Spend or Save

I for one am a bag lover. But I don't stress myself too much in having the designer label if I can't really afford one (and I really can't..hehe).

For some, it's basically about status. Holding a designer label especially when the monogram print says that it's one of THE DESIGNER IT BAGS, well, people do really tend to look.

For others, it's the quality. Since all designer bags come with a hefty price tag, it therefore SHOULD be made of the best material and the craftsmanship must be superb, otherwise, it's not even worth the money.

The best reason I actually like is because of the style and design. At the end of the day, you'd really like to have either something unique, versatile, functional and most importantly, something that will match most of your outfits or a bag that will MAKE your outfit.

But since I'm a mom, always under the budget and would rather splurge on my little one most of the time rather than myself (it's a big change that wasn't so hard for me, I think most moms would agree that it doesn't take enough convincing to leave your wants for your baby's needs), I made myself a list of bag choices I like and tuned it into the all time favorite comparison chart: SPEND or SAVE.

This will probably a regular topic in my blog, because after all, we can't have too many bags. :) And to think I haven't started on the shoes yet.


So here we go...


SPEND: THE LV SPEEDY BAG
A good everyday bag that you can tote around and fit most of your essentials in.
It's not too big nor too small.
Somewhere around Php30k


SAVE: THE TIRAMISU SPEEDY BAG
Same functions and purpose as you want it with superb quality and materials but a good affordable price. They're even giving free shipping with this bag. Also worthy of those stares because of the unique print and style but has it's own take on the doctor's bag shape we love about the LV speedy without saying it's a complete replica of the details from the Vuitton bag. It's still something uniquely designed and just right on the budget.
Php1,500 (to see more styles visit http://tiramisubags.multiply.com)




SPEND: The Chanel Quilted Flap
One of the most classic styles in bag history that's definitely timeless whether it's the classic or reissue type. I think it's the best evening or formal bag that will make a simple LBD and pearl earrings just fab.
Somewhere around Php120-200k (depends if it's a second hand - for discontinued and rare styles or the new reissues)



SAVE: The Tiramisu Mademoiselle Flap Bag
Something of the same effect but with a modern take and not too much screaming CHANEL!!! The function of the flap and chain embellishment is there with the lock and the quilting but it's a fresh take on the style that you can even use for casual occasions.
Php999 (to see more styles visit http://tiramisubags.multiply.com)


If you just happen to love quilted bags, here's another cute take from Tiramisu that has a Chanel like feel:


Tiramisu Vanity Kit (Php1500)

Blair Bands Part II

So why would you want to wear a head band?


1. If you don't know what to do with your hair - Wear a headband.
In so many ways, you can style your hair without the fuzz. If you've got all that volume and you seem to be having such a bad hair day, take advantage! Head bands tend to look better nowadays with hair that has volume. Create a dramatic look by placing your hair in a bun then use either a thick type of band or a multiple stranded band to create more drama. Use it on a casual or even a formal look.


2. To chop or not to chop? - or just don't
If you're in a dilemma of whether to cut your hair or not or change to a different hair style, before you do, try accessorizing with a head band. It suits most hair styles and types. Whether you have long wavy hair, straight, short or even if you're donning a bob cut, it will most likely suit you. Just make sure that your head band is comfortable enough for you. There are head bands that have "teeth" and some are just basically lined with velvet to suit your hair type.

3. She bangs - most of the time
Bangs are also in almost every season. But sometimes, they kinda get in the way of things especially when you're sporting a bang style that's high maintenance and needs blow drying to get the proper curve. Having bangs won't allow you to chop them off (unless you want to look like a 3-year-old barbie doll with the bangs chopped off...I did that to one of my barbie dolls before..haha). So if you don't have the time to maintain and waiting for your locks to grow takes like forever, put a head band on and be at ease.

Avoid:

- Wearing a headband when your hair is wet: it just dries or ruins your hair and most often the results are those curly or frizzy hair strands or lumps that won't go away that easily. it's like baking your hair to put it simply. Some say it causes migraines as well just as when you tie your hair when wet or something.

- Sporting headbands that have materials or forms that do not work well with your head shape or hair type.

Blair Bands

It's all the rage and I'm glad it is because I had tons of it stashed in my "back to the future box"...hehe.

Yes, headbands, are back indeed (if you haven't noticed).

I love the fact that they give your wardrobe a kick during a fashion crisis (e.g. if you have no accessory that can match an outfit, having a bad hair day, etc.).

Thank you to the very addictive TV series Gossip Girl who features Blair Waldorf in unique and intriguing hairbands, these babies have become a must-have for almost every woman.

Little tidbits on the Headband:

1. Wikipedia - What is a headband?

A headband is a clothing accessory worn in the hair or around the forehead, usually to hold hair away from the face or eyes. Headbands generally consist of a loop of elastic material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plastic or metal. They come in assorted shapes and sizes and are used for both practical and fashion purposes.

Horseshoe-shaped headbands are sometimes called Alice bands after the headbands that Alice is often depicted wearing in Through the Looking Glass.

2. From Hairboutique.com - Headband History

A famous Egyptian goddess from 600 B.C. is portrayed in the book, The Changing Face of Beauty by Madge Garland with what looks very much like a 60s style headband.

Byzantine women displayed in old mosaic portraits were shown wearing jewelled bands and head dresses.

During the period of the 1880s women would fashion headbands out of flowers or branches and use them as decoration. The photo above is taken from a copy of Demorest's Monthly Magazine published in 1880. The photo was of a bride who had a headband of leaves and flowers with a shawl attached at the back of the floral decoration.

This was a very popular look during the 1880 -1885 timeframe. Woman during that time would also use ribbon to form a type of headband to hold the hair off of their face.

VINTAGE!

Very fab vintage takes...and I thank my mom and lola for being "pack rats"! I now treasure all the vintage stuff they gave me!

3. Famous faces who wears them:

picture from the CW site
Apart from Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl), celebs like Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Richie, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba and even David Beckham (during his long haired days) sported this unique look whether on casual or formal occasions.






Later I'll be posting excellent tips I gathered on why head bands might just be your lucky charms to get the total look you're trying to achieve. :)

Shopping behavior

I brought my daughter to one of our favorite shops and hang-outs in Cubao Expo, where my shop is located. Ho-Land, a nice quaint Chinese delicacy shop where you can get great tasting comfort food and treats. My favorite is their Chicken Pie! and I love taking home large packs of those addictive white squash seeds, crispy squid flakes (which makes my hubby veer away from me unless I have already brushed my teeth..haha) and Haw flakes which Yan-yan is really really addicted to.

Oh, my daughter's name is Yan-yan. Like the cookie snack that you dip in either chocolate or strawberry cream. That was the snack that made me survive the ALL DAY SICKNESS (not morning sickness) during my pregnancy's first term. Apart from the fact that her dad's name is Ryan.

Anyhoo, so there we were, at the door. I placed her down carefully as thought she'd be running off to the lot of products displayed at the side. To my surprise, she didn't. She was so amazed at the display rack of all the different goodies, she held her distance and just pointed and said "Mommy, wow!".

I couldn't help it so I took pictures to prove to her dad that she was well behaved at a store where the products were just within her reach...as this rarely happens. Try bringing her to a a department store. I plan the days that I bring her to the toy store because you CANNOT leave without having to pay for something because she won't even let the cashier swipe the thing without a fight.


So there I was, so proud that she was able to control herself, but then again, I figured that she was just overwhelmed as to where to start.

The funniest part though was that since she was bottling up all her excitement for so long (around 5 minutes), she couldn't help but show her excitement by making her trademark "GIGIL" thing (as seen in the picture) and her little cute squeels.

Is this the making of a shop-a-holic? I better not give her an extension card when she can legally own one. It's scary.

I don't want to say SCARY...I want "SADS"

A mommy entry



My little one says a lot of stuff I can rarely understand. Words like "PATAKAPATAPATA" and some words I can't even spell are mostly what comprises her vocabulary nowadays.

I'm quite happy though that she can pick up and say most of the words we teach her:

1. WATER = "WATUY"
2. CHOCOLATE = "CHOK-LEYT"
3. ELMO = "E-MOW"
4. MOMMY = "MOMEEEEE"
5. DADDY = "DADEEE"
6. TITO = "TETO"
7. COW = "COW"
8. DOG = "DOG"
9. MORE = "MOW"
10. DORA = "DOYA"
11. YAYA = "YAYA"
12. SLEEP = "SEEP"
13. MILK = "MIWK"
14. AFRAID = "PEYD"
15. I LOVE YOU = "LABU"
16. MISS YOU = "MESU"
17. GOOD NIGHT = "GUYAYT"
18. TAXI = "TASI"
19. TAKE A BATH = "BABATH"
20. SCARY = nothing

I don't know why but every time I ask her if something is scary, she gets startled and hugs me tight. I tried teaching her the word, what it means and I tried to make her say it but the last time, she just didn't want to respond. Instead, she cried and looked around the room and went under the covers...which I did too because I thought she'd seen something and it kinda scared me too (hehe).

I'm just puzzled at her reaction every time we say the word scary. Maybe she thinks it's like a magic word to make something she's frightened about appear.

Each day, I try to teach my daughter some new word, phrase or thing. It's easy actually, at her age, she's like a sponge, so I'm quite careful with the words I say around her. But sometimes, I do forget that she's not just a child set to feel what you want her to feel or think. At an early age, I have to understand that she already has emotions and feelings just like any adult has. That she gets stressed, frightened, lonely, excited and even frustrated.

I was laughing so hard the other night, when I mentioned to my brother that my neck really hurt. To my surprise, she went to me and gave me a "massage" which she calls "sads" and I was so touched. Her yaya said she saw an English commercial on TV about a spa or massage. I was amazed on how she was able to relate that to what I told my brother "Ang sakit ng leeg ko...".

That same night, she went to me and said, "Mamee, sads?" and I said "You'll be massaging mommy?" and she said, "No, SADS!" placing her leg on my tummy and asking me to give her one. WOW! talk about a quick pick up from what she'd learned from watching a short 15 second commercial.

I have yet to uncover so many mysteries about my little one. But at this point, I'm quite worried and excited at the same time on as to what other stuff will happen as she grows older. I started applying make-up at the age of 18 and during those days, pressed powder and lip gloss was THE make-up for my age group. My little one knows how to put lipstick, powder and she knows where the eyeshadow and blusher goes. So imagine her 1 to 2 years from now. So many scary thoughts. She's only 1 1/2 years old.

How oOhwables came to be

A BLOG

I have been into writing since I can remember but I never had the time to focus and let it all out in this type of form: a blog.

I was looking for some kind of outlet that I can do while looking after my 1-year old daughter (actually watch her tumble around the bed every night an call me a dozen times for no reason before she went to sleep). This is probably the only thing I can do that she'll allow me to as she's fascinated with the music that comes from my laptop and the noise that my typing produces seems to be a hypnotic type of sound for her. And yes, she would bang on the keyboard every now and then, pull me aside and smother me with kisses or bite my cheek. Maybe in the future, she'll be somehow inspired to do the same and will love to write as well.

GETTING INTO IT

I have an online shop that I started when I was at home on a full time basis. My husband and I decided that I should take a break from work for a year or so and focus on our daughter and ensure that she's well taken cared of. Some people think that staying at home is the best thing ever! for me, it was, mainly for the fact that I loved (and still am loving) being with my little angel all the time. But being a full time mom can be more stressful than an 8-5 job. It's a 24 hour thing and there will always be a constant feeling of repetition, as if I was living each day the same way and since I have no one to talk to most of the time, it got quite stressful.

A typical day for me was when I'd wait for my hubby to get home, only to find out that he's quite tired from work and starting a normal conversation with him made me feel as if I was presenting to the board of directors. I had all these ideas couped up in my head, gathered from the times my baby was taking her naps (which was around 3 to 4 times a day for at least 2-3 hours). I never blamed my husband because I knew it was a mutual decision for me to stay at home and he was providing for us. The fact that I wasn't really used to coming from an independent life where I had a career and was earning for myself without any restraints when it came to going out with friends or shopping without the guilt.

I had to do something that wouldn't defeat the purpose on why I was managing the household full time. So one day, my dear hubby decides to get internet connection (to which I dearly missed for several months). He figured I needed to have something to enjoy apart from watching tv, dvds, reading a book or documenting my daughter's every move (which like all first time moms would do). I received an email from a friend inviting me to be her contact in multiply. I enlisted and found it to be quite good. I uploaded tons of pictures of my daughter, connected with friends and later stumbled into a person selling various items in my distant network. I noticed that throughout her multiply existence, she was able to meet a lot of people, earn and basically enjoy. I then established this idea of selling as well, thinking maybe it wouldn't be bad to try. I was surprised to see how excited the Philippine market was with the idea of online selling and how it was a good source of relaxation apart from the extra cash that it also gave.

I was thrilled that I was able to converse with people (as if I was couped up for so long and found a great escape). Little did I know that it was the best opportunity for me to try new and exciting things. From online, I tried selling through bazaars and eventually, noticed an opportunity to start up shop. Although the physical shop thing is still a big work in progress, I'm looking forward to having it pick up everything is in place. I'm quite happy to say that I was able to fulfill so many things, I never thought would be possible in such a short span of time.

It's both an amazing and scary feeling. A year went by so fast that looking back at it now, I never would have thought I'll be living in the city again, struggling with it's fast paced environment (not to mention it's costly terms of living) and juggling the mommy duties, entrepreneur gig and career as a marketing manager (yes, due to the instability of the economy, my husband and I felt it was best to be safe and think of the future, so I went ahead and took the job offer of my last employer to go back and continue my career with them). I have yet to finish my next small clothing and accessory collection, doing the shop inventory, the next marketing campaign at work, the divider panels at the house and potty training my kid.

I was previously asking for something to do, now, I have all these things to do and so little time. It just goes to show that you can't have everything that you can wish for that easily.

OOHWABLES

Some people, when they ask me on how I was able to come up with the name, comment on how innovative it is and how different it is. Some get the idea almost instantly. I for one thought it would be so hard to get and pronounce especially if you tried spelling it out to Air21's customer service as a pick-up address for an outgoing shipment.

I think everyone has a queue word when they see something of high interest. In my family, my eldest cousin would normally say "Ooh!" and I was surprised to hear my daughter say the same expression as well. From there, all things worthy of "Ooh!" became oOhwables. :)

AND MORE

This blog though, isn't just about my shop and my fashion interests. It's basically going to be my regular punching bag, a diary of some sort, something that may or may not interest you because it's simply something I just want to write about.

Thanks if you have read this entry.

I'm just happy to be able to start writing again.

- Tricia -