Smart Parenting and Cordlife's Baby Shower

Calling all mommies-to-be, don't miss this chance to attend Smart Parenting Magazine and Cordlife Philippines' "Baby Shower" event happening on November 20,2010, from 1:00PM-4:30PM at the Richmonde Hotel in Libis, Quezon City. Admission is free but pre-registration is a MUST.

To register, please send an email to babytalk@ph.cordlife.com, provide your name, address, telephone and mobile number, email address, expected date of delivery, your OB-Gyne's name, and how did you learned of the event. There will be parenting talks, games and surprises in store for soon-to-be moms attending the event.

You may also log in to Cordlife and Smart Parenting Magazine's Facebook account for further details.

Single Moms Forum: Happy Even After by Sex and Sensibilities

Ms. Ana Santos, founder and editorial director of Sex and Sensibilities

We recently attended an event called “Happily Even After” organized by Sex and Sensibilities held recently at Starbucks, Home Depot Ortigas Branch. It was Sex and Sensibilities’ way of reaching out to single mothers. Empowering them and giving them hope and inspiring them to move on with their lives happily even after a broken marriage or a broken relationship.

Rearing a child into this world can be extremely difficult. Single mothers are faced with myriads of responsibilities, and they are often subjected to public scrutiny and intricacies, which they had no choice but to deal with alone. In the Philippines, there’s undeniably a huge demographic of single moms but they have very few support systems or support groups. Sex and Sensibilities founder and editorial director Ms. Ana Santos understands these needs being a single mom herself. Along with fellow journalist and single mom, Ms. Karen Kunawicz, they shared their thoughts on being a single parent and how they’re able to overcome all the challenges after the storm in their lives.

Ms. Karen Kunawicz, writer, poet, journalist, comic book editor and single mom shares her experiences and inspires the others.

After a failed marriage, how will you start? Here are the tips Ms. Ana and Ms. Karen shared with their audience composed of single moms during the event.

• Put yourself together first. Ms. Ana emphasized that Filipino women were taught by our parents and the society to be self-sacrificing. We would always prioritize ourselves last. But this should’ve to be changed, especially after having gone through a painful relationship that has ended. Just like in an aircraft, when you’re with a child, the rule has to be put the oxygen on yourself first, before you put it on your child. This means, you have to learn how to love yourself first so that you could spread the love that you have. Treat yourself right so that others will do the same. You can’t be a good parent if you’re not a happy person.

• Stay away from negatrons. Be wary of the people who seemed to be trying to help you but only wants a piece of information. They’re the type of “friends” who’d be asking for nifty little details that are quite too personal. This type of people would only give you feelings of isolation, guilt and shame. They’d feed you nothing but self-doubt. How would you know if the people around you are this type? Simple. They ask annoying questions and seemed to be prying on your life. They’re simply vexation to one’s spirit and will to move on and look forward. Self-preservation is key, there’s nothing to be guilty about.

• Cheer yourself on. Empower yourself with little things that you like to do. Be passionate about it. Try to learn new things on your own. Ms. Ana said she learned how to drive a car, and she realized she could actually do stuff she thought only men can do.

• No idle thoughts. The hardest person to be with at this time is yourself. Don’t be afraid to get some help if you really need to. Do shopping if that will keep your sanity for the moment. Buy that gadget you’ve been jonesing for, if that’ll make you happy. Squeeze your creative juices by making your hands busy with gardening, scrap booking, cross-stitching etc. Money is an issue but never let it get in your way.

• Look good and feel good. It’s about time for you to get that makeover. Ditch that long hair for a wash and wear hairstyle if you dare. Or have that curly locks rebounded for an honest-to-goodness straight hair. No matter how small your moves are, it’s a good start.
  
  

Popular Psychologist Dr. Margarita Go-Singco Holmes, Mommy Rica and yours truly.

One of the single moms who attended the event had a free makeover from The Body Shop.

• You need to be honest with yourself and the people around you, especially to your child. You need to show people that you’re doing okay. You don’t have to pretend, just be honest about it. Give yourself some time. Just don’t wallow in self-pity because it won’t do you any good. There’s no time to be self-absorbed anymore or “emote time”. You have to will something in order to achieve it. Rest assured, soon things will get better than you expect them.

• Find time to cultivate time with your child. Lovingly explain to your child the situation you’re into. Again, be honest about it. You must have a “father figure” for your child, be it your brother, an Uncle or a good guy friend. It’s always important to treat your child with respect, no matter what his or her age. Ms. Karen mentioned that we’re lucky because as Filipinos, one of our positive cultures is being child-friendly. A child is always welcome at any home. There’s always someone to rely on, say a Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle or Aunt—any immediate biological family member would always be willing to help in any way they can.
  

Her child looks on while she's being made up.

The lootbag given was filled with Nivea products and lipstick and 10 ml perfume from The Body Shop.

For more information regarding single mom forums and talks as well as future events please visit http://www.sexandsensibilities.com/

or email anasantoswrites@gmail.com

The Body Shop : We Need Your Signatures

Inspired by The Body Shop’s founder, Anita Roddick and her commitment and passion for justice, The Body Shop continues her fight against human trafficking, bringing awareness of this modern-day slave trade to world leaders and the global community.

Working alongside their global partner ECPAT, The Body Shop Philippines is launching a petition upon governments to give children greater protection against trafficking. The petition aims to put more funds to the anti-trafficking campaign to improve law enforcements and for the provision of services to victims.

In the Philippines, 60,000 to 100,000 children are trafficked annually (through both cross-border and international trafficking), and most of these girls are to be sexually exploited. The Philippines also ranks fourth in the world in terms of countries with the highest number of prostituted children.

Through the sale of The Body Shop’s Soft Hands Kind Heart hand Cream and Stop Sex Trafficking Bag for Life, The Body Shop raises vital funds for crucial intervention and to support children and young people who are victims, or at risk of trafficking. All profits from the sale items are donated to ECPAT Philippines. This will help provide temporary shelter for the victims, for their education, counseling and legal assistance.

In 2011, The Body Shop will be presenting our national petition to the government. It will represent a show of hands by everyone who signed up to Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People. It doesn’t end there. Because this is a global campaign, the objective is to join hands with thousands of other signatories around the world by taking our petitions to the United Nations.

If you think you’ve seen something suspicious or are affected by trafficking and want advice, email protect@ecpat.net or ecpatphi@i-manila.com.ph
In an emergency call 925-2803

Your signature really can make a difference. Please help us. Visit any The Body Shop store branches to sign the petition form or online at www.thebodyshop.com.ph/stopsextraffickingpetition.

Expo Mom Bazaar on November 20

Find unique gift ideas for your loved ones this season in Expo Mom Bazaar on November 20, Saturday at the Rockwell Tent, Powerplant Mall, Makati from 10AM-8PM. It’s time to shop! Thank you…

Tips on Holiday Home Decor

Czarina Ledesma, Rustan's resident stylist, and Ferdi Salvador

Christmas is fast approaching. The question is, are you sure you’re house is ready to host endless parties? Have you finished decorating your house for the season or you’re still confused if you’re still going to use stuff from last year’s decors? Fret, not! There’s hope and this article may help.
Rustan’s Department Store in Makati recently held a free holiday décor workshop to help unleash the Martha Stewart or Colin Cowie in everyone. Ferdi Salvador and Czarina Ledesma gave talks on how to discover tried and tested ideas on how to decorate our home without breaking the bank for the holidays. Both are partners of The Event Architects, Ferdi is the Director of Style of the Discovery hotel chains and co-host of TV show F.A.S.H. Even Rustan Department Store’s resident stylist also shared his ideas; I wasn’t able to get his name…because I had to admit I had arrived late for the talk…(Sorry!) but just in time to share with you what we have learned during their talks.

The speakers explaining the do's and don'ts of Holiday decorating.

On decorating your home for the holiday, the speakers gave importance on assessing what you have. Whether it’ll be you grandma’s old baul, or that China Cabinets that most Filipinos have, you have to know where you must place them so that their beauty will get noticed.

When trying to mix and match, do not forget the color wheel. What goes together, goes together. But don’t be afraid to mix unique color combinations as well. You see, Christmas isn’t all about red and green, silver and blue, red and gold. Purple, lavender and some brown are great. Done gray with blush, sea foam green and burnt orange looked good together.

With furniture, check out with what you have. Try to have a “rigodon” of things inside your house. Meaning, your old China cabinet which used to occupy your kitchen may be put in the living room for some “homey” feel. Vintage items can look cool with some creativity and passion. If you ever decide to buy something, always look for quality—it has to be something you’re going to use for a very long time.

As for Christmas trends in 2010, modern look and non-traditional look is advised. Look for greens. Shapes may be different. Things had to look more fluid instead of structural heavy pieces. Bold colors may be used like pinks, blues, copper and red. With themes, décor is more playful and pretty much anything goes. But NEVER overdo your decors. Instead of using faux poinsettia flowers, use fresh flowers and bleached them for that “tie-dyed” look.

Yours truly

With fellow attendee, my new found friend, Ate Norma Galera.

Salvador also suggests using LED lights instead of the usual Christmas lights. These LED lights uses less energy, and are not prone to short-circuit. You may also use fiber optics. If you decide to stick to old style Christmas lights, make sure it’s ICC marked for assurance of its quality that it had passed the standards. Garlands are highly flammable so avoid putting them near the candles.

The famous bag lady, designer Amina Aranaz-Alunan also attended the event with husband Rafael Alunan. (not in photo)

To tablecloth or not to tablecloth—you see, some tables looked wonderful in their own right even without tablecloth on. Consider the type of mood you’d want your guests to experience. Divisoria had a lot of Irish linen designs to choose from, just dip them in gawgaw and dried before using them. For the candles, if not using a candelaria, heat a spoon with a candle’s glow, then scoop inside the circle of a candle’s tip, that way it’ll follow the candle’s melting. When using a scented candle, see, feel and smell the scent for a whole experience. For votive candles, put water inside the candleholder, just to be safe. Add your favorite scent so that your guests will remember you. Try to use jasmine, chamomile, anything citrusy will do. But never use something as heavy as patchouli. Why? It might kill your guests’ tastebuds. Rosemary is good as it enhances the flavors of every food.

Try to consider music, for cocktails, jazz and songs by Sergio Mendez never fails to delight guests. Dine the way you want but surprise your guests in your own way. For al fresco dining, you may use a diffuser, or oil burner with scented oils. If you want to try, you may also use dama de noche plant as centerpiece if the party is at night. Create a signature drink, be it as simple as rhum with coke, or mix red and white sangria. If you have a lazy Susan table, serve Mongolian cuisine with a Golden Buddha as centerpiece. Old huge mirrors are also great centerpieces too.

Always label foods when in buffet, that way, your guests will know what they’re being served. And consider their diet requirements and beliefs as well, so ask them beforehand. Don’t forget your guests; cater to every age if necessary. Ex. A game room for kids, where they could play, draw and color. (Just make sure your walls aren’t white!) Don’t be a martyr; it’s okay to ask for help. If you have helpers, which Ferdi and Czarina likes to call DDs or domestic divas, train them properly how to help you and in serving your guests.

Czarina Ledesma giving out pointers on how to properly handle a buffet table.

And when your tablecloth had been stained with food or with melted candles, don’t fret. You may use salt or baking soda, vinegar or white wine. As an etiquette, give a token even as simple as candies in a cute jar so they will end the night with smiles on their faces knowing you appreciate their coming. If you bring a dessert to a party, it could be served. But if someone gave you a bottle of wine, party etiquette dictates not to open it and serve to your guests. Lastly, never drive when drunk. Have fun and enjoy the holiday parties!

One of the tables that they filled with decors and centerpieces.

If you’re interested to learn more, please call up the SOFA (School of Interior Design), they offer different courses like 3D design presentations, furniture styles, renovating on a budget, etc.
www.sofamanila.com
(632) 8928807 loc. 104

If you need help with organizing your house for parties, call TEA
The Event Architects (TEA)
www.tea.ph
(632) 5863752