Stay Little Forever. {Day 20: 365}

A month since I last journaled? I can't believe that's how quickly the days have gone by. This fast-framed life makes me think...and fear, how quickly these girls might just grow up and leave those doors in a BLINK.


Oh my. Oh my. Transport me to yesteryears, and let time stand still. 

Silly me. If only. So in a fast-framed life like this, what's a sentimental mommy like me got to do?

Hold their tiny hands while they still fit into mine. 

Drown their foreheads with kisses while they still aren't taller than me.

Tuck them in bed each night while they still sweetly ask for it.

Capture moments like these with a sneaked-in D90 from hubby, and take snapshots of the most beautiful creatures I would love to STAY LITTLE FOREVER♥

That, and a hundred more silly things that only a sentimental mommy like me would do.

Like pushing them to sleep on their rooms alone, yet find myself sneaking in beside them in the middle of the night ( Yes, I do that sometimes....don't you?!). 


Silly things like sending them off to school each morning and giving them confidence to beat the days struggles, yet find myself dialing their cellphones before they even reach school!

Yes, silly things like journaling on this blog at 2:17 am just to air out my fears.
My jitters. And my excitement.
Of them growing up. Of me, growing old.
Of us girls, learning about life...and chasing our dreams.
Together...& soon, apart.

Aww. What if she says this one day too soon?

Oh, if only. 

If only they could stay right here,

 in this little girls' world, 

longer than forever. ♥

bliss♥, 

 pinkmother 

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Then & Now. { Day 19: 365 }

at 4, i used to tell you...... 'drink''
at 14, i'm telling you.........'don't'

at 4, i used to tell you....'stay right here'
at 14, i'm telling you..... 'go ahead. chase your dreams'.

at 4, i used to tell you.....'hurry'
at 14, i'm telling you........'take things slow'

at 4, i used to tell you how much i love you & how much difference you've brought into my life. at 14, i'm telling you just the same.

i love you, Uno. then. now. forever.
happy 14th bday, my dearest.

| photo credits to dear daddy |


bliss♥, pinkmother
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11. 11. 11. {Day 18: 365}

While some people closed their eyes, uttered their wishes or, to those lucky few -- witnessed their dreams come to life as the clock struck 11:11 on this beautiful day of 11.11.11....

I, in one corner of my simple world, found myself rather feeling grateful, blissful & truly blessed to have crossed this day that only comes once in every 1000 years.

Once in every precious 1000 years.

Living this simple, cherished life...Surrounded by the most important, treasured people in my life. Doing what I love doing, and loving how it loves me back.

Tonight, I uttered my blessings and counted them twice.

Thank you, Dear Jesus.

{xoxo}

In the same blissful note, today has also been one grateful day as we unfolded some exciting news of a collaboration we have been working on for our retail brand SOUL Lifestyle. This is the first time I've ever mentioned people outside of my treasured family in this personal blog, but a message so heartwarming was just quite hard to pass by at a little past 11:11 pm:

Mi and Jun, here's something for all you have given me! Thank you so much ♥ 

This message which was followed by such an endearing blogpost from the sweet young lady behind The Walking Recessionista, writing not merely as a fashion blogger, but something more from the heart this time.

Read her message here to know how it truly melted my heart...just like mallows on hot choco (pause...meanwhile, im gonna go get myself a cup! teehee)

Nighty Night!

bliss♥,
pinkmother

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Workweek, Be Good. {Day 17: 365}

Extended hours on my homedesk. Inbox screaming. Outbox filling up.
The past weeks have been toxic.
Pile after pile of things to do and they never seemed to end.
Why is it that each time I tick a task off my checklist, two or three more squeezes in? 
Was time running faster? or did my pace go slower? 

Yes, I did accomplish my week's checklist.
But wasn't I supposed to feel lighter, more than heavy & tired?

I figured out the problem.
It wasn't lack of time nor management. Nor my pace going any slower.

After all, the problem was ME.

Filling up my to-do like crazy.
Raising my abilities to hyper exponents.
Biting off more than I can chew.
And in all sublime honesty, it did not help.

So here I am taking things slower & starting the workweek knowing better when to take a break.

After all, I miss being ME.
Thank God for this blogpost & life's daily reminders.

bliss♥, pinkmother
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Goodbye Bailey. {Day 16: 365}

Today is a bittersweet day in our little home.

We are saying goodbye to our champ Bailey, our 2 year old cute & utterly insistent Labrador Retriever. With bittersweet wishes, we shall be sending him off to a hopefully better home where he can freely run around, be a shining star once again to a family who will hopefully play fetch with him and never get tired tossing his favorite ball just the way we used to.

At one happy point in this household, we had more dogs than kids. And it was blissful chaos -- picking up poop after poop, cheering on when they finally got toilet trained, running along while the kids biked in the streets, holding on & patiently putting up with them when they delivered puppies.

But the kids have grown & gone to elementary, hubby & I have never been busier tending to our businesses and our big dogs have grown remarkably, needing more extensive exercise other than just welcoming us home.  

And so we decided to look for a happier place for him. There were many interested takers, but none of them seemed like the perfect one for him. Until a call at 1: 00 am surprised us  – he was calm yet insistent, inquisitive yet very enthusiastic. He asked if Bailey behaved in car rides. HE WANTED TO HAVE A COMPANION DOG. That, sounded to us like a real happy option for Bailey. Someone who will need him!J

Our hearts bleed at the fact of seeing him go and leaving Jada ( such a brilliant & intelligent black Labrador) alone in their once shared crates. But we know for a fact that he shall be walking into a new home where he will be a star once againJ just like the first day we had him in April of 2009.

always our Champ:)

2 month old Bailey -- when he used to have  the luxury of sleeping in our bedroom!!!

a grown Bailey

happier, less busier days 

So today, with bittersweet wishes we bid goodbye to this once tiny puppy who not only left pawprints on our duvet covers but into our hearts as well – a Philippine Champ not only in the dog ring but in our household and in our hearts, always & forever.  

{Our two smaller dogs, Tiff & Shaq, who we still see pretty much see every Friday are now giving childlike spirits to my mom & aunt’s new home. They welcome us like crazy every week! This family is yet to face how Jada, the only one left in this household, will be coping with the sadness of being alone in their once shared crates)

bliss♥, pinkmother
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When You're 18 {Day 15: 365}

Yllana...I paused a few minutes more while tucking you in bed last night 

and I could not believe how my 

once-tiny-little-princess-now-8-year-old Yllana is now occupying so much bedspace!

You now wear size 36 ballet flats. 

I've bought you your first training bras.  

(ok, I'm sorry I know I should'nt be saying that here)

We've come to share tank tops and some pairs of gympants too.

Apart from that,  its the stories we share.

The secret smiles & laughter we have. 

The tiny giggles only the two of us understand when we stare at each other. 

That, and simply this relationship we share as a mother and daughter, 

as best friends and even as enemies (at times!). 

Sometimes I do not know if I should get excited about you growing so fast, 

or if I should just let time stand still and let you be my little princess forever. 

In this most recent favorite photo of you above,

your look tells me of a certain confidence that 

even at 8, 10 or 18, 

you shall be fine. 

And yes, pretty little darling, you certainly will. 

But...will I be? 

That's a question I will be asking myself for quite an extended time. 

So this was how an 8 year old Yllana looked at us in 2011, 

will you still look at us this way in 2021?

And forever?

bliss♥, pinkmother

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Love Much. { Day 14: 365 }

Life's little reminders -- heartwarming how they come in so many unexpected ways.

This weekend, it came knocking through a bottle of fine wine -- and some Dove dark chocolates, such a cute & random find from the local supermarket!

I tossed 'em in my cart for a sugar fix, not knowing how these bite-sized goodies could bring such gigantic smiles to my heart, one little piece after another.

♥a lovely quote awaits each unwrapping moment♥

"Live well, laugh often and love much. Love, Dove."

Unwrapping each one was a real treat, indulging in its silky-smooth goodness was another. The cute quotes made me want to open every single one!

I could have indulged and finished them all up in one sitting. But I remained sane. Instead, I took a few snapshots of this blissful moment, sat beside hubby and pulled my feet up on our couch. It was a time to just let the bliss of the moment stand still.

Live well, LOVE much.

With a glass of wine on my right, and the hand of the one I ♥ on the other, I took another bite into my little piece of Dove. Live Well & Love Much, I did. 

 In such a busy world, how many among us would even remember 

that life's little reminders could come in 

such sweet tiny packages? 

bliss♥, pinkmother 

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Dream Big {Day 13 : 365}

Dream big, little people.

That was Sunday dinner's main course along with the heartwarming Spinach soup, French Beans, Lemongrass Chicken and Avocado Fried Rice.

3 pairs of ears listened to what their Dad had to say about life, their dreams and getting there.

The 8 year old bookworm was quick to answer 'fashion designer', the 7 year old stage performer to our glad surprise aspires to be a doctor (!) while our young man, with 2 years more before entering the gates of college and to whom this topic was really directed -- has a mental shortlist of either being an architect, a chef or...as his dad wishes him to be, a doctor.

Soon, our little people would not be so little anymore -- they'd be out there and setting careers of their own, chasing their dreams, with some painful falls, tearful heartaches and challenges in between.

When faced with life's challenging crossroads someday, will they think of Me and their Dad? Will they ever remember the tears that swelled up in my eyes when their dear father spoke from the heart?

When that time comes, would they remember this Sunday night's dinner? And how truthfully we meant these two words --
DREAM BIG.

Mark them on your hearts, my dear little ones...DREAM BIG and never get tired of the chase. The journey is just as blissful as the prize at the end.

Love. Love. Love.


bliss♥, pinkmother
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BTS {Denim & Tulle Rockstar Series from SOUL} 9.2.2011

Along with the name was an instant vibe. And when we met this lady, she did not prove us otherwise. The edgy vibe indeed she had. And with that funk was a beautiful en pointe, countless 360s & matchless energy.

The Denim & Tulle Rockstar Series from SOUL seemed as if it were couture-fitted just for this rockin' ballerina. And while edgy beats from Lykke Li inspired the creative minds behind this concept shoot, it was simply impossible to walk away the set not getting infected by the funk that this team -- LA Subido, Aidx Paredes, James Bautista,Jun Tupas & Mimi Vergara-Tupas brought together.

Have a sneak peek of how the shoot came along in this BTS vid!

Music credits: Lykke Li -- I'm Good, I'm Gone

bliss♥,pinkmother

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Daughters & Apple Pies { Day 12: 365}

"Mom, can you make us some of your apple pies?"

The words were uttered complete with doggy eyes.

Perhaps tonight's takeout must have fallen short of your standards. Or you must have recalled those unlimited servings you usually get when we used to bake our own.

That, or the beautiful moments we used to spend together in the kitchen making your favorite goodies.

my girls and I about to savor & serve our homebaked apple pie . photo from 2010.

When the sugar was poured in, so was your sweetness. And as the slices of butter melted along with those sweet apple slices, so did mommy's heart as we shared little girls secrets and sweet stories in between.

Good ol' mister oven had to go but the happy memories remain, till we get another mister oven again.

Meanwhile, I just thought of making myself a brilliant new entry on my Holiday Wishlist --- you guessed it right, girls.....a brand new oven so we can relive our sweet mom-daughter moments once again!



bliss♥, pinkmother

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How fragrant life could be. {Day 11: 365}

I stumbled upon this photo of my youngest daughter -- 

just as I was about to 

start my schedule-packed Friday. 

How could we not smell flowers & the fragrance of life 

the way little girls so eagerly do?

How could I resist these little girl's youth?

Their innocence?

Their quench for life and its beauty?

In the midst of everything, I thank Him for these little reminders. 

In the midst of this busy life, 

I am grounded once again. 

Meanwhile, 

off I still go on my schedule-packed Friday --  

but now with a newly injected dose of youth, innocence and a quench for life. 

Oh, how fragrant life could be. 

bliss♥, pinkmother

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Married to a New Mister. {Day 10 : 365}

Met you online and you seemed to have a good deal. 

Unassuming, down to earth and downright useful. 

With your features sleek & sexy, your pricetag was a gem.

Sure...there were others in the line up. 

For one --tall, dark & rich George, was tempting.  

But too commercial and way out of my league:) 

 I went back knowing more about you. 

So what if you ended up less powerful. 

At $39.99, divorcing you would be such an easy option.

So one misty morning, click I did and 

I finally said Yes to you.

You arrived one day and came out of the box

cool, crisp & uncomplicated. 

Just as I expected. 

Just as I needed you to be. 

Espresso Doppio?

Cappucino?

Latte?

White Chocolate Mocha? 

You have been making such good cups each morning. 

You never failed me. 

Mr. Coffee, I am now married to you. 

And so is my dear espresso-loving husband. 

bliss♥, pinkmother

Loving Doll Saturdays {Day 9: 365}

Dolling up these gorgeous ladies for several Saturdays now
 has bred a newfound love for brushes & palettes.

It is a somewhat familiar rush -- quite the same thrill I had when I was 9 or 10 --
gathering around all my Barbie stuff
for a whole weekend of fashion play.

Who would have suspected that 24 years later,
 I would still have so much fun dolling up real gorgeous ladies
not just for a whole weekend of fashion play,
but for magazine-material outputs for our lifestyle brand.

It no longer matters that our office tables have given way for hubby's studio lights and reflectors, makeup palettes & brushes are now slowly replacing my pens and staple wires! 

Here's a peek of our first few weekend plays:
 

A brilliant one from hubby!

Ann Bautista was every inch a natural elegance in this scarf from SOUL Lifestyle.

An illuminating base by Laura Mercier, brow corrector from Make Up Forever,
a few shimmering grey shades and warm taupe on Ann's lids and
contouring works by Mac on her already profound cheekbones --
 these were all it took to bring out Ann's innate beauty and elegance.

and these, from our first on-location shoot...

Hubby does a young & fresh shot of Georwynne Omadle Culaste for SOUL Lifestyle's Vintage Bloom Collection.
If you want to know how I achieved a flawless face look on G, click here.
I just ♥ how naturally the makeup blended in with the whole collection -- blush pinks and beige!

No, it is not by chance that Dexie's blue eyes match her turquoise toenails:)

Fun afternoon on-location shoot by hubby for SOUL Lifestyle's Boho Wanderers Collection -- coming soon!

{time to excessorize}
Rings Collection from this shop!

 And of course, no shoot would ever be complete without 

amazing works from our mad mentor...

haha...winner element we did so randomly!

thanks, as always, James Bautista!

Hands down, these are my favorites from dear hubby's shots...

I dreamt of this goddess and she is after all for real! 

Meet Loth -- the reason why I had to pinch myself 
a couple of times while dolling this lady up one afternoon.

To create that perfect canvass, skin was prepped up with all these. 

Again, used my recent favorite Make Up Forever Brow Corrector,

combined some baked minerals from The Face Shop & MAC and lined her deep set eyes 

with a really good liquid liner I got also from The Face Shop. 

Highlights and contouring here and there with my ever reliable MAC brush.

Plumped her lips with my recent splurge from Sephora and some Laura Mercier lip color in pots.

{All stuff are just from my personal stash. Next on my agenda is buying palettes and
 pro brushes on my next buying trip abroad! Yay for a new career haha} 

Isn't this lady uber g-o-r-g-e? 

if i had eyes as beautiful as yours, Loth, I'd never cover it up with this gold clutch...
but since this is an equally beautiful one from SOUL Lifestyle's clutch collection -- 
ok then, i shall let you...:) heehee

this seems to be one gorgeous shot -- do you think it ranks for SOUL's next billboard?♥

and lastly, a fave from James' shots:

So there it is...along with my hubby's growing passion for photography, 

I guess I'm also equally loving my newfound Saturday job as an aspiring

MUA-in-the-making

& 

Creative Stylist (as coined by master James Bautista) 

and still one happy mama of three as my main job!

This is starting to be fun. fun. fun! 

and I am SOOO starting to search. search. search right this minute 

for professional makeup programs 

Oh! I can't stop my fingers from typing on GOOGLE search: 

PROFESSIONAL MAKE UP CLASSES IN NEW YORK.            

  teeeheee, wish I may, wish I might! 

then again, why not?♥

PHOTOS by: Jun Tupas
                 James Bautista

Clothing, Shoes & Accesories from SOUL Lifestyle

bliss♥, pinkmother

A Sentimental Freak Once Again {Day 8 : 365}

Just a week ago, she turned seven. Turning me once again into one totally sentimental freak. Birthday after birthday.

I reached for her just as I usually do on lazy weekends, to enjoy some tight hugs and cuddles. 

You see, Ysabella is our youngest daughter who gives the tightest of hugs, the sweetest of kisses. One who reaches for my hand at 3am and never lets go till sunrise. 

But today, the baby who usually reaches for Mommy’s hand was no longer there to do just that.

Instead, she got up first among everyone else, changed her clothes & grabbed a book, sneaked in a corner and amazingly, read her first chapter series.

Right before my eyes, she was telling me that she is no longer a baby. 

She is seven. 

Secured in her time alone. 

Ready to read a book on her own.  

Ready to walk out that door and say with much pride “ Bye Mommy, of course I will be ok”.

And I?

I will be that one sentimental freak looking forward each afternoon to see my baby walk through that door and give me the tightest of hugs again and again. 

Even if she is already seven. And ready to read her books on her own.

And just in case she still reaches for my hand at 3am?  I shall never let go. Till sunrise. Till forever.

Happy 7^th , my Ysabella. You will always be my baby.

bliss♥, pinkmother

Vintage Bloom {Day 7: 365}

Still  *S W O O N I N G*

(an understatement!) 

over these oh-so-dainty outputs 

from hubby's 1st 'un'-planned

yet unexpectedly amazing photoshoot!

This all started on the first week of June just before our next scheduled buying trip, when hubby and I found ourselves casually cooking up a fun shoot in time for the fresh new collection.

saddlebags!

dainty lace, pearls and tulle!

So when all the kids were gone for school on a not-so-busy Wednesday, up South we all travelled --

some 3000 feet above sea level 

-- to do just that....a fun afternoon photoshoot that amazingly gave us this: 

one heavenly billboard shot that is now up!

Yay for this first one and definitely more more more to come!

So, here are BTS (behind the scenes) of that creatively fun & productive afternoon:

Don't you just ♥ how angels D & G carried this sweet collection with so much ease?

I adored how D trekked the bridge in this mini dress in all its lace,tulle & romantic glory 

and despite the chilly breeze & light showers, 

how gracefully G posed in her wide-legged sheer pants

Thanks to everdearest Dexie & Georwyne who were such angels. 

I hope the outputs are well worth missing out a class :)

And to Pat and Ina...who missed one busy grooming day at One Fab Pooch to graciously carry stuff for the shoot, to patiently hold the reflector and be equally enthusiastic stylists!

Plus, thank you bigtime to the mad mentor...

who came all the way with us to give inspiring insights to hubby and not only to shoot a few BTS, but who managed to click some fantastic ones for another upcoming collection which we are soooo excited to tell you about sometime soon!

Cheers to hubby for an oh-so-professional output...such a beautiful first!!! (Too bad everyone's hands were a bit too busy that no shots were taken of hubby behind the lens. Better luck on this next time.)

and oh by the way, the pinkmother had equal fun doing this: 

MUA in the making ( i'm tempted to take formal classes. *wink*!!!)

and concept stylist ( the part I ♥ most!)

Back home that night, we tuck all three kids in bed and 

thank the Lord for the countless, boundless blessings. 

The past days have been good & beautiful. 

How have yours been?

bliss♥, pinkmother