New-Found Friends

My stretch marks found new friends, thanks to my recent lunch date at Rockwell with my TV5 friends. I've been using these products for only a couple of days but I swear I feel like my skin's going lighter. I'm really stressed about the appearance and "darkness" of my stretch marks due to pregnancy. I won't deny it, coz when you look at them, they simply look disgusting. I know, I know, my tummy served as Sword's home for nine months so having these marks was predictable. But I hope you know what I mean. 

Now let's proceed, shall we?

1. Celeteque Dermoscience Anti-Stretch Mark Cream

I mentioned this already in my previous post about stretchies. Thanks to ate Aimee Diego who posted this on her Instagram account, I learned that Celeteque now offers maternity products. And yep, I enjoy using this because it has the most good-smelling anti-stretch marks cream I ever used. Better than Mustela. Php 469.00 at PCX.

2. Rosken Bio Serum Intensive Skincare Oil

Safe for face and body use, this oil is also used not only for stretch marks but also for scars, dry and ageing skin and uneven pigmentation. I highly recommend this if you are scent sensitive (like me, I have allergic rhinitis) and hate the strong odor of shea and cocoa butter. Its mild scent is so relaxing I want to pour the entire bottle all over my body. I also like the supple and light feeling it leaves. Php 895 at PCX.

3. Eskinol Naturals Facial Cleanser in Lemon

This you won't believe me, but my manghihilot recommended me this. She's one of the few who saw how terrible-looking my tummy is and she said that when I use this to cleanse the area, it will help lighten the skin and the marks. Not yet sure if it does really work, but the cotton "cleans" my tummy as if I exposed it in a polluted city. I use it before applying the Bio Serum at night. Php 31.00 at Watsons.

That's all! I'm still continuing my quest in finding the best anti-stretch mark cream in the market. If you know something effective, let me know. As long as I can afford it, I will buy and use it. :D

Happy Friday night!

♥,

Marianne

Unmark Those Pregnancy Marks

Ever since I found out that I was pregnant, one of the many concerns I had in mind was dealing with those unwanted marks in the tummy and breast areas. It's true, having stretch marks when you're pregnant is inevitable, but there are ways to prevent it from coming or to at least minimize it. To be honest, there are then-pregnant women who were lucky enough not to have these marks at all and I am envious because mine started to appear during my eighth month. I wouldn't deny it because sooner or later, when I'm not successful in clearing them up, you're gonna see them. (Hahaha this won't stop me from wearing my new bikinis no!)

To my preggo friends, readers and new mothers who are fighting the same battle against stretchies, let me introduce you my skin's best friends:

1. Human Nature 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil

Tagged as a miracle in a bottle, this organic product is the first ever product I used and applied on the areas prone to stretchies during my first trimester. It has other benefits, too!

What I love most about this product: It's non-sticky! The heat during summer + growing tummy + stretching/itchy skin that only pregnant women feel will surely understand me.

What I don't: Its availability. I have to pre-order bottles of it so I make sure that before I hit the less than 30 mL level, I already have a new one on hand. (Please tell me where to buy Human Nature products in TriNoma/SM North.)

2. Mustela 9 Months Stretch Marks Double Action 

I joined the bandwagon and heard that Mustela does work well. I gave it a try even if a 150 mL tube costs more than a thousand (thank God for special gift packs they offer--we took home other Mustela 9 Months and Mustela Bebe products). 

What I love most about this product: The smell! Period.

What I don't: The price. And oh, did I say I finished my tube only in a month? 

3. Johnson's Baby Oil Gel - Shea & Cocoa Butter 

My last discovery to fight against stretch marks happened while doing a little shopping at S&R. I was there to buy huge boxes of Pepero (cravings!!!) but I went home scoring a (finally) good-smelling shea and cocoa butter product without me feeling dizzy and nauseous. I still use it after giving birth. I forgot how much it costs though. 

What I love most about this product: Admit it, Johnson's products are unquestionable. My skin always feels softer every after application and its moisturizing effect lasts up to 12 hours. I love it!

What I don't: I'm not sure, but I think it's only available in S&R. For me, every preggo should have a bottle coz it works! 

4. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks

The first ever anti-stretch marks product I bought. All pregnant women used, or at least, tried using this product if I'm not mistaken. But unfortunately, the scent of it just caused me all-day morning sickness. And until now, I cannot use it because its scent reminds me of my pregnancy days--I still feel like throwing up!

What I love most about this product: You will never have a hard time getting yourself a bottle. Available at Watsons, Landmark and all other leading department stores and beauty stores nationwide! :D

What I don't: I can't tell, coz I only used it for a week. But personally, the scent.

5. L'occitane Rose 4 Reines Velvet Hand Cream

A bonus, I'm applying a spread of pea sized amounts all over areas affected (quite expensive kaya tipis hahaha) since this product contains shea butter. I haven't done a research yet on the effectivity of shea butter in preventing/minimizing stretch marks but most of anti-stretch marks products contain it so might as well give it a try. Super thanks to my mother-in-law who gave me three different boxes of L'occitane last Christmas! :)

What I love most about this product: Its velvety feel, the scent, the softness it brings and the feeling of well-moisturized. 

What I don't: the price because I'd rather buy a new makeup than buying a new box. 

There you have it! Hope this helps. I also found out that Celeteque has its own maternity products called Celeteque Maternity! I wonder if Watsons already have it, because I've been looking for Celeteque BB Cream since I got pregnant and I still don't have it now that Sword's almost two months. I wanna try the products!

And oh, now that I'm done with stretch marks, can someone help me about cellulites naman? 

Happy July!

♥,

Marianne

Sword Marius

18th day of May, 6:53 in the morning. I gave birth to a wonderful, miraculous creation of God.

It was a joyous journey to motherhood. Nine months of pregnancy. Thirty-seven weeks of feeling so special and fragile knowing that I am carrying a young life inside me. In my womb I nurtured and loved a little man that even without seeing him yet, he already changed my life. 

Pregnancy is such a beautiful happening. You get to feel the life inside you... the kicks, the swirls, and only a mother feels it. You get to hear the life inside you... the heartbeat, the throb it makes. It's perfect. 

It's all worth the wait. Every single day of my pregnancy I prayed for my baby's welfare, and my faith got even stronger as my delivery day drew closer. And then the day we have all been waiting for has finally arrived three weeks earlier than expected. Emotionally, I wasn't ready for it, but my body was. And my baby was so ready too to say hello to the outside world, outside his mommy's womb.

After thirteen hours of labor, from which the last five hours was the most painful experience ever, an angel was put right on my chest. He is my son and his name is Sword Marius. 

Ladies and gents, meet our little sailor. :)

His first picture ever, taken by his Dad. 

Day 2, wrapped up.

My favorite photo of him.

And then 17 days after, his chubby cheeks just became chubbier. 

My life is complete now. I am surrounded by my loving and very supportive parents and sisters, and I have my family I can call my own. I am a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother. I will forever thank Him for making me wealthy because with what I have now, I am richer than Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne. 

♥,

Marianne

Round 3, Baby!

I just want to share another meeting-slash-surprise-baby-shower for our little sailor, this time, from my friends in the industry aka my team, the best team, non-trad team. 

We were called for an emergency meeting last Thursday at Slice to update the performance of our team since our boss, Ms. Ris, is on leave. 

I didn't know that they were plotting something for me and prepared special, crafty pieces of baby things for me care of Janice, the queen of DIYs!

A tower cake made of rolled diapers and a bicycle made of baby towels, mittens, bonnet and more diapers! :)

Surprise at Slice!

Thank you, team, for listening to all my parinigs about this. Hahaha! I wish Lanz and Jess were here. Please do take care of my accounts when I'm already on leave. I love you all!

♥,

Marianne

Baby Shower for the Little Sailor

I'm on my 36th week now. By next week, my pregnancy will be on its full term and it means that I can pop out anytime. I'm about to give birth to my most precious one. What a wonderful journey. <3

Last week, another baby shower was thrown for us made possible by friends and family. It was an idea brought to life--a sailor/nautical-themed party for our little sailor. Our sincerest thanks to those who came to celebrate with us the coming of our child, and wished me a safe delivery. Thank you for your time, much appreciated! It also felt like an advanced birthday celebration for me and Paolo. My thank you's will never be enough! 

Blue, red, stripes, and boats. <3

Cake made by Chef Allan Tolentino and cupcakes from our dear Kimonei. Thanks, guys!

My best friend was the earliest bird!

Girls and soon-to-be-moms! :)

High school represent! 

BOYS!

Again, few more weeks before we get to see little Paolo, little Pujo, our baby, our little sailor! Please pray for my safe delivery. God listens! 

♥,

Marianne

Sparty: Serve the Goddess by SeriAsia

How sweet it is to be pampered right at your doorstep. Serve the Goddess by SeriAsia does that!

Another relaxing treat was brought by this mobile spa during my nautical-inspired baby shower. It was such a sight to see your home transformed into a spa haven. Serve the Goddess, as it name says, served us as if my guests were real gods and goddesses--and if only pregnant women are allowed to be massaged, I will definitely be one of the first people to be served! But for now, I am so thankful with the services offered by Serve the Goddess during our celebration, it made all our guests feel so special.

Let me take you to a pampering journey brought by Serve the Goddess by SeriAsia, with special thanks to Ms. Jen Manuel. :)

The garden was transformed into a massage haven!

The super maalagain and mababait na therapists setting up the scene.

You know I love details.

Our guests got to bring home some special souvenirs: SeriAsia products. Aromatherapy at its best--for free!

And wait, there's more! Fresh fruits and drinks were served every after session. How sweet and refreshing.

Friends and family enjoyed every minute of it. 

I never really imagined the possibility of bringing wellness, relaxation and spa experience right at home. Thanks Serve the Goddess by SeriAsia for hosting our baby shower, and of course, for being with us as we celebrate the coming of our first child. 

To know more about the services and products they offer, call 709-SERI or 0917-810-SERI. You may also check out their website at seriasia.com and like their Facebook page too! I swear, you can never go wrong with STG, because you deserve the best, and they will bring the best services and products right at your doorstep! 

♥,

Marianne

PS: And yes, if you still don't have plans on what to give your mom this mother's day, Serve the Goddess by SeriAsia has a special mother's day treat. Find out more of their offers and promos on Facebook.

Surprise Madhatter Baby Shower

My Monthly Period friends are always the sweetest! To be honest, I never knew how it feels like to be surprised, and by that, I meant I was never given a surprise party.. at all. If not all the time, I'm the one who connives with friends to surprise a fellow friend.

And so on our way home from Marriott, Toto begged me to accompany him SOMEWHERE, when in fact, we agreed a week before that that he'll visit me. Paolo, Toto and I ended up watching Iron Man 3 altogether even if it wasn't planned at all. I had to say yes because, yes, it's Iron Man, and it's not any other Avenger I know. After spending so many hours out, Paolo and Toto finally thought of going home (it was so hot, I super wanted to take a shower!).

I turned the lights on, and to my surprise, floating balloons with messages hanging from the ceiling welcomed me. Colorful foods were also served on the dining table. I opened my room, SURPRISE! Mia, Aiza, Ahyin, Caren, Kay and Jec were all there. Welcome to my little sailor's mad hatter-themed baby shower!

"Disclaimer" foods!

Lesson learned: Dapat laging ready, bawal haggard. 

So lucky to have these people!

I love you, Monthly Period!

Thank you for throwing the first baby shower for my little sailor. Your messages will be forever kept. And if you're excited to see our baby, I'm sure he wants to see all of you, too! I will be forever grateful to have you as my truest friends. Iba talaga pag high school.

♥,

Marianne

Bump, Baby Bump, Bump

Someday, when our little sailor's no longer little, I will show him how he looked like inside my tummy, and how big the bump is I carried him.

During our wonderful staycation at Marriott Manila last Labor Day, mister and I had a mini photoshoot session to document my 35 weeks tummy. It was so random, we didn't even have a peg, but the photos came out wonderfully. 

Here are some of my favorites:

A couple of weeks to go before my pregnancy goes full term. I love you, little sailor! You will soon be welcomed happily by this beautiful world.

Love,

Mommy

For My Little Sailor

Pinterest-ing and Tumblr-ing for hours in an ordinary, rainy Saturday.

I just can't wait for my baby boy to come. Few more weeks! I'm on my 34th now. <3

Pegging these for my little sailor:

Something he can look at while he's on his crib.

For his first birthday!

His room.

Papoging attire.

Nursery.

...and more! 

Dreams are just dreams until you make them happen.

Momma's gonna work harder for you, baby boy. You deserve my love. See you so soon.

♥,

Marianne