Visita Iglesia in Quezon City

One of the Lenten traditions of Catholics is the Visita Iglesia the visitation of the seven churches, sometimes 14 churches or more. This practice is usually done during evening of Holy Thursday. Few years ago we started this tradition with my siblings and it's like our routine every Holy Week. I was not able to do this for 2 years already due to motherhood reasons. But this time i made it with my plus one, with my daughter. It was exciting and challenging this time since I have my toddler with me. Visiting different churches,doing the the Stations of the Cross, beating the heat and also take note of the crowd during the Visita Iglesia. Can you imagine the stress Julian just experieced? I'm feeling guilty but in a good way. Trust me once you finish the visitation you will feel so clean not literally clean but it's like your being cleansed from your sins but seriously speaking you also need to confess all your wrong doings guys. ;) I'm just so glad I have the best company and good thing Julian behaved well. She was not able to rest and have proper naps because she was also curious of what we are doing and that I consider her "little sacrifice". I am so happy i get to expose Julian into something like this. At her early age I want her to know who Jesus is and what are the things he sacrificed for us to be save from all of our sins. I really want her to be a good person who likes to pray and kind to others.

The 7 Churches we visited last Holy Thursday | Quezon City Bound

• St. Pio Chapel, Libis QC

Carrying our own cross at St. Pio Chapel 

In St. Pio Chapel, we did the stations of the cross. I was surprised that they have provided a cross that every people needs to carry during the way of cross. (Look at my niece Gaby, carrying her own cross too.) It feels like your really experiencing what Jesus had been trough while carrying our own crosses. Please take note of the proper attire during church visit. Slippers/Sandals are not allowed. My sister was wearing a sandal and she was not allowed to do the stations of the cross if she's not gonna take off her sandals. She had no choice but to to do it barefoot. 😫

• Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine, New Manila QC

The Holy Squad | Baby is knocked-out 😉

• Sto. Niño de Violago Church, E. Rodriguez QC

Photo taken outside of the Sto. Niño de Violago Church

First time to see an image of  of Mama Mary breastfeeding baby Jesus. She is called as "Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen Parto ( Our Lady of Milk and Happy Delivery) I feel so blessed and so thankful because i get to breastfeed my baby up to now. 👐

The Altar

Again, the Holy Squad 👪👫👶

• Christ the King Church, E.Rodriguez QC

The Altar

• Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Lantana St. Cubao, QC

The beautiful Altar and Ceiling of Diocese of Cubao

• St. John the Apostle Church, Timog Ave. Cor. Mother Ignacia St. Diliman QC

The Altar

• Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon Ave., QC

The Altar

That sums up our church visit. It was tiring but fulfilling at the same time. Holy week is not only the time for us to reflect and pray. We have all the time if we will just pause for a while. All praises to Our Lord God, Savior, the ONE who free us from all our sins for everything he have sacrifice for us to be saved. Let us ask His forgiveness and being sorry for the sins that we have committed. We should pray not only for ourselves but for others as well. Praying should not be selfish. Praying is not only for personal intentions. If we pray, we pray for everyone. Trust me, you will be bless 👐

Hope you all spent your holy week with God and with your loved ones. Until next time. 😁

Ann 💋

DIY Party and Planning

Are you planning for a party? A birthday party in particular? If you are a practical mom these tips i'll be sharing might help you. I'm just glad to share with you the planning and all the preparations i made for my little one's 1st Birthday Party. So sit back, relax and continue reading below ;)

Party Planning

My husband and I decided not to throw a big party for our baby because she won't remember it yet. We wanted something simple yet a memorable celebration with families and close friends only. (practical right?) Also, since it's not that grand I decided to DIY Julian's (my daughter) party from planning, styling to party decors, baking sweet treats for her dessert table and many more. Party planning is very stressful and it is very hard to find time especially you're doing it ALL; taking care of your child and DIY'ing stuffs, oh no! how am i gonna do it? Well, I did! Lucky Me! I admit, it's not so easy and there were times that I'm super tired and wants to quit. I just want to sleep and rest. Well, I'm no QUITER! ;)

Here are the glimpse of my DIY stuffs ;)

• First, book a venue suited for the party ;) 

Siena Park Residences, Function Room

Our little walker  and the celebrant :)

• Party Invites: You can make your invites just for free. Just search on the web for a free invite maker, customize it, download and Voila! Tip: Make sure you have a theme already prior making invites. Be creative! We also did the pre-birthday shoot just outside our house :) 

Our little sunshine :)

• Gather all your tools, Buy DIY Stuffs, Be artistic. Tip: Search on Youtube videos, tutorial in making your DIY stuffs. Julian's party theme  "Anything in Rainbow Pastel, Colorful Stuffs" We decorated the venue with Paper Fans, Pompoms, Balloons, etc...

Paper fans and pompoms

letter standee

Julian is a little behave with her ate ana while im doing these stuffs ;)

paper fans

our little gym was occupied by these stuffs...

my version of PIÑATA

centerpieces for tables

and more paper fans..

backdrop

little fans and pompoms for centerpieces

inflated balloons invaded the room | night before the party

preparing for the party...

DIY DIY DIY

see, i told you Its Tiring! :)

• Dessert table is a must! I made sweet treats on her birthday. Baked rainbow cookies, brownies, muffins, cupcakes and a cake for her to SMASH! :) I promised that i'll let her smash and eat the cake i will bake for her 1st birthday. Trivia: Since I started to get into baking, every time Julian turns a month older her monthly birthday i always make time in baking her cakes. If I remember it correctly i started to bake her cake when she was  6 months old. I get to practice baking every month. :)

my customized monthly photo of Julian

buntings for the cake, busy mom here!

drooling over rainbow cookie dough :)

looks yummy right?

little helper, stuffs for pabitin and party bags

tadaaa! ready for smashin'

Monthly Photos of Julian

• Delicious food is important, so hire the best food caterer. 
• Also, a party will not be fun without some entertainment for the kids to enjoy! 
• If you have more budget, you can also get some food carts. There are a lot of suppliers that offers everything for you to have an amazing party. 
• Make sure to hire or get a very good photographer that will capture this very important event of your child. 
• Lastly, have fun and enjoy the party.

I hope you guys learned simple and practical ways on how to prepare for a party. A simple party may turn into a grand party with a proper and well planning. 

*Will be posting photos of Julian's 1st Birthday Party very soon :)*

Have a Happy Day, Mommies!

Ann 💋

Benefit Bigger than BB BIG EASY - Review

Here's a little review of my favorite beauty essential, the Benefit Bigger than BB Big Easy Multi-balancing Skin Protector SPF 35.

Why i love this product?

• This is All-In-One Beauty Product.

• Lightweight and has smooth like powder finish.

• It has sunscreen protector with SPF 35.

• Multi-balancing complexion perfector that melts into skin like cream and gives natural coverage to even out skin tone and conceal imperfections.

• Not greasy and oily, I swear :)

• Long wearing cream, just pat on more to conceal blemishes and build the coverage you like.

Mommies, if you haven't tried this beauty product yet, I must say you go and grab one. I'm am using the 02 light shade, just perfect for my skin tone. They have 5 shades, the light, light/medium, medium, beige and deep beige. Make sure you get the right shade suited for your skin.

I just love to put this on my skin especially it's summertime it's really an ideal product for me. Just apply this cream to your cleansed face with fingertips blending for an even and natural finish. Try it yourself and I'm pretty sure you'll love them. Just a warning, this product is a bit pricey but its worth your money. :)

This BB cream is a lifesaver! You will never regret purchasing this one. It really saves the day!

Have a beautiful day, Lovies!

Ann 💋