I love clothes and today, I am sharing with you my recent shopping experience at MALDITA and what I love about their new collection.  Hence, I am a certified Maldita Mom - in a good and fashionable way.

Wrap dress in floral navy blue is definitely a mom-bod bff!  Can breastfeed in this too!

But let me first tell you about a love story.  My love story with clothes.

In high school, I've always had an eye for trendy pieces and would save up or sell accessories to classmates so I may be able to shop without asking my parents for a "luho"budget. Before pa lang practical at madiskarte na ako.

I love clothes to death that I was able to accumulate too much and they wouldn't fit my closet anymore.  So two years ago, I started to declutter and let go some of a decade-old (or more) clothes and those that wouldn't fit me, do not spark joy anymore, and those that were too outdated (ayan kakabili ng trendy clothes, not thinking about its lifespan or longevity).

What did I do to these clothes?

I sold them.

I donated them.

Then I started to love the idea of a capsule wardrobe.  I left classic (in style and color), quality, and favorite pieces in my closet and I have never had let out the most relieving sigh in my closet life.  I kept whites, blacks, navy blues, stripes, and grays in my wardrobe.  I accentuate my office get ups with jewels, watches, bags and shoes.  But after a while, my closet lacked spark or fun.  But I still love all my clothes anyway.

Fast forward to my 6 month old SAHM life, I clamored for a shopping ME-Time which I thought I really deserve for all the days I felt physically exhausted and drained.  God must've heard what my heart was yearning for so MALDITA came to the rescue.

Green ruffled top with Jeggings, bulges gone right?

I thought to myself oh yes, I would finally see Maldita, a shop I've always known for having a lot of blacks and whites, grays and navy blues - all my favorites.  That only means, I'll get crisp clothes but same hues!  Perfect, that's all I wanted anyway!

BUT! But.. upon entrance Maldita Store in their Trinoma branch. I was surprised to see that they have expanded their styles and palette of their pieces!  Maldita now has updated looks, varying hues, but still the versatile and classic styles.  Their pieces could be worn from Day-To-Night.

Mixed and matched the pieces I got from Maldita

Showing you the ensembles I picked for myself during my shopping spree at MALDITA:

Day to Night wear: Run errands in the morning. have lunch with amigas, then date night with hubby!

I haven't worn this all mustardy set, but have paired the top with a Maldita black cropped pants.

Layering  (or taking off for that matter) to go from Day-To-Night look

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT MALDITA CLOTHES:

1. Versatility.  The new MALDITA collection has tops, dresses, pants, skirts, cardigans, blazers, and shorts for both Women and Men.  Yes, you read that right, there are pieces for the man of your lives as well.  The pieces in their collection are so versatile that you could wear them from DAY-TO-NIGHT.  Just by adding some accessories or layering (or taking off too) with clothes (add jacket or cardigan) or changing shoes or putting your hair down, you can achieve a different look.

2. Mom-bod friendly.  I cannot stress enough how real moms have unwanted tummy bulges or love handles (we can't handle), and breasts made for feeding another human - the choices of Maldita clothes I took home could hide those bulges and could make breastfeeding possible too!  Not to mention, we sometimes have yoyo-like weight issues (gain some, lose some) right?   The cropped pants I got is garterized which means, okay lang if I had an extra rice during lunch or dinner!

3. Quality.  Maldita always strikes me as a retail apparel shop which would never sacrifice the quality of clothing in their stores.  After all, how could an apparel business that's been around for decades (since I was still in school!) sustain its very Filipino business name in an industry where new, popular, and strong players keep on popping everywhere?  They may have come and go, but Maldita stays the same- an apparel known for its quality standards and style.
4. Price.  I thought the price tags on the pieces I picked would give me a heart attack.  It didn't.  In fact, for a piece of clothing coming from a known apparel brand, I was surprised to see that they are super affordable and reasonable.  Actually, they could even make their price point higher because of quality, buti na lang hindi!  So that moms who are stylish would not bat their eyelashes to spend for themselves for all the hard work they do for their families.

The Verdict:
You could say that I was highly satisfied with my shopping experience and of course with all the different sets of Maldita apparel pieces I took home that day.  In fact, I wanted to come back right away after realizing that I haven't shopped enough!  Hahaha!

Thank you Maldita for trusting my blog to be your Maldita Mom of the month!  Thank you also for answering my prayers - a shopping experience I've been dreading to have soon.  Thank you also for the confidence and self-esteem you brought back to me when I wear your pieces of clothing.  It's emotional.

Lastly, because of you Maldita, I discovered that I am now down to size SMALL from my usual MEDIUM!  Another boost of confidence right there!  Thank you.


About MALDITA
Maldita is a proud Filipino brand based in Manila, offering fashionable apparel to women and men who appreciate alternative and contemporary design.

Customers are upwardly mobile, educated and fashion-savvy women and men of all ages. Maldita dresses the modern woman and man for their daily casual, urban or dressy needs, making them feel strong, empowered and driven.

Providing excellent customer service, presenting great quality merchandise and offering affordable and reasonable pricing in the modern retail environment is the heart of their core pursuits.

As if the stars and the whole universe conspired to give me an awesome fashion show concert night because I believe I deserve an unforgettable Mommy Me Time.  Yes, the Tita of Manila in me, got a once in a lifetime chance to be seated in the VIP section during Natasha's 25th Anniversary Fashion Show-Concert held last August 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Natasha delivered a night of wonderful music from popular artists from the past and present, and showcased the trendiest styles in fashion today through a fashion show concert.  Actually, I was taken back to my younger years, and the happy nostalgic feeling of reminiscing my youthful days gave me shivers!  I am sure those of the same age as I am (saw a lot of titas and titos in the crowd) also felt the same way.

Screaming out of delight, Natasha members in the Smart Araneta Coliseum saw in person and on the expensive-looking and bonggang stage (hi-tech laser mood lighting and video backdrops) their Natasha’s ambassadors: Piolo Pascual, Bela Padilla, Ejay Falcon, Jessy Mendiola, Sue
Ramirez, Elisse Joson and McCoy de Leon, who gave their all during their performances.

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Natasha – one of the country’s top direct selling
company – hosted an anniversary concert called “Ikaw ang Star” on August 25, 2018 at the
Smart Araneta Coliseum. The concert was Natasha’s grand celebration to thank its members in making the company shine over the years.
The concert was definitely a star-studded one and an event worth remembering throughout the coming years.  It's definitely a great milestone marker for the Natasha business and I am blessed to be there to celebrate it with the Natasha family.
It was like a glorious apparition when Papa Piolo Pascual, who dressed like Hugh Jackman in the movie The Greatest Showman, appeared from the crane.
Papa P was welcomed back to the stage by the eloquent host Robi Domingo.

Piolo sang a number of classic songs before introducing his son Iñigo Pascual as Natasha's newest ambassador.
Jessy Mendiola performed a sexy dance number.  She is one of Natasha's brand ambassadors.
The younger Natasha members (and even the young at hearts) screamed when #McLisse danced so together.  They really looked so good as a love team!  Nakakakilig talaga!
Maneouvres performed their popular dances (OMG!  Nagsayaw sila ng ALWAYS and many other dances from my teenager years the glorious 90s).  The younger generation Hashtag also sent kilig vibes to the younger women in the audience.
Sue Ramirez performed a beautiful song number which got the attention of the whole Araneta Coliseum.
Neocolours sang their lakas maka-LSS "Hold On" which again brought me back to yesterday once more!  Among the performers was Moonstar88 who sang my all-time fave OPM song "Torete" and when they did, they had the whole Smart Araneta sing with them.  Gracenote and DJ Arra provided the music during the fashion show of ladies, gents, and kids.
The fashion show concert was the celebrities' way to personally thank the Natasha members for their continuous support.

Prior to the concert, Natasha had a mix of pre-concert activities such as the Stars Walk of Fame, a photo exhibit showcasing the past 25 years, a Rookie Membership mini-event.

This event is made possible by its major sponsors: Freego, Disney, and Petrol; minor sponsors:
Shoetech General Mdsg Inc., Nonito Shoes and Bags Inc., New York Gear Footwear Haus,
Mylene Garment Manufacturing Corp., B T T Fashion Enterprises, Accuwork, David’s Salon,
Velprint, The House Printer, Printwell, Monte Cruz Enterprises Inc., Sprintasia (La Colors),
Unilab, Inc. (Ceelin, Enervon Syrup), Ulssi (Myra & PH Care), Nivea, Tiki-Tiki, Lex Media Digital,
Or’s Clothingtech Corp., Solea Shoes Manufacturing, Maxl Enterprises, and Soleace Trading
Corp.; and media partner: WheninManila.com

THANK YOU Natasha for letting me experience this once in a lifetime concert!  I had an awesome Me-Time!  Congratulations for the success of your business which you are now celebrating!  Happy 25th Anniversary Natasha! :)

For more stories about the 25th Anniversary Concert, updates, product availability, promos, and more, visit the Natasha official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/natashabusiness/

As a young child, I grew up knowing I have parents who love me and give everything I need and some wants.  I have brothers and cousins I used to play with.  I remember feeling secured and happy.  Until I went to school.
I still vividly recall up to this day how a classmate in Kinder teased and insulted me for not knowing what the color of the tree was.  I knew it was green, but I colored the leaves blue.  Not because I didn't know it should be green, but because I couldn't find the color green in my set of crayons.  That was the first time I felt disliked, rejected, unsafe, and insecure.
Unknowingly, it was the start of finding and shaping my identity through others' opinion and set of standards.  Call it peer pressure or pleasing others or just plain desire to be accepted and liked by people outside the family.  And I was just four years old then.

I have a morena skin and was sporting a short hair.  My classmates were mestizas and had long hairs adorned with pretty ribbons.  THEY became my standard of beauty.  So I asked my mom's help to grow my hair (used a lot of Gee! Your Hair Smells Terrific shampoo thinking it would help grow my hair faster) and put the nicest ribbons.  I had always felt ugly and insecure back then.

Looking back, and now that I am a mom myself, I realized how important it is to fill the LOVE TANK of our kids at home so that when they go out there in the wild (the unsure, the unknown, the critics, and the unforgiving real world) they are sure of themselves, they know they are loved, they know they are pretty or handsome, they know they are kind, talented, smart, they know they are enough being themselves because he/she is unique, and that he/she is fearfully and wonderfully created by God.

I used to blame my parents, especially my mom, for not making me feel beautiful or not doing everything she can to protect me, especially I am the only daughter, the only rose among thorns.  But now that I've come to know Jesus and that I've become older and a lot wiser through God's grace, everything was clearer to me - and I don't blame anyone at all.

NOT EVERYBODY WILL LIKE YOU - And that's okay.  That's what I have come to realize and this is what I also want to teach my children.  I know God's purpose for my resignation is to prioritize my ministry which is my family - my children.  He gave me a chance to correct my mistakes, make up for lost times and opportunities to show and tell them how much they are loved, and that they are enough.

Here are some things in my heart to teach and tell my boys:
To my teenager:

• You are good looking and those pimples will eventually go away. 
• You are making big progress in your basketball skills and that's something to be proud of.
• It's okay not to have a girlfriend or an MU even if your peers are already into a relationship.
• Never let clothes, new phone, new shoes or any material things define you.
• It's okay to not have too many friends.
• You are a responsible child and a good brother, keep it up.
• You have been very helpful to us, thank you.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

To my grade-schooler...

• You are making progress in socializing with other kids in Sunday school, keep it up.
• You have a big and wild imagination, keep on creating things.
• You have an exceptional drawing skills for your age.
• You are so different from your Kuya, but we love you just the same, like how we also love your baby brother.
• You have a big, kind, and compassionate heart.
• It's okay to not be like others, because you are special, you are unique in your own way.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

To my toddler...

• You bring joy to our family, you are like a glue which makes us all stick together.
• You are a good entertainer and you amaze us each day.
• Your learning skills in speech is so cute, you will learn to talk eventually.  Know that whatever you say, we understand you, your needs and wants.
• You have an exceptional driving and running skills.
• Your imagination this early is wild, keep on exercising your mind.
• You are the only one who exclusively breastfeeds from Mommy.
• You are loved by us.  But God loves you the most.

MY CHILDREN - the world will have many expectations from you.  Expectations to keep up with the latest fashion and even gadget trends. Expectations to like what they like such as music artists, games to play or cartoon characters.  Expectations to have a girlfriend or a crush at a young age and engage in things (worse, vices) not appropriate for your ages.  Expectations to be cool or popular or stand out but not by doing what is good but what is different and harmful or hurtful to other people.

Mga anak, you don't need to meet those expectations.  You don't need to say, do, act, or have things just to be LIKED or to be popular.  Because honestly, you don't really have to make an effort to meet expectations just to be liked.  The fact is, not everybody will like you, and be rest assured, that is okay.

In our eyes, in our thoughts, in our hearts - YOU ARE ALL ENOUGH, and YOU ARE ALL LOVED.  We appreciate your presence in our lives.  We are thankful to God for bringing us such wonderful gifts that we don't deserve.  We are proud of who you all are.  We also acknowledge that no child is perfect and that's why we accept and love you just as you all are.  BUT as imperfect parents, it's our duty to raise up God-loving young men who will start their own families in the future and lead their children through their examples.  May we be able to show and teach you those examples well, through God's grace, even if we are imperfect parents to all of you.

But you know who accepts and not only likes but loves you the most?  God.  And He is enough.  Remember, not everybody will like you - and that is OKAY.

Oh what do you know, it's already 11:00am and it's the first time I sat for more than five minutes.  I haven't done this in a while (sit, face my laptop in peace, and write/blog - for as long as I can without interruption).  Welcome to my new normal.

First of all, Happy Mother's Day to all moms who have been anticipating for this mega giveaway launch and who have been reading my updates on list of sponsors.

Actually, let me also say that I have been blessed enough kahit po paano by this blogging world.  It has made me financially secured enough to be able to leave my corporate life and focus on my children, continue blogging without thinking of a boss or a work deliverable that will affect my performance appraisal and my salary increase, and allow me to plan and pursue my other passions.

With this, I want to extend these blessings to my readers and followers who are moms as well, so I spoke to my present and past blog partners who are willing to participate in the MEGA GIVEAWAY.

So without further hoola-baloo, presenting #MommyPracticalityMothersDayGiveaway!
DETAILED MECHANICS:

1. Open to all MOM followers and readers of Mommy Practicality who are Philippine Residents, ages 21 and above, and willing to pick up prizes.
2. Get a chance to win ONE from the following packages:
• Mommy Time Package - 3 WINNERS
• Flower Chimp Bouquet (one of the three winners of this package)
• Watsons Gift Pack
• Aesthetic Science Facial GC
• Kerygma Paperback book (Family Goals or Your Newborn Is A Blessing)
• Baby Love Package - 3 WINNERS
• Pampers Basket (one of three winners of this package)
• Graco Bath Tub
• NUK Twin Pack
• Sweet Embrace Package - 3 WINNERS
• City Garden Suites Overnight Hotel Accommodation with Buffet Breakfast for two (one of three winners of this package)
• Kiddimin Gift Pack
• Fisher-Price Toy or Graco Feeding Items
3. Follow Mommy Practicality on Instagram and Facebook.
• http://instagram.com/mommypracticality
• http://facebook.com/mommypracticality
4. Follow giveaway sponsors on social media:
• PAMPERS PH: https://www.facebook.com/PampersPh/ and https://www.instagram.com/pampersph/
• CITY GARDEN SUITES MANILA: https://www.facebook.com/CityGardenSuitesManila.Ph and https://www.instagram.com/citygardensuites/
• FLOWER CHIMP PH: https://www.facebook.com/FlowerChimpPH/
• GRACO PH: https://www.facebook.com/Graco/
• NUK PH: https://www.facebook.com/nukphilippines/
• WATSONS PH: https://www.facebook.com/WatsonsPH/
• AESTHETIC SCIENCE: https://www.facebook.com/aestheticscienceclinic/
• FISHER-PRICE: https://www.facebook.com/FisherPriceSEA
• FERN KIDDIMIN: https://www.facebook.com/fernkiddimin/
• KERYGMA BOOKS: https://www.facebook.com/KerygmaBooks/
5. Re-post this poster PLUS post a photo of you and your child/children.  In your caption, answer "What's the best thing about being a MOTHER?"
6. Don't forget to tag @MommyPracticality and put the hashtag: #MommyPracticalityMothersDayGiveaway
7. Tag two (2) of your MOMMY friends (real accounts only) and encourage to join the giveaway.
8. Make sure your post is public (FB/IG).
9. Giveaway will run from today until May 31, 2018
10. Winners will be announced on June 7, 2018.

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  I usually get teary-eyed when the month of May starts for so many reasons.  First, it's my late mom's birthday month.  Second, it's my parents' wedding anniversary month.  Lastly, it's Mother's Day month.  A month when mothers all over the world are appreciated by their children and even their husbands for all the selfless love, service, and nurturing she gives to her children, the comfortable life she gives her husband - for not having to worry much about bathing the children or changing nappies or making school or travel checklists or finding anything that's lost in the house. LOL!  Real story right there.

Moms are usually surprised or asked what gifts she'd like to receive.  But more often than not, we reply with "Kahit wala na, basta complete tayo, ayos na." or with "Kahit ano, basta galing sa inyo."  But deep inside, we really want to receive something that would shout "She's the BEST MOM in the world!" without being too picky nor extravagant.

So I posted a survey on my Facebook Page to ask my mom followers what they really really want to receive this Mother's Day as a gift from their children or their husbands. Here were the responses:


I summarized the wish lists and surprisingly, we tend to overthink what to give our moms but simple lang ang gusto nila/namin/natin.  To those who hasn't bought any for their moms or wives yet, here are great REAL GIFT WISH LISTS from REAL MOMs.

1.  DIY Greeting Card/Letter/Note - This wasn't part of the wish lists you've seen above because this is my personal gift wish list.  I have a penchant for handwritten letters, DIY cards, which my mom taught me to do, and a simple thoughtful expression of love and appreciation.  This is of course the most practical gift of all!  No cost, just pure love, thoughtfulness, and a little effort in writing.

2.  Flowers - Say your feelings with flowers!  As they say, you can never go wrong with a woMOM if you show up with flowers.  Moms love receiving flowers.  It makes us feel more appreciated, affirmed, loved, and beautiful.  Like you're saying we're the best mom there is in the universe.  Make that a bouquet of beautiful and wonderfully arranged flowers!  Just like the one I received from Flower Chimp Philippines.  It's SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY for orders placed online before 10am, to anywhere in the country!

You may surprise her with a gift box with all the beauty essentials she'll need.  Shop for these in just one shop, Watsons PH.  Products for the hair (shampoo, conditioner, keratin oil, hair coloring kit, etc.), face (make-up, cleansers, toner, moisturizers, etc), body (lotion, soap, shower gels, etc.) and even food supplements are all there!  Put them nicely in one wooden box then tie neatly with a cloth ribbon and personalize your gift tag.  I am sure any mom would love that gift!

Oh by the way, have you seen their tear-jerker Mother's Day video which reminds us to love ourselves too?  Hindi pa?  See below:

City Garden Suites has an ongoing promo this Mother's Day called "A Suite Treat For Moms".  Book and stay until May 31st to get a free upgrade from a De Luxe to a One BR Suite with a buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children, plus a complimentary massage for mom!

Or you may also check out other hotel staycations I had with my family in this post: List of Family Friendly Hotels With Swimming Pool

5.  Uninterrupted Sleep/Rest - THIS.. THIS IS PRICELESS.  Since I became a mom I don't remember having a complete and uninterrupted sleep.  But it's okay, but how we wish we could sleep longer and just do nothing.. well maybe Netflix and eat our favorite desserts or chips... sigh!  Nuff said.

6.  Food - Treat us please to a nice dinner or a lunch buffet, that's our wish.  But here we go again with being a selfless and simple mom, actually, just give us our favorite chocolate bar or a cake or a healthy food box or even a yummy sweet spaghetti such as these from Jollibee, Toblerone and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks