Oh, The Fun Terrible Twos

No wonder when parents of older kids are asked what they remember about their kids toddler stage, they can barely remember anything. It's probably because they choose to erase this stage where your kids just randomly cry for no reason. When I tell people about this, they say, "Welcome to the terrible twos!"

Don't get me wrong. I love this stage. They are able to communicate, interact, express their feelings in a clearer way, hug you and make you feel like it's all worth while. Two second later, though, they could be on the floor, crying from the top of their lungs, kicking their legs and banging their arms on the floor. You then think to yourself, what the..... Weren't we just having a "moment" hugging two seconds ago?

I just wish I understood these "episodes" a bit better. I just feel like no matter what I say, they will never be satisfied and will continue to cry like crazy. Sigh....

Do these last till they're 3 or does it continue on?

Shoes On My Mind...

I am happy to learn that the great Karl Lagerfeld showed ballet flats for the Chanel couture show SS2011! Yaaay!

As a working mom, the days of running around in high heels or stilettos are so behind me but of course, while looking for comfortable shoes, one cannot simply forsake style, non?

Since becoming a mom, here are my tried and tested go-to footwear for all occasions except maybe the formal wedding here and there:

From top to bottom: Gucci Brehat ballet flats, Repetto ballerina flats, Hogan Interactive women's sneakers

What about the other mommies? What shoes do you swear by to provide you style and comfort while you juggle your gazillion hats? Do share!

Can you guess what this is?

Manila rush-hour traffic?

The set of the upcoming Disney/Pixar Cars 2 movie?

Maybe even a car junkyard perhaps?

Welcome to my ex-living room table aka my son's toy cars' parking lot.

It was such a steal, it was almost criminal

Those who know me well know that I've stopped buying bags for myself oh about 3-4 years ago.

As a certified bag hag, this was a tough resolution but one that I've stuck to faithfully and surprisingly enough, resulted in people gifting me with really cool bags and adding to my treasured collection without my ever spending a single cent.

Last night, that resolution was broken.

But really, it was such a good deal, really! justify, justify, justify!

And... the good part is it was the hubby who discovered the deal and it was actually the economist hubby who encouraged the purchase which can only mean it's really a good deal since the hubby never ever ever ever buys anything that is not on sale! Ok, ok, enough justification already.

You guys ready?

Here she is, my new baby:

A mauve-y pink Fendi leather clutch at 70% off!!! From about USD1000 to about USD200 only! C'mon, you gotta admit, that's a good deal!

It was serendipity as I was actually looking for a clutch for evening dinners, parties and such. Extra points for the timing of the find!

Of course, I only used my point and shoot to take pics so the beautiful pink is not accurately depicted. I may actually have to attend/host a few parties/dinners just to have an excuse to use it!

What do you guys think?

Signs of the Times

I know, I know, it's almost Chinese New Year but pardon the lateness as I share with you my Christmas loot:

Photos courtesy of clarins.com, sephora.com, loccitane.com, maccosmetics.com

Notice a common thread? Conspiracy amongst family and friends? A "hint, hint" gift-giving occasion?

Ugh. So this is what "gift-receiving" in your thirties is like...!

The IT bag

Hello folks!

If you're like everyone else in the free world these days, you'd know that plastic bags are bad, bad, bad for the environment and that grocery shopping now requires you to do a little preparation in advance and bring your own canvas bag to pack up all those bags of chips, softdrinks, fruits, vegetables, orange juice for the famille.

Well, the good news for us bag hags is that we've got another reason to buy ourselves a bag (an eco-bag) and one that wont' hurt our wallets!

I've recently discovered the hilarious blog of karotitay and from her, found these:

Aren't they dee-lightful? Going grocery will never be the same again. Let's go, Mother Packers!

Get yours here now!

Late New Year's Resolution

Having to balance both work and parenting in itself is such hard work that I have neglected myself along the way. I haven't exercised in almost a year and I feel awful about it. I have come up with a short list of what I'm going to set for myself this year-one that relates to each person in this household:

1. I will consciously exercise patience (and bite my tongue) even when my 2 year old is throwing random trantrums (the last one being his bread breaking into 2 pieces).

2. I will start to exercise (no big guarantees-let's start maybe with just walking for half an hour a day).

3. I will make an extra effort to be nicer to my husband and actually spend some quality time with him (even though it feels like all he wants to do is watch TV).

I will keep you posted to see how these actually go as the year progresses. Boy, I'm interested to find out myself. I was going to put "less shopping" on there but with my recent credit card statements, I think it's an unwritten resolution anyway. ;) I can't promise I won't be posting "lust after items" though.

Belated Happy New Years to everyone....

Starting Off On The Right Foot

Oooooh! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes! I'm a flats/slippers/sneakers kinda gal now that I have to chase a couple of toddlers around the house but oh, I would gladly risk teeter-tottering in these gorgeous Bottega Veneta wedges.

What say you?

Hope and the New Year

New years are wistful and hopeful with thoughts of: Oh, where did the time go and how time flies, indeed and Tomorrow is a new day and all that jazz...

Personally, I like New Year's Day for the resolutions. I'm with the camp that LOVES resolutions - making lists and ticking them off one by one as the year progresses. It's the nerd in me, I admit it. Of course, not all items on the checklist get crossed off but then, there is always tomorrow, there is always another new year to try again.

Since I've gotten married and became a mommy, I don't remember doing any resolutions so I have been remiss and will make up for it here.

My 2011 Resolutions:

1. To be more educated and to apply effectively what I learn to my personal finance management. Like all parents, I hope to be able to provide a good education and a good future for my two kids and of course, to live comfortably and be able to do the things I want to do. Like most things in life, this is also an area that requires attention, focus, and good practice for me to successfully balance the family budget.

2. To take care of my health. I take my body for granted and push it everyday to its limits in balancing the demanding requirements from my family and work. I don't always get my 8 hours of sleep and I don't invest enough time to exercise or eat a well-balanced diet.

I started working out regularly in the gym last year and I have felt the difference. My body feels lighter and I have more energy. This year, I will strive to continue to hit the gym even when the pull of staying in bed can sometimes be hard to resist. It's a good thing my trainer is a drill sergeant and won't take no for an answer.

3. To spend quality time with the hubby. Now that we have two kids, it seems there is never any time for just the two of us to relax and unwind or have a romantic moment. As we get older, I think it's nice to have some time to ourselves to remind ourselves of the appreciation we have for each other.

4. To travel more. There is no substitute for the education you get from traveling. It is the best teacher and opens your mind to new horizons like no textbook can. My goal is to be able to organize at least one family trip a year whether locally or out of the country. Ideally, we will go to new places to learn new things but revisiting familiar places also have their draws.

5. To find time for my creative expressions: drawing, painting, writing. These bring a sense of personal fulfillment that helps fortify the soul.

I'm going to keep it short and simple and stick with just 5 resolutions. Here's to accomplishing them and enjoying the journey.

How about you? What are your New Year's Resolutions?