Subscribe:

31 December 2011

happy new year!

It has been a week since my last post, Christmas Season with a baby is indeed no joke most specially now that she is beginning to walk by herself. At the end of the day, I am so (dead)tired to blog and to think that I am also breastfeeding during night feedings. 

I also got hooked up preparing for my daughter's first birthday party on January 6th, much to say, I can say I'm really excited and looking forward to it.

2011 in Recap

As I am saying, the year 2011 has been a good one for me. It made me a new person who is now called "Mommy"...It was one helluva ride being a new mom but I enjoyed every minute of it. The struggle with breastfeeding, the lack of sleep, the challenge of rearing our child single-handedly (for now), made it all worth it. Before the year ended (exact date : December 28) we received a very pleasant surprise, the one we (my husband and I) had been dreaming of for a long time and that's one reason why I am looking forward to 2012 with much delight. I know this surprise will definitely change our life and our future (will share more details of this surprise soon...)

For the meantime, I am looking forward to a better 2012, more posts to write, more friends to know here in the blogoshere. Happy New Year everyone and may we all start the year with a bang!

23 December 2011

My Thanksgiving Christmas Giveaway-Prelude

It's the most wonderful time of the year, actually I Love Christmas because I like wrapping and giving gifts (I will not mention the part that I don't like about it-maybe on other posts,hehe)...

I have so many things to be thankful for this year, the first and foremost and also the best of all is the birth of my daughter early this year. She has completely changed everything about my life. She will be turning a year old on January 6th, I can't imagine how time really flies so fast. I have discovered the world of blogging because of her. During those sleepless nights and in between breastfeeding, I have turned to several mom blogs to find support for breastfeeding and first time moms like me, hence, I have known the blogoshere. 

I had been inclined to joining online contests and giveaways in Facebook as a form of leisure activity for me, I was indeed lucky to have won several contests and that's where it all started. I formally started with blogging on August of this year, with the main purpose of documenting things that interest me the most, then I discovered that there's more to blogging. I never knew then of PR rating, of Alexa stats, of linking, of memes, of Google Analytics, of meeting virtual friends. I find blogging therapeutic, a stress reliever for a full time (breastfeeding) mom like me. With that I wanted to give back what blogging has shared with me, I am sponsoring a Christmas Giveaway as a thanksgiving for my 120 plus (and counting) GFC followers and for the success of this endeavor. I hope to bring some smile to other bloggers like me who loves to join contests. 

18 December 2011

help CDO and ILIGAN!


I saw the news tonight and I was really fighting tears seeing our fellowmen from Iligan and CDO face devastation. It seems my heart was coming out of my chest to see babies being evacuated despite the rain and cold, wrapped in blankets. I can almost see my own daughter (who is sleeping peacefully beside me now as I am writing this) in them, to think that it is also almost Christmas. Earlier today, I was planning of going to the mall tomorrow to buy some stuff for Ceana, but felt so unfair to do so because of the havoc that our fellowmen experienced. 

As I searched the internet for readings, I saw this heartbreaking picture of a father holding the dead body of her daughter and I can't help the tears. You can feel the agony and grief of a parent, it's beyond any words can describe. You can also notice that no smile can be seen from the other people in the background. Indeed you cannot smile during times like this...this is just of of the many snapshots of the wreck caused by Sendong.



I AM CALLING THE ATTENTION OF ALL BLOGGERS, if you want to donate, you can do so by sending CASH thru Paypal, (I did) using ILIGAN BLOGGERS SOCIETY , feel free to donate a dollar (or more) by using THIS LINK and you can confirm your donation by clicking THIS. The only email address they use for Paypal is singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com. For donation drops, please read this DOCUMENT for more information. 


thru CDO BLOGGERS : Paypal donations are accepted through Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, the email is : francis.siason@gmail.com



LBC also accepts donations-bottled water, food, blankets, clothes, medicines, etc. They will ship it for FREE and distribute to the cities that need assistance. Just go to your nearest branch and bring in your stuff. {I guess this will be our itinerary for tomorrow-I will bring some of Ceana's clothes and mine too to donate plus I am going to ask for some other family members}.

I guess these two ways will do for now. 

Let's make this season more meaningful by sharing our blessings, being thankful that we still have our families and loved ones with us this Holiday season. 

15 December 2011

after 48 years

Finally I had a "me time"! I did regular visits to  spas and facial centers when I was single. It is my indulgence and at the same a form of rewarding myself. 

On the contrary, I haven't visited a spa and a facial center after I got pregnant!The last sessions I had was before my husband and I went on to our second honeymoon on April 2010 and that's when my daughter was conceived. 
I was glad to have found Metrodeal's offer way back in September, a Dermcare Diamond Peel session worth 900 and you get to pay only Php 250. I bought 2 vouchers, and was able to use them last November 30 at Dermcare SM City San Pablo. Apart from the Diamond Peel, I have paid additional Php 150 for anti ageing mask as shown in the picture below :


pardon me if I look like an old ghost!
the mummified look!

I was anxious before the treatment actually since I just left my daughter under the care of my 18-year old niece and 12-year old nephew strolling in the mall, but I took the risk because there's no better time to do it. I was imagining that they will just barge in the clinic with a wailing baby looking for her mommy and the session will be terminated (my daughter is not used of being separated from me for a long period of time, blame it to breastfeeding and being a stay at home mom!) I was sure lucky enough it didn't happen. I was able to survive not only the pricking (ouch!) but also my daughter's tantrum.
{Metrodeal had an offer again last week and I bought 2 vouchers again that I am planning to use early next year. Meanwhile, I am planning of when to use the other voucher I bought earlier, maybe before New Year.}

I had a great experience with the treatment-the exfoliation and the removal of my blackheads was simply amazing, after not having done it for more than a year. I am definitely looking forward for another session. Pink headband-courtesy of dermcare for Pink Fridays, white mask for Wednesday Whites and the entire experience is a Mommy Moment!


Sharing for 



where'd our money go?

2011 started with a blast on our expenses, I delivered via C-section (no need to tell you how much it cost us!) and as they all say "the expenses came one after the other after the baby came". 

Thanks to breastfeeding (and I really mean it!) because we were able to save a lot  as compared to using formula, instead the budget was allocated for other needs like diaper, vaccines, monthly check ups, vitamins, baby's other needs-clothing, her food (fruits, cookies, water) etc. I've hired a househelp until May until she left and I did not bother to get another one after her because it gave me so much headache and stress. I am a full time (stay at home) mom, so in short I really don't have any source of income until I started blogging in August. I got paid for some posts I wrote but this is not a regular one (YET-I hope it will be soon). Aside from that, I engaged in some buy and sell transactions of Victoria's Secret products which came from a friend's Balikbayan Box (this is also to help her out liquidate the good for her family's needs) but then again this is seasonal.

Part of the monthly remittance I received from my husband goes out to food and contribution to the house needs as we are living with my parents.

Aside from the things mentioned above, we also spent for Ceana's Christening way back in April and now we are preparing for her First Birthday In January. So I guess when everything's done we will be able to save up a little bit more by next year. I hope to be able to look for additional sources of income and more paid posts to do.

Hope we''ll all have a prosperous year next year!

Sharing for

14 December 2011

Breastfeeding Gifts



Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (December). For this month, we want to honor breastfeeding for having enriched our lives and blessed us, may be even empowered us, in a way that only breastfeeding can. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants.



Breastfeeding had been a pre-planned pursuit at the onset of my pregnancy. Having known and read the importance and good benefits of breastfeeding makes me yearn for the day when I can finally do it. When my daughter was placed in my arms for feeding after recovery from my C-section, I realized that it was not an easy task to do after all. I did not attend breastfeeding classes nor asked for guidance of some expert. All I did was some reading online on whatever possible information I can get. And I thought I was ready...The nurse taught me to just place my baby on my breast and she will eventually seek my breast  and suck, that's what I did...everything went as natural as it was supposed to be and that was the start of my breastfeeding journey.

One of the initial and MAJOR problem I have encountered is wrong latch, because of my ignorance as to how properly do it, I thought it was also going to be the end of it all. I suffered from sore nipples until there was a time that I feel as if breastfeeding is like another form of masochism, a means of hurting myself.  Despite these dilemma, I survived and here I am still breastfeeding my 11-month old daughter and enjoying it as a bonding time for both of us.

Breastfeeding gifts

Aside from the fact that I triumphed over the hardships I encountered in the early days of breastfeeding, it also reaffirmed my worth as a woman, as a person. The fact and idea that there'll be no other person who can nurture my child is a big esteem booster for me. Honestly, I have felt low during the first few weeks after giving birth, not having my husband with me when I gave birth added to my desolation. But breastfeeding no matter how it hurt me at first became the sole refuge I turned to, an affirmation that I am a woman and I am capable. More than the monetary worth (let's face it we really save a lot because of breastfeeding) it enhanced my self worth and made me feel the true essence of being a mother. I have nothing against moms who chose not to breastfeed, I believe we all have a choice on the path we take towards motherhood and this is the one I chose to take. I get encouragement from people who praise my undertaking and consider some people as challenges-those who don't understand and mistakenly think that the only reason why I am doing this is to save up financially. But no matter what other people may think, I know that breastfeeding has been the best intangible gift I have given my child and at the same time a great gift given to me as well. More than anything else it serve the purpose of the set of tits placed in front of my body and with that I cannot be more than happy.


Please do check out other moms and their posts who joined this Carnival : 

Jenny O.- The 


Anne - The Gift


Nats - We Wish


Jenny R. - If the Magi Were

Isis- Got Milk?










13 December 2011

Skin Food Gold Kiwi Gift Sets Giveaway by ChicSassyMom

Des of Chic and Sassy Homemaker just launched a new giveaway "Skin Food Gold Kiwi Gift Sets Giveawaywhich is sponsored by Skin Food Philippines. This came up as a thanksgiving to her 500 GFC Followers and for her upcoming birthday. What's at stake are Skin Food Gold Kiwi trial kits :


This giveaway is open to all Philippine residents aged 13 and above with a valid email address and access to Skin Food branches. Participating branches are MOA, Northedsa, Abreeza Davao, SM Baguio, Megamall, Marquee Mall, Ayala cebu, JCenter Cebu and SM Marilao.




No purchases needed. All you have to do is head on Chic Sassy Mom's site to enter. Follow the instructions there and submit the form, just one note though, do not forget my name : ICAR  or OF LIMES AND LEMONS as the one who referred you. That's it! 



Once done, all you have to do is  wait for your email as to how to claim your voucher. Check now the Chic Sassy Homemaker for the complete mechanics and for you to join!

{Note : I have already joined this giveaway, I have received my voucher and just waiting for redemption, I am just sharing the love, love, love to all of you and to help Des spread the word!}

Sassy Hairsies for a Sassy Baby

My daughter, Ceana has been hairless-well not actually "no hair"-as in nothing, but she has very thin hair but I noticed as I mentioned in my previous post that it has somewhat changed over the last few months. The normal hair accessory she wears is a headband- it is actually a MUST! 

When I found out about Sassy Hairsies , a few months ago I immediately checked out their creations and fell in love with them! For months, I keep on checking their FB Page for updates and new designs. I really planned of ordering just in time for Christmas. And now here it is, a blow by blow documentation of unboxing Ceana's Sassy Hairsies....

It actually came (12/12/11) late in the afternoon via Air 21, this is the box and immediately after opening the package you can already smell perfume...


neatly wrapped items in red Japanese paper(at this point I cannot contain my excitement I need to take a peek...)


the Sassy sticker...


lo and behold, this is what's inside, 2 headbands and what's this?yes a freebie!


close up of  Amanda, securely woven applique


Amanda on Ceana


closeup of Andrea


Andrea on Ceana


 and the best of all...is a FREEBIE!!!!thanks Ms.Tin!


I have specifically requested for a metal headband wrapped in ribbon since I know that Ceana doesn't like elastic headbands. What I like about these headbands aside from the fact that it was pretty and delicately made is that the ornaments/appliques are securely-attached to eachother (in this case the pearl and the rhinestone to the flower)  and you will not worry that it will disentangle immediately or get loose. Then on the other note, I can say that it was a hassle-free transaction, Ms. Tin is very accommodating and replies to inquiries ASAP. {I just got nervous when I didn't receive a confirmation for my payment, then I found out that she was away for a long weekend getaway with her hubby for some quality time.}

I forgot to mention that I also got a 20% discount for this order plus she sent me another 10% coupon on my next order, thank you so mcuh!!! I love Sassy Hairsies and I will definitely order again not only for Ceana but for myself as well!

You can check Sassy Hairsies through their Facebook Page and Multiply Store.

12 December 2011

latest Human Nature Haul

Just wanna share the recent stuff I bought from Human Nature. I had been a dealer since 2009, but because of mommy duties I went on a selling hiatus. I buy things now only for personal use. Eventhough I am on (I hope) temporary leave with Human Nature, I still make sure that I am updated with the latest buzz about the company and the new products.

So when I heard and read about the newest baby products I cannot contain the excitement, I had to go to the nearest branch to buy the new products. It also just so happen that Ceana's current bath supply needs a refill. Here are the things I bought :



I love this!the new and improved Natural Night Moisturizing Cream Php149.75 but got it at an introductory price of Php 139.75-this is for me

50ml Kid's Shampoo (tangerine)Php44.75 and 50ml Baby Wash Php49.75-I included this is  in  our gift to a birthday party we attended
200ml Baby Wash-this is for Ceana's use Php 149.75 but I got it for Php 139.75 as an introductory price
I love the gentle scent of the baby wash. It has improved from the old version of the baby wash that was launched before. Aside from that, you know that it is made from natural ingredients that will not harm my/your baby's skin, for this one-I can give a two thumbs up! I used the shampoo (tangerine) for Ceana's hair, as I mentioned before she is hairless then, but now I noticed that her hair is thicker and of course smells so good and fresh.  With regards to the moisturizing night cream, being as lazy as I am, honestly I was not able to use it regularly but I am so satisfied with it, maybe one of the resolutions I need for next year is to be stricter with my beauty regimen. 

If you want more information about Human Nature products and you want to try them, you can head on to their website plus you can check out the Christmas bundles available as gifts to your loved ones and friends this Holiday season.                                                 




10 December 2011

the other side of blogging 2

As what I have shared on my previous post, I have engaged in different ways to monetize my blog. I have joined a few websites and decided to share them one by one. Actually I haven't earned a lot from these sites, I am still trying to build up and work my way around.

One of the famous sites that will give your earning through your blog is SocialSpark. There a number of ways that you can earn thru this site. First you can earn by writing sponsored posts about interesting products and services-the payout will depend on your blog's statistics (Alexa, PR Rating, traffic,etc), next is if you can recruit advertisers and publishers to advertise in SocialSpark-with this you will get a commission that will depend on the amount of their advertisement. Another way is by posting deals,it works just the same way-if someone signs up with the deals that you posted on your blog then you will get the commission depending on the amount of the transaction. Lastly, you will also get a commission if you can refer your friends. If you are interested just click here or the badge below so that you can sign up and start earning your way to success!

You blog. You Profit. Sign up for SocialSpark!

08 December 2011

the art of building your website

With the onset of technological advancement, the World Wide Web or as what is popularly known as the Internet has been an avenue of so many sorts of things. Everyday more and more websites are being built for different reasons and purposes. On top of all these, E-commerce has become more famous and prevalent. Aside from using social networking sites, I use the Internet for selling and earning online, not to mention the  correspondence made easier with my loved ones overseas and/or anyone around the world by email. With regards to my pursuits online-that is selling (accompanied with buying also!) and my earning thru blogging, the first thing that I have learned is to make a website.

Initially, I started using Multiply for my online shop that was in 2008. I really didn't have an idea as to how everything worked. All I know is that in order to get started with selling you need to build your own website. It's a good thing that platforms now have user-friendly templates which helped me a lot during that time. This is a crucial part in starting out online, because whatever it is you are coming up with-either a store, a blog or just even a personal site, your website will represent your identity. Having said that, your website becomes the mirror of your own personality.

The typical parameters to consider in building a website are your domain name, which will act as your business address, your site's logo plus the relevant graphics and texts that you will incorporate in it. The customization of your site will reflect the person behind it  and for someone who wants to market his website-this is of equal importance. As based in my own experience, it is helpful if you will use a web design software to start out with your website's design. Aside from that there are a lot of web design companies to choose from which provides services starting from web design to web hosting, then they also aid in building your site's traffic.

In summary, I can say that for a website to become successful it must be inspired  by life guided with knowledge and built with a good tool.





I amparticipating in a blog campaign from Bucks2Blog for a website design company intuit.com and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.





07 December 2011

the other side of blogging

The first reason why I have started out this blog is to express myself and document the things happening to me/my life everyday. Honestly I have started using blogging to join contests and giveaways (and the fun part is that I got lucky in this area, I have won several contest and have received several giveaways) but later found out that there is much more beyond than these contests. I have discovered doing sponsored posts which gave me extra earnings.

So I just want to share a recent discovery which might be of help you as well. LinkFromBlog is a site where bloggers and advertisers meet. It helps you earn as a blogger by writing paid reviews, all you need is a blog, a Paypal account plus your brilliant ideas and you're all set.

Paid reviews

When a blogger friend joins LinkFromBlog and spends and earns a total of $500 on LinkFromBlog, you will receive a $50 referral reward. So what are you waiting for go ahead and CLICK THIS and start earning.

03 December 2011

my gorgeous pink cheeks 2nd anniversary giveaway


My Gorgeous Pink Cheeks 2nd Anniversary Giveaway is now up until December 25. 



Go ahead and join the giveaway and win the amazing prizes on the picture above.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...