Author: riannagalvez

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 riannagalvez28 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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MANILA, Mommy Diaries

Baby’s First Trip to the Philippines

by riannagalvez6 Comments on Baby’s First Trip to the Philippines

Hello, dolls! Hello, last day of April!! Who is ready to embrace the month of May with positivity? I have so many exciting things in store for me, little adventures I can’t wait to take on. I can officially start counting the days until I become a Mama of two now — how time flies! Despite the morning sickness and exhaustion, I have to say that I am truly enjoying this pregnancy. In fact, I feel like I am going to miss having her in my belly and going through the waves of changes.

I spent the entire weekend with my Filipino crew here in Baltimore. It was nice to catch up with everyone and talk about anything about home, the Philippines. There are so many things that we miss from home — the simplicity of life, the warmth of family and friends surrounding us, and food of course! My trips to the Philippines have changed ever since A and I got engaged. Before, I would come home and not plan anything because my main purpose was to retreat, spend time with my family, and eat my heart out. With A, I love how I am rediscovering things in the Philippines without compromising time with family and friends.

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Mommy Diaries

AM I READY FOR BABY # 2? + BALTIMORE BIRTH FESTIVAL 2019 GIVEAWAY WINNER.

by riannagalvez7 Comments on AM I READY FOR BABY # 2? + BALTIMORE BIRTH FESTIVAL 2019 GIVEAWAY WINNER.

Hello, dolls! Hello, weekend!! <3 It’s an exciting Friday because I get to announce the winner of my April giveaway. I am so happy with the number of entries I received which makes me more inspired to host more giveaways in the future. It’s nice to be connected to more Moms here in Baltimore because of it! Speaking of Mom, Mother’s Day is right around the corner and I’ve been wondering if I will be celebrating it with two babies in my arms or anxious if my water will break any minute.

I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and surprisingly, I am 80% done preparing everything for baby girl! Her nursery is looking great, I did 3 loads of wash (and just 1 more batch to go), and our supplies are stocked — enough to last until the end of the year if I may say! So am I ready? Maybe…

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MANILA

Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat in Binondo

by riannagalvez10 Comments on Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat in Binondo

Hello, dolls!! Hello, #Throwback Tuesday! Spring is definitely here and I am so happy to be enjoying this lovely season with extra time at home this year. The weather has been glorious lately which makes me really inspired to keep on planning little adventures for our little family before we welcome baby girl. Little A has been telling me how much he loves waking up with Mommy most days now and my heart just melts every time! I am happy we are getting our much anticipated solo time now.

So before I make you run to your fridge as you scroll through this blog post, let me remind you about the giveaway I am hosting this month in partnership with Maryland Families for Safe Birth. Only 3 days left until I announce the winner!! I am so excited for one Mama to take home $300 worth of baby products on May 19! Click here for the giveaway.

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BALTIMORE, Mommy Diaries

Baby’s First Easter

by riannagalvez4 Comments on Baby’s First Easter

Hello, dolls! Hello, Easter weekend! <3 I know this week has been pretty mellow for most of us but I hope everyone had a chance to reflect on what the true meaning of Easter is! 🙂 Holy week makes me miss the Philippines more because of all the things my family and I used to do especially Visita Iglesia.  It gets really crowded and hot but my siblings and I did not mind it at all because we knew it would make our parents happy and do something that can strengthen our faith. It was never really about going on a vacation or easter eggs for our family, so I feel like both little A and I are learning how Easter is being spent here in the US.

I am now 35 weeks pregnant and I can’t believe our baby girl is going to be here in about a month! This week was my first week working fewer days cause I am mentally and physically starting to breakdown so I know it’s time to focus on myself and my growing family. It’s already helping me a lot because I am able to work on being strong for childbirth, get things ready for baby girl, and spend more time with little A before he enters the world of sharing Mommy, Daddy, and everything else.

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MANILA

Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat Lunch in Quezon City

by riannagalvez7 Comments on Manila Food Guide: Where To Eat Lunch in Quezon City

Hello, dolls!! Hello, wonderful April! I know I have been expressing how exhausted I have been lately but man do I love being busy — the irony, right? I think that’s just how women are, we are born as “doers”. I once read an article online that mentioned how vital a woman’s role in a household is. That before we could even think of sitting down, we make sure we have everything covered, and for most of us, that happens right before bedtime! Now, I am not trying to say men don’t do their fair share of responsibilities at home. I like to think I am fortunate more than others when it comes to my husband being involved in our daily chores, but I sometimes wonder, if women stopped doing the things they do, and men are left with no structure at home, would it be as efficient as it would be?

Anyway, I am still reliving our Austin trip and all the amazing food that we had. After 3 consecutive delayed/canceled flights from our last two trips, I can’t believe that I am finally telling myself to go on a break from jet setting and just stick to road trips until our big family trip in December! So I guess I am going to let my blog travel for me for a while by reliving my great adventures.

Before I move on to my Quezon City lunch food guide, let me promote the giveaway I am hosting right now in Partnership with Maryland Families for Safe Birth. If you want to win a swag bag worth $300, please click here for the giveaway! <3

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Mommy Diaries

First Pregnancy Flashback + Baltimore Birth Festival 2019 GIVEAWAY

by riannagalvez30 Comments on First Pregnancy Flashback + Baltimore Birth Festival 2019 GIVEAWAY

Hello, dolls!! Hello, APRIL!! <3 Ever heard of the quote “April showers bring May flowers?” cause that’s exactly how I can describe my April. There are so many things in store for me literally every week and I am just excited to bask in the goodness of this month.  I am now on my 33rd week of pregnancy and I can’t believe how much my belly is growing! It is starting to make me think baby girl is going to be bigger than her big brother little A when she comes out in May.

I literally feel like all of the beautiful things lined up for me this month will bloom beautifully in May — just the thought of finally meeting my baby girl is more than enough for me to look forward to the month of May with so much positivity.

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MANILA

MANILA EATS: IKKORYU FUKUOKA RAMEN

by riannagalvez5 Comments on MANILA EATS: IKKORYU FUKUOKA RAMEN

Hello, dolls!! Hello, weekend!! <3 It’s an exciting weekend for me because I am headed to Austin with A and a couple of our friends. I already miss little A but this is “one of two” weekends that we will spend away from him so I am going to wear my big girl Mommy pants and enjoy my long weekend in a city I can’t wait to explore.

I am currently busy getting baby girl’s room in order before she gets here in less than 8 weeks! So it’s nice to unwind once in a while aka blog about my past adventures. Currently, I’ve been sharing our 2-week vacation in the Philippines, or as I like to call it, little A’s first trip to the Philippines. We tried to eat at as many places as we can and since this was a short trip, I made A pick most of the restaurants. After all, seeing my family was my objective.

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Mommy Diaries

Struggles of a Working Mom

by riannagalvez15 Comments on Struggles of a Working Mom

Hello, dolls!! Hello, SPRING! <3 I am so excited for warmer weather!! Mainly because I can’t fit in my pants anymore — I only wear pants when it’s necessary and during winter lol.  The good thing about being pregnant during the majority of the colder seasons is the fact that I do not have to buy any maternity clothes. I can get away with wearing my sweaters without feeling like a giant sausage 😛

I am aware that I sound a little dejected lately whenever I talk about my job. The exhaustion that I feel on top of my pregnancy has not been easy for me, and it’s causing me to be negative about certain things. I really need to shake it off, but I guess it won’t be until I let myself understand that it’s okay to step back.

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PHILIPPINES, Uncategorized

Pampanga Food Guide: Aling Lucing

by riannagalvez6 Comments on Pampanga Food Guide: Aling Lucing

Hello, dolls! Hello, Monday!! <3 Who else is braving this long week? I know it’s just Monday but I already feel like I’ve been hit by a truck — welcome to third trimester! Spring is right around the corner and I am truly excited for all of the great happenings lined up for me and my tiny tribe. First off, I have 2 great collaborations that I am thrilled to share with all of you soon (if you follow me on Instagram you probably know about this already). Second, A and I are going on a weekend trip in less than 2 weeks!! It’s bittersweet because it will be my first weekend away from little A but I know we will have our well-deserved time 24/7 shortly after that so I hope I won’t cry at the airport this time lol (otherwise A will start thinking I am being “extra” again). Third, spring is going to be extra beautiful starting this year because of my baby girl!! I am almost 31 weeks pregnant, can you believe it?

So yeah, that’s life lately. Moving on to my Pampanga Food Guide, let me talk about Aling Lucing again — my all-time favorite restaurant in Pampanga.

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MANILA, TRAVEL

Manila Eats: Brick Burger

by riannagalvez4 Comments on Manila Eats: Brick Burger

Hello, dolls!! Hello, #ThrowbackThursday ! 😛 I’ve been getting an extra day with little A every 2/3 weeks and I must say, I don’t know how SAHMs do it without wanting to call anyone for help! lol. My energy is being consumed by 3 major things for the past 7 months — work, my pregnancy, and running after my toddler. I can’t wait to knock down the first two in a month so I can devote my energy to our growing family.

This week, I talked to my employer about my future in the company. It went better than I thought it would. Taking a step back on my career is something I really can’t fully grasp yet. After all, I spent the past 8 years working hard to get where I am now — so it’s a really bittersweet feeling. Though I know it’s for the best reason, the big question for me is “how do people let go of something they are passionate about?”. I know I need this break for my mental health as well. If I am not pregnant, I would probably be overworking myself until God knows when causing me to be toxic to the people around me because I am beyond exhausted — this I have to remind myself over and over.

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