Home and Back Again

I've been so caught up with finding a suitable place to write at home, I've actually forgotten to write. I'm seriously considering taking the Narnia route and turning the last untouched frontier of this house - the coat room, as a possible creative space for my wandering thoughts.

Why I spend so much time trying to figure out where I can possibly have my own nook, cave, or corner doesn't come much of a surprise. I'm a crab and is very much in need of her own shell. We can thank the zodiac for that; thank you cosmos. 

In the nearly three months that I fell short of updating my blog, it's as if this space skipped beat that spanned a lifetime. Deluge of memories in the 12 hour flight back to Manila for some long overdue family time, and when it was happy, it was intensely blissful. Watching Mandarin run and play with her cousins and grandparents, my best friends - her godparents. It was unbearable to leave, and yet just the same I knew I couldn't stay. Between  an emotionally tumultuous goodbye that I had already started to fear a month into our trip, the plane allegedly getting struck by lighting and our flight getting cancelled and having to re-do goodbye's all over again the next day, it was an emotionally turbulent flight back home.

Home. The operative word here. Is it possible to call two places home? One where a past life thrives with nostalgic memorabilia and another where the current one resides. It is a blessing as much as it is a cursed longing for finding one's own place in the order of things. Having left in the peak of summer and arriving back just in time for fall; the change of seasons bearing the appropriate scenery of a life that has significantly changed over the last few years. 

One thing to note, as I have discovered. I have a copy of Gaston Bachelard's " The Poetics of Space" on both sides of the Pacific that I call home. Possibly, the most copies I have of a the same book. One left under a bed in a hotel in Hong Kong, another in the room I grew up in, and one that I keep by my bedside like a bible. All because the deep psychology rooted in the spaces we create, cook, sleep, and play affect us in more way that we initially care to understand  and I carry this book with me because it has given light (and poetry) to the spaces I occupy.

As my family and I now transition into becoming homeowners, a day I thought would never come, I find that I have extended my feelers past the room we sleep in, the kitchen, and a sliver of the living room. Like a switch going off, the official word is in - we are buying the home we have stayed in for the last five years. I have taken a stand against ALL fake plants, spray painted gold mirrors for a contemporary feel, removed dust-catching empty memorabilia that poses no great emotional attachment to anyone anyway (except to fill up a house that no one used to live in back then). 

The husband and I have virtually remodeled this home into an HGTV worthy space in our head, our creative neurons firing way ahead of a true working budget, but then again that thought on its own is the beauty of it all. We can dream of a space knowing it is ours it will be ours and someday; sometime very soon we can peel off twenty year old wall paper off the wall and paint that mother a bright bold shade like a declaration of ownership. We have arrived. 

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Here and There

The desk that I am currently working in is a great mirror of the random events in my life as of late.  A beach themed birthday card that opens to the first few chords of Hawaiian-nified Somewhere Over the Rainbow, a little bag of Excedrin migraine pills and Orange Dayquil poppers, a Costco coupon book, my very much neglected planner, a few embossed glittery stickers, keys, pens and markers, a Mickey Mouse DVD, a nine inch rubber number 1, business cards, and a very filthy square of measuring tape which has seen its share of DIY projects.

It's been so long since I last posted, overwhelmed with other things that need immediate attention like the peaks and ranges of laundry that's piled up in the bedroom. Difficult as it may seem, as with other things in life, you just need to sort through it one by one until you emerge from the throes of clutter with a calm sense of Zen.  Which I am still, currently, desperately trying to achieve. I still manage to function with the daily toils of life, plan events and attend parties and baby showers - even bachelorette parties and weddings. Especially the past two months which was chock full of weekend excitement catching up with well loved friends and family. Basically, I've gone off my hamster wheel of daily routes, exhausted, yet nonetheless thankful that I at least do not live a life of stagnancy.

"When they smashed my heart into smithereens, be a bright red rose come busting the concrete." 

Hitting it right home, Coldplay. 

We are emotionally pivoting between two life changing events, coming home to visit family and friends after many many years of not having done so. Meeting new family members, and properly grieving for a beloved few that have gone. Young and old. The other event is buying a house. A grueling process that I have now discovered is every bit emotional as it is financial. It is a delicate line to cross. Moving into a house you've already lived in for so many years with furniture and personal touches of taste and character that isn't yours, yet living with it as if it were your own, having its story weave into your own.  Now somewhat halfway between the journey and the destination, you can't really tell what is yours and what isn't. 

If only it was as easy as diving into a pile of laundry. There simply is a lot to sort through. I could load everything and leave it to its cycles of wash rinse and repeat for an hour or so knowing the outcome every single time, clothes that smell fresh like a breeze running through a field of flowers. At least that's what the box says. I think it smells more like the comfort and satisfaction of something being sorted, cleaned and folded. 

I can't help but feel slightly guilty for neglecting my dearest blog for the past few months. It's gotten me through complicated times and will most definitely anchor my sanity for the coming months ahead. Specially now that we're leaving in a few days, crossing the Pacific away from our morning blanket of fog and crisp summer afternoons and landing into the current unpredictable monsoon season that beckons childhood memories and the warm fizzle of nostalgia. Both of them, now home to two different sides of myself where there's probably a story that needs to be told all while jumping right into the thick of it. 

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Hello, Blog.

What happened?

It's Friday  Saturday MONDAY already!? Seems like I just posted my last Friday Five a few hours ago. But alas, here I am rambling away, losing time, and trying to reel in where the rest of my week went.

Let's see. There was a beach trip. A donut the size of Mandarin's head. A laid back holiday at home. A very important interview I attended where I discovered I had a jovial Minnie Mouse sticker stuck on my shoe ( which of course I discovered post-interview), and a bad case of something I caught in the air that gave me a hacking cough and made me lose my voice. I think I sound like Rachel Ray, except not as perky.

Follow me on Instagram @sevenhurricane 

Meantime, Mandarin's vocabulary has increased at exponential speed. There are simple words she says that  make me ask her what it is again and again just to hear her say it; like bath. She says baaf which I find too cute for words. Or when we say surprise I syllabicate it for her and she says it with precise detail and yet when I ask her to say the entire word, her eyes light up and with full breath force she utters, Priiice!

This morning we sat on top of the stairs before heading down for breakfast and exchanged I love you's like we do each day, except this time she looked me in the eye and said,  I've you mama (that's I Love You in Mandarin speak). Suddenly everything difficult about being a parent so far, the patience you invest, all the worry you spend, and the effort and hope that you cast out like a net with eager anticipation of what returns, diffuses in to the lightness of feathers taking flight from the ground.  

She may not know it yet, the power of words. But as a mother, I do. ♥

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Friday Five: Eleven

1. The Cat in the Hat knows a lot about that. I didn't know it was Martin Short who did Cat's voice! 

2. Sideboard at Danville. Best Eggs Benedict ever! EVER!

3. Adorable postcard that La Boulange gives out for free! 

4. High on thrifting! Baby Quilt, sweet threads for Mandarin, Marigold skirt. 

5. My Mandarin ♥


Happy Friday!

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Newborn Essentials: The First Three Months

Congratulations on being a new Mama!  The first three months of your newborn's life at home will be a tiring, sleepless, happy and rewarding time. Here are a few essential things to have around to help make the transition smoother! 

1.  A convertible crib that can be used as a toddler bed when your little sweetie gets bigger.  All drop-side cribs have been pulled out from stores from its non-compliance with safety measures, so always make sure to check what you're buying. Simply Baby Furniture has a wide selection and range of cribs to choose from. As with Walmart,  and Target. 

2. A most reliable breast pump, and Medela from experience has been a dependable brand. Just don't count on its carrying bag to be fashionable statement. It'll be one of the many things you'll be lugging around in the first few months. 

3. You will probably receive baby grooming kits from baby showers which include a standard thermometer. Toss it. Better yet go green and re-purpose it to stir your morning coffee (tea for you lovely pregnant women), because that's all it's good for. The Vick's Baby Thermometer has a proven track record of reliability and accuracy. Don't skimp on this, a correct digital reading will determine whether your little one is really sick or just over bundled. Sold nationwide at retail drugstores. 

4.  Fashionable nursing covers so you can breast feed with swag. Don't be shy, pop it out and carry on with your conversation. Discreet breastfeeding is very much accepted these days. 

5. The BASICS. Onsies. Onsies. Onsies. You will need a handful of these. Keep them basic and 100% breathable cotton. Linked stores: Old Navy, Apericots, and Two Blue Peas. For plain white everyday ones, Gerber sells them in packs of 5 - perfect for layering too. You will also need: 

• Endless supply of diapers and wipes! Amazon has great deals and monthly deliveries, or go for bulk and buy at Costco. 
• Baby nail files (for their razor sharp nails that can easily cut through delicate skin)
• Blankets
• Washcloths
• An army of burp cloths and bibs. Trust me, milk that trickles down in the neck - not good. 

6. Baby clothes hamper. Because babies change clothes as quick as chameleons shift color. Don't mix in with yours, unless you want to hike and climb on it by the end of the week. They really pile up. The rattan elephant hamper is a sweet and whimsical addition to any room. 

7. Shopping for strollers is like buying a new family car. Test drive it. What's the turning radius like? How's the handling? Can you fold it with one hand with a child on your hip and a mocha latte in your other? Can you unfold it without kicking and grunting like a caveman? Check out Mamapedia for stroller concerns and Babble for an extensive list of best picked stroller options.  

8. For new parents that do not have the luxury of having a nursery for their newborn (such as ourselves), do not for one second think that you can get away from purchasing a changing table. The bed is not a viable option for changing a child, lest you are prepared for terrible backaches and - wait for it - projectile things. Liquid versions of these things. Be quick to dodge it. Breastfeeding mamas know this tale all to well.  THIS is where we bought ours which we still use daily. 

9. Before you check out of the hospital, your loving nurses will teach you how to effectively swaddle your newborn with a standard (baby) hospital blanket. You will be impressed with how snug of a burrito they can be, but every child's strength varies and within minutes, your little escape artist would have given Houdini a run for his money.  The Woombie  is the ultimate solution to the usual tuck and fold. Snugness for newborns equates to comfort, warmth, and sleep which is directly proportional to your state of mind. Those two straight hours are precious, you know. 

10. You will take probably a thousand photos in your baby's first month alone. A hundred yawning photos, her feet, his fingers, the wisp of a curl on his forehead.  Keep the camera (or camera phone) handy - you can't miss a moment! 

11. The Dustan Baby Language System will help you understand your newborn innate language, and yes, believe it or not, they're already trying to communicate with you within the first month! 

12. Nursing Pillow. There are many brands out there but the mommy favorite would be the Boppy! It's so comfortable I caught myself using it long before I stopped breastfeeding. 

13. Blooming Bath! This is the most adorable thing! I would have bought one for every sink at home had I known about it before.  This floral foam is of course just for newborns, they can transition to a baby tub as they grow.

14. The Diaper Bag. Yes, they're expensive but get the right one and you won't ever have to worry about it falling apart, or finding the pacifier, the bib, and the wipes. I went through at least three bags, including a non-compartmentalized weekend bag which ended up with chaotic results.  The best one I ever bought was the Skip-Hop  Versa. I'd still use it today, except toddlers don't need as much things as babies do. 

15. The Car Seat.  Don't get overwhelmed. Go for safety, reliability, and ease of use. You're child's safety is your first priority so choose wisely. The Graco Snugride 35 has been a recognized authority in infant/baby/toddler systems and has proven to be worth the money we put into it. 

Lastly, the best thing to prepare for as new parents is to arm yourself with patience paired with a consistent warm serving of gratitude as most of it will be tested in your transition into parenthood.  The moment you hold and lock eyes with your little one, you are forever changed for the better. Always trust your instinct and remind yourself in times of doubt that you are the best mommy and daddy your petite bebe can ever have. 

This is for you, P & G 

Congratulations and much love! ♥ ♥ ♥

* The opinions expressed on this list are by no means sponsored by any establishments, boutiques, and shops mentioned but are of my own personal preference and familiarity to the product. 

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One Word Wednesday (Mother's Day)

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Mama Things : Mother's Day

1. Silver Disc earrings. 2. Floral print dress with a mis-matched sash.  3. Betsey Johnson Silver and blue bangles. 4. MAC So Chaud lipstick - Amazing color! 5. Tangerine wedges. 6. Mustard woven bag.

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Woohoo Weekend

A quick trip to this month's Alameda was blessed by the thrifting gods in spite of the heat, which Mandarin miraculously slept through for the most part.  The wind's reprieve was fleeting, the sun searing my forehead, cheeks and arms that left me with a very bad and uneven burn right between my watch and rolled up sleeve. I made it 3/4 of the way ( and there are possibly more than 800 vendors that we're talking about here) before I finally turned around and decided to head back to the vendor that was selling a ring I couldn't stop thinking about.

Indeed.

I'm fairly particular about my rings. In the course of nearly twenty years, the rings I've worn on my fingers have evolved from modest and simple to large and bold statements. And anyone who knows me knows I wear them five or six at a time.

A few days ago, the quarter sized mother-of-pearl shell fell off my ring and into the depths of the kitchen grinder, which of course I was completely oblivious to until I switched it on and the horrendous crunch - in what I can only describe as something I may have imagined hearing from Stephen Kings's The Langoliers, rose from below. To think it survived being run over by a vehicle on the street, the first time it fell off. Lesson learned: don't buy poor quality.

So a ring to replace my bare (right) ring finger was at the top of my list. But then I couldn't resist this bargain of a vintage necklace to wear for Mother's Day and lovely bowl which I found while in search for a floral serving platter.

This antiques fair boast of amazing finds like this gorgeous Underwood typewriter - which I didn't buy by the way, but oh If I had a desk to place this lovely machine on. 

Also on the list, a set of whisky glasses, a few Butterprint vintage pyrex bowls to complete the set of the one bowl I currently have.

There, Mama! More jewelry over there! 

We were starving by 3:30 p.m. as we drove through the Bay Bridge and back into the city. It was a gorgeous day and it seemed that everyone who had the luxury of sailboats was out that afternoon, their crisp white sails taking wind, a stark contrast to the blue of sky above.

We ate a very late lunch and took our time spending the afternoon in the outdoor patio of Savor on 24th street. The portions were huge and filling - we took it all in without hesitation or guilt from carbs, fried, fries, meat, bacon. We were there. We were hungry. We were happy.

Back home while getting ready for bed after some downtime in the living room couch we take in the breath of the day, grateful as always. 

Slipping in his pajamas my hubby says "We had a good Sunday, didn't we?"

"We had a great weekend!" I say, all smiles.

Mandarin was already asleep beside me, hugging her one armed bunny. We both huddled near her warm little body, kissed, chuckled about something and said our goodnights.

I kissed Mandarin's forehead and nuzzled into her neck, and finally figured out that the unnamed essence she always had (that I couldn't quite put my finger on) was the sweet and fruity rainbow scent of a new bag of skittles.

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Friday Five : Ten

1. Mickey Mouse Pancakes.  2. Water break from a morning bike ride! 3. Party Dress. 4. Lovely, lovely church with stained glass windows all around. 5. Girls in all sizes :) 

Happy Friday! 

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Thrifting at Home

It's an odd feeling; thrifting in your own house. This only applies to circumstances such as mine where  my husband and I moved into a family guest house that was rarely used in the last two decades. Most of the things in it though some of them bought brand new, are now vintage so to speak. This house is one huge thrift store and the kitchen has been my favorite spot since we moved here. 

It was my grandmother who thrifted and bargained her way into the little details that went into decorating the house. The furniture and pretty much everything large was bought brand new of course, some kitchen items brought in from Japan, China, the Philippines, all over the world from her travels. 

While there are many many things I would actually re-purpose given the chance, re-paint and possibly re-do, there are a handful of things that I have found to be useful and lovely. I don't collect much things, really. I'm not the type to hoard things into a flurry of mismatched kitsch and display them behind glass because at the end of the day - and my mother will be proud in my saying that, they're all just dust catchers. 

Well, maybe there are certain tendencies to do so I admit, which I will attribute to genetics (i.e. my grandmother) but I've so far witheld myself from thrifting myself into the oblivion of tiny treasures even  if at times I would completely convince myself that it would look so pretty by my bedside. 

Suddenly, having a child changes even the slightest measure of consumerism: The five way test. 

Is it toxic? Are there small parts that can possibly lead to choking hazards? Can she poke herself in the eye with it? Are there sharp edges that might cut through her delicate skin? Can it break into a million pieces that she can easily pop in her mouth like pop rocks?`

So I stick with function and fashion instead. Something for the kitchen and the closet. The thrill of thrifting isn't much about getting something for a cheaper price. It's the ability to find something that you can't walk into Target for and buy a dozen of this or that. It's the nostalgia attached to the energy of things; it's like a fingerprint we leave behind but cannot see. But it's there. Vintage treasures excite my imagination and fuels my creative flow, that in itself is enough to get me going. 

I've found these treasures here in my Grandmother's house. Who knows how long they've been here, whether they've been used in the last two decades, or who they originally belonged to.  Cleaning up and making (storage) space in the kitchen - setting aside the more decorative household flair for more use and functionality led me into a treasure hunt of sorts. Here are five of my favorite finds - which with permission, I intend to ask for and keep. :) 

Are you drooling yet? Because I certainly did when I found these pretties behind pale blue melamine cups and bowls: A set of J & G Meakin Blue Onion Nordic Cups. One of my absolute favorite finds around the house.  Not quite enough for my daily caffeine consumption, but perfect for tea! If you sit by the window and squint real hard, you might just make out the English countryside as you plop a sugar cube into this cup. I think I may have even gasped when I found them. 

I've named this little spring birdie, Tweet which no one else knew that is, until today. I like to name inanimate objects because I'm strange like that. I found Tweet among other collections of depression glass bunnies, ceramic owls, fish, and other wildlife up on a shelf in the living room. I would gladly get rid of all other dust catchers, except Tweet caught my shabby-chic sensibility and now stars in my blog's banner. 

Nothing depressing about this lovely little green depression glass bowl. It's a home for onions and shallots and bulbs of garlic. I'm not exactly sure what it's true purpose is; fruit bowl, candy dish, a catch-all? Nonetheless, it's been hired as one of my kitchen caddies. 

The crown jewel of vintage pyrex - at least for me. This Butterprint pattern Cinderella (nesting) bowls (of which I only have the largest one) are the perfect shade of turquoise and features an Amish farming scene depicting a simpler, less complicated life of days gone by. Maybe it's the color, or the fact that it's got vintage written all over it but I feel a sense of calm joy washing over me every time I pull this from the cupboard to use for baking or preparing comforting meals at home. I would definitely love to complete this set though. Hello, Ebay!

And finally, this kitschy sugar jar  with no other set to match gets a second chance with me as a salt cellar. It’s deep enough to hold a lot of salt, and wide enough for that perfect pinch of seasoning. I conveniently leave it near the stove. I adore yellow/orange throwback to the sixties, colors that I am fairly obsessed with this Spring. 

I can dream all day about functional vintage and fashion finds; fill my home, my kitchen, and bedroom with all the necessary details that go into making a space your own.  There are things in here that come from all over the world, not that it's a cohesive collection but nonetheless, there is history between these walls and a story that goes along with every item here. 

Now that I've been here for several years, the one thing I did not fully expect to find is my story. Yes, there are the idyllic childhood summers spent here with family, but most sovereign of all -  the birth of our daughter, the birth of my own family. If we do eventually move on into a home that is at last ours, it will surely be a difficult goodbye. And yes, I will be taking my keepsakes with me; a principal reminder of how this part of my life began.

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