GRAY STRIPES ON GRAY SKIES

I fell in love with this trumpet hemmed dress for the kids and in neutrals too! It actually came studded with red rhinestones along the neckline but not something a few snips can't fix! I do not think I can shake this color combo of grays and khakis! Was going for a clean and minimal look but just had to include the fringe!!! Haha

This outfit was meant for a day out at Art in the Park which I thought was perfect as an enriching activity for the kids, which we have been lacking at recently. I was so excited I felt so bad when it rained just as we parked our car =( It was just one of those days that things do not go your way! It was actually a series of unfortunate events that sent a hormonal me over the edge! Looking back all times spent with kids are still priceless right???Mundane moments can still translate to cherished memories. We finally brought the girls for the first time to kikufuji, our favorite Japanese place. Just happy to be able to share it with them too! 

Dress from SM Kids, Hat from Divisoria, Purse from H&M Kids, Shoes from Cotton On

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much love

All a Flutter

My girls have been asking for skirts lately! I recently did a kid's shoot for SM accessories and spotted so many awesome finds! I couldn't help but get for my girls too! I swear it is a treasure chest! I spotted this dress and immediately fell in love with this print! The details are just adorbs too. Cap sleeves + belt = love! They enjoyed twirling in this outfit with a skirt that poofs up! 

SM Kids Dress, Hair clips and baskets from H&M, yellow shoes from SM Sugarkids

Hippie Summer Love

In anticipation of summer we brought out our fedora hats, punchy colors, pom poms and fringe! 

Fedora hats from 168, Top is a gift, shorts from @lailaandlyra, shoes from payless and bags from H&M

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Fashionista Problems x2!

My first ever splurge purchase for my girls are these orange, embellished, structured blouses from Gingersnaps. I have kept my head on for the last 2 years ++ in shopping for them in low-end brands and sales which we mixed and matched with all the lovely gifts we receive. 

On Sandra (Left): Cream Zara Cardigan, Orange embellished Gingersnaps Blouse, Denim SM Kids Shorts and Pink poof made by mommy  On Lila: Sans cardigan + Hello Kitty H&M purse from Ninang Jola 

How clearly symbolic these tops are since there is nothing smart about this purchase. It was all heart. My pure shopaholic heart that I kept reigned in for so long! Clearly there is nothing practical about orange and bling! How am I ever going to repeat this outfit??! But my heart soared, same feeling as when you buy a neon pink stiletto. It's soooo pretty - PRETTY IMPRACTICAL. My next purchases over the weeks were centered on nudes, denims and big sizes. My head is back on. Although some would beg to differ (ahem ahem my husband) wherein he would say I have been buying so much for the kiddos lately. I HAVE NO EXCUSE, except I have resisted my urges for soooo long. 

I have calmed down from the shopping rush since then and have come to a few conclusions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a few purchases for our kids especially if this will keep you sane and happy. Not even counting the pretty #OOTDs you can post ='D   

BUT again remember as you pick up the shiny gold pair of shoes for your infant who hasn't even started walking yet... they pretty much outgrow everything SO FAST especially in the 1st year. Be practical and mindful. Pick up the bigger size with allowance!!! Just like how our moms used to do it! There is much wisdom in that! 

Take note of sale season! However do not go wild and buy it ALL. Racks will always be filled with cuteness. I think anything TINY doubles its appeal! HAHA What I do if I have a few extra bucks to spend, is to stack up on basics for each stage. When you shop after a season, take note of the fabric which might not be applicable for the upcoming months so buy for the age that that season will fall into.  Or when you have trips planned through the year best to buy the coats when the winter collection is on sale =)

Stray away from things that are itchy and uncomfortable. The girls were actually not to keen with their orange blouses as they are made of a stiff material! My mistake! Is the lesson of tiis ganda too early to be taught? I think yes! HAHA

Mix and match brands! I splurged on this Zara cream cardigan because I can use it with everything. Plus points that it was on sale. I often scourge SM kids for tutus and sandals in different colors although they have nice basics too! So balance it out!!!

Photo with their amazing Kuya who is developing his own fashion sense too! 

Hoping I can apply all those to myself especially since we have to get everything x 2! But really lets not take away the fun of getting our girls all dolled up! We can do it without breaking the bank! HAHA

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much love

Tutus and Tiaras on My Little Dalagitas

All of a sudden, I have little dalagitas on my hands who have their own disposition in life. How is it possible that this soon, I already have these thinking beings that babble away question after question about everything they see and feel. Picking up new tricks and antics daily that I cannot seem to keep up with. 

Plain white tees from H&M, neon yellow tulle skirt from SM Kids, Pink Crowns and Hello Kitty Purse from H&M (gifts) and whites sandals from payless.

I think we can never stop being bewildered as mothers on this issue of time. How our days can sometimes be filled with waiting, looking at the clock, feeling as if our lives are at a stand still. Where days and nights bleed in and out onto the next with only diapers and feedings in between. Moments filled with non-stop picking up the pieces. Then there will be days when the air will be knocked out of us because it seems time is just fleeting. We cannot hold on to moments long enough. Suddenly, they started taking their first steps, uttering their first words, naming their colors and memorizing their alphabet. Suddenly they are talking to you in coherent sentences, imposing their needs and wants and having their own opinions. 

Don't we all wish we know how to reconcile the two? Time spent taking care of ourselves vs. time spent taking care of them. Time spent away fulfilling our dreams vs. time spent making new dreams together. Time with/for ourselves vs. time spent with our children and family. A perfect balancing act. It is ever possible? 

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much love

Of Candied Tulle and Cupcakes

Oh to have daughters to dress up in anything tulle and whimsical, cartoonish purses! 

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much love

As They Grow Older

So I am at the part of parenting where it is more than just keeping my girls alive, but shaping them into beautiful little persons. Wherein there is no longer a template, a how-to and clear list of things to do. Everything now is based on what values I hold dear and how I effectively pass this on to my children and maybe even improve them.  I AM SCARED.

We have now reached the point wherein my words are no longer the only ones they mimic but my actions too. Apart from me revelling in how greatly different my girls are, each picking up a different set of manners from me, I am also scared of letting my short comings shine through.

They have started with the little things like copying how I pluck and giving each other massages!! Hilarious at times but sometimes I worry. They stare at the mirror like I do after dressing up and insists on putting make-up too! Too soon my girls - not yet! First I want you to see how beautiful you are sans the frivolities.  I want them to see this is not what is truly important! I know the day will come when they will understand. I know I have to shrug off my worries and enjoy these silly moments. But of course that nagging feeling will always be there. I saw this quote once that says "Be the person you want your child to be".  Bring on the much needed reflections. They are the best motivation there will ever be. 

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much love

Easter Bunnies and a few realizations

Decided to play around since it was Easter! This is the only one in the series of shots that I've got them to sorta stand still. I think they will need to get used to props around them still. I remember their monthly pictorials and how that was such a pain haha I think we just need more practice again!

I have said before that despite the obstacles and clear challenges of having twins, I have been pacified by the greater side of things. I often said that at least my girls would first and foremost learn, very early on, the essence of sharing and giving. I have now recognized that this is not the only virtue that they will acquire in the first stages of their life, among other things. With much observance, I realized that they are now also feistier little things, since one clearly cannot be the only princess in this castle. They know how to fight for what they want and get it in anyway possible. Often to my dismay or of the other, since as a result, one would surely get hurt and cry. But I guess this is something I also want my GIRLS to develop.  

Sandra wanted to take photos too! She loves using my phone as camera and going around the room taking pictures. 

Together with, I pray with all my heart, the kindness too. What brings tears to my eyes (I am not exaggerating) is how they pacify the other. At first it was through my order that they hug as an apology after one hurts the other. Now they are doing this on their own with additional actions too! One would hand the other water if the other is coughing, a kiss to make a boo boo go away, a pat on the back to make the other stop crying and the list goes on. THIS IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT! This is what makes having twins so special.  Besides being able to parade two cuties around, I get to witness this! It so beautiful to see two small beings loving each other. 

Sandra was still concentrating on the phone grrrr Lila was all smiles and was ready even during our practice shots

And just like that I lost them...

I also want to share my joy on seeing how these two are developing into such unique individuals. You know how they say that it is best never to compare and allow them to grow into a separate identity from the other. So in the beginning what I thought as the most perfect and simplest way to do this is to dress them differently. Then... ok, this proved to be not so convenient. Now that they are growing up though I love that they already have a preference as to what color they want to wear! It is starting!! YAY!  I love listing down their idiosyncrasies, small representations of how their minds work gets me so excited to see how they will be when they grow up!  

Added all the necessary props and accessories and removed the phone from Sandra --- the drama starts!

To say that these two are a handful is an understatement. However this challenge really reaps great rewards. They teach me to be a better mom everyday. I think nothing beats that. 

And I thought it will all go well since Sandra was all excited we let her play with lippies haha She loves make-up! 

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much love

Twirl with Tulle

I think I can never ever get enough of tulle in all shades of pink.

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much love

Pastels and Florals

Gingersnaps peach and coral printed shirts, Zara floral jeggings and White Tiange sandals

For their 2nd official OOTD post, the girls already know what to do once I say "pose for outfit shot"! They would stand in front of this wall, miraculously standing still. However, they have adapted these facial expressions that I can't seem to change! Lila (left) would automatically frown with her eyebrows  once I whip the camera out and Sandra (right) will have this stoic expression on her face! So yes we will be working on that! haha

I love how with kids you can go ahead and explore! Mixing of prints have been on trend for awhile and I was so excited to apply these with my girls. Keeping in mind though that I still want them to look put together, I picked out their shirt that has the same color scheme as their floral bottoms =)

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much love

A Twist On A Classic

White Gap blouse/dress,  denim Gingersnaps shorts and white tiangge bought sandals,  Mommy's F21 floral clip ons

We can never have enough of the classic white and denim pairing! It instantly spells chic and refreshing. However it can take a different turn to boring - something I really do not want to do for my pretty ones. Balancing is the key. Unless we are really opting to look disheveled, pair a basic cut denim shorts with a blouse that has interesting details or shape or the other way around! I am keen to applying this trick when dressing myself too. A quick, no fuss approach when we are in a hurry! 

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much love

Got the Happy Blues

Decided to go blue for my babies' outfits to attend their first birthday partay! 

Do excuse their bare feet and smile-less poses as these were taken after and their energy levels

 have plummeted already.  

 A well-deserved applause to Trey's mommy, Joyce for setting up the whole thing! I can seriously relate how taxing it can all get as I did the set up for my twins as well.
Which reminds me! I have to blog about that one soon!!! =))

Cannot wait for these young ones to grow up! 

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much love

Tough Chick

 We have been hearing and feeling that summer is so near yet last Sunday the skies begged to differ. I was so excited laying down the outfits for my kiddos all summery and in theme when I looked outside the window and saw that it was drizzling!!! So had to scrape that out and opted for a different outfit.

Pink and White Polka dot Bolero and Denim jeggings from BKK c/o Mammu, Burberry Sneaks from Kuya C c/o Auntie Marie and Headband handmade by yours truly =)

Sandra all smiles! Unfortunately Lila was still asleep and not available for a photo op hihihi

 I never thought I would ever put my babies in pants. You guys know me - frills and frou frou all the way! However being a mom you know you just gotta be reasonable sometimes and go with comfort. And really guys these jeggings make their legs all the more nakakagigil!!! hahaha

Cousins altogether!

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much love

 

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

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much love