First Ever Cover

A couple of months back I had the privilege of styling my first ever cover and my style subjects were Lea Salonga and her daughter, Nicole, no less. It was nerve wracking, exciting, and fulfilling all at the same time. April is one of the most awaited issues as its all about summer and I just couldn't pass up on such an opportunity. Plus of course, I get to meet a super star. 

L- On Lea: Gingersnaps tunic. On Nicole: The Ramp Kids dress. R-On Lea: Gingersnaps dress, The Ramp necklace, Substance wedges. On Nicole: The Ramp Kids blouse, Gingersnaps shorts.

On Nicole: Gingersnaps dress. On Lea: K & Co. dress, The Ramp necklace.

Lea is such a doll. She was so sweet and no complaint of any sort was heard from her. I was already a fan but even more so after the shoot. Mischka on the other hand found a friend in Nicole and was just so fond of her. It was altogether a lovely working Sunday afternoon which didn't feel like work at all. 

Grab a copy of the April issue if you haven't already!

Weekend Tidbits

It was a working weekend for us. While battling an awful stomach bug that has plagued me since late last week, I had commitments to fullfil over the weekend that I just couldn't bail out on. One was our friend's round-the-clock bridal shower which I set up and just couldn't stay til the party. I missed out on some details for the set up but I heard they had an awesome night so that makes me happy.

Come Sunday, I had my first ever cover styling gig with a huge star, a Disney legend, and an incredible mother all rolled into one. It was tough especially when you're not exactly in tip-top shape. Good thing, my overly eager little assistant was there to lighten the load. 

The weekend that was. How was yours?

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.   

Mischmash Works {Smart Parenting Party Special}

Sharing with you a recent styling project which is a special favorite of mine. Smart Parenting is out with its August Party Issue and it's chock full of pretty things and birthday party ideas. You know me and birthday parties. My heart skips a little when I think of all things children's party. So when Smart Parenting approached me to do their fashion editorial for August, I had no hesitations whatsoever. 

Not until I learned that I also had to prepare the props! Dressing up kids all under the age of 5 is no easy feat but making sure that the set is pretty too, is another thing. 

And so as the story of my party planning life goes, creative relatives save the day. Thank goodness for my cousin Marinez, who practically did all the props here. 

And to my daughter, who at the tender age of 2, is hard at work (and play too), whenever Mama has a styling gig. 

A Mother-Daughter Tandem

I've openly shared my formula for raising a creative, engaged, and interesting child. It could even be the very reason for the existence of this blog.

It's no winning formula but it's the only one I know. I surround my daughter with all things beautiful and creative. However I know that no amount of classes, museum experiences, travel discoveries can mold your child into a curious, creative being.

What makes the most impact, I think, is what they see their parents do. Hence my ultimate little nurture strategy is to involve my child in whatever it is I do, as much as I can. It is not easy and my heart goes out to all working mums out there. But you see, it's what you do with your free time too that makes a mark on raising a creative child.

So in regard of child involvement in adult activities, let me share with you a very special project Mischka and I were part of.

 

 

 Smart Parenting's Summer Fashion Editorial shot on location in Anvaya Cove. 

I did the styling and Mischka was one of the models. It was shot on the day of her second birthday and she was running a high fever the day before. I couldn't leave her sick like that but then I made a commitment to these fine people, the wonderful Smart Parenting team. It was a selfish decision, but I just had to take her with me.  She miraculously woke up with the fever gone on the day of the shoot.

Now looking at these pages with those insanely cute kids, makes all the stress endured on those 2 days way worth it. 

 

Again, I am beyond grateful for opportunities like this. But hey, you need no photo shoot to complete your nurture strategy. Every little thing you do with your child, every single day, counts. As the only people they want to mimic are mama and dada. 

P.S. The Smart Parenting April (Philippine) issue is out in the news stands. Grab a copy and make our day!

 

Happy Weekend!

Guess who made it to the best dressed list of 2010? Not me! Mischka did! 

THE DECEMBER COVER 

I recall laughing out loud when I got a message from SMART PARENTING saying that they have chosen Mischka to be on their best dressed list for the year. Funny, isn't it? The girl has no clue. 

Guess, that's what happens when you're having too much fun having a girl.

Here's to a great weekend, lovelies!