November 2013 - Mommy Ginger

Ginger Arboleda November 29, 2013

Kooky Loopy for Kooky Loopy Babies: Behind the Scenes

It’s Fashion Friday once again and my featured brand today is actually my own business called Kooky Loopy. I realized that I haven’t wrote about the idea behind the brand in this blog and I haven’t shared with you the designs that we have actually made. But more than that, I’d like to share with you how one actually starts an online business. This post is actually more than just the typical Baby OOTD post that I usually do on a Friday. Today, I’ll be taking you through the journey that we had before we actually got to launch our business.

It’s going to be a good day!

I met my business partner, Klart Kimberly Lim, during a social entrepreneurship venture that me and my friend Sharon had back in 2011. We wanted to discover new fashion designers and help them build their brands and help them come up with their own fashion collections. Unfortunately, the business only lasted for a year, but that year was filled with numerous business lessons and friendships were built. I would never have traded that for anything else.

So, Klart and I got to talk late 2012 and we agreed to start our own business — something related to fashion and something related to moms or kids. Why? It was during that time I was pregnant with my Zeeka and I had a lot of wishes when it came to the clothes that I wanted to wear while pregnant and what I wanted my baby to wear.

We actually got to meet already after I gave birth. This goes to show you that not all ideas come to life right away. What we did during that time was research on our competitors, research on what customers want and what they need. When we were both ready, we had a meeting where we threw ideas on the table. With the ‘kuentos and chikas’ (stories) that we had, what I realized was that there are not a lot of onesies with personality out in the market. My baby had personality and I know that in the first few months, the babies really need to have white onesies, socks, mittens and bonnets — all white stuff. I had a lot of that, too, but when it came to taking cute photos of my little one or when it came to going to parties, I couldn’t find a cute onesie that I could make her wear that showed her personality. All of those fashionable clothes for babies were too big for her.

Thus the name Kooky Loopy was born. It embodied everything that our brand wanted to show and say — that even if our little ones do not talk, they communicate with their eyes, body, gestures and even through words, yes, words, that we do not understand. With all of these things, their personality shines through and we get to know them better.

Our Designs

With this in mind, how did we come up with our designs? I still remember that Klart and I came up with these designs just by communicating through phone (Viber is love!).

Initial sketches

Klart then made these so that we could envision the patterns better

Then Klart went to look for fabric that we could use and fixed our costs, while I made the projections for our business. Projections are important, since you need to know how much income or loss would you expect from every year of operation.

While waiting for production, we made it a point to already secure a Facebook page, Instagram account, Twitter account and open a Mailchimp account for the business. Everything was done while waiting for the finished products of Kooky Loopy.

Low Cost Shoot at Home

After receiving the finished products, we checked inventory and did quality testing. What we were excited for was the shoot! We had our own improvised studio inside our home. We took both catalogue shots of the items and styled shots for ads like these…

Another Raw shot…

Turned into materials like these…

After all of these things, we launched our products and now our site is up and running! What we mean by ‘launched’ is that we advertise and tell people about our products, we join events where we can sell our items, we tweet about it, etc. Basically, we spread the word.

So, that’s it! These were the things that we did to set up this business. If you have any questions, please leave me a message below.

Please do support this business. These are great gifts for your preggy friends and moms who just gave birth. To give you an idea of how you can style our onesies, check these out:

What do you think? 🙂

Please visit our site: KookyLoopy.com.

Have a great Friday!

Ginger Arboleda November 26, 2013

Breastmilk Storage Bags I Love

Zeeka has been eating a lot of solids already and in the evening, she already sleeps for a really long time. With this, I need to express breastmilk already and store it. Right now, I have 15 breastmilk storage bags of 5 oz in my freezer. I think, this is just the right amount. That’s a total of 75 ounces. I think it’s a lot already but I really want to store this much. I guess it’s because I was traumatized when I had dengue and I didn’t have enough for Zeeka.

For storage bags, I have tried three brands but I stuck to just these two for reasons that I will enumerate later on. Okay, what I use are actually both the storage bags and the plastic, washable containers. I use the breastmilk storage bags for milk that I keep for Zeeka to drink in the future. She has this habit of drinking more milk in the evening before sleeping. Also, I’m always out for meetings, so when I’m out, yaya can just give her milk from the freezer (although this happens rarely since she is always with me). At home, she drinks directly from me, but sometimes (since she’s so takaw) she still wants to drink from the bottle after. This is the milk that I give her. I don’t use the plastic storage cups for that since we have a small freezer and the bags occupy less space.

For the plastic storage containers, I use the thin 2.5 ounces storage cups of Medela. This is what I use to store milk in 1.5 ounces that I use for Zeeka’s solid food. I mix breast milk with solid food, so I still use these. I keep around 4 containers of this for easy thawing.

Basically, the two brands that I use are Orange & Peach Breastmilk Storage Bags and the Unimom TS Breastmilk Storage Bags.

The Orange & Peach Breastmilk Storage Bag

Why do I love the Orange & Peach Breastmilk Storage Bag?
I love it because it is such a space saver! when you make lay it down horizontally, it is flat… really FLAT!

Check this out!

With limited space in my freezer, it is really beneficial to have bags that are flat. You can place one on top of the other. With this you can store more milk.

What I also love about the Orange & Peach breastmilk storage bag is that it has a double zipper lock. My greatest fear is spilling and spoiling breastmilk and I do cry over spilt milk. I know you mommies can attest to this. This is really liquid gold and we will do everything we can to keep it fresh. For me, having a double zipper lock means added protection againts spilling and spoilage. I’d rather be safe than sorry!

A box contains 25 bags and it is being sold for Php 385 at Babiestotoddlers.com.

The Unimom TS Breastmilk Storage Bags

Why do I love Unimom’s TS Breastmilk Storage Bag?
Who could resist the state-of-the-art indicator at the upper right hand corner of the bag? If you are like me, always worried about the temperature of your freezer — always blabbering about these: “Is the milk frozen already?” or “Did the brownout thaw out the milk?” etc., then all you have to do is get this Unimom TS Breastmilk Storage Bag. The indicator will tell you if the milk is frozen ready or hot. If the indicator is blue (like in the picture shown above, then it is frozen). If it turns white, it means that the milk is hot.

A box has 20 bags inside. For more details on the product, please visit https://www.facebook.com/UnimomPH

So these are the two brands of breastmilk storage bags that I usually buy. How about you? What do you use at home?

P.S. Are you a breastfeeding mom? Check out these cute ‘breastfed’ onesies from Kooky Loopy. You can grab one from the Mama Baby Love shop!

Post by Kookyloopy.

Ginger Arboleda November 21, 2013

Our Boracay Trip for my Sister’s Birthday

I had a wonderful weekend! My sister treated the entire family to stay at Discovery Shores Boracay for the weekend. She’s so sossy, noh?! This is my first time to stay in this hotel. Also, the last time I went to Boracay was more than 5 years ago. It was a great weekend, too, since Zeeka also had her first plane ride and her first ‘beach’ trip.

First of all, since Zeeka needed to have an ID with her, I had to get a passport from DFA. I applied at their branch in SM Megamall. The entire process only took me around 30 minutes since they offer an express lane for infants, senior citizens, pregnant ladies and people with disabilities. Check out Zeeka’s first passport photo. Isn’t she just so cute?!

We took PAL for our flight to and from Boracay. I paid around Php 35K+ for three adults (with yaya) and one child. For those bringing a baby, I paid around Php 800 for Zeeka for her fare.

At the airport with the birthday girl 🙂

At the airport!

During the whole trip (both going and coming back from Boracay), Zeeka was very good! She did not cry at all. When I was not breastfeeding her, she was just playing with the little foldable table attached to the seat infront of her.

We arrived in Caticlan in less than 1 hour. We were driven (5 minute drive) to the waiting area for our shuttle that would send sail us to the island of Boracay. Discovery Shores had a very nice boat. It was covered and also had aircon. They gave us bottled water and cookies during the boat ride. We also had cute bracelets which they gave out upon our arrival at the airport.

The Boat Ride!

When we got to the island, there was a van waiting for us which brought us to our hotel. The drive was around 20 minutes. Every time we would enter any van of Discovery Shores, the driver would greet all of us and say his name and offer us mints. It was so impressive and very professional!

When we arrived, this is what greeted us. Check out our room! My sister got a two bedroom suite premier for us to stay in. Do check out the different rooms here: http://discoveryhotels-resorts.com/discoveryshores/accommodations

Discovery Shores Boracay

Discovery Shores Boracay: View while standing at the pool area

Welcome pastries! Yum yum!

Master’s Bedroom

The other room!

Free Tote bag and sunblock for my sister: Couch in the sala area where Zeeka slept

Beach front of Discovery Shores Boracay

Beach Front: Another Shot!

Happily swimming in the pool

Daddy EJ with Baby Zeeka!

View from our balcony

The room cost around Php56,000 plus but that already accommodated my mom, dad, sister, my husband, yaya, Zeeka and me. We stayed there for 3 days and two nights. What I love about the hotel is that they offer free shuttle service for guests if they plan to go to places. We had ourselves brought to D’Mall and even Shangri-la (but we had to pay going to the latter because it was far).

So what did we do in Boracay. We just wanted to relax so basically we swam, ate, swam, relaxed under the sun, ate, swam, relaxed under the evening sky, walked around, etc. These were some of the things that we did…

Went to Jonah’s… of course!

Papaya Mango… is love!

Zeeka loved the water, but she hated sand. She kept on curling her toes up and whined when I tried to make her stand on the sand. She loved the water though. It was amazing that she already knew how to raise her butt and paddle in the water. I thought those moves were taught by a swimming instructor.

Went swimming!

Went swimming again!

Mommy and Zeeka!

We also ate dinner at Shangri-la Boracay. The place was huge and really impressive. It was far from the main beach though so the place was really for those honeymooners or people who want to relax. Although, they also offer shuttle services if you want to go to the main beach to parteeeh!

Pigged out!

Lovely place right! I would love to try staying at Shangri=la Boracay even for just one night! 🙂 I would love to see all of the facilities and swim in their pool. I got to see the pool area, but it was evening when we visited so I couldn’t see it very clearly. The place was so serene though. I haven’t asked how much the rates are though. Service was excellent, too!

It was good break from all the stress and the worry. It was a good birthday for my sister. I wish that this year will be better than last year for her. I wish her good health, success in her career and I hope that she already gets to meet the man for her this year (someone who would truly love her and who would make her happy). Happy birthday, my dear sister! I love you! We love you! 🙂

Ginger Arboleda November 20, 2013

Baby Signing

I have always wanted to teach Zeeka baby sign language. I learned about this when my husband shared with me a video of a baby signing and communicating with her parents using asl (American Sign Language). I think this was when I had just given birth to Zeeka and we couldn’t understand and figure out why she was crying. We were thinking that she won’t probably be able to talk until she’s one year old plus, so we wanted to know if there are other ways we could get to communicate with her.

We researched on effective ways of communicating with a baby and I came across Baby Signs Philippines. I met, Sharon Agoncillo of Baby Signs Philippines, who is now a good friend of mine. I learned more about baby sign language from her over a cup of coffee. She holds classes and teaches parents how to teach their kids signing. I have partnered with her (through Manila Workshops, my mompreneur business) in bringing the news about baby sign language to more parents. Last year, we ran the baby sign language and safe sleep workshop under the Parenting Pals brand of Manila Workshops. For those who want to learn more about her services, check out her site here: http://babysignsph.wordpress.com/

After learning more about baby sign language, I researched more. I love looking through the pictures on Instagram, although mostly not for me but to look for things for Zeeka. From Instagram, I learned about this compilation of DVDs/CDs called Baby Signing Time. It was posted by Oh! Baby. They were selling the set of CD’s for Php 2929. I wanted to try it out so I bought it.

Zeeka watching Baby Signing Time

When I told my mom about it, she feared that Zeeka might be delayed in talking since she’s signing. I have read articles that say that signing is a way to help your baby communicate first before she can actually speak. It doesn’t delay speech. The advice that I have read is to keep talking to your child. Here are some FAQs if you want to read more about Baby Signing Time: http://www.babysigningtime.com/about-baby-signing-time/faqs

Well, so far, we have been watching the video twice a day (in the morning after taking her bath and in the evening after merienda). Yesterday, I was so pleased that I decided to write this article. She already gave me the sign for milk! Yey! Zeeka is only 8 months old. I can’t wait for her to practice signing the other signs.

What I like about Baby Signing Time is that the ‘show’ isn’t boring. In fact, I find myself singing the songs myself at different times of the day. What is more impressive is that the lady in the video, Rachel Coleman, got into baby signing because her daughter Leah was born deaf. Read Leah’s story here: http://www.rachelcoleman.com/leahs-story/

I was talking to Kris of OCMominManila the other day and she had the same video, too, when her kids were growing up. What we like about the video is that even if you have no plans of teaching your child ASL, the CDs are good background music! Kids just love the songs.

For those of you who are interested in purchasing the Baby Signing Time set, visit http://www.signingtime.com/

Let me know how it goes! I will also share with you Zeeka’s progress 🙂

Ginger Arboleda November 15, 2013

Christmas OOTD from Mothercare

Christmas is fast approaching and our little loves have to be well dressed for every family celebration and gathering. Have you thought of a Christmas OOTD for your baby? I super love this Christmas collection from Mothercare. I love the newborn Christmas jumpsuits for babies! They have Elf, Reindeer, Santa, Mrs. Santa and Christmas Pudding designs that you can choose from.

For those looking for Christmas gifts for children who are 0-8 years old, Mothercare has fabulous clothes that you can purchase.

Visit any of their stores located at Active Fun BGC, Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila, Shangri-la Mall, SM Masinag, The Podium, Trinoma, Abreeza Mall DAvao, Centrio Mall Cagayan De Oro, Harbour Point Subic and SM Lanang Davao. Soon to open in Glorietta 4 and Ayala Cebu.

For more details, please visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/MothercarePhils or follow their Instagram account @mothercareph.

Share with us your Baby’s/Children Christmas OOTD! Email me at ginger(at)mommyginger.com! I’d love to include you in a special feature for Christmas.

Kooky Loopy for Kooky Loopy Babies: Behind the Scenes

Breastmilk Storage Bags I Love

Our Boracay Trip for my Sister’s Birthday

Baby Signing

Christmas OOTD from Mothercare

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