The Month that Was and Some Life Updates

The month of August just went by that fast and I can't even believe that the first week of September is coming to an end already. So where was I the whole month of August? One word to describe it is FULL PACKED.

Here's why: 

August is my son's birth month. This year we decided to let go of the party type of celebration and opted for somethig education and which Enzo and his other cousins will truly enjoy. I'll make a separate post about Enzo's educational second year birthday celebration. 

August is the start of another semester in my Masters degree. It came so fast I was overwhelmed by the schoolworks I had to do simultaneously with work. My subjects this term are Advance Studies on Child Developmet and Statistics in Research Studies. Both are exciting but are critical to my degree, so I had to put a lotnof time and work on it. 

August ended our transition term in the school where I am teaching and started the new term after 3 (three) days!!! Can you imagined how immediate that was? 

Really feel frustrated at the rate that the blog was making but I am determined to move on from this hiatus. Hopefully you'll still join me in my journey, I promise to make the ride worthwhile.;) 

What to look forward to this coming days?

Child development tips and lessons. 

I love sharing what I learn from my masteral so I thought of writing it here on the blog too. It's going to help me review the lessons and might be helpful to some of your motherhood or parenting wors too! 

Free online courses and workshops. I love learning anything that interests me, but what I love more than that is free education. Found and joined some sites that offer free online courses so I am sharing them to all of you too.

Homeschooling Adventure. Enzo and I startd homeschooling so I'll try to post about our lessons and resources too. 

More product reviews. Thought of doing more baby product reviews and share some of our cheap but quality finds. 

Deals online with Ensogo. I enjoy online shopping and Ensogo is my usual go to sites to buy the best deals there is. 

More music, health, and fitness. As a media partner of BennyBunnyBand, expect that a lot of posts about the music and gigs will be posted here too startong September. In addition, as a contributor to Health Junkie Ph I'll be wring there more about health and fitness. 

So cheers to more posts and projects!!!;) 

#30on30 Givevaway Part 3: All Things Beauty

It's the last part of my #30on30 and I hope you're all still excited to know what I have in store for all of you.

I apologize for being late again in posting as classes started and I only teach every Friday and Saturday. Got really tired last Friday so I was not able to post my All Things Beauty Set prize.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings, I am giving away a set of beauty products. I am a beauty junkie and make ups are my pockets of sunshine. To tell you honestly, I first intended to make a beauty blog as I wanted to share some affordable make up tips I know. I also attended a Personal make up workshop with Ms. Cielo Frontreras in 2010 and took up a Professional Make Up Artist class under Make Up Artistry. I was also able to book some make up gigs before but did not get a chance to seriously take my business to the next level.

I also conducted make up workshops to friends and a group of staff in school and it truly made me happy. Once a teacher, always a teacher, right? Hihi. So if any of you would like to learn some basic make up skills just comment or email me, and I'd gladly share my knowledge with you. :)

So up for grabs are these lovely prizes:

3 Caronia Nail Polish
1 Skin White lotion
2 Juicy perfume
1 Lewis and Pearl Perfume
2 Wet n Wild lipgloss
2 wet n Wild Ultimate Minerals Eyeshadow
1  Evee facial whitening set

Mechanics are very simple:
1. Like my FB Page: thereyoujho:24/7 Mom in Style 
2. Follow on Twitter:  @thereyoujho 
3. Follow on Instagram: @thereyoujho 
4. Repost photo on instagram with caption: "Join @thereyoujho's #30on30 giveaway. Tag 3 friends.
5. Subscribe to my Newsletter. See left side of my blog. Follow thru email
6. Comment name and email

Thanks everyone!!!!:)

My First Failure as a Mom

Right from the start of my pregnancy, I wanted to be able to breastfeed. As I've said in my previous blogs, I wanted to breastfeed because of its so many advantages and benefits not only for my baby but for myself as well. I even attended a seminar on breastfeeding because that is how much I was determined to breastfeed.

But I failed.

I admit that when my son turned one month, I started giving him formula already. It was half hearted. At the back of my mind, I was hesitant to do it. I did not want to give up breastfeeding but I had to.I had no problem with milk supply, (one of the reasons why I was half hearted to stop) but was suffering from plugged ducts and blisters. It was too painful.  I was even at the point of rejecting my baby because of too much pain. They said breastfeeding did not have to be painful so I knew that something isn't right with what  me and my baby were doing. I tried, I would say I really tried. I read everything I could put my hands on about breastfeeding, tried all sorts of solutions, but nothing seem to work. The pain was getting worse and worse. 

That one morning I decided to give my son formula, is the day that I failed him. I felt guilty, knowing that he would have been better with breast milk. I was guilty because it would mean a huge part of our budget would go to buying milk. But more than guilt, I felt weak. I felt I was not strong enough to endure the pain for my child. 

I felt like a failure. It was as if I could not take the inconveniences or pain of what could have brought more benefit for my son, and that I was not worthy to be called Mom.

Then, after feeling like a big fat failure, I came across an article online (which I couldn't find now) that talked about giving up on breastfeeding and that mothers who formula feed their children are not bad parents. Whew! I knew that parents who formula fed aren't bad parents, but that was what I felt about me. The article validated my feeling of guilt but also affirmed what I have done for my kid for 1 month. What truly caught my attention in that article is that every mother who breastfed or breastfeed their children are a success. Regardless of how short or long it is as long as one breastfeeds is an achievement. It said that mothers should not be too hard on themselves, what with all the responsibilities they have. I realized its indeed true, I had my reason for giving up on breastfeeding but it does not make me a bad parent. Being a parent is more than just breastfeeding.

Though, I still feel a little disappointed for not having breastfeed my son, I promise that if blessed with another child, I would be more prepared and ready to breastfeed. 

The Last of November and First Day of December

Hello, everyone! The month's bringing in the cold weather and everywhere is starting to look like Christmas. 

BUT, I can't be fooled and I need to get serious... on my workout, that is!

So how was my last day of November? 

My family and I decided to spend a mini-vacation in Hidden Sanctuary Hotel and Resort Marilao, Bulacan. It was a spontaneous outing but was truly worth it. And because it was my last day to pig out, I literally did!

I ate a lot, a lot means for me JUNK FOODS!!! I'm not really a good eater but I like to eat chocolates, chips, soda, and everything sweet. But the challenge is still on my mind. I did some laps in the pool but found out I really need to also do some serious cardio exercise because just after one lap I was out of breath. 

I wasn't able to do my weigh in though and decided to took a picture instead yesterday. It was a struggle for me to do my first day yesterday as I was so tired from the vacation and wanted to just lay around and postponed the workout. I thought, nobody will know and I'll just cheat myself into it. Just as I was to procrastinate, motivation strikes.

Here's my motivation: 

My Little Boy, Enzo!

I want to be able to run after him when he's able to walk and play around. 

With that, I easliy finished my workout. It became a lot easier because Ethel was there to guide me thru the workout. Here's what I did yesterday:

Day 1: 

15 sit ups

10 crunches

5 leg raises

10s planks

DONE!

Today's another challenge!!!:) 

There you go, High five!!!

A December Workout Challenge

Tomorrow marks the last day of November and the last of my pigging out days!:) This is because I challenged myself to a whole month workout challenge. Yes, I know, the timing's awkward cause December's full of celebration,which means a lot of parties, which means foooooddd!!! But, I will not use that as an excuse for not working out. I think it's even the best time to start working out so however much I eat I can get to burn it.

So, what's the challenge?

It's a workout I saw over the internet but didn't get the chance to try out because I got pregnant. And now that I'm fully recovered, I am determined to be able to do it.

Well, tomorrow's my weigh in. Hope I'll have the time and discipline to finish this!:) 

Wish me luck!:)

How motherhood changed me.

Just before I gave birth, I was expecting that a lot of things would changed about me. I would imagine myself rejecting parties, out-of-town trips, shopping, movies, and all sort of things I did when I was still single. I would always tell my friends that I couldn't commit to anything yet because things will change as soon as I give birth. It was something I looked forward to but also dread.

Why I looked forward to it?

Well, a baby is always something to be excited about. I am fond of children and having a baby of my own was thrilling. I also enjoyed looking at small clothes, shoes, toys, that are all sooooo cuuttee. I also looked forward to bringing him along wherever I go. I was anticipating being with a little kid with every second of my life. I was also very much excited to see him achieving his milestones in life. But as there are a lot of things to look forward to, came worries as well. .

I am a natural worrier. (If there is such a thing!:)) Having a child made me worry a lot. I worried that I could not provide for my future's son.  I worried about where to send him to school, how to pay for his school's expenses, what happens when he gets sick, and all other "kapraningan". Just as much as I worried about my kid, I also had my share of worries about myself. I was worried that I wouldn't have the strength to run around when my kid's big enough to run, or that I couldn't wake up early in the morning, or that I couldn't handle my temper at times when he misbehaves. It was all sort of worries that at times irrational. Good thing, my husband's the opposite. He is always relaxed and composed. Although at times I get irritated with this attitude, it helps that he's like that because it calms me down.

So did motherhood really changed me? Well, YES and NO.

No because I am still the person I was before I gave birth. I'm still makulit, magulo, maingay, antukin, etc.  I still want the same things before, still talk the way I did, still think the way I did. After having nine months of big tummy, I am back to my usual figure (well, except for the baby bump that I still have :)). So personality, physically and emotionally it didn't really change me.  

What motherhood actually did to me was made me a better version of myself. From Sarah Geronimo's line in It Takes a Man and a Woman, I am now Jhoanna version 2.0. It only did not make me a better version of myself but I have now a little guy with me that shares a part of who I am.

Most of the time I still cannot believe that the child I am holding in my hands is my own. It still awes me to see him grow and can hardly believe that he came from him. I often ask myself, "Sa akin ba talaga galing ito?" and be amazed at this miracle I have in my arms. Now, I have someone I can really call my own, someone I am accountable for, someone who is truly a part of me, from now until forever.  

Motherhood is an opportunity or should I say a blessing I am lucky to have or to be. I have never felt this needed as much as my baby needs me now. I have never loved even without knowing who or what kind of person he is. I have never felt scared for someone this much that even an insect bite or small cry worries me. I have never felt all these before but I am grateful that I have it now. 

I am still new at this motherhood thing. Almost everyday I do not know if I am doing a good job at it, all I know now is that I love my son so much that I am willing to do anything for him. Cliche as it may sound, but it is true. I am so proud to be his mother and I will do everything in my power to give the best to him. I will dream, hope, and work hard for him. Because being a mother is an opportunity to teach, inspire, care, and love someone directly. Motherhood is LOVE. 

Well, hello there, stranger!

Yup, I finally made a new blog especially for my mommy adventures. I have been a blogger since 2007, but just recently became a Mom. While I was pregnant, I decided not to create a new blog site cause I thought I could just categorize my experiences and keep my Magicspaceship blog. But, I thought wrong. Motherhood changes you. It's an experience worth writing down and sharing. For memories sake or for some, just random reading. I am a sentimental person, and I would want my son to have something to read or look at when he's big enough. I also feel it's so important for me to shout things that make me happy, rant about things that pisses me off, and to have something I can go back to in the future. 

So, with that said, let me introduce myself and this blog. 

I am Jhoanna Tacorda. I go by the names Jho, Jing, Joey, Jojay and Jak. (I know too many nicknames, but I just couldn't help it. I am a college teacher by profession. A loving wife (ehem!). A supportive friend and sister. A stage mother and aunt. A make up enthusiast. A reader. An online seller. A hobby-blogger. And most importantly I'm a 24/7 Mom to a very handsome baby boy. 

As I mentioned earlier, I already have an existing blog. But motherhood inspired me to put up thereyouJHO and just write on all sorts of things I have experienced, is experiencing and will experience-as a mom.  So, how is it different? Well, here goes, I have divided different categories of stuff I would write about that matters to me as a Mom.

First up is, Mom's Baby Love: this would include everything about taking care of my baby. From his little achievements everyday, product reviews, and to things that worries me about my child. Worries such as when he gets sick, what food to feed him, or what or how to teach him values to help him in his life. In short, just me and my baby!:)

Secondly, Mom 'n Fab. I am a sporty person, and a figure conscious mom as well. Before I became pregnant, I was into Pilates and running. Not athlete-serious, but I make it a point that I do work out at times and to strengthen my core. Now more than ever, after giving birth, I am determined to lose the fats I gained during pregnancy and be able to wear my pants before pregnancy. This section will also include everything about make up, and my journey to doing great looks for me and others. So, I hope you'll join me in this journey to staying fit and fab even as a mom!

Third, is Mom-"me" Time. Having a "Me" time, has been very important for me even during my single days. This is something I do that makes me happy or gives me time to relax and reflect on life. This section, then will include hobbies I do, classes I take and simple joys I have to keep me sane. I wouls also write here my life realizations and reflections.

Fourth category is Mom JHO and THEL. I know its hard to get this at first, but its actually my name and my husband's name. So I wanted it to sound like Show and Tell. (I feel weird explaining my word play! Haha!) This is about me and my husband's experience on marriage. It may include problems, issues, or funny things we have as a couple. Maybe, just maybe, he can also write on this blog. (crosses fingers) It's also very insightful to know and read about what goes through our husband's minds, right? 

Last, is Mom-on-the-Job, as said earlier, I'm an online seller and a teacher. Both I do as part time.I will share different triumphs and struggles I have with both jobs. This would include online shops I like and tips on how to start an online shop. On the other side, I will also write about being a teacher. 

Another section, is Ask Jho! which would include questions and advice I've been asked for. So, if you have any questions or inquiries, feel free to ask me. :)

So, there you go, and happy reading!:) 

High Five!!!