Mommy Blogger of the Month – January

Get to know one of our dearest bloggers whose passion in blogging and motherhood inspires us all to continue doing our best in what we do despite of the challenges of being a woman, a mommy, a blogger and everything within these three daunting tasks.

Camille Duque Aguila of Lollies and Lipsticks

Hello, Camille! How are you feeling today?

Hi Mommy Bloggers Philippines, thank you so much for having me here in your site! I’m great! Ecstatic about this feature and how things are evolving in my nest – both in real life and in blogosphere.

First and foremost, how did you know about our group, Mommy Bloggers Philippines?

I have been a member of quite a number groups so I happen to know some mommy bloggers who are part of MBP before I even joined in. You know Facebook, it suggests things. I grabbed it, tried to join the community and see where this will lead me. Apparently, I was brought somewhere I have never expected.  I’ve created friendship with mommies I have never met and people whose lives I can only follow through the social media, opportunities came a little at a time too since this is not a place to bring people down just so you could stand out. I’m blessed because somehow, this group helps me in what I like doing, that is blogging and mommying (if there is such a word).

Would you like to tell us why you entered the world of blogosphere?

This is quite embarrasing but I started as a ‘contest mafia’. My cousin, Bebengisms, did a lot of giveaways before, I started joining one and when I won, I got hooked. I read blogs and at the same time joined giveaways (a lot of them). It started with liking a page, tweeting and commenting until I came upon the more demanding one, blogging about it. Yeah, I went that far into wanting to get something for free. *shrinking in embarassment now*

I blogged for one item, enjoyed the media and what do we know, here I am as determined and as passionate as everyone else in the cyber circle. I fell in love with the people,  the knowledge I get, the communities I joined and how this has helped me dream a new dream for myself. I started to want to improve on something that will not only better my online platform but my being as well. I have kindled a new passion for writing and photography and have attended workshops to help me hone my skills.

What’s the story behind your blog name “Lollies and Lipsticks?”

I want a name that will represent me and my life , though Lollies and Lipsticks is not that easy to decipher, it still speaks of who I am.

Lollies, as we all know, refer to sweets which is almost always connected with kids. Likewise, motherhood is both sweet and messy – sticky hands, doodle-filled walls, soiled nappies, tantrums at all the wrong places, breastfeeding boohoos, hugs, kisses, thank you cards and whatnot.

Lipsticks on the other hand describes more about what I love. Pops of colors, trendy things, beauty products, everything kikay. That’s me.

From being just a description of who I am, it evolved into one of my goals in life  – to find what is sweet and colorful in every situation, to fill our (my and my family’s) lives with such and to let it overflow to the people we meet. Make the world sugar-filled and paint it with hues of joy. Oh, and world peace. *wink*

Who are your blog inspirations?

Of course, Bebengisims being my number one mentor. As in all the way she helped me with the hows and whats.

Martine of makeitblissful.com, hands up to her. Inspiring woman coupled with a very inspiring life story and purpose.

Bleubird.com for such amaaaazing and jaw-dropping photos

Thepioneerwoman.com, well-written articles and photo heavy posts with light and funny stories are such stress relievers.

Clickinmoms.com, my online source of photography lessons and inspirations.

Just some of my favorites. I happen to have a long list of favorite blogs that will put Santa and his list to sleep.

Do you have a short and long term plans on your blogging career?

Oh yes!! Definitely. I think I’m being too ambitious with how I want to see my blog three to five years from now. There’s a lot I wanna do. I wanna hold photography workshops for ladies, especially moms and bloggers, I’d love to be a work-at-home mom and do business through social media, would love to have talks and organize events that willenable moms to help other moms and I’m seeing all these to be a fruit of my blogging career. Big dreams huh?

Back to reality.  Now, I’m focused on improving myself by investing in workshops, actively participating in bloggers’ communities and doing lots of online reading. I want to be able to influence and inspire women through the articles I write.

Camille, tell us something about the woman behind Lollies and Lipsticks.

I am a cheapskate. I prefer things that are within my budget and are affordable. I’m not a fan of signature clothing but if they are on sale, why not? I can look dazzling without burning my pocket. I love fashion but not the skyrocketing price tags.

Do you still work?

I’m a stay-at-home mom and yes I do work, if it means preparing the kids and feeding them, then yes I get compensated by doing what I love most. Plus hubby is a really generous boss so I have a lot of bonuses which are redeemable anytime. Unfortunately, no vacation for me. Even a sick leave is not accepted.

What do you usually do on your ‘me’ time? Do you have beauty secrets?

I believe that women deserve a regular visit to her favorite nail lounge. That’s what I do for my me time. If I have extra more, I dine with friends and chat over cakes and coffee (or maybe fries and floats). Beauty secrets? Sleeeeeeep!

What are the top 5 THINGS you can’t live without?

• My Bible – I believe the success of every person depends on her intimacy with her Creator. Life’s not an easy but having an established relationship with the Lord makes all things bearable
• My Laptop.
• My DSLR.
• Red lipstick – My instant beauty weapon. Barefaced red lipstick days mean I have to run around the house preparing the kids that I barely have time to put proper make up on.
• Ballet flats – The hideout of chipping nail polish. Haha!

Tell us something about your lovely family.

I am married to the best musician in town, Alfred (Yes, I’m the president of his fan club). He writes songs, plays good music and is totally smitten by yours truly. I have two kids Elijah Marshall and Elizabeth Peavy. We chose to have their names start with ‘Eli’ because it’s the Hebrew of My God, the Powerful One and their second names come from famous brands of guitar amplifiers. We are that crazy parents, huh? We hope to be able to raise them up as warriors of the Word, living in righteousness and purity.

Who’s your ultimate inspiration?

My family of course. I strive to be better everyday because of them.

Message to your adorable children?

To Elijah and Eliz, mommy and daddy loves you so much. Stand for what is right, strive to live in righteousness, dream big, people will always fail you, even so, don’t stop dreaming and running after your dream. We will support you all the way.

What advice can you give to our fellow Mommy bloggers and readers?

To mommies out there, whether bloggers or not, there will always be blows after blows of problems that will come our way but we should always remember why we do things and what’s our purpose. In that way, our failures will not be our end but rather, a ladder to step on the higher ground.

 Mommy Blogger of the Month

as featured by:

Mommy Rikka Angela Redrico of Rikx Knows Best