Pregnancy week #19

Jellybean's starting to bulk up and packing on the grossly named "brown fat" he'll need to keep warm when he gets evicted from his comfortable uterine home. Vernix, a milky white coating that protects jellybean's skin, appears all over his body to keep his skin from getting pickled in the amniotic fluid. Think of it as if jellybean has been dipped in yogurt, like those delicious but fake-healthy yogurt-covered raisins and pretzels. hee hee! 


Under the vernix, a fuzzy layer of hair called lanugo now covers baby's body. Most of the fuzz will fall off before baby makes his grand entrance.


Good news: Jellybean's kidneys are fully functioning and producing urine this week.


He or she now weighs about 8½ ounces and measures 6 inches, as long as a turkey sub from Subway on warm, delicious Italian Herbs and Cheese bread (or Honey Oat bread, or Oregano bread or ...) 




Momma's Symptoms:

• No acid reflux ( wooohhhooo!!!)
• No nausea 
• Belly's heavier
• Shortness of breath even if i'm not doing anything
• lots of heartburn and palpitation
• itching on stretchies prone area
• insomnia 
• I can only sleep on two sides

Momma's belly shot..... 

Catch ya later, lovelies!!!

xoxo,

Geline and 'lil jellybean 

Mommy Beauty Regimen

When I got pregnant, zits started to pop out like grasses on our backyard! Of course I started to panic because I never experienced that and I DON'T WANT!!! Oh well, when a woman is prego there's a shoot up of hormones for the entire 9 months which causes the infamous "break out". 

Panicky as I was, I braced myself together and tried to find a remedy for my visually non-stimulating state.  

For the reason that I am pregnant, I only want the safest products to touch my skin. Here are the chemicals to watch out for that might be present on your regular skin products.

Retinoids

These powerful substances, found in some anti aging moisturizers, are lauded for helping reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone. Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that speeds up cell division (quickening your skin's renewal) and prevent skin collagen from breaking down. There is no strong evidence to show that retinoids ingredients are harmful when used on the skin. It is advised by doctors to avoid during pregnancy and nursing.

What to check on the label:

• Differin (adapelene)
• Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)
• Retinoic acid
• Retinol
• Retinyl linoleate
• Retinyl palmitate
• Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)

Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is another no-no for pregnant women.This mild acid is used to treat certain skin disorders, including acne, and you can find it in a number of skin products, such as cleansers and toners. BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is a form of salicylic acid and is used in some topical exfoliants to reverse signs of aging.

Do not confuse yourself with Alpha hydroxy acids, sometimes listed as AHAs, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, they are safe.

What to check on the label:

• Salicylic acid
• Beta hydroxy acid
• BHA

Don’t panic. If you realize you have used a product that contains one of the potentially harmful ingredients noted above. Simply stop using the product now and pick one with known-to-be-safe ingredients.

- motherhood.com.au

Now, to mommies (even the single ladies), I want to share my beauty regimen.

My regular shower times are during the morning and evening but sometimes I have 3-4 repetitions in a day, depending on how hot the 24-hour sauna in the Philippines is. LOL

I recently tried a new facial cleanser foam from Pond's. It's called Perfect Matte Oil Control. I have the oiliest skin ever made (i think. LOL) and it frustrates me a lot. I thought I wanna give this a shot and so far, it lessened the oil on my face. *whew* 

Claims: 

This cleanser for oily skin is designed to work deep down and lift dirt, oil and make up from your pores with specially-formulated mild and tiny beads. 

Ingredients: 

• Myristic Acid
• Glycerin
• Water
• Propylene Glycol
• Potassium Hydroxide
• Stearic Acid
• Glycol Distearate
• Lauric Acid
• Decyl Glucoside
• Glyceryl Stearate
• Polyethylene
• Perfume
• DMDM Hydantolin
• Silica/ Cl 74160
• Polyquatemium-7
• Disodium EDTA
• Butylene Glycol
• Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
• Capryloyl Glycine
• Sarcosine
• Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract

How to use:

Wet your face. Apply to face and neck then gently massage. Rinse off. In case of contact with the eyes, rinse with water.

Price:

17php/ sachet (approx. $0.40)

Other info:

• 10g.
• Made in Philippines

Then I apply this Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for all skin-types. 

Claims:

This gentle, soap-free cleanser was originally formulated for dermatologists, specifically for cleansing of even the most sensitive skin.

• soothing, non-irritating cleanser ideal for face, hands and body
• helps skin retain the needed moisture
• rinses easily and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy
• mild enough to cleanse a baby's delicate skin

Ingredients:

• Water
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Propylene Glycol
• Sodium Lauryl 
• Sulfate Stearyl Alcohol
• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben

How to use:

Without Water- Apply a liberal amount of cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin film on the skin.

With Water- Apply cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Rinse.

Price:

97php (approx. $2.25)

Other info:

• 60ml
• Made in the Philippines

Load up Myra-E Facial Moisturizer. 

Claims:

• Vitamin E enriched
• Softens and Moisturizes
• Hypo-allergenic 
• Dermatologist-tested

There's no ingredients written on the plastic bottle, I threw away the box I guess. hee hee!

How to Use:

Gently apply on face and neck after cleansing. For best results, use morning and evening. Can be used under make-up.

Note: I don't use this during day time because I have oily skin, Cetaphil leaves moisture in and there's a 24-hour sauna in the Phils.

Price:

50php+ ... I forgot. (approx. $1)

Massage Palmer's Cocoa Butter in Original Solid Form over my tummy, back and breasts--- strechies prone areas!!!

Claims:

Helps smooth and blend unattractive marks and scars. Tones skin. An excellent all-over-the-body moisturizer and after tanning butter. Widely recommended for stretch marks  during and after pregnancy. Ideal for deep moisturizing including overnight treatments. 

Ingredients:

• Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) extract
• Mineral oil 
• Microcrystalline Wax
• Cocoa seed butter
• Dimethicone
• Fragrance ( Parfum)
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Carotene

Price:

395php (approx. $9)

Other info:

• 100g
• Not tested on animals.
• Made in U.S.A.

I don't like this original solid form because it's sticky, I will buy the cream next time. The cream dissolves right onto the skin so it doesn't leave a sticky-yucky feeling.

Lastly, put Myra-E Hand and Body Lotion to complete the regimen. 

Claims:

Helps keep your skin healthy, soft and smooth to touch. Safe and effective for all skin types. Non-greasy and ideal for everyday use. 

Ingredients:

• Water
• Glycerin
• Cetyl Palmitate
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Dimethicone
• Steareth-21
• Mineral oil
• Lactose/Mannitol
• Cellulose
• Hydroxypropyl
• Methylcellulose
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Acrylates/ C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
• Stearic Acid
• DMDM Hydantoin
• Iodoprophyl Butylcarbamate
• Fragrance
• Disodium EDTA
• Titanium Dioxide
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Cl 77492

How to use:

Apply onto your skin particularly on dry areas. Use after every shower or bath. For best results, use daily, in the morning and at night.

Price:

37php (approx. $.085)

Other info:

• 100ml
• Store below 30 degrees Celsius 
• Made in the Philippines

See? The regimen should not be complicated at all! You just need to maintain cleanliness and moisture on your skin. I will also add avoiding eating a lot of greasy and fatty food.

I hope I helped you out with this dilemma, lovelies!

Catch ya later, lovelies!

xoxo,

Geline and 'lil jellybean

,

Robinson's Place Haul

Hello, lovelies! I went out to pay some bills and did grocery shopping today at the Robinson's Place mall but I also had something for myself. hee hee!

Here's what I had for my momma self (LOL):

Halter dress

I figured that I need to buy more dress or comfy clothes since my body is becoming "alienated" now. hee hee!

This dress is not something fancy nor it's branded, I just like that it's dark-colored (recommended for pregnant women who wants to deceive people with their looks. haha), nice material (it's super soft) and stretchable. I don't want to buy the old-school maternity dress..ever! So I bought this one which is typically worn by single ladies or non-preggers who just want to look good.

Oh! This dress was bought from "tiangge" or stall/kiosk area of the mall. Bargained it for 280php (approx. $7) from the original price 350php (approx. $8). =)

Goody Trimming Scissor

I am absolutely in love with my newly-shaped eyebrows!!! I used to have a dark forest on top of my eyes! ugghhh... I think this pregnancy has made me more "maarte", which I also love. hee hee! In celebration of my new-found happiness, I decided to maintain those womanly eyebrows for life! Thus, I hit on the grooming section of the mall. As you can see, the price is 49php (approx. $1.15). It's a decent trimming scissor at a cheap cost. 

Goody Eyebrow Razor

Another Groovy grooming baby is this Eyebrow razor for 29php (approx. $.70). I had longer time to find the right blade that I want. I had 4 tries before finally picking this one up. I made my cousin my "model" by trying the product on the hair found on her fingers. She was getting scared because she thought I will thread off all the finger hair that she has before I get satisfied! (good thing it did not happen. LOL)

It's very handy.

Did you happen to buy any of the Groovy grooming stuff that I bought? 

How did it go for you?

Maybe you purchased another Groovy item, please share to us by putting a comment below. 

Catch ya later, lovelies!

xoxo,

Geline and 'lil jellybean <3

18th week of pregnancy (baby #1)

Yipee! It's 18-18 for baby today! 18th week on May 18.

Here's a 'lil info about our 'lil jellybean for this week:

Jellybean weighs bet. 5-7 ounces& is about 5 1/2 inches long (size of a pickle). Ears are now facing forward and are completely formed. This week is the beginning of ossification (hardening of baby's miniature bones).Nerves are making more and more complex connections; sense of smell, taste, sight and hearing are all developing. Plus, jellybean's developing yawning and hiccups skills  and own set of toe and fingerprints. Little one's starting to produce a protective covering along the nerves, called Myelin. This substance will be produced through the ninth month. 

jellybean's current size =)

Momma's symptoms:

• More and more trips to the fridge. I noticed an immense food appetite since my 17th week compared to the previous ones. 
• Heartburn from time to time.
• The acid reflux is almost gone (hoooraayyyy!!!).
• Occasional headaches. 
• Fetal movement (like there's a gas or butterfly alongside the belly button)
• Hair has gone from bad to worse. hee hee!

See you next week for more updates!

Any mommies here? 

Did you get the same symptoms I did?

Please share to us your wonderful experience

with pregnancy. <3

Catch ya later, lovelies!


xoxo,
Geline and 'lil jellybean 

REMEDY: Feminine Itch and Odor etc.

Okay, I know that this topic might be a little uncomfortable for some women to discuss but I thought this might be a great help (esp. for those who have concerns in this area).

You know what is the best remedy for Feminine Itch and Odor? Wait... here comes YOGURT! Yep, the mostly neglected by many (guilty as charged) yogurt.

Here's what I got:

Nestle Creamy Yogurt 

125 g. (size). I got it for 25php (approx. $ 0.60) that can last until its expiry date. Great deal huh? =)

Product Info:

Ingredients:

• Water
• Skimmed milk powder
• milkfat
• stabilizers
• live yogurt culture

IMPORTANT! 

•  Always read the label-- it should contain LIVE ACTIVE CULTURE (this controls fungus that causes yeast infection). 
• It should be ALL NATURAL. 
• NO ADDED STUFF (e.g. fruits)
• Constantly store in the fridge. 
• Check the expiry date before buying.

What to do: 

•  Scoop 1 tsp. of all natural yogurt.
• Spread externally "down there" and rub.
• Leave on for a few minutes after rubbing.
• Rinse.
• Another good way to do is to EAT! Yes, lovelies, eat the yogurt! 

Note: Go to a doctor if this remedy is ineffective after 2 days. You could have an infection that home remedies can't cure.

When I found out I'm pregnant I got obsessed with going natural and stayed away from chemical as much as possible. I discerned that this actually works well as a substitute for my regular feminine wash (much much better!!!) and I use this everyday... hmmm... I am contemplating of replacing my fem wash. Yogurt is way cheaper, safer and more efficient. 

More tips for "down there" care:

•  Wear loose clothing to keep your vagina cool and dry.
• Wear 100% cotton panties so the skin can breathe.
• Ditch the flower-scented ( or anything scented) pantyliner and start tossing on your grocery cart UNSCENTED. Mine's Charmee's for 27php (approx. $0.62), contains 20 pcs. pantyliners.
• Change pads/ pantyliners every 2 hours or as deemed necessary.

Did you find this helpful?

What are your other remedies?

Let's all talk adult here. LOL

Catch you later, lovelies!

xoxo,

Geline and 'lil jellybean <3

REVIEW: Cover Girl Clean Make Up Oil Control Foundation

Product Info:

• Gentle
• Non- drying formula controls shine
• Oil-free

Ingredients:

• Water
• Cyclopentasiloxane
• Propylene Glycol
• Talc
• Glycerin
• PEG/ PPg 18/ 18 Dimethicone
• Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
• Cyclomethicone
• Magnesium Sulfate
• Silica
• Laureth-7
• Sodium Dehydroacetate
• Trihydroxystearin
• Methicone
• Methylparaben
• Synthetic Wax
• Stearic Acid
• Barium Sulfate

Note: There are some missing ingredients from the list because they're unclear (scratched off from the packaging when I got it).

• I'm in #525 buff beige
• 30 ml.
• Got if for 160php ( approx. $4)
• Made in USA

Why I Dig it:

I have been looking for a foundie that would match my constantly oily skin + the effect of 24-hour sauna in the Philippines (LOL)  like, forever!  Then I saw this local online store which sells cosmetics so I started browsing thru the page and this CG foundie caught my attention. OIL FREE, CONTROLS SHINE--- bingo!!! Pa-try nga....

• It really is matte and you can see it after applying to your face.
• Blends well with my skin color.
• It doesn't give me a cakey finish.
• It's cheap.
• It's safe for pregnant women to use.

Some of its mishaps:

• It has a strong smell (I especially hate it now due to my heightened sense of smell a.k.a. pregnancy).
• The foundie is really difficult to release from the bottle; very thick consistency so I need to grab a Q-tip everytime I want to use it.
• I need to re-apply my setting powder or powder foundie maybe after 30 mins. or an hour because I can see my face getting shiny. I have to admit though that with this, it might be due to my pregnancy which increases the body temperature of a woman. So I have to do a follow-up review after 'lil jellybean comes out. 

Have you tried this product?  

Share to us your thoughts about it. 

^^

Catch ya later, lovelies!

xoxo,

Geline and 'lil jellybean <3

Filipino-Korean Friendship (& more)

Philippines

South Korea

It's a well-known fact that the Philippines has been invaded by everything Korean-- dramas, movies, fashion, beauty stuff, Kpop music and eager learners of English.

I have personally been acquainted to this race since I was in High School; a Korean guy friend slash "oppa" (older brother) named "Nick" started it all. Back those days, I was not expecting to be meeting more. When Nick went back to Korea, I had the opportunity to teach English to Korean academies as my part time job here in Iloilo City. It has been my habit to ask my students their reason for going to the Philippines to study English and the top answers were:

• Filipinos are good speakers of English despite the fact that we're residents of an Asian country.
• Filipinos are nice, have good interpersonal skills and are very welcoming.
• Traveling. Boracay! 

You might wanna ask me how Koreans are so i will save you lovelies some trouble. harharhar!

Generally, my observations are:

• Very generous
• Nice 
• Adventurous
• Always yearning for education (so when they come here to study, they mean business in class.)
• Have become more open with their thoughts and preference in contrast to the really conservative attitude that we see in their dramas and movies.
• They were born in a competitive environment. Trivia: It takes at least a year of training and grooming before you are launched as an artist in South Korea. 

I have witnessed a lot of Filipinos and Koreans falling in love and eventually ties the knot. I for one have the wonderful experience of being loved and is in love with an amazing Korean man. <3 <3 <3 

I cannot speak for all the Filipino women who got married to Koreans but as for my man, he's the perfect partner i could ask for. Aside from the aforementioned qualities, I adore my man's coolness, for being super understanding and for treating me like a queen. My family and friend's three thumbs up on him!!! LOL

Uhhhmmm... I posted this blog because my hubby and I discussed this topic last night, so talk about not getting over it... hahaha! And I'm currently listening to thoughts by anonymous's playlist which happens to be all Kpop music. Let's just say I'm feeling so Korean right now. hee hee!

Anyway, I want to share me and my man's picture.

This was the time when we realized that we want to be together. ^^

Our 'lil jellybean's 13 weeks and 2 days scan.

Catch ya later, lovelies!

xoxo,

Geline, Caffrey and 'lil jellybean <3

Blogging?

hello,lovelies! I have started to blog way back 2009 but I did not keep up with it and I eventually forgot my log-in details thus forcing me to create a new account. (eff! gotta catch my breath there~ haha!) I have been pretty hectic with school, business and shows altogether which left mi poor blog unattended. heck, unattended? mobile phone? whatever. LOL

But now I'm done with those except the business; I finally shoved my butt up to get back to what I enjoy doing. Plus, I'm an expectant mommy ( 17 weeks 5 days as to date) now. I spend most of my time at home which can be dreadfully boring by the ways. I figured I could share ideas about pregnancy, being a mom as well as beauty, make up, music, fashion, movies....arrrggghhh.. the list goes on!

I hope you will accompany me with my blogging journey and share your thoughts as well-- that would be highly appreciated. ^^

Any topic that you would like me to blog about? send your suggestions to gorgeouzmomma (at) gmail (dot) com and i'll see what i can do. -_-;;;

Eeeeeeeeeeeee this is so freakin' exciting! hee hee!

Well...catch ya later, lovelies!

xoxo
-Geline and 'lil jellybean