Chronicles of a Nursing Mom: Mom's Perfect Day at Ayala Malls

Monday, May 13, 2013

Mom's Perfect Day at Ayala Malls

To celebrate Mother's day, the SoMoms were invited to spend the day at Ayala Malls. We were also treated to a pre-Mother's day shopping at Gingersnaps. Gingersnaps is one of my favorite brands for kids and I usually end up buying N or E an item from each of their collections. The task was to buy a Mom and Me outfit for the high tea party on Mother's Day.

We headed out to Gingersnaps Glorietta 2 to shop for the kids' outfits first. I didn't expect to find my outfit at Gingersnaps since their adult line is for maternity. But I was pleasantly surprised! I found out that I still fit in their teen line - Just G - albeit the biggest size. Plus I found a maternity dress that I liked and could actually use as a nursing outfit!

Left: In Just G - the teen line - fitting the biggest size!
Right: Me in a wrap dress and N in a jumpsuit

I shopped with fellow SoMom Neva of Manila Mommy and kids. Shopping with kids is a riot! Good thing when we stopped by Gingersnaps Glorietta 2, the sales people were patient and accommodating, allowing us to find the perfect outfits and they entertained the kids too!

shopping with kids is no easy task!

For Mother's Day, since we were dining with my mom and mother in law, my sister chose a restaurant that everyone liked. So, we headed out to one of our favorite Japanese restaurant - Kimpura in Greenbelt 5. Stan's family have been regulars even when this restaurant was still in Glorietta 2. My family is a recent convert. I was happy that we were able to dine together (mom and mom-in-law) and really thankful that they get together well :)

grandma, moms and kids

After lunch, we proceeded to the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5, The Gallery, where Ayala Malls' "Music Takes Wing on Mother's Day" was happening. Aside from a live musical orchestra, there was a mini butterfly garden which N really enjoyed. Ayala Malls also prepared a Mother's Day Garden party with dessert treats, an express mani-pedi station and a photo booth.

E was lulled to sleep by the live orchestra
while N had fun at the butterfly garden

It was a busy afternoon. The SoMoms and SoKids also visited Gingersnaps, Lancome and Kiehl's for their Mother's Day specials. The kids were real troopers - posing for the camera and entertaining each other.

Top: SoKids in Gingersnaps
Bottom: The entire gang

Thank you Ayala Malls, Kiehls and Lancome

Shopping at Ayala Malls is even made more comfortable for families with the launch of their family lounges. I don't know about you but one of my top requirement in visiting a mall is to have a place where I can breastfeed and change my baby's diaper in peace. I was very pleased that Ayala Malls has dedicated spaces in their various malls for family lounges.

spanking new family lounge at Serendra (not yet open)
2nd floor, near Gymboree and Hossein

Entrance to family lounges is free for A+ card holders and costs 10pesos per person for non-card holders. However, if you are a breastfeeding and/or pumping mom, you get to use the breastfeeding lounge for free!

airy and bright - family lounge at Greenbelt 5, 4F
more photos from the designer Kish

I've previously posted about this and received emails that some breastfeeding moms are still charged for the use of the breastfeeding station. I clarified this with Ms. Thez Garcia of Customer Relations and was informed that breastfeeding/pumping moms can indeed use the lounge for free and they have cascaded this information to the lounge personnel.

breastfeeding nook at Glorietta 4 family lounge
3rd floor near Rustan's

Other Ayala Malls with family lounges include Abreeza (in Davao) - 2nd floor near Timex; Alabang Town Center - upper ground level, Corte de las Palmas; Market Market - 2nd level between Kevin's Kut and Alteresi and Trinoma - level 3, beside Sony Centre.

It was certainly a fun Mother's day since I got to spend time with my mom and Stan got to spend time with his own mom. Thanks to Ayala Malls for the great afternoon!