Fab Fab Finds!

Expo Mom Bazaar 2009

2009-11-16T20:04:00.005+08:00

It's bazaar season once again! Head over to the Rockwell Tent on Nov. 22, Sunday, for the Expo Mom Bazaar!

Moms on the Floor

2009-08-06T09:32:00.005+08:00

Calling all pregnant ladies and moms with babies 0 to 1! Head to the Sapphire Room of Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Center on August 8, 2009 for some fun-filled activities!

- Infant Massage by Rome Kanapi
- Baby Yoga by Anna Price
- Baby Sign Language by Jaymie Pizarro
- Kindermusik by Jeannie Castillo

Activities will start from 1pm to 4pm. Bring your own mat, and don't forget to bring your baby! Participation is free, but pre-registration is a must. Register at 780-9898 or 0918-9300313.

See you there!

Bumkins Starter Bib Winner!

2009-07-24T12:01:00.001+08:00

Thank you to all the mommies who participated in this giveaway contest!

And now, without further ado, here is the random number picked by the random number generator:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

8

Timestamp: 2009-07-24 03:50:57 UTC

Congratulations, Min! Please send me an email at milkmommy(at)rocketmail(dot)com to claim your prize!

Once again, thank you to all who participated. Watch out for more giveaway contests in the future!

Win a Bumkins Bib!

2009-07-16T15:16:00.014+08:00

I know I have been neglecting this blog lately, but let me make up for it, by giving you readers a chance to win a Starter Bib from Bumkins!

Ideal for first-time feeders, the Starter Bib is made from Bumkins' proprietary waterproof fabric. It is stain and odor-resistant, and easy to clean and wash. It features a catch-all pocket for messy eaters, and best of all, it's BPA-, PVC-, vinyl- and phthalate-free! No harmful toxins for your little one!

The Bumkins Starter Bib is worth P350. Just read the mechanics below to enter the contest. Heck, I'll even throw in the shipping for free! (Free shipping for Metro Manila residents only.)

1. Write about the contest in your blog.

2. In your blog entry, provide a link back to this blog, and a link to Terra Babies Boutique, the sponsor of this contest.

3. Leave a comment here with the url to your blog entry.

4. Check back on July 24, 2009 at 12 noon local time to see if you won! I'll be picking out one lucky winner with a random number generator.

Just some general rules: I'll be checking the blog entries, so if you don't have a valid one or did not follow the mechanics, I'll pick another person. If you won and I don't hear from you within a couple of days, I'll pick another person.

That's it! Good luck and have fun! :)

This contest is closed.

Bumkins is available at Terra Babies Boutique.

Bosom Buddy Breastfeeding Pillow

2009-04-22T15:16:00.001+08:00

As a multi-tasking mom, I often did other things while nursing my son at the same time: eat snacks, send emails, post on this blog and on this blog. I didn't have a hard time doing these at all, thanks to my Bosom Buddy breastfeeding pillow.

The Bosom Buddy breastfeeding pillow is very firm and has the right height, unlike other pillows touted as for nursing, which are too low and too saggy and don't really give much support at all.

The Bosom Buddy breastfeeding pillow saves my arm and back from the aches and pains of carrying a heavy baby for an hour (or more!). I think a good nursing pillow is a must-have for any nursing mom.

The Bosom Buddy Breastfeeding Pillow is available at http://bosombuddy.org.

Your Baby Can Read

2009-03-29T18:40:00.000+08:00

I don't let my son watch television often, because I believe that children learn more from live human interaction and active play than from passive viewing of shows. Nevertheless, I let him watch the Your Baby Can Read series, which he got as a birthday present, mainly because he enjoys it.

The creator of the program, Dr. Robert Titzer, claims that his videos can teach children as young as 9 months old (nine months!) to read. He says that parents should take advantage of the window of opportunity for learning words and language, which is supposedly between 3 months to 5 years. His videos attempt to teach babies how to read by showing a word, reading the word out loud, then showing a picture of the word. For instance, the word "toes" will appear, followed by a voice-over pronouncing the word "toes," then a baby's toes will be shown on the screen.

Dr. Titzer originally created his videos for his oldest daughter, Aleka, with the intent of providing her entertainment and stimulation. Then when she was 9 months old, he discovered that she could already read the words! (She could look at the words and then act them out.) And so Your Baby Can Read was born.

Your Baby Can Read DVD Set
http://infantlearning.com/

I don't know if the videos are actually teaching my son how to read. Maybe it's more on memorization. I have noticed that he sometimes acts out a word even before the voice-over reads it to him. Does that mean he can already read? But then he also sometimes acts out a word even before the word itself shows up on the screen. Memorization!

So why do I let him watch the videos? Because he loves them! He especially enjoys the songs, and jumps up and down on his seat whenever they come on. I also let the viewing be a bonding activity for us -- I watch the videos with him, read the words out loud, and sing along with the songs.

Only time can tell whether the videos actually work. But for now, I will just let my son enjoy the program, and if he learns how to read as a result, I will consider that a bonus.

Your Baby Can Read DVD Set is available at http://yourbabycanread.multiply.com/.

Happy Heinys One-Size Pocket Diapers

2009-03-04T12:19:00.004+08:00

I have known about the advantages of cloth over disposable diapers even before little S was born, but it wasn't until he learned how to signal for potty time that I decided to CD almost full-time, using disposables only at night (my wee one has plenty of wee, no pun intended).

I have several kinds of diapers in my cloth diaper stash, and my favorite so far is the Happy Heinys One-Size Pocket Diapers.

For those new to cloth diapering, pocket diapers are basically waterproof diaper covers that come with a pocket to stuff absorbent inserts in. The fleece pocket lining wicks moisture away from the baby's skin, and the microfiber inserts absorb the wetness.

Using pocket diapers

What I love about the Happy Heinys One-Size diaper is that it has an adjustable rise, allowing you to lengthen it as your baby grows! This means you don't have to keep buying new diaper sizes, which translates to more savings!

4 sizes in 1 diaper
http://www.happyheinys.com

I also love how easy it is to put on, just like a disposable diaper. Even the nanny likes it!

In terms of leaks, it has leaked occasionally, but hey, even disposables do! Generally though, it has held up to my son's heavy tinkles -- I just double the inserts.

There was one time when all my Happy Heinys seemed to start leaking after only a short while, but it turned out we were using too much detergent to wash them. So we stripped the diapers, and they became good as new again.

The initial investment for high quality cloth diapers is pricey. But compared to disposable diapers, it is so much cheaper in the long run. Allow me to illustrate:

A dozen Happy Heinys One-Size Pocket Diapers, which you can use from birth to potty training, costs P12,000.

Let's say the average price of a disposable diaper is at a very conservative figure of P10 each. If your child averages 5 diapers a day, the cost of 2 years' worth of disposables (assuming your child is potty-trained by age 2) is P36,500.

Can you see why I like cloth diapering? ;)

Happy Heinys One-Size Pocket Diapers are available at Terra Babies Boutique.

Lenovo IdeaPad Y430

2009-02-20T21:02:00.004+08:00

My four-year-old (read: ancient) Vaio laptop crashed about two weeks ago, taking with it all my photos of little S! Needless to say, I am very heartbroken.

But even if my old Vaio didn't conk out on me, I needed a new laptop, anyway. My old Vaio was slow, had too little space and memory, and had been gasping for air for quite some time now. I was actually in the process of backing up my precious files when it could not take any more pressure from me and died on the spot.

So I bought a new laptop, and the new one is so loaded with features, it somewhat eases my pain. (I would still give anything for those photos!)

http://www.lenovo.com/ph/en/index.html

My new Lenovo IdeaPad Y430 is so handsome, and so cool, it would make my husband jealous.

Check out these specs: 14.1" widescreen LCD monitor (which is a relief for my eyes after 4 years of staring into my 10" Vaio), Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz processor, 2GB DDR2 memory, a whopping 320GB SATA hard drive (which means more space for photos and videos!), built-in 1.3 Megapixel camera (which allows you to take photos and videos, aside from broadcasting over the net), 2 speakers and a sub-woofer for a Dolby Home Theater set-up, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, 6-in-1 multi-media card reader, a touch-inductive panel that lets you control multi-media functions, CD/DVD recordable optical drive, pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium, OneKey Rescue System button which reverts your laptop to its original factory settings in case it crashes (I could have used that for my Vaio), and -- get this -- VeriFace facial recognition technology, which lets you use your face as your password! How high-tech is that!

On top of all that, I also got an optical mouse, a cute 2GB USB with bling (supposed to be Swarovski), AND a a Canon Pixma iP1980 printer, for free! All for only P45k! (Cash-basis). Not a bad deal at all!

Only time will tell how sturdy this laptop is, but if you're in the market for a new laptop, definitely check the Lenovo notebooks out!

I got my laptop and freebies at Microstation Computer Center at V-Mall in Greenhills.

A Suitcase For Your Bras

2009-01-13T11:46:00.004+08:00

Before my baby came along, I was a frequent traveller. I became skilled at packing, but one thing I hated was packing my padded bras. I stuffed them with socks and handkerchiefs, and hoped that they won't become dented or deformed. It was always such a hassle to pack them, and jamming them in a suitcase caused me endless worrying (they're not exactly cheap, you know).

Well, now I worry no more. Finally, someone has thought of a great solution -- a travel bag for bras!

The Brag bra bag

The molded form protects the shape of the cups, making it easy to store your padded bras and delicate lingerie, even on the go!

http://www.thebragcompany.com/

I got my Missy Belle bra bag from SM Department Store just in time for my family's trip to Boracay, for about 1/3 the price of Brag. Granted, it wasn't as pretty as the Brag, but it did its job fairly well. No more dented cups!

One thing that puzzles me about the bra bag, though: why didn't I think of it first???

The Brag bra bags are available at Velvet Rose Lingerie.

Jack and Lily Baby Shoes

2008-12-19T15:11:00.009+08:00

I read somewhere that it's better for babies just learning how to walk to go barefoot than to wear restrictive or hard-soled shoes. Their feet are still developing, and learning how to balance while wearing hard and heavy shoes must be tiring for little feet. But, going barefoot all the time isn't really feasible, like when it's cold, or if the floor is dirty.

Enter soft-soled leather baby shoes, the next best thing to walking barefoot. Not only are they lightweight, durable, and skid-resistant, they are the cutest shoes ever!!!

friendly giraffe
http://www.jackandlily.com

Little S got the friendly giraffe style of Jack and Lily as a birthday gift, and it is my favorite out of all the presents he received that day. He loves wearing them, and I like knowing that they won't hinder the proper development of his little feet. I also like the fact that they stay on no matter how fast he walks or how hard he kicks, because of the elasticized ankle. The elasticized ankle also makes putting the shoes on as easy as 1-2-3. And not only that, they are washable, too!

For thrifty parents, the PhP1,500 price tag may be a bit too much to spend on shoes that will be easily outgrown, but it makes a perfect Christmas gift for a beloved niece, nephew or godchild just learning how to walk. Or, if you can't resist buying for your own toddler, locally-made and equally-adorable soft-soled leather shoes are available at Procreation in Shangri-La Mall for almost half the price.

Jack and Lily shoes are available at Rustan's.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee

2008-12-12T14:15:00.009+08:00

Finding the right bath products for my little S was not a simple task for me. I prefer to be an informed consumer, someone who reads labels, and checks ingredients. I knew that most commercial soaps and shampoos, including those marketed for babies, contain harmful chemicals, such as sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and petroleum-based fillers.

Armed with the Cosmetic Safety Database, I searched for the safest baby products locally available. I came across Burt's Bees Baby Bee products, whose ingredients were all given a low hazard rating (0-2), save for fragrance. I decided to give this brand a try.

Burt's Bees uses natural ingredients, and even indicate the percentage of natural ingredients on their packaging. I bought the Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash, and the Buttermilk Soap.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash

I love the shampoo. It has a mild scent, not overpowering, and it effectively cleans my baby's hair. I usually rub virgin coconut oil on my little S's scalp 30 minutes before his bath, because it supposedly thickens hair. I don't know how true that is, but it does prevent little S's hair from becoming unruly. Anyway, the shampoo washes out the oil effectively, leaving him with soft, shiny, manageable hair. I also like how just a little goes a lot. Literally, a pea-sized amount is all you need for one wash. I have been using the same bottle everyday for almost a year now, and I have only consumed less than 1/4 of the bottle. At this rate, one bottle could easily last me about 4 years! So, while the initial cost is a bit expensive, it comes out cheap in the long run. Best of all, it doesn't contain any of the harmful chemicals listed above!

What I don't like is that it's not fragrance-free. Once I use up this bottle (in about 3 years), I might try another brand, like California Baby, which is now also available locally.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Soap
http://global.burtsbees.com

I bought a separate soap bar, even though the shampoo can double as a body wash, because it's more economical for me. I tend to use up too much body wash, so a soap bar lasts longer. I don't have much to say about the Buttermilk Soap, though. I tested its pH level, and it's not pH-balanced. It doesn't dry up my little S's skin, though, and I don't even use lotion on his skin. Like the shampoo, it has a mild scent. But the soap doesn't last as long as the shampoo, because it doesn't lather easily, and tends to melt very quickly, I suppose because it doesn't have the usual soap hardeners. I have been using the same bar for as long as the shampoo, and the soap ran out today. I will be trying another brand, and will go back to using the Buttermilk Soap only if I don't find a better alternative.

Burt's Bees is available in Beauty Bar.

Mango, Guess and Mossimo Sale!

2008-11-28T16:54:00.007+08:00

www.mango.es

Okay, this one I'm really excited about! I'm dying to go there! I just hope I don't get trampled by the horde of shoppers.

Nov. 28 to Dec. 8, 2008
9am to 9pm
Bellevue Townhomes Covered Courts
Grace Village, Q.C.

LEGO Christmas Sale

2008-11-27T18:10:00.007+08:00

www.lego.com

For the kids (and kids-at-heart) who love Lego, there will be a sale up to 60% off!

Nov. 28, 29 & 30
and
Dec. 12, 13 & 14
from 10am to 5pm
Unit A23 Topy Bldg. IV
Economia St.,
Bagumbayan, Q.C.
634-0658

Major credit cards will be accepted.

Expo Mom Bazaar

2008-11-26T20:52:00.001+08:00

What better way to start off Fab Fab Finds! than with a bazaar?

Expo Mom Bazaar
December 7, 2008
10am to 7pm
Rockwell Tent

Fabulous finds await you!