Something New: Bio-Oil

Several months ago when I was pregnant with Baby Kyle, I Tweeted and asked about the most effective anti-stretch mark products in the market and one of the brand that got a lot of votes is called Bio-Oil.  Since I haven't seen the brand anywhere, I went ahead trying different brands of anti-stretch mark creams and oils.  On the latter part of my pregnancy, I met up with fellow-pregnant college friend Charmie and she handed me none other than my very own Bio-Oil!  She hoarded a couple of bottles in Dubai and gave me one telling me how effective this product was on helping her reduce itchiness from skin dehydration, aside from that, Bio-Oil also helped reduce stretch marks and Linea Nigra (A dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy).

Too good to be true?  

Armed with my first Bio-Oil, I gave it a test immediately when I got home.  But, it was on my latter part of pregnancy so I really can't tell if the product did help reduce the appearance of stretch marks but my initial reactions are as follows ---

Readers' Corner: What to Invest for Post Pregnancy Body

Dear Mommy AMW Friends!  

Today's topic is about Post Pregnancy Fashion!  You won't see me posting photos on the clothes I wear (as we all have different tastes and styles) but I'm talking more on the"getting back your body in shape" type of fashion!

My mom-in-law, 3 months after giving birth went back to her pre-pregnancy body!  Her clothes are proof on how sexy she was even after giving birth to a son and daughter!  I tried wearing her old clothes and I can't even fit some of them!  

Fast forward to my turn as a mom, who gave birth 3 months ago, I make sure to at least "try" to get back to my pre-pregnancy body (not that I have voluptuous and sexy body to begin with) but at least push back the extra hips that appeared after labor!  (promise, lumaki talaga ang balakang! lol)

photo from http://j-porterfamily.blogspot.com

Here are some of the things I think every new mommy should invest on to get back in shape or to at least look good while trying to get back in shape.

My Blow-Up Belly Shoot Photos Are Here!

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening to AMW Readers!!!  

Today, I will be sharing the professional photos I got from my recent Blow-Up Belly Shoot!  If you haven't read my previous post regarding my experience, kindly do so by smiling and clicking HERE.  As you all know, I was darn uncomfortable doing a shoot showing my belly especially when you're at a stage of feeling grumpy, tired, heavy and bloated!  Thankfully, Tabitha, the photographer for the day was super jolly and friendly I totally forgot about qualms and was able to enjoy the shoot feeling like a real Model *winks*.

At the end of the day, these are photos I will definitely look back to with Baby AMW sharing him some lovely stories on my journey as his mommy!

AMW Reports: Blow-Up Belly Shoot

Happy Mid-week AMW friends! 
Wow, time flew by pretty quickly for me now!  I used to dread each day because of my "lack of sleep", difficulty in finding the right position during sleep and in between pee-ing in wee hours of the night!  Ahh..the joys of  pregnancy!  I'm not scaring you single girls out there but these are some of the experiences (I'm sure most moms would agree) I won't forget for the rest of my life!

Today's post will be a bit personal for me!  Before I got pregnant, I told Mr. AMW how I would like to embrace the digital age and document my pregnancy as much as I can!  Why?  Well, since I'm the youngest in the family, my mom doesn't have a pregnant photo carrying me!  (Truthfully, it wasn't a trend then to be photographed while pregnant!) Oh!  The old age!

Surprisingly, with the daily busy schedule, I wasn't able to really look into photography studio for pregnancy shoot!  I was almost in daze when I realized I'm down to my last trimester and I haven't really fixed my hospital bag yet!  As panic struck me, I got an invite to be photographed by Blow-Up Babies at Serendra!  It was an invitation I can't resist, but....the sudden bloating, pain at the back and listlessness, nearly stopped me from doing this shoot!

I only had a week or less to prepare!  As I was browsing through their Facebook page and read this ----

"We started it. And now everyone is doing it. But no one does it like we do. We won’t be cheesy about it either. A "soon-to-be mama" can be totally hot on camera! So if you’re keen on capturing the belly on camera, stop by Blow-up babies. You’ll see that we can make it a comfortable and totally cool experience for you!"

"Totally Hot On Camera?"  COME ON!  I nearly fell off my chair and cancelled my appointment!  No matter how confident a woman can be, pregnancy hormones can bring you down I tell ya!  *laughs*  

Thankfully, Blow-Up Studio's Photographer for the day Ms. Tabitha emailed me a couple of days before the shoot to let me know some of the things I need to bring for the photoshoot.  The super kind and supportive Mr. AMW helped me pack my clothes (mostly Bandeaus) and all I need to do that day is to feel good and prettify myself! 

The reception area is bright and cheer-y.  The "Grinch" in me was gone in an instant as I comfortably relax and wait for the studio set-up!  

By the way, it was an early morning shoot so I've decided to drag that lazy bum, bloated fingers and feet of mine and prettify myself --- yes, both hair and makeup!

Blow-Up Studio has 2 studios.  One studio is for their baby shoots with loads of backdrops, costumes, props etc...!  

 

I can't wait for Baby AMW to have his first pictorial here!

Some of the sample baby photos I've grabbed from their Facebook page in which I'm excited for Baby AMW to try!  

 

 

Okay, back to me!  *laughs*  I was ushered to the next studio.  The studio has its own door and dressing area so I'm quite comfortable here!

 

Let's talk about showing off my belly!  To be honest, even before pregnancy, I'm not comfortable showing my tummy because....I guess I just grew up in a no-showing of belly (a.k.a. conservative) family!  Thankfully, I felt at ease right away with Tabitha and I was able to do some serious shots I normally can't do! 

Photo taken with me holding an ultrasound photo of Baby AMW

The studio also have some drapes of cloth for me to feel like a "pregnant Goddess" for the day! :P  Tabitha was also kind enough to help me fix my "costume".

Okay, obviously, I'm starting to have fun and feel super comfortable!

We do have some couple shots in which I will show you guys once I get the original copies!  While Mr. AMW waits, Baby AMW's socks has its own photoshoot!  *laughs*

This, is definitely more photogenic than me! :D

After the shoot, hubby and I have decided to pick 2 photos to be printed out to be displayed in our room!  Because I'm too lazy to go back to Serendra, they also offer delivery service with soft copies of all our photos for the day!  

AMW and Tabitha (Photographer)

Thanks for making this shoot fun, comfortable and unforgettable!

Check out some Blow-Up Bellies Shoot done by Blow-Up Studio by smiling and clicking HERE.

Blow-Up Babies, Inc.
2nd Floor Shops at Serendra,
Bonifacio Global City 1634 Taguig
Tel. nos: (632)909-7998 / (632)909-7999
website: http://www.blowupbabies.com 

Once the official copies arrive, I'll definitely share them to you! :)
Would you go for pregnancy shoot? 
If you're a mom, have you gone through pregnancy shoots?  How does it feel for you?   

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