Stuff It

I remember going through this stage when I loved stuffed toys, especially when they were given by a crush or boyfriend. Corny huh? That's puppy love for you. Now, I wouldn't exactly be happy if my hubby bought me a teddy bear or a stuffed pig. I'll probably donate it to charity the next day. I think it's a total waste of space and money, however cute they are.

Now that I have a daughter, that means more stuffed toys in our flat. She shares her room with a big dinosaur, penguin, sea lion, a liter of puppies, and a bunch of other hairy creatures (my hubby has been winning all the games at Ocean Park). They make her room look like a kids' room but whenever I come in, I feel like getting rid of most of them. I already gave half of them away to an orphanage last Christmas. But, I could use more space if I gave away a few more. Good thing, my friend is asking me to donate more toys.

I'm not the only Mom who has this dilemma. Boon (famous for their sleek high chairs) has invented an innovative solution to this problem without getting having to get rid of baby's favorite toys, the Trio Animal Bag- A stuffed animal storage system and soft seat in one. What a great idea! No need to buy a separate bean bag. I'm sure the kids would love sitting on their favorite owl or turtle. Even adults can lounge on it while having a pint of beer and a bag of chips. Perfect gift for hubby's who are couch potatoes! Hmm... Isn't Father's Day coming up soon?

Back to School

Was hanging out with the first group of friends I met in Hong Kong last night. Since I was a newbie back then and didn't know a lot of people, we always stuck together like glue and called ourselves, "La Familia." Doesn't it remind you of high school? A typical weekend for us would be mean dancing like there's not tomorrow at Kee Club, after-parties in Pacific Place Apartments, sunbathing in South Bay with a hangover. Those were the days!

Last night was so much more wholesome than that. Baby shower with cupcakes with the girls first then drinking with our hubbies at home. Don't even bother asking about the topics of our conversation... tuition fees for pre-school, swimming classes, teething and sleeping problems. Zzzz... this is what it comes down to now. Having a beer or two til 2am is our definition of fun and a big night out.

After our lengthy discussion about playgroups and education, I found myself researching about schools in our area. Since our district is heavily populated by the locals compared to expats, most of the schools around are Chinese schools. The good bilingual or English pre-schools are all the way in Hong Kong Island. Oh no!

My options for the moment include:

Victoria International Nursery and Kindergarten in Harbour Green- This is my best bet since it is 5 mins drive from our home, has new facilities, within a safe environment and the fees are just right. I still have to check their teaching methods are like and organize a trial session. Great, next Saturday I will be going to school with my daughter. What a way to celebrate the weekend!

Block-A-Lot Playgroup in Causeway Bay- I saw pics of my friend's daughter building blocks and saw what a masterpiece she has made. Her parents were raving about how much she has learned in this playgroup. Am looking forward to bringing my daughter for a trial session this week. Who knows she might be the next Zaha Hadid?

Kindermusik- Heard so many good reviews about this school and since my daughter loves loves music and dancing (her fave show is Dancing with the Stars and Boogie Beebies), I think she ought to enjoy a session. Just not sure if there is one near our area though. Can't wait for her to put some dancing shoes on.

MyGym- My daughter loved going to the class, especially since she's an active baby. However, maybe it would be nice if she goes to a playgroup that does more than ride a swing and do pull-ups. Perfect for baby Hulks like my daughter.

ESF schools- Although this comes a bit later when baby is three years old, I have to start looking at admission procedures since most schools in Hong Kong need to be registered as soon as they are born. What pressure! Can they wait at least the mothers are done with post-partum and gone back to their original weight before worrying about this?

Ugh! I'm getting stressed. How I wish I was a kid again and let my Mom worry about these things... can I ask her to pay for my daughter's tuition too?

Control Freak

"Wherever you look these days, the message is the same: childhood is too precious to children and children are too precious to be left alone. All this meddling is forging a new kind of childhood. In the past, the Working Child toiled in the fields and later, in the factories of the Industrial Revolution. The twentieth century saw the rise of the Free-Range Child. Now we have entered the age of the Managed Child... Look around and it's clear that children are already the target of more anxiety and intervention than at any time in history." - from the Introduction

This book hits the spot. Nowadays, parents are too concerned with baby's activities and micromanaging their life. Playgroups, routines, flashcards, etc. Are we really helping our children this way or are we just setting ourselves up for more problems in the future?

At home, we are pretty strict about our daughter's diet and schedule (except that for the last few days she hasn't been sleeping right, I think she is teething). Other than that, we let her play on her own (sometimes I feel guilty for not playing with her so much) and worried that I am not teaching her enough words yet (my Mom constantly reminds me about this).

Good thing, my hubby and I create a good balance at home. I'm very lenient and easygoing while he is the disciplinarian (perfect since she is already starting to throw some tantrums). Although when I am too protective of baby (like when she starts climbing and is too active), he tells me to let her be. Or when I bring up education and her future career, he always says it's up to our daughter while I have already planned that she would take up gymnastics, study fashion and live in Milan.

Sometimes, we are so obsessed about leading our child's lives due to our own frustrations. I remember my father forcing me to play the organ or suggesting I be a lawyer or doctor. No way did he dreamed of me working for a magazine or living in Hong Kong but here I am. Our children's talents shine when we let them be themselves, and this starts at a very young age.

I'm glad this book was written and hope to get a copy soon. Now, feel better for not potty training early, enrolling her in class or not reading her flashcards to her everyday...

Baby Doll

Guess who just turned fifty? Nope, not my Mom... not the nanny and definitely not my hubby! Who else but Barbie? I remember getting one every time I got good grades at school. Believe it or not I was a nerd back in the day (wonder what happened to me now)!

Like all girls, I loved Barbie. My brother loved it too (I caught him kissing her boobs when he was five). My fave one was the Twist and Turn Barbie that allowed me to braid her hair with a few clicks. I used the toy on my hair too ended up with lots of tangles (and a bald patch). Good thing I wasn't into collecting them all (I think I only had a total of 7 dolls), my brother would just cut the hair when I'm not looking or take the legs apart when wrestling with He-Man.

Happy 50th Birthday Barbie! I can't believe that every girl's fave doll is already 50 years old and still looking hot with her 36-24-36 figure. Moscow pays a tribute to Mattel's no. 1 toy with an exhibit of different dolls wearing Russian designs. The exhibition takes place at the Cara & Co. concept store where it runs for another 2 weeks. Doesn't she look so fab in this number? How I wish I had her clothes... and her hair... and her body.



Speaking of dolls, my baby does not have one yet. She's got lots of stuffed toys but not one doll (poor baby, so deprived). The first baby doll she played with was her cousin's Baby Alive, the toy that eats, drinks and pees. I found it entertaining to see the doll cry (sadist) when hungry. I have yet to see the version where the doll burps, snoozes and blows out her birthday candles. Can you dig that? There's even a Caucasian, African and Hispanic version. Hmm, unfortunately, my daughter can't relate to any of them since she's Swiss-British-Filipino. Doubt there's any doll like her!


I wanted to get her one but it's for babies ages 3 and up. Guess I have to wait for another 2 years. Gosh, I wonder what they would have invented by that time... maybe a human-looking robot like Small Wonder? Hope not!

Happy Feet

Whats the best way to teach your baby about animals? Let them wear them on their feet. The designer of Polliwalks believes that shoes should not be taken seriously and kids must have fun with their shoes. Admit it or not, they made you smile...

Firefly for insect collectors (tail flickers when kid jumps and runs)


Fish lips for Chinese food lovers (lips changes color when under the sun)


T-Rex for Jurassic Park fans


And my fave, Chill for cold summer nights or rainy Mondays


I honestly think they're cooler than Crocs! Just worried if they are good for baby's feet. What you say, Doc?

Achilles' Heel

Was so happy I spoke to my mom on Skype today. Not only did she see my daughter's new haircut, but she also showed me the stuff she bought for baby. Can't wait to get them when my brother flies back next week. I hope to be able to see him during his 2- hour stopover in Hong Kong. Too bad that's all the time he has!

So excited to get the new pairs of shoes from Pediped and Robeez. The price is so much cheaper in the US compared to Hong Kong, especially now that Pediped has a sale where 50% of the proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish foundation. I couldn't help but buy a pair for one of my godsons (at least I donated to charity) and resisted the temptation to buy another one for my daughter. I think 3 new pairs of shoes will do for now or else she'll grow up to be like Imelda Marcos.

Another shoe brand that I have been eyeing recently is See Kai Run. Their shoes are also recommended by pediatricians. Aren't they all? (what a gimmick and I am stupid for falling for it). Maybe I should buy her new pairs after another 6 months, when she outgrows the rest of the shoes she's got. Can I really wait another 6 months?!

I have been obsessing about my daughter's shoes lately that I have not been buying any for myself. Wait a minute! Am I not working already and deserve to shop for myself? The email I got from theOutnet.com just announced the sale on Christian Louboutin shoes. Panic! Maybe I should get a pair of shoes for baby for every one I buy for myself so I am not guilty. One for her, one for me... one for her, one for me...

Ballerina Girls




Gold Diggers




Black Magic Women



Puss in Boots



Ugh! Shoes are definitely a weakness, whether it be for mommy or baby...

Paris on My Mind

Am so happy the rashguards my Mom sent finally arrived. Was too excited hubby and I brought her to the pool this afternoon. It was a bad idea though cause it started pouring as soon as we were in the pool. Saw baby shaking because it was too cold and had to go back home. There goes our holiday! Why is it raining like crazy when it's summer? Ugh!

Speaking of holidays, my hubby's designer flew to Cebu today for a weekend with the family. My hubby looked envious as he hasn't been to any of the beaches in the Philippines. How pathetic! He watched a show on BBC that featured Palawan and fell in-love with the beaches. We plan to go there for a short vacation this year. I should be fit by that time so I can get myself a nice bikini from Pucci or Missoni.

A friend is getting married in France this July and I might have to miss it (again)! Unfortunately, I have not been a fan of weddings. I missed the "big days" of most of my good friends. Sad, really, cause I am not there on their special day. I'm totally useless when it comes to these things. I would have loved to go to France though (can you believe I have never been?) but timing is really bad since I just started work. Hubby promised to bring me next year or when things are a bit more stable. Can't wait!

I'm looking forward to seeing Paris, Provence and the beautiful vineyards in Bordeaux and Champagne. My to- do- list in Paris includes eating in a Michelin star resto like Guy Savoy, visit the Louvre and of course shop at Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th! Oooh! There are so many nice French brands for both mommy and baby, one I just read about is Vertbaudet which is the French version of H&M. Cheap and trendy, perfect for babies who grow out of their clothes so quickly.

Check out some of the pics from their spring/summer collection. They also sell nice maternity wear (good thing I am not pregnant).



Cute eh? Please take me to France now!

Poster Child

My daughter is no longer a baby. Everyday, I see her grow taller, learning new things and is acting more and more like a toddler. When I look at her face, I see a child and not an infant anymore! Must be her new haircut. If only I can stop the clock from ticking...

I remember when I was a little girl (not as little as her, I think I was eight,) my idol was quirky Punky Brewster. I watched her shows like it were the news and copied her fashion sense. I was never able to pull off having a pair of different shoes though (and I am sure my mom won't let me wear something like that). My niece, who is turning five, is as crazy about Hannah Montana, she would insist on wearing the same denim jacket as Miley Cyrus or else will throw a tantrum. I wonder who my daughter will idolize four years from now... I just wish that whoever she is, she would be someone fashionable!



I'm actually torn about seeing my daughter growing up. I know it will be much easier once she starts talking. She can tell me what she wants rather than her usual "goo goo goo, ga ga ga..." At the same time, I miss the times I would carry her in my arms or the Baby Bjorn because she cannot walk yet. Now, she enters our bedroom every morning to wake up her daddy and closes the door after her like a little person.

I know having a little girl would be fun too, we can start going to the salon together, pick out clothes at the mall, have afternoon tea. Like having a toy doll or a best friend (only 32 years younger)... Hmm, maybe I should watch some of my favorite films of little girls again so that I know what lies ahead.

1) Annie (1982)

I think every girl my age loved the movie Annie. I can't remember how many times I watched this film and the play for that matter. I remember seeing Lea Salonga sing "The Sun Will Come out Tomorrow" on stage. Of course, my baby is not an orphan so she won't end up becoming like her...



2) Curly Sue (1991)

How can you resist a girl who has beautiful curls like her? This heartwarming comedy makes you want to have a little girl who's just as smart and cute but definitely not homeless!



3) Matilda (1996)

I love love love this film! Can't get over the fact that she brought adoption papers in her backpack everywhere she went in case she found better parents. I hope that's not the case with my daughter!



And if you have a little boy, you might want to rent the following DVDs to start prepping yourself...

1) Problem Child (1990)

I honestly wouldn't know what to do if my daughter was as naughty as the character in this film. My hubby is the one who does the disciplining at home.



2) Home Alone (1990)

I don't think I'll ever forget my daughter at home (unless I am untoxicated) but never say never...



3) Dennis the Menace (1993)

I'm sure there are a lot of old men in our building who are like Mr. Wilson... good thing I can't understand what they say since I can't understand Chinese.



Good luck to us!

Two Cents Worth

Work is becoming more and more demanding nowadays. I have been out on client calls the past few days and find myself in odd areas like Kwun Tong (industrial area in Kowloon) and Cyberport to meet with an ad agency. I have to work twice as hard and see more clients to make this project happen. I just hope all the walking is helping me burn some calories at the very least.

There are different views about the current economic situation nowadays. Some clients are becoming more open about spending while some have really tight budgets. Moet Hennessy, for example, is 30% short of their targets and are careful about sponsorship. Seems like not many people are drinking champagne nowadays... and so the term, "affordable luxuries" came up. Consumers may scrimp on their Veuve Clicquot but will still get a bottle of sauvignon or New World Wine.

Even favorite websites Purseblog developed a section called PB Savvy while BagSnob has FrugalSnob. Appropriate for the times! People don't mind spending if they think they are getting a good deal or saving a couple of bucks. Private and sample sales are sprouting all over the city now and I still see women grabbing things they don't really need as long as the product screams the logo or the discount is more than 50% off. I plead guilty to that (good thing I didn't go to Dior, Shanghai Tang and Furla sales or else I would have collected more junk)!

On the contrary, Purseblog writes about the increase in sales of Hermes bags during the first quarter. Thanks to the Koreans, Japanese and Chinese who are not wary about spending! I guess they think a Birkin is an investment. When push comes to shove, one can resell them at Milan Station anyway. Before you know it, pawnshops will start accepting bags too! Crazy huh?

I guess people still feel the need to reward themselves after a long day at work. Whether it be with a glass of wine or some retail therapy at a store that spells SALE on their windows. Weekends are still spent eating out in a restaurant, maybe not at Nobu but at an affordable Japanese resto in Mongkok. Skiing holidays in St. Moritz are probably replaced by a weekend at Niseko, which is not cheap but more affordable than flying to Europe. That's why catering to the luxury brand market is tricky nowadays. More strategy is involved... smarter tactics should be considered.

I just woke up from a dream about magazines and ads this morning. I guess I have been thinking of work a lot lately (and the stuff I want to buy if I reach my target). Good thing it's a holiday tomorrow so I can spend time with baby. Just hope I don't end up shopping...

When it Rains, it Pours...

What terrible weather in Hong Kong! It's gonna be raining the WHOLE week. What sucks is it's gonna be a holiday on Thursday and time for the dragon boat festival but it will be pouring like crazy. I don't want to stay indoors with baby again. She hasn't been out for quite awhile now.

Good thing, I have the Maclaren rain cover plus her raincoat from Mothercare. These come in handy when you need them. What she doesn't have is proper shoes for this weather. "William Wish Wellingtons" (humming the jingle of this BBC children's tv show...) It's not the most fashionable thing to wear but times like these, baby needs one. I don't want her Pedipeds or Converse get drenched in the rain. (Speaking of Pedipeds, my Mom said the ones she ordered for baby have arrived... yahoo, I can't wait for baby to wear them.)

So I had to look for some cute Wellingtons... I wonder if baby will trip wearing these. I can't imagine her walking in mid-calf boots when she's still so tiny. But, these Mary Jane boots look so cute, I just want to buy them anyway! And, the matching raincoats and umbrella are just divine. Oh, I just love having a baby girl, it's like having a toy doll!




Speaking of girls, I've heard some good news from my younger sister yesterday. She sent me an SMS saying she got accepted in Stores Specialists, Inc. as Merchandise Assistant for Jimmy Choo and a new brand that's launching in Manila (it's confidential so I am keeping my lips sealed) . In the beginning, she was worried because she didn't get any calls for job interviews (we were both unemployed at the same time and were speaking on Skype the whole day), but over the last week, several companies started calling her. It's true that when it rains, it pours... now, we're both working with companies we really like! Girl Power!

I'm very proud of her since it's her first job and she bagged it even before her graduation. I think I was a bum for almost a year before I started working. What got me excited was when she told me she will have 50 to 80% discount off at Jimmy Choo, Tod's, Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta, etc. Right, there goes both of our salaries! I already started looking for bags I like online and she hasn't even started yet. Shopaholic sisters, here we come...

Priceless

I finally found a place that can cut my daughter's hair. Was doing the groceries yesterday when I noticed that there was a toy car parked in front of the salon. It's a little chair for kids to sit on when having their haircut. I asked how much they charged and they said it's only HK$69. What a bargain! I booked it right away.

Was nervous that baby would move too much that the hairdresser might cut her eyelashes instead of her bangs. She did not keep still as I predicted but the hairdresser managed to work it out. At the latter part of her haircut, there were three stylist trying to entertain her to get it done while I was documenting her first haircut with hubby's camera. The people at the salon loved her (as usual), some of the passers-by even stopping just to watch her. She was such a star that she asked the hairdresser to carry her after the haircut and gave the other stylist some flying kisses. (One of the nannies taught her that and now she does it whenever she says goodbye. Too cute!) I made sure I brought a lock of hair with me so I can put in baby's book.

When we got home, her Daddy was happy to see a whole new person- his exact lines! Little Amelie is what he called her and took more photos. She is definitely looking older now with her new do. I was happy because she looks a lot more feminine and that means I can buy her more dresses. Woohoo! Nobody's gonna ask me if she's a boy anymore.

Amelie happens to be my favorite movie of all time (at least for now). I loved the humor and cinematography of this award-winning French film. Somehow I was able to relate to her Amelie's character, someone who finds pleasure in helping others and tries to play cupid to her friends. Audrey Tautou did a fantastic job in this film, that I watched other films she made after (Hors De Prix or Priceless and Da Vinci Code) .

I can't wait to watch the upcoming Coco before Chanel where she portrays no other than fashion icon, Coco Chanel. I just hope I don't end up shopping after watching the film, dearie me! I'm currently lusting for a Chanel bag called the Portabello from their fall/winter 09 collection. It costs $2375... Yikes, I need to get a good sales commission for me to justify that purchase. Saying that, should get off the computer and get ready for work now... Happy Monday!

Shiny Happy People

Like every other woman in this planet, I need another bag. Take note, NEED not WANT! I was hoping I would be able to score one at the Givenchy sample sale but didn't fancy any of the handbags there. I was dreaming that they would sell a Nightinggale or Sacca at 90% off. Shucks! Welcome to the real world, girl, these "it" bags would never go on sale...



Anyway, I was looking forward to some mother-daughter bonding at the mall today but rain, rain won't go away. Don't want to risk my baby getting sick again. So, of course since I am frustrated, I have no choice but to go (window) shopping online. I just wrote about how metallic hues are talking up a storm for children's wear. Well, metallic is not the key trend for accessories now but it sure hasn't left the scene yet.

Since I am looking for a medium-priced bag that I can wear from spring to winter, maybe something muted gold or silver would work? Perfect for a summer dress and still fashionable for a black trench coat for fall. Am I not good I am at saving money? I'm getting one bag that's good for two seasons!

Tired of my Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini, but wouldn't mind this metallic Nikki by the same designer...


Can't go wrong with this City Tote by Foley and Corinna ala Gossip Girl


I know these don't fall under the category of "medium-priced" but can't help but like...

Mulberry's Bayswater


Jimmy Choo's new hobo


Yves Saint Laurent's Colorama Collection


And while I am at it, I wouldn't mind having another Tory Burch Revas in silver too...


Uh oh! Staying at home doesn't necessarily mean not spending nowadays. Get me out of here please!

Golden Girl

Hurray for payday! Hehe, I know it's still a week from now but am looking forward to another check so I can shop again. I've been pretty good lately. The only stuff I shopped for recently were presents for other people. Mom, godson, baby of a friend. I haven't even bought anything for my daughter (although she has a bunch of stuff coming from the US, yahoo!). See... I am improving! Okay, I did get a wallet for myself but it was on sale so it's not counted.

When I was looking for some cargo pants for my godson, I found a beautiful ensemble at Seed for my daughter. It was a kaftan with blue and gold embroidery that matched gold capris. How fashionable is that! But, gosh, the set is the same price as a Burberry dress. I had to shy away from it before I start taking out Mastercard.

Now that I am surfing online, I am seeing more and more metallic-colored clothes for baby. It does look very sophisticated. I think my daughter would look good in one of these from Little Catwalk and Milkshop...






If only she can wear jewelry that would match them... which reminds me, I wonder when's the best time I can pierce her ears. In Hong Kong, it's not a norm to pierce baby's ears at birth. Baby has some earrings from Tiffany & Co. that are waiting for her. Maybe I should do it soon... Ouch!

Give Me a Break

I've been working hard these days so when it's the weekend, all I want to do is relax. Weather's not been very cooperative lately so going to the beach is not an option. This rainy weather just makes me want to stay indoors and sleep. But, since it's my quality time with baby, I can't be sleeping all day. Retail therapy is always a good alternative, I guess it's time to hit the mall (again).

But nothing really beats a good massage and some pampering! Especially after carrying a 10- kilo baby in my arms the whole day. (I prefer to have time alone with hubby and daughter during weekends so the nanny does not come to work on Saturdays and Sundays). While hubby was relaxing with his can of beer last night, I headed to the local spa in our building. Haven't had my toes done for ages and before I looked like a caveman, I decided to go for a pedi. I had to come back for dinner so I didn't have a manicure and have my long-awaited massage. Maybe later? Too bad I'm all the way in Lai Chi Kok and I can't run to my fave spas in Hong Kong island.

Sense of Touch- Most famous for their brazilian waxing, this spa is located at the center of Lan Kwai Fong (perfect if you want to chill with a mojito in Lan Kwai Fong after). I have not tried their massages but their mani/pedis are the best in town. Can't wait to get my nails done so I can paint the town red!



Four Seasons Spa- Who doesn't want to be pampered at the Four Seasons? The last time I was there was when my mother-in-law won a spa party package. How lucky is that! It came with a mani, facial, massage, and dinner for four. My fave part is the limousine ride home. Ah, the good life!



Body Conscious- When I was pregnant, I always felt tired and needed a massage. Not a lot of spas are experts at pre-natal massages. My friend recommended I try Body Conscious at Centrium, near PURE. The place was not fancy but the massage brought me to heaven. Hope baby enjoyed it too!



Plateau- What I love about the Grand Hyatt's spa is the ambience. Their rooftop pool and courtyard was always my secret hideaway. I remember one day I took the day off at work and just spent my afternoon there. Read a magazine, got a massage then had sandwiches and tea by the pool. Felt like I was on top of the world!



PAUA Spa- This is one of the spas I visited on a regular basis. It does help that their PR manager was a friend and got a lot of free treatments! I organized a spa party for my clients last year and they just loved it. How can they not when they servde champagne while having their nails done? I also swear by their Murad facials at this spa, everyone noticed the glow I had after.



MTM Spa- I have only been to their spa in Causeway Bay once and it was unforgettable. First, they scanned my skin to show me how dry my pores were, yuck! Then, I had a luxurious massage that drifted me to neverland. The best part was when I was soaked in a red wine bath that made my skin silky smooth. Now I know how it feels like to be a queen!



Oh well, I can always book a treatment during a weekday after a long day at work. I miss writing spa reviews for a magazine and getting all of these for free though. But, the experience is definitely worth every penny. Or should I suggest I write a spa column in our magazine to my boss to get some freebies again... great idea!