Everything Else

A BabiesToToddlers.com Giveaway

April 15, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 21 Comments

I remember setting up our baby registry for Little MrC a few years ago. I went through each and every item in my department store of choice, and hand picked everything I wanted for our special guy. I was really happy during our baby shower when I saw that we got almost everything on that list, plus a few handy items from the US that my grandparents-in-law sent over. As the months and years went by, I realized that while everything we got was useful, there were still a number of needs that weren’t addressed, and that the solution to these issues and concerns weren’t available in the market yet.

Then just recently, I stumbled upon Babies to Toddlers online, and I was pleasantly surprised to see all the amazing new stuff that are now available to parents here in the Philippines. Babies to Toddlers is an online retail shop that features hard-to-find items and products for infants through toddlers. The best part about this online store is that it is owned and run by a mother, Teresa Rufino who has two little boys, and and she picks out and uses the items herself. So you are sure that these hard to find items are of good quality and really work well. They have the mommy seal of approval, so to speak!

Teresa Rufino, owner of Babies to Toddlers

Preschool Homeschool: You Can Do It Too! by The Learning Basket

April 14, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

A few days ago at the WHAMderful Life Workshop, I was asked by one of the moms if I homeschool my son. I replied with my default answer – I don’t think I have the patience to homeschool. Then I got to thinking, am I really not patient enough to homeschool, or am I writing it off without even giving it a try? Of course, at this point my son is already in grade school and I won’t know the answer to this until a have another child, which isn’t any time soon.

How about you? Do you think you have what it takes to be a homeschooling mommy? Would you like to try? If your answer is yes, then you should check out The Learning Basket‘s Preschool Homeschool: You Can Do It Too! This much requested seminar will take place on April 20, 2013, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Madela House, New Manila, Quezon City. Learn about the what, why and how of homeschooling preschoolers from other parents.

PreschoolHomeschool4202013 Invitation Jpeg — Preschool Homeschool: You Can Do It Too!

To register, simply click on this link and fill out the form. The seminar fee is Php250.00, but if you purchase Php500.00 worth of books or toys from The Learning Basket Booth during the event, you can get in for free. The Learning Basket offers great books and educational toys that add quality to the homeschooling experience.

For inquiries, send an email to Mariel at mariel@thelearningbasket.com .

This post was written for The Learning Basket. Find them online at thelearningbasket.com.

Could You Be the Sakura Mommy of the Month?

April 11, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

The moment I became a mom, I understood what it meant to want to be the best mom you can possibly be for your kid. From that very first day until today (which, coincidentally is my son’s 7th birthday), I’ve folded, molded and reinvented myself in order to become the supermom I now believe myself to be. For me, the first step to achieving greatness is to believe that you can do it, and yes, I believe that I am a supermom. After all, I’ve managed to raise a smart, cute and funny 7-year old boy, right?

I’m sure you moms out there also feel super duper too each time you witness your child unlock those little and big life achievements. And you should! Those achievements are your feats too as moms! Now let me ask you this, what do you do to be the best mom you can be for your kids?

Would you like to share your mommy story to other moms out there? Yes? Perfect because Sakura would like to know what you’re like as a mom too. You just might be the Sakura Mommy of the Month that they’re looking for.

Here’s what you need to do to join this contest:

Like the Sakura page on Facebook (#/sakuraphilippines)
Follow the Sakura twitter account (www.twitter.com/blackbeauty_ph)
Submit a photo of yourself that best portrays you as a mother. You can send it via direct message to the Sakura Facebook account or through email at sakuraphilippines@gmail.com.
In 5-8 sentences, tell them: (1) why you should be the SAKURA Mommy of the Month and (2) how SAKURA products help you be the best mommy you can be.
Photo submissions will be accepted until May 9, 2013. Winner will be announced on May 11, 2013.

Quick and easy right? Now, here’s what’s in store for the winning mom:

1 SAKURA gift pack
1 hair and beauty makeover
1 personal shopping experience
1 fabulous outfit worth 4,500
1 photo shoot
Media mileage for your blog (if you have one)

Plus, two runners-up will be chosen, and they will each be receiving a Sakura gift pack.

Entries will be judge by the panels based on (50%) Essay content and (50%) photo that best portrays you as a mother.

TrickArt-1 — So how do I see myself as a mom? Like this – fun-loving, and a friend to my little boy. With slight control freak tendencies. Lol!

Momies, it’s your time to shine! Go ahead and share your mommy stories with Sakura!

This post is brought to you by Sakura Philippines. Visit them online at http://www.sakuralifestyle.ph.

You Are Your Child’s First and Best Teacher: A Seminar for Parents by The Learning Basket

March 11, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

I was just thinking about all the things I plan to do differently with my second child (when I have him/her). Among the changes I am thinking about making, replacing preschool with homeschooling is one of them. I really don’t want to commit to anything right now since I am nowhere near being pregnant with my second child, plus I have always said that I am not sure I have the patience to home-school.

So why am I event considering it? Well, I’ve started meeting a lot of other moms who home-school, and I’m starting to see some of its benefits. At the same time, the primary reason why we started sending my first son to preschool at a young age was because he’s an only child, and we were worried that he didn’t really know how to interact with other kids. I’m pretty sure that this is something I now know how to address, plus, my second kid obviously won’t be an only child, so there!

Coincidentally, just when my interest in homeschooling sparked, I learned about this upcoming workshop by The Learning Basket. I feel that this will be a great learning opportunity for parents like me who are even the least bit interested in learning more about homeschooling.

You Are Your Child's First and Best Teacher: A Seminar for Parents by The Learning Basket — You Are Your Child’s First and Best Teacher: A Seminar for Parents by The Learning Basket

Virtual Window Shopping at Zalora

February 21, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 2 Comments

So, guys, my birthday is coming up. Yup, in just a few days, I will hit the big 3-0! Yikes.

Like I said before, I would really like to update my wardrobe to make it more age appropriate, and more suitable for a 30-year-old-work-at-home-mom-and-wife. I wish I could go to the mall and browse for clothes in my favorite boutiques, but I rarely have time to go out these days because work keeps me tied to my computer. Luckily, there’s Zalora, my new favorite for online clothes shopping. Know why I love them? Because they have a plus-size section!

I’ve been struggling all my life with the lack of good quality, pretty plus-sized clothing in Manila. These days, shopping for pieces for full-figured ladies has thankfully become easier and more convenient, and there are more styles and brands to choose from. Over on Zalora, all I have to do is click on Plus Size in the Women’s Clothing section, and voila, pages and pages of virtual racks of clothing are laid out before me. I just love it. [Read more…] about Virtual Window Shopping at Zalora

Fashion Friday: The Challenge of Finding Plus Size Swimwear

February 1, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 22 Comments

(11/10/15) UPDATE! KaiPlus has really nice plus size swimsuits! I bought one, and it was perfect! Happy shopping! 🙂

Why is it so hard to find plus size swimwear in Manila? Whyyyyy??? Or am I the only one having trouble finding cute bathing suits? I’m asking because I am headed for the beach this weekend with my cousins. That is if my little boy is already well by the weekend. We are currently battling what seems to be a stomach flu.

Anyway, back to bathing suits. Seriously, if there are any pretty plus-size ladies out there who are reading this, where do you shop for swimwear? I have gotten lucky a few times with a surplus shop in Alabang Town Center called Big Deals, which recently closed, much to my dismay. There’s also the ever-reliable Speedo, but only a few of their styles are flattering on full figured girls. Other than that, I don’t know where to go! I hear the Plump Pinay has some nice suits, but I don’t actually know where to find them.

On the upside, packing for the beach is quick and easy because I don’t have that many choices to begin with. Then again, I have a lot of summer dresses and cover-ups, and that’s basically what fills up my bag on beach trips.

This swimsuit is my current favorite, and it’s what I’m wearing at the beach this weekend. That’s my skinny sister next to me in the photo, and Mr C in a straw hat at the back. I love the polka dot print of this strapless swimsuit and the cutesy skirt that comes with it. I got this from Big Deals last summer. I’m really so sad that they closed.

beach-3 — This photo was taken in Zamabales during our family beach trip last summer.

I suppose it will be easier to go swimsuit shopping if I lose weight (groan!) And I am suddenly reminded of a post I wrote in 2011 about shrinking down to a much smaller size. Obviously, it hasn’t happened, but I’m not stressing over it because I love myself just the way I am. I’ve also chosen to celebrate my birthday on a mountain instead of a beach. Yes, things change over time. Lol.

That being the case, I’m calling out to all the plus size ladies out there. Where do you shop for swimsuits? Let me know so I can start preparing for summer!

Much love and happiness,