tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7574989597771659372024-03-05T15:49:58.703+08:00Royal Domesticity by Denise RayalaA Filipino mom's online journal about food and motherhood.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.comBlogger657125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-14072788926151647412021-04-21T23:52:00.000+08:002021-04-21T23:52:16.155+08:00Since When Having Children Become a Competition?<div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Note: This was written after my pregnancy and gender announcement of the third baby. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">When my eldest was four years old, almost everyone, even strangers, said we should have another child. <i>“Pwede ng sundan yan”</i>, they said it as if they will help raise our family financially. I didn’t battle with them, not even in words, but my uterus did; I had an ectopic pregnancy. An internal organ in my reproductive system had to be removed as if it was my body’s way of telling the naysayers that it had enough of their meddling. Having another child wasn’t meant to be... yet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcclHszHonMXHpNrt3ebdsnks9beWz-7FhCuwcgF3f4OCJjlTO1WaySFcrB_tHDoQkWSTkDI04LStZC7PhI8V6lKneS9uJD6V32WlOSlWaOvCJVTgYO5Q5K_T_vfwwYk9cY5heJ7o2eEk-/s2048/Sammy+and+Stella.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcclHszHonMXHpNrt3ebdsnks9beWz-7FhCuwcgF3f4OCJjlTO1WaySFcrB_tHDoQkWSTkDI04LStZC7PhI8V6lKneS9uJD6V32WlOSlWaOvCJVTgYO5Q5K_T_vfwwYk9cY5heJ7o2eEk-/w480-h640/Sammy+and+Stella.jpeg" width="480"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So blessed to be a girl mama of these precious ones.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">♡</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br>Few years later, my second pregnancy surprised and shocked many including us, my husband and I. We expected a solo child family till our senior years. Truly, God has miraculous ways to make us understand that no men can dictate our future—not even your chismosang kapitbahay. But of course, people who are bound to have imperfections cannot be controlled. They attacked the preggy me again with <i>“sana boy na yan para perfect na, para complete na”</i>. I was furious.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><span></span></div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2021/04/since-when-having-children-become.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-24376441761129343852021-04-14T05:00:00.007+08:002021-04-14T07:58:12.833+08:00So This Is What Happened When a Breastfeeding Mom Who Just Gave Birth Has COVID-19<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicetc-fNWavG5gH5OjgGe4lN4-3Kr41mWQBAu-O4zY-7jb_W3fp2HwDGOWguIsq-8Ip9aDj2ewLzC2acp4sdm4NiD18ELZ5J9aXJImo8ziUmL8GTJcg-x7sPBqmpu48ABtj9bI-8JZlNSV/s2048/IMG_8295.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicetc-fNWavG5gH5OjgGe4lN4-3Kr41mWQBAu-O4zY-7jb_W3fp2HwDGOWguIsq-8Ip9aDj2ewLzC2acp4sdm4NiD18ELZ5J9aXJImo8ziUmL8GTJcg-x7sPBqmpu48ABtj9bI-8JZlNSV/w480-h640/IMG_8295.jpeg" width="480"></a></div><br>Today marks my freedom, aka the last day of my isolation period, from the unwanted, life-threatening virus that is corona. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">But first — I would like to apologize to the ad agency who coined this phrase for a detergent powder campaign ‘cause I’m gonna use it now to respond to your reaction to my opening salvo — GULAT KA NOH? </p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Actually, ako rin eh! When I got pregnant last year, the times I’ve gone out went from rare to almost none. So imagine our disbelief when someone from the military hospital I had my swab test done informed me nonchalantly that I was Covid positive. Before my brain dictated my body to be in shock, I have already yelled to the hubs from my eldest’s bedroom that we used as isolation facility and told him matter of factly, <i>“positive raw ako”</i>. Shoot shoot shoot.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-align: justify; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">*enter MMK background music so I could shake my shoulders while I do a proper walling*</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-align: justify; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Joking aside, I’m sure by now you’ve already read a lot about how Covid patients go through this ordeal. But your chismosang kapitbahay Maritess might be curious and have these questions – <i>“saan nakuha?”</i>, <i>“anu-anong mga symptoms?”</i>, <i>“ano mga ginawa nung malaman mong may symptoms ka?”</i> So before I share with you my daily shenanigans since I felt a symptom, I’ll answer one question first. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-align: justify; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><b><span></span></b></span></p><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2021/04/so-this-is-what-happened-when.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-14017213078022373112020-05-27T15:04:00.001+08:002020-05-27T17:51:17.403+08:00Please Don’t Wish for This School Year to Be Cancelled for All, Let Us Have the Option for Distance Learning<div style="text-align: justify;">
When DepEd announced that school year 2020-2021 will commence on August 24th, parents on social media went wild. It's a pretty understandable reaction for that predicament. The curve hasn't flattened yet and no vaccine is available to prevent it. The hashtag #BakunaBagoEskwela went viral. It was another proof that social media is indeed powerful, whether if used positively or otherwise. In fact, the very same sentiment reached Malacañang Palace. President Duterte said in his speech taped Monday night—<i>"I will not allow the opening of classes na magdikit-dikit iyang mga bata na ‘yan. Bahala na hindi na makatapos... Unless I am sure that they are really safe... Para sa akin, bakuna muna."</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGj18k3u-aVaZHr8uK4vbMFWlUuWahgifRVA2A6WQVWW2TFbhiKe82GG0ywhyphenhyphenbwEZVNDmVJH2vurPnghtOs3jPsEMOoKSu6e_U6nWpInO42ipybzz6HQXAd_D2XjQGI1Im_EKptxxHGsG/s1600/No+Physical+Classes+in+the+Philippines+for+2020-2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGj18k3u-aVaZHr8uK4vbMFWlUuWahgifRVA2A6WQVWW2TFbhiKe82GG0ywhyphenhyphenbwEZVNDmVJH2vurPnghtOs3jPsEMOoKSu6e_U6nWpInO42ipybzz6HQXAd_D2XjQGI1Im_EKptxxHGsG/s1600/No+Physical+Classes+in+the+Philippines+for+2020-2021.jpg"></a></div>
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If I have to choose one good thing the President ever said, this has to be it. No intentional parent would allow their children to basically be a walking virus sponge. My children hasn't gone out of the gate since March 9! My husband takes a bath first before entering the house. We take extra preventive measures because our kids are our treasures.</div>
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</div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2020/05/please-dont-wish-for-this-school-year.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-20246759182898048342020-05-25T12:35:00.000+08:002020-05-25T12:35:05.798+08:0010 Things Sophia Learned at Home During the ECQ<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a *guest* post by my 6th-grade daughter Sophia. I asked her to write the things she learned so far while we were in Enhanced Community Quarantine. Number 5 sounded silly but looks like she grasped the necessary lessons she can live by to grow into a fun, responsible, and compassionate human being. −D</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8qtJ985YbFWJqCFCwMUI7LUU4uJGH__DxPpUHOnh7oqv5rX_NIo6E73X39bi3nCh0HqKY7XLWNEzJEo0Sh77ZKHDKjI0j6nH1YpT8xqP7KWrruWKmnd_JVa4NSHNdeobZomttoNdZnTc/s1600/Downy+Anti+Bac+Top+Mommy+Blogger+Review.jpg"></div>
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1) I learned that there are so many things you can do to keep yourself entertained. You can read books, browse your phone, watch movies, spend time with your family or just have a quiet time by yourself. </blockquote>
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2) I noticed a few things at home, too! Like I had so many “kalat” pala. I have books I haven’t read yet and that we have so many things. </blockquote>
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3) I learned that if you don’t put back the things you got the way they were before, that will start a mess in the house. </blockquote>
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4) A clean and neat house is really a relaxing and comfortable house. </blockquote>
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5) Sleep is like a short vacation! <i>(Can someone explain this to me? LOL −D) </i></blockquote>
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</blockquote><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2020/05/10-things-sophia-learned-at-home-during.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-6679794106575653402020-05-17T19:19:00.001+08:002020-05-17T19:19:09.282+08:00My GoDaddy Issues—Super Stressful, Solved It Anyway<div style="text-align: justify;">
My custom domain (the dot com in the url that makes any website legit-sounding) expired last May 4th. The force wasn't with me, it didn't auto-renew as it should be. Worse, all of a sudden, all our debit cards didn't work in the payment process, too. Thank God we have a Bobbie Salazar in the family! She saved my brand from its supposed extinction. You see, I am Royal Domesticity. I don't know if I'll ever be ready without it next to my name. Feels like Iron Man to RDJ if you know what I mean.</div>
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But what happened, really?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mSzl43jPIP13KBIU9uo7gNASciiHNDjk10jNmvUcXokB4quLeciw7Y5blAVk3d1v3FYdHhq5Ig3MPTmtx1oLI594Y9zvHTLxTYa98S83B7MseAVYw6NjU1kGlREFcw_GzwxIUeIjc7J2/s1600/GoDaddy+Issues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mSzl43jPIP13KBIU9uo7gNASciiHNDjk10jNmvUcXokB4quLeciw7Y5blAVk3d1v3FYdHhq5Ig3MPTmtx1oLI594Y9zvHTLxTYa98S83B7MseAVYw6NjU1kGlREFcw_GzwxIUeIjc7J2/s1600/GoDaddy+Issues.jpg"></a></div>
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Methinks my GoDaddy account was hacked. What is GoDaddy? According to its website,<i> "GoDaddy Inc. is an American publicly traded Internet domain registrar and web hosting company headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and incorporated in Delaware. As of April 2020, GoDaddy has approximately 18.5 million customers and over 7,000 employees worldwide." </i>That's where I bought my custom domain. Without a custom domain, my blog would have been www.royaldomesticity.blogspot.com. </div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2020/05/my-godaddy-issuessuper-stressful-solved.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-3999075225070213452020-02-19T19:56:00.001+08:002020-02-19T19:56:18.993+08:00Of Faith and Diaper Needs<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I was pregnant with Sammy, I vowed to breastfeed her till she wants to. I was confident my girl would latch well, I also felt I would have an abundant supply. My intuition was right after all. I’m quite proud of actually doing it for two beautiful years now not only because I believe that breastmilk is best but also because we saved a lot of money! I’m sure you all know how pricey formula milk is. That was the motivation—to never buy formula milk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwveY4iCII_HuU5HQanxHvJuULWxybc4V-7sKJiIJQ-54Cs8rFtQ0B2XeWqp7M6iOqwKYJST9VSfdWYoAM5GPZx77ClrxhTjC8V1s4DonKf0PPxdLqhH2ygmD4XMk-NiBGamHJGHdCDbu/s1600/Toddler+Wearing+Alva+Cloth+Diapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwveY4iCII_HuU5HQanxHvJuULWxybc4V-7sKJiIJQ-54Cs8rFtQ0B2XeWqp7M6iOqwKYJST9VSfdWYoAM5GPZx77ClrxhTjC8V1s4DonKf0PPxdLqhH2ygmD4XMk-NiBGamHJGHdCDbu/s1600/Toddler+Wearing+Alva+Cloth+Diapers.jpg"></a></div>
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So while I was preparing my body for breastfeeding, I gradually bought her things. With nine years gap between her and big sister Sophia, I literally have no baby stuff stored. I told my mother-in-law and my husband about my dilemma. My MIL said something like, <i>“don’t worry, God will provide”.</i> And He sure did! Few weeks after I gave birth, my relatives from the States sent us a huge box filled with US-made Huggies and lots and lots of clothes! I remembered I secretly wept that night as I prayed before sleeping. How God uses certain people to bless us still amazes me.</div>
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</div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2020/02/of-faith-and-diaper-needs.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-90104477274584790002020-02-07T20:39:00.001+08:002020-02-07T20:39:31.782+08:00Sammy's Jollibee Costume<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was mid-November last year when my husband told me about their office Christmas party theme for the kids. He specifically reminded me to prepare cartoon character costumes for our girls. In his cranky tone (via text, yes there is such a thing) because I was being difficult (his life would be so boring without me duh), he said he doesn't like it that we'd be the first ones to not follow orders. But because no one ain't the boss of me (not even his commanding officer hahaha, sorry sir), I decided on fast food theme costumes for us three. Passion on food and motherhood, yes?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT1Ir5sqfUoYZLQzq2qE9ktYEj3Jsb9WuGPGsLs5xQfI7rvVMfK09pf6P2wRhcs_OYnk3JN60kO2ChYyOfKjEyar813p8EZOwGHWgga8PUC205BLCC6uhSg6sSNd4OpJdwqm3jeHM52ET/s1600/Crocheted+Jollibee+Costume.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT1Ir5sqfUoYZLQzq2qE9ktYEj3Jsb9WuGPGsLs5xQfI7rvVMfK09pf6P2wRhcs_OYnk3JN60kO2ChYyOfKjEyar813p8EZOwGHWgga8PUC205BLCC6uhSg6sSNd4OpJdwqm3jeHM52ET/s1600/Crocheted+Jollibee+Costume.JPG"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammy wore it at Manila Ocean Park for her 2nd Birthday</td></tr>
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Wait, before you label me as a subversive military wife, the truth was, I really can't think of cool cartoon characters that would separate us from the Elsa-Anna narrative. I initially wanted Phineas and Ferb for my girls and I can be Dr. Doofenshmirtz but the wigs would be a problem for sure. And most importantly, the people attending might not grasp the concept. You know what I mean? Like, <i>sayang naman yung pagka-cool kung kami lang nakakaintindi sa amin.</i> Nerd alert, right? Haha.</div>
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Then in the middle of my breastfeeding sesh one wee hour of the morning, I thought of Powerpuff Girls! Sophia will be Bubbles, Sammy of course will be Buttercup and I would be Blossom. When I told my husband about it, his text tone was unenthusiastic; he clearly was not impressed. I virtually rolled my eyes on him (like I always do). I couldn't give up just like that. Being extra is in my DNA so I squeezed whatever creative juice I have left in my brain.</div>
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<i>Nu-ni-nu-ni-nu.</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2020/02/sammys-jollibee-costume.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-28512198344724475302020-02-04T22:32:00.000+08:002020-02-05T07:45:35.810+08:00Why We Quit Homeschool<div style="text-align: justify;">
I shared here why <a href="http://www.royaldomesticity.com/2018/09/why-we-homeschool.html" target="_blank">we decided to homeschool Sophia</a> last school year so I think it's just fair to also share why we quit. At first, I was ecstatic to tell our story, to say what needs to be said especially to those who want to try and were asking how and why. But as days passed, I grew little by little uninterested to even talk about this. My mind, heart and soul were shattered into pieces. That was how homeschooling and quitting it affected me, just like a toxic relationship break-up that I couldn't wait to move on from.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q2eJmFQOszKizZSb6rLLcGALZotZKd4PdiXptO6Qtp0TZGnugCcv4L74aKjRReXync_Oyp0QZA1bhAc_WrYNX-7wwrtNPKfigXdlSMvPm5IZfytVg_7BkTl4MlYxoVfKlRtFeOS9eP3g/s1600/Why+We+Quit+Homeschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q2eJmFQOszKizZSb6rLLcGALZotZKd4PdiXptO6Qtp0TZGnugCcv4L74aKjRReXync_Oyp0QZA1bhAc_WrYNX-7wwrtNPKfigXdlSMvPm5IZfytVg_7BkTl4MlYxoVfKlRtFeOS9eP3g/s1600/Why+We+Quit+Homeschool.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want a happier us, that is why.</td></tr>
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Please don't get me wrong, I don't hate homeschooling. In fact, methinks it's the best education for all types of children. It really is! Being hands-on to my two kids since day one, I have learned that a child's development in all aspects requires a good relationship with her parents. Isn’t it that adults with antagonistic behavior are tagged as someone with sad childhood? Or that when someone is being a troll online, people would be quick to say that that person is <i>“kulang sa aruga”</i> or that <i>“hindi yan love ng mama niya”</i>. It may sound funny especially on that context but it’s also the sad reality of the effects of a bad childhood.</div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2020/02/why-we-quit-homeschool.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-86703909738760766342020-01-08T00:35:00.000+08:002020-01-28T04:03:06.078+08:00Manila Ocean Park for Samantha’s Second Birthday<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would like to think that we are creature of habits, my husband and I. We are sort of doing the same things we did with our eldest for our youngest; a bit better this time though ‘cause we have allocated more budget for it. Like a big joint party for their dedication and first birthday and pockets of celebrations for the next five years until it’s time for a fastfood restaurant party on her 7th. So for Sammybear’s 2nd, we spent it at Manila Ocean Park just like how we did it for her Ate Sophia 9 years ago. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_kw1qS7gCCD83lZhK6OXCfM8GW8gUAFc3QH43I0hbr8c_I7gQvPeftLfbt5c3oeN5g8lipwN0JJJr8fKrgRAgBKntucqo5IDhHDhdpvcXLjTzEoA89rzrJ_WPAYfaJVf3ndAzp8Slxr5/s1600/Manila+Ocean+Park+Mommy+Blog+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_kw1qS7gCCD83lZhK6OXCfM8GW8gUAFc3QH43I0hbr8c_I7gQvPeftLfbt5c3oeN5g8lipwN0JJJr8fKrgRAgBKntucqo5IDhHDhdpvcXLjTzEoA89rzrJ_WPAYfaJVf3ndAzp8Slxr5/s1600/Manila+Ocean+Park+Mommy+Blog+03.JPG"></a></div>
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As always, when the husband comes home for the weekend, we all wait for him. Which means, we’d all be sleeping late... like 3am kind of late. Thus, waking up in the morning super late, too. But well, it’s our bear’s birthday, we don’t want to hurry. We just want to honour her and go on through the day according to her pace. So even if she didn’t want to blow the candle on her birthday cake aka a bucket of Dunkin Donuts munchkins, we’re good. We totally respected that no matter how small the candle’s flame is, she is forever scared lol. And yes, we bought her munchkins instead ‘cause that time, she can finish a dozen of munchkins in one seating but never liked cake. So I thought why buy her something she won’t eat anyway? As of this post though, she eats any flavor of cake to the point she gets really mad when you don’t feed her enough. Toddlers.</div>
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</div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2020/01/manila-ocean-park-for-samanthas-second.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-6123382082824458752019-12-21T22:26:00.000+08:002020-01-13T23:28:02.596+08:00Never Knew I'd Be a Mom of Two<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the sake of my new readers (<i>hi guys</i>), here’s a little background. I have always been a working mom. I only stopped for reals when Sophia had a pneumonia in 2012. Then after five years of trying my hand at being a work-at-home mompreneur, I went back to the corporate arena as a Marketing Manager of an iconic clothing brand. Despite the difficulties of commuting, dreadful office building and uncooperative superiors, I enjoyed every single minute of doing my job.</div>
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However, here’s a major plot twist. <a href="http://www.royaldomesticity.com/2018/01/god-heard-sophias-prayer.html">I got pregnant again a month later I got hired</a>.</div>
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</div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/12/never-knew-id-be-mom-of-two.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-10448790654854746452019-12-10T12:33:00.000+08:002019-12-10T12:33:01.956+08:00My child is a picky eater! What can I do?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ever since I shared stories of my love for food and motherhood, the usual question I get from first-time parents would be how to make their children have an awesome appetite like mine. First, I always tell them that there's no cookie-cutter formula to having a pickytarian-free home, as each child is different. But yes, there are many doable and foolproof ways even the moms before us have done to make eating time fun and filling for the whole family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQznThvCDdBqoYdyOKsyWxyPacSHI1Od9s-YtG7Yqrx0sHbjDRQKpLpkH4N8fwOGSSd3KQ_WdGSLuqYGG19jJy7K_VNmmmeqvgvMYNnbxWgSdqaQiS0xhmvMgAHvt0erUCRs5oVN6-uVW/s1600/what+to+do+if+my+child+is+a+picky+eater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQznThvCDdBqoYdyOKsyWxyPacSHI1Od9s-YtG7Yqrx0sHbjDRQKpLpkH4N8fwOGSSd3KQ_WdGSLuqYGG19jJy7K_VNmmmeqvgvMYNnbxWgSdqaQiS0xhmvMgAHvt0erUCRs5oVN6-uVW/s1600/what+to+do+if+my+child+is+a+picky+eater.JPG"></a></div>
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OK. Before we start, please know that this is just a phase. In fact, my eldest Sophia only ate a few dishes when she was a “threenager.” It was a struggle for me because she only liked soupy corned beef, chicken nuggets, adobo, and scrambled eggs just to name a few. During that time, I felt like the worst mom ever. But I knew I had to do something. I knew that if I'd just wallow in self-pity and self-blame, nothing's going to change my daughter's picky eating habits.</div>
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</div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/12/my-child-is-picky-eater-what-can-i-do.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-47993494093772730742019-11-29T09:26:00.000+08:002019-11-29T09:26:05.534+08:004 Simple Bonding Activities for Siblings with Big Age Gap<div style="text-align: justify;">
When people knew I was pregnant with my second child, most of them were a bit surprised to find out the 9-year age gap between her and my eldest, Sophia. Some even insinuated that close in ages is better; saying that the kids will be instant buddies and that they actually worry if my girls will ever understand each other. Well, guess what? Their age gap is actually a huge blessing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuzmekjSxfFIr3-kkxXVFvetMiim4wnd-eRYjSs4jlsqHiX4np5RoOvTdazUFW-Rti2t6dOaDCHchLYMNd3ttSpPOExkTcjnteZqBioNzXZtumKf9jyZLeUuDS8E-Z7uXmQPHbkqGZ4Yf/s1600/4+Simple+Bonding+Activities+for+Siblings+with+Big+Age+Gap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuzmekjSxfFIr3-kkxXVFvetMiim4wnd-eRYjSs4jlsqHiX4np5RoOvTdazUFW-Rti2t6dOaDCHchLYMNd3ttSpPOExkTcjnteZqBioNzXZtumKf9jyZLeUuDS8E-Z7uXmQPHbkqGZ4Yf/s1600/4+Simple+Bonding+Activities+for+Siblings+with+Big+Age+Gap.JPG"></a></div>
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I mean, it seems as if our Sammybear has a second mom in her Ate Sophia. I think my firstborn prepared for it really well. She was 6 years old when she started praying specifically for a baby sister so when our little boss arrived, she started taking her job as a big sister seriously.</div>
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</div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/11/4-simple-bonding-activities-for.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-73402850046408953052019-11-21T01:34:00.001+08:002019-11-21T01:34:27.905+08:00Life Lately: Do you have someone who believes in you?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Few days ago, I fought real hard against sadness brought by envy.</div>
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As a blogger, may mga gusto akong ma-achieve na unfortunately, hindi ko nakukuha. Siyempre, diyan na ako magsisimulang mag-doubt sa kakayahan ko. Am I not good enough? Do I really have what it takes to be the next top model este to be an influencer? I even questioned myself once if my posts are still relevant. Pakiramdam ko, wala na akong bagong maihahain sa mga readers and followers ko.</div>
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But guys, may nabasa ako. Daig daw ng consistent ang magaling. Mahabang usapin yan, pwedeng topic for debate, pero pinanghawakan ko yan ng bongga. I spoke to the little girl inside me and said, “tie your hair tight and neat, marami pa tayong gagawin.” So kahit napaka-steady bordering to boring na ng #BaonSerye posts ko, tuloy lang ang daily hanash ng momshie niyo. Sa baon-making stories niyo ako nakilala at sinubaybayan eh, kaya hindi ko ito basta-basta bibitawan.</div>
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<b><i>To further leave the puddle of toxicity that I created, I did my best to shift my mental gears. I strongly believe that clarity fosters calmness.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/11/life-lately-do-you-have-someone-who.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-21458308476106714842019-10-31T20:58:00.000+08:002019-10-31T21:23:10.014+08:00Pork Ribs Caldereta<div style="text-align: justify;">
Caldereta is one of my favorite dishes ever! If a Filipino kiddie party will never be complete without <a href="http://www.royaldomesticity.com/2018/11/filipino-kiddie-spaghetti.html" target="_blank">sweet spaghetti</a>, I think any Pinoy handaan (basta mahanapan ng something to celebrate for) will not be as special without a tomato-based meat dish. Afritada, menudo, mechado, caldereta—whichever way you like it—at least one of them is surely ever present. When I was a kid, I always looked forward to having menudo with pancit bihon. But as I grew older, my food choices have changed. I'd have caldereta any other day. Its thick and savory sauce plus the non-complex number of ingredients make it so enjoyable to devour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WHlwcxjbRjO3FVH_DQ81iCtP7D5GMjM6lpg2Q9tt8f3zdmpqpckExQQ525qPBQvaXWlkCwMGAx2XMix9ry95gzNEQ4cJDSDG4GynI1Tql7KwGRjPJP1IRslAzpsLWen2Eukea-u_bJVK/s1600/Pork+Ribs+Caldereta+Recipe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WHlwcxjbRjO3FVH_DQ81iCtP7D5GMjM6lpg2Q9tt8f3zdmpqpckExQQ525qPBQvaXWlkCwMGAx2XMix9ry95gzNEQ4cJDSDG4GynI1Tql7KwGRjPJP1IRslAzpsLWen2Eukea-u_bJVK/s1600/Pork+Ribs+Caldereta+Recipe.JPG"></a></div>
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I read (or have watched) somewhere that caldereta originally has goat meat but I guess, our ancestors have actually taken it from beef bourguignon of the French that we also started using beef. For a lot of Filipino families though who'd like to eat caldereta on a regular day, beef can be a bit expensive for everyday cooking. Good thing a more affordable and very versatile meat has entered the picture—pork. Of course, there's nothing like beef caldereta but if you're on a budget and craving for this Pinoy handaan staple, this recipe that uses pork ribs is a great alternative! </div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/10/pork-ribs-caldereta.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-17827665670189248552019-10-09T15:10:00.000+08:002019-10-30T18:23:34.174+08:00Salmon Teriyaki<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you know that salmon is a stress-busting superfood? I didn't know that, too and actually can't confirm if it's true. I just read that somewhere and thought it can be quite a cool opening sentence to this recipe post lol. Kidding aside, fact or fake, eating salmon really does bust stress away! At least for us, my husband and I, who love the fish down to its pink meat. So when I knew that <a href="https://www.seaking.com.ph/" target="_blank">Seaking</a>, a brand I love buying at the supermarket, now has wild-caught Alaskan salmon, I got excited for my salmon-loving better half. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHeA8ro6Nx6RPb1BruDMtSQ_-LtmzQ41_2rurNYHI2IEsw_lz3Cb_YM3tgEaphR5m1J5TOmR-JgWAWYXujINcRrsmgZ79zUaBwHyXNFh347cJhTHjFoGcW3GyBjDmK1fDCvS7UF9yAnUj/s1600/Salmon+Teriyaki+Recipe+by+Gordon+Ramsay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHeA8ro6Nx6RPb1BruDMtSQ_-LtmzQ41_2rurNYHI2IEsw_lz3Cb_YM3tgEaphR5m1J5TOmR-JgWAWYXujINcRrsmgZ79zUaBwHyXNFh347cJhTHjFoGcW3GyBjDmK1fDCvS7UF9yAnUj/s1600/Salmon+Teriyaki+Recipe+by+Gordon+Ramsay.JPG"></a></div>
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You see, Seaking's salmon cuts are not farmed so they don't feed from chemically-enriched fish food. It's clean, fresh-smelling and so convenient to use! It comes in three cuts <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">–</span> slab, steak and chunks. It's a life-saver, I tell you. Allow me to share with you this latest recipe that I've tried doing and had been successful at for the first time!</div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/10/salmon-teriyaki.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-56105067186317252662019-09-27T16:01:00.000+08:002019-09-27T16:01:58.348+08:0011 Things Sophia Said<div style="text-align: justify;">
My firstborn is quite a chatter. I really wonder where she got it from! Haha, fine, my genes must have something to do with it. In fact, when she was a baby, not even turning a year old yet, she can copy whatever I or her father say. It was the cutest! But now that she's a pre-teen who actually has a reaction to anything that's happening around her, it can be pretty annoying. So yeah, cute isn't exactly a good word to describe it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y0cUlOOR4OX-T6_0oMfhXNgxBox5HDdiO4WQxLFjLZR_MqJ9gaW8F8bhc7VK3nSbOGip8NtG00CNA30Epq_1WzyjQRCy9L96JIPoyywxJYnnzX3py3NM4RD_-ifJciT8eNqyp-r4OFqh/s1600/Sophia+is+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1418" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y0cUlOOR4OX-T6_0oMfhXNgxBox5HDdiO4WQxLFjLZR_MqJ9gaW8F8bhc7VK3nSbOGip8NtG00CNA30Epq_1WzyjQRCy9L96JIPoyywxJYnnzX3py3NM4RD_-ifJciT8eNqyp-r4OFqh/s640/Sophia+is+11.jpg" width="566"></a></div>
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But of course, it also means that her responses can be funny just like when she started talking non-stop. And for her 11th birthday, here are 11 memorable things Sophia said.</div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/09/11-things-sophia-said.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-36237662581097538702019-09-12T11:04:00.000+08:002019-10-01T15:46:46.592+08:00Caring for Your Baby Efficiently With Timeflys Baby Monitor<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I was a first time mom to my now 5th grader Sophia, my mother helped me with my brand new responsibility of caring for a little human. But for the second time as I gave birth to Samantha two years ago, who's now a chunky toddler, I was mostly on my own. And guys, just like most moms who breastfeed their babies, I didn't have enough sleep, we were literally together 24/7. While I love my rainbow baby very much, I cried deep inside when I wanted to just poop, err have coffee, in peace. Well, Sammybear was and is still an easy baby. It was just that I can't leave her in the room on her own in the fear of her falling from the bed (she didn't like sleeping on the crib) or worst, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Guys, I survived it all. We're alive and that's what matters. But had I known there are products that can make parenting a bit easier, I shouldn't have sold my soul to online shopping sites just to stay sane lol.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuuDd48Hu8tI3WDSaqYYiMP6tdW-65Uapm4VdCNEwtoR1ahfi1uCvIxvGB9Z4k2IR4TKdQO_vn5908sjb_ZPlrnFJaEAe0WcCce1gxdI3qaRCyvt9pYZmfJMbC9pPNfgRU_0fxLq1wcfh/s1600/Timeflys+Baby+Monitor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuuDd48Hu8tI3WDSaqYYiMP6tdW-65Uapm4VdCNEwtoR1ahfi1uCvIxvGB9Z4k2IR4TKdQO_vn5908sjb_ZPlrnFJaEAe0WcCce1gxdI3qaRCyvt9pYZmfJMbC9pPNfgRU_0fxLq1wcfh/s1600/Timeflys+Baby+Monitor.jpeg"></a></div>
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And what exactly is this? Omg moms, it's a baby freaking monitor from Timeflys! So what does it do? You can read more about it on Celerhina Aubrey's and K Figuracion's blogs <a href="https://www.celerhinaaubrey.com/2019/06/timeflys-crown-baby-monitor-and-why.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.kfiguracion.com/2019/07/timeflys-baby-monitor-a-great-tool-to-keep-tabs-on-your-baby.html" target="_blank">here</a>. But here's a quick rundown of its features that my friends from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/timeflysphilippines/" target="_blank">Timeflys</a> shared with me <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">—</span></div>
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Well, well, well. What do we have here?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_Xtbik5YZ5TZEPr8LNCHXT4L3FVU_Pk3bX3S2SJ0e8MbAhFvtNFnGaDnNzre20VmYgNe52IniBoLnLfSjbK_Ercj11vbtkYcM9aB4jMd26uv6b6xLTvujTE7QvSEpyTYyW_7PEAPvNZr/s1600/Royal+Domesticity+Birthday+Blog.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_Xtbik5YZ5TZEPr8LNCHXT4L3FVU_Pk3bX3S2SJ0e8MbAhFvtNFnGaDnNzre20VmYgNe52IniBoLnLfSjbK_Ercj11vbtkYcM9aB4jMd26uv6b6xLTvujTE7QvSEpyTYyW_7PEAPvNZr/s1600/Royal+Domesticity+Birthday+Blog.jpeg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But first, lemme take a selfie.</td></tr>
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When I was 10 years old, I looked at people my age now like they're so old. Like when they don't have their own house, don't drive their own car and have zero career, I thought that they are failures. The younger me even swore to never wash my own laundry! I said I'd have maids to do the house chores. I said I'd be wearing stilettos to work. I said my future children would have their own bedrooms at my house with a beautiful garden. Such dreams I had as a child. God bless every kid who dreams like I did. 'Cause guess what? None of those came true.</div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/09/35-today.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-3294749306450117402019-08-30T19:11:00.000+08:002019-08-30T19:11:00.348+08:00Making My Ukay-Ukay Find Look New Again with Ariel Instashine<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not an expert in fashion and finance but I know where to go when I need to look decent without spending too much! It sure is a feat to explore ukay-ukay shops but I tell you, once you score an amazing find (read: the style you love + super affordable price), you'll get hooked! And boy did it happen to me. I was in college when I have managed to look like the 6th member of Spice Girls with my outfits worth less than 200 pesos. Aside from getting in the Dean's List, dressing up was in my top priority, lol.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEd1KvyMYTNs1FopWF6kL7dqmezksDoErDWdAiWhfBPgkd7EDj8o38Xo_dvNft8w9EOgJmCyoHt5EN2NsbvqGpSk6TmoxGqvgctCmQ7Y4EHdkLQGqhdYccx1OyRq65M9ZiceuKm8w3cN-z/s1600/New+Ariel+Instashine+-+Mommy+Blogger+Philippines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEd1KvyMYTNs1FopWF6kL7dqmezksDoErDWdAiWhfBPgkd7EDj8o38Xo_dvNft8w9EOgJmCyoHt5EN2NsbvqGpSk6TmoxGqvgctCmQ7Y4EHdkLQGqhdYccx1OyRq65M9ZiceuKm8w3cN-z/s1600/New+Ariel+Instashine+-+Mommy+Blogger+Philippines.JPG"></a></div>
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But now that I always have to stick to a budget (wais na misis moves, yo), shopping for my clothes has been classified as extinct. Hence, going back to exploring ukay-ukay like I used to. This mama loves looking good no matter how busy she gets, you know! Good thing the shops in the nearby city are fully air conditioned and are now located safely in the main road (sa madidilim na streets in Manila sila marami dati beshie, so scary hehe).</div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/08/making-my-ukay-ukay-find-look-new-again.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-29022741410031776712019-07-03T19:13:00.000+08:002019-07-29T17:34:21.321+08:00My Formula to Be a Zero Worries Parent<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have two daughters, Sophia and Samantha. They have a 9-year age gap. People are always amused when they learn about that miniscule fact about my kids. Comments about how difficult it's going to be when they become adults are inevitable but is it really necessary to point that out? I mean, isn't parenting a tough task in general no matter what gender and age gap our children have? I don't think there's a cookie-cutter way to follow, you know. I believe, though that there's no harm in doing what those ahead of us have done already especially if they actually succeeded. Well, this is a huge topic that a single blog post won't do justice but as a mom for more than a decade, please allow me to share with you a few things on how my husband and I raise our girls with zero worries.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnb9axPaycrxd-XKpvWeELBbn6yj0xRU4I3_dF8O81PdYeOZ_OlF4cFxno3GEEVIxO7RIaN18sRVqcJucp6xrXRsjFAKcQQuy2cUMSyeLLYxzpcWyzJ5IMayhN-hNLDUujvLBtiUX6Ocs/s1600/Royal+Domesticity+Daughters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnb9axPaycrxd-XKpvWeELBbn6yj0xRU4I3_dF8O81PdYeOZ_OlF4cFxno3GEEVIxO7RIaN18sRVqcJucp6xrXRsjFAKcQQuy2cUMSyeLLYxzpcWyzJ5IMayhN-hNLDUujvLBtiUX6Ocs/s1600/Royal+Domesticity+Daughters.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best ever life is to joyfully spend it with these two. ♥</td></tr>
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Okay, before you judge me for being so internet-fake with the zero worries phrase, I hope it's clear with you that it's figurative. It's not possible to raise a child with zero worries! Moms worry all the time, I worry all the time. Anxiety is synonymous to my name. In fact, there are times when I can't even sleep at night thinking about my girls' future - career, first boyfriend and will they ever learn their way in the kitchen like I do? See how I worry for them 20 years ahead? I can be a worry freak, I tell ya. But worry begets wrinkles and palpitations, which I strongly avoid at any cost. So as the primary parent of our offsprings, I created a formula to actually make the impossible hopefully possible. The results cannot be seen and enjoyed yet but I'm holding on to my goal because I got a great God who got my back.</div>
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Would you like to know the formula? It's quite simple. Basically, a kid must have these three in order for a parent to have zero worries:</div>
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</div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/07/my-formula-to-be-zero-worries-parent.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-83089116869584814852019-06-27T19:51:00.000+08:002019-06-27T22:13:01.479+08:00The original #BaonSerye is back!<div style="text-align: justify;">
My pre-teen Sophia is now on 5th grade. I think her level of appetite for her age, built and height is just right. I mean, standing at 5 feet tall with an effervescent personality, she literally gets hungry every hour. So now that she's back to regular school (read: homeschooled for a year, will tell the story why we quit soon), which we all welcomed with warm, excited hearts, it means this mama is back to her baon-making game again! If you're not familiar with how I make my kid's lunches, you might want to read this lovely feature about me by theAsianparent Philippines entitled, <a href="https://ph.theasianparent.com/meet-foodie-mom-behind-popular-baonserye" target="_blank">Meet the Foodie Mom Behind the Popular #baonserye</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dIb4W6kcGOvz8DQdd9Jv_L2hcTsxItXb5PvFA1rShUw37zrOHGUY0i_ad_hg9AEQJ-LQPtAGdvggumME-Cuj0zqLcAfPyNG7Dl1znR-XH2yiaaQCn3IvKzgM-ReUyapKmq9NwrT91bXD/s1600/The+Original+BaonSerye+is+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="851" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dIb4W6kcGOvz8DQdd9Jv_L2hcTsxItXb5PvFA1rShUw37zrOHGUY0i_ad_hg9AEQJ-LQPtAGdvggumME-Cuj0zqLcAfPyNG7Dl1znR-XH2yiaaQCn3IvKzgM-ReUyapKmq9NwrT91bXD/s640/The+Original+BaonSerye+is+Back.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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For two school years, I prepped Sophia's meals with lots of love, cute bento tools and wide array of snacks. Nothing much has changed this school year. I'm just gradually minimizing the cute factor in each baon since she doesn't really mind how her food looks lately. Again, something from her tummy sends message to her brain that cuteness can't make it full, anyway. She has days that she appreciates that her baon looks like it's straight from an Instagram feed (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoyalDomesticityBlog/photos/a.2232359786844810/2246146438799478/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">like today's pancake, chocolate syrup and fruit crisps combo</a>) but generally, she's totally fine with whatever I serve her as long as it's healthy and filling. I'd like to believe that I'm a cool mom so I try my best to include fun in everything I do for my children. This was one of the major reasons why I created #baonserye in 2016.</div>
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<a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/06/the-original-baonserye-is-back.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-19202115276297082292019-05-15T21:37:00.001+08:002019-06-27T19:42:52.586+08:00We Are Switching to QPants Baby Diapers and Here’s Why<div style="text-align: justify;">
With a 9-year gap between my two girls, Sophia and Samantha, I feel like I'm a new mom again. It's fun to actually experience it now that I think I'm a bit wiser but it can be quite challenging, too. With all the baby essentials that are available in the market, it's just so hard to choose what's really best for our children. This is why I'm thankful to be a parent at this time and age of social media where we can find comfort and answers from other moms with same dilemma as ours with just a few clicks on our phones. </div>
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So to help my fellow mommies, who are in dire need of a diaper brand that perfectly suits their lifestyle best, I'm happy to share with you that I just found out about this new player in the diaper scene — <b>QPants Baby Diapers</b>! It's from the same company that makes Sunmed Adult Diapers, if you're familiar with it. They used to just distribute within Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon only but because online shopping happened, QPants are now available nationwide via Shopee and Lazada! I'm sure those two e-malls are also your go-to shopping sites just like every mom with internet access. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_F-hz3qMRNAFzOAtYSOps0VIyZczQYlp3Bu-JRxt7XxXC9Qvist0tJe_eNdo52f-XIhDViw0Mm8_ru7JeRz12YiXbDdZqQxRcaaNRmtAw9OptbLQ3cP0TqI2njJrmLQRSA3LADygrh96/s1600/QPants+Baby+Diapers+Mom+Blogger+Review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_F-hz3qMRNAFzOAtYSOps0VIyZczQYlp3Bu-JRxt7XxXC9Qvist0tJe_eNdo52f-XIhDViw0Mm8_ru7JeRz12YiXbDdZqQxRcaaNRmtAw9OptbLQ3cP0TqI2njJrmLQRSA3LADygrh96/s640/QPants+Baby+Diapers+Mom+Blogger+Review.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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When I received my hefty supply of QPants Baby Diapers, I immediately changed Sammy's nappy to give it a road test. Coincidentally, she was using another brand that gets super soggy with just little pee. How disappointing. My valid excuse for buying? Well, we came from the camp, where my military husband is assigned, and that was what we bought in the commissary there. Good thing QPants arrived a few days after we got home. And guess what <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">—</span> I was pretty amused by its performance! </div>
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</div><a href="https://www.royaldomesticity.com/2019/05/we-are-switching-to-qpants-baby-diapers.html#more">READ MORE</a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04669860244043023150noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-757498959777165937.post-40265092927709440272019-04-30T16:06:00.001+08:002019-04-30T16:06:55.535+08:00The fangirl in me wants to know — is John Lloyd Cruz really coming back?<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a fan girl, of local and international celebrities altogether, I got so excited to have seen the teaser of a well-loved shawarma brand in the country, <b>Turks</b>. I already knew who the mystery man was. I've seen most of his movies, I have kind of mastered his every angle. John Lloyd Cruz, Popoy to a lot of his fans, is back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_3_7h3-3KF0-r4seGzj7xRw0N8uMBULxSr4b59E6SEp36jIeCLLa8i3VDVq0AxIAyepmP7M6J4iuiVPX0abL99rPl5kdXZfpyX9Pc9RG_FJPcWIwRWMF-l8RhXq36eN6ZfPwbiNOOM5s/s1600/John+Lloyd+for+Turks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1242" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_3_7h3-3KF0-r4seGzj7xRw0N8uMBULxSr4b59E6SEp36jIeCLLa8i3VDVq0AxIAyepmP7M6J4iuiVPX0abL99rPl5kdXZfpyX9Pc9RG_FJPcWIwRWMF-l8RhXq36eN6ZfPwbiNOOM5s/s640/John+Lloyd+for+Turks.jpeg" width="640"></a></div>
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The teaser video posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/official.turks/">Turks' Facebook page</a> has garnered huge number of comments and reactions from netizens who apparently missed seeing JL in the limelight. And it now has 3.2 million views since it was posted. Yesterday, Turks released the full video of the ad entitled Ang Pagbabalik on their YouTube channel. John Lloyd looks like he sincerely loves the life he lives now.</div>
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When Sammy has started sitting on her own, <i>everyone</i> was excited to see her walk already... And now that she has perfectly mastered her strides, who's following her, pacing with her all the time? It's not<i> everyone</i>, it's just me! Where are they now? Oh, they're chilling on the side, laughing and saying how cute she is. Haha! Well, if not for the summer heat, I wouldn't complain as I felt like I lost a lot of weight by doing so. But then again, the weather just makes me want to scoop her up and carry her as long as my back can handle. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Don't get me wrong, mamas. I would love my terrific toddler to have as much freedom as she deserves but let's be real, running after a toddler isn't easy. It requires many underrated traits and character that parents and caregivers should embody. Would you like to know some? I got a few basics here.</span><br>
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At 23, I was every inch of what I wanted myself to be <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">—</span> a fun and free college graduate who was working in the biggest broadcasting network in the country. Also, I had a cute military boyfriend who loved me back as much I loved him. I wasn't rich but I had everything I needed to be happy. For me then, my life was perfect. Things have changed dramatically, though when I got pregnant out of wedlock. Sadly, the boyfriend (who became no longer cute for me lol) and I had opposing views about the situation; it was expected that we didn't get married. Worse, I didn't have a job for the whole 9 months of carrying my little human. Just imagine how miserable I felt every time I craved a burger and I don't even have money to buy the cheapest kind.</div>
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While my mother took me under her care, I knew I had to do something for me and my baby. So during my first trimester, armed with resourcefulness and guidance from the Lord, I sold my huge magazine collection to a magazine store near our house. My collection of mostly Summit Media magazines was really that huge that I was able to buy myself fruits, maternity house dress and vitamin supplements. And just before my first trimester ended, my boyfriend (who became cute again lol) and I reconciled and decided to become partners in building our dream team. We knew we would never have our fun and free youth back but having a baby gave our lives so much meaning.</div>
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