Becoming a new mother is a daunting experience. For me it was knowing where to get things or knowing about the right places to take your kids—be it doctors or play gyms.
Fortunately, Amanda Griffin-Jacob and Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, models turned super moms, have teamed up for a book called “Project Mom.” Amanda and Bianca have always been very generous in sharing their knowledge with me, ever since I had children of my own. I was not at all surprised when I heard about their plans to pen a book that would share their tips and tricks with other mothers.
“I see it as an innovative addition to the world of motherhood simply because there is nothing like this book here or even abroad,” says Amanda. “Our step-by-step guide to mommy-hood really makes it less scary.”
Bianca is also eager to share her knowledge on the joys of motherhood that are more widespread than the anxieties. “We teach moms how we did it (and we were able to do it here in Manila), so we try to make it easier for them to do the same,” she adds.
Experts
Bianca and Amanda tapped fellow moms, experts in their own fields, to contribute to the book. Panjee Tapales shares her wonderful home-birth experience. Panjee is an advocate of Waldorf Education, sustainable living and conscious parenting. Hindy Weber-Tantoco writes about her journey with food and how she is right where she is supposed to be. Hindy is a fashion designer, owner of Holy Carabao Holistic Farm, wife, and mother of four.
LATCH (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help) co-founder and president Anna Aquino-Dee is a mother of three, “mompreneur,” Ilaw ng Tahanan awardee, and also FAB (Filipino Association of Babywearers) founder. This breastfeeding expert tells “Project Mom” readers how they can have their milk supply. Lexi Schulze, a newscaster, host, and mother to two amazing girls, shares the story of her daughter Alba’s premature birth. Michelle Katigbak-Alejandro gives readers tips on throwing a special baptism. Michelle is editor in chief of Metro Weddings magazine and beauty editor of Chalk, while helping run her family’s business and being a mom to her toddler, Bella. She also has a styling boutique company, Styled by Sami & Bella.
Jackie Cohen Antonio loves to travel around the world. Not much has changed since she gave birth to her son Devon, so this makes her the perfect person to share insider travel tips. Jackie worked in Manhattan at W magazine and at Estée Lauder companies before getting married and moving to Manila. After having her son, she noticed a gap in the market, and drew on her experiences to put up an infant and children’s lifestyle boutique, Chibi Momo.
Five-minute makeup face
Makeup artist and celebrity-favorite Gela Laurel-Stehmeier has been in the fashion industry for nine years. Her areas of expertise include print, bridal and television makeup. Her passions include beauty and skincare products, and spending time with her husband and two adorable sons. For “Project Mom,” Gela gives her insider tips on the perfect five-minute makeup face.
Educated and trained in New York and Paris, Stephanie Keinle Gonzales leads Philux furniture’s marketing and sales departments. Expectations of a strong future are building as she continues to take the Philux brand to the next level of furniture retail in the Philippines. Stephanie gives suggestions on how to put together the perfect nursery.
Georgia Roa Remulla is a loving wife and mother to three girls, a dentist for kids and teens, and an educator. Georgia informs readers on proper baby teeth care.
Packed with information, “Project Mom” also tackles subjects such as “me” time and getting back into shape. Aside from offering a “what to expect” type of approach, Amanda and Bianca let readers in on their tips, tricks and go-to people, places and things. Readers will find the directory section of this book particularly helpful. The comprehensive directory of suppliers and stores relate to each chapter in the book, a valuable resource for all mothers and mothers to be.
“Project Mom” (P999) will be available at Fully Booked and glamomamas.com starting Thursday.