she was a first-time mom, it was really difficult. There were so many things to learn. It was a good thing her own mother was there to help and assist her. Now this is what being a mom is all about. When the time comes that your own child is already a mom, you should also give her guidance and train her to be a great mom as well. 

One of the most challenging moments that Mommy Danaly has to face is answering her daughter's queries regarding the whereabouts of her dad who only comes home once in a while because of the nature of his work. She shares, " It's heart-breaking when Flowny sometimes become teary-eyed when she gets to talk to him over the phone and says her I LOVE U's and Good Night's with a mwah." But since this is the reality of their life, she has to be strong for her little one and to simply continue providing fun things for her to do so as to remove such concerns. At least Flowny is growing up to be a smart and strong child.

Mommy Danaly has a lot of dreams for Flowny. She wants her to excel in school like her parents. She says, " I'd like for her to become a doctor or a great lawyer, a manager of her own business or a newscaster. But the truth is nobody knows what's in store for her in the future. Only she can get to decide for herself what great path she will choose when the time comes." Hence, she is prepared to support her daughter for whatever she would like to be in the future. She vows to support her child as her own mother has supported her all throughout her life. 


Blogging by Mommy Olive

Ondoy Baby: A Blessing to Mommy Grace

It has been a long time since that fateful day of the Ondoy typhoon, which caught Metro Manila by surprise. Many of us still have sad memories of that disastrous day. But for Mommy Mary Grace Pellerin Torres, it was the happiest and most memorable day of her life! Surprised? Well, that's because it was the moment she had been awaiting for nine months--- the birth of her dear baby boy Kian Chase!

Yes, the conditions were tough. The surroundings were all in turmoil. But when Mommy Grace held Kian in her arms for the first time, it was a dream come true for her. She suddenly felt very, very blessed with this beautiful bundle of joy, her firstborn.

However, because of the present conditions at that time, Kian had to be under medication for his first week. Imagine the stress and pain that his parents had to go through on top of all the troubles that Ondoy had brought! But with constant prayers and with the help of the doctors and nurses in the hospital, Kian was released from the hospital. On his third week, though, he again had to be brought back to the hospital due to colds and a flu caused by the weather. Mommy Grace thought he was not going to make it... but he did. Thank God he did.

Now, Kian is already two years old and one month old. In this short span of time that he had been in this world, he had already brought tremendous amounts of joy to his parents. A happy and healthy toddler, he is so much loved by Mommy Grace and her husband. It's a good thing they had always leaned on each other's shoulders and knew how to be on top of things instead of panicking.

At present, even though Mommy Grace is working, she makes sure to cuddle Kian and play with him and teach him as much as she can. She struggles to be a hands-on mom in spite of her tight schedule. Indeed she represents all the other loving, hardworking moms around the world who can relate with such a situation. "I just want him to grow independently with a bright future, to become family-centered and God-fearing," she says as she envisions a great tomorrow for this wonderful baby.

Kian was definitely a blessing amidst the Ondoy tragedy. And all throughout the challenges he and his family faced, God remained by their side. Cheers to our brave Mommy Grace! :)

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Celebrate Happier Holidays with Coffee Party Favors

December is fast approaching. This holiday season is that time of the year when offices, organizations, and groups of friends are having their own special get-togethers to celebrate Christmas. Such parties are usually filled with fun and laughter, delicious food, exciting games, nonstop chit-chat, and more! What's better is for you guys to include personalized giveaways for everyone, in remembrance of this momentous occasion.


Great news! Mommy Keepsakes is offering a discounted rate this Christmas for coffee/chocolate holiday party favors with a minimum of only 60 pieces. Surely you will be bringing a smile to the lips of everyone present, as well as giving them the wonderful gift of health. Why??? Because the coffee/chocolate sachets are special alkaline health drinks containing 16,000 phytonutrients! So what are you waiting for? Check it out now and place your orders.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

HEALTHY FRIENDS PROMO: A Special Early Christmas Bonus

Do you want to get a total of 10 discount vouchers plus 10% off on all products and services of Mommy Keepsakes? It's very simple. Here's how...

1. Like the Mommy Keepsakes page.
2. Form a group of 4 or 5 and ask your friends to like the Mommy Keepsakes page too.
3. Visit http://growyourmoneytrees.weebly.com and answer the question: How can you become financially healthy?
4. Email your answer to mommykeepsakes@yahoo.com together with your name and age, as well as the names and ages of your 3-4 friends. The one with the best answer wins the prizes.
4. Attend a health and wellness forum for free on a Saturday (details to be given to the winner) together with your group and claim your vouchers afterward.

Here are the discounts you will receive:
1. 15% off on Timex watches
2. 10% off on accommodations at Water Camp resort in Cavite
3. 10% off on online purchases at www.ecothings.net
4. 10% off on regular items at Health & Beyond
5. Free Human Nature 100% Natural lip balm with a minimum purchase of P500
6. Free Crispy Kangkong with Herb Dip at Josephine Restaurant & Resort in Tagaytay for every single dine-in bill of P1,000
7. 10% off on selected Cello's doughnuts and dips
8. 20% off on all regular items at Desu
9. Free Solo Pancit at Binalot for every purchase of Binalot All Time Pinoyvorites with Drinks
10. 5% off enrollment fee at Aqualogic Swim Co. upon joining AquaBabes, AquaKids, or AquaTech swim programs

Blogging by Mommy Olive

The Power Moms

 Mommy Keepsakes would like to congratulate the top two winners of the Mother & Child Photo Contest, Mommy Ghraze and Mommy Danaly, for acquiring 520 votes each by the end of the promo period. Now that's a big number!

Each of them will be receiving the following prizes:
- 10% off on all products and services of Mommy Keepsakes (lifetime discount)
- chance to be featured in this blog site
- digital copy of a personalized digiscrap page with poem

Congratulations once again to our two power moms!!! Watch out for their stories here. :)

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Top 3 Contenders for the Mother & Child Photo Contest!

One week had passed since Mommy Keepsakes launched its Mother & Child Photo Contest on Facebook. As of today, there are 17 official entries. But who are the top contenders?! Here they are...

Ghraze Pellerin Torres- 281 likes

Danaly Mabini Vita-Ramos- 271 likes

Nikki Tan- 119 likes

There are still 5 days to go before the promo period ends. You can still catch up! Thank you so much to all those who joined and good luck!

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Making Your "I Do" Moment Extra Special

With the perplexing jumble of wedding preparations currently overwhelming you, you may have missed out on one important aspect of the ceremony--- your WEDDING VOWS! Keeping in mind that the wedding ceremony is the essence of the entire celebration, you must also allot time and effort on coming up with good wedding vows. Making your “I do” moment special counts a lot. 

Nowadays, many couples opt to have personalized wedding vows instead of the standard ones that churches have always provided. Don’t you want to commit to your future partner with a heartfelt message that is tailored to your personal experience and relationship as a couple, instead of repeating lines that have been uttered thousands and thousands of times by others? If you do, then you better start planning and writing these personalized wedding vows already.

This is exactly what I did for my own wedding. My husband and I came up with simple yet very meaningful and heartfelt wedding vows that were based on how we really felt for one another and on our love story. You should try it out yourself! If you're not good in expressing yourself with words, perhaps you can ask a friend to help you out.

“…for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part…” may not sound as special as it used to for some. If you wish to keep the original message intact, you can reword the original vows and add your own personal sentiments. Here are some examples of lines that you may want to affix:

• You have brought me utmost joy in the midst of my gloom, bringing out the radiance within me and enveloping me in love and bliss.
• You are my best friend, my other half, the shoulder I could cry on and the rock I could lean on.
• Amidst the chaos of this world, your presence has calmed me and brought a smile to my face.
• My heaven-sent soulmate, you have opened up a world of happiness for me.
• I promise to love you all the days of my life, no matter how difficult, until we grow old together.

Your personalized wedding vows can be poetic or written in simple and easy-to-understand words. Although it would be great for the two of you to actually be the ones to write the words, you can also ask a better writer to help you out in expressing what is deep within your hearts. It is really up to you, as long as you can both internalize the message and truly understand the promise that you are making for a lifetime commitment. 

While it may be tempting to grab some readily accessible phrases and sentences from the Internet or from books to use as your wedding vows, you should reconsider such an option. Take note that if you do this, then these vows are no longer personalized. You can probably browse through some for ideas, but in the end, it is still much better to make up your own. Good luck and enjoy!

***For help with personalized wedding vows, you may email mommykeepsakes@yahoo.com or post a comment here. 

***To make your big day even more special, you can avail of the event styling services of Mommy Keepsakes.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

What is Event Styling?

Lovely floral arrangements lining up the presidential tables at your wedding, topped with strings of crystal beads, placed alongside scattered tea lights glimmering in the dimmed venue. Mood lights creating a beautiful and romantic ambiance. Heart-shaped chocolate wedding favors in personalized miniature paper bags embellished with ribbons and flowers. A single rose lying on top of each napkin rolled and tied with a customized napkin holder. These are just some of the visual ideas that event stylists come up with to make one's occasion breathtakingly magnificent and memorable.

Indeed event styling is an art. It is all about transforming an event into a visual beauty, a masterpiece that makes everything more precious especially for the celebrants. In a way, the event stylist is also a creative director who comes up with splendid productions that leave the guests in awe.

Usually, the entire design is based on a theme and enhanced with a given color scheme. The stage design, the centerpieces, the ceiling decor, and all the other visual essentials of an event are designed by the event stylist. He or she also gives suggestions and recommendations regarding the invites, guestbooks, AVPs, games, and other elements to create a unified concept that will make render the occasion much more special.

Event styling is not only for weddings. It can also be applied for other important, once-in-a-lifetime events like debutante's balls, school proms, anniversary parties, baptismal celebrations, baby showers, and kiddie parties.

***Email mommykeepsakes@yahoo.com or text 09228786040 for a free one-on-one consultation and concept planning.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

My Baby's Milestones at Five Months

Each baby is unique and may develop at a pace that may be slightly different than others. Nevertheless, there are certain milestones that a baby must achieve for each  month that he grows older from the newborn stage.


It's really amazing how babies develop so fast in many exciting ways that are very apparent! Every month, they are learning new skills. For example, at five months old, my baby Khalil can now do the following:

• smile and laugh out loud in reaction to stimuli, such as when we make funny face and create funny sounds and try to converse with him
• coos and makes other baby sounds when we talk to him, as if he can really converse
• grasp different items and if they are movable, automatically brings them to his mouth
• thumbsuck and "eat" all of his fingers
• reach for objects with his hands
• pull objects closer to himself
• be in a sitting position with support
• roll over and flip upside down on his tummy
• explore the surroundings with his eyes
• focus on watching TV or looking at the computer screen
• seemingly "sing" along with the lullaby being hummed to him
• sometimes hold his milk bottle by himself when hands are positioned
• listen to stories

Babies are so adorable! And parents never fail to be amazed at each little milestone that their baby is able to accomplish. I look forward to the other developments that my baby will exhibit in the following months.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Our Greatest Joy

Wow, how time flies! My baby just turned five months old yesterday. As of his last visit to his pediatrician, he already weighs 8.8 kg! No wonder our arms easily ache after just a minute of carrying this big boy of ours! He's gotten a few nicknames already--- "Bardagul", "Bilog", and "Tabaching" to name a few. Now are you convinced that he really is big for his age? =)


Until now, my husband and I still find it funny to call our dearest son "anak". It's still hard to believe that we are actually parents now. Hehehe...

Certainly, having baby Khalil in our lives is the greatest joy we have ever felt! Here are the top five reasons we absolutely enjoy being his parents:

1. He always cheers us up after a hard day's work. It's so quick and easy for him to smile, with just a few funny sounds and movements from us. Sometimes, even when we're just calling his attention, he already smiles widely! There are times when he would even smile a bit, and then bury his face onto the shirt of the person holding him. Other times, he would even laugh out loud!
2. In the morning, he always brightens up our day. When he opens his eyes and sees us, he doesn't cry even if he had just woken up. Instead, his lips turn into a beautiful smile.
3. We absolutely enjoy playing with him. He removes all the worries from our minds, and keeps us smiling all the time.
4. He inspires us to work harder and to keep dreaming big dreams for our future as a family.
5. He gives us the opportunity to enjoy life and to know that God is for real, because our son is a blessing from Him. As the saying goes, "In God's time..." Our son moves us to believe that greater blessings our yet to come.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Follow Mommy Keepsakes on Twitter!

Keep updated with Mommy Keepsakes even when you're on Twitter! This way, you can easily find out if there are new promos, giveaways, great product deals, and activities, as well as new posts on this blog site. Look for the username Mommy_Keepsakes on Twitter now!


Blogging by Mommy Olive

Mommy Keepsakes on Facebook

Mommy Keepsakes on Facebook is now growing, after being launched a week ago. Different Filipino moms are joining our entertaining and informational community.

Keep connected by liking us on Facebook and visiting the page often for blog updates, promos, and events! Meet other moms online and feel free to share your thoughts and photos on our page. Enjoy!


Blogging by Mommy Olive

Nervous to Pose Pregnant?

Perhaps you are already thinking of having your own maternity photo shoot, but are a bit doubtful if you are actually going to push through with it. Remember that it's not just about capturing that bulging belly on camera and having a remembrance of how you look. It is more about encapsulating the pure happiness of a mom-to-be, the glow of knowing that there's a little human being growing inside of you. It is also about having a keepsake to remind you of the deepening bond and love that you share with your baby.

If you are quite nervous about this entire idea of baring your changed body to somebody's lenses, here are some tips you can follow:

• Get a good sleep before the maternity photo shoot. When you wake up on the day itself, smile and think of happy thoughts and of the great blessings that are pouring onto your life. 
• Prepare the clothes and props (if any) that you will be using for the photography session ahead of time. It would be good if you can already put them on and view yourself in the mirror beforehand, so you will feel more comfortable in them and will not worry so much about how you look.
• Make sure to eat well before the maternity photo shoot, and to drink lots of water too! Have some crackers ready in case you get hungry. 
• Relax and focus on the beautiful creature inside your tummy instead of losing your mind thinking about all the imperfections of your body and face. Don't worry. You'll surely be a glowing mom-to-be!
• Chat and be friendly with the photographer so you will feel more at ease. 
• Enjoy the session. Do not wear or do anything that you feel uncomfortable with. 

Good luck with your maternity photo shoot. Have fun and share your pictures at the Mommy Keepsakes page on Facebook! :)

***If you want to have a digiscrap layout of your pictures for notebooks, guestbooks, and/or coffee table books, contact 09228786040.

Image Credit: www.sweetkissphoto.net


Blogging by Mommy Olive

Going to the Market for Very Busy Moms

I just came back from the Pasig Market, which was only an 8-minute drive away from our condo village. Whew! Talk about buying all the essentials in just a flash!


I usually go to the market with my husband (who's more experienced in this than me!) for our weekly food supply. But since we were busy last weekend preparing for our dearest son's baptismal party, we could not even drop by there. The past two days, we lived on canned goods and the party leftovers. =)

Hence, I had to go to the market today by myself. And I had to do it fast. Good thing I was already very familiar with the place, and I went from one stall to another in a jiffy, buying only the basics!

For only P500 in a span of 30 minutes, I was able to buy the following:

• 1/2 kilo pork
• 1/4 kilo ground pork
• 1/2 kilo chicken
• 4 pieces Maya-Maya fish cuts
•  1/2 kilo longganisa
• 10 pieces eggs
• 1 whole cabbage
• 3 pieces eggplants
• 1 piece chayote squash
• 1/2 kilo tomatoes
• 1/4 kilo onions 
• 1 plastic togue bean sprouts
• a small chunk of bananas

Going to the market is certainly a big challenge for very busy moms. If you're in a hurry and you don't have time to even plan what you will be having in the following days, just buy the essentials: meat products (chicken/pork/beef), fish, vegetables, and some fruits. Don't forget garlic, onions, and tomatoes because these are the usual basic Pinoy ingredients. I just didn't buy garlic because we still had a lot.

Good luck and enjoy!

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/groups/pasigphotowalk/pool/tags/photowalk/

Blogging by Mommy Olive

More Than Just An Energy Booster

A lot of kids are quite addicted to chocolate drinks. They want to drink chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They want to drink chocolate even in school and before going to bed. Yes, these drinks claim that they are very nutritious and do contain several vitamins. However, if you take a closer look, you will discover that they are made of mostly sugar and are basically just energy boosters.

It's really difficult to shift the desire of children to health drinks coming out in the market, unless they have gotten used to those from the very beginning. It's a good thing there are delicious yogurt and milk drink products in tetrapacks coming out now, especially made for our youngsters! But then, if your child absolutely loves chocolate, it may be a bit challenging to have him or her suddenly stay clear of chocolate drinks.


Well, the great news is that you don't really have to do that. You need not force your child (or yourself, for that matter!) to actually forget all about drinking chocolate. There is a healthy option for this, called My Choco containing 16,000 phytonutrients plus DHA for memory enhancement! Being a chocolate fanatic myself, of course I had to have this. It's really, really yummy and I would not feel guilty at all because it's like I'm taking multivitamins at the same time as I am enjoying the health drink. What's more, this chocolate health drink is alkaline and has the following additional wonderful benefits:

* Lowers cholesterol level
* Protects against heart diseases and complications
* Helps prevent cancer of any origin
* Controls high-blood pressure
* Prevents degenerative diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism
* Reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes
* Prevents Parkinson's disease
* Enhances, nourishes, strengthens and balances the immune system
* Promotes healthy blood circulation and cell regeneration
* Rejuvenates the skin
* Essential to mental, visual and neurological acuities
* Increases memory, concentration and focus
* Improves performance and endurance during exercise
* Improves performance and endurance during exercise
* Enhances concentration
* Reduces fatigue
* Heightens alertness
* Relieves headache
* Offset damage of smoking and heavy alcoholic intakes
* Detoxifies the body

What more could you ask for? My Choco is great for both kids and adults, so it is certainly worth a try! If you're all for forming healthy habits for yourself and your family, this is one thing you should consider putting into your regular daily intake. =)

***For orders, you can text 09228786040 or visit http://entrepreneurmiss.multiply.com/products/listing/10005/My_Choco_Healthy_Chocolate_Drink now. 

Image Credit: www.family-healthy.com

Blogging by Mommy Olive

JOHNSON'S My Kid's Growing Up So Fast Contest

It seems like only yesterday when I had given birth to our firstborn Khalil Kristoff. Wow, how time flies! I remember those sleepless nights when I felt like placing toothpicks on my eyelids to keep them open while rocking my little baby to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. I remember figuring out by myself how to breastfeed him, change his diapers, prepare his milk, give him a bath, and all those "firsts" for a new mom like me. I remember how my husband and I would marvel at this gorgeous baby that was a wish come true for us.

Now our precious little bundle of joy is not so little anymore. Even though he's only barely five months old, everybody keeps saying that he's a jumbo baby! His height and weight have doubled already. He now coos and laughs with us, and reacts at our songs and words. And many are saying he even seems to be growing a mustache already (hahahaha!). And of course, we are very happy about his latest trick--- finally being able to turn upside down and lie on his tummy! He's been practicing so many times, and now he has mastered it and can do it on his own. I'm a proud mommy!

My kid's growing up so fast, I can hardly catch up!
My big, round baby just learned how to flip on his tummy!

Truly he is changing before my eyes, but his skin is still like a baby's. We still need the gentle care of JOHNSON's Baby Milk Bath, with Vitamins A & E and 100% more milk proteins to nourish developing skin.

For every milestone that he is able to achieve, we will give him a pat on the back and continue to rah-rah for him! And for every challenge he faces along the way, we will embrace him with our loving care and encourage him to keep moving forward. But no matter how big he gets, indeed he will still receive the same love and affection from us and from JOHNSON'S!

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Pre-Pregnancy Weight Challenge

Going back to one's pre-pregnancy weight is indeed a great challenge, especially for women who gained a lot during their entire pregnancy--- me included! Of course this doesn't mean I have any regrets because my baby is the best thing that's ever happened to me. =)


Sometimes, though, I feel like I should be a contestant in The Biggest Loser. Perhaps that would work best for me, being confined in a place where I will be pressured to conform and to practice self-control. Imagine, I only need to lose 20 lbs and yet it's just soooo hard! Hehehehe...

At least some of my friends who have been in this situation are ensuring me that it's okay since only four or five months have passed. It took them a year and over to lose all those pounds!

Discipline when eating is something I have yet to come into terms with. It's a good thing I'm trying out safe slimming pills that are very effective in making me picky with food. But there are times when I forget to pop one in 30 minutes before a meal. And in parties and dinner gatherings, I do it on purpose! Hahahaha!

For mommies out there, if you are on the lookout for safe slimming pills without side effects, you must try Slim and Trim. This product has been featured several times in US health and beauty magazines, and is manufactured by the billion-dollar company Nature's Way. No need to worry about sudden poops in the middle of nowhere or about your heart hammering away at night!

Yes, it's a challenge to go back to your pre-pregnancy weight. But nothing will happen if you keep on whining about your flabs and do not start doing something about it NOW.

For healthy slimming and beautifying options, check out http://entrepreneurmiss.multiply.com/.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Going Back to My Pre-Pregnancy Weight

 "Will I ever be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again?" This is a question that most women who have just given birth ask in frustration. Yes, I am one of them. Of course, I was on a high when I finally had my precious baby cuddled in my arms. I was ecstatic! Until now, I can't help gazing at my 4-month-old son in awe and amazement and adoration. Nonetheless, from time to time, there is that nagging question lingering at the back of my mind.

A week or two after I had given birth, I lost a whopping 20 pounds! The next month after that, I lost another 7 pounds. And then the worst thing happened. The weight loss stopped. And I was not yet back to my pre-pregnancy weight.Uh-oh.

Weight loss during the first month was inevitable. Aside from the baby, the water, and all that stuff that had come out when I had given birth, breastfeeding also helped me shed off those pounds. The pressure and stress of taking care of a newborn also had weight loss effects. However, there really comes a time (why did it have to be so soon, though?) when the weight will stabilize. And for some new moms, the new size becomes the permanent one.

In my case, I am really having difficulty trying to lose more weight. My hunger always gets the best of me (*sigh*). Plus I could not really go on a diet or exercise much when I was breastfeeding. Just this week, though, I've begun my weight loss regimen:

• Control my appetite--- this is really, really hard for me. Hence, I needed a little push in this aspect. I opted to take appetite suppressant slimming capsules which were quite effective. =)
• Jog regularly. I am trying, despite my very hectic schedule.
• Drink a lot of water. This one I can easily achieve!
• Choose my food carefully. Hhhmmm...my slimming capsules are helping me in this regard too because they aid in improving my will power and discipline.

Weight loss after pregnancy is a big challenge. But I am out to win this fight and go back to my pre-pregnancy weight soon!

***Visit http://entrepreneurmiss.multiply.com to grab some of those healthy and fast slimming capsules with no side effects.

Image Credit: www.ehow.com

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Lacta-Licious for Healthy Breast Milk

If you've already given birth and you just chanced upon my entry on the Anmum Twist, don't fret. Breastfeeding moms can enjoy the same treat! Yes, your sweat glands may have been changing back to their normal selves. But then again, taking care of a baby is hard work that keeps a lot of new moms on their toes all the time. Beads of sweat are probably still forming on your forehead from all that stress (it's happy stress though!).


Oh for heaven's sake, you need to give yourselves a break, dear moms! Why don't you bring out that blender and make that healthy milkshake you've been craving for? This time, you can use the milk that the doctor prescribed for breastfeeding moms. Mix it in with the fruit of your choice and/or yogurt. Now that would be a wonderful way to relieve those body aches from carrying your tiny bundle and to ease those headaches from your lack of sleep.

And while you're drinking those shakes, you get to fight the heat and nourish your breast milk at the same time!

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Journey to Motherhood: A Maternity Photo Shoot

Maternity photography is a great way for artists to capture on camera that spark of joy that exudes from within a woman who is carrying a human being inside of her. Are you one of the preggies dreaming of a maternity photo shoot? Well, you should be because it is a very special experience indeed. Besides, it's great to have a souvenir of how you looked like when the baby wasn't out yet. It's great to look back on those days of hunger pangs, constant fatigue, sudden cravings, and everything else that goes with pregnancy.

Even now that I am no longer pregnant, I still enjoy gazing at the snapshots taken during a maternity photo shoot. It's amazing how that large, round tummy can bring a glow to a woman's face!

My good friend Jan is one of those gifted photographers who can certainly come up with the best maternity photo shoot ideas and results. I guess you could say "birds of the same creative feather flock together" and that's us. Hehehe...

Her maternity photo shoots were truly sweet, inspiring, and lovely. If you want to have one, go to http://www.labskifotografi.com/contact.html. =)


Blogging by Mommy Olive

My Maternity Photo Shoot

Every pregnancy is a special moment in a woman's life. But the first real one is particularly treasured, especially for someone like me who had a failed pregnancy (a blighted ovum) the first time around.


Thank goodness for the sponsor of my maternity photo shoot, Johnson's Baby, or I wouldn't have bothered heading over to the Blow-Up Babies studio and spending so much on a few snapshots. Well, of course I'm not saying they're overpriced because they definitely know what they are doing. Their shots are absolutely great, and the designs are awesome too! But then again, for plenty of moms (me included!), the money can best go into the "piggy bank" for baby's future needs rather than for a maternity pictorial.

Nevertheless, a maternity photo shoot is certainly a great way to have keepsakes of one's pregnancy. They say a woman who's on the way radiates with beauty. The natural glow is just overflowing. Of course it would be fantastic to have such beauty captured and encapsulated into actual photographs that can be kept forever.

Now some of you may be wondering why and how the heck I got sponsored by Johnson's Baby. Well, the maternity photo shoot was part of my prize for being one of their three winners during the Johnson's Baby Shower Promo last December 2010. How fortunate of me! I have my lucky charm (none other than the cutie one inside my tummy then) to thank. And now I also have these lovely pictures to show my son when he's bigger. =)

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Simple Tips for On-the-Go Moms-to-Be

I was surely an on-the-go mom-to-be during my pregnancy. Lucky me, I did not experience any of those disruptive and annoying symptoms that other working pregnant women like myself had to struggle with. Aside from feeling soooo sleepy all the time plus a lot of hunger bouts during my first trimester, there was nothing else that I had to worry about. I could still work as if there was no baby tumbling and twisting inside my tummy!

However, that's not true for all working pregnant women. So here are some tips you working pregnant women should take note of:

• Drink a lot of water. If your job or business entails you to do a lot of field work, be sure to keep your water bottle full and close by. 
• Also have some snacks ready at all times. It is healthful for you and your baby to never get hungry.
• It would be good for you to put on comfortable sandals or shoes. This can ease the swelling of your feet as well as prevent varicose veins.
• You should wear loose clothing to feel more comfortable while working. This can lessen the stress and help you move better despite the heaviness of your tummy.
• Don't work for hours straight without taking short breaks. Try out some stretching exercises for better blood circulation and for a good feeling too. 
• Rest whenever you can, and try not to get overworked. Remember, this is not just about you anymore. You have the health of your baby to think about too. 
• Talk to your baby from time to time. Even if you are busy with work, do not forget to continue building that bond with your precious little one inside.

Keep in mind that being on the way does not mean you becoming paralyzed from work. There are plenty of working pregnant women all around who were able to continue doing their jobs all throughout or for most of their pregnancies. I am one of them, and my baby came out well and healthy! :)

Image Credit: http://www.letstalkbabies.com/

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Busy Bee is Back!

Wow! I think it's been a year since I last touched this blog site, or any blog for that matter. Imagine I've been that busy. I was on the go, on the move day in and day out, with a large bump right in front of me! Well, that just goes to say that being pregnant does not mean cutting down on your activities or locking yourself up within the walls of your home. In my case, it was the opposite.

Yup, I was working. Pregnant women like myself are allowed to work even up to the day we actually give birth. For those who are not going through sensitive or rough pregnancies and have not been advised by their doctors to rest, regular stress is okay. Some say it's actually healthy.

There are people who believe that working pregnant women should take it easy. It was different for me, though. Aside from driving on my own from one place to another up until I was about to give birth, I was also working part-time as a teacher during the day time, and then taking on writing stints online in the afternoons. When summer arrived, my husband and I ventured into the insurance and investment industry for which we had to go through continuous trainings for several nights. At the same time, we were selling kebabs at a night bazaar in Makati! I was tired, but happy.

The night before the day I was admitted into the hospital, I was at the bazaar on our entrepreneurial undertaking. From time to time until midnight, I would engage in brisk walking around the area in order for the baby to move downward and be ready to come out. Sure enough, it hastened the process. The next day, the doctor told me I was ready to give birth!

Indeed working pregnant women must only do the daily grind if they are happy about it and if they feel that their bodies can handle it. Of course, to be on the safe side, always be sure to consult your doctor.

Image Credit: http://geekandpoke.typepad.com/geekandpoke/2008/04/busy-times.html

Blogging by Mommy Olive

The Anmum Twist: Drinking Milk the Summerific Way!

How can pregnant women fight that scorching heat? Milkshakes! This is my simple solution. Well, it's not really going to save you from sweating like there's no tomorrow! But nevertheless, it can help provide relief and bring a satisfied smile to your lips.

Blending and drinking a delicious milkshake in the midst of this sizzling summer is truly terrific. It's like hitting two birds with one stone. Actually, it can even be three birds! Aside from helping pregnant women alleviate the sweltering heat, it can provide a healthy and nutritious drink as well as let us moms-to-be enjoy the pleasure of a yummy snack without the guilt.


Get out that blender and put in slices of your favorite fruit (Avoid grapes and mangoes if you want to go for less sugar!) together with your regular spoonfuls of Anmum or another "preggy drink". Mix in crushed ice and blend away! No need for any additional sugar. I assure you, it's still going to taste great!!! Enjoy!

Image Credit: http://www.ifood.tv/recipe/strawberry_milkshake_0

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Johnson's Presko Play for Summer

Enduring the summer heat can be quite difficult for pregnant women like me. Sweating during pregnancy certainly intensifies the heat even more! But this will surely not keep me locked up inside the house, doing nothing. And I don't think wasting money on much bigger electricity bills will help at all if I am to turn on the aircon 24/7, especially with the additional expenses a baby will incur in the near future.

Naturally, I want to enjoy the summer and remain feeling fresh. In the same way, mommies should not be afraid to let their kids go out and play outdoors. There are a lot of Johnson's Baby products that can help both adults and children enjoy the summer and still maintain freshness.

Cool yourself down with Johnson's baby powder.

Smell fresh with Johnson's Summer Swing baby cologne.

After playing under the sun, enjoy freshness with Johnson's baby bath.

 Last March 26, Saturday, numerous moms and their active kiddos gathered together at Market! Market! in Global Bonifacio City to witness and to participate in Johnson's Presko Play summer launch. Everybody had great fun the entire day, watching the freestyle exhibitions and dance numbers as well as joining in the various games and activities. Even passersby could dabble in the fun, trying out the freshness-filled products in the spread out stations and even posing for a souvenir at the photo booth.

Here are some snapshots to capture the day's events for Johnson's Presko Play:

The invitation

Me and Johnson's baby products

The set-up and the program

The photo booth

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Pregnant in Summer: Sweating the Small Stuff

They say pregnant women sweat more than others. Unfortunately for me, I am on my eighth month right in the middle of summertime! Thus, I have no choice but to really sweat the small stuff.

Sweating during pregnancy cannot be avoided, especially as your tummy gets bigger. This is because you are heating for two already. There is an increased progesterone hormone level combined with escalating flow of blood in the skin. Hence, our sweat glands are working double-time!

More often than not, I sweat during the daytime when the sun is out and the temperature is warm in the house or even outdoors. But sometimes, I sweat even when there is airconditioning in the room! There are also times when I wake up in the wee hours of the morning with sweat trickling from my neck and back. *Sigh* I guess it all comes with this wonderful human being growing inside of us pregnant women.

Well, it's not going to be too long now before my son is born. In the meantime, I will just have to accept the consequences of sweating during pregnancy. It isn't so bad, anyway, as long as we sweat the small stuff ONLY during pregnancy and not when faced with the challenges of everyday life.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Baby Movements at 7 Months

Now at my 31st or 32nd week of pregnancy, my very active baby seems to be very eager to come out and scream "Hello, World!" with arms wide open. At this time, baby movements in the womb have certainly increased. In my personal experience, it seems to be kicking and dancing and turning every hour or so.

There is now a wider variety of baby movements, ranging from light nudges to rhythmic patterns to very hard kicks! Sometimes, I would even be caught in surprise when the baby seems to suddenly tumble in a somersault that feels like an enormous ball turning in my tummy, stretching out my skin to its limits. My belly would then harden, and at times it can be frightening. But this would last for just a few seconds, although there are repetitions.

As the baby grows even more, I guess the movements will increase too. In some cases, other moms experience otherwise. It really depends, actually. But if you become apprehensive about these baby movements in the womb, then it would still be best to consult your doctor to be appeased, especially if there are frequent contractions at this time of your pregnancy.

Baby movements in the womb are indeed both exciting and scary, especially for a first-time mom-to-be like me. There are times you cannot really tell what kind of movement it is. If only I could see inside in a snap! But of course, it is still a great joy for me to feel that my baby is alive and kickin'!

Image Credit: http://www.baby2see.com/development/week31.html

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Baby Hiccups in My Belly

Have you ever felt those tiny rhythmic movements inside your tummy? This kind of baby movement will certainly feel different, quite distinct from the usual baby kicks that you get. If you suddenly feel a kind of spasm happening inside your belly, don't fret. These are actually baby hiccups inside the womb!

Many moms-to-be experience baby hiccups inside the womb. It was only last month when I started feeling it myself. It was kind of weird, but good thing I did not panic because I have previously read about it already. From then on, it became more frequent!  According to research, this is because the more mature fetuses have better developed central nervous systems. It is said that these baby hiccups inside the womb result from the contraction of the diaphragm, which is caused by the entering and exiting of amniotic fluid into and out of the baby's lungs.


No need to worry about your cute baby movements! These hiccups are very normal, and they are not bothersome at all to the fetus. The next time you feel those rhythmic patterns from inside your belly, just enjoy the moment!

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Mommy Preggy's Road Trip

At seven months now, many admire me for my strength and ability to continue driving on my own, going to different places, still running the same errands, and working my butt off. It seems to be no big deal for me since I feel perfectly normal, except for a bit of a heavier baggage in my tummy. There are actually a lot of other preggies out there still whoozing past the streets, and steering the wheel without any problem at all. Driving while pregnant may be uncomfortable for some, but it is quite normal and safe.


If you are driving while pregnant, it is best to still be more cautious. Remember that even little accidents may harm your baby. You are not just a solo passenger anymore, but there are two of you whom you may be putting in danger if you do not take the necessary precautions when driving. For instance, you can drive more slowly than you used to and be more aware of sudden turns and overtaking vehicles. Instead of trying to beat that red light, perhaps it would be better for you to slow down and enjoy the breeze or the scenery.

One important thing that you must keep in mind is the possibility that your car might break down any time. Therefore, you must try to avoid driving at night or passing through dark side streets. It would also be good for you to be more knowledgeable about the possible damages that you may experience as you are driving while pregnant. Perhaps stacking up on first aid for your car would be helpful.

Somebody once told me a story about this pregnant woman in Dallas driving a big car such as a Chevrolet Silverado! She was one tough lady, handling her own business while juggling it with a daytime job and an online job at the same time. Imagine her behind the wheel when suddenly, her brakes seemed to not be working! Good thing she was not going fast, so she was able to stop by the side of the road. Whew! She instantly called Dallas auto repair and was able to get someone to help her. She soon got a brake job and was back on the road in no time, whistling to the baby in her tummy.

The lesson, I guess, is for us to make sure that the car works well to avoid potential problems on the road. Have your car checked first before going somewhere. If you cannot avoid driving while pregnant altogether, the best thing to do is to take accident prevention steps and to become educated on what to do in case something happens. Always have your mobile phone with you too! One more lesson from the lady in the big car is for us not to panic at once. If ever you find yourself stressing too much about the possible accidents you might encounter, better avoid driving at all! Keep in mind that stress can also cause you and your baby harm.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Handmade Baby Booties

Are you thinking of trying out your hand at baby booties? Go ahead and do it! Who knows? You might end up making a wonderful pair for your own baby or perhaps it could be a creative venture you can earn from in the future.There is a wide variety of materials you can choose from when it comes to handmade baby booties. Which one are you more comfortable with? It actually depends on your skills. For some, they can actually crochet these adorable miniature shoes. For others who have minimal sewing skills like me, they can opt to cut out patterns and use basic running stitches and back stitches to put together the various parts before embellishing the pair with sequins, jewels, ribbons, and the like. If you have a sewing machine, you can go for other kinds of cloths or perhaps throw several kinds together to form your unique design. Remember to use soft materials and those that are unlikely to cause rashes for the baby's sensitive skin. Be creative and don't give up!

If you are looking for handmade baby gifts, you can never go wrong with baby booties. They are one of the basic clothing needs of babies--- from newborns to early toddlers! Remember, these booties are not just for fashion but are useful in protecting those tiny feet, especially when the baby cannot walk yet. Just be sure that when you make a pair to be given as a gift, find out first the size of the feet before you start working. Measure the length and width. Make sure to put an allowance of around 3 cm. You should also be mindful of the colors and design--- "personalize" is the way to go! That is, make your design match the personality of the baby or what the baby's parents want for their child.

Handmade baby booties are great creations because they are stylish and functional at the same time. Now if you make some for your newborn and he eventually outgrows them, you can just give them away or use them as invitations or giveaways for your child's baptismal party or first birthday celebration! They can be turned into key chains, bag charms, and many more!

Image Credit: http://media.photobucket.com/image/baby%20booties/kathyholmes/Baby%20Booties/AngelicaStar005.jpg?o=35

***Check out my very own handmade baby booties by clicking on this link: http://mommykeepsakes.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-first-handmade-baby-booties.html

Blogging by Mommy Olive

My First Handmade Baby Booties

Handmade baby booties are truly adorable! When I had planned to make one, I had to do a little research first on the net--- browsing samples, studying patterns, reading on how-to articles. But nothing beat actually doing it for the first time!

The first pattern I cut out for my handmade baby booties project did not turn out so well. I had to cut out two more patterns before the shape I molded looked something like a shoe! Nevertheless, I did not give up. Indeed it was a challenge, for it probably took me almost two hours to finally come up with this result:

This pair of unique handmade baby booties fit for newborn baby girls made me smile with pride and joy. I had used felt cloth, embroidered embellishments, and laces/ribbons. I could honestly say they seemed to have turned out quite well. And so my small success fueled me to work on another pair--- this time a bit bigger, with a design fit for active baby boys!

Handmade baby booties make such perfect handmade baby gifts, don't you agree? If you are on the lookout for baby gifts, handcrafted ones would be very good because they are usually unique and can be customized too to fit your preferred size, color, style, and design.

To view more cute and one-of-a-kind handmade products that can be used as gift items or can be availed for personal use, visit  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43205&id=167383453306220&saved#!/pages/Glam-Project/167383453306220.

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Rare Finds: Baby Products on Sale!

A grand baby fair such as the one held in SM Megatrade Hall last January 28-30, 2011 is an opportunity that comes along only once or twice every year. Thus, my husband and I did not let it pass! We had planned to go on Saturday right after the ultrasound we had been waiting for--- the one that would finally determine if we will be having a boy or a girl! But then, we could not help ourselves so we ended up going on Friday night too.


There were so many booths to explore and so many cute baby products that were super tempting! We got so excited just going through all the different items, watching the demos for the cribs and other stuff, and discovering products that we never knew existed. At the end, we bought a baby bag plus a baby bath tub and a matching net. I wanted to purchase items with a total worth of a thousand pesos, so I could avail of the goody bag with all the freebies before it ran out! And I did indeed. =)

Saturday morning was an exciting one, for we found out that we were going to have a boy as our first-born! My husband was really ecstatic he could not help grinning widely all day long. Off we went back to the Baby Fair in Megamall where we went around again and spent much time choosing a crib and a stroller carefully.

CordLife gives a talk about the benefits of preserving your baby's umbilical cord.

My husband and I bought a Graco crib from their latest 2011 collection, with around 3k discount!

I absolutely loved these matching bedding, bolsters, pillows, curtains, and more.

Upon finding out we were having a boy, I went off to buy some cute overalls. It was really difficult to choose!

Cool baby products such as these "one size cloth diapers" with changeable pads really caught my attention.

I took home two of these: one on Friday and one on Saturday. They were filled with tons of baby goodies!

The demo convinced us to buy this gorgeous, sturdy stroller with carrier set from Baby 1st.

The grand baby fair was a success! Tons of people lined up with their chosen baby products all day long.

From clothes to feeding bottles to furniture to grooming kits to breastfeeding essentials... you name it, they got it! Parents roamed around everywhere, goggling at the discounted baby products and probably thinking the same thing as we were: this was an opportunity we should take advantage of! Who knows when the next one will be? But I've got great news--- there's another Grand Baby Fair in Megamall coming up this end of March 2011! 

Blogging by Mommy Olive