All posts by Reah Padla

My Mommy Notebook (Part 2)

Faith, Motherhood

Who knew parenting could be so challenging? I was faced with this challenge only this year and I know it’s only the beginning. At times, I’m at lost for words not knowing the right way to deal with my son. I thought I knew how from observing other parents before me but it’s different when you’re already in a particular situation to calls for a time-out and discipline.

That is why I try to learn from reading. I’ve started My Mommy Notebook a couple of months ago but it’s been a while since I last shared. Here’s the next set of “Mommy Tips”  I gathered from various books I’ve read.

My prayer now is for young mothers like me to be interested in nurturing the spiritual lives of their children. It’s never too early to start them in loving and living for God.

  • You can plan and plant the future of your children by way of preventive praying.
  • Into fitness? You can use exercise time as time of worship to God. Anything you do can actually be a time of praise and worship to the Lord.
  • Decide not to get bitter. Get better and God will give you a new beginning.
  • You can be a wife of noble character. Begin by making a small change today.
  • Ask God to give you wisdom when you talk to your children about being pure before marriage. Explain to them the Living Word of God.
  • Plead the blood of Jesus for protection for your families, every morning, and every night.
  • You can always plan for the future of your children, your families, but God’s plans will always prevail. Allow Him to show you the path.
  • A mother should be responsible in providing a spiritual heritage for your children.
  • Follow His priorities for your lives and you can be sure He will be pleased with you.
  • You cannot redo your past or remake your nature but God delights in changing you. Allow Him to help you become more and more like Jesus Christ.
  • Cherish the simple and be humble as the King Jesus was.

I wish to become a good homemaker but I think that becoming a good mother should be a priority. Those two are different. You can beat Martha Stewart as a domestic diva but not be a good mother. There has to be a balance. It’s hard I tell you. This journey into godly motherhood in this day and age is a challenge but I know our Heavenly Father will be there to help me. I hope other moms realize this need too.

Any mommy tips you want to share?
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Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Psalm 126:5-6

PS: I’m going to the Yes Mommy: How to Talk so your Child will Listen and Understand seminar. Who wants to join me? 🙂

House of DuoDeco Studio by Elle Uy

Green Living, Living, Raves

I recently got interested in home, living, and interior design when we moved to this two-storey townhouse two years ago. It was only then that I was given a chance to decorate our place having very limited space before.  Becoming Martha was I guess natural because I grew up with a stay-at-home mom and an Architect dad. I remember I would always look at my dad’s architectural and interior design books when I was young. I found them months ago at my parents’ house and I plan to bring them home with me soon.

For inspiration, I read Real Living Philippines. I usually narrow down my magazine choices to local editions because at least I know I can achieve and afford some of the pieces featured inside. Online, ApartmentTherapy.com is my favorite website. Locally, my favorite is Switcheroom by Elle Uy. I don’t remember how I stumbled upon Elle Uy’s website but I guess it’s because she’s been featured in the magazine a lot of times already. I instantly loved her style in decorating that I ended up reading all her blog posts in two days!  I like that she’s very transparent with her designs. Simple but stylish. Pretty and fun. What I like best is that any person who is not a professional interior designer can also achieve her look. I know it’s not easy to design and decorate but Elle can transform any boohoo to woohoo (her words…hehe).

I told her I’d want to hire her when we move in to our own house someday. I just wish we’d be able to afford her. If not, maybe consult? Someday.

She also did Jenni Epperson’s kitchen:

Source: jenniepperson.com

Continue reading House of DuoDeco Studio by Elle Uy →

In Style

Fashion

I used to be interested in fashion and style but I knew how I could get obsessed with it and how I might lose myself. Ever since I became a mom, so many things have changed. I still try to look presentable every time but it’s not my priority anymore. I guess marriage and motherhood have given me a different kind of perspective and confidence.

I don’t want to be a hypocrite here but I still shop (a lot), I still care about fashion (not just much), I still care if the society will approve of what I wear or how I look (don’t we all?). I have stopped buying fashion magazines because I tend to want so many stuff inside. I want this…I want that…I’m buying this…I’m buying that…and so on. I know myself so I stopped checking out the magazines. Occasionally, I buy ‘OK’ magazine whenever I like the cover. Sadly though, that magazine by Summit Publishing is on its last issue this December.

I’m not ashamed to say that I have Nina Garcia’s books. And of course, there’s the Internet to keep me updated with the trends. There are so many fashion bloggers out there to follow. I have a lot of favorites. I am surprised as to how this trend in fashion blogging has started and continues to become popular. Believe it or not, I have a Chictopia account too. Yikes.

When I decided to go back to blogging, I started to publish my outfit posts. However, I really found it exhausting to keep track of what I wear, the brands, and the prices. I am no Jane Aldridge or Anna del Russo so why continue with that. I’m not saying I will stop posting the stuff I have or wear but I’m trying to be more conscious of what I post now. I’m not being a hypocrite here, please understand. I am not saying I’ve stopped shopping or caring about what I wear or the bags I carry. (Oh you can’t stop me!). I just don’t know if I can continue showing you those stuff as often. (Because really, who cares about what I wear, right?)

What I find more fun to do is post the things and trends I like. I can never be a fashion blogger but I can share what I like. They’re not necessarily the most stylish according to the world of Anna Wintour or whoever top Filipino designer out there, they’re just my type–mine. I plan on writing some style-related posts in the future, of the things I read. Some things I think we could all learn from.

I believe style is personal. You may still follow others but ultimately, you know what will work for you. That should be the attitude I guess when it comes to fashion.  To look effortlessly chic and not be a fashion victim.

So…what’s your style? How do you keep up with the trends? Do you even try to be fashionable?

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Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,  but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
1 Timothy 2:9-10

[WordCamp Philippines 2012] Government Initiatives Using WordPress

E-Governance, Events, Technology, World Wide Web

This entry is long overdue as it’s been more than two months since I attended the WordCamp Philippines 2012. I plan to write in parts because I don’t want to lose my train of thought. Here goes…

WORDCAMP PHILIPPINES 2012

WordCamps are informal, community-organized events that are put together by WordPress users like you. Everyone from casual users to core developers participate, share ideas, and get to know each other.

That’s how Wordcamp.org describes such event. WordCamps are held in many cities and countries and in the Philippines, the Filipino WordPress community has been holding WordCamp conferences the past four years. I’ve heard of this and I have friends who’ve attended before. I wasn’t as interested but since I decided to go back to blogging, I thought maybe it would be nice for me to join and meet other WordPress bloggers.

More than 170 WordPress users and bloggers gathered at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City last October 27, Saturday. I didn’t know anyone when I came in to the conference so I searched for a possible seatmate. I chose a nice, quiet lady that looks like in her early 20’s. Little did I know Klaris Chua and I would hit it off and would discover we have  things in common. (Right, Klaris?:D )

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES USING WORDPRESS
WordCamp Philippines 2012 Keynote by Manuel L. Quezon III

Keynoting the event was Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO). Honestly, because I haven’t been following our local news and government, I had no idea about this group commissioned by the Aquino government. I was ashamed of myself but I soon understood the mission of the PCDSPO as explained to us by MLQ3. It is the “chief message-crafting body of the Office of the President“. I realized that President Aquino is serious about communicating to his constituents and the PCDSPO is expected to help him in that area.

Created by the Executive Order No. 4 last July 30, 2010, the PCDSPO is called to do the following:

  • provide strategic communication leadership and support to the Executive Branch, all agencies and instrumentalities of government;
  • lead the strategic communication of government through the formulation and enforcement of a National Communications Policy;
  • open and extende channels of communication between the government and the people [Source]

Sir MLQ3’s presentation “Government Initiatives Using WordPress” provided me the understanding of the communication strategy of the government. I’m glad to hear that the Philippine government under the Pres. Aquino is making an effort to go digital and use social media to further its many projects. Continue reading [WordCamp Philippines 2012] Government Initiatives Using WordPress →

DIY Christmas Decors

Faith, Family, Living, Motherhood, Personal

This year’s theme is Thrifty Christmas for us. Since my husband and I work from home, we don’t receive any 13th month Christmas bonus. While others are enjoying their month’s worth of salary or probably have already spent them, we are treating Christmas expenses under miscellaneous. Hehe.

I haven’t done any Christmas shopping yet. I said I’d start decorating on the 3rd week of November but failed to do so. I only started yesterday. It finally hit me that I can no longer procrastinate because before I know it, Christmas has passed.

I also planned on buying a Christmas Tree this year– a bigger one, something taller because we only have a 3-feet tree.  That would mean I have to buy more Christmas decors from balls to garlands to Christmas lights. That meant I have to spend again. But since doing DIY crafts “relaxes” me, why not make our own Christmas decors? It would require some time but doing such is some form of me-time. I enjoy getting ideas from everywhere, cutting, pasting, etc. I have lots of art materials left from Noah’s Jollibee LEGO Party so I decided to do one each day and so far, I have made these:

 

DIY Paper Snowflakes Christmas Decor

I’ve always wanted to learn how to do paper snowflakes. I searched for instructions on how to and found the Instructables. It was so easy to do I made a dozen within 30 minutes. I placed these snowflakes on our window.

I haven’t checked if neighbors would be able to see these snowflakes from outside but from our living room, they look really nice. Husband and son both loved the Christmas window decor! Noah said they’re “amazing”. Hihi. The first day.

Next is this ABC Christmas Tree. I was looking at Christmas wall decals for ideas when I thought ‘why not make it educational for the toddler’. This Christmas tree wall art isn’t finished yet because I need to put details inside each card: numbers, shapes, and colors.

DIY ABC Christmas Tree Wall Decor

ANYARE SA “I”?

I posted this on Instagram earlier and a friend asked what happened to the letter “I”. I lost the letter. I must have thrown it by accident. And then I thought it could be a great conversation starter. You see during Christmas time, people tend to be selfish and excited with the gifts that they would receive. But Christmas isn’t about the “I” (that’s you and me) receiving gifts but it’s about celebrating the Real Reason for this Season— His name is JESUS. Actually, not just this Christmas Season but Every Season.

Christmas is a celebration of His birth. Why celebrate? Because He is our Lord and Savior. His birth, His life, and His death and resurrection are reasons to be joyful this Christmas. Without Him, we are nothing.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

I haven’t decided what to do today but I finally brought out our old Christmas decors from storage. I washed the mini Christmas tree already so I guess we’ll just decorate it later. I put up some decors already, tested the Christmas lights, changed the curtain and pillow covers I scored from ARQ Curtains during the last Bodega Sale.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t be shopping a lot this Christmas, I can’t stop you from doing what you love. Haha! Just keep it to a minimum and think about your purchases, be wise, be practical with your gift-giving, save a portion of your 13th month, and give to those who are less privileged.

Let’s put CHRIST back in CHRISTmas.
_________________________

Have you started decorating your house for Christmas? Any DIY Christmas decors and tips you want to share? 🙂

And oh, here’s my first Christmas gift to you: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Understanding the Various HP Certification Exam Designations

Geeky Chic, Technology, World Wide Web

HP certification exams are among the most robust professional qualification exams available. The company actually offers not only a wide variety of exams covering an impressive range of subject matter, but also a selection of exam types, allowing candidates for HP certification or skill validation to achieve their professional development goals in a variety of ways.

HP certification exams conducted at either a Pearson VUE testing center or an onsite testing location, like major trade shows, are known as Proctored Exams. These tests are designated with a code of HP0, followed by the exam number.

HP software certification exams are intended to validate product-specific skills. These tests are called Performance-Based Exams, and are designated the same as Proctored Exams, only a letter “P” is added following the exam number. These exams are also conducted at testing locations in a proctored setting.

IT professionals commonly choose to take Web-Based Exams. These tests can be completed remotely over a secure internet connection, making them exceptionally convenient for skill validation. Pearson VUE also administered these exams, but testing candidates are able to access and complete their test without traveling to a testing center. The designation for these tests is either HP2 or HP3, followed by the exam number.

Certiport testing centers additionally administer HP certification exams that fall under the Accredited Technical Associate (ATA) certification path. HP4, followed by the exam number, is the designation for these tests.

The final group of HP certification exams are practice tests, designated as PRA, followed by a letter “Y” and the final two numbers of the certification exam. In addition to HP’s exam prep resources, you should also consider using practice tests and tutorials offered through sites like TestsLive.com.

Yes Mommy: How to Talk so your Child will Listen and Understand

Events, Family, Motherhood, Promo

The year is about to end and I’ve started listing down the things I’ve accomplished and learned. It will be one long list but I can now tell you that the year 2012 made me realize that parenting and disciplining your child isn’t as easy. Taking care of your kid is very much different from raising him up. I, together with my husband, have finally faced the challenge of disciplining our 3-year old Noah.

I realized I cannot just rely on what I know or learned from our parents because everything is different now. All I know is, I still need to hold on to God and trust Him that I can become the kind of mother He wants me to be. By Grace.

I started My Mommy Notebook and shared with you a few tips and my reflections on Disciplining Children with Love. It’s been a challenging year because my Noah is one hyper active kid. Josh and I both work from home and while others think it’s one amazing setup, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

To learn more about parenting, we read books. Husband and I read a book separately and then we meet over breakfast or lunch to talk about what we just read.  I have my Moms devotional book that I so treasure. There’s the Bible to read and remind me. Oh the nuggets of wisdom you can find in this book are just too many–all helpful!

And next week, I’m going to attend a seminar on intentional parenting: the Yes Mommy: How to Talk so Your Child will Listen and Understand Workshop. Reading will not be enough and it’s interesting to meet other women who are in this same journey.

By Manila Workshops & Optimommy

DETAILS
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012
Time: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
Venue: COWO – Ground Floor, Suntree Tower, #27 Sapphire Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Rates: Regular rate of Php 1,400 / participant
Early bird rate of Php 1,200 / participant (PAID before Dec. 1, 2012 or via Okayokay.com until Dec. 10)Group discount of Php 1,000 for 3 or more participants * Lunch and afternoon snack included

More details HERE.

It’s been two months since I started blogging again and it’s been very fun! Life has become more exciting and I’ve been meeting a lot of people. It’s interesting to connect with other people who have the same passion as you. I’m excited to meet the other moms. I can’t say that I’m a certified mommy blogger  because I have so many interests that I write about. I’m more interested in writing gadget and tech news now so I can’t commit full force with mommy blogging. I guess I’ll just say I’m a blogger who is a wife and a mother who is a bit of geek inside. :p

Would you like to attend the Yes Mommy: How to Talk so Your Child will Listen and Understand Workshop with me? It would be more fun if my current mommy friends from highschool, college, and church come. Let’s? 🙂

UPDATE: Good news! You can join the workshop with a 50% discount on the workshop fee. Just type in OptimommyREAH on the discount code section when you register. See yah!

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Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Family, Music, Raves

On this first day of the Christmas month, allow me to share a song from that one Christmas album I share every year:

A Christmas Album by Joshua Padla

My husband recorded a Christmas album years ago. I can’t find the original cover but this one I made last year. I’m thinking of designing a new one for this year and give away. 🙂

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Joshua Padla | Listen HERE

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of his music. I’m his number 1 fan! 🙂

“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
Genesis 9:16