Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

I knew one of the disadvantages of pregnancy is having stretch marks. Stretch marks are not really caused by "kamot" if tummy is really itchy; rather, it is caused by the stretched skin due to growing belly. The skin is normally elastic and capable of stretching but if during puberty a woman got stretch marks, most likely she would also develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Weight gain is also a factor causing stretch marks. That is why, a pregnant women should also be mindful of her weight gain during pregnancy.

Recommended Weight Gain During Pregnancy:
1. Normal weight women: 25-35 pounds
2. Underweight women: 28-40 pounds
3. Overweight women: 15-25 pounds

Many believed that stretch marks can be prevented by using creams and lotions on the onset of pregnancy as it helps increase skin's elasticity. I was hoping not to develop stretch marks so I started putting on Palmer's lotion on my tummy, thighs, and breasts during my first trimester then later on used Palmer's tummy butter for my growing belly.

Palmer's lotion P475
Palmer's tummy butter P595

Both can be bought from Watson's.

Simple is Romantic

After spending almost five hours at The Medical City for my check up with my OB-Gyne and Endocrinologist, it was really worthwhile to end Valentine's Day celebrating it with my husband in Makati with our family in Risen Christ Catholic Community. It's always meaningful celebrating Valentine's with them. Aside from the sumptuous dinner and lively entertainment, what I specifically like about the program is the renewal of marriage vows. It feels great to be reminiscing the day when the two of us promised to love each other ... till death do us part.

Shopping for Maternity Clothes

Pregnancy doesn't mean I have to sacrifice my fashion sense. Shopping for maternity clothes is a bit challenging and fun. Challenging because I have to scout for stuff that fits my budget; fun because i like the joy and excitement it gives me knowing that i have new clothes to wear.

On my first trimester, I shopped at SM Department store and bought from Great Expectations. The brand's blouses and jeans are a bit pricey so I have really choose ones that fit me well, pick colors that are not hard to pair with shoes and bags, and consider styles that are easy to mix and match.

Great Expectation's pants give a good fit that deliver a slimmer silhouette. Styles of their clothes are contemporary so a fashionista mom-to-be can still maintain that stylish look. I tried scouting other clothes from other stores like Gingersnaps and Havin' a Baby but for me, designs of Great Expectations are better. Plus, i learned that their branch along Banawe (beside Le Ching Chinese Restaurant) offers 50% discount. I bought some more clothes that I can use for my third trimester. It's really worth it buying there. The staffs are kind and very accommodating. They also gave me two pink umbrellas as freebies. They have stores in Trinoma and SM Malls but I suggest that you shop at their Banawe branch so you can dig into the stack of their discounted clothes. Regular-priced items and new arrivals are also available at Banawe branch.

Sweet Temptation

A box of chocolates was given to me by my sister-in-law. Looks very yummy and tempting to eat but I can't binge on it due to pregnancy. :(

Cheap Bridal Hair Accesories

Hair accessories complement a gorgeous wedding gown and adds to the sparkling beauty of a bride on her wedding day. If you will tie the knot soon and is looking for a perfect piece to match your wedding gown, Wedding Glitters' collection might help you find one.

P1000 per piece

P1200 per piece

P900/set of four

P800/set of four

P800/set of four

Cost of item excludes delivery / shipping charge. Just add P150 for shipping charge anywhere in the Philippines. Next day delivery.

Payment via G-Cash or bank deposit.

For orders and/or inquiries, you may contact 0917.5365464 or send email to weddingglitters AT gmail DOT com.

Craving For Brother's Burger

I'm now in my fourth month of pregnancy and I still have some cravings. According to what I've read, cravings would continue throughout the nine months of pregnancy. The other day, I was craving for Brother's Burger but I was not able to satisfy it because we were off to a Christmas party and the nearest branch is out of the way. My tummy ached when I was not able to eat the burger. I didn't understand it, was it really because of not satisfying my craving or was it just a psychological thing? Yesterday, I was craving for it again so my husband inquired if they deliver. Unfortunately, they could not deliver in our location. I thought I would not be able to eat it that day. I got a little depressed and my tummy ached again. My husband and I just looked for the Tomas Morato branch and there we ordered the much coveted burger. I was happy!

Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Wedding Ceremony

I was privileged to attend an Iglesia ni Cristo wedding primarily because I have not yet witnessed one. Good thing my college friend invited me and it happened to be on my birthday. It was also a perfect timing because I had an appointment with my OB so I can attend her wedding. When we arrived at the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) church San Francisco Locale, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City, I felt at home because of the serene environment. The spacious grounds of the church provides ample parking for all the guests with a car.

The church was also accessible to the commuters since it's easy to hail cabs when you just step out of the church's gate. It was also my first time to enter an INC church. I was awed with the how they maintain the cleanliness of its interiors. At first I expected that the church ministry would be so strict about the guests' attire; requiring all the female guests to be wearing a dress. Thank goodness no one approached some of our friends who were wearing slacks. I guess it was because our friend already mentioned that instance to the church ministry. I was also expecting that somebody would approach my husband to transfer to where the male guests are seated, but it did not happen. It was not that so strict after all. I heard that the strictness varies per locale.

After a while of musings and looking around, our friend was ready to march down the aisle accompanied by a traditional wedding entrance song. The wedding rite itself is very solemn, and it only took 30 minutes to complete the whole wedding ceremony.

Differences versus a Catholic Wedding:
1. Only traditional wedding music can be played when the bride walks down the aisle.
2. No wedding symbols such as wedding arrhae, wedding cord, and unity candle.
3. Ceremony only takes 30 minutes.