Of shoes and spots...

Recently, the Philippine TOMS franchise went on sale. They sold Tiny TOMS at 50% off. Yes, I repeat, 50% off. Now who could resist that? So, I went on a panic spree, and bought this:

Tiny TOMS Cords in Pink

... and this:

Tiny TOMS Cords in Crimson

The choice of colors was obvious... I've always loved red, and red TOMS are the coolest (in my opinion). However, my eldest daughter is in a phase where everything she wears has to be either girly or pink. TOMS are obviously not girly - hence, the pink cords. Lucky me, I have another daughter, who is too young to express an opinion (thank God) - a pair of crimsons please, thank you very much! Never mind that daughter #2 is not walking yet, nor will she fit into the crimsons soon (not for another 6-9 months at least). I had to own those red TOMS.

Then Kelly of Tot Snob came out with this post on leopard spotted TOMS booties with pink soles.

photo courtesy of totsnob.com

How cute is that? Definitely "rawr," without being over the top. They reminded me very much of these socks that daughter #2 owned - made by Funky Feet.

photo courtesy of funkyfeet.multiply.com

Daughter #2 was going to outgrow these socks soon and I need to keep her funky. I need a replacement with new spots. I wasn't going to get those TOMS booties (except if they came with a 50% lower price tag - maybe). Good thing I didn't have to worry so much - because there is a local alternative, that's also very affordable. Did I mention they are "rawr" perfect too?

Leopard Mary Janes by Tip Tap Soft Soles
photo courtesy of motheringearthlings.com

So, in less than 2 months, daughter #2, who can barely stand on her own, is the proud owner of 2 new pairs of shoes. Heck, a girl can't have too many pairs of shoes, can she?

For info on TOMS Philippines, check out their website. 

Tip Tap Soft Soles may be bought at Mothering Earthlings.

This is not a sponsored post.

Tried and Tested: Mustela Lait de Toilette

Mustela was introduced to me by my friend Marie who was using the Mustela Physiobebe no rinse cleansing fluid on her son. Since then, I've been using various products from the Mustela range of baby and child friendly toiletries.

For rashes on the face, the physiobebe worked perfectly well, clearing rashes around the mouth within 24hours. My eldest daughter uses the Medela soap bar and lotion so that her skin is adequately moisturized. She has a tendency to scratch her skin when it gets dry, leaving red marks all over. Her doctor recommended that her skin should always be moisturized as dryness can make skin feel itchy.

Recently, my 9 month old daughter developed rashes on her neck, inside the folds where air rarely gets a peep in. This time, the physiobebe did not work to clear it out. I guess the area was so hidden, and would get chafed regularly. The summer heat was also not helping - with my baby's neck being soaked in sweat most of the time. I brought out the Lait de Toilette which we have not used since physiobebe was so great. We used the milk cleanser for cleansing her neck area... And just after a few wash ups - the rashes were gone! They have not come back since then.

I don't have a scientific explanation for it but, as a mom, I believe it kept my daughter's skin sufficiently soft and clean without leaving it too dry to get irritated. It may also have left a thin barrier of protection that did not allow the sweat to seep in too much.

The Lait de Toilette promises to gently cleanse - due to its milky texture. It's plant oils also prevents the skin from drying out - keeping the skin's hydrolipidic film (the skin's natural protective barrier) intact.

Mustela Philippines has various branches all over Metro Manila. Contact their hotline +63-917-8959988 or visit their website http://www.mustela.ph/ph/main.htm for more info.

This post is not sponsored by Mustela.

Precious to me: Once a upon a time...

Once upon a time, a little girl, K, loved reading bedtime stories before going to bed. Her mommy and daddy loved listening to her start the story in her little girl diction... She always started stories with "Pan-a-pan-a-time...." This made her mommy and daddy smile.
K is now 3years old and last night, while reading a story, daddy started with, "Pan-a-pan-a-time...." To which she replied, "No daddy, it's once upon a time."
Oh dear, for while mommy and daddy are proud of her, it leaves a little twinge on her mommy and daddy's heart to see her growing up so fast.