Happy 8th month day!

Yesterday, there were two reasons to celebrate with some cake: Valentine's day and our baby's 8th month day. So we got a Valentine-inspired Dora cake. It was a chocolate cake with lemon buttercream filling covered in marshmallow fondant. It looked absolutely cute, perfect for our little girl. It tasted yummy too, a bit too sweet, yes, but yummy. The colors were great, my favorites, purple and pink. And it was really girly, with its pink cutout hearts and little flowers. The Dora figure, which is about 3 inches in height, is edible but we don't have the heart to eat it yet. And its just so amusing to look at because I think Dora looks a little like Elmo here, with those big eyes of hers. But the details of the figure is amazing. Its so Dora, from the bracelet down to the shoes.
I just wish I could also give baking a try someday. I mean, to be able to create even just cupcakes or simple cookies. I think I'd have a blast. Not to mention it would also be a nice bonding activity for mother and daughter, don't you think? And it will also keep hubby's tummy happy. Maybe after the laptop, I should ask for an oven next?

Valentine's Eve

I've a new toy! Hubby surprised me with my very own laptop, woohoo! All the more reason to blog and surf away. Its an Acer aspire 4715z. It has the following features:

• Intel pentium dual core processor T2390
• 14.1" WXGA Acer crystalbrite LCD
• 1 GB DDR2/ 12o GB HDD
• DVD

I can't elaborate much on these since I really don't understand what they're for, but as long as its has internet explorer and word and photoshop, I am happy. Thanks hubbybaby, i love you, happy valentine! xoxo

Sweet tooth

Last sunday, was the 7th birthday of a little boy and as our gift, we got him a cake from Kitchen Krafts. It was my first time to order a cake from them and I wasn't disappointed. For its price, it was well worth it. We got a really yummy looking and yummy tasting treat. I just loved the icing! And the cookie lollies! Its like being a kid all over again, eating all that chocolatey goodness, haha. As requested, the design was Tom and Jerry.







Actually, the cake exceeded my expectations. It wasn't big, it was about 8 inches in diameter, but it stood on its own. Just look at the details, there were even little bees on the trees at the side of the cake. The colors were vibrant and very attractive, very much appreciated by the kids. The chocolate cake was moist and the icing not too sweet or bitter because of the bright colors. Will definitely order again, maybe for our baby's birthday.

I'm back!

With a bowl of leftover spaghetti, I decided I should start blogging again!
Currently, I am planning our little girl's first birthday party. Five months to go and still LOTS to do. Venue, photographer, host/magician and balloon decors booked. Guestlist, done. I kept on changing my mind with regards venue, but finally decided on Max's, good, value for money food and amenities, okay as well. Big thank you to my hubby who's been so patient with me and my whims. Oh, theme is Dora the explorer. Thinking of how to make her a little more girly though.

Bounce right back

A cute little grin, a cute little giggle, even a cute little cry, all the cuteness of a little person can make the biggest difference.
I've experienced a couple of disappointments over the past few weeks and being human, it took quite a while to get over some of these stuff. Good thing hubby and little princess are there. Can I say that they're the most patient persons in this whole wide world? :)
Anyway, bouncing back for me means getting on with Plan B, Plan C and party planning!
I know its still about 7 months from now until the little one's first birthday but with lots of ideas in mind and budget on paper, I'm marching head on to planning her first bash. Don't you think this is one of the things, moms do best? Dreaming about the nicest party, worrying about the smallest detail and sticking to the budget and badgering hubby when its all too much already? Haha.
Here are some things I've done so far.

• Make guest list
• List down an itemized budget
• Do ocular of 2 possible venues ( thanks hubby for going to OSMA )
• Research about possible cake, entertainment, food suppliers
• List down my planned DIY projects

I'm back :)

Under the weather

Just a bit under the weather since yesterday. Actually, I'm just recovering from a bout with cough and now my body aches all over. It is no excuse to stop being a mommy though. Still have to breastfeed. I'm just thankful for hubby's help in feeding the baby princess once in a while.

The past few days though, I've been thinking of weaning baby princess and just give solely formula milk. I'm not sure if I could actually do it though. There's the guilt. And of course I am fully aware of the benefits of breastmilk. It is very rewarding to know I am capable of baby princess' sustenance. And a toothless grin coming from a contented baby is a priceless bonus.

Feeling under the weather? Just a few tips :)

• Stay hydrated. Take your fluids, be it hot or cold.
• Eat a balanced diet. You may not have a huge appetite but do try to take something. You'll need the energy to fight of your illness.
• Take vitamins. A little help won't do bad.
• Sleep. Take the time to get much deserved rest.
• Think happy thoughts :)

Online shopping

Pregnancy and motherhood opened a whole new world to me: the world of online shops! I've already blogged about scouring the local malls for BPA free bottles and coming up short. You see, while I was still pregnant with the baby princess, the whole issue about baby bottles having BPA broke and of course my bottles would just have to be BPA free. However, at that time, the malls had very little variety so I turned to the computer and found all these wonderfully helpful online shops. I was skeptic at first, especially since most required downpayments (even full payments) before your order is actually processed. Then you have to wait for your purchase to arrive via courier. Some items are even for pre-order so the waiting time is longer, about 3 to 4 weeks for it to arrive from the US. Of course, being scammed crossed my mind but out of necessity, I placed my very first online order: a lansinoh electric breast pump. Thankfully, the transaction went well, the seller was very nice and I felt comfy dealing with her and I got my beloved pump.

p.s and I've bought other stuff as well after this first time (thanks hubby!)


TIPS FOR BUYING ONLINE

• Research - visit forums, ask your e-groups and be on the lookout for online sites that other moms or women (yup! we love to shop :) in general frequent and talk about
• Ask questions - ask the seller questions about payment options, delivery time, price validity, shipping fees etc before you place your order
• Visit the stores/malls first to canvass or to see if the item you want is already available locally. It is not always cheaper to buy online. Buyer most often shoulders the shipping cost, the bulkier the item, the more expensive the add on cost.
• Study the seller's site and look at the guestbook or comments of former customers. Try to get a feel if these comments come from real individuals
  If there's an option for pick up or meet up to get the item, opt for this especially if the item you ordered is bulky (this is what I did when I bought my pump)
• Be wary of sellers who only offer Gcash payments. In my opinion, a seller with a bank account and offers bank deposit as option is more credible.
• If in the end you still feel wary, then don't do it. Remember shopping should remain fun and stress free :)

surprise?!!!

another online buy (bday gift from hubby)