Better Supplements

Ever since we started "living" a healthy lifestyle. Let me share with you some of the natural/homeopathic supplements that help us improve our immune system.

Immune System Booster

Ilog Maria Bee Propolis

We take this daily.
Great for coughs, colds, allergies, fever, asthma, influenza and rheumatism.


Dosage
Adults: take one full dropper or 1 ml or 25 drops of Ilog Maria Bee Propolis mix with honey, juice, milk or water on an empty stomach before breakfast(we take this straight since we can tolerate the sourly taste).

Children above 1 year old: take one full dropper or 1 ml or 25 drops Ilog Maria Bee Propolis mix with honey, juice, milk or water on an empty stomach before breakfast.

Children below 1 year old: take one-fourth to one-half full dropper or 1/4 to 1/2 ml or 6 to 12 drops Ilog Maria Bee Propolis mix with honey, juice, milk or water on an empty stomach before breakfast. It will be prudent to start with a low dose; increase as the baby's body becomes accustomed to it.

You can download the full information here.

Scratchy throat? Fight the first sign of cough with

Ilog Maria Propolis Throat Spray

This throat spray prevents colds and coughs, even fever/flu.
I personally tried and it worked! Soothes sore throat. Excellent for "singaw" and freshens breath too.

Dosage
Spray twice on tonsils at first sign of cough or cold.

DS' Daily Vitamins

Animal Parade Multivitamin

To stay healthy, his homeopathic pedia prescribed this multivitamin. It's more suitable for our little ones tiny physique. We got it from Healthy Options.

Dosage
1 ml daily

Child Life Flaxseed Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids

After months of trial and error, this is by far the best supplement his pedia prescribed for DS' dry skin on arms and legs(eczema). Plus good for the heart and brain development.

Dosage
He takes 5ml daily

Bio Bita Probiotic Granules

This helps boost his appetite, immune system and promotes good digestion too. We purchased it from the pedia's clinic.

Dosage
1 scoop in his milk daily for 3 to 6 months

Soothing Balm

Vapor Soove Rub

This is really effective for stuffy noses and coughs. Since DS has very sensitive skin, we apply a small amount on a tissue paper (then fold it) and place it inside his shirt at the back side where he can't reach for it. I like this cause it doesn't contain Camphor. I am assured that my baby is safe. This is suitable for babies 6 months and above. Purchased it at Baby & Beyond along P.Guevarra, San Juan. Also available at Momtrepreneur in Shangri-La Plaza.

All Organics

Before having DS in our lives, eating healthy wasn't something I would prioritize at this age. Sure, once in a while I would do it when I feel I need to lose some weight.
For me, eating healthy means:

Now that the picture is much clearer and I'm not getting any younger. It's about time to do something about my health (healthy lifestyle). So that one day when my son is ready to settle down, I can still "walk" him down the aisle and play with my grandchildren. After 30+ years! Haha

Image c/o Bride.net

Four months after giving birth, DH, Edgar and I went to see a naturalist doctor; Dr. Nigel Chen. And boy! It was an awakening for us. After hearing all his words we got scared with these commercial products especially food around us. I can't believe it! After all these years. We've been putting junk in our bodies. No wonder a lot of people get sick at an early age. Since then we look at those products in a different way--scary that is. These companies want to get more money so all they do is short cut!

Ever since DS has been eating solids, we're giving him organic foods. We make his food from scratch. It's a big NO for short cuts! I don't believe in bottled "organic baby food" that sells in the grocery stores. As long as it is processed that means there are added preservatives even if the label says "no preservatives added". Don't believe it and take note of the expiration dates.

My little ones tiny physique :)

Here are the basic things we've learned or should I say reminded by Dr. Nigel:

1.  Sleep early (11pm latest). Sleep at least 7 hours straight.
2.  Drink at least 12 glasses of water daily. 10 glasses are applicable for kids only.
3.  Less sugar. Coco sugar is the best alternative. Brown sugar is better than the white one.
4.  Eat more veggies. Preferably organic ones.
*cleaning tip: 1:10 baking soda or vinegar and water
5.  Less rice. Choose your rice -- organic pink/brown/red or japanese rice
6.  Less meat. If you will eat meat --

• lamb is the best among all
• chicken is better than beef (buy free range) 
• beef is better than pork

7.  No MSG Please!
8.  Take Vitamin C daily.
9.  Exercise! -- Ehem! I should start doing this soon ;P

Remember: HEALTH IS WEALTH. WE ARE WHAT WE EAT.

After doing the program for almost five months, I lost 20 pounds. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Woot woot!

I know how difficult it is to follow all these healthy eating. But we're only humans, we have a cheat day weekly! LOL

Here are the list where we buy our organic stuff:
Food

• Legaspi Sunday Market
• Centris Sunday Market - Isabella Farm
• S&R Supermarket (free range chicken)
• Healthy Options
• Rustan's Supermarket
• Health Buff in E. Rodriguez QC
• Sugarleaf in Wilson Street Greenhills
• DownToEarth in Mercato at Fort

Toiletries & Home Cleaners

• Healthy Options
• Legaspi Sunday Market
• The Eco Baby Boutique
• Sesou Nature Source Shop in Trinoma

My Baby Essentials

My Top 22 Checklist
(tried and tested through 9 months)  

1.  Graco Pack 'n Play

Silhouette Playard - Rittenhouse
Purchased it here.

This playpen is so 'sulit' for us! Since we are limited to space. We opted to get this. We're so happy that this playpen is so versatile. Plus it matches our closet's damask wallpaper ;) teehee

DS is 15 days old here :)

Very sturdy, I feel confident putting DS on the changing station that he won't fall. The bassinet was sturdy enough to hold DS until he is almost 7 months. We removed the bassinet when he learned to stand. I love the features: a place for diapers, wipes (use it for tissue), 2 accessory holders for moist-cotton-balls container and camera (or any), soothing music and night light. Very convenient for midnight diaper changes! Easy to clean as well.

We even brought it during our first family holy weekend getaway at Sofitel Hotel.

DS feels like he never left home ;)

2.  Medela Free-Style Pump
I like this very much since it's very light and compact than other styles/brands. It's so easy to use and clean. I like it a lot too cause you have option to hold it or hands-free, by simply attaching the straps so I can do other things -- multi-tasking while pumping at the same time. Lovely!

Image and purchased mine from Breast Pump Deals. 
Amazon has great deal too the last time I checked.

In case of emergency, Avent Isis Manual Pump to the rescue. I actually tried it and it's easy to use. But so far my Medela pump hasn't failed me yet :)

Given by Je's shobe. Thanks Cherry!

3.  Nursing Cover

Lilymoms Nursing cover

There's me at the back ;p
Family getaway at Sofitel
Purchased it at Rustan's

I use this to cover when I'm pumping in the car, home (if there are guests) or anywhere I am. Love Lilymoms nursing cover cause it covers my sides and back as well. I'm 100% covered -- NO peekaboos! LOL. I can walk around while pumping :)
I also like using Nursingmom nursing cover cause it has an integral wire on top opening so it's easy to see while pumping, especially in the car. But this covers my front and sides only. Nevertheless, great for direct/breastfeeding :)

Nursingmom Nursing Cover
Image c/o My Virtual Closet
Purchased it at Numa. Rustan's carries it too.

4.  Storage Bags

Lansinoh. Usually I buy it at Amazon and Zebebe in Manila.

Our hotel fridge content during our trip to HK last Feb.
I used Lansinoh BM Storage Bags.
0% leakage and 0% breakage! Woohoo!

I use Nanny BM Storage Bag at home. Less expensive than Lansinoh :)
0% leakage & breakage
I purchase at Baby Co. in Rockwell

5.  Teats (wide base) and Feeding Bottles

Easy dolly! No need to transfer to another bottle after pumping and no more waste of milk :)  
I purchased Medela teats and bottles at Amazon.

Medela Calma - like magic! Really a calmer :)
Purchased it at Medela House in New Manila.

See ;)

6.  Baby Cleaners - Cycles, Cradle & Victoria

Cycles - the Best!
I usually purchase it at S&R, Rustan's and Medela House

Cradle Bottle & Teat Cleanser. 
I like to use this to clean DS' toys instead of soap cause i'm sure it doesn't leave soap residue & no harmful chemicals.
I purchase at Rustan's, Baby section in Landmark Department Store Trinoma and Medela House 

Cradle Toy & Surface Cleaner. I use this to clean my son's playpen and toys.
I purchase at Rustan's and Rustan's Supermarket Rockwell.

We wash all our clothes and sheets with Victoria since DS has super sensitive skin. It has nice fresh scent and best of all -- earth friendly :)

We purchase it at Rustan's Supermarket or Sesou Shop in Trinoma

7.  Baby Monitor

Philips Analogue Monitor SCD463/10 220v
She got it in Rustan's.

Sony 900MHz Baby Monitor Dual Receiver 110v. Bought it from Amazon.

This is a definite must-have. We can do other things as long as this is ON!
The Philips baby monitor were borrowed from our friend, Candy. It's a great and easy to use baby monitor. Since Candy just gave birth to her second baby, we had to purchase for our own. Based on our experience, we prefer the Philips more than the Sony. Less hassle to divert to 220v. Nevertheless, we got it cheap from Amazon. Take note of all the electronic stuff you buy outside the country especially in the States.

8.  Mustela No-Rinse Cleansing Fluid - for face and neck
Thanks Mitch for introducing Mustela to us :)

You'll surely love this too! ;p
Purchased from Sogo HK. Now available at Rustan's and Trinoma

Goodbye rashes & eczema and Hello to fab skin. Plus I love the fresh baby scent :)
I swear this no-rinse cleansing fluid works wonders! Love it!!

9.  Light-weight Baby Stroller

Maclaren Stroller Sport Quest. Purchased from Baby Dealz.

Easy to clean and use. Love the color combinations too!

10.  Basic Layettes

Dwell Studio is available at Rustan's and Quirks Phil.

So paranoid! Prevent the risk of SID. Thanks to the innovators! 
Purchased it from Baby Co. Rockwell and Zebebe

All bibs from Mothercare
Thanks Riatot for sharing the teether bib! Sulit!

Baby Jane's Booties handmade by yours truly ;)

Every pair I make is a work of art for me ;)

Was inspired by my mom's creations so I decided to learn how to knit...
Made of pure cotton for no more sweaty little feet ;)

Baby Legs Legwarmer. Easy for changing diaper during day time :) 
Purchased from Sogo HK and Indigo Baby

11.  Cloth & Disposable Diapers
DS wears cloth diaper during day time...

Charlie Banana Cloth Diaper & Biodegradable Liner
Saves money and saves DS' skin from rashes :) Ordered our stash from The Eco Baby Boutique and Numa Store.

Purchased it from The Eco Baby Boutique.

Before using the prefolds, boil it for 10-15 minutes for all the natural oils will be removed. It will be soft to the touch after several washing :)

I swear this really works for longer sleep during night time...

MamyPoko Disposable Diaper
Available in Baby Co., Rustan's Supermarket and Puregold Supermarket

12.  Earth Mama Angel Baby - Bottom Balm

for my little cute bum - prevent & bye bye rashes :) love the minty smell too! Purchased at Numa Store.
Available also at The Eco Baby Boutique.

13.  Indigo First Aid Gel

A Jar of Hope! This really works wonders for skin rashes even for adults too :) 
Photo c/o Wifely Steps.
I purchase at Sesou Shop in Trinoma and Indigo Baby.

14.  Pigeon Nasal Aspirator

So easy to use and clean :)
Available in Baby Co. and baby section of Landmark Dept. Store

 15.  Muji Cotton Swabs -  I'm really glad we have Muji in Manila!

Thin (thinnest) Cotton Swabs for my little one's tiny nose :) 
Less expensive than Ainon ;p

16.  By Nature Handmade Soap - Olive Beauty
This soap is all natural ingredients so it's easy to melt. I divide it into 3 parts. For DS, the whole bar will last for 3 months. While DH and I it will last for 1.5 to 2 months. Not bad :)

Tried other bars but this one is by far the best for my baby's sensitive skin :) 
Great for adults too! We love the Golden Honey Oats and Very Oatmeal :)
So glad I discovered it!
I purchase at The Eco Baby Boutique.

17.  A First Years Close and Secure Sleeper

We are assured that our baby is safe :)
Purchased at Baby Co. Rockwell

18.  Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether

Image c/o Pupsik Studio. Purchased from Amazon.

DS loves Sophie! teehee ;)

19.  Totseat Portable High Chair

Purchased it at Mothercare

I like this so much cause DS can eat with us together. He feels like a grown-up ;p Also, is it just me or what?! I see and feel that almost all high chairs in the restaurants are untidy no matter how you clean it. Well better to be sure than sorry later. Compact and light so it's a breeze to bring it anywhere. Glad we have it :)

20.  Graco High Chair - Contempo in Grazia Red

It is quite heavy but the sturdy structure assures us that DS will not topple off 
when he's 'malikot' ;p

A great gift from DH's supplier :) Thank you!

21.  Bumbo Training Chair

Great for my little one's fragile back ;) Purchased from Amazon.

22.  Fresh Goat's Milk

I started mixing/alternating breastmilk and goat's milk when DS is about 8.5 months...  

Alaminos' Milk Star Goat's Milk

DS likes it and so are we ;)

We discovered that DS is allergic to cow's milk. This saved us! We found out from the supplier that there are several shops in Quezon City area that carries this (so glad we don't have to drive all the way to Laguna). Usually, this will last for 7 days from the time of delivery. Milk must be stored at 4-6°C. So make sure to bring cooler with you when you purchase it. When DS can not finish it, we return immediately in the fridge. Can only be exposed at room temperature within 30 minutes.

* Health Buff at E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue

2nd floor of the building (where BDO is) across Burger King (beside St. Lukes Hospital)

0919.6334423

714.1164

Every Tuesday delivery. Call them first to order

* Landmark Supermarket at Trinoma

Every Friday delivery

* Unimart Supermarket in Greenhills

Every Tuesday and Friday delivery
*Direct Seller in Timog
0917.8863668
* Alamino's Goat Farm (inquiry for other areas)
Art Almeda
0917.5001982 and 0917.5004294


**NOTE: The items and sites listed above are not endorsed, sponsored by or affiliated with in anyway to me.