Mom-Finds: Cache-Cache French Clothing Brand

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds and Raves / Shopping


Cache-cache (pronounced as kash-kash) is French for hide and seek.

www.cache-cache.com

This is not really a new discovery. Cache-Cache is a French label brought in the country by Store Specialists, Inc. last year.  I only found out about this brand last month while I was creating my looks on local virtual styling site Miss-match.

Sample: the skirt on this look I created is from Cache-Cache

You see, I'm not so familiar with new fashion brands and shops anymore as I seldom go on a shopping spree, nor do I plan any of my clothing purchases, unless there's an occasion.  Or in this case, I badly needed to update my wardrobe and I spotted a 'Sale' sign!

Given the very few current pieces in my closet, I realized that two of my favorites are from Cache-Cache.

TOP : Dolman-sleeved blouse in grayish army green (hard to put a name on this color), with ruching detail

Worn with beige trousers, low-heeled shoes and accent neck piece

I like blouses with dolman sleeves and as soon as I put on this super comfy top, I was sold.  My first Cache-Cache find. This is the type that doesn't look good on the hanger but falls great on the body when worn, and flattering on most body types.

I bought this on sale at their SM Megamall branch for less than PhP700 only!  Now I regret not buying the dark blue as well.

With ruching detail on the sides

PANTS : Tapered pants in an earthy blue hue, again I have no idea how to describe the shade (I found 'Yale blue' on Google, it looks fairly accurate, hehe)

Color-blocking: pants with thin belt, bright-colored top and loafers

After a successful first purchase, I chanced upon their branch in Robinson's Galleria and saw a line of solid colored pants at PhP999.

It felt like high school all over again after I tried it -- slim, tapered, good give, length just hitting the ankle. Most of my pants then were like these. Yes, a bit short for my height but it works for me since I fold the hem an inch up when I wear it with flats.

Cache-Cache 'let's you play with fashion' with their classic and trendy separates, casual everyday pieces at reasonable prices.  And I haven't even checked out their accessories yet. Don't know much about the brand but I can say their looks are a mix of classics with a twist, girly, funky, boho, wearable styles that I still find appropriate for my age! Hahaha... :)

What's your new favorite brand? Do share!

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Mom-Style: Rone of Mothering Earthlings

After over two years in the blogosphere, I am fortunate to have met some truly wonderful and real people, like-minded moms, and several interesting personalities through social media.

One such individual is this hip and fab mom with gorgeous earthlings. She also happens to be the first ever online friend I've met in person! I'm pleased to introduce to you Mom-Style's mom on the spotlight -- Rone Guerrero of Mothering Earthlings.

EarthlingsMama and her boys

1. Please share with us what your typical day is like?
I try to get up before the kids do so I can shower and get ready in peace.  I have breakfast with the boys and send them off to school.  The rest of the day is spent on my online shop, blog or doing admin work for my husband's business when needed.  There is always something that needs to be done with the shop -- process orders, photograph new products and upload them on the site, manage inventory, marketing... so it keeps me busy.

The afternoons my son has football I usually go and watch.  Then we end the day with a family dinner and bedtime stories.  When the kids are asleep is actually the time I like to blog.  I used to be a night owl before kids and it still is the time of day when my thoughts are clearest.

2. What do you enjoy most about your current occupation?
I absolutely love what I do right now.  It involves fashion which is the industry I have worked over a decade in and always enjoyed.  I get to work from home and my schedule is very flexible.  It is a business that promotes Filipino brands and start ups.  Best of all it is a concept my sister and I created and continue to work on.

www.motheringearthlings.com

3. As a follow-up, can you share one or two practical tip/s or advise in relation to what you're doing right now?
My sister, who is my partner, and I had many ideas on how to do Mothering Earthlings as far back as 2006.  It was only in 2010 that we really refined our ideas and got our concept right.  When starting something, I think it is important to go with something that you really believe in and something that is absolutely doable.  Don't rush and think things through.  I am really proud of Mothering Earthlings, that we only carry Filipino brands and we promote Philippine design and mompreneurs.

From the About Us page of Mothering Earthlings

As for working at home, I am kinda kalat (disorganized) and forgetful so I am a list person.  I have to have 'to-do lists' and schedules otherwise I might never get anything done.

4. I launched Mom-Style to feature mothers with style and substance, and I believe you possess those qualities.  So what's your Mom-Style? 
Describe your mothering style and personal style in fashion or design philosophy.
I've been told that my style is urban hippie.  I think it is pretty accurate.  I can't live without jeans, tank tops and wedges.  I also don't like looking like I'm wearing the uniform of the universe so I tend to put on something a bit .... odd.  Although I tend to dress depending on my mood for the day so every now and then I might go the absolutely other direction and go preppy.

With my kids I like funky rockstar clothes.  I am definitely not the preppy, linen, loafers sort of mom. But my two boys have their own style and like picking their own outfits.  I just let them even if it isn't exactly the best combination of colors, textures or prints.  I'll just blackmail them with pictures of their bad fashion choices when they are older.  Hahaha!

5. Who are your Mom-Style icons?
I never really thought about it but Kate Moss and Gwen Stefani are always so effortlessly cool and chic.  Kate Moss doesn't even follow trends, she starts them, (you) can't get any more fashionista than that.  Is there a cooler mom than Gwen Stefani?  No matter what she is wearing or where she is she still maintains her edginess and I love, love, love that.  Her sons are just as edgy and cool.

What I love is your cool vibe and confidence, and it translates through your sense of style and progressive way of parenting.  You really are the epitome of a hipster mom and I feel fortunate to be able to get to know you better.  I'm sure you have already inspired many women out there with what you shared here, especially the moms.  You proved that we can enjoy and achieve the best of both worlds -- pursuing and doing what we love as an individual while spending quality time with our families.


Rone blogs at:
Mothering Earthlings
All photos courtesy of Rone Guerrero

Shop for unique items online, here at www.motheringearthlings.com

* * *
MOM-STYLE : a special feature on mothers with style and substance. 
To highlight their diversity, expect the same questions for each mom on the spotlight.

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Smart, Glamorous and Hardworking Women Breastfeed

"Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and joyous acts of human love. And yet many Filipina mothers today, misled by a number of mistaken notions, continue to depend chiefly on formula milk to nourish their infants." - BBB

Over a week ago, I was invited to a press conference for UNICEF's breastfeeding campaign in partnership with Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding, Inc. (BBB), an NGO advocating breastfeeding led by Ms. Iza Abeja.  As much as I wanted to attend this noteworthy event, my daily mom duties did not allow me to. Still, I decided to share these important facts I've learned from their press release as I am an advocate of breastfeeding as well.

According to UNICEF statistics, only 34% of mothers in the Philippines practice exclusive feeding during their babies' first six months, and close to 50% depend on artificial milk in varying degrees.


BBB would like to correct several misconceptions about breastfeeding that discourage many mothers:

• Exclusive breastfeeding in the formative first six months of an infant is NOT a hindrance to a mother’s professional or personal goals
• Exclusive breastfeeding is a commitment to give one’s child with life-nourishing food and a good start in life; to think of breastfeeding as only for the poor should be dismissed immediately
• Continued breastfeeding DOES NOT cause  a woman’s breasts to deform, sag or make her look haggard and unattractive
• Breastfeeding in public places is not an act shame and therefore should be encouraged

The event brought together three equally beautiful and accomplished women, composed of Ms. Abeja, media personalities Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Daphne Oseña-Paez, to speak out and recount their breastfeeding experiences, and inspire more mothers to nurse their babies.

Patricia Bermudez-Hizon

 Daphne Oseña-Paez

Iza Abeja

These amazing moms and their kids will appear in billboards around Metro Manila to bring their messages across and create more awareness about the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.

I have written my personal breastfeeding experiences here and have also encouraged many of my friends to breastfeed as well.  Breastfeeding was truly one of the most fulfilling part about my being a mother.

Notes from a breastfeeding class

Got milk?

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Fun Friday: Share the Love, WIN this Vanity Box

Third Friday of the month:  Fun / Contests / Blog Promo

It's not even Christmas yet, but with all the blessings lately, it's time for me to pay it forward with a sweet and simple pre-holiday blog giveaway.

I've collected these wonderful assortment of beauty products and toiletries over the past months and would like share them. It would be such a waste if I just stock them up. These are all new and unused, waiting to be opened and enjoyed!

I also threw in a few personal accessories to complete this fully-loaded big red reusable box -- new pair of dangling earrings, and pre-loved bead necklace and turquoise cocktail ring.

One (1) lucky reader will WIN Mom-Friday's Vanity Box worth over Php 1,500!

2 Easy Steps to Join:

1. 'Add a Comment' on the built-in Facebook box below with this line (copy-paste):

Share the blog love for @My Mom-Friday and Win this Gift!

2. Leave your Name and Email on the Disqus box so I can verify your identity.

No sweat right? C'mon, give me some blog love and join now! :)

Reminders:

'Post to Facebook' box should be checked to appear on your walls (and should stay there until the draw) to be valid.

Tag properly and type "@" before My Mom-Friday.

Of course, you need to 'Like' my FB page first so you can tag me :))

Only one comment per reader will be counted.

Entry Cut-off:  October 25, 2011 - 12 noon (Manila time)

Announcement of winners:  October 27, 2011

Winner will be manually drawn by my boy or girl.

Winner's name will be posted here so check back next Thursday.

Raffle is open to readers with Metro Manila mailing address.

SHARE THE LOVE, SHARE THE FUN! :)

AND THE WINNER IS...

Congratulations! I will send you a confirmation message/email :)

THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING!!!

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Z-PORE Instant Pore Refiner by GoodSkin Labs

"A lightweight pore-perfector that immediately hides enlarged pores caused by skin aging."- GSL

They got me at 'pores'!
We all have pores -- but some have more enlarged pores than others.  I have lots, and mine are visible around the nose and inner cheek areas from years of stubborn adult pimples and acne in my late 20s.

You can imagine how excited I was when I received the latest product innovation from GoodSkin Labs -- the Z-PORE Instant Pore Refiner cream that came in this 20ml tube. I couldn't wait to try it!

After cleansing and moisturizing:

1. I squeezed a small amount of Z-PORE -- light, powdery-smooth texture
2. It looks like cream foundation in natural color
3. Smoothed over specific areas with visible pores, in downward strokes: on sides of nose, parts of cheeks
4. Blends well and "disappears" on my skin 

Pardon the unsightly (un-retouched) images :)

Before                                                                     After

I immediately saw the effects and the product delivered as promised:

What Z-PORE does:

• Reduces appearance of pores
• Controls oils
• Gives a flawless matte finish
• Reduces shine
• Water, sweat, humidity resistant

It INSTANTLY reduced appearance of my enlarged pores and revealed a velvety smooth, matte finish. I love how it feels on the skin with it's super fine texture. It's so light and sets quickly.  I did not feel the need to put powder over it anymore.  The only thing I did was pat face powder over the rest of my face to even out skin tone and I'm done.  What's amazing about it is that the areas with Z-PORE remained matte and dry the rest of the day.  I was tempted to use it on my whole face the next day but I restrained myself.  :)))

However, I noticed subtle skin flaking on the cheeks where I applied the cream.  I have combination skin but my cheeks tend to be on the dry side, so I guess it made it even drier with is "mattifying" formulation.  I do recommend Z-PORE to those with oily skin as it really does the trick -- shine-free face!  It's also great as a makeup base since it leaves skin smooth and even.

Z-PORE contains silicone polymers, optical diffusers and mica that creates a matte finish once applied. A special mix of conditioning silicone, vitamin E and lauryl lysine powder make it non-drying.  Use with or without makeup.

Please note that Z-PORE does not claim to make pores shrink and disappear, but simply helps reduce appearance for a more flawless-looking skin.

SRP @ Php 1,600 / 20ml tube

“A youthful complexion is often defined by smooth texture and clean, invisible pores. Because
 pores develop in size and visibility with aging, patients in my practice are always looking for products that help conceal them in order to create a polished and refined look that is smooth to the touch. What is great about Z-Pore is that it creates instant pore refinement with a beautiful silky finish for all day wear.” - Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, GoodSkin Labs Global Consulting Dermatologist

Z-PORE is available at selected Watsons Personal Care Stores, Beauty by SM Department Stores and Marionnaud Mall of Asia.

For more information on the GoodSkin Labs, visit: www.goodskinlabs.com

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Family Friday: Video Games and Spelling

Second Friday of the month:  Schooling / Kids / Parenting

iPad, Wii, XBox, DSi, and cartoon shows ...they did this to my boy...

This post will be all about the boy.

With this latest feat, it now became 1000x harder for me to deny the fact that playing lots (and I mean hours and hours) of video games and too much TV is not all that bad for kids. Well, in this case, for my kid. Obviously, his reading and spelling skills greatly improved due to iPad apps, games, etc. etc.

Don't get me wrong, he still reads books. And he asks a lot of "how do you spell..." questions. We also set time limits to his playing and TV watching, with parental guidance (or nanny guidance) all the time.

Our parenting style may be frowned upon by some, but that's just us. We were never the "no-TV-no-gadgets-on-school days" type.  It simply would not work given the circumstances in our household. We compromise with the kids.  Study first before play/TV.

My confession:  I survived my student life studying while the TV and radio are on. Crazy as it sounds, it helped me focus better. And I never studied past midnight. So who am I to ban them from all these on school days?

While he continues to enjoy the mousey adventures of Geronimo Stilton, and finishes the required reading materials in school, he reads a ton of game instructions on his own everyday.  He also coaches his little sister, and even reads and seriously watches game cheats on YouTube, would you believe that?!

I guess what I'm trying to say here is...to each his own.  

My boy has his own style of learning and we recognize that. I believe all of us parents should recognize how our children learn best, and try to support that.

He's an audio-visual learner. He cannot sit through homework for long periods of time without brief breaks in between.  He tunes out and goes into his zone when focused on a task. He's a very fast learner, grasping concepts quickly.  We always knew art, math and science topics are the boy's strengths, so these achievements in reading and language surprised us.

Before his Spellbound qualifying certificate, he got a Reading Award

My only credit here is that I did review him with the first batch of words provided for the initial round of their spelling bee. I was not aware of how big they will make Spellbound in school until he told me he got qualified in the Semi-finals, then this, for the Finals. Honestly, we did not have any expectations, and there was no pressure on his part as well. It has always been that way with us in terms of studies.  Therefore, this is all him. I thank God everyday for blessing us with an intelligent boy (who doesn't need much tutoring). I am a lousy tutor I tell you, but I try my best. With my level of tutoring, I am amazed that he gets me, and how I explain his lessons to him! :D  Seriously, hubby is way better at this.

Be responsible. Do your best. No expectations. Reach for the top.
Daddy and mommy are so proud of you JT! :)



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Foodie Friday: Home-cooked Favorites

First Friday of the month:  Recipes

Lately, I've been looking back at my past food posts and several recipes I found online to get ideas for my menu planning in the coming weeks.  Time to "recycle" and prepare these dishes again for the family to enjoy.  

These are some of my favorites, most of which are simple and easy to do, whether for breakfast or dinner.  Let's turn back the clock and revisit these recipes with me.

Click the photos for recipes.

BREAKFAST

Baguette with Pan-fried Kesong Puti & Sardines - best of French-Filipino fusion

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Mom-Grocer: Lipton Original Flavor Milk Tea

Since late last year, with the surge of bubble tea places within our neighborhood, I've been constantly craving for ice-cold milk tea and trying different sinkers to combine with it.  If you're like me, then this instant powder mix is the answer to those days when you need your milk tea fix and just don't have the time to grab a tall cup from your favorite tea place.

Among my favorite bubble tea drinks are Serenitea's Wintermelon and Okinawa milk teas, ChaTime's Taro and Red Bean milk teas, and TeaTap's Formosa Roast and Wintermelon milk teas.  All these flavors I've enjoyed with an assortment of sinkers such as black pearl (tapioca balls), coffee bricks (coffee jelly), egg pudding (flan), panna cotta, and grass jelly.  They cost around Php 95 - 105 for each tall cup depending on flavor and combination of sinkers.

I only recently discovered this at SM Hypermarket -- Lipton Milk Tea Orignal Flavor in convenient 15g-stick packs. Now I can simply mix my own cup anytime I want, hot or iced, for less than Php10 per cup!  It's claim is true -- aromatic and smooth, with a light sweet taste. Of course the sinkers make all the difference, but this instant mix is enough to satiate my occasional cravings.

Available at:  Cherry Foodarama @ Php 36.40 / SM Hypermarket @ Php 44.50, per box of 5 sachets

The powder mix is made with instant tea, sugar, non dairy creamer and milk powder -- a quick pick-me-up drink that is flavorful and refreshing. Take it hot in the morning, and ice-cold during warm afternoons.  I just had an icy glass with a pack of pretzel sticks -- my afternoon delight! ;)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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