Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Let it not be Ephemeral

 It has been 3 days since I have been going through this mushy phase. I do not know what brought it out of me. Indulge me for awhile though. It is still the LOVE month after all. 

Taken from our Pre-nup photoshoot. Photo by Pat Dy and Pre-nup Styling by Lifestyle by Feliz
 Hubby and I always cringe as we look back on our younger selves. Resurrecting old letters, scrapbooks and my diary of all his messages leaves me in disbelief. Who are these people??However I believe we need reminding once in awhile right? So much has changed from when we were just dating and now that we have kids. We are always together but sometimes it feels that we hardly spend time with each other. We get lost in the hustle bustle of everyday life that we hardly just stop and say WOW I love this person.

 I do not want to ever forget why.


So looking back, I remembered this part in my interview for our AVP that will be shown for our wedding. I cannot remember exactly though what was asked of me and how I brought the story of our "dance" up. Halfway through my explanation on why this was so special to me I cried. So of course everyone was so intrigued as to what that dance was all about even eliciting jokes that its actually a euphemism for something else! It was not. It was simply something like this...

Taken from The Love Dictionary by David Levithan





"AND THE WORLD RESUMED..." But we have that moment when we were the only ones in it. I miss that. When everything can just stop and make room for US enveloped completely in each other. Even though it is something ephemeral; transitory; short lived it brings us to our forever. So please let us take moments, random escapes and brief encounters together. Let our love not be ephemeral.

***
much love


Saturday, February 23, 2013

Layers and Leather

Made a quick run to buy baby food and something for C who just finished his exams! Hubby actually was a bit skeptical when I came out looking like this...

He was all "we are just going out for 30 minutes!!!" But you know I rarely get to go out and I take every chance I can get to dress up! AND SERIOUSLY I had to just take advantage of the cold weather! I got off by saying that I am seriously just wearing track pants and a shirt and just threw on a jacket! Which is entirely true!!! That's what's nice about anything leather. It transforms an outfit. And with this jacket, the draping, color and combination of materials allows this look to be casual chic - not so harsh with still a softness to it. Exactly what I was going for for what our day entailed. 

C all happy with his pasalubong!!!

***
much love








Friday, February 22, 2013

Bumps and Bruises

My Sandra (S) got a bump on her forehead today with matching bruise! After all the baby proofing and rearranging of furniture in their nursery we forgot about this big ass cabinet!!! S tried to open it while standing and bumped her head =( super wawa she has pa naman a mosquito bite on her forehead already! (ok this entry is making me sound like a bad mother) BUT really please show me some sympathy in saying that this happened to your kids too right? 

The CULPRIT!!!! The cabinet I mean not C hehe
Moms seriously BUY THIS!!!

I am actually somewhat emotionally ready for this one. I remembered when Carlos (C),  my eldest fell off the bed. I think I was crying louder than him which just made it worst. He felt my panic and cried even harder. So for this one I stayed calm. Did not point fingers anymore and just focused on applying an ice pack on my baby's head. It was not so traumatic as my experience with C. I am just scared that it is happening already. My babies are becoming so mobile and if there's just one of you and two of them these accidents are all the more likely to happen. However we all know that its all part of it and there will be more scrapes and bruises along the way. I pretty much brushed up on signs to watch out for when babies bump their heads, first aid etc. What I am really not ready for is what this milestone keep reminding me of. My babies are growing up so fast! I know they haven't hit one yet but I am really anxious in raising my girls. Is it just me or boys are so much easier to parent? Or maybe it is because I am a girl and I know what it is like.  Will I ever be ready for their tears over boys and heartbreaks? My memories of those seems so clear in my head still.  

So I must start working out my heart so I can toughen up once these things arrive. Let the bumps and falls be my exercise. 

***
much love

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

And Up They Go

I have finally captured both my daughters standing up!!! They have started doing it around the time they turned 8 months old.  I am ecstatic but also somewhat nervous! They are growing up TOO fast!

They reached another milestone too this month. They are now interacting with each other. I HAVE WAITED FOR THIS FOR SO LONG!!! However that being said they are now so completely aware of one another and whatever the other is doing or playing with. Now the grabbing has ensued!!!  A preview and warning of future fights in the making!!! WAAAH I do not know how I will deal with that.  But for now it is keeping us well entertained! Seriously though booking talks with my friend who has a twin. Gotta prep for some proper parenting and get them into sharing ASAP. 

***
much love

Friday, February 15, 2013

Love All Around

For this year's Valentine's Day, hubby and I agreed to be practical. We are not really suckers for this occasion but we are not completely cold hearted people too. We needed the excuse to celebrate! haha He was asking what I wanted, do I want the usual flowers + romantic dinner OR opt for a gift. I opted for the gift. NO need for the mush I said, it has been so long since I bought anything for me.

I wanted shoes.












So we trooped to the least romantic mall ever (MEGAMALL) and went to F21. HOWEVER I DID NOT GET MY SHOES! THEY DID NOT HAVE STOCK OR EVEN SIZE FOR THE ALTERNATIVE STYLES!!! boo hoo to me really!

So we were stuck in megamall wondering what to do or where to go next. We did not have any dinner reservations so we just decided to go to Rockwell, catch a movie and find a resto that would take us.

We ended up watching Die Hard. Yes yes that action flick! Our day just seemed to be the anti-thesis of a romantic date. But really I was sooo happy and it seemed that he was too! We felt like how we were before, just a couple out on a normal Friday date night! We were on a high even though our day did not turn out as planned. We realized how much we needed this break!!! I WAS SERIOUSLY EUPHORIC over the simplest thing! It turned out to be the BEST Valentine's DAY ever!

OH AND I ALMOST FORGOT...
Hubby did give me flowers even after we agreed he did not need to. I love it when they do that!!! He knows me too well tee hee. And my son got me 2 cards this year too!!!! SUCH AN AWESOME DAY!!!



MY work table is looking happy!!!


***
much love

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Butterfly Footprints

I wanted to mark the 3rd month of my babies with something special aside from their monthly pictorials. I decided that it would be the perfect time to do an idea that I found in Pinterest  ( this links to the original blog) that would capture this milestone =)

What drew me to this idea is that its a fun and different way of showcasing their footprints - AND it matches their nursery too!!! =) Such a plus also that its really easy! All you need is a canvas board, non-toxic paint and extra set of hands to help you with the baby/ies! =)


Excuse our pambahay looks

Practice makes perfect! See that the original colors on our babies' are different from the finish product. We kinda made a mess on that one haha. Also very important that the babies are in a good mood too! 


The purple ones are Cassandra's. She squished her foot when we put it on the canvas hehehe

Just add the finishing touches once the paint dries =) I drew on the bodies of the butterflies teehee That I can do! For the lettering of their names I asked my friend to do it for me =)

The finished product!

Now that its done just find a nice spot to hang it in their nursery! Hope you guys try this one too!!!

***
much love




Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Herb Garden

So I had this brilliant idea that I will just have an herb garden at my backyard. Everyone keeps telling me its so easy! So the thought got stuck in my head, complete with imaginings of me humming away in my kitchen with the sun in my face making pasta adding basil or parsley or whatever it is you add plucked fresh from my garden. So after 2 weeks of putting it off I finally asked the hubby that I seriously want to do this. Just to digress I have a bad track record of getting excited one day, a flash of inspiration about something and simply putting it off and well not doing it anymore. So I had to show him my resolve and off we went!


We found this place (HARBEST) really near our home that sells plants and seeds for herbs, flowers and veggies. They also conduct seminars on healthy eating, gardening and much more. As I seek out the herbs that I wanted to buy, this small plants welcomed me. Ano ba paano na ko pipitas nyan?! Looks like my daydreams would take a while to become reality! I didn't know they sell them so small haha good thing they were very helpful and accommodating to a newbie like me. Taught me how to care for them and how long before I can start "harvesting" haha 




Large parsley not for sale =( boo!
All in all came home pretty much satisfied, for the plants that I was not able to buy that were on my list I got the seeds. At least this experience will be all the more rewarding for sure. And the best part is it gave me an activity to do with Carlos .... or so I thought! Turned out he is not into it ! So frustrating but oh well maybe he will appreciate more once the seeds sprout out!





So... so far here is what I have, still contemplating whether or not I will expand this. What do you guys think???



***
much love

Monday, February 11, 2013

Pastels and a lil bit of roar!

For my girls I dreamed of outfits in pastels and classic uptown girl chic!  I also vowed not to dress them up in matchy matchy outfits and aimed in complimentary ones instead. Silly me thinking I could resist!!! And seriously I do not want to seem to favor one more right? Better to be fair now that they cannot decide for themselves yet! 

For Christmas Eve










***
much love

Sunday, February 10, 2013

New Year's Resolutions

Kung Hei Fat Choy!


Nowhere near being Chinese (I think I'm 1/8) but every occasion is a cause for celebration! And since I am a bit late in putting my resolutions out there I'm just going to take advantage of the fact that it is New Years and put it in writing. Give it more power to come true and a great reminder too. 




PART 1: I think this will be those that are easier to accomplish but consequences of me breaking these are not so bad. 

Dress better at home. I am not a single woman.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. 
Wake up early and stay awake. 
Will not whine or sulk when I let my hubby have a boys night. 
De - clutter my closet and let go of those that are no longer appropriate. 
Same goes for accessories. 
Curb shopping instincts (though I just have to say I have been doing well with this one already)
OK so maybe just continue to curb shopping instincts. 
Lessen sweets intake. 


PART 2: Need more time and effort for actualisation. MUST NOT BREAK!

Finish everything that I start. 
Be content.
Accept. 
Do not be jealous. 

*Seems to be so deep - rooted well it is. I am again in a phase in my life that shook me to the core. Expectations and plans have changed so I must too. Takes a lot of work but I have the best inspirations anyway =) 


 ***
much love








Saturday, February 9, 2013

On Outfit Posts as a MOMMA!

I will not be true to myself if I stray away completely from my outfit shots (much to my hubby's dismay). As soon as I was able to find time to be out of the house (usually on Sundays) I make it a point to still dress up a little. I do believe that it is very important to stay beautiful and not let yourself go after having the bebes -
for our good ole self-esteem of course
and really for your kids too!!!

A girly girl's take on studs

tight knit

where's the cargo

My son is pretty much head over heels in love with me (as yours is most likely too) I can pretty much get away with jeans and shirts BUT with the girls I know it will be a different story. As soon as I found out that Im having girls I went through some much needed self reflections. We all know how tricky mommy-daughter relationships can be.  So one of the things I promised to myself  is that my daughters will always always be proud of their mommy! So one aspect of that is simply dressing and fixing yourself up. It may seem shallow to some but I DO NOT THINK SO.  It is important to look good and be presentable. Be someone your children will be proud of and even idolize.  So see there is really a good explanation for all this kaartehan haha

***
much love

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Study Habits of a PARENT

Exam week is fast approaching once again and my mommy nerves are getting to me! My son is currently in K1 but that does not mean I take his schooling lightly. Oh no, not at all! I am just glad and relieved I have been blessed with such a smarty pants for a son so I do not need to worry too much than I already do. 

But seriously I want to delve deeper into establishing good study habits for our kids. I for one did not have one until much later. I just realized now when my son started going to big school that your child's greatness also very much so depends on you. I know I am slow on the pick up. Like DUH! Of course! But that did not come so easily to me. I have been lax as a student. I get good grades without trying that hard (not to toot my own horn) and I pretty much got used to that. Not until later on when simply listening in class is no longer enough that I finally succumbed to studying harder and struggling in finding the study habits that works well for me. So now with my son I am slowly reminded of this again. His understanding of his lessons comes so easily and his grasps of concepts comes naturally. However even though he can easily ace his exams now without studying - I CANNOT LET THAT BE HIS HABIT. We need to create one that will become his standard.  So everyday after school as soon as he's had his merienda we do his homework and review his lessons. Although this is a bit trying for me - being a mom to my 8 month old twins too (I am always sleepy).

There is no mistaking the need to establish this routine for him. I have to be the type of mom my kids can depend on. Since seriously if you want an 'A' student for a child you have to be an 'A' parent too right? It makes perfect sense.  The time will come when your child will stop asking for your guidance and he needs to be damn well ready for whatever school/LIFE throws his way.



I just want to leave you guys with a short reminder. For moms who are struggling like me. Maybe motherhood caught you unawares or even though you planned it, maybe you are not done being a kid too.


Well just remember...


YOUR CHILDREN WILL BECOME WHO YOU ARE; SO BE WHO YOU WANT THEM TO BE

***
much love

Baby Monthsaries!!!

While on bed rest and house arrest during my recent pregnancy and I have met my new best friend - Pinterest! Whoever is guilty of spending hours and hours pinning away and dreaming one day I'll be able to do that too - raise your hand! I was! But really after much thought and self reflection I have come to a realization of my own limitations. Haha But still I thank who ever created it and made it easy to be a CRAFTY MOMMA and to see such a great pool of ideas to do with your young ones and more. So while perusing the sight I saw some lovely ideas to document each monthsary of my babies. 

Here are some examples:



Note: It is very unfortunate that I cannot site the source for the photos above. 
If you do know please feel free to comment on it


So inspiring ain't it? Was glad too that I ran into these ideas before my babies were born or I would have skipped like a month or two! But now down the road I am now celebrating my twins' 8th Monthsary!!! Yes  EIGHT freaking months!!!  With that I would like to show their current photo =)




Though I was not able to execute it with much deftness as my pegs, what I aimed for was to showcase their milestones in the photos for the said month. For this one, as they were starting to stand up already I portrayed them as ballerinas on a ballet bar =) Other months not so inspired haha but let me show you a few! 

First month when lying down was really all that they could do haha

I was so excited for this one as the babies were already active! I thought finally I was going to be able to take a decent photo where both of them are sitting down! But of course being able to sit down on their own equals being able to do a lot of other things too!!! So I had to settle for this with them wrestling each other!!!


6 months mark their first meal! So added their bowls for props!!


Such a great challenge that I take on every month! I know you moms out there would understand how hard each photo takes. Forget about the law of thirds and great composition. It is very rare that we just capture a smile or an antic at the very right moment! Well for these monthly pictures it is indeed quite an undertaking especially that there is 2 of them!!! While one might be ready showing a smile the other is looking at the other direction or simply crawling away!!!

Outtakes for their 7th Month! Crawling away indeed!
Nonetheless there is no denying the value of this undertaking! Its silly that I even think its hard but really in each small thing you do with/for your child you just want the best right? Anyhoo do watch out for when they turn 1! And I can show you guys the entire series already and reveal my other plan for these photos!!! =) 

***
much love

Friday, February 1, 2013

I have become a craftsy momma!


I have become a craftsy momma! I have always daydreamed of having this big ass crafts room at home. Though now I still don't ! My materials are strewn everywhere! However I have started out on projects that I didn't think I would ever take the time to! Motherhood (2nd time around) has indeed changed me! haha 

It all really started when I was put on bed rest during my pregnancy with my twin girls. I just deconstructed my old bib necklaces (couldn't go out for materials) and used the beads to bedazzle my twins' bonnets! Really loved the idea of making something ordinary unique in such easy way!


After that when the twins came, I was still stuck at home with no chance of shopping for my girls. I had to make do with online shopping and was so frustrated with the headbands that I was seeing. Maybe I just didn't know where to look but I guess this was a good thing as I started with this new hobby of mine.

I experimented and used my girls as models! I was so surprised when friends encouraged me to sell! Which I eventually did and still do (if you guys are interested).

Grossgrain ribbon florals
felt blossoms
(bands are now been changed to stretch lace and is much more comfortable and easy on the skin)

Poof for the holidays
(tulle and chiffon)

It just gave me such a warm feeling when a complete stranger actually appreciates my work. Also these things were mere materials, scraps of cloth, a piece of thread and I turned them into something beautiful!!! It was really kind of stimulating too. I know we moms do not like to admit that we need time off from our dear ones BUT OF COURSE WE DO! And something so simple can help boost your dwindling self-esteem. I'm sure I am not the first one to take up a hobby at this point in their lives. You can say its our coping mechanism. Just lucky that out of it I make my girls extra pretty too!

***
much love