AskMeMom: Kyle's First Birthday Celebration in School

A lot of YOU asked me on both emails, DMs and even texts --- How Do You Manage Your Time?

Well, I don't know about you but it takes years of practice!  I started time management as early as gradeschool years!  With all the assignments I get (4 exams plus Chinese memorization for both Language and History), I learned to really count every minute and follow my own timetable!

All of you AMW friends knew how busy my life is especially if you follow me on Social Media, but for the latter part of March and the whole month of April, my schedule is even worst!  With my dad's  recent stairs accident and stroke, I had to add in daily visits to the hospital (now: HOME).

What made my life even more challenging is the fact that I have to continue to be there for my son who needs and seeks my attention much more than ever!  

And since April 16 was his 5th birthday and a FIRST for him to celebrate in school (his previous school was on summer vacation during his birth month.), I knew I had to at least give him a decent celebration because even with troubles coming my way, life does not stop there!

A huge shoutout to my loving hubby for taking workday-off to help me out on this!  THANKS MR. AMW!

The food part was easy, we ordered fastfood on that day and even purchased his requested "Red Ribbon" cake.  Thankfully, they offer a Jollibee cake  which matches the food theme.

Now let's talk about the loot bag!  I obviously do not have time to go to "Divisoria" like other moms so I obviously went for the easier route -- ONLINE SHOPPING.

One of the Online Shopping App I always go for is Shopee - I learned about the effectiveness of Shopee through my sister-in-law because she also has a shop there!

Some Changes I've Done for Year 2018

2018 started out pretty well.

2 days after 2018, I was hired to do the job I love most - teach makeup to a small group of eager learners!  

Aside from that, I was able to work with a brand for a very important project which I can finally tick off from my bucket list! 

In life, it is easier to just "go with the flow" and stick to what works!  "Why change?  When everything's working out well?"

That statement gets to be blurted out so easily by me, I used to be that way, "Matigas ang ulo."  (hard-headed).  I disliked change so much it felt like "change" is trying to ruin the world that I'm trying the create - my tiny rigid universe.  

Thankfully, my job entails me to meet, socialize and work with inspiring people.  Because of that, I got inspired, and inspiration welcomes CHANGE.  I can actually see myself changing, and it was the for the better because I can sense that!

Let's start with the simplest change in life that I managed to do.  Some sounded so childish and small, but it is because of these tiny changes I get the courage to aim for bigger goals!

Get A #SmartiPhone8 Today Like I Did!

Last November 17, I braved the crazy Friday Traffic from Manila to Ortigas just to be at the Smart Jump Center, SM Megamall.  

Okay, it took me 2.5 hours to be exact, but the leg pain and bladder issues were dissolved when I got hold of my newest iPhone 8 Plus which will serve me well on both work and personal use!  (K-Drama watching will be so much easier to the eyes!)

I remembered how I got my iPhone 7 early this year!  It was as easy as going to the Smart center and pay a minimal amount because I opted for higher memory (hello Kyle Nash videos and photos!)  This is what I love about being a Smart Subscriber, I don't need to shell out one-time cash-out because I have a good monthly plan - so must you!

For the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus plan, it gets better!

These are a Few of My Favorite...

People -- my brother is back for a vacation!  All 4 of us (brothers and sisters) are close and I would say, I don't play favorites, but since I don't get to spend much time with him as he works abroad, I like to bond with him as much as I can (amidst very busy shedule).  Since I was off to Ortigas for a short meeting, I've decided to take him to one of my favorite restaurant inside Shangri-la Mall --- Spatzle Euro Market Cafe. (Favorite that's why I was there twice this month now!)

This year, I probably dined in this restaurant the most if we talk about restaurants inside the said mall.  We even had our event here during the Cathy Doll Philippines Nude Me Launch!

So back to Spatzle, my brother loves anything Carbonara so I've decided to go for..

AskMeMom: What's My #MeTime with my Crazy Schedule?

Drinking a good cup of coffee while watching my favorite Koreanovelas and my favorite Beauty Bloggers on YouTube!

Ever since Kyle goes to Summer School, I finish up my monthly data allowance so quickly I always find myself subscribing to additional packages via My Smart (app) and my favorite package?

"Giga Surf 99 which gives me 1.5GB of data with FREE 300mb of Spinnr, iFlix, YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo and Dubsmash for Php99.00 for 7 days."

And just when I thought this plan was the perfect plan for me as I wait for my Monthly Data allowance to refresh, Smart Prepaid, together with TNT and Sun Prepaid have exclusive promo this month and I have to share it to you because it is one of my favorite offer!!!

UNTIL JULY 10, 2017
Smart Prepaid Offers DOUBLE THE INCLUSIONS!!!

Example, my favorite GIGASURF99 (7 days) of 1.5 GB will be 3GB.  Additional 600MB for YouTube, iFlix, Spinnr, Vimeo, Dailymotion and Dubsmash!  Aside from that, there's Unli FB with full FB features (PHOTOS, etc...!) YAY!!!

For more details, feel free to visit
 Smart Giga Surf - http://smart.com.ph/gigasurf
 Smart All-out Surf - http://smart.com.ph/alloutsurf

Fellow moms would understand how crazy motherhood is, so for me, finding your simple #metime and #space is one simple way to cope, because as they all say: "A happy momma will lead to a happy kid!" 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

A Reminder To Always Make #TimeForMom

I grew up under strict supervision from mom.  She is a housewife, who does EVERYTHING for us!  From taking care of our grandparents, "palengke" duties, cook us breakfast/lunch/snacks/dinner and even drove us to and from school for more than 15 years!

Aside from that, she does the laundry (hand wash lahat) and iron all our clothes.  (Note: There are 4 of us siblings + grandparents + parents = you do the Math)

It was an extremely difficult task (almost impossible if I may add!), I see how she perspires as she run around doing errands without a single complaint!  That's why our relationship is strictly "I-listen-to-my-mom-or-else...."  There's no time for us to really talk or bond because she's too busy to even have a breather.  I remembered wishing we could have a closer relationship, like my classmates and their moms!  I used to wish she could be cooler like my friends' moms.

When I started working and when Mom was finally having more time on her hands,  I realized, our relationship shouldn't stay that way forever.  I make it a point to bond with her by taking her out for a quick facial or massage over weekend.  Our relationship definitely changed from just plain "mother-daughter relationshiop" to a "closer mother-daughter relationship".  It didn't happen overnight, it was a conscious effort for me to MAKE time and prioritize her.

WHY?

Because this lady has done so much for me and my siblings and giving her just a couple of minutes or hours in a day will never be enough to show her how much I appreciate her.  But at least, we can always start somewhere.

And to those who wonder how I get to be THIS cheerful and how I get the energy to do multiple tasks like a Super Girl?  

Well, here's my tiny little secret that I'm finally sharing.  Behind this "Wonder Woman" that you think I am, .I have an even better SUPER WOMAN behind me who backs me up, supports me without limit and sends me love like no other --- She is my very own mom!  With her, I can be like that little kid who runs to her when I'm in trouble, when I'm tired or when I get hurt.  Of course, I also run to her when I'm happy, when I'm in my best mood.  I just run to her because she is my HOME.  The very person who loves me for who I am without expectations or limits.

That's my secret and it really works!

I Update More on Social Media #LikeNeverBefore

If you follow me on ALL my social media accounts (@Askmewhats guys, shameless plug).  You'll find that I update more often than before!  Way more often than the past years!

Here's the main reason why: 

1. I like my family, friends and relatives to be updated with my life because they also follow me on my Social Media Accounts.
2. I want my readers to know what I'm doing in real life.
3. My internet connection is definitely better, WAY better than ever before so uploading those Live videos isn't as pain in the neck as before!  (and yay!  I don't have much jumbled IG stories anymore!)

What my friends are teasing me about whenever they check out my updates.  

It is mostly about my Unico Hijo #KyleNash

More about #KyleNash and my adventure homeschooling him for the past 3 months!  Guys, I won't do this forever, I am actually looking into enrolling him again in a new school comes start of the school year.

Because I Want to Live More...

Hello AMW Friends, I'm Nikki Tiu (aka AskMeWhats, Ms. AMW, Mrs. AMW, AskMeMom).
A lot of my friends wonder how I go through my life each day, when I tell them, I tend to ask myself too: "How do I manage my day?"  

With a lot of help of course!  Before I share to you some of my secrets to stay sane amidst the crazy daily schedule, let me tell you first what I do.. aside from being "Your Friendly AMW neighborhood" of course!

Stripped off from all the glamour of makeup, I wake up every morning and send my son to Preschool.  The school is quite far from where I live so I've decided to wait for him half a day instead of driving back and forth.

They #OwnIt and Are Now Living the Dream!

So can you!

End of 2015, I claimed to my good friends that I will be starting my AMW Workshop Series because it has been my dream for too long (5 years to be exact!).  It may not be a big dream for Big Fishes (businessmen) out there but for me, it meant so much to me it gives me the goosebumps, butterflies in the stomach just thinking about that dream.

Now the year is almost ending and my dream literally unfolded right in front of me!

AMW Workshop Series 1: Get Ready For Summer

AMW Workshop Series 2: Perfecting Your Base

Smart Unbox Event

When Smart did a huge "rebrand" last month with the change of logo and all.  The internet went abuzz over the new logo.  I knew something is up!  That's why when I got an invite for #SmartUnbox event, I had to be there to know what my mobile provider has to offer this time.

I attended the event with fellow Smart user and Blogger friend Angela!  (Thanks Angela for the photo!) 

True enough, it was indeed an "Unboxing" event!  Upon arrival, we were each given a box to unbox and the Smart Girls were there to assist us as we were both clueless on what's happening!

It was indeed a night of learning all the slew of innovations by Smart, a company who always aims to change the way Filipinos connect.

The event was held at Shangri La at The Fort and were graced by Smart giants, meaning, the "smart" people behind Smart.

My Toddler Is Going To Preschool, and I'm Extremely Nervous!

When Kyle starts to walk, my friends and family were asking me if I'll enroll him to school.  It was always a "no" because it is our decision (as parents) to let him enjoy his time at home with the parents and learn basic knowledge and manners from us before we let him go!

He finally turned 3 last April and we told ourselves 3 is the perfect age for us to enroll him to Preschool.  It was our decision to take him to a preschool before he goes to big school because our family is really small!  We don't have kids AT ALL!  And most of the kids around our area are "home bodies" too so he doesn't get to play around with kids his age!

Now, if you ask me, I am at my most nervous stage right now since his first day of school is next week!  But of course, I can't let that nervousness and possible "separation anxiety" get the best of me! Mr. AMW and I have done preparations before THE BIG DAY!

I'll share you some tips that I'm currently doing and I would love to hear your ideas fellow mommies!

1. We send him to "play care" on weekends just for him to "feel" the environment of being in school.

Playcare at Little Archer SM MOA, written a very positive review about our experience here but unfortunately, we had to look for another "school" because it is too far from home!  I can't imagine the stress of driving him to and from school with traffic that could last an hour plus EACH way!  That would be super stressful for my son!  

Now, if you don't have means to bring him to Play Schools, or if your schedule does not permit, you can take your toddler to kid-friendly areas like Kidzania, Kidnooza or random playground inside the malls!

Doing the Things I Love To Do! #ChangingLives

So it's been a while since I posted something personal.  The last one was "How To Deal With Mommy Burnout"

Firstly, THANK YOU for being so nice about my sentiments as a mom!  I know all of us have different ways in dealing with motherhood stress ---  "To each their own!"  as they say.  As for me, I'm so thankful I've found ways to deal with it with flair!  Though I have been spending more than 50% of my time with my son, I make sure to set aside time to do the things that makes me happy! 

My Consultancy Job in an Executive Search Firm.  

Yes, I still have a day job!  Shocking to most of you but yes, I sit at least 4-5 hours in front of the computer everyday the moment my son wakes up!  I do a lot of phone interviews, research and emails!  I've been doing for a decade now and I'm so thankful my boss understood my needs to work from home so here I am!  Still alive and kicking!

NU Lady Bulldogs Photoshoot + How I Survive A Photoshoot Day Like This!

I choose to focus on Bridal Makeup Artistry especially now that I'm a mom.  Any other makeup jobs like Photoshoots always excites me!  But I choose to limit myself on that route because I want to spend more time with my toddler and you know how Photoshoots take up a lot of your time.  (Kyle Nash, if you are reading this in the future, you know how much I love you ha!) :P

But when my favorite photographer Mark Lao and Bestfriend asked me to be part of the Biogenic Photoshoot for the NU Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Team, how can I say no?  It maybe a full day away from my son but it was worth it!

Pack-up faces!

The shoot calls for very natural makeup.  There were a total of 17 girls and I partnered with fellow makeup artist Bing Castro.  (Bing, great job!)  Aeicy Cruz was the one who did all their hair!  All 17 girls!

"Virtual Party"? I'm in!

Yes, I may look like a "boring mom" who does boring things!  But guess what?  I KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN!

I may not be the spotlight of the party but I am the LIFE of the Party!  Promise!  You ask my friends please! :P 

I've danced 8 hours straight, I've sang 4 hours straight on Music Bars and I was the cool girl who did bottoms-up with ALL MY STUDENTS during China teaching days! 

Will You Go For AirBNB on your Next Travel Destination?

My partner in makeup gigs Kim recently messaged me to ask about places to stay in Hong Kong, I haven't been traveling much since having a son but I would say, when it comes to Hong Kong, it feels like my second home!  Why?  Because I used to work in Shenzhen for 2.5 years and going to Hong Kong via ferry takes only 30 minutes (yes, even faster than my travel time here!)  So I usually de-stress by going to Hong Kong alone midday or spend a weekend with my brother.  And of course, Mr. AMW and I traveled quite a number of times in Hong Kong that's why I'm claiming our "expertise" in this country.

When it comes to places to stay in Hong Kong, I have tried staying in Hotels (company paid) for business meetings and trainings.  But when it comes to personal trip, I would always go for the cheaper route because hey, Hong Kong, especially Causeway Bay is a city that never sleeps!  So I'm obviously out most of the time and need just a couple of hours to rest my legs and eyes before I head on to another adventure!  So saving up on the place to stay and use the remaining travel fund for more adventures like sightseeing, visiting the parks, eat local food and the works. 

#TravelMore with Smart Postpaid Surf Abroad

I recently attended an event for Smart Postaid Surf Abroad hosted by Luis Manzano and Bianca Valerio.  It was when both hosts shared about their favorite destination --- Japan, brought me back to my first ever Tokyo Japan trip.

That's me looking flabbergasted (even on back view) because it is really confusing trying to navigate yourself from one point to another especially in different language!

Unboxing: June BDJ Bioderma Box + #EverydayWithHappiness

Happy weekend AMW Friends!  I hope today is not as wet as previous days!  I had a wonderful and fruitful week so I can't help but share my good vibes to everyone!  It helps to really focus on the positive elements of your life because you can definitely attract more good things!

How?  By appreciating all the little things in life!  Like receiving this box of mini Bioderma samples!  Okay, the negative Nikki would probably go: "All small sample sizes? WHAT?"  (Hashtag MEANIE)  But instead, I went ahead and said: "YAY!  I can finally try Bioderma products!"

Truth be told, I was invited for the grand launch of Bioderma products (the distributor is a very good friend, so is the PR person), unfortunately, family always comes first so I declined the invite so I wasn't able to understand it when my fellow Beauty Blogger friends would rave about these well-sought after products!  

So when I received the BDJ June Box, it was a delight for me to be able to try the brand!  And BDJ box girls were kind enough to add a full sized product that I love!  Will tell you more about it after the jump!

How Do I Deal With "Mommy Burnout"

I am a mom for 2.2 years to be exact, you want me to tell you how the "ride" was?

Top and bottom: Gingersnaps
Shoes: Eazyfashion

Well, I'm physically tired, I'm sleepy most of the time, my body aches here and there and oh!  24 hours a day is NEVER enough!

I am Online 24/7

As much as I don't like to be coined as "the girl who's online 24/7", well, I am!  But mind you, I still have life outside this cyber world!  And if I may have to add, being online (as a Blogger) gave me so many opportunities, opportunities I used to just dream about, and now they have turned into reality.

I do enjoy a cup of coffee with friends and new friends every now and then...

I do beauty workshops for brands I love....

AMW Experienced Yurbuds Powered by JBL

Remember when I shared some of my gift ideas for Active women during 2014 Holidays? (Post HERE)

Well, I share what's best and so far, in the "earphones" field, Yurbuds is considered one of the top sport earphones in the Philippines!  And thankfully, yours truly was invited when they want to formally introduce Yurbuds as powered by JBL at Power MAC Center, Rockwell.