#featured – Page 2 – sherwinelaine.blog

Life

Mom Guilt, Just Because.

Posted on June 14, 2022March 12, 2025 by sherwinelaine

Being a stay-at-home Mom is really not for the faint hearted. Last Sunday, I was left in the salon because my hair color isn’t finish yet. I was really disappointed with myself for having that “pamper time” which I really doubted that I deserved. It was my first time again after more than 2 years (last salon visit was December 2019 before the pandemic). The kids went home with the hubby and hubby was not able to rest.

I cried because of guilt — of taking my time off from the kids for almost half day.

I cried because I felt sorry for myself — because I cannot enjoy a pamper time without thinking about my children.

I cried because I kept telling myself that I deserved that few hours of ‘me time’ but my mind says otherwise.

I know that every momma with a situation like me can relate. No househelp, with two kids aged below 10, with a business to focus on. Add in how the society view you as one of the privileged ones, often misconstrued as moms lounging in the house all day and ‘only’ taking care of the kids and being financially dependent on their husbands. It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of patience. Honestly, I do not know how I manage to do it but I am surviving everyday.

But don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being around with my kids. I enjoy it when they come with me when I drive around to do errands for the day. I get unli-smiles, unli-cuddles and unli-kisses. I get to see their milestones and be there for them every step of the way. I love how their eyes twinkle when they see my face as they wake up each morning and their drowsy eyes before they fell asleep at night.

Just today, they asked for a Samgyup date. You can never imagine how happy my heart is seeing their smiles when we arrived at the restaurant.

For me this feelings are valid. As a SAHM, do you experience it too? ♡

#featured, Life, Parenting

“I want to raise happy children, not perfect ones.”

Posted on August 23, 2021March 12, 2025 by sherwinelaine

My childhood was a happy one. Memories of afternoons playing with my sister and cousins. Sundays are spent doing groceries and bonding with my family. Evenings being tucked in bed by our Mom. Attending music lessons every Saturday.

I want to raise happy childre not perfect ones. This are my childhood photos. — Doing groceries every Sunday with my sister and parents. Our Annual recital in the music school.

“This whole pandemic has taken a toll on the mental and social health of children. Luckily, I have two daughters who can interact and play with each other. If it has been hard for us adults, imagine how it was like for them.”
sherwinelaine.blog

I grew up without strict curfew. We were allowed to watch tv or play with our toys even on school days. It’s just that our Mom constantly reminds us about being responsible with our studies and to allot time for every task. I study hard because I know I need to do it for myself and for my future and not because my parents wanted me to study and to assure them that every penny spent on my education is worth it. That is one thing I want my children to learn — to grasps the true meaning of responsibility.

As much as possible, I resist the urge to compare my daughters with each other, much more compare them with other kids. I want them to be the best version of themselves, competing with no one other than their own self. I praise them for their achievements, but at the same time I teach them how to be happy for other people’s success.

“I want them to be the best version of themselves, competing with no one other than their own self.”
sherwinelaine.blog

I want them to learn how to be contented with what they have in their life right now but also to never stop dreaming and working hard until they reach their goals without stepping on others. It’s up to them what they want to be when they grow up — no pressure from us, we will support them along the way.

No matter how busy we are with our everyday lives, we must see to it that we make time to talk and play with our kids. Parents nowadays are guilty of letting their kids play on mobile phones/tablets so that they can take some rest after a whole day’s work. I myself is guilty on this one but not to rest, but to be able to do some household chores. Yes, our children will remember the toys we bought for them, but the memories they will treasure the most are the moments we spent with them.

My parents did not raise us as perfect children: prim and proper individuals with straight A grades who can sing, paint, dance and act. But I was a happy child. I smile when I remember what was it like when I was a child. I can tell stories of my childhood to my kids and painting a smile on their faces. That’s what I want — to raise happy children, not perfect ones.

#SherwinRecommends, Parenting, Reviews

Best Mom-Approved Baby Products to Try

Posted on July 3, 2021March 12, 2025 by sherwinelaine

Being a second time Mom made me more confident to try new products and innovations for Eliana. There are many products now in the market which are multi-tasking and can really help you adjust to the crazy but fulfilling world of motherhood. Here are my best mom-approved baby products to try:

Haakaa Silicone Breastpump / Milk catcher

When I gave birth to Reilly in 2014, this was not yet in the market. Back then, there were milk catchers but I find it hard to use. This time with Eliana, this helped me so much in building my milk stash. I can save up to 4oz of my letdown milk in one go. It’s a wonderful product for breastfeeding moms especially those who need to store milk for their little ones. You can buy it online here.

Haakaa Silicone Milk Catcher — This is a game changer.

Lavie Lactation Massager

Goodbye clogged milk ducts! This product helped a lot with my milk flow. I use it before each feeding session after doing warm compress.

Sunmum Breastmilk Storage bags

They have 3oz breastmilk bags perfect in storing liquid gold. It is also spill proof.

Organic Baby Wipes

When I discovered this brand of baby wipes, I never switched to other brands. This is the gentlest baby wipes I have used and it has no smell plus it’s thicker and softer than other brands. The best part of all? It’s 100% biodegradable! I always purchase mine from Mommabee Ph. You can check their Shopee account or IG account to order.

I always purchase mine from Mommabee PH. Click here for their shopee account.

Moby Dry Wipes

This is ideal for wiping the baby’s mouth and face area, and can be dipped in water for instant water wipes. It’s made from 100% cotton which makes it so soft and absorbent. This product is also biodegrable.

Moby Disposable Diaper bags

This neutralizes diaper odors with a baby powder scent. It is hygienic and has easy to tie handles for quick and easy diaper disposal.

Moby Sterile Gauze Pads

This can be used to clean the baby’s mouth and tongue.

Utrafresh Ultra Thin Baby Dry Diapers

This ultra thin diapers is very absorbent and is not bulging and sagging when full. It is lightweight and flexible and keeps baby’s bum dry. Not to mention it’s affordable too!

They also have the pants version perfect for active toddlers!

How about you? Do you have any mom-approved product you might want to share to other moms? Comment down below!

Life

My weight loss journey (losing weight after giving birth)

Posted on June 4, 2021March 12, 2025 by sherwinelaine

I grew up skinny. I am one of those lucky ones who can eat buckets of rice and never get fat. I was 93 lbs. and 5’5 feet tall, bet you can imagine how I look like a bamboo pole. But when I got pregnant, it became a different story. I’m a stay at home mom and it was hard for me to look after my active kids hence the start of my weight loss journey.

Sherwin how to lose weight — *See how stick thin I was? This was for a pictorial in 2006.*

*I never got my pre-pregnancy body back after I gave birth to Reilly*

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which made it hard for me to get pregnant. I had irregular menstrual cycles due to hormonal imbalance. PCOS makes it more difficult for the body to use insulin, which helps convert sugar and starches from food into energy. The result? Weight gain.

Before I got pregnant with Reilly, I weighed 113 lbs. My full term pregnancy weight before giving birth was 155 lbs. Since I was working that time, it became hard for me to find time to exercise. I never got back to my pre-pregnancy weight. After resigning from my work in 2018, I had time to go to the gym again while Reilly is in school. I got pregnant, this time without any medication. My pre-pregnancy weight before Eliana was 123 lbs. My full term pregnancy weight this time was a whooping 166 lbs! How did I manage to lose all that weight?

Tips to help lose baby weight after giving birth

1. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding during the first 6 months (or much longer in our case) has many benefits for both the mom and baby. Aside from providing nutrition and supporting the baby’s immune system, breastfeeding can support your postpartum weight loss according to research.

2. Exercise

I started exercising little by little 5 months after giving birth (I’m a CS mom). What worked for me is doing at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or 5,000 steps using our Xiaomi Walking Pad. Aside from this, I purchased an exercise plan from Mama Fit Mindy Lagdameo (IG : @mamamindy.fit) for my diastasis recti to help keep my abdominal muscles back on track. I weigh myself everyday each morning.

3. Eat healthy foods and in moderation.

Do not deprive yourself. Eat that cake. Munch on that donut. But always see to it that you eat in moderation. Load up on fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods.

4. Hydrate.

Stay hydrated especially if you are breastfeeding. Drinking enough water is vital to those trying to lose weight. It can increase your sense of fullness and amp up your metabolism.

5. Healthy gut.

I started taking Bifina S for my gut health after giving birth. This helps regulate your bowel movement, which is also important if you are trying to lose weight. I also drink one sachet of Luxe Organix Love Supplements Superfood Liquidshot per day and two Goli Apple Cider Vinegar gummies.

6. Move, move and move!

Cleaning the house, running after your kids. This make up the days when I can’t exercise! And it burns more calories too!

Life

Father’s Day Gift Ideas for 2021

Posted on May 31, 2021June 10, 2023 by sherwinelaine

Father’s day is just around the corner. It will be celebrated on June 20 here in the Philippines. With the left and right Mid-year online sales happening this week, we have rounded up some father’s day gift ideas for the special men in your life.

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2021

1. Trendy and comfortable sneakers

A trendy but comfortable sneakers like this one from World Balance, Php 2,699 that he can use when doing errands for the family.

World balance father’s day gift ideas 2021 sherwinelaine.com

See more sneaker styles from Zalora

2. Electric Shaver

These electric shavers from Philips have a sleek design and is a great addition to any dad’s grooming kit.

Father’s day gift ideas sherwinelaine.com

Buy Philip’s Wet and Dry Electric Shaver from Lazada

Father’s day gift ideas 2021 sherwinelaine.com

Buy Philips PQ206 Electric Shaver from Lazada

3. Coffee Machine / Coffee Mug with warmer

Any coffee lover dad will love these! And imagine him having to brew his favorite coffee every morning and a cup which will keep it warm up to the last drop.

Buy Espresso Machine from Lazada

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, Large

Buy Now

Father’s day gift guides 2021 sherwinelaine.com

BUY NOW

4. Wireless Earphones

Dads who work from home and often on Zoom meetings will surely appreciate this. These wireless earphones from RealMe has noise cancellation and amazing sound quality.

BUY NOW

5. Fitness Equipments

Home workouts has been popular since we have underwent quarantine guidelines this pandemic. For dads who work out at home to maintain their ‘dad bods’, this is your best bet.