DIY Waldorf Playstand

I've been wanting a Waldorf Playstand for my son since he began his schooling years. Since we haven't lived more than 3 years in one place, I never got myself into making one! 

Now that we've rooted ourselves in Manila (in the meantime), and Santi has a little sister to share with. I thought it would be a good investment to have one made!

This is a fairly easy peg to follow. Thanks to another Waldorf parent, Samantha who gave me the idea when she had hers done!

You can choose to have just one made if you are on a budget but I really like the idea of draping cloth over the Playstand to create the home or castle effect. Remember that your children's imagination awakens when there is less of everything so don't over design or use any colors!

You may have yours made through any trusty local furniture maker, better if you know someone who does woodwork. If you want one just like mine, call Dante Azares at 0922-822-28-59 or visit Uni-Art Home Decors on Facebook. I paid 6,600php for this 2-set wooden playstand plus delivery fee. 

I can also recommend wood artist, Niccolo Jose +63 998 963 4337 who can do any wood work according to your design needs.

My next dream project for Maya. I've always wanted a miniature doll house!!!

I am now accepting pledges for her Christmas present fund! Lol :)

Photo credits to NovaNatural.com and Live Sweet Photography on Instagram

Susi: 100% Vegan and Gluten-Free

My partners and I at FLOW like trying out healthy eats around the metro for our weekly meetings. Susi is one of the posh newer Vegan and Gluten-Free restaurants and we just had to try it!

The interiors are quite cool. I didn't get to take a photo of the bathroom which I thought was decorated so well for its small size.

For travelers like myself, this was a lesson plan.

Philippine-made bamboo bike hanging 

For appetizers we had the Moby Dip (315php), a three-dip platter of olive tapenade, sun-dried tomato and pesto on GF bread.

More GF bread, please!?

Yummers!

We ordered the El Chimichurri beet burger (475php) because I have this goal of trying out all the veggie burgers in the world. This was good, very filling. Loved the side of potato wedges, too!

You can ask them to slice the burger in 1/2 if you're sharing!

This is The Emerson (495php) which is a baked lentil mushroom loaf with zuchini-aubergine ratatoille and mashed potatoes. Wasn't too impressed with this one.

Looks like meat though, right?

And then there's Carb-No-Nara (425php), GF gettucini with mushroom 'bacon', roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and capers. I'm not too fond of regular carbonara so this didn't fancy me either.

You may also purchase healthy GF ingredients from their pantry shop!

My final verdict? It's probably one of the healthiest restaurants in the city, I'll give it that. Would I eat here again? Most definitely! But truthfully, not as often as I would like to because it can get pricey. This is a place to reserve for a special treat. Now, how to charm my husband to eat vegan food?! :)

SUSI

Forbestown, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City

02-8337874

www.susi.ph

DIY Chocolates: A Disaster!

So it started all fine... inspired by a recipe I saw online, I gathered my premium organic raw ingredients, most acquired from my recent Bali trip with FLOW Retreats and followed recipe as best as I could.

Yea, I'll admit it. I'm a Martha Stewart wannabe but half the time my food creations end up rotting in the fridge or chucked in the trash! So, this is one of those sad situations. Don't believe all recipes online will make your own experiments pinterest or Instagram worthy. Because mine right now is a complete disaster! I expected chocolates but it taste more like a half a candle layer and another honey layer. Yikes!

What shall I do with the waste? Can I make soap with this, Ana?! 

Ysabel's Daughter: Skincare Products Inspired By Bees

It is rare that I get invited to an event launch that miraculously aligns with my personal values. That night, I was introduced to a whole product line made entirely from 100% premium natural ingredients, absolutely no toxic chemicals. Oooh, magic words! Ysabel's Daughter hit the spot. I officially have another homegrown brand addition to my bath and body collection.

Guests sampled an assortment of bath and body goodies

Kid-friendly events are so considerate of working mommas like me!

Ysabel's full product line gorgeously displayed

Coty and Carl, business partners of Ysabel's Daughter

Having co-founded INDIGObaby with Denise in 2009, I do have experience in formulating all-natural and organic products. I took time to speak to the woman behind Ysabel's Daughter because I felt we probably have similarities in our lifestyle choices.

Coty Cruz, the founder of YD shared with me an interesting story on how her skincare brand started. When her family decided to grow bees in their urban backyard for health reasons (loved her by then!), she had a regular supply of honey that she used to experiment on soaps and scrubs. (DIY queen, like me!) After sampling her homemade creations to friends, she started selling in bazaars like the American Woman's Bazaar which was very well received. Today, YD is being sold in The Green Company in San Juan and online through Canary Cosmetics, and Beauty MNL.

Coty pointed out her logo which she personally designed. "People think is a flower but if you look closely, it actually is a... bee!"

Inspired by the age-defying powers of honey, Ysabel's Daughter gives the promise of "the fountain of youth" through antioxidants and regenerative powers of its ingredients. Coty's firm and glowing skin is clear evidence of it!

WHAT TO TRY: Post-partum moms will definitely want to try their Lemon Firming Lotion and Green Apple Slimming Lotion (which also helps prevent stretchmarks!).

Maya is as obsessed as I am with lathering lotion on skin!

Ysabel's Daughter
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Walking Barefoot to Teach Empathy

Before my schedule got real crazy with travel for work (which I looove!), I was able to attend the celebration of One Day Without Shoes campaign of Toms and spend some quality time with my son. I honestly didn't know that part of the day's program was walking BAREFOOT around Bonifacio Global City's cemented streets. When I accepted the invite, I thought it would be an afternoon of barefoot fun in the garden. Boy, was I surprised! If not for Carlos Celdran's mighty influence, I might not have done it. In retrospect, I'm glad I did walk with my son because that single activity taught an important lesson on empathy.

EMPATHY: (noun) 

1. the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Just this afternoon, Santi told me that a few days before he dies he wants to collect all his material things and sell it for money. 

Me: "What will you do with all your cash?" 

Santi: "I will give it to those who need it, Mom"

I almost had tears coming out of my eyes. Oh, you make me proud of how you are growing up, my son! You have much love to give the world.  Remember to tap into your infinite wellspring of love and light and you will go places. 

Love always, Mom xoxo