At the Mothers Who Brunch Affair: Because Moms Like Me Need a Break

Lovely photo of the attendees, photo credit from MWB

Motherhood is wonderful and magical yet awful and hard. But when you’re feeling all of the awful and hard and none of the wonder and magic, don't you think It’s time to take a break. Actually, it’s past time. You are right in feeling spent because that’s exactly what you are.

Was there a day when you start the mental countdown to bedtime before your first cup of coffee?  It's a sign, one of the many, that you are spent and you needed to find a little bit of pleasure with others other than your family.

If you can't seem to get your focus on and game-face isn't working either, by all means, Mom - have a break!

Mommy breaks can be a 10-minute escape to a regular once a week habit, or once in a month (but has to be counted in days.).  I don't have the luxury of having an hour break a day, but glad my husband and I was able to fly to Kalibo and onto Boracay last month for that much-coveted break from the kids and the household.

Not long after that weekend, I was back to my daily grind and for some reason, my work doubled and our home became stress-stuffed, as one of our dogs was about to give birth to another batch of litter.  Felt the knots on my back and shoulders and my hands looked more prune-y than ever.  I turned to gardening to relieve some stress, but it seemed that it added to my workload and now the signs have shown up that I'm totally spent.

So I heeded and said yes to my inner voice, and what timing when I received an invitation from my favorite cooking besties, the kitchen divas behind Mothers Who Brunch - Mish and Sab.

Both Mish and Sab are moms who take delight in creating delicious moments in their own kitchen and in somebody elses' kitchen.  Despite mommy duties, they also tend to their own blogs.

The pretty amazing moms behind Mothers Who Brunch

Mish Aventajado shares her family stories and recipes at Momma n' Manila while Sabrina Cristobal-Go ardently shares her recipes on her blog Sinfully Sabrina.  I love it when like-minded mommies join their wits together and come up with something spectacular, mostly when it's for moms.

Mothers Who Brunch have been around for years already and had opened up friendship within a clique of mom bloggers who share the same interest - love for food, family and "me-time." The two have always been great hosts to their events, I should know, I've been to three of their awesome events for moms and foodies.

Mothers Who Brunch
Facebook: https://www.facebook .com/MothersWhoBrunch/
Instagram: @motherswhobrunch

The last Mothers Who Brunch was held at the sassy 81 Cafe and Bistro at the Madison Galleries in Alabang Hills.

I couldn't tell what happened first but I knew they did a demo on how to make Frose which I missed (sigh).

It was an instant favorite, as it was refreshing and perfect to banish the stress brought about by the terrible traffic that caused me to come late.  Good thing Sab shared the procedure on her Facebook page.

81 Cafe and Bistro (and Madison Galleries) is one of those hidden gems in the South.  If you needed a good meal on a venue that isn't too crowded or noisy, this is the place, plus its  right smack in front a beautiful red brick church.

Will allocate a separate post for the cafe as their food is really top notch and worth writing about, and ought to be discovered by many foodies.

The theme this time around was "Gather, Inspire, Feast."  It wasn't only a quick escape we had from our mom lives (as if we truly could), it was also an opportunity to meet other moms and learn a thing or two about how they cope up with mothering and how they take time for breaks.

What can I say, they really stuffed us up, as we can't help to have bites after bites of their Filipino-type of tapas.

81 Cafe and Bistro
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/81eats/
Instagram: @81eats

The gathering was made more special with beautifully arranged florals from Flowers by Yumi and Orly.PH

Aside from 81 Cafe and Bistro, we also checked out another spiffy place in Madison Galleries, just a few steps away from the resto- Coco Nail Studio.

I was totally envious of the moms I was with.  The invitation came with a friendly reminder - "please hold off your manicure and pedicure session as we are treating you to one."

Well, I did, it's just that I couldn't join them that day cause our dog was left at the hospital, however, it still took him a few more days to pop out.

I was envious because this seals that utterly relaxing mommy break. The relaxing studio was hidden way at the back where there are cozy sofas with throw pillows you can just bury yourself in.

Coco Nail Studio's interior is my kind of design.  It has that classy, clutter-free design scheme with light gray to white hues.  I've heard that they offer a one of kind service that makes clients go back for, plus they only use quality products that do not harm even the youngest of their guests, and brands like Orly Philippines, you can't go wrong choosing them to take care your nails.

Coco Nails
Facebook: https://www.facebook .com/coconailstudiomadisongale ries/
Instagram: @coconailstudio

Photo credit from MWB

Especially now that Orly offers breathable polishes in 18 beautiful shades (USA and Germany).

They are 10-free and have a permeable formula which allows better adhesion and less chipping. Your nails won't only look good but Orly also cares for your nails without the need for a base coat. They contain argan oil, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin C. This one does not really require having a top coat, thanks to the no-chip formula.

When you say 10-free, it refers to the non-toxic nail polishes that are free of all toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, triphenyl phosphate and parabens, and they also tout a lack of animal ingredients and/or fragrance.

To know more about their products and promotions check their Facebook page.

Orly Philippines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orly.ph/
Instagram: @orlyph

Lastly, thanks to Flowers by Yumi, I came home like I was on my first date with a large fully-bloomed red rose.  Flowers by Yumi is a Japanese-inspired flower arrangement.  Do give their store a visit at The Bellevue Business Center, North Bridgeway Alabang.

Flowers by Yumi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowersbyyumi/
Instagram: @flowersbyyumi

I have always been a follower of team MWB, and their guests, you should too as you'll definitely get enough inspirations in motherhood and learning the art of sharing your life passions.

Attendees of the MWB at 81 Cafe and Bistro

The Unpalatable Truth of Being a Mom in Her 40's

The internet and social media platforms have become a pool for motherhood being glorified and somehow filtered.  Rarely would a mom post about some bad moments or hard-knocked issues involving their kids, mostly about the gray areas of their marriage actually.  But who are we to judge.

Easier Home Cooking with Beko Induction Hob’s IndyFlex+TM Technology

Even if you are a good cook, preparing a big feast for your loved ones has always been a challenge. Every so often, your cooking skills are not enough to get all your favorite home cooked dishes done easily; more so, if the appliances you have in your kitchen has limited capabilities. Fortunately, cooking multiple dishes all at once like a pro is now made easier as long as you have the right cooking appliance.

A First Try of Vegan Ice Cream from Adams Ice Cream + Liqmystick

As the demand for nondairy explodes, so does the number of products on the market, including a slew of brand-new nondairy ice creams, yogurts, and cheeses, along with the various nut and plant milks used to make them. And even better, many of these new products actually taste great, which is a boon whether you strictly avoid dairy at all costs, or just want to expand your creamy horizons.

My taste buds are always up for a challenge, so, when someone pops the question up whether be it on FB or Instagram private messaging if I would want to try an organic ice cream and ice pop, plus some unique flavored ones, why would I say no?

AirAsia Treats Young Flyers to Free Inflight Meals

AirAsia introduces a brand new in-flight meal, Lil’ Star Combo, specially created to suit the taste buds of young flyers.

To celebrate the launch, all kids aged 2 to 12 flying with AirAsia on 28 September 2017 will receive a complimentary Lil’ Star Combo meal, while stocks last. Guests traveling with their little ones on other dates are able to pre-book the meal for only PHP 180 on airasia.com.

Resorts World Manila's Love Dish

I'm really not into celebrities, of course, I would watch them whenever I could, but unlike the others who fall under their fandom or go head over heels when I see them.  There are however some who I'd tell can be inspiring, but none can truly make an impact in my life as compared to the chefs I admire and look up to. There is however so many things to love them for.

A First Look at Rolls Republic's #SpeedyRollsFestival

You may have not known this but, I do have a love affair with my bed on Sundays, thus, waking up early isn't on the day's list of "To-do."

Please, let's not be too quick to judge, coz I'm a Christian too, but I'm sure the Lord does not mind coming to church on an afternoon service.  Like many parents, my husband and I wake up early every day to take care of the kids as they go to school, then gardening and household chores begin when they leave.  Then, I'm one headless chicken running around the house to do as many chores I could while planning for my blog posts.

Going back to my Sunday morning routine, I would like to make way for this particular Sunday when my husband and I drove on a Sunday morning to check out the Rolls Republic which is located at Avenue of Arts Building, a little over at Roxas Boulevard.

Pastry Armoire Ensaymada x The Wander Space

Two years ago, Pastry Armoire was launched and had opened their doors to gourmands in the south.  

With enough pastries to last us a lifetime and ingenious ways of serving good food Pastry Armoire still promises to delight us 

Pastry Armoire proved to be forward-thinkers once again as they tried to put a spin on conventional ensaymada.  

A couple of us foodies were introduced to these new products of Pastry Armoire at Wander Space.

“Meat” Your Spicy Barbecued-Dream-Come-True: Racks Launches Smoked Chipotle Ribs

Think rich, dark-glazed, smoky ribs—the kind of dish that you don’t mind getting messy for. And when one thinks of ribs here in Manila, there is just one place that comes to mind: Racks.

You see, they aren’t called the #BestRibsinTown for no reason. With their reliable heavy slabs that are sure to satisfy, Racks is known for their classic formula—the same one they’ve been using since 1992.  While they have a much-loved hit on their hands, they sure don’t mind flipping the script and trying something new, well, I don't blame them, and I don't mind either to try out what else is left on their sleeves.

Innovating Tradition, Madrid Fusion Manila's Theme for 2018

Traditional cooking techniques and native ingredients will be at the spotlight for the fourth serving of the Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM) 2018.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo announced during the MFM 2017 Appreciation Gathering that next year's theme for the culinary festival is "Innovating Tradition".

“The chefs of today's world are now going back to their roots looking into their pantries and discovering what is available in their own locales – produce ingredients, forgotten or age-old techniques, making them new and responsive to our time,” said Teo, who led the agreement signing for MFM 2018 at The Conservatory of The Peninsula Manila.