Ever since my mom got sick, out whole lifestyle has changed. We were taught that plastic was harmful and advised to use stainless steel. So i have been scouring the internet and malls for that perfect stainless steel containers and I discovered klean kanteen. I've heard of the brand for a long time but didn't really paid much attention not until I read their product description. And true enough so far, they are the only brand who provides stainless steel inside and out. Everything the water touches is stainless steel.

I ordered a 27oz loop cap from MAMAWAY. The seller was so nice to look for more stocks for me. Two days from buying it online, it arrived just in time before my mom leaves for China.

This is a wide mouth container. I think this is easier to drink from.

the loop cap

inside the container

Product Review: Human Nature Baby Lotion

We were very hesitant to buy this at first. For one, the scent was very strong for us initially and second we were afraid to try it as it may just have the same consistency and texture as the other brands in the market. But we were convinced by one of the owners of the store as she herself was using this. So hubby and I opted to buy the smallest bottle. Would you believe that we have been using it on our kids for more than a month now?!

The scent is fresh when applied to the skin. It has a powdery scent. It didn't irritate their skin. Plus a small amount goes a long way. We like to apply it when the kids just got out from the bath. The price isn't bad too.

When trying out new products for your kids, always try it on your skin first.

Product Review: Organic Mother's Milk Tea

I have always loved tea. I love tea more than I love coffee. That's most of the time. So I was greatly ecstatic to buy one that also helps me breastfeed M. Bought this tea at The Pod during the Babywearing Event. They handed out free cookies and tea. Gen and I had to try it. So far I love both the cookies and the tea (haha).

This one has a different smell, a funny smell. If you're taking fenugreek supplements to boost your milk you might recognize the smell. It's sweet and musty (I think). At first I decided to put in honey thinking it might taste good just like when I'm drinking my Apple and Cinnamon tea from Twinnings. Though it tasted sweet, I preferred to take the mother's milk tea without the honey.

I took it for two days only. I decided to stop taking it because I was already back to pumping two bags in my 8 hours of work. That was enough for me. And that was fast huh?!

The downside of the tea is that Marco was left with a funny smell on his head. You know how we take fenugreek capsules and you end up with a maple syrup smell? Have you tried that? I did. I tried fenugreek capsules while pumping milk for my second child and that's how I smelled. This time, Marco is left with a sour smell on his head. This happened after taking the tea for 1 day. We were puzzled at first because we didn't use any new products except for their lotion. Eventually I put two-and-two together. After 5 days of taking the tea, that's 3 days after quitting the tea, the smell went away as well.

My 2 bags of breastmilk after taking the tea for 2 days.

Product Review: Human Nature Tinted Lip Balm in Flame Red

I have been using this for over a month now. I rarely wear lipstick because I feel they are too heavy. This one has a very light feeling that you're wearing one. It glides on smoothly, paints your lips red and is environment friendly. Wouldn't you love that? I do.

Product Review: Love Loop

I have only 2 nursing tanks. That's it. I don't know how to wear nursing clothes and I don't wear nursing bras. I have great difficulty wearing them. I can't imagine how to go around the disposal bra pads. If you know how then by all means teach me:)

My problem always is that I'm showing my tummy every time I'm feeding M in public. And most of the time, yaya had to stand in front of me to cover us. That sucks right?!

Instead of buying myself more nursing tops, I decided to invest on the love loop. This product is made of light weight, stretchable fabric (my own words). I decided to get the grey one. At first I thought it was just a short fabric, turned out to be longer and twisting it is a must if you wanna wear them around the waist. 

the packaging

nursing shrug

scarf

nursing

belly cover

side view of the belly cover

front view of the belly cover

Please bear with my body. haha. What sucks is the twist. If you put them at the back, you end up having back pains when you're driving. Be sure that the twist is on the side.

Also make sure that the fabric is well distributed in your belly to avoid them from running towards the upper belly area.

I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. I love it. I'm planning to use the other colors.

You can order your love loop here.

My Boncho

I have repeatedly used my boncho as my kids' blanket or as a cover up when I'm pumping my milk or to cover my son when bfeeding in public.

But during a meeting, I decided to use it as a bolero.

front view

side view

Other uses of the boncho.

as a scarf

as a poncho

It has multiple functions, perfect for an on-the-go mom like me:) To get yourself a hand of our boncho, just click here.

Crayola Twistables

My daughter R is in love with crayons that every time we visit the mall, she always asked for a new one. And by the time we get home, K breaks it all into little pieces. So much for my 40 pesos.

I've been wanting to buy this type of crayons but I never got around to since it doesn't cost cheap. But having thought of it over and over again, this might be the only solution to K's breaking habits:)


And so far, after 3 days with this crayons, it has survived. no breaking pints for k. only beautiful art works by my kids:)

Product Review: Messy Baby Mold and Mildew Spray vs. Mr. Muscle Mold and Mildew Remover

The one thing that I hate most is when my bathroom is dirty, second to having dirty bed linens. I don't like seeing my bath tub and bathroom tiles filled with those black stuff. Those are molds and they're difficult to clean.

I used to spend a lot on powdered soap brushing my way to a clean bathroom. Until I was introduced to Mr. Muscle Mold and Mildew Remover. I bought this at a local supermarket. It's by SC Johnson.

A few spray is all I need. I spray it on the wall and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then viola, the black stuff is gone. The sad part is, I'm stuck with white suds that mimics the liquid sliding down the walls. That's the hardest part to remove. Plus the smell of the cleanser is so strong. And when you try to rub your fingers, there's this slimy feeling that won't go away.

Here comes another cleanser by Messy Baby. This I bought at Shopinas.com

Instruction: TO USE, spray on surface and let set for at least 15 minutes. No need to rinse. Best on tiles, shower curtains and bathroom fixtures. Shake well before using!

Ingredients: tea tree essential oil, water. Yup, that’s all!

I was hoping it would do the same as what Mr. Muscle did. But nope. Though it made the stain easier to remove, I still had to brush the walls and tiles. Good thing the scent wasn't strong.

If I was lazy on a day, I'd use Mr. Muscle. But if you want a greener option, there's Messy Baby. Do check out their site.

Note: I wasn't paid by these brands to do a product review. These are all my opinions and no samples were given to me.

Attack of the Head Lice!!!

I wonder if celebrities and Hollywood stars ever get to have head lice. I'm pretty sure some of you did, and it's such a pain in the a__! Not only is it difficult to eliminate, it takes time and real effort. And what bugs the most is that when you have eliminated the lice, yaya or your kid's schoolmate may have it and may again infect another.

About a few months ago, my eldest daughter had this. Since most of the housemaids are from the province, some have had it before working for us. What's a mother to do but treat each member of the household. I bought each one a fine-toothed comb (suyod) from a local supermarket. It took a month before  it was completely eradicated.

Licealiz shampoo is one of the many treatments for head lice. It's under Lamoiyan company. It's to be used twice a week for two weeks when treating and once a week to prevent recurrence. But this doesn't mean you do nothing else. You have to use a fine toothed comb on your hair and manually pick out the eggs to completely eliminate head lice.

I used it on my 2 kids and it is safe for breastfeeding mothers as well. As I've read, the content of pyrethrin is small enough that lactating mothers can also use it.

So does my kids having head lice make me a negligent parent? Some would say I may be, for letting my kids down when in comes to proper hygiene. Some would say that it is normal for growing kids. I would say that my kids are small and needs people to take care of them while I put food on the table, send them to school and provide warmth to their small bodies. I would be negligent if I do nothing and let the infestation proceed. I would be negligent if I do not treat them and everyone else in the house.

How about you, what's you experience with head lice?

My Ameda Experience

Recently, I won a breast pump from Manila Fashion Observer which was sponsored by Babymama. I wanted to have another breast pump after buying my spectra. And the timing was just right. I couldn't wait for it to arrive. I was excited!

When finally it came! I slowly opened the package, examining every parts included. (By the way, this is my third breast pump).

At first glance, it looks kinda weird, having different controls for speed and suction. I was afraid that it might hurt me so I started with the lowest suck, and the slowest speed, working my way to full blast. It wasn't painful at all. In fact, I love it.

This is where I store my Ameda, inside my drawer.

My Ameda in action

It is lightweight and handy. I can carry it anywhere. I tried putting 6 AA batteries. Yes you read it right, six (6) batteries and it felt the same as if it was plugged.

Okay enough with the positive side, let's move on to the negative ones.

First, although it looked like you can put two Ameda bottles, it really doesn't fit the whole bottle. It really doesn't fit at all. It may serve as a stand for the bottles, but even then, your bottles may end up falling instead.

Second, although you can put AA batteries, it would have been better if it had rechargeable batteries like the medela freestyle. It would have been more hassle free.

Third, the adapters are heavy.

Other than that, I'm happy with my Ameda.

Thank you Manila Fashion Observer and Babymama for the wonderful prize!

Quaker Oats Cookies

In between my snacks from Mommy Treats, I found this yummy cookies by Quaker Oats. It comes in different flavors: Raisings, Chocolate Chips, Honey and Apple and Cinnamon.

I just had to try all of them. But my favorite was Chocolate chips. Next to it was Apple and Cinnamon. You can taste the oats int he cookies. The sweetest of them was Honey. I found it too sweet for me. The Raisins was okay if you like raisins.

Sure it has fats but hey, I'm breastfeeding and I'm always hungry.

There are other brands out there and will definitely try them.

Mommy Treats for Breastfeeding Mommies

I'm sure some of you are familiar with this. And I know some of you have tried it. Addicting isn't it?

I stumbled upon Mommy Treats while I was browsing thru Babymamaph's page on facebook. I've read good reviews about it even when I was still pregnant with my second child. Never really bothered to order since I was already taking supplements back then. But curiosity got me this time and so I went ahead and ordered. Mind you, I didn't order for just a week of goodies but a 6 weeks duration of muffins and cookies:)

Just arrived!

Fresh from the box

Sure I didn't know if I would like the taste but looking at all the photos made me wanna eat them for a whole year. And true to words, they are the yummiest, most nutritious for me and my baby.

A pack of 3 pieces muffins or a pack of 6 pieces of cookies is good enough for a day. But I cheated and finished 2-3 packs per day. I try to control myself so that it would last for 2 weeks, just in time for my next batch of treats but I couldn't help it. Now I'm on my third week but still, looking at the muffins makes me wanna grab and finish them all in one sitting.

My New Breastfriend

Recently I bought a new breastpump. While others may be excited of new jewelry or bags, I was excited to try out my new powerful bestfriend. Why powerful? Because it said so in it's specifications.

Photo in babymama's website

this is my spectra 2 in action

Features (as per babymama's site):


> you will just pump in one place only or transporting a bulky pump is not a problem.
> you pump several times a day
> you have twins or premature baby
> you are satisfied with the A/C power source alone

> you understand that there is a chance that milk can get into the tubing and pmp which might cause    damage to the pump

> you are okay with having only one control for suction

> nipple size is average

Can be shared: Personal use only

Type of pump: Can be used on one breast or both breasts at the same time

Suction Strength (Baby's suction is an average of 200 - 220 mmHg): Up to 350 mmHg

Voltage: 220v

Warranty: 1 year

Weight: 4.4 lbs

Power source: Power Adapter

Accessories included: 2 breastkits

Price: P6,000

It's a lot cheaper than my previous breastpump but it's stronger. Although it's heavier and needs power source, I'm okay with this. I'm still looking for a car charger for this. Hope I can find one.

Sensible Lines Milk Tray

In order to save on storage bottles, I started using this tray which was given to me by my cousin's wife, @iamkheiy. It seemed so easy to do when i looked at the video. So after washing it (always wash everything before using it, except those pre-sterilized milk bags) and letting it dry, i hurriedly poured my excess milk into the tray.

At first it took only about 6 hours for the milk to harden. But overtime, it was taking me more than 12 hours, which was contrary to what the packaging had instructed which was 3 hours. I guess it would depend on the kind of freezer you are using.

For me, it delivered what it promised. Unfortunately though my bottles were small and I didn't wanna wait for a few hours before adding another stick so I decided to cut the sticks into two pieces then eventually to 4 pieces to fit everything into the bottle. If my bottles were all 8 ounces then it would make things easier.

Nevertheless, it saved me from washing my bottles as often as needed. This is definitely a must-have for breastfeeding moms who didn't wanna buy those breastmilk storage bags.