Maclaren Recall

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Maclaren is voluntarily recalling all of their umbrella strollers sold in the U.S. The models include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.

The elbow joint on the umbrella stroller's side hinge mechanism can pose a potential "finger hazard" to a child when someone is opening or closing the stroller or when the child is getting in the stroller. Fingertips can get amputated or lacerated in the hinge of the stroller.

Please contact Maclaren at www.maclaren.us/recall or toll-free at 877-688-2326 to obtain a kit that contains a hinge cover that will keep your child's fingers injury-free.

It's nice that Maclaren, just like any other brand in the USA, is responsible enough to admit to this hazard. Only goes to show that here in the Philippines is customer service hell. I don't remember an instance where a Pinoy brand actually did a recall. Hmm...

Link

Two years ago, I blogged about my quasi-obsession with Maclaren due to this stroller I saw online

It's soo cute!! Sadly I never got to buy it. It will forever be on my frustration list.

This brings me think of what stroller I wanna buy SHOULD i decide, no, make that accidentally, get pregnant again.
I do not want anymore kids. I don't think I can still handle the stress. I don't think my body can still cope. And most importantly, I want to make sure we can provide them a good life.

Anyway, being the stroller snob that I am, I'm lusting over these
Bugaboo Bee. This came out I think a week after I bought the kids' Maclaren Techno XT. I would have loved to get this
Of course, not in this color. Maybe in red. I'm just not too sure about the height. I prefer kids to be higher. The better I can reach and the better I can talk and see. I'm just guessing but I think this is priced at Php 34,000. imgsrc

Next is Stokke Xplory. I'm in love with this. But it's just too pricey. I wanted this before Maclaren but it wasn't locally available. Two months ago, I saw it in Rustan's with a very hefty tag of Php 80,+++. Good heavens! A few more thousands and it's almost at the same price of my current dream laptop. imgsrc

Last on my list is Silver Cross Dazzle. I would love to have their pram but it's not advisable for Philippines. So I'd settle for this Php 21,+++ stroller.

Cute, cute! It looks like a morphed version of Maclaren but better. I love it! Now only if my kids agree to ride on their stroller. Maybe I could convert to this. But the harsh reality is, they don't and they never liked riding. Haay..

Maybe that's why I lust for all these strollers.
And also on feeding bottles. I'm always on the lookout for the best bottles.
It's frustration too because my kids NEVER liked the bottle. As in NE-VAH!
My kids are all high-need and high-maintenance.

Oh well.
So much for that.

Now, Let's Proceed. Shall We..

Monday, November 8, 2009
4pm, I got a call from P asking when I could drop by so he can offer the contract.

430PM, I arrived Infosys in Market! Market!

I got served 5pm-ish


The offer was:
Basic pay of Php 17,000
Non taxable allowance of Php 2000
Variable pay of Php 500
Plus 24 leaves

If i were married without kids, I would accept this offer. This, together with ze husband's salary, we can pay for amortization in a decent condo in our preferred location.


But reality is, I have two kids. Two kids that are at the critical stage of absorbing everything. At the stage of grasping things around them. At the stage of finding affirmation and safety from a parent.
And the amount above is not my nett. There's stupid taxes and expenses.
Assuming tax is Php 2000.

Php 17000 + 2000 = Php 19000
Less Php 2000 taxes
Less Php 5000 for two yayas. I currently have one
Less Php 3000 contribution at home. Yayas eat a lot!
Less Php 3000 monthly grocery for kids

I only have Php 6000 left. And I still have to eat my lunch and dinner while at work plus fare. Plus clothing allowance. I can't afford to look like a drab.

So it's like I would be working just so I can pay an additional yaya. Working means I would spent a lot less of time with my bagets.
BPO company = long hours. I have no problems with that, only, I have kids now.

NO, thank you.

Honestly, even if I receive a lot more than that, I still don't think I can trade my kids for it.

It was irresponsible of me to think I would receive more. And the job I'd get would require no overtime.

Oh well.

I am built for this.
Being a SAHM has always been my dream.
BUT there will always be room for being a WAHM.

Oh Mah Lawd! Does This Mean....

Should I or should I not stoop down to the lowest level where you are in?

Wag na lang siguro. Bibigyan pa kita ng airtime..
Get your own domain. Pay for it. And leave me alone. Besides we're not on the same wavelength and, much I hate to say it.. ___. Shux, I just realized I can't be ruthless. Fill in the blank.

In WWW, keywords and keyword density. Ergo, DSLR and pocket camcorder.
Go figure.


Tss..

Intriga Yan Ha...

Let me just post my reply:

I'm sorry if I'm giving you that impression.

You see, my poor smartphone doesn't have autofocus. Whenever I try to capture my son's moments, it ends up really blurry. It doesn't do justice to what he does.

Also, my poor phone doesn't have a video recorder. My kids are toddler aged. They like moving around.

I have a DSLR that is perfect for images. That, I try to use everytime but once I go and grab it, the moment is done.

You know how babies are, they are unpredictable. I can't keep holding my DSLR all day and wait. I have other things to do.

But don't worry, I already ordered a pocket camcorder. I'm sure it's on its way here in Philippine shores. It takes still shots too, i hope with autofocus.

Actually, even if it's not yet on my hands, I already know what to capture. I just wish once my Zi8 reaches me, Mateo's not yet tired of dancing to Barney songs.


And oh, have I told you that boys talk later than girls? My boy is only 1 year and 2 months. It usually starts 1 yr and 6 months. Sorry, my baby is not advanced. He's average lang.

But he can say em-mo for elmo. Mee for milk. Ata for ate. Itch for itch. Ba for bath. I hope that's okay? And he can follow one-step instructions already. Ok lang ba yun for you? Sorry ha?


Lastly, I hope next time, should you ever read me again, please leave a name so I can address you properly, MA'AM. :))

Hoping for your understanding.

Lots of love,
Lil

Laser Hair Removal

Once you look at what's inside my closet, you will notice that I am very much a sleeveless person.

Tank tops, Halter tops, Sleeveless. Everything that can bare my arms and my armpits.

I've pretty much been confident of them. I take care of them since time immemorial. I make sure they would appeal to ze husband. Hahaha. And mind you, he is not easy to please.

A year ago, it has come to a point where I started feeling lazy of plucking and shaving.
I just didn't have enough time. I have two kids that need a lot of attention. I am not complaining.


A few weeks back, when I was about to reach for VEET, I thought to myself:

"I'm getting tired of this."

Off I went to research about Laser Hair Removal.

And I AM SOLD!

I see it not as an expense. I don't think it's an investment either.

Whatever it is, I think it will be worth my money. Ze husband agrees with me on that. I love it that he agrees with me on everything and that we have the same interests.

I am elated!!!
I can't wait for Saturday. Woohoo!!
Freedom!

+++++
FACTS:

• Facial Care Centre charges Php 3800 per session on an average. A package consists of 8 sessions. Do the math.
• Dermstrata, Let's Face it, and Clarity for Healthway charge at around the same rate of FCC.
• I found a dermatologist that charges only Php 1500 per session.
• On an average, it takes 6-8 sessions before you can totally eliminate all the hair. It depends on the hair growth.
• TAKE NOTE that if you still plan to conceive, this is NOT for you. It will grow back. That's what happened to my sister. She had it done in Facial Care Centre. She was advised but she still wanted to get pregnant. She needs to have a booster shot for it.

Aside from the savings, I prefer to go to the derma. At least a doctor will administer it not like in FCC or anywhere else, just some trained aestheticians.

I am so excited. Early Christmas for me. :))

This is how the procedure is done.

Surprising. Yet Again.

In Market! Market!

Me: Where or what do you want to eat?

Monica: (points to Tokyo Tokyo) There. Potato balls and rice.

Note that she has only eaten there once. Way back August or September.

Me: Are you sure you're gonna eat potato balls and rice?

Monica: Yes, remember daddy and Monica eat there? And Mateo and you?

Me: (speechless)

After a few minutes, I told her.

I miss Daddy.

Monica: ME TOO. But daddy's in ship working.

Update + Repost

Over a year ago, I blogged about this

Lemme just copy-paste, ok?

WAITING FOR MY IDEAL WEIGHT

August 7, 2008
I weighed a whopping 148 lbs. I gained 43 lbs throughout my pregnancy. 3 lbs greater when I was pregnant with Monica.

August 9, 2008
The first thing I did when I managed to walk post-operation was to weigh myself. No, I didn't go to the nursery first. Hahaha. My weight, 138 lbs-- 10 lbs lighter only!??

I came out of the hospital looking like 6 months pregnant. Sh*t! I didn't want to look at myself in front of the mirror. And up until now.

Then a week after, i looked 4 months pregnant.

August 20, 2008
I can't believe I weighed 136 lbs! I thought I had to do something about it but I can't. My body won't let me.

August 29, 2008
I am now 27 lbs away from my ideal weight. 127 lbs. is not bad, right? After 3 weeks, I already lost 21 lbs. Nge, i have more pounds to lose than the pounds i lost. Iskeri!

My plan:
Do hiphop abs and whatever fitness regimen i can find. I need to act soonest or else my fats would love my body so much that they won't want to leave anymore. NO!!!!! THAT CAN NEVER AND SHOULD NOT HAPPEN! I will not allow it!

UPDATE:
September 8, 2008
I now weigh 121 lbs..

So I've tried hiphop abs, twice or thrice. I liked it, except that, it would be better if I had someone to do it with. I have to do better because babylove will be coming home in a month!



+++++++++

I never pursued hiphop abs. It was just imposible because while Mateo was asleep, I took the time to bond with Monica.

I enrolled in Fitness First and wasted a lot of money without never going back after I paid the sign up fee.


And now, a year after that post,
I weigh myself and...

currently at 108 lbs.

Not bad. Not bad at all. Given my height and after 2 babies.

But I still have to lose 8lbs before I can truly be happy. It may seem shallow to some but I'm like that.

Yes, I do find happiness in charity, helping other people, raising my kids and all of those "idealistic" stuff.

BUT I love myself too much. And you can only be (relatively) young once. Life is too short!

ENJOY FASHION!

So, on Monday, off I go to Serendra to check out Curves, a soon-to-open fitness center EXLUSIVELY for women.

I hope (but i highly doubt given the location) i can afford the program.

Principles VS Aspirations

Title is inspired from one of my recent Facebook updates.



A little over a year ago, I was working for a BPO industry as told here.

When I gave birth to Monica, I dreaded the fact of going back to work, remember this?

Once I went back to work, I took om some new challenges.

Not long after, the guilt and desire of being SAHM, haunted me every single day. Day in, Day out.


SO with those links, it's really obvious how I got frustrated and depressed every single day of working--leaving my baby at home.

It wasn't a surprise that I finally did this.

In the office. I had to bring 3-month old Monica with me in the office just so I can feed her. She is a high-need baby--look it up. I had to wear tube tops in the office for easy feeding. Of course I'd wear something on top during interviews. Hahaha. I would go to work 12nn and go home 12-14 hours after. Come to think of it, was I a workaholic or self-imposed slave?

I was so firm with:
*** raising my own kids
*** spend as much time as I can with my kids
*** attachment parenting
*** breastfeeding

And I still am. But somehow I forgot about it.
Maybe because
*** I've been spending too much time with my kids.
*** I still can't think of a business
*** dear husband and I have been to engrossed in owning our own home right away.
*** I know that once I go back to work, I can have a lot of time for myself even after work hours
*** I've been lemming on a lot of stuff.


BUT don't get me wrong. Whenever I think about going back to work,
>>> I get goosebumps, literally.
>>> I get racing heartbeats.
>>> Cold sweat, i swear!
>>> I get really dizzy over thinking about a lot of stuff. Pros and Cons. SWOT analysis as you may call it.

I never end up with a decision because I think too much. My thoughts get all tangled up.

Right now, I guess I had to just go back to my "roots". I had to read my previous posts just so I won't go astray with what I really want

and

what i was built for. A mom. A stay at home mom.

I don't think I will ever be ready to replace this
over money. I've said that before in one of my posts.

Oh yes, Money can really be so blinding.

Plan B:
Think of a creative business idea FAST!!

I love my kids. Period.

Job Application

The other night, I got a call from the sole company I applied for that I was actually considered/ chosen for the position I applied for, recruiter. Let's not use any technical terms here.

Surprising because I wasn't expecting it anymore. Why? I applied July 2009.
After several interviews including one which I consider the worst interview/ interviewer I ever had.

She had the most vague questions. And she is guilty of asking multiple questions in one go that I didn't know which to answer anymore. If i do try to answer, she gives me this look or statement that implies I didn't understand her question/ questionS!

She is also in front of a PC, nothing wrong with that. Well, I don't really know what she was doing--transcribing our conversation, chatting or i hope, real work duties.

What I didn't like was she was too busy with it that she couldn't understand me anymore. Again giving me the look of poor comprehension.

I'm not stupid, ok?!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday, I went to the office way ahead of the scheduled time so I can view the contract. I arrived 1pm, but the guard told me that P will only arrive by 3pm(!!!!)

I have never done that to an applicant!! EVER!!

I have kids, you know! And a sick mother! I didn't wanna go anymore actually but I didn't wanna leave a bad record.

So we waited in Market! Market! Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock

3pm, I got a call, informing me that the new HR director wants to see me first. Oh darn, another interview. Labo!

So I waited for a good 30 minutes. Tsk, tsk.
Then the interview.

It went well.

Super went well, that, let's just say I got accepted.

Now, on to the real problem.

Mateo Issues

Not a day passes by without my baby boy hitting his head on the floor or on the wall.

He has a habit of intentionally doing it when he's crying. I guess that's how he expresses his anger. But it's just soo wrong AND dangerous. I fear that he might develop some neurological disorder like epilepsy or something, GOD forbid.

I've been searching for some head gear to protect his very young skull.
So far, this is what I've only found.

Baby No Bumps – Safety Helmet^® is a protective hat made of the highest density foam, covered with top quality colorfast cotton. This baby guard comes in bright, colorful child-like prints suitable for both boys and girls, is fully washable, and adjusts in the back with Velcro® fastening so one size fits all. The openings on the top of the helmet are designed to ventilate and help keep your child’s head cool.

Baby No Bumps can be fitted over toques and many other hats so it can be worn outdoors, too. The hat is very light in weight, ties under the chin, and after a few seconds most children are not aware that they have it on.

Priced at $30.

And another one

'm not sure about the price since I didn't check it anymore. All I know is that this is by an Italian brand Okbaby. imgsrc

And this one,

Price is $30


So I'm a little bit hesitant in buying the first one. I really don't think Mateo will wear any of these. He can't even stand a blanket at night. And it's always a struggle to dress him up.

But we'll see.

Pancake House

Monday, November 2, left the house again with Monica. I can't remember why. All I know is that I had a valid reason. Hahahaha.

We just took a cab going to, where else? Market! Market!

On the third hour we were there, I asked her,

"Monica, where do you want to eat?

She answered,

"Pancake house"

WOW!! I swear to God, I didn't teach her that. Not even my mother, I asked her too. I think it will forever be a mystery to me.

Once seated in Pancake House, I asked my 2 year old what she wanted,

"Cheese with pancake"

I laughed about it because I really haven't seen her eat cheese. Well, except for cream cheese. Which doesn't really taste too much of the traditional cheese.

I was checking the menu for my order, and lo and behold!

There really was Pancake with cheese!!

Maybe she just felt like saying cheese but I highly doubt it.

I can't remember eating there with her and ordering that.

I swear!

While eating her pancake and I was having my Cinnamon toast, she faced me and said

"Mommy, look, two. I can do two already."

I couldn't help but smile.
She has been practising that even before she turned two. Must be hard. And now, she does it so easily.
Ignore that smile, she does that to tease me. She knows I hate that kind. The dad calls it sakmol or underbite in English.

My Kids Without A Yaya

My kids in Market! Market! on a weekday. I was with my mother but she goes her own way and we only meet when we have snacks.

You know how I do it? I make sure I leave the house at a time when I know one of them will take their nap already. That way, one stays in the stroller and the other one is awake. By the time, the kid wakes up, it's time to go home already.

It also helps that they are both manageable in the mall. In fact, more tamed than we are at home.

An Attempt To Be Socially Responsible And Then Some

Confession: I only want to register in Comelec for the Voter's ID. That's it.
I don't care about what some of you say.

I have been planning to go to a Comelec office with ze husband but it always got postponed for reasons we can't remember anymore.

Last week, I went out of my way and even left my kids at home. I even rode a jeepney (after soo many years!) hahaha. It was so much fun! I missed riding a jeepney!

I went straight to Glorietta 4 and this is what I saw:

A hall full of people from various social classes. It wasn't even aircon. Well, if it was, it didn't seem like it. And, man! The smell!! I couldn't take it! I can take the much of people but my nose can't bear it. I'm sorry, but I really can't. And besides those MAPSA guys refused to give me forms, kept telling people it was way beyond cutoff already.

So I decided to take advantage of my time alone by shopping for some more Christmas gifts. Well, I've actually just shortlisted. I still have to ask for ze husband's opinion.

Inside Marks & Spencer, I saw these:

I definitely need these after 2 kids in a matter of 2 years. Let's just see if it really works. I'm excited to buy it. It's just Php 2450.
I'm a big fan of their underwear. Then I gave birth and found it unreasonable to buy a decent bra when I will just be breastfeeding and my kids will just keep pulling it. Hindi ko kaya. Then La Senza came and the designs and price are irresistible. I bought a couple and found them to be a bit hard to wear because of the print. Especially that most of my clothes are sheer, plain, and a little bit on the tight side. Once I'm done weaning my boy, I will be back to rewarding myself some decent bra.

How to: Make Kids Sleep

Whenever I have a chance, I bring the kids to Serendra or High Street. It's a place they love--they run around, go to fully booked, have some fro-yo and big dinner plates.

I love that place because once we go home, they are so tired that it's so easy for me to put them to sleep. Hahahaha. Also, aside from the fact that i love checking out the stores too. Naghahanap ng mapapagkagastusan, so to speak.

Last October 26, I was so tired of taking care of the young ones, I decided to join the fam in Serendra. I made them run, climb, walk, slide, go up and down the benches and stairs. Bahala sila. Nobody got hurt don't worry.

That's Monica at 11PM, still so energized.

And here is Mateo.

We went home afterwards and was too suprised that they had enough energy to play for a couple of hours more.

Well, at least, Mateo didn't wake up several times in the middle of the night as he was probably exhausted.

Kids, how will you grow taller?

Found: Toddler Bowl

When it comes to feeding kids, I really do not have the patience for that.

I don't like the feeling of waiting for a kid to finish chewing just so I can give him another spoon.

Reason why I train my kids with BLW or baby-led weaning. They feed on themselves.

Monica is such a hassle-free baby. I like calling her that.
She is so hassle-free, she started eating on her own at 6 months and now she's 2 years and 5 months.

As for Mateo, I understand he is a boy, but I don't wanna make that as an excuse. I hate double standards.

He's 1 year and 2 months and still learning how to feed on hiw own properly. It's a struggle that ends up in crying.

He would spill food. He does it intentionally. He likes it. Wherever did he learn that? I have no idea!

I bought a food bowl with suction cup from Munchkin and he would still force it out of the high chair. Result? Spilled food.

Now this I found over at Think Geek

It says:

The Loopa Bowl is a weighted bowl attached to an outer ring. That ring is attached to another ring. This outside ring has handgrips for your geeklings to tote it around. Looking something like the planet Saturn ('cause of the rings, duh), this multiple ring system keeps the weighted center bowl upright. And if it's upright, it shouldn't be spilling its goodies all over the place. If the world's space agencies were run by children, the Loopa Bowl would surely be the bowl to accompany babies into space.

Ain't that sweeet?
Priced at $10

[imgsrc]

What To Expect

Do expect to view more nonsense posts.

Hahaha.

Nonsense, in the sense that, (huh? ang labo!) I will just be posting some goodies that I have found online that I find appealing or interesting.

Do watch out as I try to decide if I should publicize my other blogs.

Much love,
Lil

My Dugyot Boy

Sometimes I think he's not my son. That he's not part of our little family.
Hahahaha. Mean Mom.

Why?

Because he likes to get dirty. He loves touching messy stuff. He likes being in messy places.
He finds pleasure in scattering things and toys.

You see, my love and I, we are very neat (feeling!) and dislike disorganization. Wait, did I say that right?

Point is, we hate waste, dirt, and mess.

Now my baby boy Mateo has a favorite spot in the house.

He'd always sit there and rub his legs and feet. He'd tinker those grooves on the tiles with his fingers. Yuck!

But at night, before going to sleep, he's such a sweet boy cuddling me and his sister.

San Miguel By The Bay

I don't find this place appealing at all. Not at all.

I don't care if Mall of Asia is one of the biggest malls in Asia. Though I love their parking lot.

I feel like it's too far and it feels cheap even if there are a lot of high-street brands there. I don't really care.

PLUS they are totally not family-friendly.

On the three times I've been there, they really don't allow strollers on the escalator. With a two-storey mall, like that, you have to use pa the elevator!!

HASSLE!!

Don't they know I'm such a pro? *snicker*

Anyway, we went there last week to have dinner in one of those paluto restaurants which I'm not really fond of.

At Home

This is what Monica does at home when she's not playing with her iPod Touch.She keeps walking around, carrying bags, putting stuff on her hair, over her shoulder, around her neck. She pretends that she will go to S&R, High Street, Glorietta and school.

That's been her usual play since she was about 1.5 years old. She hasn't changed at all.

Do you notice that I still make her wear onesies? Hahaha. Those are too small for her but works as a shirt.

The CRUZ cousins. In Chateau Elysee

Mateo's having fun playing horsey with Yves

A rare photo of mine in this blog. Maybe I should start posting more?

A Failed Attempt

When my yaya went on vacation (supposedly), I sorta promised myself to not go out of the house.

But knowing me, I really don't have palabra de honor for shallow stuff like these. Hahaha. When I know it's nothing serious and not life-changing, I don't hesitate on taking back my words.

Day 1.
I gave in and decided to go out.
Weekends are just too hard to resist. The family went to Serendra and I treated them for dinner in Abe.

Monica too sleepy to walk. She has the most awkward sleeping positions ever.

In Marta's insisting to decorate her own cupcake. Who am I to say "no" to a very creative and smart 2-year old?

There's her finished product. She kept adding colors, then eat them, then add some more.

The toddler cousins. Vamee, Julio, MONICA, Nia

Then we went to Fully Booked, which I think I have blogged about earlier

So there's my failed attempt number 1 of just staying at home.

Car Maintenance

Nope, not mine. Thank goodness.

By next week, my parents will be getting a Ford Everest straight from Ford Philippines.

It's not brand-new. It's been used for only a year.
My brother-in-law who works in Ford as an AVP leased it and decided to have an upgrade. And with that, the company places the leased units up for bidding. But since my BIL requested, the unit will be sold directly to my parents.

The unit is in perfect condition. The good thing about Ford is when a unit is leased, Ford takes care of everything. As in everything.

Reason why my father is sort of busy looking at some diesel fuel pump just in case they might need it in the future.

If you'll ask me, I'm not too fond of Ford Everest, getting in the third row is such a hassle. and it leaves little room at the back for strollers and other cargo.

On a side note, ze husband and I are dreaming of owning a Range Rover someday for our little family. And probably a BMW just for the two of us.

I said, dreaming, ok?

Well, it's more of secret-ing. Hahahaha!!

Ebook

Last weekend, on a spur of the moment, I took the family out for dinner in Serendra.

Conti's was as usual jampacked so we settled for Abe. We settled on a very long table outside which is very convenient for our big family with noisy kids.

Take note that I didn't have a yaya that time and I practically had to take care of my two kids alone. I just can't depend on others. I feel like it's against my principles.

Anyhoo, after the usual dinner, we went to Fully Booked for the kids' regular/ required visit.
They have to visit or it's war night.

Whenever I go inside, a single whiff of the air from inside gives me a natural high. I just love, love, love the smell of books and papers and pens.

I left my kids in the reading area while I did my rounds in the family, health, relationships, fitness, and philosophy sections. PURE LOVE and LUST.

It's hard for me to resist books. My only rule is to not exceed Php 2000.
But I do feel guilty after a book spree. Especially that I'm not the one who works for the money.

Which brings me back to this idea of just doing pdf search online. I'm sure I could find something and it would cost me nothing!

But of course, I'm gonna check if they're legal.