To Ton —

Thank you for being Daddy; the father of our son; his best friend.

Thanks for waking up early on those days when I can’t manage to crawl out of bed, so that our early-riser can have his breakfast on time. You’ve become the official connoisseur of grilled cheeses, scrambled eggs and berry-granola.

Thanks for entertaining him with tickle time and wrestling matches. I know it’s one of your ultimate joys. It’s one of mine, too, knowing that you both are nonsensically happy during moments like these.

Thanks for working so hard to make sure our family is comfortable, safe, and well-provided for. We are in capable hands, because of you. Thanks for taking time out from work to play with Vito whenever he visits you in your office; I know it’s distracting, but in those moments, you are his world. And you’re pretty adorable during these moments. Heehee.

Thank you for being humble; for always trying harder each day to be the better man. You are, sweetie. Despite our collective fears and daily apprehensions that we’re doing this “parenting thing” wrong, you give me the assurance that we won’t just get through this. You give me confidence that we can get through anything together. (Cue Starship, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”)

Most of all: Thank you for being his hero. Because every time you do any of the things you do for him, you become super-dad all the more. And that means you’re my hero, too.

Happy Fathers Day, babe!

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This post is actually horribly delayed! My family and I visited the Takatak Project studio last May 12, Mothers’ Day, because I had ordered two lovely takas for our home. I’d like to thank Mary Velmonte for being so nice to us and giving us merienda during our visit. 

I’ve always loved to create things with colors, paint, oil pastels. I used to sketch as a child, and in middle school, I pretty much ruled in arts and crafts. I love handmade, DIY stuff too, which is why when I heard about The Takatak Project, I was immediately smitten.

Digression: I absolutely love horses. See, I never had one growing up, but I always had horse toys (My Little Pony; She-Ra’s Swift Wind, etc.), and I bought all these horse books. In fact, the very first book I ever bought for myself was in 1986 from the MV Logos when it stopped by Hong Kong, and I still have it:

So yeah, I kinda love horses.

I had a chance to meet Mary Velmonte, one of the founders of Takatak Project, at her creative studio in Quezon City. Together with her partners, she wanted to revive a generation’s appreciation for the traditional art of making the taka, papier mache horses. They also wanted to provide jobs of the local craftsmen who made these horses, as well as support the young artists who paint the lovely designs onto the horses.

After some chips and cola (Thanks, Mary!), we explored the studio for some one-of-a-kind finds. Here were some of our favorites:

Mary explained that the molds for the paper horses come straight from Paete, Laguna (a province south of Metro Manila, for my international readers). The word “taka” actually refers to the process of creating the molds, which eventually became a colloquialism that referred to the horses, the most common “takas” in Paeta. Even in Paete, Mary explained, the takas were getting harder to come by, which then prompted her and her partners with the idea to “resurrect” the craft, with a modern twist.

And I’m so glad they did! I remembered takas from my youth, when we’d visit my grandfather’s farm in Laguna. We’d see the traditional red takas for sale along the highways. Now, the Takatak Project is reviving the craft using the traditional method for creating the takas, and fusing it with wonderful designs.

In fact, you can purchase DIY Taka Kits! These are great for craft events, whether with your mom friends or as an activity during your kid’s next party!

These owls are actually part of a collaboration between Takatak Project and other businesses or events. Yes, you can contact the Takatak team if you want to collaborate! This is a great idea if you’re looking for unique decor for your home, or even a quirky giveaway during birthdays.

So I mentioned I love horses, and I never got to own one — until today, hah! I am the proud owner of two takas, both of which have found their places at home.

Grey Leaf (from the Spring 2013) is beside my desk…

… while the smaller watercolor florals horse (whom I call “Selah” now, also from the Spring 2013 Collection) is atop my shelf in our bedroom.

You could say these are an adult’s own “my little pony,” haha!

I love how chic these Takatak Project horses (and other animals) are. And yet, it is distinctly “Pinoy”, which completes its charm. I love how the Takatak Project team has taken what could have been a forgotten traditional craft into hip, sought-after art pieces. These are sure to add a delightful touch to any home, so think about getting one (or several!) for yourself. I particularly like the Spring 2013 collection because of their pretty pastels and florals, but they have other styles available as well. (As of this writing, you can view other styles over at My Marquee PH and Seek the Uniq).

“LIKE” the Takatak Project on Facebook to get updates and sale info.

The post Currently Loving – Takatak Project Paper Horses appeared first on Dainty Mom.

Because I am one of the most hopeless romantics you’ll find on the planet (the other, being Mindy Lahiri of The Mindy Project), I have always had an affinity for romantic cities. When I was 18, I was blessed with a two week trip to Paris — the first-ever thing I checked off my life list. Last year, I won a trip to Tuscany, and saw Firenze, Chianti, Pisa, and even a bit of Rome — several other items on my list.

In many ways, I have fallen in love with each of these cities. Paris, in particular, will always having a special place in my heart. It was the first European city I ever visited, and I was at an age where “firsts” were highly anticipated. (That trip to Paris was also the first time I had my own credit card — thanks, Papa. Haha!)

Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten every word of French I ever learned in my four years of studying it (though I will never forget my dear teachers, Mlle. Vinel — whom I loved — and Mme. Pirson — well… ahem.) But what I will never forget about Paris are the sights, the charm, and of course, the food.

A little bit of Paris in Manille

You can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a quaint little creperie in the neighboring town of San Juan, just a five minute drive from our home. Fondly dubbed as La Creperie “Maison”, it is the fourth branch of La Creperie in Manila — and by far my favorite branch! And why not? Just look at it’s utter daintiness.

I had scheduled this coverage of La Creperie to coincide with a new feature on my business website, Martinedeluna.com (coming soon), because this place truly echoed everything about me and my favorite things: European chic; the sweet side of Paris; crepes (!); fine foods and feminine flair. I was so honored that Ms. Christine Laman hosted me and my team of photographers — Shutter Panda Photography — for an afternoon of photos and yummy, “Christine-made” eats! (Yes, she personally oversaw everything we ate that day.)

La Creperie is actually the brainchild of Christine and her long-time friend and business partner, Christine  Ledesma-Ong. They were the dynamic duo behind the successful smoothie bar, The Big Chill (another favorite of mine!), which debuted in the late 1990s’ as Manila’s best smoothie and juice bar. In 2009, they conceptualized and launched La Creperie, as sort of an hommage to their love for travel and good food, specifically their sojourns around France and their love for the classic French crepe.

We had a lot to talk about, Christine and I! Aside from our love of things French and femme, we also shared a common love for tea. In fact, it was La Creperie that first brought TWG Fine Teas to Manila, which was one of the reasons why I frequented their Shangri-La branch in the creperie’s earlier days! (My favorite is Vanilla Bourbon). They still carry TWG teas on the menu, which you can order iced or in a teapot, like I usually do.

We talked about the concept of La Creperie, and for the founding partners, it was really a business built purely out of passion for good food and the good life. “I’m no chef, but I enjoy good food, creating in the kitchen and re-living the tastes and cuisines I’ve had on my travels,” said Christine, who had lived in Paris for a time. Naturally, much of her time was spent discovering the tastes and delights of Paris and its neighboring regions.

An interesting fact is that Christine is actually a lawyer by profession, but has always been a creative entrepreneur at heart. In fact, the design and aesthetics of La Creperie were conceptualized by the owners. “We just knew what we wanted,” said Christine, referring to the tasteful interiors of the “Maison” branch.

I’ve already given my seal of approval on La Creperie as an ideal place for some “me time”, as a writer. I love how I can pop in here during the day, maybe for brunch or lunch, and just do some work on my own. The same goes for their other branches in Shangri-La Plaza, Eastwood Mall and Robinsons’ Veranda (Galleria). The cozy interiors; the conversation pieces that dot the interior; the yummy eats on the menu; everything ties together for a truly delightful experience.

Le crepes (bow.)

Christine herself supervised our menu for the afternoon, which consisted of some of her favorite crepes.

I don’t know about you, but I’m rather a “less is more” person when it comes to crepes. I’m not a fan of piling up the crepe with too many toppings or stuffing it with too much filling. Don’t give me fluff; give me elegance on a plate.

And this is why I love this particular — and their signature crepe and the one I always order whenever I’m at any La Creperie — The Salidou.

Hello, ma petite cherie.

I notice that most Pinoys feel like they have to top their desserts with a gazillion toppings before it’s “yummy.” You know, like those crazy monstrosities of a donut in Krispy Kreme, or those insanely over-topping’d frozen yogurts? (Which, I feel, rather defeats all “health” purposes of said frozen yogurt.) Well, I say it again: Less is more. And the Salidou is “less is more” on one perfect, buttery, salted-caramel plateful of dessert-ish “om.” I can meditate after a bite of this, seriously. It puts me in the best of moods.

The next was a savory galette that was a play on tapa and eggs. So yummy! Perfect for a light brunch, and sure to be a hit with the men!

I’m sorry, but I am partial to the gorgeous sweet crepes, which outnumbered the spread before us 3 to 1! Like this insanely delicious Crepe Brulee, which had a crisp, sweet, crusty topping that made me want to ask for another helping! And I should mention that there are only a few things make me go weak at the knees, one of those being fresh strawberries with cream.

Sweet mother of all things berry-creamy-licious.

Divinity, thy name is “crepe brulee.” This is what I imagine I’ll be eating daily in heaven.

My third favorite is another “off the menu” item, which is still nameless as of this writing, but which I call “Roux” (because of my love for the movie “Chocolat” and a certain Johnny Depp, who was delicious in that film!)

 And when it comes to chocolate, you can never have too much with this crepe: A lightly browned, sugared crepe, dipped in (or poured over) with delicious, runny, gloriously thick Pinoy style tsokolate.

Incidentally, I am holding my next Write On, Mom workshop at one of the branches of La Creperie. (Details will only be given to registrants.) So if you want to channel your inner Hemingway or de Beauvoir, then join me for that. Details on signing up for the workshop here.

Or, if you just fancy an afternoon to yourself, with your favorite book, or maybe your writing itch and a journal or laptop, then stop by any of La Creperie’s branches. Who knows? We might just bump into each other.

La Creperie

Branches

403 F. Calderon St.,Bgy. Little Baguio (San Juan)

Eastwood Mall (Quezon City)

Shangri-la Mall (Mandaluyong)

Robinsons Veranda (Ortigas)

Contact Info
Phone: (02) 570 1788  |  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LaCreperiePH
Email: LaCreperiePH@gmail.com

The post Currently Loving: La Creperie “Maison” appeared first on Dainty Mom.

I’ve been waiting since February for Memories Captured to return. (Thanks, Galit and Alison, for hosting this.) I can’t believe how fast the months have gone by. Now that it’s back, I look forward to sharing my mom-moments with fellow bloggers who’ve chosen to capture their memories through photos and words.

My son is three and a half as of this writing. And to be honest, I’m a bit scared that the years are going by so quickly.

Every day, a part of me worries if I am doing things right (or if there is a “right” way to this parenting thing at all).

Sometimes I lie awake beside him at night, wondering if I’ll ever be able to fall asleep without him cuddled close to me in a bundle. He’s asked for his own bed, and I’ve said yes…. but how come I’ve not made the moves to buy one?

I think it’s because I’m still afraid to let go… to look forward.

A huge part of me seems to feel like I need to hold him back, though my heart and mind knows I should be moving forward with him.

No one ever said watching your child grow up would be this hard…

… or that I’d have to take several “last looks” into his youth.

Maybe it’s me wishing for another baby to, well, baby.

Maybe I’m not ready to be a mom to a preschooler. (He starts twice-a-week preschool classes this month.)

Maybe I’m a little uncertain about where to go from here.

All I know is: He’s always taking long looks ahead. He knows he wants to take bigger leaps.

I just have to be as brave.

This is part of Memories Captured, a monthly blog linky hosted by Galit and Alison. You can join in, too: Just capture a moment or a someone that you love in words and photos, create a blog post, and share it with the linky. The important thing is to capture the moments, relive the memories.

The post Long Looks, Last Glimpses appeared first on Dainty Mom.

I consider writing to be my life’s work, along with advocating and equipping women who want to work from home. It’s just my heartbeat. This is why I decided to start my life list project, the Write On, Mom workshops this year. The first workshop was a runaway success, with many of the moms doing an awesome job of crafting their “heart stories” through their blogs. Aside from the writing and learning, this workshop is also all about great food and inspiring spaces (which I believe are all happy helpers in inspiring creative writing!)

This June the 22nd, I’m holding another fabulous Write On, Mom workshop. Our topic will be quite interesting: “thinking editorially.” Basically, we’ll talk about why each of us is the editor-in-chief of our respective blogs. We’ll talk about the art of autobiographical storytelling, which will lead up into an activity: Crafting our blog “About” page.

Why the “About” page? Well, simply because it’s the one page that many bloggers forget to take care of! Which is unfortunate, because based on expert opinions, the “About” page is the single most important page you’ll ever need on your blog. And, as the most important page of our blog (also website, press kit), the About Page has to be written in a way that positions our blog optimally for our perfect readers (or even potential customers and clients, if you run a business from your blog).

As a special bonus, we’ll discuss some important issues in the mommy blogging world, from personal blogging vs. business blogging issues. Yup, don’t wanna miss that!

AGENDA:

• The About Page: How to create the most important page of your blog
• The Brand Story Activity: Crafting your About page in alignment with your brand
• Bonus Talk: Personal blogs and Business blogs (and which one is right for you)

FEE: Php1,200, inclusive of yummy food my our gracious host.

PAYMENTS are due by June 17, Monday. Please pay promptly, or a late free of Php150.00 will need to be imposed.

REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mq4ShOly1sQBl9Azzc1dPU-Oi3F0A1dKv4hKl07T6b8/viewform

VENUE: Our yummy foodie host this time around is La Creperie: that divine little crepe brand that has been my go-to place for comfort food of late. (I’ll be posting about my recent photo shoot at there Calderon St. branch. You’ll swoon, I promise.)

Hope to see you at the workshop!

The post Write On, Mom – Thinking Editorially (New Workshop) appeared first on Dainty Mom.