Mom-Finds For 500 or Less

It's the 30th of the month. Pay day. A day that every regular working body looks forward to. For some, it's 15-30 (half-month pay every 15th and 30th of the month), including me, when I was still single, working with a full time job at an advertising and PR firm. Those were the days when I would reward myself with at least one (as in 1 piece, singular) item as a treat that's well-earned.

What will it be? The latest shade of MAC lipstick...crystal drop earrings...a red patent leather pouchette...the black kitten-heeled sling-backs (let me remind you those were the 90's) ...aah...the anticipation, I just can't wait. But I was working on a very modest budget and something extravagant will have to wait several months to a year for me to acquire. What makes my end-of-the-month purchase more rewarding is when I get them at a steal -- on sale or not. There was just a deeper accomplishment when you get something great, for less. And all shoppaholics can attest to that!

I am not particular about brands as I am quite pragmatic when it comes to non-essentials. If it helps me achieve the look I'm aiming for, and the quality and features suit my needs, and of course I can afford them, then I'm sold.

So, every last Friday of the month (or 15-30 if I can swing it) I will try to share some of my purchases and discoveries and hope that you too can also find that special something that will give you the same thrill and excitement that I get with such fab finds for 500 Pesos or less (approx. US$10). This is my new challenge. Share your finds here too!

Assorted bracelets

I will try not to feature items bought at the popular 168 Mall, Divisoria, Tutuban and Quiapo stores because most of their merchandise are already expected to cost less than P500 (unless I find them really exceptional), so you might as well just go there and hunt for your own bargains :)

P350 : 'Tiffany'-inspired chunky charm bracelet
Gold-plated chain with two-toned metal charms of keys, hearts, locks and fresh water pearls
I bought this from one of the hundreds of pearl stalls in Greenhills shopping center. Originally at P600, after haggling, my friend and I each bought one at almost half the price!

P40@ x 3 = P120 : Jade-like bead bracelets
Jade is a 'lucky gem' for this year, and I don't plan on buying the real thing, so as we passed by this tiny shop in Virra Mall, Greenhills -- Glitzy Fashion House, my girl, the nanny and I had fun trying and piling on these colorful elastic bead bracelets, and got myself 3 of these as a cuff

P395 : Beaded Cuff Bracelet
( +/- a few centavos, can't recall exact price)
At my favorite local department store SM (ShoeMart) Megamall, this was on the display rack and I got instantly attracted to it (together with a belt - for the succeeding post), with beads in varying shades of brown, amber and gold. They also have a version in shades of black.

P.S.
I know it's Thursday but I need to tie this to the '30th' part of my post...and I finished this in time for Friday, now it's 12:26 AM!

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A Starter with Sardines and Kesong Puti

As I attempt to prepare our 'first' menu for the week, I saw myself browsing through an old Food Magazine, hoping to get some new, quick-and-easy dishes I can try to whip up. With the many traditional Filipino dishes, I chanced upon a special feature on French chef Cyrille Soenen (pardon my ignorance on his professional background) presenting a few of his simple dishes he's serving for lunch. Out of the three dishes, I was particularly excited to try this appetizer -- Baguette with Pan-fried Kesong Puti & Sardines.

Mini Baguette from French Baker

It called for toasted sliced baguette, pan-fried sliced kesong puti (native white cheese made from fermented carabao's milk), fresh sardines marinated in herbs and olive oil, a couple of garlic cloves, and fleur de sel -- 'flower of salt', the famous and expensive sea salt that's hand-harvested in France.


I can just imagine the flavors of the garlic rub on toasted baguette, with the rich and salty flavors of kesong puti and sardines. Mmm...

Well, what I got for my version is a mini baguette (since we can't finish a full roll), this wonderful bottle of a mildly hot Zaragoza Spanish-style sardines in corn oil, and a bundle of kesong puti -- a very disappointing purchase from Unimart (grocery) since the 'bundle' of leaf-wrapped cheese were just that, leaves! After removing the thick wrapping, it left me with only two slices. I felt robbed!

To divide the cheese on more toast, I sliced it across and made it thinner. Now I have four slices instead of just two. Wrong move!

After pan-frying those small squares of cheese, I ended up with a thin, gooey blob that looked liked a fried egg white...sigh...
But I was still optimistic.



To rectify the 'situation' with the white cheese, I cut up a few slices of tomatoes and finely chopped fresh parsley drizzled with olive oil and pinch of rock salt, just to add to the topping. It worked wonderfully well -- at least for me :)
The flavors just complemented each other and I gobbled up four toasts before dinner.



Friday is almost over and I finally made my cut-off after quite a hectic week. I hope this scrumptious starter will be able to satisfy your taste buds for your weekend meal.


P.S.
The gooey-looking, burnt kesong puti turned out to really kick the taste up a notch! Even with just two slices, it certainly redeemed itself in the end ;)

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Color Your World

Inspiration board. Theme board. Swatch board. Mood board. 
Call it as you please but they mean the same thing -- these boards serve as a guide and color palette, creating a unique look for a design project or event. The board is a collection of interesting elements, inspiring photos, objects, fabrics, and whatever strikes your fancy.


There's a heavy downpour since this morning and I originally planned to post the kids' first dental visit, but I thought it's best to give a burst of energy to kick off the weekend and have a cheery mood for today. So, I'm sharing some theme boards (I prefer this term) I gathered from here, here, and here. I have 'collected' them to provide inspiration for my future wedded couples as I help them plan their altar date. From pastels to striking bold colors, jewel tones and metallics, these color schemes will help you visualize your ideas and ultimately create a well-coordinated space or a high-impact event.


These first three images are from my best chum in Canada, J.Laceda, who takes amazing photos that are truly inspiring, most of which you can enjoy in her blog.


I hope these vibrant and inviting colors will cheer you up and stir your imagination to create something beautiful, be it for a bedroom, a party, or a work of art. If you decide to make you own theme board, do share it here ;)

burgandy, cream and champagne

black, white and yellow

fuschia, black and white, with damask pattern

black, ivory, and blush

white, silver, and lilac

teal, olive and blue, with peacock accent

pink, white, and apple green

teal green, crimson red, burgandy

white, tiffany blue, and periwinkle

Source:  Theme boards from www.weddingbycolor.com

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Weekend (Cheap) Thrills

Ah, Friday... time for some relaxing days ahead...a respite for tired, busy bodies from the week's load. But for a parent like myself, having a "me time" over the weekend is a luxury, even a secret indulgence for some. With kids around, plans can always change in a snap.

A play group on a Saturday and a road trip on a Sunday? How about grocery shopping or a bicycle ride around the village? Planning your weekends can either be simple, full of adventure, or quite extravagant.

Our weekends past were simple, yes, but not bland at all. For the boy and girl of the house, arcade games, carousel rides and a run through the park is just the right blend for a great weekend. And it didn't cost us much. Maybe sometime soon, a short out-of-town trip or a visit to a museum can be part of the weekend itinerary.

"It sure was fun today mommy!" Enough said.

Our trips to the mall will not be complete without a few kiddie rides

Rocking away on the cow and the pink pig
(it's pink or nothing for my girl!)

Taking home a variety of candies is such a treat -- gummies, orange drops,
jelly beans, and J's favorite (mine too) Caramels

Spotting the fish in the pond

Who would have thought a walk in the park in the middle of Greenbelt
can offer endless fun for these two... and it's free!

 ... busy picking twigs and leaves, searching for bugs and ants

treasures found!

And the best surprise -- two ducks quacked their way though the hedge,
crossed over our side of the field and the kids quickly ran after them in sheer amazement!
They were too fast and I only got this shot.

A nice meal always completes the day (though this is not cheap)...

Ebi Tempura Tray at Sugi -- complete with miso soup, pickled raddish and mustard leaves,
I was satisfied.
The tempura was light and crispy, batter-coated just right, not too thick.

Ready to attack the California Maki -- crab and mango rice roll wrapped in savory nori, yum!

Smoking hot miso soup, with it's flavorful broth and tidbits of tofu and seaweed

Katsudon is J's Japanese comfort food -- but not quite as good as the versions of Kimpura and Jipan.

The Dragon Roll looks better than it tastes.

Then it's DVD time at home -- and this one I liked very much :)

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Show and Tell

Everyday, my kids doodle and draw, tumble and jump, sing and dance, and just demonstrate whatever talent or new skills they discover. And more often than not, they want me to capture their work with the digicam, and sometimes, give an impromptu performance without much prodding! Such a show-off these kids, yet still so charming and wildly entertaining. I guess it comes with the territory.

Excellent. Good job! Very good. That's great! Awesome.

With all the books I have read on parenting and child development, the common denominator is the importance of kids being acknowledged -- for their innate talents, skills, feelings, accomplishments, their good deeds, and compliance to the rules set for them. Be generous with praises, reprimand when necessary. Without a doubt, this builds their self-esteem, self-worth, confidence. However, some argued that too much praise is also not good. To each his own, I say. What matters most is we are able to let them feel loved, appreciated and important. And we are always there to support and cheer them on.

Giving an enthusiastic "Wow" even for a disfigured line drawing will already put a sparkle in the little ones' eyes and you will see how proud they feel, and encouraged to do more... far greater things.

So here's to my future doctor, painter, ballerina, scientist, engineer, astronaut...well, that's what they told me ;)

...first painting on canvass from art class, as inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night

...tumbling

...evolution of a robot

...showing off her new shades, new top, purse - all gifts from grandma



...one of hundreds of JT's solar system drawings, and only one of a few with colors



...rocking it out like a pro on her fave pink guitar
(would love to post the video version but uploading takes ages!)



...proudly flashing a heart cut-out greeting for me

Finally, my own 'show and tell' -- one proud mama can't help but take a snap at this:

Without anyone looking, on her own, our 2-year old girl properly set aside her shoes, removed her socks and tucked it in place, then played quietly with big brother on the couch.

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Digging Damask

Damask (dăm'əsk) [from Damascus], fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton, or man-made fibers, with a pattern formed by the weaving; e.g., the ground may be in twill weave, and the contrasting design in satin.

True damasks are flat and reversible, thus differing from brocades. Splendid patterns, silks, and dyes were used by the Damascus weavers, sometimes with the addition of gold or silver thread. Fine linen table damask is one of the most beautiful examples of the modern weavers' art, in both pattern and texture. Double damask has more picks, or threads, to the inch than single; compound damask has one or two warps and two fillings.


In the past few months, searching for inspiration for my upcoming wedding events landed me in these fabulous sites showcasing this rich, traditional fabric, with a modern appeal -- damask. This is such a great pattern for a wedding theme, with exciting color combinations to choose from that will surely make a bold statement to any event. And here I found a treasure trove of great finds with this timeless material that is very chic for the home, wedding elements, and other accessories. Indulge and be inspired as well!

History

Damasks were one of the five basic weaving techniques of the Byzantine and Islamic weaving centres of the ealy Middle Ages,^[3] and derive their name from their supposed origin in the city of Damascus, Syria.^[4] Damasks were scarce after the ninth century outside of Islamic Spain, but were revived in some places in the thirteenth century.^[5] By the fourteenth century, damasks were being woven on draw looms in Italy. From the fourteenth to the sixteenth century, most damasks were woven in a single colour, with a glossy warp-faced satin pattern against a duller ground. Two-colour damasks had contrasting colour warps and wefts, and polychrome damasks added gold and other metallic threads or additional colors as supplemental brocading wefts. Medieval damasks were usually woven in silk, but wool and linen damasks were also woven.^[2][4]

Modern uses

Damask weaves are commonly produced today in monochromatic (single-colour) weaves in silk, linen or linen-type synthetic fabrics which feature patterns of flowers, fruit, and other designs. The long floats of satin-woven warp and weft threads cause soft highlights on the fabric which reflect light differently according to the position of the observer. Damask weaves are most commonly found in table linens, but are also used for clothing and furnishings. Modern damasks are woven on computerized Jacquard looms.^[1]

: : my favorites are these cute lunch case and all-around tote / diaper bag

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