Author: riannagalvez

LIFE IN BALTIMORE, LIFE IN MNL

8 WAYS TO FEEL BETTER WHEN FEELING HOMESICK

by riannagalvez4 Comments on 8 WAYS TO FEEL BETTER WHEN FEELING HOMESICK

Hello, dolls! Hello, 2020!! Can you believe it?! It’s the New Year and for the first time in a long time, I feel refreshed about starting over. For the past couple of years I would always say things are so good I don’t think I want to change anything. This time, I am ready to take on new challenges and be open to every opportunity that will come my way.

Being a Mom during the holidays is like running a marathon. I feel like I haven’t stopped running since Thanksgiving. From packing for our family’s trip to Asia for two weeks, then coming back two days before Baby A’s Christmas party in school — which was five days before Christmas! I knew my schedule was going to be hectic as soon as we landed in New York! I only had our naked tree up until the 18th so I spent my days splitting my time unpacking 7 suitcases, decorating our house, Christmas shopping, and be a Mom to Little A and baby C! Just typing all these made me exhausted already lol.

So I am ready to start over but not the kind that makes me want to erase everything. I just want to…grow. The difference between starting over to restart and starting over to grow is the outcome we want to see. Restarting means (almost) completely changing things, whereas growing is to encourage change by letting go to make room for new ones. As happy as I am now with my familial situation, I know for a fact it’s time for me to grow as an individual — and 2020 is the year for it.

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BALTIMORE

Baltimore Eats: Afternoon High Tea at Lord Baltimore Hotel

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Hello, dolls! Hello, December! I am baaaack! Our trip to Manila was nothing short of amazing. A lot of people were worried about A and I getting too exhausted because of Little A and Baby C. Honestly, it wasn’t so bad because we booked one of the best flights that can accommodate our family during this long journey to and from Baltimore.

So I took a break for two weeks and it was glorious. It wasn’t the kind of vacation that I was just excited to leave work behind but also a mental break from all the clutter in my head. It was the retreat that I needed and it was great to step back to see a clearer view of what I want to happen in 2020.

We went on a trip pretty much right after my birthday so I took it as the best birthday gift this year lol. I used to make a big deal about my birthday and plan so much. Now, I am all about relaxing and spending quality time with the people I love. I still love getting presents from my husband here and there but nothing can beat the joy I feel knowing I put more effort in securing my children’s futures and our family’s stability more than anything else.

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Mommy Diaries, NEW YORK

BIG CITY MOM’S BIGGEST BABY SHOWER NEW YORK NOVEMBER 2019

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Hello, dolls! Hello again, New York! When I said I look forward to our adventures every weekend two months ago, I really meant it. We’ve been on 4 road trips since then and now I am working on my giant packing list for our trip to the Philippines and Taiwan. I started preparing for Christmas too since I will only have a week to get everything ready after we come back from our trip. It’s going to be a hectic month but I look forward to wearing my superMom cape all month long! 😛

If there is anything I learned about being a Mom in the past three years, it is the fact that no amount of lists can prepare me for the adventitious days Motherhood will bring my way.  Perfect example? A and I planned this weekend trip to New York more than a month ago but my toddler, Little A came home with another round of germs from school on Friday so the four of us are currently sniffing and coughing like we are some cracked up boy band. Luckily, I have a list of great baby products I use whenever the kids are sick. Thanks to Big City Moms for connecting Moms like me (who are still learning) to great brands that can help make things easier.

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Mommy Diaries

BABY’S FIRST THANKSGIVING

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Hello dolls, Hello New York City!! <3 So the kids and I are currently in New York for the Big City Moms event. I usually stick to our work/school week routine but since this one is very special to me, so I decided to treat myself to a “midweek trip”. This is totally giving me all the weekend vibes that I need!

I can’t believe November is finally here! Less than 60 days until we kiss 2019 goodbye. For all the hiccups I had to face this year, I still consider this year as one of the best ones because of baby C. I went through a lot of downs during the last quarter of the year but seeing my husband and children happy makes me feel blessed no matter what life throws my way.

November is the season of realizations and gratefulness for most of us. I look at this month with an open heart — ready to take on new opportunities for the coming year. I reevaluate myself and think of ways to improve my relationships with other people, myself, and my craft. The past couple of months have not been easy for me, but November has been really really good so I feel like things are slowly turning around for me. What better way to keep the positive vibe flowing? Talk about Thanksgiving!

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BALTIMORE

Baltimore Food Halls: Cheap Eats + BIG CITY MOMS GIVEAWAY

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Hello,dolls! Hello, Halloween week! <3 I can finally breathe easy now because Little A and Baby C are all set for Halloween! We went to our first Halloween event at Little A’s school and I spent an hour convincing him to put on his mask. I sometimes can’t keep up with my toddler, he wore his costume at home almost every day for two weeks and refused to take off his mask during mealtime. Then all of a sudden, last night at his school’s trunk or treat event, he would not wear his mask for the life of me! Thank goodness I was able to convince him after he saw another kid wearing a spiderman costume lol.

Anyway, cold weather season is officially here and I am slowly starting to feel like hibernating! I am not a big fan of freezing out with the kids, it’s not fun when my toddler starts sniffling the day after. But who am I kidding? I have a big trip to prepare for and holiday shopping to do! With two big things coming our way before we kiss 2019 goodbye, I thought of restaurants that we went to that did not cost me $25 per plate!

Most of my friends think A and I just eat at date-worthy restaurants and spend too much when we eat out. It is a fact that we love to eat out, we did it more when we were dating since we both worked hard and food was our number 1 expense. Now that we have two kids with a toddler in private school, we are more conscious about the things we spend on. I like to have “easy dinner nights” with A and our kids once in a while — easy menu, kid-friendly, and inexpensive.

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Mommy Diaries

Baby’s First Halloween

by riannagalvez1 Comment on Baby’s First Halloween

Hello, dolls! Hello, perfect fall weather 😛 It’s officially crunch time for me! The holiday season is finally here and as a Mom-of-two, every day seems hectic with our daily routine, holiday planning, and vacation in the middle of Thanksgiving and Christmas! I get into this super Mom mode around the holidays because I need to — and I love it!

The past couple of weeks have not been easy for me truthfully. As my role as a Mom gets a little easier, I find my self in this deep hole trying to figure out what’s next for me as an individual. If there is anything certain about being a Mom, I can say for sure that the sacrifices we have to make are endless — and most of them are unfathomable.

Anyway, back to being a fun Mom. Halloween is two weeks away and I am very excited for Little A! Although this will be his third Halloween, it will be his first time enjoying it dressed up as someone he really likes and understand what trick or treating is all about!

 

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BALTIMORE, Mommy Diaries

Fall Festivals In Baltimore

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Hello, dolls! Hello, fall!! <3 Is anyone else as ecstatic that fall is finally here? Although the hot weather this week doesn’t seem like it, everything fall is finally happening around me — pumpkin spice on everything is officially here. There is no doubt fall is my favorite season, spring WAS my favorite but after my horrible seasonal allergies this year, I think I am going to stick to fall — for a while. The perfect crisp weather, fun fall activities, and OOTDS (of course!) are some of the things I look forward to this season. This year is going to be twice the fun from the past years now that we have baby C.

The first time we went to Weber’s Farm for their fall festival, I was very overwhelmed with the crowd. Little A was 4-months-old then and I really wanted to go on the hayride but since it was the weekend, Weber’s Farm was packed. My goal this season is to finally do it — and post another blog about Weber’s Farm! :p

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Mommy Diaries, TRAVEL

How To Survive Long Haul Flights With A Baby

by riannagalvez3 Comments on How To Survive Long Haul Flights With A Baby

Hello, dolls!! Hello, weekend! <3 Less than 3 months left and I will be on my way to the Philippines…with my kids! Am I worried about the flight? A little I would say. Some of you might think I am being too facile about this, but after traveling 36 hours with little A when he was 6 months old, I feel optimistic about our upcoming trip with baby C! Traveling with a baby is A LOT of work and exhausting — if you hate packing, you will hate it even more once you have kids! Luckily, I enjoy packing so this does not bother me at all.

Anyway, A and I have been traveling internationally with little A since he was 6 months old. Believe me, when I say, I will do it over and over again because the flight does not bother me. Maybe I am lucky that my little one is a good traveler or the fact I prepare for our trip like it’s the armageddon.

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BALTIMORE, Uncategorized

Baltimore Eats: Peko Peko Ramen

by riannagalvez1 Comment on Baltimore Eats: Peko Peko Ramen

Hello, dolls! Hello, labor day weekend!! <3 Anyone else excited about this long weekend? My little family is going to keep it simple this time since we are busy introducing a new routine to Little A. He is going to start school in 3 days!! Can you believe it?? We went to two parent meetings this week and I am just all about being a Mom to a preschooler now!

I remember wrapping my books with plastic covers and buying school supplies with my Mom when I was younger. Was it just me or did anyone smell their notebooks/pads before? LMAO! The “smell” totally made me feel excited for the first day of school! I want Little A to have wonderful memories like me so I am determined to make it super fun for him in my own little ways — like sending him cutesy snacks and having our own tradition on Fridays to welcome the weekend!

Anyway, it is starting to feel like fall now (well, some days!) and I am getting excited about all of the outfits I have planned for myself and my two babies! Aside from our wardrobe, I am also looking forward to all of the warm weather food we will be eating! I say…ramen every weekend! 😛

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BALTIMORE, Mommy Diaries

BALTIMORE EATS: La Food Marketa

by riannagalvez6 Comments on BALTIMORE EATS: La Food Marketa

Hello, dolls!! Hello, school season! <3 I know school doesn’t start for another 2 weeks but I can already sense the “back-to-school” vibe everywhere in Maryland! I honestly can’t hide my excitement anymore. Last week, A and I went to our first school-related event as parents and boy, I AM JUST LOVING IT! 😛 Truthfully, I couldn’t say I LOVED school so much, I had my fair share of I-do-not-want-to-go-to-school days and deliberately not put any effort into things that did not interest me. However, I worked extra hard on things that made me curious.

Little A and I have one full week left until we go into our new routine. I am not sure how things will be once I have a preschooler, all I know is watching him learn new things and make new friends will bring so much joy to my heart. Anyway, I am trying to make the most of what’s left of our summer break which includes eating out!

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PHILADELPHIA, TRAVEL

Things To Do in Philadelphia

by riannagalvez7 Comments on Things To Do in Philadelphia

Hello, dolls! Hello, last day of July! My last post was a little heavy so I am going o lighten it up a little bit this time. Can you believe August is right around the corner? Last full month of summer break before our new normal begins. Little A is going to start school in September and I am more excited than him I feel like. I am coming up to the conclusion of going back to work, so there will be A LOT of adjustments for us in September. One of my goals, before we go crazy busy, is to make the most of this wonderful summer break I got with Little A and baby C. We have a couple of out-of-town trips planned in August and the packing loving Mommy in me super excited!

One of my favorite cities is Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. It’s a little over an hour away from Baltimore so the drive is not so bad. There are plenty of things to see and great restaurants to try. I posted some of our favorite restaurants a couple of weeks ago now let me share our musts when in Philadelphia.

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Mommy Diaries

Being A Mom Should Be Enough

by riannagalvez26 Comments on Being A Mom Should Be Enough

Hello, dolls! This weekend has been the hottest it has ever been this summer — it’s the kind of heat that makes you want to jump in a pool filled with ice. This heatwave did not stop me from going out with my kids though.  It’s the weekend and we’ve been cooped up in the house for days so it’s either melting in the heat or waiting another week to go on an adventure.

Baby C is going to be 2 months old in 2 days! Meaning I’ve been dealing with the changes in my life for almost 2 months now. I have expressed how challenging being a Mom of two is here on my blog a million times and somehow I still find myself starting every blog post with the same statement. I feel fortunate that baby C does not give me a hard time! In fact, I feel like she is just so over the daily chaos that she sees between her brother and me that she would rather be in her own peaceful space than join in the mix by crying. LOL

Anyway, if you are to ask me what makes my new plight challenging, I would say it’s the emotionally and mentally draining days. I am used to the hustle and bustle of being on my feet all day so running after my toddler and dropping everything to feed my newborn every 2-3 hours are things I can physically handle. So what’s making it hard? I don’t know….maybe the fact that I am a different person now and I am trying my best to keep up.

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FOOD, PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia Food Guide: Cheap Eats

by riannagalvez6 Comments on Philadelphia Food Guide: Cheap Eats

Hello, dolls! Hello, rainy summer! We are halfway through July and I am trying to make the most out of my glorified summer at home with the kids. My maternity leave is making me want to have every summer off, especially now that Little A is going to start school in September! Making the most out of our free time together is an understatement. Between little adventures on weekends with my tribe and planned getaways with friends, there is no doubt summer 2019 is officially one of the best summer breaks ever for me.

One of my favorite out of town trips with my A boys was our anniversary celebration in Philadelphia. My first trip to Philly was in 2013  during winter so I wanted to experience it again with better weather for walking around! We love the city so much because of the restaurants in Chinatown. Since we had more time to visit a couple of restaurants that weekend, we decided to try something new.

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Mommy Diaries, PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia Eats: LE VIRTU

by riannagalvez16 Comments on Philadelphia Eats: LE VIRTU

Hello, dolls!! Hello, JULY!!! 7 months down, 5 to go! This means 5 months left to work on our goals for 2019. My main goal this year? Be a better Mom. I sometimes feel like my frustration gets the best of me. I hate how I get impatient with little things like not having enough time to clean our bedroom. I feel guilty for not knowing how to handle my emotions sometimes and letting Little A see me be so vulnerable.

6 weeks of being a Mom-of-two and I know I still have a long way to go. If there’s any consolation from this, and truthfully what’s really important — my kids are healthy and happy. They get fed multiple times throughout the day., get happy baths before nap time and we read books in the afternoon. So let me end this loathing before I start sounding like I am not doing anything.

I am so happy I am home with the kids this summer (thank you maternity leave!) because it’s easy for us to plan fun adventures every week. We went on a lot of road trips with Little A and as tedious as it is to pack things for all of us, it wouldn’t compare to the happiness that we felt each time. Being a working Mom means losing time from your baby, in my case…a LOT of time during the week so I make sure I am available for him every weekend.

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HOME, Mommy Diaries

Pirate Nursery

by riannagalvez13 Comments on Pirate Nursery

Hello, dolls! Hello, LIFE! So let’s be real here…being a Mom is not easy — these are words that I thought I would never say before. How do Moms do it? How do YOU do it? Cause for real, I sometimes feel like I am back to zero now that I have two kids. A lot of people warned me that having 2 kids feels like you have 4, and man how I wish this one is not true — cause it is! My toddler’s energy is through the roof and I find myself feeling guilty for being impatient at times when I know all he needs is my attention. Baby C is 4 weeks old — 1-month-old tomorrow! It means we are closer to regulating our new normal. I think a part of me is just anxious because  I feel like I should be doing more. Oh, the rewarding reality of Motherhood! My heart is full but my mind is busy juggling a million things every minute lol 😛

Little A is going to be 3 in 5 days!! How crazy is that?? There have been many changes in our home since the beginning of the year, one of which is Little A’s room. March and April were busy months for me because I spent most of my free time working on Little A’s room and Baby C’s nursery. I felt nostalgic as I updated Little A’s room because it’s a validation that he is indeed growing up. His room is no longer the nursery in our house, and although that meant we are welcoming baby C, it also made me want to freeze time and enjoy Little A’s babyness more.

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BALTIMORE, Mommy Diaries

BALTIMORE BIRTH FESTIVAL 2019

by riannagalvez7 Comments on BALTIMORE BIRTH FESTIVAL 2019

Hello, dolls! Hello, JUNE! What a week! With a newborn and a food festival I participated in, the first week of June felt like it just stopped by to say hello. Little A’s third birthday is fast approaching so I will be busy planning how to make him the happiest on his birthday. I am still trying to keep up with the demands of being a Mom-of-two so it’s been challenging to get any me time. So let me say hello again because it feels good to finally blog again!

One of the things I am truly grateful for during my pregnancy was having enough time to enjoy it. I was able to do pregnancy-related activities and prepare everything without feeling rushed. When I was pregnant with Little A, the only pregnancy-related activity I was able to do was to go to prenatal yoga. With baby C, I was able to attend a couple of baby events which helped me understand my journey as a Mother even more — one of which, the first Baltimore Birth Festival last month (May 19,2019).

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Mommy Diaries, Uncategorized

Hello, Amelia

by riannagalvez17 Comments on Hello, Amelia

Hello, dolls!! Hello, Amelia Caroline <3 She’s here!!! My baby girl is here <3 The past week felt surreal, are we really a family of 4 now? Everything has been pretty smooth (so far). Believe it or not, I’ve been getting enough sleep, long enough for me to not feel like a zombie and look forward to shopping 😛 Although I have to admit, I am kind of scared once A goes back to work. This “new world” that I live in now has been pretty serene and I know it’s because of the help I’ve been getting from A and my Mom. Hopefully, week 2 will be just as good, or at least bearable.

Let me officially introduce you to the newest member of my tiny tribe — baby C! <3 My pregnancy with her was not easy. From food aversion to physical pain, I think I’ve experienced them all! I dodged the severity of pregnancy symptoms with Little A and had a looooong labor and delivery. With baby C, it was painful but short! It’s amazing how different both experiences were, I feel like a new woman each time!

I shared my birthing story with little A a couple of years ago and it’s one of my most favorite entries so far! I love sharing my story — especially if I can make a Mom-to-be know that childbirth is not so bad at all!

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Uncategorized

Where To Eat In Manila: Save VS Splurge

by riannagalvez2 Comments on Where To Eat In Manila: Save VS Splurge

Hello, dolls! Hello, Throwback Tuesday! I am now 2 days away from my due date and feeling every symptom that I could be in labor soon except for my water breaking. I have never felt this restless after 2 weeks of relaxing — how is this even possible? There is no doubt that I am in full on pregnancy brain mode now and just 1 million percent nesting! I have been trying to get our house organized and I find it really….soothing.

Our trip to the Philippines is still 7 months away but it feels like it’s going to happen tomorrow. It’s going to be a big trip for me since I will be traveling with both kids so I guess that’s why I started planning everything as early as January of this year lol. I started a list of restaurants I miss and would love to try and I just hope I have the time to go to all of them!

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Mommy Diaries, NEW YORK

Big City Mom’s Biggest Baby Shower New York May 2019

by riannagalvez10 Comments on Big City Mom’s Biggest Baby Shower New York May 2019

Hello, dolls!!! <3 I am 38 and half weeks pregnant now and I am so ready to meet my baby girl! It’s funny how anxious I am to get the next phase of this journey started when I know I am also going to miss being pregnant (oh you know, just a typical day in my brain lol).  

My pregnancy with baby #2 did not start well. I had morning sickness ALL DAY and felt really weak during my first trimester. When I felt better, I told myself that I have to enjoy this journey in every way I can. So I looked up activities and events that I could participate in and made sure I would give myself enough time to prepare for baby girl’s arrival. I am happy to say that I can look back at this moment in my life and know that I have wonderful memories….finally.

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Mommy Diaries, WASHINGTON DC

First Mother’s Day // Laduree, Washington DC

by riannagalvez10 Comments on First Mother’s Day // Laduree, Washington DC

Hello, dolls!! Hello, Mother’s day weekend! <3 So I just came back from New York for the Big City Moms’ Biggest Baby Shower event and boy am I still on cloud 9 because of it! My body is definitely exhausted but my heart is so full because of the wonderful experience I had. It was the perfect pre-Mother’s day gift and I am so happy I had the opportunity to be part of it this year.

Mother’s Day has always about me doing something special for my Mom so when A asked me how he can make my first one memorable, I was lost for words. Being a Mom changed my life in so many ways, one of which is my perspective about celebrating holidays. I am better at doing things for my family than telling them what to do for me. I feel like, it’s either I take over the planning or I should be surprised completely (total Mom thinking lol).

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