A Different Morning

My day usually starts like this: I wake up, take a bath, put make up and clothes on and then leave for work.

This morning however, something different happened to me …

While I was waiting for my bus, I was invited by a man - a complete stranger - to attend a local apostolic church. This kind of thing has happened to me before that’s why I was able to stay calm (others would freak out, I suppose) and just listened to him as he gave out reasons why I should attend their church. Despite his efforts to convince, I politely declined and told him that I’m already attending another congregation.

Photo credit: User JimP4nsen from Deviant Art

And so this incident got me wondering:  Do we Christians need to do the same? Approach every stranger we meet on the way and invite them to our church?

Back in the days when the church that I go to in Manila was still new, their members had to hop on public buses and preach the Gospel.  *Yikes!* Luckily, that all changed and they were eventually encouraged to build relationship first before inviting anyone to church. The latter is what we do until today simply because it seems to be more effective. 

Okay, this pic is not really relevant but the point is... religion is a very sensitive topic!
Photo Credit: Savio's Youth Ministry 

I think I can never approach a random stranger and openly talk about my faith, much more invite them to church or preach in a public place. Don’t get me wrong, of course I would love for others to know Christ but I just don’t have the guts to do it simply because I have observed that people are hard to convince nowadays due to the numerous sham religions everywhere. 

Effective discipleship requires a lot of prayers, time and effort. Added to that, it would make a lot of difference if that person can see that you are living a Godly life (hence the need to establish relationship/friendship first). I firmly believe that we are the "walking invites" for our churches - so we have to do what we preach! 

Despite all this, I can say that I have respect for those who are brave enough to do this step. I know that the sincere and honest ones only have the goal of advancing His Kingdom.  I do pray that they will be greatly rewarded because of their work.

Now let’s just see what will happen when I see that guy again tomorrow morning. *fingers crossed* 

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The Sims Freeplay Designer home pictures

Was searching for screenshots of the Designer home and sadly I was not able to find any... So I'm posting these pics for those who are still contemplating whether this is worth the LP or not.

Frankly, I was upset that this house did not come with a car and it has only 1 room and 1 bathroom. I've read that 'the mansion' comes with a car and 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. But you have to purchase the latter with Simoleons and earning that much money (I think price starts at 20,000) is not that easy, and there's just no way that I'm willing to pay for Simoleons.

As the game progresses and after the task of getting married comes up, I think I'm going to convert the 'laptop room' into a nursery. As for the car it will have to wait. 😘

Maybe will get the 'Medieval Castle' next!!! 😄

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I haven't forgotten blogging yet

Really.

My beloved Macbook White has been experiencing problems lately and I'm having a hard time using the iPad. It's still so much easier with the traditional keyboard. Hoping to get a new charger by tomorrow so I could get back to blogging pronto.

To those who called, texted and emailed saying that they are encouraged by my blog...thank you!!! You guys inspire me to touch people's lives in a positive way!

Much love,

C

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Six tips for breastfeeding success

If you have decided to breastfeed your child exclusively let me congratulate you by saying that this is one of the best decisions that you'll ever make. I have been successfully doing so for the past 7 months and I'm proud to say that my daughter has never tried formula.

Many thanks to breastfeeding, I'm now 3 kilos away from my pre-pregnancy weight and common coughs and colds are the only sickness that my baby has ever had.

I share a strong bond with my baby because of breastfeeding.

However, the path to a breast feeding life is not easy. I have encountered challenges such as fatigue (from waking up every now and then to feed my baby at night), bleeding nipples, engorgement, etc... But I'm so happy that I didn't give up because I'm now reaping its rewards! =)

And so I would like to share and give tips on how I was able to do it:

1) Have the right mindset -- BE POSITIVE!

In life, it is important to have a positive outlook despite all the challenges we encounter. The same goes in breast feeding - it is not easy but if you are really decided to give your baby the BEST you will not give up no matter what! To simply put it, if you think breast feeding is difficult and impossible then it will be!

I have encountered people who were against breastfeeding, but I was able to ignore their negative comments because I maintained the right mindset. (Positivity always wins! ;p)

2) Get support from other people

You will need all the support that you can get from your family, colleagues and friends. Your number  one source of encouragement should be your hubby (heads up to all the husbands in the house!). The closest people in your life should support you and they should avoid saying things like "you won't have enough milk" or "you can't do it".

If possible, join a breast feeding community like La Leche League.

Left: My baby when she was 4 days old; Right: My baby at one month.
See the difference? 

3) Research/educate yourself as early as possible

Do your research while still pregnant - read books and magazines, surf the net and ask people who have successfully breastfed. Do this so you will be fully prepared on the challenges ahead and to distinguish facts from myths. One example that I always hear is this:

They say: Your milk will eventually dry up.

But the fact is: Breast feeding is based on supply and demand. If your baby continues to feed from you (or if you continue to pump at work, for example) you will not run out of milk! 

For this reason, I personally don't encourage mixed feeding with formula as doing so could dwindle your milk supply.

I learned about breast milk storage through research. 

Websites that I recommend are: babycenter.com, kellymom.com, workandpump.com. They offer complete info on BF facts and basics, the correct latch, how to increase milk supply, engorgement, proper milk storage, pumping at work, etc...

4) Keep the formula away

Don't buy a formula "just in case". Believe it or not  YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH MILK... you just won't see it. After birth, your body will produce colostrum (and later on, milk) and tiny drops of it are enough. Your baby has a very small stomach and is not like an adult who needs to eat one full meal to satisfy his hunger. When your child cries don't be bothered...formula is not the solution!

Infant formula is more of a foe than a friend when it comes to breast feeding.
Photo credit: ABC News Radio Online

5) Eat right

Eat healthy food and drink lots of fluids. It doesn't necessarily have to be soups - water and juices are fine.

6) Arm yourself with some breast feeding gear

Treat yourself with some paraphernalia that will help you breast feed. Get a pump, buy a breast feeding cover, pumping bra, breast milk storage bags, nursing bras (review here) and so on. Don't scrimp up too much - you are already saving a lot by not spending on formula!

My Ameda Purely Your Ultra breast pump is serving its purpose. 

I will make a separate blog about my breast feeding gear, hopefully soon.

----

No excuses: Do you really want this or not?

Now you might think that breast feeding is not for you if you're a working mom. But guess what? The person who inspired and encouraged me is a full-time working mother who had low milk supply during her baby's first month. Nevertheless that did not stop her and she did her research on how she could increase her milk supply. To this day, she continues to breast feed her son who is now almost a year old. (Many thanks to you, Madina for the support! :D)

Celebrities like Gisele Bunchen, Beyonce Knowles and Miranda Kerr are breastfeeding advocates.
Photo credit: huffingtonpost.com 

If we can do it, so can you! 

Good luck!

A breastfed baby is a happy baby! ;p

Note: Consult your baby's physician or your lactation consultant if you are breast feeding a preemie. 

*To know more about celebrities who breastfeed, click here.

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May 2012 Updates

My apologies for not blogging these past few weeks as I've been very busy with two major events and some other things! ;)

Anyway, let me share to you guys why May has been the month of LOVE for us... 

A blessed marriage

Event number one is the 30th Anniversary of our beloved parents here in AUH: Rey and Menchie Corpuz, last May 3 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Their celebration was amazing! :) I felt like I was in their exact wedding 30 years ago. If anything has changed, it would only be their ages (LOL) and of course their love for each other grew stronger thru the years. I'm really inspired by their marriage!

30 years of marriage and still very much in love! ;)

For this event, I really planned to wear something special. Bought a LWD dress from HandM, wore my fave lipstick (MAC Russian Red) and had my hair done 1960's inspired. My inspiration for this look was Adele - red lippie, black eyeliner and nude make up. Loved that the look was so easy yet so sophisticated! :)

Hubby and I enjoying the party!

A Celebration of young love

Then on May 12, we witnessed how our friends Luke and Ivory Decena became one at the Le Meridian Hotel. It was simple and intimate, just like our own wedding. Colors of royal blue and silver filled the place which made everything more elegant. And the food.....it was surprisingly delicious! :)

I especially enjoyed the video about their love story. I was amazed to find out that they have been dating since college and continued to consider each other seriously even after that (my only serious relationship in college was with my books). 

One happy couple! Congrats you two!!

And because this is not my wedding (and as respect for the bride), I decided to go for a simple look. ;p I LOVE this dress that I again got from HandM...

Enjoying the wedding with friends ;)

The FaceBooth is here!!! 

Good news AUH peeps: The FaceBooth is now in the city! We can now enjoy the power of photo booth at any events in a reasonable cost!  Just call 056-753-99-01 to ask for rates and promos! ;)

Photo booth FUN thanks to The FaceBooth!

That's all for now my dearest friends! Will blog again very soon!!! ;D

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Katy Perry's boudoir shots for Interview Magazine

Have you guys seen Katy Perry's shots for Interview Magazine?
My my...she looks gorgeous!

Photo credit: thelavalizard.com

At first glance, Katy is almost unrecognizable. I had to look at the photos a couple of times before I was finally convinced that it is her! Such a lovely chameleon! ;p Wish I can also transform like this, haha! ;)

I really admire Katy but I like her make up more than her music. When it comes to her style, I'm not a big fan of her blue and pink wigs because I think the sophisticated look suits her better. I totally love her now after seeing these shots. 

Anyone from the US who can send me a copy of Interview Mag March 2012 issue? :D

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My drugstore.com haul

After waiting for what seems forever, I finally have my Drugstore.com haul in my hands... :)

Many thanks to our dearest friends, Chelle and Jaycee, for sending this all the way to the UAE via USPS. I actually ordered this months ago and had it sent to their Florida address. They were suppose to give the package to me personally during their Manila visit but it arrived on the day of their flight. When they got back to the US, they shipped it to me for free here in Abu Dhabi...so sweet! :)

I've always loved drugstore make up. So when I found out that Drugstore.com offers free shipping for purchases worth $25, I grabbed the opportunity right away.

I only bought 8 items as I don't need a lot of make up for now. Hence I call this a "mini" haul, haha! :D

ELF High Definition Powder - they say that this is a dupe for Make Up Forever's HD Powder

ELF Kabuki Face Brush - I've read reviews that this is one of ELF's best brushes

China Glaze For Audrey - Can't wait to try this Tiffany Box inspired shade! ;D

Revlon Precision Lash Adhesive - a Youtube Guru's favorite. Will see if this will become my fave as well. 

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso - I've heard this is another dupe for  Nars Blush in Orgasm

Can't wait to try this too! :)

Maybelline Lash Discovery in black (for my barely there lashes) and Define-A-Brow in dark blonde

Sorry for the blurry and dark photos! I can't get my Canon camera to focus and my Blackberry takes dark pics. Maybe I should get a new camera???! :/ 

Anyway, I will try to update if I like 'em or not. Been slowly adding new make up to my collection and bought some NYX products from Lifestyle, Khalidiya Mall as well...so happy it's now here in the sandpit! ;)

Oh, the simple joys of life! ;D

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