How "The Undo List by Alu Aluzan-Aran" Changed Me

I was rigid and perfectionist before I read the article "The Undo List by Alu Aluzan-Aran" (pp.84-85) on Working Mom Magazine November 2013 issue. My friends would tease me and say that I was the ultimate OC (Obsessive Compulsive) of all. The article turned me around. It changed the way I looked into my routines as a mom who pushes myself to the limits because I want everything get covered by the dot. If the routines changed and the schedule wasn't followed, I would end up grumpy the whole day.

I also remembered the time when I was still teaching. I would carry with me a small notebook where my so called "Things to Do" list  was written. My co-teacher, Mrs. Tin-Tin Alcala would tell me, "O, ano? Magagawa mo ba lahat ng nakasulat diyan?" ("Hey, what? Can you do all the things written there?") I would just shrug my shoulders and laugh about it. At the end of the day, I would miss three to four activities. I was too hard on myself then. I would feel bad if something was missed. Then I would include those missed activities on my next day routines. The same pattern would happen over and over until I got burned out.

I didn't learn from that experience. I still did the same thing when my first child was born. I would still sit down and write all the things that I had to do for the day. Hubby would tell me, "Ma, you have to be flexible. You are not a machine. You have to admit that you get tired and you need to rest. Don't be too hard on yourself. You're a great mom! Remember that."

As years passed, I learned to be a little flexible. But the eagerness of becoming a SUPER MOM continued.

After reading the article, I realized these:

1 There's nothing wrong if I pause for a while and give time for myself.

 "Thirty minutes can change your day."

 

Honestly, I would feel guilty when I stop doing my motherly duties. I would feel like stealing time from my family.

Yes, it's true. We, moms, should have a daily me-time or appointment with ourselves that could be anytime between 30 minutes to two hours. It's time to maybe take a nap, do some crafting, read a chapter or two of our favorite novel, exercise, take a leisurely bath, meditate, or do something that we really like. 

2 I should lessen my expectations and do what is best at the moment.

 "There are seasons which will impact over time and can be confusing." 

Like me, I have less me-time due to the demands of my very young children. It's not possible at the moment for me to review, take the Nursing Licensure Exams, and start a nursing career. 

I learned to accept it and believed that it would pass and I would have my time someday.

3 I must know my priorities.

Following a "To Do List" drove me crazy in the past. It controlled me. It made me unable to focus on what was more important. I was physically at home taking care of everything but I was mentally absent, worrying about the future. I was hurrying  to have a career outside our home, to grow professionally, not considering the fact that my kids still needed me. I wasn't contented of having a small business while taking care of my family.

When my kids got sick, I appreciated my being WAHM. They should be my topmost priority.

4  It's okay to slow down. 

I love multitasking. It could make me finish all my daily tasks. But is this necessary all the time?

"It is important to be firm and single-minded when it comes to taking care of our personal needs, and using the time to do only the chores and tasks that matter to us and our family. Everything else is secondary."

HAPPY & CALM MOM = HAPPY & CALM FAMILY

Now I am more relaxed, contented, and happy with my spontaneous life as a mom. I don't care if I'm not able to finish everything in a day. After all, there's another day to look forward to. I just take a deep breath, smile, and say, "I know what matters most. Everything's gonna be okay." 

  

     

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Working Mom Magazine's Banana Pops Recipe

Reading Working Mom Magazine June 2014 taught me so many things on how to beat morning madness due to opening of classes. My most favorite, because I'm bad in menu planning, are "Your Stress-Free Baon Guide" and "Grab-on-the-go School Packs" (seen on pages 99 to 104). 

Here's the first recipe that I tried making yesterday. It was a hit! 

Ingredients

(as seen on WM June 2014)

3 big bananas, Lakatan variety

1 cup creamy peanut butter

mini chocolate chips

chopped pretzels

candy sprinkles

chopped nuts

popsicle sticks   

Procedure

(as seen on WM June 2014)

 

1. Slice each banana in thirds. Insert a popsicle stick into each slice. Chill while preparing the peanut butter. 

2. Place peanut butter in a cup and warm in the microwave for 0 to 15 seconds, just until texture can be easily stirred.

3. Dip a banana pop in the warm peanut butter to cover the entire banana.

4. With a knife, scrape off excess peanut butter then roll in choice toppings.

5. Set banana pop in paper cup; do the same with the rest of the bananas then freeze for 15 munutes before keeping in the ref. Serve cold.

My Version 

I don't have a microwave oven so I placed the peanut butter on a porcelain bowl and dip it on hot water. Then I set it aside.    

 

I followed STEP 1. Since the bananas that I had were small, I cut them into half. I used 5 Lakatan bananas. I ran out of popsicle sticks and used hard drinking straws instead. I opted not to use barbecue sticks to avoid poking accidents.

After placing the prepared bananas inside the freezer, I stirred the peanut butter until it melted. I did STEPS 3 and 4. I used chocolate and rainbow candy sprinkles as toppings because they were the only ones available in my pantry. Then I followed STEP 5.

Tada! My finished products... It took me only less than 30 minutes to prepare these!

For more quick homemade spreads, school lunches, after-school snacks, and grab-and-go school pack ideas, grab a copy of Working Mom Magazine June 2014!

You may click THIS to know the other highlights of this issue. 

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Sneak Peek: Barbie Magazine Philippines June 2014

Hi, Dolls! The new school year just started. I know that you are excited to see your friends again after the summer break. School is fun if you're geared up with your fashionable bags and accessories. 

 

It's going to be more fun if you grab a copy of Barbie Magazine Philippines June issue. It's all about getting fab this back to school season!

Join Barbie's cheering squad and design their uniforms! Don't forget to check out the movie section of her film, Princess Charm School!

Find out why Barbie's baking cupcakes turned into disaster on the Rhapsody in Buttercream episode of Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse.

There are lots of nice stories to read.

Plus engaging activities to enjoy! There are free stickers that you can use to label your school materials aside from the ones to be used for "My Play Scene".

Great artworks of Barbie fans are showcased too. If you wish to send your contributions, you may send an e-mail at BarbieMagPHL@gmail.com.

Barbie Magazine Philippines is a monthly magazine of ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. It's available at Php120 in  major bookstores and newsstands nationwide.

I invite you to watch this TVC to find out why you shouldn't miss this issue!

Post by Barbie Magazine Philippines.

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Working Mom Magazine June 2014 Gets Moms Ready for School

Working Mom Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Dedet Reyes-Panabi described WM June issue on the editor's note as helping to create "Calmer mornings, exciting nights". Yes, it is. There is no reason for us, moms, to get stressed over the opening of classes. WM is here to the rescue!

Anthony and Maricel Pangilinan talk about how they handle a big household, their secrets to happy married life, and successful kids. This couple is very inspiring as always.

Product suggestions that can make us look great amidst our very demanding and busy schedule are worth trying .

Dressing up during the rainy season can be comfortable and stylish even if we are commuting.

Nice and water-proof shoes can make our kids dance and splash in the rain.
 

There are lots of helpful tips on how we can beat up a chaotic day.

New healthy and yummy recipes for kids' baon can be prepared in minutes. By just looking at the photos, surely they are so scrumptious!

Bonding time with our kids during rainy weekends can be fun and exciting with these creativity kits. I'm so glad to see Mommy Ginger's Memory Crafters Box get featured.

We can make our hubbies happy by giving them perfect gifts this Father's Month.

Making nights more exciting can make them happier though. Wink...Wink...

There's more to admire for these hot celebrity dads as featured for Father's Day celebration.

Useful tips about relationships, money matters, and parenting like how to raise kids who love learning and ace Filipino, how to have an open parent-child relationship, and more are in store for us this month!

Don't miss the chance of grabbing your own copy. You'll enjoy it too. It's worth your money, promise! 

For more Working Mom Magazine updates, you may go to these websites:

https://www.facebook.com/WorkingMom.Magazine

http://twitter.com/workingmommag

http://instagram.com/workingmommag

 

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A Letter for My Dad

When I read articles, see posts on Facebook, hear greetings on the radio of people talking about nice things about their father, it makes me pause for a while and think, "Why do I feel empty?".

I know it's not normal. But that is how I feel. Really...

Nevertheless, I have my own perception of a good dad.  

A GOOD DAD...

is a good provider and doesn't count and record every centavo that he gives to his family.

says words of encouragement and would never mock or belittle his children.

is selfless and prioritizes his family above anyone else.

preserves the honor of the family and will not do something that will destroy its reputation.

is a priest of the home that brings his family closer to God.

treats his wife with so much love and respect.

takes good care of his children and doesn't do anything to hurt or harm them through words and actions.

This is my perception of a good father. It may be unfair for my dad to say this but why do I find it vague? 

I thank the Lord everyday for giving my kids a good dad. 

I thank the Lord for letting them experience the things that I didn't.

I thank the Lord for giving me the reason to celebrate Father's Day for 10 years.

I thank the Lord I made the right choice.

Courtesy:www.disneybaby.com

  

To my Dad, if you have the chance to read this, I am not mad at you. I love you that's why I'm hurting so much. Maybe I am just sad because you didn't try harder to understand and accept yourself. You would always blame us for all the misfortunes that would come your way.

You drove us away unconsciously.

Dad, forgive me if I'm not yet ready to see and forgive you. I'm sorry if I decided to shield my children from you.  I am so afraid...very afraid... I am scared of you. I am scared that you'll hurt us again emotionally. I don't want my kids to experience the trauma that I still have when I hear the word DADDY, when I hear the telephone ring, when I see a drunk person walking towards me on the street or when a drunk person sits beside me in public. I would literally shake like a helpless child. You have no idea how difficult it is for me to go outside. I feel sick when I am on a crowd because I am afraid to see you again. I don't want to be in the same situation that I had for 22 years. But I am doing my best to overcome my fear...my fear seeing you. Just give me time.

Being far away from you doesn't mean that I don't care. You may not know this but I still think of you everyday. I still care, Dad.

If it's a sin to be away from you, I am willing to suffer the consequence. I believe that the decision I made five years ago was the best option for all of us.

I still look forward to the day that when we see each other, all wounds are already healed. Let us give each other more time to recover. I LOVE YOU, DAD.  All of us know the truth. All I am wishing for is for you to accept the fact that you hurt me, my brother, most especially mom. We were victims of your false beliefs, hang-ups, unprocessed childhood experiences, and displacement of anger. Maybe you were not aware because you were a victim too. That gives me consolation.

Dad, please don't live in the past. The only way that you can move on is to accept your shortcomings.

DAD, THANK YOU. Without you, I wouldn't be here. All that I am right now is because of you and mom. Despite the hardships and pain, I still manage to keep moving forward and do my best to become a good person. The mistakes of the past taught me to make the right choices. I am strong because of you. That I am thankful. 

Happy Father's Day and I'm sorry, Dad. Somehow I know that you still think of me. Don't worry, I'm okay. I am blessed with a man who takes good care of me and our kids. He is the reason why it is easier for me to still long for you despite of what happened. Take care of yourself. I am looking forward to see you, hopefully soon, before it's too late.

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The WAHM 101: How to be a Work at Home Mom Workshop

I remember the days when I didn't get tired of waking up, dressing up for work, and doing the same routines everyday. Seeing my students made me more inspired to go back to work.

When I decided to become a full time mom nine years ago, I thought that there was no life after teaching. From a working girl to a SAHM, it was very hard to adjust. Hubby wasn't beside me when I was pregant with Ross. He was sent to China to teach. Being blessed with the presence of my grandmother, mother, and brother made me stronger, knowing that I could depend on them when everything else would fail.

I used to help Mom in packing her rosaries for UST Parish Store and sometimes made some finishing touches on her creations. My focus then was on my motherly and wifely duties and further studies. I thought that starting a home-based business like what my Mom did  was impossible that time. My hands were tight then.

In 2010, when Ice was born, Mom suggested that I should put my love of crafting into something worthwhile. Hubby was here and I had all the support from my family. It was UST's 400th Founding Anniversary when I realized that I should took advantage of the situation by creating souvenirs like shirts, fans, mugs, and key holders for alumni and students as well. 

I felt empowered when I received my first pay check as a mompreneur. The fact that I could earn again while doing the things that I love, gain financial independence while having the privilege of taking care of my kids and Hubby, and buy things for myself and my loved ones without asking money from Hubby, gave me the sense of fulfillment that I had when I was still teaching. It was invigorating! I felt more complete and there was a sense of purpose and direction. 

I learned the ins and outs of my business based on experience alone. I had no chance of attending workshops due to the demands of the workshop schedule. They would take two to three days that fall on weekdays. Nobody was going to look after my kids because Hubby was at work and busy with further studies.  

Now we are privileged to have workshops offered by Manila Workshops and WAHMderful Life on a weekend. 

Manila Workshops was established to provide a venue for people to continuously learn and aspire for their professional or personal goals in life. Workshops are continuously created that would help enhance knowledge in creativity, business, and personal development. It was founded in January 2012 by blogger and mompreneur, Ginger Palma-Arboleda.

WAHMderful Life is dedicated to equip, empower and inspire women both married and mothers to live life beautifully while working from home. WAHMderful Life Workshops are created to connect, form relationships, and expand moms' network during its regular learning events. It was founded by award winning blogger and blogging coach, Martine de Luna.

This month, they will give the highly anticipated workshop entitled, The WAHM: How to be a Work at Home Mom.

 

I encourage you, Mommies, to attend this workshop. For only Php1200, you'll learn the following:

• Actual steps that WAHMs took; transition from a working girl to WAHM  
• strategies on creating your own job, so that you can use your skills to start working from home, even if you’re still employed
• ups and downs of being a WAHM; learn from WAHMs who’ve made mistakes but become very successful in the work-at-home lifestyle. Three very inspiring WAHMs will share their experiences.

  

Goodies from Unilab will be given to all participants too!

You can avail the early bird rate, Php1000, if you register on or before June 15, 2014.

For more details about the workshop and to register and pay online, you may go to these links:

http://manilaworkshops.com/2014/05/the-wahm-101-how-to-be-a-work-at-home-mom.html
http://wahmderfullife.com/2014/05/21/wahm-101/ 

To be updated, you may also join their community by visiting and liking their Facebook pages:

https://www.facebook.com/manilaworkshops
https://www.facebook.com/WAHMderfulLife


The WAHM 101: How to be a Work at Home Mom Workshop is sponsored by 88DB.com, Unilab, and Insular Life. 


Save the date!

The WAHM 101: How to be a Work at Home Mom will be held on June 28, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the 12th floor Multi-Purpose Hall Insular Life Building, Ayala Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas, Makati City.

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Tips on Restoring Old White Uniforms and Shoes

School year 2014-2015 has began for some students. Hope the tips below can help moms who are still preparing for the opening of classes next week. 

As parents, we find ways on how to lessen our expenses like letting our kids reuse their old uniforms and shoes. There is no need to buy new ones if they still fit. Through this way we can save a lot of money and teach our kids frugality. 

To make old white uniforms and shoes look new and ready to use again, here are my practical tips.

White Uniforms

Soak yellowish or grayish white uniforms in a basin with water, detergent, and white distilled vinegar for 15-3o minutes. Acetic acid of vinegar removes stains, discoloration, and enhances the cleaning power of detergent. Hand wash the uniforms until they turn white again. Rinse with water, wring or spin, and hang them outside, most preferably exposed to direct sunlight.   

Yellowish or Grayish Plain White Canvas Shoes

Do the procedure above using an old toothbrush to remove excess dirt and stains. But don't expose it to direct sunlight when drying to avoid making the fabric weak. Based on my experience, prolonged exposure to sunlight turns white canvas shoes yellowish or grayish again. Make sure to air dry instead,  not tilted please, to avoid water marks on the exterior.

Old Plain White Rubber or Leather Shoes

Rub the exterior using plain white toothpaste with little water using a microfiber cloth. Remove the suds and dirt using clean cloth or wet wipes. Then air dry. Yes, believe me! It will make your white rubber and leather shoes very white and clean! The baking soda on toothpaste does the trick. I remember doing this during my nursing student days.

If the interior is very dirty, brush it thoroughly using detergent or dishwashing liquid solution. Rinse it immediately in running water. But don't do this on the exterior because it can make your shoes chip off. Then do the above-mentioned procedure on the exterior. Indirect warmth and good ventilation is the best way to dry them.

Old Black Shoes

Wipe the dust or dirt using dry cloth. Apply shoe polish, baby oil, or cooking oil on the exterior. Don't forget to brush or wipe them with dry cloth to make them even more sparkly!

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