It's a Great Time to Get Kinected

We value our 'just us three' moments every weekend. It doesn't necessarily mean that we have to be out somewhere. Sometimes we just stay in. And when we do, we bask in activities that involve all three of us. No one is spared. From water color painting, to building blocks, to several rounds of Jenga, to watching  family-oriented movies and just last weekend-- to getting Kinected!

It's only recently that Mischka appreciated Kinect. Before she was content with just watching her Dad play his Xbox. Now that she's more agile, she joins in the fun! We may have to move the whole Xbox enterprise to a room with less furniture as we foresee more Kinecting in the near future. 

I am sometimes bothered by the fact that Mischka is growing up surrounded by too much technology. I fear that such is hindering her from nurturing creativity the old fashion way. 

Technology however is inevitable. It is here to stay. And for that I am grateful. Thus, I have long learned that the key is to strike a good balance between the old and the new. She may play soccer on Kinect but we also take her to the field for a some kicks whenever we could. Both moments are special and bonding. 

travel as a necessity

Am struggling to get the groove back around here while battling jetlag, exhaustion, and anxiety that my growing to-do lists will be the death of me. I have a lot of things to share with you but I simply don't know where to start. I'm in a rut, I'm afraid.

Then I thought of the mother who sat beside us in the plane enroute to Singapore from San Francisco. She was with her 7-month old baby girl and was having such a hard time. My heart went out to her and I can totally see myself in her when I was traveling with Mischka as an infant (at 6 months to Bali for a business trip). She told me, she will never do it again. Traveling across the globe with an infant in tow. 

I can totally empathize with her. I dare not negate her though, as I know there will be no room for regrets when they get to India, their destination. It's tough. But traveling is rewarding and oftentimes life-altering. And I can see that in my 2yo daughter whose number of stamps in her passport is not commensurate to the amount of independence and confidence she gains when traveling. It's like one stamp equals 100 doses of independence and 10 times more confidence. Travel changes you and goes the same with kids too.

Exploratorium, San Francisco

I'm not suggesting you throw in all your savings  to see the world. You might not even need a passport as there's so much to see just around our country. But if you can save for a designer handbag, why not save for something that you will forever keep? Mischka and I have never traveled business class and we hardly stay in fancy hotels, but travel to us is a necessity more than it is a luxury. Our itchy feet and unwavering wanderlust always need a fix. So we travel as much as our work schedules and bank account will allow. 

We urge you to do the same. Pack your bags, take you kids and make sure to leave the yayas/nannies behind.

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights, it is a change that goes, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." -- Miriam Beard, Writer   

The Ramp Kids Holiday Collection

Before this year ends, allow us a little indulgence in sharing this page on Smart Parenting's December issue. Mischka and I are beyond honored to be up on the ranks of Rajo Laurel of Rajito, Mandy Dela Rama-Santos of Tarte Tatin, and the designers of Gingersnaps. Waaaay out of our league, I know. 

As some of you may know, I put together a small collection for The Ramp Kids. The holiday collection is all about grown-up clothes you can play in. Dresses and separates you can play up with pops of colors and fun, statement-making accessories. 

A huge thank you goes out to The Ramp for this opportunity, Smart Parenting for not getting tired of us, and of course to my little muse who never ceases to inspire me every single day.   

Fantasy Closet {Christmas Eve}

Bring out the sparklies and the statement-making babies this Christmas eve. Wether you're having dinner out or just celebrating at home, I say, wear something a little extra special. May it be a pleated midi or nails painted in burgundy, anything really that makes you feel pretty. 

The Elements:

1. Jigsaw Regatta black and white stripe top
2. Topshop pleated color block skirt
3. Amrita Singh Crystal Sunrise earrings
4. All Saints Texas jacket
5. Balmain sandals
6. Kate Spade Twirl
7. Anya Hindmarch Marano clutch
8. Butter nail lacquer