Expo Mom

For the past six years Expo Mom has given new moms and moms to be something to look forward to. With their environmentally aware vendors, mompreneurs who have made their advocacies into businesses, and informative talks given through out the course of the weekend; this yearly event has given moms (and  dads alike) much inspiration and a solution to many hard to find baby and toddler products in the Manila market.

Registration was quick and painless.  As always, I was greeted by the friendly staff of Creative juice and Mommy Mundo at the registration table.  There was a goody bag filled with quite a few useful mommy items that I was excited to open once I got home.

 

I’m not sure why I wasn’t able to attend last year but I wanted to make sure I attended this year for number of reasons. Of course the most important reason this year was to find uber cool stuff for Gellibean. I was able to do just that. I was excited to stroll through the jam packed aisles all by myself yesterday, after I dropped my darling husband off at the airport for a business trip.

I was able to get a bobble water bottle. I was drawn to this water bottle because it also has an additional filter. I learned that you should replace the filter after two months if you use it everyday. Filters and bottles are available at Planet Sports, Aura Athletica, and ReUse in ATC. Now, I know Gelli is a bit young for this one, but I wanted to be sure that I had it once she was ready. They come in a variety of sizes and colors so I chose the smaller bottle with a pink accent. I think it will be perfect for when Gelli is ready to use this kind of sippee.

 

I super LOVED this little set for Gelli when we are in a restaurant. It’s a wipe away coloring placemat by Dwell. I love Dwell products, so I will definitely be looking to purchase this one in the future when Gelli is ready for it. Dwell products can be found in Rustan’s and this placemat retails for P1350.

 

I don’t remember Little Luli from Expo Mom when I attended before, but then again I didn’t attend last year. I can’t wait for Gellibean to grow into some of these really cute dresses and outfits! There sizes start more for big girls, so since Gelli is still a toddler and quite small for her age we will just have to grow, grow, grow into them! I spoke with Lucien and Liza and learned a little bit about their company and how they put such a cute line together, manufacturing this children’s line with local and imported materials.

I was really psyched to learn that Mai of Dainty Ashley was going to be a vendor at Expo Mom. A while back I wrote a post about Random Acts of Kindness and I had been meaning to purchase more items for all of Gelli’s fantastic up-dos we can create. When I learned that she had a booth at Expo Mom I promised myself that I would go and meet the kind heart behind the company that creates such lovely hair accessories for little girls. I really had so much fun choosing all the little barrettes that would adorn my little girl’s hair.

 

I may or may not have gone a little overboard, and I may or may not have even paid Mai in advance for other designs that I know she didn’t have on hand for the expo. It’s totally all good because when Gelli sports her new and cute accessories, it will not only bring a smile to my face (if she keeps them in) but I’m sure all who see her will agree that it’s that extra dose of cuteness!

 

I also had to be sure to make a stop at my friend’s booth,Manila Baby Shop.  Neva and I met because her son, Noah, was gifted with an extra chromosome just like Gelli. Nino and I shared the birth story of Gellibean back when Neva and Dan attended the Early Intervention Seminar of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines in November of 2012. Through following Neva’s blog (she’s been blogging for a way long time!) and through her IG account I realized she manufactures products useful for me and my kiddos. I picked up a Wet Bag in a cool Old Navy print for Gia to use when she goes swimming.

I was able to score some really great freeze dried fruit snacks for Gellibean, some awesome polymer clay Instagram earrings for Gia and I took advantage of the great deals on Johnson’s baby wash. I also met Mia from So True naturals. I want to tell you more about how Mia came to put together her product line and more about her products but I will save that for another post. I scored some of her all natural insect repellant for all the kids and have already started using it because I feel like the mosquitos and insects are out in full force lately.

Other vendors that I will definitely visit once I have the need are The Paper Chic Studio, Ant’s Pocket, and Wonder World. The Paper Chic Studio has awesome paper straws, bags and washi tape perfect for crafting. The Ant’s Pocket has beautiful hand made felt toys, decorations and letters. Wonder World has great educational toys from building blocks and even wooden toy kitchen accessories for when Gelli has her own kitchen.

All in all it was a really great day rubbing elbows with other mommies who are like minded and want only the best for our kids! It’s so easy to see that many of the vendors came to be because of their love for their children and wanting to provide goods that are best for our kids. It’s a wonderful event that Mommy Mundo (a.k.a Janice Villanueva) can put together year after year bringing moms together celebrating the many joys of parenthood.