There Are No Perfect Moms, Just Real Ones!

I've been MIA from my blog since November. It seems to be the case every year as I got busier with Paper Chic Studio and the holiday season with 4 stores to supply to. Adding to that, my helper left mi-October which means I had to do all the chores and find a new routine that will work for me so I can still study with the kids and do other things. I had to sacrifice a few things and those were this blog, my work-at-home job and cooking.

Four months later, I still struggle with everything and I haven't really found a routine or schedule that I can follow. I still find doing chores overwhelming, so much chores so little time! There are days where I don't have the time to sweep our floors, too lazy to wash the dishes and there are days where I don't take a bath because I'm just too tired. TRUE STORY! Haha! And this is as real as it gets! There are no perfect moms, just real moms! There's no a guide book on motherhood, we learn from our experiences, listen to our mom's advice and get support from our friends. One thing I've learned early (during my breastfeeding days)  is to trust myself and that trust gave me confidence and strength that I can face any challenges that will be thrown my way.

Being a parent in this and age can be tough and Baby Dove gets us! From the brand that is recommended by many dermatologists, comes its newest baby, Baby Dove, to provide real care for our little ones.

This came in the mail last Sunday and the first thing I did was opened each one of them and smelled it. Haha!

I've been using Dove for the longest time, I've tried all variants and my favorite is the original blue one. I'm so excited to see that they've come up with a line for babies! Dove is one the trusted brands of women out there and I love their Real Beauty campaign which speaks about confidence and now they are extending the same confidence to us moms by providing the best care for our baby's skin.

Baby Dove is a premium line of baby care products that goes beyond mildness and restores essential moisture. It currently has 2 variants: Rich Moisture and Sensitive Moisture. Here's what I got in my basket:

 Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Bar - formulated with 1/4 moisture cream. It's hypoallergenic and and nourishing babybar.

 

Baby Dove Rich Moisture Hair to Toe Baby Wash is a tear-free and hypoallergenic baby wash and shampoo. I love multitasking products like this!

Baby Dove Rich Moisture Nourishing Baby Lotion is also hypoallergenic and a pH-neutral baby lotion. 

 Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture line is also hypoallergenic. It's gentle and fragrance-free! The Hair to Toe Wash replenishes essential for healthy-looking and hydrated skin and is compatible for eczema prone skin.

I cannot wait for my kids to try these new body washes and lotion! Other products available for Baby Dove (not in photo) are Rich Moisture Baby Shampoo, Rich Moisture wipes, Sensitive Moisture Baby Bar and Sensitive Moisture Baby Lotion.

For more information on Baby Dove, like the Baby Dove PH Facebook Page!

Meet Oilatum's Newest Baby Line: Oilatum Soothe & Protect

With our erratic weather nowadays, my kids' and my skin are starting to show dryness. While I have skin eczema, they normally don't have dry skin but with this weather, dry skin may be inevitable. It can really get frustrating and there are times when my kids don't want to put lotion because it gets sticky throughout the day and when the itching spell begins, ayayayay! I can't blame them because I know the discomfort they feel. We want our kids to be comfortable, free of dryness and itchiness and always be happy!

I recently attended the launch of Oilatum's newest products, the Oilatum Soothe & Protect baby line at Cafe Naya and I'm really happy that they came out with this line. Oilatum has been around for so long, I remember using the bar soap when I was in high school for my face because you know adolescence haha! But really, I used it on my face and my body as recommended by my dermatologist.

It was a small and intimate event attended by fellow mom bloggers and the program was hosted by new mom Isabel Oli-Prats. A few weeks before the event they asked me to send a photo of me and my kids and that picture was included in a wall at the event where I wrote an answer to the question "How do you soothe and protect your child?".

Here's Y looking for our photo.

And there's my answer! Na-ambush ako kaya hindi na nakapagisip masyado. Heehee!

The lovely Isabel Oli-Prats who doesn't seem to have given birth and looking so fresh!

They had a play area and arts and crafts corners for the kids while the mommas make chika with other moms and so we can also put our attention to the program. Thank you Spark It to your superb interns who entertained my kids and also for their patience!

R enjoyed the mini playground especially this ball pit!

While achi went for the arts and crafts section.

They also had Pouf Cotton Candy Art which we all find amazing and gave my kids sugar rush hahaha! Ok lang, enjoy naman sila!

Y and her Finding Dory cotton candy!

Serious sila sa cotton candy! Haha! I was looking for milk powder to make budbod the cotton candy... hahaha! That's how I like to eat it. Lolz!

A short but very informative talk about dry skin and how we should care for it was given by dermatologist, Dr. Cindy Jao-Tan. One thing that stuck with me was to put lotion while the skin is still damp not dry so the skin will absorb the lotion and all of its goodness. I always thought I should pat the skin dry! Eeeep!

Jon Lee, Head of Skin Health and Nutrision - GSK Consumer Healthcare Philippines

The new Oilatum Soothe & Protect baby range is clinically proven to provide immediate relief and long-term prevention for babies and children with dry and irritated skin. Oilatum has 50 years of proven scientific expertise and efficacy in dermatological skincare for babies.

Oilatum Soothe & Protect is developed with dermatologists and formulated with nourishing oils and moisturizers which replenishes the skin's moisture barrier. The current range features four products:

Oilatum Soothe & Protect Baby Moisturizing Lotion (200ml, SRP Php450) is clinically proven to help reduce occurence of dry, irritated skin in babies, even newborns. It contains nourishing mineral oils and moisturizers to help soothe and protect your baby's skin. This product helps prevent further dryness by nourishing the natural moisture barrier of the skin.

Oilatum Soothe & Protect Baby Bath Foam (300ml, SRP Php360) contains ultra gentle, effective cleansers for dry skin. Safe for everyday use, it helps to reduce the occurence of dry, irritated skin.

Oilatum Soothe & Protect Baby Shampoo (200ml, SRP Php300) is kind on the eyes and contains an ultra gentle yet effective cleaner for the hair and scalp. It also has a detangling and static control properties to better manage your little one's hair. It's suitable for everyday use, even for newborns.

Oilatum Soothe & Protect  Baby Head to Toe Wash (300ml, SRP Php400) helps reduce the occurence of dry and irritated skin with everyday use. Suitable for babies amd children, it contains an ultra gentle yet effective cleaner for the hair, scalp and body. This product helps prevent further dryness by nourishing the natural moisture barrier of the skin.

Oilatum Bar Soap is suitable for everyday cleansing for your baby's skin.

We only want the best for our kids, to see them happy and free of discomfort. Oilatum Soothe & Protect baby range is here to help break the dry skin cycle, providing relief and protection from irritants and other external aggressors. With Oilatum, my kids' skin is soothed and protected everyday! 

Fellow mom bloggers who attended the event!

Oilatum Soothe & Protect baby range is available at Mercury Drugstore, Rustan's Fresh, Landmark, Royal Duty Free and Rose Pharmacy. Soon to be available at Shopwise, Robinson's and SM Save More. For more information and tips from experts, visit www.oilatum.com.ph!

Belo Baby Review and Giveaway!

It has been a month since the Belo Baby launch and we have been religiously using the Belo Baby Hair and Body Wash and Face and Body Lotion ever since! It's really been hot the last few weeks and the kids have been taking more baths than usual. All I can say is Belo Baby works wonders on our skin!

The Belo Baby line is available at leading groceries in Metro Manila!

The first time we tried the body wash and face and body lotion was on our trip to Narra Hill. Our trip was just a few days after the launch so I excitedly pack them in our overnighter bag.

Belo Baby up in the mountains! I hope they'll come out with travel-sizes!

Y is always excited for bath time. Since I am helper-less, I've been training Y to be more independent and one of the things I am training her is to learn to take a bath on her own. Start them young, right? My kids were used to using baby shampoo that bubbles so when Y tried the Belo Baby Hair and Body Wash, she was surprised why it wasn't bubbly. I explained to her that Belo Baby's has natural ingredients (like special leaves and flowers, heehee). She likes the scent, she said she smells like a baby! Haha! I really like the mild scent too!

I like how the bar soap is shaped like a bean!

I usually don't put lotion on my kids during summer because they don't like the sticky feeling but apparently, heat can cause dry skin din pala! With Belo Baby's Face and Body Lotion, it's very light on the skin and not sticky at all plus it's smells so good. It's safe to put it on your kid's face too! Y sees me putting cream on my face and she likes to imitate me by putting lotion on her face. I used to buy a separate lotion for her face, now I don't have to!

I also tried using the body wash and lotion on me too. I have skin eczema and it's really hard to find a mild soap that doesn't irritate my skin and won't cause any itch after bath. I am happy to say that with constant use of the body wash together with the body lotion, I haven't had any skin eczema flare-ups yet. I'm really glad I have found alternatives, no need to buy lotion or body wash abroad! Hooray for homegrown brands!

And because my family loves Belo Baby, I'm sharing the LOVE with you too so you can try out all the goodness Belo Baby offers! I'm giving away Belo Baby gifts packs to three (3) lucky readers! All of you have to do is to answer "Why are you excited to try Belo Baby products?" and fill out the Rafflecopter widget below! Contest will run until May 31 only! Winners must pick-up their prize at Belo Baby's office.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Belo Baby on Instagram is also running a contest! You'll get a chance to win a photo shoot with your kid!

Just post a creative photo of your babies. Photo must feature a Belo Baby product! Use the hashtag #belobaby and tag @belobabylove. There will also be three winners for this contest so join na for more chances of winning! This Belo Baby Instagram Contest will run until June 3!

Have you seen the latest Belo Baby TVC with Scarlet Snow Belo? She's super adorable noh? Check out the behind the scenes of the Belo Baby TVC!

The Feeling of Lux Soft Touch + an Instagram Giveaway!

When I became a mom, bathroom time also became a luxury. I had to master the art of quick showers so I can tend to my kids right away. While I do get to have long showers once in awhile, quick showers can also be enjoyable with the company of a good body wash or soap! And for last night's quick shower, I got to try the NEW Lux Soft Touch Body Wash!

When it comes to buying or choosing a body wash or soap, one of first things I like to check is the scent. The Lux Soft Touch has a floral and fruity scent which what I really love! Since I have eczema and almost always use unscented or mild soap, sometimes it gets so boring! So I always have to have a bottle of body wash to switch it up.

I've been using the Lux Magic Spell for a while now and I'm happy to try the new Lux Soft Touch. From my experience, one bottle of Lux Body Wash can last up to three months which is a really long time giving you value for money.

Lux Soft Touch Body Wash SRP: Php55 for100ml and Php120 for 250ml.

To use, just pour a drop of body wash on your wash cloth/bath puff or on your hand and massage all over your body. The Lux Soft Touch is infused with French Rose and SilkEssence, it really smells so good!!! The freshness of the floral and fruity scent is just what I need in this heat! It's really a treat from my boring unscented soap.

 

I love it makes my skin silky smooth after bath!

The Lux Soft Touch's fragrance is expertly crafter by master perfumer, Calice Becker. The bar soap smells as good too but a little stronger than the body wash. I like that I have an option if want to use the body wash or the soap!

I like the super pretty design on the soap! Lux Soft Touch Bar Soap SRP: Php19.50 for 50g and Php39 for 100g.

With Lux Soft Touch, quick showers or long showers will always be enjoyable! It feels like summer with every bath. Promise! And you can win a gift pack of Lux Soft Touch for yourself by joining Lux's Instagram contest!

The mechanics are easy peasy! But first follow @luxph on Instagram, then...

1. Post a selfie.

2. Tell us why you love having fragrant skin.

3. Don't forget to hashtag #BatheWithLux and #LuxSoftTouch.

That's it! Easy right? Good luck!

Giveaway will run from from April 28 to May 28, 2016. Lux will select 20 winners of Lux Soft Touch gift pack.

For more information, check http://www.houseoflux.com.ph/

Facebook: Lux Philippines

Oh Hello Belo Baby!

Say hello to Belo's first ever range of products for the most delicate baby skin, Belo Baby. It was officially launched last week over an intimate lunch at Museum Cafe with Belo Baby's Mombassadors and fellow mommy bloggers.

The Belo Baby line: Belo Baby Bar Soap, Belo Baby Face and Body Lotion, Belo Baby Hair and Body Wash, Belo Baby Cologne.

As we entered Museum Cafe, we were asked what we are looking for when it comes to buying baby products, is it Safe, Natural or Gentle. What would you choose? I chose Gentle!

We were given a corresponding plush toy for the "team" we chose. I got that super cute musical sheep!

I was table mates with the SoMoms. We were all thrilled to see each other because we rarely see each other!

We had a light and very healthy but filling lunch.

Cristalle Belo Henares graced the launch where she talked more about Belo Baby and how they meticulously studied each product formulation.

Cristalle was a preschool teacher and loves kids that is why Belo Baby is also very dear to her. She is such a lovely lady!

Before Cristalle gave her talk, we had a little game about Belo Baby the good and bad ingredients for your baby's skin. It was a game but we were also learning a lot! Our table won but of course everyone went home a winner!

 We all got Belo SunExpert and I'm taking them with me on our weekend getaway! Thank you so much to the Belo group!

Ok back to babies ulit! Did you know that baby's skin is very sensitive and not fully developed, they're 20-30% thinner compare to adult skin and very permeable? Hence, it needs to kept in its purest form. The Belo Baby line is hypoallergenic and clinically proven to be gentle on the skin. Belo Baby took meticulous care in choosing not only which ingredients to put in, but which to leave out! It's is rich in Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Sweet Almond Oil.

Cocoa Butter has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and keeps the skin healthy.

Shea Butter is a know superfood for the skin. It naturally heals common skin conditions of babies like eczema and diaper rash!

Sweet Almond Oil is a natural emollient for softening skin. It has the ability to lock moisture into skin.

It didn't matter if we chose Safe, Gentle or Natural because Belo Baby is all that! Belo Baby is absolutely free of SLS, sulfates, parabens, pthalates, triclosan, formaldehyde and most common allergens. You can check the other harmful ingredients that Belo Baby left out in their products at Belo Baby's website.

Belo Baby was crafted with our baby's delicate skin and meticulous moms in mind.

During the launch, Belo Baby's Mombassadors were also introduced! I have been following their #BabyBarangay on Instagram for quite some time now and I've seen them on a few events but never really had the courage to talk to them until this event! Hihi! Nakakakilig just by talking to celebrity moms and models!

Say Hello to the Belo Baby Mombassadors Model Nicole Hernandez, Model/Host Patty Laurel, Model Kelly Misa with Cristalle Belo-Henares (Photo from @belobabylove). They each gave their testimonial about why they love Belo Baby!

I am so happy that Filipina moms now have more choices when it comes to bath and body products for our babies! And it has a seal of guarantee only from the brand and company that truly cares about beauty and skin! I can't wait to use my set of Belo Baby on me and my kids! I'll post about a review soon and a giveaway so you can Belo Baby on your babies too! Do watch out for that!

Belo Baby

Facebook: Belo Baby
Instagram: @belobabylove
Twitter: @belobabylove

#BeloBabyLove