My Style Statement inspired by The Ramp Crossings

I'm one office mom. I work from 8:30 a.m.until 5:30 p.m. everyday in one of the banks in Makati.  In my position as an executive assistant to the president, it's a requirement to look corporate at all times. However, the usual dark blazer and skirt or monotone colored blazer and pants look can get pretty boring.  Oh yes, I do get bored with my look at times. 

I love bright colors. I love yellows, tangerines and the likes. But I don't want to get overboard or look like a corporate clown when I put together a look in the office (I'll leave that look to those twenty-something yuppies who work for a fashion or advertising companies). I still want to look my age when I dress up. I want to look conservative but not "manang-ish".  I want a look that's a little bit flirty but respectable.  Well, I hope you get what I mean.  I want some contradictions in my style.

So, to achieve that style, I incorporate a bright color to a classic corporate look and combine different cloth textures like the one I did below.  I name this style, "Contradictions."

 

 

The shoes:

Hill- The allure of a stiletto heel can never be denied as this 3 ½ pumps prove. This pair will complement a balloon type dress or skirt.

The jacket and the inner top:
Crystal Lemon Jacket-  The bright yellow color looks preppy, young and vibrant which fits my personality. 
Inner top-  The black inner top complements the happy colored jacket.  The inner blouse is highlighted by the sexy cuts on the neck area.   

The skirt:

Gia V Skirt- Fleur-de-lis, Holiday 2012’s top trend gives the mini skirt a new spin. Made from lace and layered with tulle, this is a great piece that looks a bit conservative and classic yet sexy because of its texture and length.

"Contradictions" fits my personality so perfectly.

This is my style, put together by pieces from THE RAMP CROSSINGS.

 

http://www.therampcrossings.com/

I Can Be Body Beautiful at Any Age with Wacoal

I'm so thankful for winning Php15,000 worth of Wacoal products 3 months ago for joining a blogging contest.  I have always believed in the excellent quality of Wacoal intimate apparels.  I just love how they hug my body.      

As a mom who has 3 kids already, it's difficult to keep a firm and toned body.  I won't deny the fact that even at my age, I still desire to look great and lose all my "flabbiness". Wacoal undergarments have been helping me solve my body aging dilemma.

Wacoal's high-waist girdle helps me look like I just had a tummy tuck all of a sudden. Their shape pants and body suit helps sculpt my body.                  

Nothing beats the feeling I have when I’m wearing, not only perfect-fitting and high-quality, but nice and pretty undergarments. It makes me feel so good inside and that good feeling just comes out, thus making me more confident.  I can say that with Wacoal, it's never an excuse to be flabby just because I'm a mommy.     

http://www.wacoal.ph

Let’s Move & Let’s Love

 
Eversince I graduated from college and started to earn my own keep, I have this desire to do something about the plight of our street children and contribute something (tangible items and non-tangible items) to an orphanage. Orphans and abandoned kids have a special place in my heart maybe because I'm an orphan myself. 

When I was still single, I would join my brother and his family to a Noche Buena food-giving project to street children or to those just living in "karitons". Soon after, I organized a similar project right before Noche Buena. But this time, I enjoined my yuppie friends who helped in preparing and distributing the food to street children. To be honest, it was tiring but more than that, there's always this feeling of blessedness when I'm involved in doing some acts of charity and kindness. There’s joy in my heart when I give a part of myself to others and I guess this holds true to everyone who’s been part of a similar undertaking.   

    

This Christmas I would like to take action once again to bring joy and happiness to an orphanage that I've been wanting to revisit since the first time I went there. What I' ve been planning to do is not at all grand but a simple gesture of "giving". I would like to actually organize/put up a garage sale before Christmas from which all proceeds would be used to buy pajamas, clothing items, maybe some blankets, for the kids in the orphanage. I would like this "Giving Event" to be part of our family holiday activities starting this year.  We don’t have much to begin with, but we have been blessed far more than what we deserve. It’s about time to share part of our blessings to others.                    

Together with my husband and three daughters ages 12, 6 & 3, I would spend one whole afternoon at an orphanage this Christmas, feeding the kids, playing and mingling with them. I would like to give them my love and warm embrace even for a short time. I believe doing this would make our Christmas more meaningful and fulfilling. This is also one very effective way to teach our children the true meaning of Christmas. 

   

And maybe this single step would be a start of fulfilling one of my dreams... that of putting up a children's orphanage. I guess, if we all start doing something for others (sort of a pay it forward thing) and start thinking of other people more and think of ourselves less, then I believe, this world would be a far more better place.

This is my official entry to Nuffnang's & Benetton's "Let's Move & Let's Love" Blog Contest.  

http://perfumes.benetton.com/

Be Derek's New Anna!

To be honest, last night was my first time to hear the Anna Banana song. It was also my first time to see the following videos due to the fact that my TV viewing time is close to nil. 

The Rejection

   

The Admission of Admiration

The "Pity"tion

And here's my reaction to Anna's rejection of Derek's admission of admiration to Anna

Well, I don't have a video for this but I find Anna conceited and nasty.  With her off-putting attitude, for sure, she'll end up having no friends and being tagged as one of those MEAN girls. If I were Derek's mom, I would make him see that she is not the right girl for him... I just don't know how.

I like how Derek's family is sensitive to his feelings. They didn't over-react just as what other parents have the tendency to do, most especially if their "binatilyo" is a mama's boy. 

Derek deserves a nice girl.  He doesn't deserve someone like Anna Banana, even for a friend.  He deserves someone who is sweet and kind-hearted like my daughter, Nina. I'm not saying that Derek' new Anna should be my daughter.  All I'm saying is that Derek should look for someone who has the same qualities as my Nina. 

 

The Invitation 

So, to all my girl readers, I invite you to Be Derek’s Next Anna or maybe help him find his next Anna by going to http://www.dereksnewanna.com/. 

All that must be done is for the Anna wanna-be to submit a video entry on why she should be Derek’s new Anna! If she wins, she'll be part of the next PLDT myDSL commercial and also take home a Samsung Ultrabook. 

Energizer and Nuffnang Power My Life

Energizer and Nuffnang power my life through their innovative and exciting products and events which enable me to be one indefatigable mother-blogger!    

In terms of having a frenetic schedule (one that is frantic and hectic), nothing can beat that of a working mom's. I belong to this world. My schedule revolves around juggling a career, children, a spouse, family and friends. A tough job, that is. But I am glad that I have learned to perfectly balance work and family.

Having three active kids helps a lot in keeping me on the go. I play with them every moment I get. I love to teach them every chance I have. They are active children and their love for learning and music is enhanced through the toys they play with.  Oh how they love to sing mimicking "Taylor Swift" and "Katy Perry" using their battery-operated microphones. They love to play with their "almost real" kitchen gadgets.  Thanks to Energizer for powering up the things they love. Whenever they ask me to buy batteries for their toys, I always rely on the long-lasting Energizer.  In fact, I keep a stock of Energizer batteries at home, not only for their toys but for a lot of our home gadgets like my husband's ultimate favorite piece of gadget - the remote control.  

On my end, my digicam, which is a gift from hubby and my most used gadget, uses rechargeable Energizer batteries, too. I bring it with me everyday, everywhere I go. It is a prized-possession because it is through my digicam that I can capture memories and moments with my family.  Energizer batteries never disappoint and are very reliable. Because of this, I get to share these photos of just anything under the sun or freeze these memories through my blog.  Nuffnang powers up my blog.  It makes my blog much more alive.  Being a mother-blogger is much more exciting with Nuffnang. I love to attend Nuffnang events and join contests sponsored by Nuffnang.  

So, what's the similarity between Energizer and Nuffnang?  I say, it's the adventurous spirit of those involved in these two brands. They are innovative and exciting.  Oh yeah, they keep us going, going, going ......     

Makers of the World’s Longest Lasting Batteries

 

Be Body Beautiful with Wacoal

Read on so you'll know why I posted this picture first ...... 

“Mom, why are your boobs sad?” That was what my 5-year old daughter, Noelle, asked me one night after seeing me stepped out of the shower.  At first, I laughed so hard at her curiosity.  Then, I stopped laughing and wondered what she meant by “sad”.  Did I hear it right?  Sad or Sag?  Oh well, it didn't matter, really. I guess, they mean the same thing anyway when referring to breasts.  I was just in denial.

Groping for an answer, I just explained to her that my breasts used to store milk for her and her two sisters when they were still babies. Yes, I used to pump breast milk for the three of them and she remembered seeing me express my milk for her little sister, Nala.

Days passed and I had forgotten about that funny conversation I had with my daughter until one night while we (me and my 3 daughters) were watching a Titanic DVD, the painting scene between Jack and Rose brought it all back ----  

Noelle (5yo): (shocked and in amazement) Mom, why is the girl naked???!! The boy can see her boobs!!!  Eeeeewwww.

Nisi (12yo):  Yeah.... and the boy is painting her??? 

Nala (2yo):  Eeeewww...Eeeewwww…Eeeeewwww.

I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it or put malice into it so, I just explained to them casually that the boy, Jack, is a fine artist who has a knack for painting and drawing naked women because of the curves of the body. 

Well, I should have stopped there.  But I didn’t.

Me: Look, the girl is just like mommy. We have the same beautiful body.

Then, immediately I heard words of protest from my girls.  My 2-year old even looked at me, bewildered, as if telling me, “Mama, it’s baaad to lie, right?”

Noelle:  Mom! The girl there is sexy and her boobs are big! Yours are small….and sad.  (Uh-oh, I heard that adjective again.)  

Nisi:  And your tummy and thighs are wavy, just like an ocean.  Look (taps my tummy). See how it moves…it’s like a wave.  (Giggles) 

Nala:  Mama, I’m shekshy....you’re taba.    

My daughters are my worst critics! I wanted to shout “ENOUGH ALREADY!” But, we all ended up laughing. Oh what a night. It was the night when my 5-year old daughter’s observation regarding my body and boobs was validated.    

So there, that’s my shocking body aging story…straight from the mouth of my babies.

A week after my daughters lambasted my body, I went on a 7-day cleansing diet.  While I lost some pounds and a few inches on my tummy and hip area, the loose skin on my tummy is still evident. I’m still flabby. I still have lots of cellulites. I have to accept the fact that my body is, indeed, aging. My body is definitely losing its elasticity and my skin is starting to drop which reminds me of what my daughters said about my boobs – “sad” (huhuhu) and yes, my hubby’s constant comment on my body, “Nanay ka na nga.”  Whatever that means.

  

I still want to look great and fit into those sexy cocktail dresses (I know my husband will love me more). But at my age (I’m 43) and with all my “flabbiness”, I know it’s not gonna be easy. But, I also know that certain undergarments can help solve my body aging dilemma. I know Wacoal can.   

Wacoal was introduced to me by my sister (who used to obsess over the brand) during the time that I first wore a bra.  I think my first bra was a hand-me-down Wacoal from my sister. I used to buy Wacoal bras when I was still single. But, things changed when I got married and had kids. I've been putting off buying things for myself since then. I know a lot of mommies can relate.    

Just last week, I accompanied my 12-year old daughter to her first “bra-shopping”.  As I was choosing some undergarments for her, I couldn’t help but admire the underwear pieces from Wacoal.  I wanted to buy for myself, especially their high-waist girdle that can help me look like I just had a tummy tuck all of a sudden and can sculpt my body. I wanted to buy their shape pants, body suit, and their very pretty and lacy intimate apparels.  There were so many I like!                  

I love the feeling when I’m wearing, not only perfect-fitting and high-quality, but nice and pretty undergarments. It makes me feel so good inside and that good feeling just comes out, thus making me more confident. Well, it has been a while since I felt that way.   

I know I’m not getting any younger but I know that what I wear inside and outside matters a lot in making me feel young. I took notice of Wacoal's Campaign, which, by the way, is very empowering -- "Be Body Beautiful at Any Age".  It's great to know that Wacoal has intimate apparels which can address any body problem depending on your age.  With Wacoal it’s never an excuse to be flabby and have a “wavy” body with a bulging tummy just because I’m a mommy.               

I have three wonderful girls and I want them to be proud of me. I am conscious of the fact that they look up to me and on my part, I hope I can inspire them to be the best that they can be, in every aspect of their lives. I want them to be confident and positive all the time. And when they see those qualities in me, it is likely that my daughters will have these same qualities.

And, yes, before I even forget...I wanna have "happy" boobs, again :-)     

Above photo taken 2 years ago. I wasn't pregnant here, okay.  

 Above photo taken an hour before I got married. I was 30 years old here. I think I had an OK body then.

What a difference 10 years can make!

To know more about Wacoal's Be Body Beautiful at Any Age Campaign, visit  http://www.wacoal.ph/mvc/

My Sexy Revolution Starts NOW

A copy of my 7-Day Weight Loss Diet Program

As I write this post, I'm already on Day 2 of this 7-Day Weight Loss Diet Program.  I have been following this diet plan twice a year for the past 6 years.  It has been effective in cleansing my body of toxins and impurities.  

 

I remember the first time I tried this diet, I wanted to kill somebody on Day 1.  I was irritable and grumpy.  I was craving for real food!  To think that I love fruits.  Towards the night, I felt so weak and my vision was going dim.  But I managed to sleep it off.  

Day 2 was no different.  My cravings even grew stronger but since I was determined to lose some belly fats and stop my sweet-cravings for a while, I persevered.  On Day 3, my cravings were slowly fading. My grumpy mood was also no more.  Days 4-7, likewise, weren't smooth-sailing but nevertheless, I completed the 7-day ritual at first try!  

And just like all endeavors, the first time was always the hardest. Not only was it my first time to undergo a detox diet, it was also the first time ever that I subjected my body to a diet program and a strict one at that.  Kudos to me!

I agreed to it, thinking that I won't really "sweat it out" since I love fruits and vegetables and I have no problem with drinking lots of water, anyway.  But still, I underestimated the diet in terms of difficulty.  But hey, I completed it and I liked the result.  I lost 10 pounds and some inches on my tummy and hips.  But more importantly, I felt so light. Since then, I had decided to do it twice every year.

I have been asked about this diet several times and happily recommended and emailed it to officemates, friends, family and countrymen. I still have the original print-out or copy of this diet, but unfortunately, I cannot remember anymore who gave me the print-out or where I got this diet from. I guess, aside from other issues, Alzheimers is one thing that this diet cannot address.

And speaking of issues, I admit, that this diet is not perfect and I’m not sure if it’s a healthy diet.  Remember, I starved myself for 7 days. Yes, it was effective to me but I don’t know if it’s a healthy way to lose weight. In fact, your weight can easily revert back to your weight prior to dieting if you don’t watch  what you eat and your cravings start again.  I even think that the weight loss is just probably water loss.

I also hate the loose skin on my tummy after completing the detox diet. And yes, my cellulites are still there all over my thighs and hips. They’re very unsightly especially when I wear a bikini.  I can’t even explain the look on my hubby and kids’ face when I wear a two-piece.  Oh yes, I can explain – the look on their face tells me, ”Babe/Mom, please stop embarrassing us.”

You see, my kids are my toughest critics when it comes to my body and form. Yes, they can be very unforgiving. They describe my tummy and thighs as “wavy” (like the waves), in Tagalog “ma-alon”, when I insist that I’m one sexy mom.  I’m that delusional, you see.

Everybody wants a toned body or firm skin. Even a petite working mom like me dreams of having a to-die-for body like that of Georgina Wilson's. I can dream, can't I?  At 43, everything is sagging already.  But I cannot imagine myself going under the knife in order to "un-sag my body".  For one, I’m afraid of knives. Second, I’m afraid of being operated on.  Third and most importantly, I don’t have a budget for that. That's why I’m glad that now, I have the chance to win Sexy Solutions treatments such as:

• 1 session Lipo Cavitation
• 3 sessions Multi Firm  (this one I truly need!)
• 3 sessions Body Sculpt
• Consultation from Belo Medical Group’s In-Store Consultant and Fitness Expert Edward Mendez.
• Lipo Diet and Maintenance Diet Plans and a Training System

from Belo Sexy Solutions, which  I believe will address all my body and fear issues (www.sexysolutions.com.ph).

And oh yes, it’s also nice to have a brand new set of wardrobe from Zara (one of my favorite shops) if I win. A brand new wardrobe for a brand new “sexy” body --- well, that calls for a big celebration!  

Sexy Solutions is a non-invasive fat reduction clinic that has machines that can (1) melt fat in stubborn places, (2) tighten loose skin and (3) tone muscle.  I like that it’s non-invasive, meaning, they don’t have to cut me.  Yehey! 

I also like the fact that Sexy Solutions has in-house consultants that can help me with my nutrition and fitness regimen.  They can surely guide me on how to stay fit and sexy for the rest of my life without starving myself.  They can help me bid goodbye to my flabby tummy....weeee!! So happy!  And yes, have a body like the one of Hot Momma's (see FHM cover below).  Hahaha!

Don't be fooled!  This picture was photoshopped, of course.  I had our company artist do some magical tricks on my tummy, hips, thighs, arms, and cheeks.  I wouldn't dare post on this blog of mine the untouched version. This was taken 5 years ago. I had only two daughters then...now I have 3 :-)              

  How I wish I can have that body and do that pose (see poster above).  Well, who knows? Maybe after my Sexy Solutions (Wink, wink).