Wishful thinking: Kitchen {Le Creuset}

Because I have reached that age which my kids consider OLD, I have now become true to what they think of me (i.e. boring! teehee!). What other way to welcome and celebrate middle age than my first wishful thinking posts about POTS and PANS!

But these are not any ordinary cookware... these are Le Creuset!

{via}

{Wishful Thinking} Oxfords

My eldest daughter has definitely found her fashion voice early on.  Her style is androgynous and sometimes nautical, but always comfortable. Such a relief for me that she doesn't like wearing skimpy clothes that are so common among girls her age because they restrict her movement.

The photo below shows our typical weekend garb.

I noticed that she currently has several pair of oxfords... which I've been meaning to borrow.  But I can't because we don't share the same shoe size.  Naiwan na nya ako!  I've tried everything.. cork, socks, double socks, thick athletic socks... sobrang trying hard na, ayaw talaga! hahaha!

I've had some free time last week, so I went to Pinterest.  I originally wanted to search for ideas on how to wear oxfords for women my age.  But, instead, I found a lot of images of Taylor Swift.  Now, my daughters are Swifties, so I know this post will just make me the best mom ever again in their eyes!:)

But other than Taylor Swift, I also found lots of photos of women with toned legs wearing short skirts with their oxfords.  While I certainly cannot get away with this anymore, I am sure my daughter will find the photos inspiring.

  

 

As for me, I persevered to search for a peg that is realistic for me... Success with these photos below!

 

 

I just love everything in this photo... the distressed boyfriend jeans, the blazer... everything!

I also adore this white denim and cognac colored oxfords shown below

all images except the first two via Pinterest

How about you?  Which one is your favorite look?

FOLLOW ME!   

   

Wishful Thinking: {Wardrobe} Swim Mom Uniform

Sports has always been a part of my kids lives, especially for my eldest, J.  Although the level of intensity was not so heavy back then when she was younger.  We initially started with soccer camp during summer, and then moved to once a week soccer lessons, and this increased to twice a week of soccer training when she played for her school team.  This was long before the Azkals were formed and the Younghusbands entered the local football scene.  While playing for the school soccer team, she decided she also wanted to swim, so she mixed swimming training on alternate days when she doesn't train for soccer.  

Those days are long gone, as she has already made up her mind that swimming is THE sport for her.  She has gone a long way since she started 3 years ago, competing at the D-League (developmental) level, moving up to class A category, and finally, qualifying for the Batang Pinoy National Championship this December. 

She has always made me proud of her simple achievements in the pool, each hard-earned medal made more significant because she was able to successfully combine academic excellence while being a student leader and a competitive swimmer.  Although she has a million more laps to swim as far as swimming internationally is concerned, I am hoping she gets there... eventually. 

... Otherwise, how can I channel my inner Victoria Beckham while cheering for her during competitions? Hahaha!

Source

Being a swim-parent means being in charge of logistics, food provisions, motivation, etc.  I am always there with my kids every training, 6 days a week. Oftentimes I am multi-tasking as I wait by the pool deck, trying to meet the needs of each of my three kids.  And because of that, I thought to myself that I deserve a new wardrobe... even if it's just wishful thinking. :) 

I love Breton shirts, and pairing them with Converse all-stars low-cut is a great way to being a chic sporty mom.

source

Don't fancy red? Blue and green is a great sporty fashion combi, too.

source

And this fashion template shows us all that pink doesn't have to be always prim and proper.

source

Gray and white looks crisp and clean.  Perfect for those all-day swim meets.  Just ditch the hoop earrings.

source

And if you want to stand out in the crowd, making it easier for your kids to spot you in the hundreds of spectators, wear something bright like this yellow tank.

source

What about you?  What is your daily uniform like?


Thanks for reading "Our Phenomenal Life." If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get new posts sent straight to you, for free!  Like this post? Subscribe here.

{Wishful Thinking} Birthday Wish List

After days of tutoring for R's exam week, we both welcome the school break with a smile as wide as our lips can go!:) After days of whining that he "cannot take it anymore", I get a handwritten note from him expressing his BIG thanks for helping him review for his tests.

Not only that, R also grandly stated that for my birthday he is going to buy me a watch!!! O di ba? Hahahaha! As if he can afford one...

Well, since he asked... I have always wanted an all-gold men's Datejust Rolex ... and seeing pics of these fashionable celebrities have only added fuel to my fire...  

Realistically, these gold medals for the wrist cost too much to be worn everyday by an errand-running mom/driver/tutor/cook. If I would get one for myself it would have to be one of the ladies sized ones that I can wear to dinner parties.

For an everyday watch, I have been wanting an all-gold men-sized wristwatch for about a year already. Just patiently waiting for the right one to catch my eyes' (and more importantly, my wallet's) fancy. Something mid-priced would be more suitable for everyday wear; I need not worry (too much) about it getting scratched, or lost. So the Nixon 42-20 Gold Chrono Watch is a good deal...

Here is a closer look at the Nixon. What do you think?

Still, another option is Michael Kors 5055 Chrono Watch, also in gold. This one is even cheaper than the Nixon, but looks just as delicious. Yes?

 

Still about birthday gifts...

B just came up to me, "Mom, I am so excited for the weekend. I can't wait," she dramatically clasped both her hands together and raised it to her chest dreamily. I raised one eyebrow, wondering where all this drama would lead to. She continued, "This weekend, I am going to Tiffany & Co. at Shangri-la Mall. I will ask Dad to go with me, I will buy you a necklace or a bracelet."

"And where exactly will you get the money?" I sweetly challenged her. "I will bring my wallet... it has one one-thousand bill and one one-hundred bill," she said with a smug look on her face, her head arched to one side, a self-satisfied smile curling on her lips.

Just too sweet and just so adorable! I will just leave it to her dad to explain the kind of money needed to go out of the store carrying that robin's egg blue bag. hahaha! :)

I don’t expect expensive gifts, or any gifts, for that matter on my birthday; however if it’s true, that it’s the thought that counts when making decisions about gifts, then I have just gotten the grandest gifts of all! Of course we all know I am not getting anything close to the watch and the necklace, but their simple gesture is more than enough. Now, if their dad is willing to shell out the money... I will not complain... I surely won't.

Wishful Thinking: { Wardrobe } Decoding The Secret Language Of Formal Attire For A Filipino-Chinese Wedding

For those of you who are Chinese, or who have married into a Chinese family, you know what I speak of when I say that dressing for a Filipino-Chinese wedding can sometimes be a dilemma.

For starters, when the invites say "formal attire," people normally assume it means full-length gown for ladies, suit or Barong Tagalog for men; however, it can also be easily misconstrued by some elders (and emphasis on some, ha) in the Fil-Chi community to mean any casual dress for the women and shorts-sleeved polo and slacks for the men. C and I have found ourselves in too many a predicament wherein it would seem we are over-dressed; but in reality, we are actually the ones properly dressed. It is easier for C since all he has to do is take off his coat, and he blends in already.

It has been my habit to make an effort to strictly follow the dress code indicated on the invite whenever I have to attend a wedding. Dressing appropriately shows the bride and groom that I recognize the effort that they have put into that special occasion. Also, you'd have to agree that beautifully dressed guests make for a beautiful party.:)

Having been a victim of "over-dressing" in several Chinese weddings, I am now sharing my guide on how to decode the secret language of formal dressing for a Filipino-Chinese wedding.

For a Chinese luncheon wedding that is held in a restaurant such as Gloria Maris or Century Seafood, I advise you to take out a dressy blouse and trousers from your closet. It will not make you stand out, and yet people will still take notice of the carefully selected pieces you have on. Finish your outfit with simple jewelry and put a pop of color by wearing a brightly colored clutch. As you may know, Chinese elders frown on black or white when going to happy events such as weddings and birthdays.

 1st outfit: Paule Ka top, Carnie trousers, Nine West leather sandals, Alexander McQueen clutch.  2nd outfit: Balmain silk shirt, Alexander McQueen boot cut pants, Prada high heel pumps

For a Chinese restaurant dinner reception, I would recommend for you to wear a knee length dress of neutral color. Again, our purpose is to quietly let people sit up and turn their heads in your direction as you walk on by.

1st outfit: Hoss Intropia satin wrap dress, Stuart weitzman shoes. 2nd outfit: Miss Selfridge pink dress, Badgley Mischka silver stiletto heels 3rd outfit: Oasis pleated dress, , Badgley Mischka bow high heels 

The fun part of getting ready for a wedding is really when you get ready for a hotel ballroom dinner reception because then you pull out all the stops. Putting on a floor length dress can make any woman feel extra lovely; more so when she gets a spontaneous compliment from the husband. It is also a good time for you to take the bling-blings for a night-out!

Mango evening dress, Valentino evening dress, Miss Selfridge cotton maxi dress, Jimmy Choo stiletto high heels, Rodo crystal evening clutch, MCDiamond Engagement ring, Carolee stud earrings, Miss Selfridge flower belt

There, I hope I was able to simplify it for you!:)

FOLLOW ME!   

        

Wishful Thinking: { Wardrobe } Camel - Two Ways

Camel is a beautiful neutral shade that it has a dominant ownership of my closet.  And why wouldn’t it be? The color is sophisticated, and complements with almost any color in my existing closet; better still, it looks so sophisticated and polished when layered with different shades of neutral.  

Here I am, wishful thinking, that I could update my wardrobe with these stylish and timeless pieces. 

1st outfit: Stella McCartney silk dress, Jimmy Choo high heel sandals, Alexander McQueen handbag, Oval ring, EliseDray snake ring
2nd outfit: Dorothy Perkins color block dress, Enzo Angiolini espadrilles wedge, Melie bianco handbag, MICHAEL Michael Kors chronograph watch, Coin bracelet, Snap belt