My Partners for Summer 2015 & 2016: Neo and Cath

If you noticed, I'm missing a post for summer of last year. 2015 has been a busy year for me and my family as we had the interior of our new home done, we did an early move- in, a total adjustment with our new community.

Let me do a quick story about my partner that kept me company last summer, actually for the whole year of 2015. 

It was a gift from husband back in 2014, a black Longchamp Neo made in France.

To notch it up a little, I was hopeful that Longchamp would come up with a body bag with a structure of a Le Pliage but still reasonable. Aside from having a strap, I was also hoping that it would be available in black so I can own a basic black Longchamp bag.


To make my story short, I did found something and my husband saw that I was viewing the Neo on Longchamp's website. Then lo and behold, a medium, black Neo. I'm a big Le Pliage user, it delivers everything I need of having a fashionable yet functional tote bag. The Longchamp Neo strap made it easier for me to run errands, go from one place to another with my hands full.

As to how he got it? he told me not to ask anymore hehehe!
Definitely, it took a lot just to get this bag and quite expensive as well, because back then, at the time I was looking, the Neo was not yet released here in Manila. Now it's easier because we have a Longchamp store in Greenbelt, but I go to Rustan's (much closer to our place) for Longchamps,  they have the Neo and I want my next to be in Pebble.

******
2016!

Summer is officially over and it's time to share my partner for 2016.  I went back to Cath Kidston and my order arrived via "Royal Mail" ( well it's just the citipost). Even if we have Cath Kidston stores here in Manila, I still opted to order mine direct from cathkidston.com and had it sent to our address in the U.S. I like it direct because the online shop offers discounted items up to 50% off.

Anyway, when I went to a Cath Kidston shop, I browsed and saw that they sell the tote bag that I like for 6,000+php, (sale price is at 4500+php). But when I went online, my large Kingswood Rose Trimmed Tote was on sale less than $50 (USD). For $100 (the price of one bag), I got  3 different items instead: a large Kingswood Rose Trimmed Tote, Kingswood Black Canvas and Leather body bag and a lovely hearts zip purse.

After the spots and dots, I've always wanted to get the nostalgic floral print from Cath Kidston. I found the Kingswood Rose design elegant, sweet, it has that classic feel and look. Aside from that, it's a tote bag, I just have this thing for totes. I find my totes useful for trips and of course to hold as much important things that I can for the whole family.

It is easy to clean, it's durable and maintains its original form. It doesn't have a zip closure though just a zip pocket and an internal slip pocket.

When in Manila, advisable to bring for trips to friendly places just to be safe. Anyway, having this tote bag is fun and easy. Personally, even in a crowded area, I never worry, I just stay extra vigilant and I secure my money and phone in the zip pocket. The zip pocket can fit the size of a zip purse by the way.

I recently saw that the new releases has a zip closure, perfect for travel, might just get one.

The Trip Worth Waiting For

How can travel define a person? I guess it depends on his/ her dreams, goals and of course, the travel companion. There were times when my husband would tell me to proceed and explore new places even without him. You see, my husband's work requires a great deal of his time as a global manager for one of the biggest global law firms. He is entitled to go on a certain no. of leaves but his role for this company is very important globally,  it's tough to find that window to go on long vacations. I always tell him, that I will never go anywhere else without him. Since we got married, in everything that we do, it was done with both of us in it. I don't care if it's a trip around the world, for as long as it's not with him and my children, a trip will never be as fun and memorable. My family is my life, and they make it sweeter.

It has been 12 years... 12 years full of love, laughter, unforgettable moments and learnings. My husband and I went through a decade filled with discoveries that nurtured our relationship even more. We waited and waited... true enough in God's perfect timing everything was easy.

Finally, we have arrived at the moment when we get to try  something new and different not just as individuals but as a family. We're about to fulfill another dream... the dream to travel as a family. I'm very happy that our 12th wedding anniversary is going to be extra special, definitely outside the country. Months away from the busy life we have here in the Philippines is surely worth waiting for and  it took us 6 months to prepare.

Travel does wonders to each of us, regardless of location and how it's spent. Near or far, travel makes us better beings, it pulls out our greatest strengths and fears and it brings us to a certain high where all we can think about is to explore and be limitless.

A new experience, a path to discovery and awareness. The most important for me is the impact of this whole new event to my children. My kids are at a stage where they like to discover and recreate, it's the perfect moment to make those thoughts come to life right before their very eyes.

As to where we are going? Let me hold that as a surprise...

Beyond Rodrigo Duterte

Election day is just a few winks away this will be the last on my thoughts.

I'm supporting the candidacy of Mayor "Digong" Duterte.
Why did I choose him?

Track Record. I haven't been to Davao but that land has become home to my father who does business there almost every other month. Knowing my father as a choosy person and who you won't be able to persuade just like that, fell in love with Davao City, to a point that he almost bought a property in preparation for his retirement. As to how he describes the city,  as a traveler,  he never felt so secure in a place. There's a strong hold on peace and order. Pubic service is present. The people are very  nice and approachable without sensing any form of threat or insecurity at all. Given that the people are at peace, there's cooperation, sense of direction, discipline and a functional city, all of this, applied on a much bigger scale (the whole country), why not. Track record is a very important factor on choosing a leader. Davao is proof of his capabilities and strengths of becoming the next President.  That is just one of his works being a public servant for the past 20 years.

A true leader, a working leader.
A man of action.

New Approach. When I was still a teenager, I wasn't mindful of these things. It's when I started my own family when I got really affected on how and where this country was headed. For the past 12 years, I didn't feel or see any improvement, it was downhill all the time. I saw that there was no respect towards law and order anymore. It has become a dog eat dog country.

Everytime I go out with my family, especially when taking public transport, I feel threatened and uncomfortable. So I thought, if we can't change the governing system, why not try a new approach. It's all about the Filipinos in the end--- How can we live peacefully without threat, with food on the table, schooling, opportunities and equality. There's nothing to lose because we lost a lot already.

Change of government system? why not? that's how bad it is. This country is in great danger. I'm coming from the point of view of a regular housewife who does budgeting, marketing, basically everything to have a functional home. I get affected by the events in an instant because I feel it everyday. It's different when you drive your own car. It's different when you have helpers around to work for you. It's a different story for the common people. 

If he wins, whatever is going to be thrown at us, I have to say, we deserve it. Most have become abusive of the so- called democracy that was given to us. Apparently, most of us forgot that such freedom goes hand in hand with great responsibility.  Why fear when all you have to do is follow the rule of  law.

Very simple, if you don't like Mayor Duterte then don't vote for him. Those lambasting the Mayor as if they were there when it all happened, to those who live by making  assumptions and one- sided judgements... stop washing your hands of, we're all dirty as hell.

Whoever the President is, society itself is already a threat. So whether a presidential candidate made a bad joke, or said something offensive, or even got involve in a sort of misconduct, we need to look beyond that because the present governing system has been tainted already, it's all trash and manipulation even with our international ties. The qualifications for Presidency is crap, that anybody who "wants" to run can do so. Media is crappy as well (self explanatory).

What now right? consider the person who will be able to deliver what is rightful for the Filipino people. The leader who will make life less difficult, someone who will put his goals into action and will make the people of this country his #1 priority.

Why can't we move on? We're always stuck, we are always stuck. We like to dig graves and dwell so much on the old and the past. Nothing will happen if we will always react and let our emotions take over.

Personally, I'd rather have a leader with a dirty mouth but has a good governing track record, a strong sense of leadership and direction more than those who are playing clean but has done nothing but steal and burdened this country even more.

If you are troubled by the words and actions of Mayor Duterte, here's one for you, Morality starts within the four walls of our homes not with the President. Moral issues should be settled at home. A strong foundation at home neutralizes the storm we have to go through everyday outside our four walls. If you're sure that your principles and beliefs are intact, then there's no reason to get affected at all. 

Majority of Duterte’s supporters are the common people. They recognize themselves with him. These are the very same beings who will unite if things will go wrong. The people has spoken, this is not a battle between good and evil, this is a battle for equality and for what we deserve. Ibigay ninyo ang nararapat sa mga Pilipino.

They are afraid of Mayor Duterte because he is a man of action. The rich will not be able manipulate this country like they used to and how they want it to be--- always in favor of them. The DECENCY that Mar Roxas speak of doesn’t imply to the Filipino people, it reflects the rich and the business sector, also a state of mind that was brought to the heads of each Filipino--- that you have to be rich, powerful and famous in order to run this country and it goes all the way back in history.

-updated- 5/6/16

ESSIE For Me

The first person who introduced me to a beauty salon was my grandmother ( my mom's mom).  Around 9 or 10 years old, I spend summer at my lola's ( grandmother) house. Aside from cooking and making beautiful things in the kitchen, my lola would take me with her at a nearby salon. 

There, she'll have some "me time", from having her hair dyed and permed to cleaning and painting her nails. One afternoon, while having her nails done, she told me: "Chie (my nickname), when you grow up and become a lady, it is important to have "at least" your nails done". "Take it as something that you can reward yourself with "pampering". "Every woman needs to look good, presentable and confident".

I took her words for it. My lola who is 89 years old now, still goes to a salon and have the usual pampering, only, she's accompanied by my younger cousins because she couldn't walk well anymore.  I look up to her... a lot.  As I grew up from being a teenager to a full adult, I "at least" have my nails done. If I can't go to a salon, I do it myself. It feels good to have nice looking nails. I mean, everyday, we interact with people, in any given circumstance, it's best to have clean hands and nails, same goes all the way down to our toes.

With that,  my post today is going to be about my #1 choice when it comes to nail polish. It has been 2 years since I shifted to imported nail enamel. If I'm to have my nails painted most of the time, it's best to apply non- harmful polishes. Here in the Philippines, local brands hasn't improved yet, I mean, from the moment you open the bottle you'll immediately smell the chemicals.

Essie is considered to be a non- toxic nail polish brand. Web MD Is your nail polish toxic? 

Not only it will keep my nails healthy, but Essie has the cutest shades I've ever seen. My sister-in-law was the one who introduced me to Essie. I've tried other imported brands like Orly, Revlon, Wet n Wild etc. but so far, for me, Essie has the most adorable line to offer. I often see their collection from Lucky magazine. Recently, my sister-in-law sent me a couple of pictures while shopping for some nail polish. Just great, I really love every bit of it, if I can only have it all.

This was my first set of Essie. I don't wear pink nail polish but when I tried these, it's beautiful.

The spring and winter collection offers the colors I'm very fond of. It's a good set to have. A base coat was bought separately. I do a lot of cooking and baking so I live with short nails. But long or short, Essie can make my nails and hand look girly and more feminine even after working on loads of detergent and cleaning liquids in the house.

See Essie Nail Care

Essie Flowerista

Spring Collection

Essie Cashmere Matte: Comfy in Cashmere

Essie Cashmere Matte: All Eyes on Nudes

My interest with anything matte started by seeing some clips and images on Instagram. Matte brings a sort of "cool option" when it comes to lipsticks and nail polishes. It's a must- have. My younger sister was pretty ahead of me when she got a matte top coat. If not a matte nail polish, we use the matte top coat on any nail polish we like and it's fantastic.

This is not a paid post.

A Little of Everything Bag

Now I can say that I've officially graduated from carrying a "mommy bag" as my everyday bag.  As a mom, there are times when I need to bring 2 bags: 1 for the baby/ kid and of course 1 for myself. As the child grows, we lessen the things we tote around (so far based on my experience). If you have kids maybe you can understand where I'm coming from. For the past 8 years, all I invested on are tote bags that can work as my personal, travel and an all- around bag.

It's just recently when I was able to fully utilize my purses. My youngest is such an adorable kid and wants to bring his own little backpack. So for quite sometime now I'm enjoying holding a small bag/ purse. Since I'm used to having my hands free, I go for at least a body bag or a messenger.

My so- called purse contains a little of everything I need: Pressed powder with a thin casing, chubby stick, a small hand sanitizer, a small "all- over" color stick and a tiny bottle of my favorite perfume. 

This is my "everyday bag".

If you can still recall, I even posted about my Vanity Kit  and why I like mine totesbig. There, you will see the things I used to bring in my everyday bag. From an iPad, sunglasses, a separate wallet and a coin purse, wipes and even a bottle of baby cologne. Compare it now,  yes there's a huge difference. With this new transition, I've excluded the iPad and my iPod Touch since the iPhone, I have a zippy wallet for all bills, coins and card, my son carries his own wipes and baby cologne in his sweet backpack, and I've replaced my vanity kit with "a little of everything" I need.

It's a big load off my shoulders and I believe that the simpler it is, the more we can maximize our energy and time. Over- all, whatever bag you choose to carry, it is most important that you are comfortable, happy and confident. 

Sky Gazing

I named this entry Sky Gazing because one of my past times is spent in our balcony gazing at the sky and I get to take snapshots of anything amazing.

 Dusk

 Double Rainbow

 Sunset

An upcoming Thunder Storm

Sky Gazing is one of the things I do to unwind. I take a cuppa with me and just stare at the clouds or just plainly appreciate the things around and of course, city life. This kind of opportunity is truly I'm grateful for. Right outside my balcony, I see such beauty, breathtaking view of mother nature. Never in my life I have seen and experienced this kind of privilege to appreciate the sky right outside my very doorstep.

And just recently, Fireworks!

Fulfilled Dream 2015

How's everybody? and yes I'm back. 2015 has been a year of surprises and our focus went around our new home.

Early last year, my family and I welcomed 2015 with some good news, an early move- in at the new 2 bedroom condo we just bought. The official turn over was expected late in 2015, but God works wonders and we got our condo almost a year ahead of the original time. Throughout the year, my husband and I worked on the interior. Every 3 months since the final build- out, we add something new. And we're so proud that we  met our deadline on time. Exactly 2 weeks before 2015 ended, we were able to finish everything. 

During the 3rd quarter of 2015, our new home was featured in a write- up by Rappler. Yes, they went to our condo interviewed my husband and took photos of our humble home. A few weeks after, another group came and did a photo shoot with the whole family, interviewed us and of course took images of our condo, again. I will not mention names behind this production, but definitely our page is in one of AyalaLand's magazines--- which was Ayala's early Christmas gift to the family.

Early? because a week before Christmas, we were handed copies of the said magazine. Our family and our home was first to be featured. This I have to say, the spread gave great emphasis on how we gave our new home a personal touch. We are very happy with the write up. It's quite different from the rest, especially the story and reason behind this move we made on getting our own home and why we chose AyalaLand. It's a fulfilled dream because we designed the interior. The cut of our unit is exactly what we wanted. Location wise, it's in the middle of everything, it's a "prime property" at the heart of Quezon City. Everything we wanted for our dream home, we were able to achieve.

Family, Faith, Set Priorities, Dreams, Hard Work and Sacrifice are the key words. At this time of crisis our country is undergoing, most of us think that acquiring such property will only remain a dream. I thought of that too, because there's just my husband working for the family. As parents and as partners, we'll have to put our foot down at some point and say, let's do this! Those key words, are the things we hold on to even up to now. Nothing is impossible, it's up to you or it's up to us when and how to make these dreams and goals happen.

Thankful. 2015 started and ended right. As we enter a new year, we're set to have new goals and life improvements. Change will always be there and we need to embrace it and let ourselves explore what life has to offer. Take risks, always be good to others and fear will not haunt you and prevent you from fulfilling your dreams.