Tips for Travelers with Kids in Tow

On my way to Singapore, I was seated behind a young couple with a 1year old who cried almost the entire way. The couple obviously first time parents seem to be clueless on how to pacify and comfort their little girl. The only time the toddler was quiet was when she fell asleep, tired from crying. 

I myself am a first time parent to a four year old little girl. We also had our share of the trouble that comes with traveling with an infant. Since I am originally from Manila, every time we go home for the holidays, we have to take 1.5 hours plane rides and an hour or so car ride from the airport to my mom’s house. Also, since hubby and I love to travel, there are times we had to endure long car drives with an infant in tow. Yep since my baby was eight months, we brought her along wherever we went. Her first trip abroad was also at Singapore (our favorite travel destination) when she was just a year and eight months old.

So during our travels, I’ve learned a few things here and there. Here are a few tips for all the new couples out there who have to go through traveling in airplanes with infants or toddlers in tow… 

Farewell Harry Potter!

Just last Thursday, I was already at the cinema lining up for the final installment in the Harry Potter series. I cleared up everything for the day and convinced a friend to come with me for the Deathly Hallows Part 2 3D movie. Too bad my little girl is still too small to take with me to the movies.. and since she only wanted a pet harry wizard (hairy lizard) and not Harry the Wizard to whom I have been following since JK Rowling published her very first novel.

I remember the first time the Sorcerer's Stone came out,

Mommyjournal's 2011 Top Emerging & Influential Blogs

Its my first time to nominate my Top Emerging and Influential Blogs and below are my favorites:

 The PINAY TRAVELOGUE is a blog about the various places 

 hubby and I have been blessed to have been to. 

It also showcases some of his prized photographs (with a few of mine :)

plus places in and around our beautiful Mindanao 

to somehow help erase the bad publicity about this

often misunderstood island.

Second on my list is:

In my Barbie world...

Documenting some of our latest beaboo anecdotes...

***

I was in the bathroom taking a shower when I heard singing (and probably dancing too) 

"I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie wooorld.. imagination...life is my creation...c'mon Barbie lets go party..." 

Nope, it wasn't my little girl singing, it was the daddy. For daddy's sake, hoping we have a baby boy next.. LOL

Toddlermania...

hurry..before the bride sees us! :)

My four year old is always abuzz with her myriad of activities. She is a curious little soul that has an eye out for anything new and interesting (well, ordinary everyday stuff seems interesting to her). It is during these formative years of a child - the interesting five years -

To daddy with love...

I have never seen a dad as affectionate with a daughter as you are with yours. You never seem to run out of hugs and kisses for your little angel..always a smile as you say "pag laki nya ayaw na nya ng hugs and kisses from daddy so habang baby, papakin ng hugs and kisses" :)

doldrums

**trying my hand at writing poems (sort of :).  I know its not as good as real poets go, but hope you like it. **

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photo credits to: vladstudio.deviantart.com

I am a chameleon, i put on a myriad of faces,

happy face for the little hearts that look up to me

a ray of sunshine to those looking for inspiration

but deep inside, i am shattered, grieving

a sadness that contains me

Passion For Make-Up

I'm not much of an artist per se. I don't draw well, my handwriting oftentimes is only legible to me and I have yet to memorize the color wheel. :) But I've always had a passion for make-up - not so much the artsy, glamour aspect of make-up I seem to find myself being entangled in (due to hubby's photo shoots) but I'm interested in the enhancing effect of make-up.

So you can  just imagine my level of excitement when fellow blogger Ms. Ria Jose informed me of the "Basic Make-up Workshop" organized by FiDA (Fashion Institute of Design and Arts). The Basic Make-up Workshop is a three day workshop which tackles the origins of make-up, skin preparation and analysis, importance of make-up application, hygiene and sanitation among others. 

Mr. Archie Tolentino Chief MUA Maybelline NY

The workshop is conducted by Maybelline New York - Philippines Chief Make-up Artist Mr. Archie Tolentino. I was in awe that someone as good as him was the one to teach us the ropes of basic make-up. After all, I've seen his work and his name printed in most glamour and fashion magazines!

The Most Revered Mother and Intercessor of All

For most devout Catholics, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the most revered saint and intercessor of all weary souls, our direct line to Jesus. For me, the Blessed Virgin Mary has played a very significant role in my life and the life of my one and only daughter.

photo credits to: deacondance.com

I've always believed that the Blessed Virgin Mary has always played an important role in my life.

Letting go of mommy's hand...

My unica hija just discovered having play-dates. Early yesterday morning, she asked me to pack her extra clothes along with her favorite tattered rag doll "pwincess". And then she can't wait to get over at her cousin's house. So there I was bringing my little girl for the first time for a play-date outside the confines of our house or the store. Sure, you can call me overprotective and sorts but then, this is my one and only angel were talking about here, the one that took us forever to make (*wink*wink*).