Get Me out of this Mess!

Since baby is growing up, she is
1) becoming really active and restless and cannot stay in one place
2) accumulating more and more toys
3) growing taller now and can reach for more things on the drawer or bookshelf (to pull into the floor)

Yes, that is what's in store when you have a year-old baby. While I am happy about all these changes (she is also becoming more independent... can't wait for her to wipe her own ass hehe), I am not happy about the mess she is making! Our apartment is looking like one playground/nursery with her toys all over the place. And since we have no nanny at the moment, that means mom and dad are picking up after her.

It's time to look for the best storage for her toys and see what I can buy (that's the best part about it, going shopping AGAIN).

Toy Box/Toy Chest. I love toy chests! I always wanted one when I was a kid, I wanted to store my lil treasures in there and I thought it would be nice to keep it until I'm old enough to be someone's grandma. When tired of fixing baby's room, you can also sit down on the cushion of this lil princess toy box for some R & R. If you have a baby boy, why not get this circus one and when he is naughty, you can put them in there with a stuffed tiger?




Travel Box/Case. I like the idea of this box, it's foldable and you can put it aside if not needed. Also, it's multi-purpose and can be used for different things like files, laundry, porn films (oops), etc. This is also good for traveling and can be placed in your trunk. The suitcase idea is a bit cute, perfect when you feel like baby needs a day with grandma.




Toy hammock. Now, that is a cute idea for all of baby's stuffed dolls. I am lucky I have a bunk bed where I can put all of the dolls on top like they are watching over baby while she is asleep. Make sure stuffed toys should in the crib with her for safety reasons. I wonder if I can put my baby to sleep in this hammock as well. Guess not!



Bongo buckets. They look like trash cans but it makes cleaning up fun. Just throw the toys in the bin and whoever gets the most points wins a prize (like not having to wash the dishes, or better yet a new diaper bag). Choose the colors that match baby's room. Get one for your room as well if you don't have a hamper.



Toy Chain. Now, I am not so keen on this idea. Sure, it makes all the stuffed animals look cute by hanging in the room but I'm just afraid baby will either wrap it around her neck or try hanging on it too. We don't want baby to have any ideas about suicide just yet.



All available at Amazon.com.

Cash and Carry 2

Baby carriers seem to be the fashion statement of today's mom. Well, baby and mom are both "wearing" it, so it makes sense that it has to be stylish! There are tons of new carriers out there, depends on your personality and preference. Let me help you make the decision. Are you one of the following?

1. Pop- Cultured Mom
All-time favorite is Baby Bjorn. Almost all moms have this carrier, it's very comfortable, stylish and easy to use. I had one in black and white when baby was small (best for first six months). Unfortunately, she can't fit in this anymore. There are different models, Original, Air, Synergy, Active and the newly launched spirit in eight new colors. I love the hot pink and lime! If you feel you need to match your carrier with your outfit, feel free to take all! Notice that the photo is of dad using it, some men like this too so make sure it goes with daddy's tie. Or better yet, get him another color. US$69.95. Baby Bjorn is available at Mothercare (both in Hong Kong and Manila) and Bumps to Babes (Hong Kong).



2. Earth-Friendly Mama
For older babies, most moms use the Ergobaby carrier. One of my yummeemommy friends was using it yesterday and I had the chance to try it with baby. To my surprise, it was really comfy! I thought my baby was too big to be carried. This carrier has better weight distribution and won't hurt your back as much as the Bjorn. I love the camel and black color, has that "organic feel" or if you want a hot design, they've got the Hawaiian print. Ergobaby is just perfect for going up the Mid-levels Escalator or going around SoHo where prams are just not convenient. Celeb moms who love Ergobaby are Amanda Peet and Keri Russell. Ergobaby is available at Bumps to Babes or can be ordered online at US$99.95 at Ergobaby.



3. Outdoor Fanatic
If you think Ergobaby is a bit bulky, the Belle baby carrier has thinner straps and a sleeker look. What I like about it is baby can face outwards so she can see what's in front of her (instead of staring at my chest or my face) when walking. Belle is actually co-designed by rock-climbing enthusiasts so this carrier is safe for hiking and all outdoor activities. Other moms parading with Belle are Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts. Now, if this carrier doesn't get you a ticket to the Oscars, I don't know what. My fave are the Cheetah, Cherry and Capuccino styles for US$89.95 to US$99.95 at BelleBabyCarriers.



4. Brand- Conscious Mommy
If you are a celeb mom wannabe and don't really fancy Julia or Angelina, the best baby carrier for you is of course, Gucci. Yummee Mom Gwen Stefani just swears by it. This carrier is best for 3-9 months and costs US$730 so if baby is too big for the carrier, maybe you can put in your poodle to make the most out of it. Goes well with the Gucci diaper bag. Just make sure you don't wear your Gucci shoes too or else you would look like a walking logo!



5. Bohemian Babe
If style your priority, I think the Calyx is the must-have. The cute print is perfect for spring/summer and looks good with matching bandanna! Looks like the Ergobaby, just with floral fabrics. Perfect for strolling at the park or picking roses from the garden! US$129 at Mamabydesign.

All Boxed Up

Just got my daily dose of Who What Wear and boxy bags are in this summer! Best example is Chloe's Sally bag. I love the hue (it even matches my logo), makes me want some Grape skittles. This looks great while wearing a tailored top and white or khaki shorts. Although the strap reminds me of Chanel, it still has a unique chic look. And since there is a recession, it would be wise to go for a classic rather than trendy bag. Go for it at US$1995 (it's the same price as the limited edition Bugaboo!). Available at Net-A-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom.

AHA moment

The first sign that I was pregnant (and it was my Mom who noticed) was one big zit in the middle of my forehead. I have been one of those lucky women who never had pimples. Suddenly, this reddish spot just appeared out of nowhere. To my horror, I emailed the PR Manager from Murad in Hong Kong to tell her about what happened. I just had a Murad facial at the Elemis Spa and I blamed them for the big ugly thing on my face. I panicked and bought these acne products just to get rid of it.

I have been a fan of Murad for years since I tried this in Manila. I was doing a beauty product review for Metro Shopping and tried the Murad brightening facial at Rustan's. The result was just amazing that since then, Murad became my best friend (my fave was the orange line, perfect for my dry skin).

After a couple of years, I moved to Hong Kong and still wrote some spa reviews (this was one of the perks of my working for a magazine). I had my regular stash of complimentary beauty products. Good friends benefited from this too since I had one too many and felt greedy if I kept them all for myself. Bulgari, Babor, Lancome, Shu Uemura, Giorgio Armani cosmetics, name it! I had all of them but still loved my Murad. I also had the chance to meet Dr. Murad himself at a press conference in Hong Kong in 2006. Great guy! Great stuff!

Going back to my story, I later on found out that the Murad facial was not the culprit for my horrible zit. I was 2 months pregnant! Thanks to the good ol' pregnancy stick. Oops! I had to call my friend from Elemis to tell her the good news (she is not losing her job! kidding!) I had to stop using the anti-acne products because some ingredients are not safe for pregnant women. Retinoids and salicylic acid could be harmful for the baby. I had to choose, healthy skin or healthy baby? I guess I had no choice but choose the latter.

If you are not sure about the products you are using (and that goes for hair too), I suggest you check with your doctor. For more information about ingredients you need to stay clear of, visit the Babycentre website.

The next time you see a zit, think twice, you might be pregnant!

Cash and Carry!

Gone are the days when just cars and diamonds are status symbols! Now, even prams and believe it or not, baby carriers are fashionable! And they are not cheap? So if you do not have a baby yet, go ahead and make one, they are the the best accessory!

Prams we Love to Own:

Bugaboo. There's a frog, bee and cameleon! Cameleon is the best option for newborns (US$650- $800). What I like are the Paul Frank accessories you can buy to dress it up! The limited edition by Bas Kosters is even more expensive at US$2000! Umm, I can already buy a nice bag for that price.




Quinny. Buzz (Version 3 and 4) and Zapp. Sounds like names of robots and this pram looks like one! If you have a newborn, it's a must to get the Dreami cot (but with my experience, baby did not use this for long and preferred the Maxi Cosi where she can see things around her). US$550 without the Dreami and Maxi Cosi yet.



Maclaren. The lightest pram of all. Perfect for traveling, not weight-lifting. For newborns, the Techno XLR is recommended. Love the Kate Spade (US$325) or Juicy Couture (US$450) versions for baby girl. There's also one by Burberry (US$690) and Lacoste (US$399) for baby boy.



Fendi by Aprica. I'm not sure about the functionality but you are definitely paying for the logos at US$1600. Love the fur version for Winter! How chic is that?



Cash and Carry Part 2 on Baby Carriers Coming Up Soon!

Rhyme and Reason

Hickory dickory dick. Oops! Row row row your boat gently down the... street... umm stream! How can I teach my baby her nursery rhymes if I don't know them myself! Ugh! Good thing there are CDs and DVDs that I can just play now. I was given a Fisher Price book/toy that is so useful, and all I have to do is press the button and some recorded voice sings it better than me.

That's the thing about having children, you have to be involved in their activities and try (at least try) to play at their level. I guess that's why there are playgroups around. When it's just me and baby at home, the games we play are a bit limited, only because I don't really know what I should be teaching her (or I'm just sleepy!)

That's why I miss having family around, there are different family members who can attend to baby and she can learn from each one. Now, it's just her and me against the world (I think that is a bit melodramatic).

Good thing there is internet! Some sites recommend the following games to play with baby when she is a year old:

1. Play with puppets or stuffed dolls if she is not allergic and pretend they are actual characters. Come up with a story or tickle baby's feet. Ex. Elmo wants to sniff baby's stinky feet...

2. There are some erasable crayons for babies, even some they can use in the tub. Gives them a chance to learn about colors and art. (Red is for wine, Green is for...)

3. Peek-a-boo or Hide and Seek. Babies really love this game and if you need her to laugh, this is a sure ball! Just make sure you don't disappear forever.

4. Babies love running after balls, holding them or just pushing them. My baby just loves being in a playpen of balls at her baby gym class or likes to play bowling in our indoor playground downstairs. (Strike! Oops, it's not the ball, it's baby who fell over the pins.)

Of course these games would be even better if she has friends she can play with. Good thing, I'm seeing some yummeemommies tomorrow with their kids! I need my sanity.

Can You Do Me a Favor?

As usual, I'm procrastinating with my baby's first birthday plans. I finally remembered (blame the epidural) where I can get party favors. I remember having a personalized cake done for my hubby (his picture was on it and it was really nice!). Too bad that night we were drunk and left it in the trunk of our cab along with all his gifts. Boo!

Anyway, moving on for party favors/birthday cakes/ballons in Hong Kong, you can go to: Complete Deelite in D'Aguilar St. Lan Kwai Fong (Yey, just checked and they have Powerpuff!) or Sweetsecrets in Central and Causeway Bay.

My friend also recommended I check out Birthday Express for party favors I can buy online. Just worried it won't come on time.

The next question is what do the kids do? If she is a year old and other guests are still babies, what program do I prepare? I am used to organizing cocktails, balls, and other special events for work but this is something new to me! I remember (from pictures) that for my first birthday party, I had a clown and was not happy about it. That's just about it.

Hmm, I think children's party organizers is actually a good business. Most Moms (especially those who are working) either do not have the time to do this or has just has no clue! One to check out in Hong Kong is Fun House and Party Animals. If you plan to save on costs and do this on your own, check Cookie magazine or Amazing Moms for some advice.

If you don't want to worry about food, there's the ever-reliable Gingers (they provided food for M1NT before), Bite Me, or Delicious. As for me, I'd go for cheap and cheerful Aling Lydia for her famous barbeque and hubby for his yummy pasta.

Now, I'm getting excited! I better get my butt moving... Going to Cartoon Network this afternoon for the second ocular! Yahoo!