Oh, Bye April 2015!

I can't believe it, its April 30th already? We are almost halfway through 2015! April is so eventful is our lives that I wouldn't let it pass without any blog post. Yes, April blessed us so much that there is no room for stress, only gratefulness. 

As much as I am looking forward to the long weekend, I am rushing a lot of things at work because of the holidays ugh! Thus earlier deadlines,  but I can't complain, I am much blessed.  I so look forward for the 3 days break for my body and to spend time with these bugoys.

Life is so good.
G,

6 Ways to Consistently Discipline your Child.

Nurturing a child is a no joke. Honestly, D has tested my patience millions times already. It is true that no parenting books nor advices from other parents can teach or prepare you. As a parent to a three year old active, curious, smart and clever boy has always make me and daddy R contemplate if we are doing the right way. I shared how naughty and bully D is. Someone told me he's just discovering so let him be. But some instances are alarming like; 

1. Even if you tell him "no" he will still do it. Tell him otherwise, he will stop. 

2. If he's eating something prohibited (well at least when I am at home) you will see him hiding under the table, eating or licking lollipops and candies. 

3. He says some bad words. Yes playmates' influence. 

4. He will not share anything to anyone. 

5. So stubborn. 

6. and many more in an endless list. 

There are lots of factors, including the "grandparents" love, but as a parent I feel that we have a serious responsibility in raising a discipline and well rounded child. But how? Oh well Mr. Google always has the answers. I came upon BabyCentre and it is a good guide in parenting. So I would like to share some ideas on how to consistently discipline your child. I hope this will help struggling parents like us. 

1. Choose your priorities 

If you try to tackle every discipline challenge at the same time, you'll be too overwhelmed to stick with it. So choose just one or two to focus on with special diligence and attention. It might be defiance, refusing to go to bed or demanding sweets. When these situations arise, be on top of them every single time. Don't give in and don't reward them.

It took me a while to realise that D is just a child and can't  multi-task yet. He cannot digest all the sermons and a lot of do's and don'ts.   So I did it one at a time. For a week we focused on toilet training, next week on putting back his toys to the basket after playtime, then on wearing slippers at home and list go on. The downside of this is that we can't process bad things that he did that is not the focus. Just make sure you put those issue on the waitlist. And I admit, sometimes I resort into scaring nor bribbing him when I want things to be done quick, which is a no no. 

2. Be prepared for the long haul 

It can take time to tackle misbehaviour. Put yourself in your child's shoes: "Mummy never used to really mean that she wanted me to brush my teeth until she started shouting. Now she means it the first time she asks. I'm confused." Change can happen, but probably not as quickly as you'd like it to. 

D learns fast. So oftentimes I expect him to learn good behaviors and attitudes fast as well. Then I forgot again that I am raising a toddler, and his learning curve is still different. Yes, waiting for the process can test our patience, but, but we have to be. And always remember our parents, nor grandparents favorite line "ganyan ka din nung bata ka" . 

3. Get the timing right 

It's tempting to try a crash course in manners just before a birthday or family visit, but you'll have better success if you choose a time that's more stable and predictable. Everyone needs time, structure and no extra stress to practise consistency — especially you. So don't jump into a new discipline strategy just before a new baby arrives, or school starts, or if you’re moving house. 

Never argue or try to teach your child when he's sleepy, hungry or watching his favorite cartoons, I tell you you will never win. Strategies when is the right time of the day your child will be cooperative. Yes, disciplining a chiild can also be like planning for a major project. 

4. Expect resistance 

Your child will challenge you no matter how consistent you are. Or he may respond well from the start, only to fall back into old habits. Don't despair – this kind of periodic testing is normal. Once you accept these temporary regressions, they'll be less frustrating, allowing you to stay on track. 

Teaching a threenager means endless reasoning and conversations of whys and why nots. I got use to it that I now have my back up plans. Never give up. 

5. Don't try to go it alone 

Once you commit to a consistency campaign, get backup. Your partner and your child's teachers, carers and grandparents can all reinforce your efforts to stop behaviour problems. 

Make sure you inform the rest of the household what you are training or teaching to your child. This is avoid confussion and to also involve everyone in the process. This can also be a warning to grandparents that keeps spoiling their second babies. And on occassions that you loose your patience, there will be someone who be in control of the situation. 

6. Bend the rules occasionally 

Accidental inconsistency – when you're too  busy or preoccupied to enforce a rule – sends the message that it isn't really important to you, which encourages your child to ignore it too. But intentional inconsistency – when you let your child know in advance that you’ve chosen to make an exception – can actually strengthen a rule. For example: "As you'll be spending time with Nana and Grandad this week, you don’t have to tidy your bedroom until next week." 

D loves his lolo and daddy R because they are the ones breaking the rules once D cries or make lambing. Me? I try so had not to give in because I want to reinforce discipline to D, but during those times that he's extra sweet and obidient I also give him a chocoloate surprise. I call that conditioning surprise. Haha

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I use these points as guide, but remember that every child is different. So goodluck to us parents. 

You can view the whole article here; 

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1022314/keeping-discipline-consistent?scid=gb_en_bulletin_toddler_preschooler#ixzz3UtH8gKPh

My First Photobook from Photobook Philippines

One day, D said "mommy I want clowns on my birthday!" I said you had clowns on your first birthday, he asked "saan?" And I couldn't find a printed copy to show him and of course the little rascal wouldn't believe me without any proof. Then I realised, all our pictures that I took for memory's sake are still in the memory cards! my gulay!

Aminin! hindi lang ako guilty dito, almost all people nowadays, since the "digital age" started usually maintains digital albums and had been planning to print all their pictures for ages, but until now plans pa lang haha.  

Then out of the blue, one long weekend, I received a notification from Photobook Philippines that my free voucher from Metrodeal that I got 6 months ago is due in 14 days. Yes, I totally forgot about that 100% discount deal, P0 for a 6x6 mini soft cover 40 pages photobook. 

So I took my chances, sat in front of my lappy, downloaded the software designer and spent the whole day putting our 2014 events and pictures in a book. 

After 1 day of lay-outing, 2 hours figuring out how to upload and pay the shipping fee, 2 hours of uploading, and 20 days of waiting for the delivery. My first ever photobook has arrived. 

Front Cover

I placed my watch beside the photobook so you can see the actual size. 

Back Cover

Inside Page

Inside Page

What I love about this deal....

• It is absolutely free! I just paid the delivery fee of P130 and custom's examination fee of P100 (because it is printed from Taipei, Taiwan)
• I love that it looks sturdy and looked like a real book. 
• Although my lay-out is not so artistic, I loved the idea the it is personalised para hang nag scrapbook
• The paper quality is good, not the once na malambot and will fade thru time. 
• It is a photo album and a book in one price

Some point for improvement...

• It takes ages to download the software and upload it. 
• The online editing is so slow, well maybe it is depended din with your internet connection. 
• Maybe a faster delivery service for those who opt for the minimum shipping package. 

Will I buy more? Yes, actually there is an ongoing promo for P10 at metro deal, so I bought 5! haha na-addict! 

Btw, this is not a sponsored post, I just loved the idea and the result. Ang taba ng brains ng nakaisip nito! 

Go check it out! 

G, 

Overnight Oats

This year, I planned on eating healthy. Instead of starving myself and enroll on a gym I look forward into planning my meals wisely. And that plan remained as "only plans" for the rest of January. Haha super bright right?!

Okay, I admit it! Although I really wanted to get back into my pre-mommy shape, I didn't took it seriously because R will always tell me that its okay if I get fat, or other people my friends will tell me "Hindi ka naman mataba!" and Inang usually tell me "Mas gumanda ka nga ngaun na nagkalaman ka! mas maganda ka ngaun!"  Until one day, someone ask me "Buntis ka ba?" OMG! and then the next day someone asked me again "Buntis ka na ba?" haha OMG na talaga! hindi pa noh!

So thats the time I realized I maybe really be getting fat or my tummy is really getting big. And I need to do something about it. 

So I went back on my plans, and started eating healthy. I cannot tell you if its effective yet, because I did a lot of cheat meals days during valentines day weekend, but I can assure you guys that eating healthy doesn't need to be starving yourself and eating only "leaves" or bland foods. So now I settle with my own diet/healthy breaky and dinner. My Overnight Oats ala Mommy Sweetie. 

I did a lot experimenting on this, because Mr. Google offers a lot of different recipes and versions. I want something that I effortless to do, all ingredients available at the nearby market and of course affordable. 

My Ingredients; 

1. Rolled Oats. - you can also use the instant ones but it gets dissolved in the overnight soaking.
2. Milk - any kind of milk will do,but have it low-fat of course.  Others use yogurts too. I tried the regular flavored and it will do. I am looking for greek yogurts pa, it will be more creamy daw.
3. Fruits - any kind will do. I often use apple and banana and strawberries if R came from work.
4. Chia Seeds - The mighty seeds. I am using it because I still have leftovers from our trip to Baguio organic market a year ago. But you can get it from healthy options. It provides protein, but it can be omitted too.

Then mix everything in a bowl or jar. Put in the fridge overnight. And enjoy it the next morning. 

I am now on my second week of doing this, I hope to do some biking and running this weekend. Well, I hope I can continue with this lifestyle. Wish me luck! 

What is your mommy diet strategies to loose belly fats? share away!

G, 

Naga City Hits

Let me share how my apprehensive travel to Naga City, turned into a memorable trip that made me realized a lot from life and from myself.  

First of course is that after years of traveling, I now finally accepted na nakakatakot pala talaga ako magbyahe. I always argue that the safest way to travel is via airplane. Not to mention that it is fast and comfortable. But yes, in my recent travel I got afraid. But, I conquered my fears through prayers. 

Sino ba naman hindi matatakot when you look at the window and you see this propeller? Aircrafts to Naga kasi is usually small. But very safe naman daw.

But when I look at the other side of the window, I saw this... a beautiful view of "sea of clouds" (never mind the dirty window). Then I realized, every situation has two sides. It is up to you if you focus on the negative side, or in the positive side. In the propeller? or in the majestic sea of clouds? I preferred the sea of clouds, prayed for a safe journey and read a good book. And arrived safe at Naga City. 

This was my home for 3days and 2nights.  

I made a separate post about my pleasant stay at Crown Hotel. 

PLACES TO SEE... 

I was in Naga City for work. But I managed to squeezed in some time to explore the city alone. This was an achievement for me, because usually with my team or someone or counterpart/local when I travel to guide or tour us. I gained some independence here from a strange place. This is the first time I explored the city like a local. And decided that from now on, when I travel, I will not be a tourist again, but a like local and will embrace their culture as well. 

The Plaza, right in front of the Crown Hotel. 

I also had a courage to commute to the Penafrancia Shrine. The place is so beautiful and peaceful. I went there via tricycle, and paid P8 to and P10 back to the hotel. 

The altar. I made my 2 wishes, the first happened that night, and I am waiting for the second. 

The adoration chapel. 

Beautiful ceilings. I could stare at this the whole day. 

This, I don't know the name. But it is pretty. This is near the central market. 

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT

Bigg's Diner

According to a local, this fastfood chain is like the McDo of Bicolandia. A must try. So I headed to their downtown branch and had the first meal in Naga. They have unique and retro interiors, which I failed to take some pictures. Shy attack. 

Lookie at their cute placemats. 

Salisbury Steak and Giant Coke

Choco Lava Moist Cake

Toasted Siopao

I also consulted Mr. Google on other places to eat. I got curious with the toasted siopao of 3N bakery. For P8 each for classic and P10 for hot and spicy, you have a flavorful (not tipid filling) toasted siopao, talk about value for money. And the bakery is all over the place. 

Cravings for Comfort Foods

And when you are in a strange place, and you are stressed and homesick, #mommysweetiesolution is to look for your favorite comfort food. It is sign that Naga city is a progressive city because almost all the foodchains are there. Name it, ask for the direction how to get there and enjoy the food. 

Sili Ice Cream

When you hear Naga or Bicol, the usual food to for are bicol express and anything spicy. I didn't look for them since we usually have authentic restaurants also in manila. So I looked for something that is just from Naga City. So I came into 1st Colonial's Sili Ice Cream. 

Sili Ice Cream. Perfect combination of creaminess of milk on the first taste and hotness that trails on the food passage. This is P29 per scoop, and you have to eat quick as it melts quickly. 

PASALUBONGS... 

And of course do not forget to share your journey to your loved ones at home other than bringing them pasalubongs. 

The city market is the best place to buy them, and deal with best prices. 

These are pili tarts (5 pack to P100), coconut jam with pili (P45 each jar), mazapan de pili (3 for P100) and pili nuts (3 for P100 and P85 large bottle). 

There are also non food products like bags and abaca slippers (sorry I don't have the price they are tokens given to me). Cute "Sili" keychains for P10 each or 11pcs. for P100, and kids shirt for P120. 

GOING HOME.... 

Bicolandia is a place where you can travel by land or by air. So to experience both, I went home via a deluxe bus of Penafrancia Tours. We left the central terminal at 8PM, and arrived at Cubao by 4am, with a stop over along Quezon Province. 

The deluxe bus, is like the first class bus of Victory Liner (our suki to Baguio City).

The 2:1 seats are Lazyboy  type where you can recline, it also has restroom inside and with 2 drivers and a bus stewardess. Make sure you bring a jacket, pillow and a blanket as the air conditioner make get so cold. 

PEOPLE IN NAGA

I love how friendly people in Naga are, they are very helpful when you ask directions and places. I love how Naga City is organized with pedestrians and timed stoplights. I wonder why we can't do that in Manila.

- - -

Just as I am packing away my things, I realized that I should collect mementos of travels, aside from pictures and memories, I should have some tangible things that will remind me of my travel. So I decided to collect keychains. I hope to have a cute collection of my keychains representing my journey.

Until my next travel...

G,