Thank you Lord for 2011!

My last post for 2011 will be short and sweet. Here's a photo collage of my 2011. It was a year filled with family, friends, love, happiness, positive changes, learning and of course, blessings. Here's a photo collage I made in thanksgiving for year that was. =)

P.S. 2011 was EPIC because we welcomed our darling daughter Zia. =) Thank you 2011! =)

2012, we'll welcome you with open hearts and optimistic minds!

Go the Multi-way

Since it's the season of endless partying and lots of merrymaking, I found it fitting to blog about fashion today. So I've had my 2 multi-way dresses since 2009, but I haven't worn them ever since, not that I can't find use for them, but it's more because I find it very revealing every time I try to wear it to a formal occasion. I finally got to wear one of them just last week for a wedding and realized how much I wasn't able to maximize it - it is a multi-way dress after all. Since I couldn't stand going the bare back route for a wedding, I used it as a skirt, and it turned out every bit pretty (for me and for my husband). So here it is, after 2 years of not being worn, I finally got to wear my multi-way dress as a skirt and I think it's gonna be the start of a great many-things for this fashion find, albeit a bit late. =p

Oh, and speaking of multi-way, I'm also wearing clip-on extensions from Tokyo Posh (the brainchild of a good friend of mine from High School, Denise). I love how I can go to weddings or special events without spending a penny on my hair. It's an investment that's worth taking for those who are undecided whether they like their hair or not or for any girl, who'd like to don a different look for those special occasions. Check out the other hairstyle available in http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tokyo-Posh-Hair-Extensions/13956716490 You might find the style perfect for you.

Style thrift tip #3: Buy yourself a multi-way dress, it could be your go-to dress for weddings, parties and other special events. Just make sure you're with a different set of friends when you wear it again. Hehe.

Style thrift tip #4: Invest on clip-on hair extensions, it could take you from unruly to uber girly. You can style your extensions anyway you want too!

Our house decked as Zia's Christmas wonderland

We had a colorful Christmas theme for our home this year to welcome the little one. Zia seems uninterested about the decorations for now, but it sure brought holiday cheer to all those who visited our house. Next year, we will go overboard with the decors - the little one (who'll be more than 1 by then) will be fascinated, for sure. =)

Don't you just wish it was Christmas all year-round?

To our baby girl on your first Christmas

To our dearest Zia,

On your first Christmas we want you to know how blessed we are because you're now in our life. Your dad and I have always loved Christmas, but this year we have you to thank for making us love this holiday even more. We want you to know that even before Christmas, we already got the best gift we could ever receive - and that's you baby girl.

We hope you enjoyed your first celebration with our family and all the gifts that were given by friends and family. We can't wait for you to see how magical Christmas is and how opening presents is the funnest thing ever. We can't wait to teach you the story of Christmas and appreciate the real meaning of the yuletide season.

After all the presents have been opened, mommy and daddy still have one more gift for you dear daughter - a promise that we will try our best to keep - that we will teach and show you how beautiful life is when it's lived right - with faith, optimism, laughter and so much love.

The Lord is indeed very kind to our family - he has blessed us with a precious gift - YOU.

Merry Christmas Zia!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Power Patch!

Power Patch! by z-e-i featuring a bodycon mini skirt

Lipsy crop top
lipsy.co.uk

Mason by Michelle Mason twill jacket
$640 - net-a-porter.com

Bodycon mini skirt
£4.99 - dressrail.com

Christian louboutin heels
$825 - shopsavannahs.com

Lanvin satin handbag
£415 - net-a-porter.com

Swarovski black sport watch
$850 - swarovski.com

I never thought I'd say this...

I never thought I'd say this... not at 27, but can I please please be a stay-at-home mom? Maybe just for awhile. I realized this maybe a week after returning to work. Fast much? Why didn't I think I'd ever say it or want it this much...? Well, I grew up with a lot of strong-willed and very independent women and I've always pictured myself as thriving in the corporate world. But now, almost 4 months into motherhood and more than 5 years of toiling in the workplace, my world has changed, my perspective, with it.

I want to be a stay-at-home mom (I could do freelance writing if needed). I won't waste the privilege, if I were given the chance. I promise. I'll do a good job taking care of Zia. That's more than enough fulfillment I need as a woman. It's a 24/7 job, but it's the epitome of labor of love.

To my mom, one of the strong-willed women in my life, thank you for choosing to leave your budding teaching career to take good care of kuya and I. I will be forever grateful. I know when I was little, I was very vocal about how I wanted to be a career woman and not a housewife, now, I'm taking it back. A housewife and stay-at-home mom sounds more than enough for me. For now, this is my wish. I hope for some reason the cosmos agree with our family and it would be more than okay for me to get my wish and stay with Zia and be the best wife, homemaker and mom the modern world has ever seen. =)

Photo credit: www.briandoddonleadership.com

In full color

In full color by z-e-i featuring vintage tops

Vintage top
£390 - farfetch.com

Blue blazer
romwe.com

Emilio Pucci twill pants
$1,150 - net-a-porter.com

Alexander McQueen red peep toe pumps
$629 - bluefly.com

Kate Spade clutch handbag
$295 - katespade.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors ball watch
$250 - bloomingdales.com

Burberry shawl
$450 - net-a-porter.com

holiday prom

holiday prom by z-e-i featuring an asymmetrical cocktail dress

Zero MariaCornejo asymmetrical cocktail dress
£700 - net-a-porter.com

Notte by Marchesa one shoulder formal dress
$650 - bergdorfgoodman.com

BCBGeneration one sleeve dress
$118 - bloomingdales.com

Dorothy Perkins blue dress
£15 - dorothyperkins.com

Matthew Williamson jeweled clutch
£995 - net-a-porter.com

Anya Hindmarch clutch handbag
$578 - my-wardrobe.com

Diamond jewelry
$75,150 - barneys.com

Noemi Klein butterfly jewelry
£85 - farfetch.com

Jessica Kagan Cushman sapphire earrings
vivre.com

RAFFIT RIBBONS Winter Snowflake (Large)
£50 - harrods.com

Serving Christmas Spirit

I can't believe it has come to this - just yesterday I was thinking of buying us a nice set of Christmas dinnerware - say what? Yep, dinnerware. It used to be all dresses, shoes and bags, now, it's dinnerware. Haha. It's a sign that I'm being more of a homemaker than I ever thought I could be. So here are some cutesy dinnerware patterns perfect for serving some Christmas spirit!

Photo credit: www.thisnext.com

Happy Holiday!

This is why non-working holidays mean more to me now, more than ever!

Yup, I've changed.

I survived my first week back at work after three months of maternity leave - so how do I feel about it? Well, I'm not quite sure yet, my feelings are all mixed up. One thing's for sure though... I'm a different version of me. Everyone at work says I don't look as if I've given birth, and that I look the same - 'parang walang nangyari', they say, but I feel quite the contrary. I may be back in my heels and pre-bump clothes, but deep down inside I know, I'm now an even better version of me, because I'm the same Zei with a wonderful blessing in tow - our baby girl Zia. Even if I'm a 27 year old mom in a sea of not-yet-married pretty ladies and driven professionals at work - I'm more than blessed with what I have now and I can confidently say, with a smile, I've definitely changed... Motherhood has changed me and I am happy. More than I could ever be.

Wall Calligraphy - CHECK!

The wall calligraphy at Le Creperie that started it all

I love making our home even more beautiful than it already is (love your own). My latest favorite thing in our house is the newly written wall calligraphy in our living room wall inspired by the exact calligraphy I saw at La Creperie in Eastwood. It's a pretty unique focal point and I simply love looking at it. =) Special thanks to Ate Malou, my mom's PA, who made a more-than-great job in doing the calligraphy.

From paper

To our wall

I love how our wall calligraphy gives our house a unique charm plus its zero maintenance since it doesn't catch dust and its very low cost. So for homemakers who want to add a little something new to their home, try it - the possibilities are endless with wall calligraphy.

Happy Weekend everyone!

DIY bride turned DIY mom

I'd like to think that I'm somewhat creative. Or should I say I have creative ideas. For our wedding over a year ago, I made the tags for our fan giveaways at Church, I conceptualized the table centerpieces and worked closely with our florist and caterer, made the place cards for our presidential table and other little wedding stuff here and there. So yes, you can call me a DIY bride. Fast forward to a year and 2 months after, I am now a DIY mom - I made our daughter's Christening my new pet project. The whole concept was mine, the purchasing was my mom's. Here are some photos of our daughter's Colorful Christening.

I made the invites using www.tinyprints.com and had it printed as a photo in 5r

Ribboned candles for the godparents

Thank you cards for the godparents' giveaways made using www.tinyprints.com

Thank you cards for the guests' giveaways - Cookies were made by my sister-in-law, Richelle

Letter decoration concept c/o moi

Table setup

Restaurant decoration

Now I can;t wait for our daugther's 1st birthday so I can whip up some DIY charm once again. :)

Happy Sunday all!

My life's current irony

In exactly 12 calendar days, my maternity leave will end and I'll be going back to work. I thought 3 months with your baby full time is long enough but I was clearly wrong. At the moment, I am savoring every waking moment, every nursing time, playtime, diaper change, bath time and all other stuff with my daughter because I will surely miss everything once I'm back at work.

I've been psyching myself up as early as now because I know that the transition will be hard, but there's definitely no stopping it. So allow me to share my life's current irony -- the reason why I don't want to go back to work (yet) is also the reason why I need to go back, yup Zia's the reason. It's funny really. I want so much for our little girl, but in order to give her all those needs and comforts in life, I have to painfully leave her at home. But I guess that's really real life. I am comforted by the fact that so many first time moms before me have been where I am and done it and they managed just fine.

I know it's gonna be hard, but just looking at our baby girl gives me the motivation I need to work well and work hard. As in all life events, it's the perspective that makes the difference. And my perspective now revolves around Zia and my family and doing what's best for us.

So if you're a first time mom just like me and you're about to go back to work, lighten up and just think -- after work hours won't be just for sleeping or being a couch potato anymore - it's gonna be a whole new lovely routine -- saying hi to your baby and exchanging stories of how both your days have been (even if it's just cooing or smiling from the little one) while nurturing your little girl/boy after a day at the office. =)

My Christmas/Forever-until-I-get-it wish list

It's 52 days before Christmas and what better way to spice up my countdown than by sharing my Christmas wish list. This list isn't actually just limited to Christmas, which is why I'm also calling it my Forever-until-I-get-it wish list.

MY wish list

1. VNC Green satchel (http://www.facebook.com/#!/vncphilippines)

2. Elle Emmi peep-toe wedges (http://www.kaboodle.com/)

3. Dooney and Bourke Spicy Satchel in Black black/Black/Kelly Green (http://www.shopstyle.com/) 4. Guess Groovy Rhombus bag in black (http://www.4trees-lemon.com/) 5. Fridge-to-go in pink (http://www.fridge-to-go.com/) 6. Lactation cookies (http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/)

7. Lots and lots of stored milk supply for Zia when I go back to work (http://www.littlebayi.blogspot.com/)

8. Mamaway nursing tank with built-in-bra in black and white (http://www.mamaway.multiply.com/)

9. Forever 21 shopping spree (http://www.stylesilove.blogspot.com/)


10. Makeover to get me out of my maternity leave/stay at home rut

11. 1-year subscription to Real Living magazine (http://www.summitmedia.com.ph/)

My wish list for Rich & I

1. Master bedroom makeover (http://www.1blondesambition-home.blogspot.com/)

2. Trip to anywhere (http://www.tonyocruz.com/)

3. A smaller car (http://www.mazdapits.com/)

My wish list for Zia

1. Your Baby can Read DVD set (http://www.whosmybaby.com/) 2. Lamaze cloth books (http://www.babysoft.com/)
3. Dr. Seuss Book collection (http://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/)

4. Shopping spree at Baby Gap & Zara Baby

5. Manuella yellow kitty bag (http://www.babygadget.net/)
6. Dwell Studio crib bedding set (http://www.modernurbanbaby.com/)

7. Aprica Marshmallow Fruit Car seat bed (http://www.safensound.com.my/)

8. Infant vaccine spree at The Medical City (good until she's 1)

9. A college plan

My wish list for our home

1. A kitchen makeover

2. Shopping spree at Dimensione & Howards Storage World

3. A blue bladeless fan (we already have one in pink for Zia's room) (http://www.ft.com/)

4. mp3 speakers (http://www.mp3speaker-s.net/)

5. Additional wall decals (we have a couple installed already) (http://www.facebook.com/#!/refreshfashion)

And of course, there are the intangible ones for all of us such as good health, wisdom, safety, love and happiness. Go jot down the things you'd love to have now! Remember, it could extend beyond Christmas so big ticket items could be listed. =p

Happy wish list making everyone! ;)

*Photo website sources listed beside item