LJS Bodega Sale Now in Bacolod

The first time I went to the LJS Bodega Sale in 2011, my husband and I went crazy.  It was heaven for those who love to cook (like my husband) and bake.  In 2012, I was a little disappointed when we weren't able to come because of a conflict in schedule.  Not only that, we know that we'll be moving back here in Bacolod the next year.  But lo and behold!  The LJS Bodega Sale is actually HERE - in BACOLOD!

It was just one of those days when we head off to the nearest department store - Lopue's East - and we saw a sign.  Pots and pans and baking utensils greeted us when we entered the store.  Immediately I felt giddy when I saw an all too familiar color guide.

One can get up to 70% discount from selected items

Avent Mealtime set down to Php 1200

Discounted baking pans for those who love to bake

A non stick pan for Php 250 and a 26cm Chef's classic pan for Php 480.  Definitely a STEAL!

It was just like the Bodega Sale in Manila.  What's even better is that the Bodega Sale will last the entire month of July.  Oh yeah! More time for me to earn online so I can buy what I want.  You bet I have my list ready.

Come visit Lopue's East Centre from July 1-31, 2013 and check out the amazing amazing deals on Avent, Chef's Classic and Goody Products.

Philips Avent: From Pregnancy to Playground

Last October 6, 2012, Philips AVENT , a leader in parenting and baby products organized an event in celebration of the many facets of motherhood.  I say this event was not just for the mothers but for the entire family.  It was informative for both parents as it was a fun activity for the kids.  It featured the belly cast exhibit by birth artist, Mimsy Sermonia-Jundis together with the works of Stanley Ong, a renowned pregnancy portraitist.

From Pregnancy to Playground is an interactive exhibit that features activities from different stages of motherhood.  The Grand Atrium was divided into three (3) areas: Baby Bump, New Baby and Growing Baby.  Baby Bump are for pregnant mothers, New Baby - for moms with babies up to 18 months old and Growing baby for moms with toddlers like me.

The Entrance to the Exhibit area and below is my kid's favorite area - Scrapbooking.

The exhibit opened at 10am but me and my toddler ran a little late.  The talks have started and most of my mommy friends who are Avent users were already there.  Each mom was given a "passport" as a guide for them to go through the exhibit areas and once they're done, they can claim their loot bags.

Because I brought along my toddler with me, I was only able to get bits and pieces of the information provided by the speakers that day.  But what struck me the most was the talk on children's oral care.

Note to self: I need to schedule my son's dental checkup now that he's two.  I learned that we should have started when he was 1.

As for my older daughter, I should stop buying kiddie toothpaste and have her use an adult toothpaste instead.  The latter contains Flouride that's healthy for the teeth and gums.  Brushing the teeth for 2 minutes is also recommended.

With much of the talks ongoing, my son was busy running up and down the slide set up by Gymboree.  And later he helped himself with the crayons in the scrapbooking area.  He was given Truman, the bunny's picture to color and decorate.  He's a toddler so he mostly just made scribbles and doodles.  He was also given buttons and a few cutout shapes that he and I pasted.  He tells me where he wants to put the button and I put a paste on it.  He was pretty happy about his "artwork" that I had it pinned on the wall for his Tatay to see.  My husband caught up with us after he fetched our daughter from the School Camping Activity and he was all grins when he saw what our son did.  My daughter immediately dove in the scrapbooking table and decorated our picture.  Little did we know that these were judged and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, the brand ambassador picked his work as one of the winners.  He won a Philips Avent 7-oz Straw Cup.

Clockwise from the top left: my son's winning artwork; him showing off the crayon;
him having his picture taken with  his artwork and him falling asleep while i claim his prize.  

It was only when my son fell asleep that I got to sit down to watch and listen to the activities on stage.  Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan read us her new book "Kuya na si Bunso" which I find as a fun way of explaining what it means if mommy is pregnant.  Chef Mitchie did a cooking demo using the Philips Avent Steamer/Blender.  My mommy friends eagerly participated in the Gymboree class demo on stage together with their toddlers.  And my daughter happily watched and participated in the magic show.

Clockwise from the Top Left: Storytelling with Ms. Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan; Cooking Demo with Chef Mitchie Sison; Gymboree demo class; My daughter participating in the Magic Show

Couldn't resist having our picture taken with Mommy Maricel; Avent Lootbag and my son's prize.

We're very thankful that Philips Avent organize this kind of activity that not only showcase the quality of products that they offer but they also provide information that is essential for Moms like me.

Me and mommy friends who were also part of the Avent Discussion board

Like the Avent Facebook Fan page now.

Product Review: Avent Via Breastmilk Storage Kit

One of the things that I consider as a "must-have" for working nursing moms like me is a set breastmilk storage containers.  Avent Via Breastmilk Storage Kit is everything that I wanted.  A box contains 10 pcs of cups and lids that are pre-sterilized and two adaptors that I can use so I can pump my milk directly into the container.  What I love about it is that it is compatible with my pump and it is reusable.  Just make sure that you check the cup for any signs of wear and tear before reusing it.  Otherwise, you may need to dispose it.

This is great if you have a big refrigerator because you can stack the container on top of the other.  The cup is versatile too.  When my son started eating solids, we used this as a container for all his puree'd fruits and vegetables.  Now that he is 23 months old, what I do is just take out one via cup full of expressed milk, twist the lid open and he'd drink from it just like he'd drink from a regular cup.  We also use this to pack his snacks (and mine) such as mini oatmeal cookies and a handful of cereals.  So far, my milk nor his snacks and pureed vegetables has leaked out from the via cup container.

I also use it to pack my snacks at work. These are Mommy Treats Lactation Cookies.

It would have been better if the labels at the side of the container are more bold and clearer.  Once you put your breastmilk or any puree'd food inside, sometimes, you can hardly make out the number of ounces at the side of the container.  But aside from that, this product is highly recommend because of its versatility.  This has been on of my breastfriends for more than one year. 

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Christmas Party @ AVENTopia

My family was one of the lucky group who scored an invite to the Exclusive Avent Christmas Party last November 19.  Although I know that I'd be coming from my graveyard shift, I went ahead and confirmed my attendance. 

Getting There

The Avent staff was kind enough to provide transportation going to the LJS building from SM centerpoint.  So we went there at exactly 2:30.  You should see the panic on my face when I couldn't see any Avent Van or Avent staff wearing a green shirt.  I thought they left.  So I started calling the contact numbers I had on my phone (Sorry for the hassle Avent.  That was me, sleep deprived and panicking).

Traffic was really bad but when we arrived at the LJS Building, the staff greeting us with smiles on their faces which made us feel less tired.

Food

Contrary to the other parties, the games were played after everyone has had their turn at the buffet table.  The food was great.  For the kids, they have spaghetti and hotdogs.  For the young at heart, they have rice, beef with mushroom, fish fillet and yes, LECHON.  Then there's the dessert table that my son and my daughter enjoyed.  They have a chocolate fountain where you can dip the pretzels, the marshmallows and the sliced apples and grapes.  I couldnt help but allow my son to have a taste of this chocolatey treat.

Baby Brent, the boy with the Best in Costume

Games

What I loved about it is how they make sure everyone participated in the games.  I may be sleep deprived but the kid in me couldnt wait to have my turn.  A total of 5 games were played.  The staff did a great job in incorporating their products in the party games such as the "Interchange me" game highlighting the interchangeability of the Avent products and the Avent Pinoy Henyo.  The highlight of the party was when the Baby with the Best Costume was announced.  Baby Brent won hands down with his soldier costume.

It's a party for the mommies, daddies and the babies too!!

Prizes/Loot bag

Avent has been very generous with their prizes ranging from the Sunnex Flask, Avent Insulated cups, to the Feeding sets, Aranaz bag to the mini blender.  And everyone pretty much went home a winner because everyone took home a loot bag with all the Avent/Sunnex/Aprica goodies.

Everyone had a blast.  It was great to have met those mommies that we have bonded with in the online community. 

"Thank you Avent for being instrumental in the newfound friendships that started with our love for your products.  We're all honored to be part of the Avent community!"

photos by Grace Rey