I am Loving…

…RuMe Eco Bags!

RuMe stands for ReUse Me, the newest eco lifestyle brand to hit town!

Not only do they have a chic line of bags and accessories that are stylish and functional, but they also promote a more sustainable lifestyle– using less, by re-using more!  Cool, right?  A brand with a conscience!

What I love about RuMe is that it is a structured bag.  It has both sides and a bottom, making the bag more sturdy, and keeping its contents from jostling about.

Made from machine washable and water resistant fabric, each RuMe bag can also hold up to 50 lbs!  Can you just imagine all the stuff this bag can hold?

Lastly, I love that RuMe comes in different sizes, fabrics, and styles, and comes with various accessories as well.

The smallest of the bags is the Mini.

The next and classic size is the Medium (R), followed by the Macro (L).  You can actually even have your RuMe Medium bag customized (details on their website).

If you like lots of pockets on your bag, try the RuMe All.  It has 3 pockets–one in front, and 2 at the sides.  Kind of makes an ideal, lightweight baby bag, don’t you think?

To keep items organized inside your bag, RuMe has a line of accessories starting with the Pocket.  It can be used to store keys, credit cards, money, and a cellphone.  It can also be attached to the straps of the RuMe bag…

Then there’s the Baggie.  Twice the height of the Pocket, this is something that I’d probably use to keep a small notebook and pen in, or maybe a small pack of tissues, my business card holder…  It’s a good, basic size, and looks like it can be used to store a variety of things .

And lastly, there’s the Baggie All which can hold more of your cosmetics and other toiletries.

In Manila, the RuMe brand is distributed by Honest Ventures Corporation.

I actually met the very young and charming President of the company, Jamie, during the Best Food Forward Fair .  She was so enthusiastic about this product, and her enthusiasm totally rubbed off on me!  Hahaha!  But then again, eco bags are my guilty pleasure  I can never have too many, especially when it’s time to do the groceries!  Definitely, NO PLASTIC bags for me!

According to Jamie, RuMe bags are available at Certified Calm at Two Parkade in BGC (along 30th and 7th), and at the Salcedo Weekend Market.

Get your RuMe now, and let’s start re-using!

DVF x GapKids 2.0 Is Launching Soon!

When I found out I was pregnant, I hoped and prayed really hard for a baby girl.

Call me shallow, but to be honest, I wanted a girl because I love dressing up and accessorizing, and I wanted to be able to share this love for fashion with my offspring.  Ofcourse this wasn’t the only reason, but it was one of my main reasons. Hahaha!

Let’s face it–little girls have the best clothes nowadays!  And there’s just so much variety!  From tutus to shift dresses to shorts and skinny jeans–there’s a lot of combinations that can be mixed and matched to make dressing up everyday sort of like a fashion show!  And I love that!  Hahaha!

A couple of days ago, I heard the news that DVF will be launching another summer collection with GapKids.  OMG!!!!  You know what that means…even MORE cute outfits for the little one!

If you remember, I wrote about the first collection here.  And here is the little one, “mowdeling” her DVF wrap dress (in case you’re wondering, no, I did not ask her to pose that way.  Hahaha! This was a completely candid shot ).

This second collaboration looks like it’s going to be even better!  Entitled The Explorers, the collection is bold, graphic and fun!  Very signature DVF!  And the images from the lookbook are just too adorable!  Here are a couple that have been released…

The DVF x GapKids will be available in stores (in the US) and online on April 25th.  I can’t wait!!!

Photos from here and here.

What’s In Store + Happy Weekend : April 20-21, 2013

Looking for something to do this weekend?

You may want to check these out…

1. If you’re a foodie, head on over to:

It’s the Philippines’ biggest benefit summer food fair, now back on its 3rd year! I particularly cannot wait to try new food items from the various specialty stalls that are participating in this event.  One thing’s for sure, I must make sure to come with an empty stomach!  Hahaha!

2. If you are artsy and love the environment, you may want to join:

This event by WWF aims to highlight the importance of eliminating illegal wildlife trade through art!  Looks like this will not only be interesting, but a lot of fun!  There’s an entrance fee of Php300, but that will entitle you to a Doodle Kit, access to the booths, and will serve as your donation to the cause.

This is a wonderful way to do something meaningful for the environment, while at the same time spending quality time with your family!  I may just drop by with the H and the Little Miss!

3. If you love arts and crafts, and browsing for unique, vintage finds, make your way to:

It’s the start of the weekend!  And after a long, tiring work week, what better way to rejuvenate than to do some retail therapy?

If you’re tired of hanging out at the mall, here’s an interesting alternative!  With retro and vintage, recycled and upcycled items for sale, there may be some treasures waiting for you here!

Have a wonderful weekend, folks!

Fab Finds : Craft Fair Loot!

I am so excited to share with you all the loot I got last weekend!

As it turned out, there were 2 arts and crafts fairs, and I was lucky to be able to hit both!  Woohoo!

First off was the La Feria En Arte.  It was held at ARTS in the City in BGC.

I was able to score some cute felt items for the little miss…

Aren’t they adorable?

It’s too bad I wasn’t able to get the name of the seller.

I also got these pretty frocks from Silly Monkey Clothing.  I just love the fabric prints!  Cheerful, happy, girly, and perfect for the summer!

My next stop was 10a Alabama–my favorite arts and crafts fair!

It did not disappoint!  Just look at all the treasures I went home with…

01 Postcard from heykessy

02 Notebooks from Spellbound

03 Washi Tape from heykessy

04 Doily Stamp from Sitting Pretty Crafts

05 Little Girl Stamp from Rubber Ducky Stamp Co.

06 Bookplates from InkyLivie

07 Notecards with Envelopes from InkyLivie

Can you believe all these are made by local artists/crafters?  Serious talent, right?

*Sigh*

For now, I live vicariously through these amazing creations.  Hahaha!

Hooray for DIY!  Hooray for arts and crafts!

The Weekend That Was (Part 2) : Bungalow 300 Pop-Up

I admit I was a bit ambitious with my weekend plans .

Trying to make it to four different events while squeezing in some quality family time is  almost next to impossible!  Hahaha!  Ofcourse, if you ask the hubby, he’ll say it’s downright crazy!  Hahaha!  But I’m lucky he’s such a great sport, and that he’ll pretty much tag along with me wherever I please .  So in short, yes, I was able to have my cake and eat it too!

Sunday started with some retail therapy at the Karl Edwards Bazaar.  Scored some amazing finds, perfect and just in time for the summer!  More on that in my next post .

After the bazaar, my family trooped over to Bungalow 300′s pop-up store in North Forbes.

I knew it.

I was practically ooooh-ing and aaaahhh-ing over almost everything they had!!! Hahaha!  I loved it!  Marga and Vernice, the dynamic duo behind Bungalow 300, totally outdid themselves this time!  Not only was there a well-edited selection of home accessories and furniture, but there were also a lot of not-commercially-sold pieces from other local brands and suppliers available.  And the way everything was put together and displayed–PERFECTION! *Sigh*  It made me totally want to buy a house!  Hahaha!

Here are a couple of shots I took of the set up and the merchandise.  Warning : they have A LOT of GREAT stuff!

At the foyer, you already get a glimpse of the wonderfulness that’s to come .

Doesn’t the color scheme of this room instantly perk you up?  I love the turquoise apothecary jars, the restored buffet table and the set of drawers.  Except for the seating in this photograph, the furniture is from Resurrection Furniture.

More apothecary jars, this time in clear and amber. I. WANT.

Aren’t these ceramic bunnies adorable?

*Sigh* This living room was just too gorgeous for words.  I love the coffee and side table–so streamlined and simple, yet oh so chic!  The inlay work definitely adds a touch of class as well .  The wire baskets in the corner are from a collaboration with artist Jinggoy Buensuceso, while the terrariums are from RAAB.  I finally was able to buy one!!!  Woohoo!

This was another corner in that beautiful living room.  I loved the leather chair and the lahar coffee table.  Am thinking of commissioning one for our home soon.  I just have to figure out what to do with our current table, especially since it doubles as storage space.  Form versus function?  Haaaay!  Decisions, decisions…

Next to the living room was a formal dining area.  Isn’t that purple ikat stool to die for?!?  Here are pictures of my other favorite spots…

These plates were also so exquisite!

Other finds were the inabel blankets, placemats and dish cloths, home accessories from Domesticity, Potentilla room fragrances, as well as natural hand and dish soaps in the cutest glass jars!

When I saw this table, my heart skipped a beat.  I loved the charm of the slightly rusty drawers, and the rustic effect of the wooden top.  I can totally imagine this sitting in the middle of my dream kitchen!  Hahaha!  The vignette on top with the blue ceramic owls was also so attractively arranged .

I’m so happy I was able to drop by the Bungalow 300 pop-up store .  Every room in the house was so beautifully decorated with the furniture and home accessories, that one cannot help but be enticed to make a purchase . Hahahaha!  I guess that was the plan .

If you do have the time, I recommend that you “pop” by and see it for yourself! The pop up store is open until next weekend!  If you plan on going during the week, though, you’ll have to call for an appointment.  I assure you, you won’t be disappointed .

Bungalow 300 telephone no. 519 3143, mobile no. 0947 618 8616; Pop-up store is located in #6 Banyan Road, North Forbes Park, Makati.  As you enter the gate, it’s the first house on your left.

The Weekend That Was (Part 1) : Art In The Park 2013

Okay, so Saturday at Art in the Park was AMAZING!!!

My buddy M and I were there bright and early (like right at the stroke of 2PM), to get first dibs on the fabulous artwork.

Unbeknownst to us, the booths opened early and there were many other eager (art) beavers already milling about Salcedo Park.

Shucks!

Nevertheless, we still both scored some great pieces–naturally, at great prices too!

Here are some of the stuff that we saw :

I really wanted this sculpture by Pete Jimenez .  Unfortunately, the H and I had a budget that I had to strictly stick to .

These artworks are perfect for the little girl’s room .  Unfortunately, I’m all out of wall space!  But definitely something to keep in mind should we be blessed with another peanut in the future .

(Clockwise left : May Tobias-Papa, Roel Obemio, Patsy Paterno, Beth Parrocha)

Loved the display of these miniature building replicas by 98B COLLABoratory.  They are doing all sorts of wonderful things over at the Escolta neighborhood, reviving and breathing new life to it.  I must make my way over there one of these days .

To know more about their vision and advocacy, check out their website at www.98-b.org or 98b.tumblr.com

Ral Arrogante’s work is always a favorite.  I really hope to own one of these fishing houses someday.

As expected, there were some really quirky stuff at the Secret Fresh booth.  LIKE!

I super fell in love with this artwork by Oliver Olivete.  I loved the colors, the subject, and that it was something different from the art that I usually buy.

Unfortunately, because I could only choose one piece to walk home with, I decided to go with this:

A mother and child by Roel Obemio.   Since I started collecting paintings, the subject of Mother and Child has always been my favorite.  In this particular piece, I was drawn to the mother reading a book to the child.  It reminded me of myself and the little one.  Reading is our bonding “thing” .

I really wish I had more time to explore the wonderful art at Art in the Park.  Being surrounded by so much talent and scoring an amazing piece was so thrilling!  The only blip of the day was that the weather was acting a bit wonky .  Walking on muddy ground was not quite fun.  Hahaha!

I can’t wait until our painting gets framed, though.  I have just the perfect spot for it at home!  I am so excited!  Stay tuned!  I promise to post photos of it when it’s up and hanging .

What’s In Store + Happy Weekend : March 16-17, 2013

Gaaah!

So many things to do this weekend, so little time!

Here’s what’s in store:

This is a must see!

I’ve been waiting for this since last year!  I can’t wait!

I am sure there will be lots of drool-worthy home stuff here…

Retail therapy is always a good thing…

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!!

Pop-Up!

Spotted this on my FB feed…

I am so excited!

The last time Bungalow 300 had a pop-up store in Makati, I went home with chevron pillows and a set of placemats.  Honestly, though, I wanted to buy the entire store!  Hahaha!

I looooove that this time around, they’ll be collaborating with other local artists and designers!  I can’t wait to see what wonderful treasures they have in store for us!

Time to get my checkbook ready!  See you there!

Today, happiness is…

…the Coach Legacy leather Penny shoulder purse

Perfect for travel, when I’m on the go running errands, or for quick trips to the supermarket!  This compact cross-body is just what I need to pack in the essentials, while keeping my hands free to hold onto other more important things–like a really energetic toddler.  Hahaha!

I love that it can also transform from a cross body, to a shoulder bag, to a clutch by simply adjusting or removing the strap!  How’s that for bang for your buck?

I just ordered one in this lovely shade of Sunflower from coach.com and can’t wait for it to be shipped!

Ahhh…happiness!

I Am Loving…

…these LoveBirdsLA clutches!!!

I just love having really talented friends and family .

LoveBirdsLA is a partnership between 2 long-time friends, M and K, who also happen to be both friends and family of mine (K is married to the H’s cousin! )

LoveBirdsLA is a line of gorgeous, unique clutches–all hand-made by K–with fabrics sourced from exotic places like South America and Asia!

Aren’t they so cheery and colorful?  They definitely add an instant pop to my wardrobe!

The neon zip is definitely my favorite detail .  I love that it is quite unexpected, and oh so eye-catching!

I use my LoveBirdsLA clutches all the time now!  In the daytime, it’s in my bag carrying smaller items–my wallet, lip balm, my cellphone, a pen, and my planner. When I have to leave the office, I no longer have to bring my ginormous work bag with me.  I simply grab my LoveBirdsLA clutch, and I’m out the door with all my essentials!

At night, I’ve used it as a statement clutch to accent my LBD.  Since I’ve been feeling quite lazy to dress up lately, I can actually get away with wearing a simple dress, then just amp it up with my colorful clutch!  Don’t you just love dressing made easy?  Hahaha

If you wanna know more about LoveBirdsLA, visit their site at http://www.shop.lovebirdsla.com