:)

True that!

Repetto Love!

Sometimes I'm not sure which one I love more, bags or shoes? Maybe I love bags more but since I have not (yet) taken interest in designer shoes (do Tory Burch count?), the shoes I want are usually affordable so it's easier to make an impulse purchase and get immediate gratification. This probably explains my massive shoe collection which consists mostly of shoes I almost never get to wear.

Before I had kids, I rarely wore flats because at 5"1, I am feel really tiny. Now with three kids, my main priority is comfort so I'm usually in flats especially when I'm taking the kids out by myself. Of course, I try to take advantage of those times when Art or my parents are there to help out with the kids, to pull out my heels so that for a few hours I can feel like a woman. :)

So with all my impulsive buys, I tend to forget about the basics which are really more important and worth investing in because they'll be around for a long time. Thus, I'm on the quest for the perfect workhorse everyday ballet flats. I finally found the one I love and want in Repetto. 

I am in love with the subtle and classy design of their Repetto BB (for Brigitte Bardot) ballet flats.

It was said that Repetto's first ballet slipper dates back to 1947 which easily became a reputable dance footwear for years before they finally hit street fashion and until now their BBs are still a classic.  It's also helpful to know that now Repetto carries 19 different models of ballet flats to cater to varying tastes and needs. 

Their appeal is not limited to their designs but also because they are supposedly made by hand in relatively small batches and this gives it an air of exclusivity. Repetto's company chief Jean-Marc Gaucher describes them as, "it feels like a slipper, it's just like wearing a glove."

Now I can't wait to get myself a pair of these iconic babies (after I quench my Loubie thirst). With all the yummy colors, it's hard to pick a favorite, although the black and red Bbs are on top of my list.

via The Coveteur

Some celebrity sightings.

Angelina Jolie

Reese Witherspoon

Gwyneth Paltrow

Rachel Bilson

Kelly Rutherford

Repetto is available online via La Garconne.

Kids Day Out: Little Explorers

The night before Art left for the field last month, we brought the kids to Mirdif City Centre because I heard of Little Explorers and I wanted to check it out. My kids are mostly confined to the four corners of our flat which I think is very unhealthy, which is why I want to take the opportunity when Art is here with us to take them to kiddie places.

The place isn't too big and their concept is pretty simple. It's mostly about self-discovery, experimenting and understanding their surroundings (to some extent). I didn't think Carlos would enjoy it as much as Kaden but surprisingly, he did.

"I Experiment" Zone

My mom stayed with Amber (who couldn't appreciate any of it yet) while Art and I ran after the two boys. 

The boys enjoyed playing with the water, there were lots of cause and effect involved in the play.

There are a variety of interactive exhibits that encourage exploration and experiments for kids.

There are five "zones" to explore the science of sound, air, motion, body, and many more.

"I Experiment" Zone

The boys were all over the place. Notice their perspired heads. 

"I Locate Myself" Zone

I wouldn't mind taking the kids back here. Especially since Mirdif City Centre is the closest mall to where we live.

The boys stayed and played the longest here.

"All Together" Zone

This is where Kaden got so engrossed with building his "house".

While Carlos was running all over. Making friends and having the time of his life.

Giving his daddy a good workout.

My photos are limited because the battery for the camera died by the time we got to  the "I Can Do" and "I Discover Myself" Zone.  I am particularly sad to not have a photo of Carlos running into a mirror at the House of Mirrors because it was a classic!

I love these kids to pieces.

My Mommy's Girl

Our family picture that night.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of family. 

Would You Harness Your Kids? I Would and I Do.

I know a lot of people frown at the idea of restraining a child with a safety leash or a safety harness (I have both) which they think should only be limited to pets. I see the reactions first hand when we go to the malls, there's no denying the appalled faces and judging looks I get from some parents. But I personally think this issue is a classic example of different strokes for different folks.

Some people perceive putting a child on a leash or a harness "demeaning", some think it's made for "uncontrollable" children, some say they are plain "horrible" but I have high regard for these leashes and harnesses especially when I take my kids to crowded or busy places. I like how it can give my kids a sense of independence while they are safely within my reach and view.

I prefer the wrist safety leash over the plushy backpack harness because of its stretchable strap and I find it easier to use especially when Carlos is running around.

I'd have to admit that the plushy backpack harness seems cuter more acceptable to judging eyes. I'll make sure to use it next time. I just find the strap too short.

It's a child's normal instinct to explore so we can't fault them for wandering off sometimes. As parents all we want is to keep them safe first and foremost, the rest just comes second. Lately, we use it for Carlos (who is 2) because he sometimes gets bored in his stroller and he wants to roam around like his Kuya Kaden.

If your child isn't a "flight risk" like mine can sometimes be, then lucky for you. Kids are very impulsive, especially if you have more than one. They can run off in a flash or be gone with a blink of an eye. I can't imagine how it would be for me if I had to run after one child and leave the other two behind. So this works perfectly for me.

I don't think people should issue judgment for parents who use these leashes and harnesses for their children because you don't know their story. Judge me if you will, but I'd rather keep my kids safe than be sorry.

Spotted: Blake Lively and Mulberry Taylor

Just when I was starting to regret my recent Mulberry purchase because I was thinking I should have prioritized the "classic" over statement bags, I see photos of Blake Lively carrying a Taylor on the set of Gossip Girl season 5.

She looks great! I wonder if I can make printed + printed work though? 

 

The bag is an eye candy that's for sure.

 

Note to self: Find those earrings or something in a similar shade.

 And that's all it took for my buyer's remorse to go away. :) Sigh, I can't wait for season 5!

My Mommy Finds: Sophie The Giraffe

I make sure that the toys I bring for Amber's stroller are different from the ones she normally plays with at home so it can hold her attention longer. One of the toys that I leave in her baby bag that I like attaching to her stroller is Sophie the Giraffe Teether.

 

Looks like any other teether right? I thought so too, but what caught my attention was the 1,400+ positive reviews of it on Amazon.  So I got curious and bought it for Amber.

The squeaky little giraffe is made of 100% natural rubber and food paint and is Phthalates and BPA free. She's very light and fun to play with since she makes a pleasant squeak each time a part of her body is squeezed or chewed on. Amber likes clinging to her neck and sometimes falls asleep with one hand on her milk bottle and another on Sophie's neck.

Amber devouring Sophie

Sometimes, even Carlos who's now over 2 likes playing with Sophie.

Favorite Of The Week: Baskin Robbins Jamoca Almond Fudge!

I love Ice Cream! I don't even have a favorite flavor because I love them all. I rarely run out of ice cream in our freezer because I always feel this need for a bowl of this and that. No use blaming my kids on this one, but they also love ice cream as much as I do. In fact, in the very few instances that we ran out of ice cream and Carlos suddenly craves for it, he cries like it's the end of the world.

Recently, Cat, a friend of mine commented on my mom's facebook photo of our "midnight snack" and said we should give Jamoca a try. So we tried it the next time we went to the supermarket. It.was.so.good!!! I can't believe this flavor has been out there for a while now and I haven't tried it until recently! I don't normally like nuts on my ice cream but I'll make an exception for this one.

Can't wait to let my brother try it when he arrives here next week. :)

Kaden Just Turned 6! :)

When it comes to my kids, I can't help but be so cliche in saying that TIME FLIES because they're growing up so fast. I can't believe that it's been six years since I first held the little boy who made me realize that there's nothing in this world I'd love more than to be a mother. :)

Kaden was so excited and he couldn't wait for this day to come. He carefully picked his cake design. We didn't have a party so it was nothing fancy, but he loved it. My little boy loves Kung Fu Panda so Mhin of Fadge Cakes came up with this design and the really cute cupcakes.

Like any other child, Kaden was very excited about his presents but his main birthday wish was for his family to be complete. We were happy that my mom and dad were here to celebrate with us but sadly, Art couldn't make it back in time and my brother won't be arriving until the third week of the month. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our little family dinner.

Our little Amber girl whose birthday is up next and is turning 1, looked extra pretty in her dress from her Lola Lise. 

My mom and dad adore her. (they adore all the kids but a baby girl is extra sweet) In fact, my mom and I were laughing because my dad can't help but repeat himself when he says "Amber you're so pretty." (classic case of loving your own)

I can't say I blame him. :) Art too, is like that. Even Kaden is, it's adorable.

Kaden enjoyed his little dinner party. 

But he couldn't wait to go home so he could open his presents. :) 

We also got Carlos his "birthday present" so he won't feel left out when Kaden opens his presents. Kaden loved all his presents and there wasn't a happier camper in Silicon Oasis that night. :)

Everyday I thank God for giving me such a blessing in Kaden. For the past few months that I've been home alone with the three of them, Kaden has been the one to make things a lot easier for me. He's been very mature (for his age) and very helpful in many ways; he looks out for me, as well as for his brother and sister; he is a great listener (except when he is playing his video games) and he is always concerned about me being tired so he likes to surprise me with made beds and scrubbed floors & furniture (scrubbed with wipes that is, but still); he knows how to massage my back and offers to do so on nights when I complain about a sore body; he encourages me to do Zumba and he is the one who reminds me everyday so I don't forget when I get so distracted with fb-ing; he makes it a point to tell me how lucky he (and his siblings) are to have a mom like me and he likes to show just much he loves me in many other random yet sweet and thoughtful ways. So I can never ever complain that I am not appreciated because Kaden is there to remind me that I am, always. Those are but a few of the many wonderful things about him that and I keep telling myself that one day when he's grown up, he's going to make one girl very lucky  with his sweet and sensitive ways and when that day comes, I vow to not hold him back or act like a jealous girlfriend. :)

We love you so much Kaden! :) I pray that you will stay as sweet and loving as you are and that no matter what comes your way, you'll always keep your feet on the ground. Don't forget that mommy and daddy are always here for you no matter what.