A Different Voice

Some of you may have noticed the shortage of posts around here. No, we haven't been traveling and no one is sick as was usually the case whenever it gets a little quiet in the forefront. Suffice to say, I haven't had time to blog as much as I used to. 

Though I know it is not expected of me to explain and disclose everything I do in this virtual bubble of mine, I owe it to my small yet lovely audience to explain the change of voice in this blog. 

I chanced upon blogging when, as a full time hands-on mother, I mastered the skill a little bit and found time for myself. Time for which I made good use of. I shared to whoever was interested, my personal crusade in creating a beautiful and creative environment for my daughter and how not to lose oneself in the process. 

I dabbled in a lot of things outside motherhood. I styled for local publications, contributed to foreign fashion blogs, ran an online retail site along with some partners and designed handbags and apparel. All these I did over and on top of being a mother to Mischka. I dare not say I excelled in all or any for that matter, but just the mere fact the I am carving a niche for myself outside the shadow of my very supportive husband is enough to keep me going. We do not believe in the conventional "husband goes to work- wife stays at home" set-up. At some point we knew I had to go back to the work force. It was only a matter of finding the right opportunity for me. And for someone who has been out of commission for nearly four years, this is nowhere near easy. 

To cut to the chase, I found a job and one that I absolutely love. May it be fate or pure luck, one lesson learned is to never be idle. Yes, you may have just given birth and deserve to cut some slack but don't lose yourself to the battle of motherhood. Take good care of your family and take better care of yourself.   

A lot don't understand my decision and some think of it as something done in really bad taste. It could be and I don't blame them for feeling so. It saddens me tremendously but sometimes you just really have to bite the bullet.    

This is the part where I say this blog will speak a different voice. From a passionate full time mother to an equally passionate professional juggler. And as I struggle to adjust to the demands of this new endeavor without compromising my role as a mother, I am learning to be content  with catching my daughter still awake when I get home, having a chance to read her a story and tuck her to bed. Everyday for two weeks now, I realize the price I have to pay for taking this job. I am glad we have a solid relationship founded on love and trust for three years that I was with her day in and day out.

Motherhood for me is the toughest job you'll ever LOVE. Add to that a full-time job and you're a disaster waiting to happen. BUT, I find comfort in knowing that there's a lot of us in the same boat. And a good number of whom are doing a fantastic job balancing work and motherhood.

What are you thoughts on working full time and still wanting to be hands-on on your children? Is that even possible? Would love to hear from you.

Momme Planner

You know me and planners. Those, notebooks, crisp beautiful paper, and smooth-writing pens are my guilty pleasures. No matter how digital our age can get, I will happily go back to my pen and paper. 

So picture my delight when I learned about the Momme Planner-- a planner for moms made by moms. Created by young mothers juggling many roles who knew the key to excelling in most if not all, is to be organized. It took them almost a year of research, surveys, and conceptualization to put together a product that is sure to work for their target market-- busy mothers, themselves. 

They pretty much thought of everything deemed useful for our lifestyle. Some of my favorite features are the document, medical, and financial trackers. You cannot leave your planners lying around though, as it has all these sensitive information!

Love how the daily schedule is laid out with labels for mom, dad, and kids. Well thought of.

The meal planner and the grocery lists are sure helpful in running a healthy and efficient household.

I've had mommy planners before but they were never as detailed as this. Important numbers and essential dates you constantly go back to are all listed in one place. 

I totally need a password tracker! Again, you cannot leave your planners lying around for everyone to see. 

You've seen the inside, wait til you see how the planner looks like from the outside. It comes in a cross-body and a French pochette in a bevy of neutral colors. 

The Posh Collection in icy silver, bubbly champagne, and warm cinnamon.

The Luxe Collection in silver, gold, antique, titanium, and blush.

The Exotic Limited Edition in bronze and platinum.

As mothers, we already have so much to do. With the Momme planner we can do so much more. For orders and inquiries, please call:

MANILA +63 917 803 5529;  +63 917 324 3779

CEBU      +63 917 322 0315

EMAIL     mommeplanner@gmail.com

Find them on FACEBOOK for more details.

It will be available in CHICIFY too! Watch out for it very soon. 

To Hatch Or Not To Hatch

We are still undecided on number 2 but I seriously wouldn't mind getting knocked up again after seeing this line of gorgeous timeless pieces to wear before, during, and after pregnancy. When I spotted it over Joanna Goddard's blog, my heart raced a little and thought "wow, what a beautiful state to be in while carrying a child.. " 

I think pregnant women are beautiful but I thought so otherwise during my own 40 weeks of gestation. Of course, the clothes I would wear certainly didn't help. That is why I think HATCH is pure brilliance and is plain manna from heaven for women, expecting or not. It has a 14-piece collection of key pieces for casual to dressy and to even dressier special occasions. All of which timeless, ageless, and fits all sizes, shapes, and builds! How is that even possible?!

Hatch already had me at that ultra chic button-down but the best part yet is that for every purchase from the Hatch Collection, $5 goes to Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health. 

Now, to hatch or not to hatch again? That is the question. 

Weekend Tidbits

The weekend was extra long and loaded yet one that was surprisingly relaxed. It was a weekend chockfull of parties but we managed to swing by the Global Pinoy Bazaar since I was in the area for a quick meeting anyway. It was fun scouring for fresh and interesting finds while bumping into old friends in the process. I wish I took more pictures. But you see when faced with retail excitement, documenting is the last thing on your mind.

Speaking of failed attempts on documentation, I feel we don't do justice to the fun and cheeky 1st birthday party of Jet with these photos. Nope, it wasn't sponsored by the airline. But it sure felt that way from the logo down to the party crew's uniforms (i.e. black shift dress with an orange scarf tied around their necks). Love it!

In other news, the Mr. and I have unconsciously started a simple tradition these past few weekends of 'just-us-three,' no nanny, no driver-- just us three. And we are seriously loving it. Yesterday while the Mr. has to work out some sweat, Mischka and I just hung out at a bookstore. It felt like I was just hanging with a girlfriend, save for the diaper bag I had on my shoulder. The conversations we had, both silly and sensible are the kind that makes you think how lucky you must be to call this little 'big' person your own. 

Enough with the sappiness. All I wanted to say was that it was a great weekend and that I wish for you to try 'just-you-___' weekends too.  

Mischmash Stylish Mama {October}

Leona Laviña Panutat, former Esprit buyer, stylist, writer, ShopCrazy shopping editor, blogger, art enthusiast.. wrap up this pretty package of a loving wife and a brand new mum.  

Her work station is conveniently situated beside her son's crib. This is where she writes away while  Wyatt is deep in blissful slumber.

Art by Francis Nacion hangs in the master bedroom where we spied Matryoshka dolls and hardbound reads on fashion and design.

Carlo Ongchangco, Cambridge Fluro Pink Satchel, BCBG Multi-colored Sandals.

Accessorizing is second nature to Leona who owns a vast collection of baubles from cocktail rings to statement necklaces all neatly labeled and categorized. 

Clad in her typical mash-up of preppy-boho. Pleated skirt, crew neck sweater, boho-inspired accessories with a Joyce Makitalo ring to boot.

Shots of color you'll spot all over her insanely neat and put-together place of dwelling.

His and hers. Mama brogues and baby brogues.

Elephant Wooden Menagerie by Jomike Tejido.

Wyatt's nursery is peppered with art lovingly made by his mum and his cousins.

A wooden horse spruced up with one of Leona's favorite scarves holds commanding presence. 

On the right is Wyatt's travel blanket, the hands-on mum especially made for her son before his big arrival.

Describe your personal style? Hmmm.. Preppy-boho. I like wearing clean and classic pieces and pairing them with something quirky, colorful and a bit off. I used to have a monochromatic closet but now all of a sudden I can't get enough of color!! 

What are you wearing this fall? Colored denims, slim V neck and crew neck sweaters, maxi skirts, wedge booties and my Missoni for Target loot! 

Closet staples? Denim cutoffs, straight cut jeans, stripe tees, slim cut cargos, men's button downs and my manly flats: brogues and loafers. 

What is that one piece you can't live without fashion/motherhood-wise? Crisp white button down. You can wear it to absolutely any event. Great when dressed up with a ball gown skirt or dressed down with cutoffs. Plus it's breastfeeding friendly. 

How are you influencing your son's personal style? Well, he's only 2 months old so I don't think I have that much influence on him yet but when he's a bit bigger I'd say.. wear whatever makes you happy! 

Style icons? Jenna Lyons, Tory Burch, Olivia Palermo and Taylor Tomasi-Hill.

Tip or 2 for all moms out there who want to stay stylish amidst all the hullabaloo motherhood brings? Any shopping advice? Buy basics with a twist. A white button down with with an unexpected collar, khakis with pleats, cropped dark denims. These pieces will always look good together no matter what. Just throw on some accessories, grab a leather tote and you're good to go. As for shopping, always be aware of your surroundings. You might just score a great deal in the most unlikely places. Some of my favorite pieces are from Supermarkets!

Styling may have taken a backseat but style is obviously innate for this first time momma who looks like she's having the time of her life. What, with that palpable glow you see and feel around her and adorable Wyatt. Priceless.  

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Photography by Anthony Co.

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Read the prelude.    

Mischmash Stylish Mama {September}

Donna Cuna Pita, former Fashion Editor, Cosmopolitan Magazine, former Associate Fashion Director, Summit Media, freelance fashion stylist, writer, image consultant, and above all, wife, and mother of two beautiful kids, Mateo and Amara. 

On a normal day, you'll see Donna in shorts, a jacket, and never without some statement footwear. 

A bright eclectic spot at the home where Donna grew up, vintage finds, and rings she has been wearing since college.

Clad in a high slit jersey maxi from Abrace. Above her hangs a commissioned Lydia Velasco painting of her and her sisters.

Describe your personal style.
My style has evolved a lot since i entered my mid-thirties. I used to be much more into the glam-sexy look. Now I'm easing more into classic silhouettes, but still with a little bit of sexy thrown in.
My fashion icons are Bianca Jagger, DVF, and all those glam, fab women of the 60s and 70s.

What are you wearing this fall?
I'm not really a fall/winter kind of gal, so the usual items I enjoy every time this season rolls around are smart jackets/blazers and booties. I love the rich hues of fall, though.

Closet staples?
A classic black dress, statement heels, well-cut trousers, good-fitting dark-wash jeans, shorts, comfy flats, and quality underwear! I'm not really that big on accessories, I just have a few pieces that I rotate.

What is that one piece you can't live without fashion/motherhood-wise?
An easy to wear, wrinkle-free jersey dress that you just slip on and spice-up with accessories depending on the occasion.    

How are you influencing your children's personal style?
I let them make their own decisions when it comes to their clothes. They can wear their spiderman or princess costume to the grocery if they want to, or layer on a multitude of prints. Whatever they feel good in.

Style icons?
The free-spirited, sexy and glam women of the 60s and 70s. I've always liked their easy take on glamour. When I still had my clothing line in Crossings, my clothes were always heavily influenced by what the women of that era wore - jersey jumpsuits, long wrap dresses. Flowing, sexy clothes that celebrated your femininity without looking like you tried too hard. But i also appreciate the minimalist style of the 90s and the ultra-feminine silhouettes of the 40s.

Tip or 2 for all mums out there who want to stay stylish amidst all the hullabaloo motherhood brings?
Always make a little effort to look good - both for yourself and for your family. Stock up on clothes that make you look good with minimal effort like wrap dresses, a crisp white top, good-fitting jeans. Things that you can always depend on to make you look good even on your blah days.


Any shopping advice?
I'm a big thirft store and ukay-ukay shopper! I'm always on the look out for bargain clothes (I have actually scored clothes for as low as Php10!) but I also know when to shell out more cash for a quality item. Be a smart shopper and know what to scrimp on, and what to invest in. I scrimp on basic tank tops, shorts, etc, but I'm willing to spend more on classic pieces i'll be using for years to come, jewelry, and bags. Shoes, I buy mid-range, as long as the shoes are stylish and comfortable.

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Thank you Donna for sharing your amazing style. Your tips are priceless. Now we are more convinced that fashion and motherhood can happily coexist.

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Photography by Anthony Co.

Read the Prelude.

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Guest Blogger Series {Natalie of From Corporate to Domestic}

When Mikka asked me to guest post, I was super excited! Not only does she have an awesome blog, but she does everything with style. I'll try to do her justice with my post, but that's some big shoes to fill.

My life has drastically changed in the last year. I went for working full-time professional in the finance industry to now a domestic goddess. Well let's just say I haven't earned that title yet, but I can always get an A for effort, right? My change in positon was due to welcoming my first son, Nolan last October. So now instead of managing adults, I manage a bouncing baby boy. Or maybe it's the other way around and now I'm the one taking the orders.

Transitioning from the workforce to being a SAHM has not been all sunshine and rainbows. I don't fit the "domestic" mold. I'm not extremely crafty or an awesome chef. Granted I cook and the food is edible, and I don't serve the same thing every night but I'm one that always has to follow a recipe. However I love the mothering part of staying home with my little guy. If only the other attributes came that easily...I guess a girl can only dream. So with that background, I'm going to give you my 7 tips to surviving motherhood.

In the summer you can find me drinking a frappuccino, in the fall a pumpkin spice latte, and in the winter a peppermint mocha latte. This extra caffeine helps me make it through the "witching hour." You know the time when your kid has been up and is tired but if he naps he won't go to bed? Yeah you know. So Starbucks understands and will help through this trying time. Now if I don't feel like spending the cash you will find me at home with my coffeemaker. He is equally as important as Starbucks.

It was technically given to him for a Christmas present from his parents, but these days I'm the user of this glorious piece of technology. It's easy to hold if I am breastfeeding or pumping, so I don't have to worry about losing my place or repositioning to read the page. Not to mention the fact that I can read faster on it...and time is precious after you have a kid.

This is a must for any stressed out mom. If it's been a tough week, you should always indulge those little toes in some TLC.

I just started this year, and I am amazed at the friendships I have made. The mommy blogger community is such a supportive and accepting group that I'm proud to have joined. Nothing better than having your fears, thoughts, or experiences validated.

My mother-in-law watches my son almost once every week so that my husband and I can have date night. I think it's so important to work on your marriage, but it's hard to when you've got little ones that need your attention every second of the day. Oh and let's not forget my husband. I'm fortunate to have a very involved husband that loves playing with his little man.

No I'm not a workout nazi, but I do try to keep active. I joined a local mom group called Stroller Strides where you workout with your baby being there. I thought it would just be taking a "stroll." Boy was I wrong! It will kick your butt which is always a good thing. No pain, no gain. I'm also just starting to go walking with my friend once a week and also with the stroller. It's nice to be able to get out but to also have your baby and have adult conversation. I say that's a win/win.

I'm not the best scrapbooker nor do I take the best photos. But I love them! I have completed quite a few photobooks, scrapbooks, and then of course when I am lazy just putting them in a cute photo album. I probably should take a photography class to learn some new things, but I'm not sure if I want to be more than a point and click kind of girl.

Well there's my survival list that's helped me through the past 10 months. I'm sure I'll have to double the list when I have more kids just to survive.

Natalie and her lovely little family.

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Thank you Natalie for sharing your recipe. It's always a pleasure reading other mothers' unique concoction of little things that help them survive the big things. 

Follow Natalie's journey into the mother "force" at her blog, From Corporate to Domestic.

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All images by Natalie.

Art Work by Mikka.