Moms Who Love to Travel

A lot of mommies have always had that passion to travel, whether for pleasure or work. And for moms who do not have babies and little kids who need as much attention and care, they have greater liberty to explore this passion once again.

If you are the type of mom who gets easily bored staying in one place for a long time or doing repetitive tasks for a period of time, you probably cannot stand jobs that restrict you to the office or that does not provide travel incentives.

Perhaps you are more suited to be a writer or researcher for a travel blog, magazine, or show. This way, you can actually visit different beautiful places for free and be able to explore them as part of your regular work. Or maybe you would be great as an insurance agent or as a network marketer who is always on the go, meeting and dealing with new people in various areas. Another option you can consider is Travel Nursing, which is an exciting career in the medical field nowadays. You can click here to find out more about this fresh alternative for the nurses of today.

On the other hand, plenty of moms wish to take a break every now and then by going to tourist spots within the country or taking a vacation in another country. It can really be taxing to be a full-time mommy, whether you are taking care of a baby or a teenager. Sometimes, you just want to relax and have fun. Naturally, you may not be able to do this if your child is still below 13 years old unless you have a trusted adult to take care of him or her.

Just remember that when you are traveling, it is advisable to have health insurance in case of emergencies. Depending on your usual circumstances, your needs, and preferences, a good and reliable provider such as MedicareSupplementalInsurance.com can surely give you a policy that will best benefit you. This can at least take away your worries about suddenly getting sick or meeting an accident. Even though you do not want to actually consider that such incidents may happen, you have to be prepared at all times.

Being a mom is like being a girl scout. You should always be ready for any situation, whether you are home or on the go. This is especially necessary if you love to travel.

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

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

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

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

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

Karate Kid in the Tummy

I was busily typing away on my laptop at work, when I felt a slight nudge in my tummy. I stopped. In the midst of my concentrated and mind-boggling reverie, I suddenly smiled. There's nothing like a baby's first movements in the womb to make first-time mommies smile. On impulse, I touched my swelling tummy, my lips turned into a wide grin (probably looking goofy to some).

I'm almost on my sixth month. For a while there, I was beginning to worry about these baby kicks that I'm supposed to be feeling already but were not coming at all. I read in a book, though, that the baby is most active at night just when the mom is sleeping which is probably why she could not feel those "baby kicks". Whew. Quite a relief.

My patience paid off after some time. I began to feel those nudges and flutters, becoming more frequent as days pass by. Not yet strong ones, but they're certainly there. They surprise me at the most unexpected times--- when I'm chatting with someone, after I take a bite of something, while I'm teaching in class, when I get up to pee in the middle of the night. My baby is alive and kickin'! Whoopee!

So if you're experiencing anxiety about these baby kicks, don't fret. Just when you least expect it, the first nudge will suddenly jump out at you. It may be a single kick, but more likely a series of movements, as if your baby has finally awakened from his deep slumber and is now proclaiming "Mommy, I'm here and I'm getting ready to face the world!"

Image source: http://prairiepumpkinseed.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-is-going-on-in-there.html

Blogging by Mommy Olive