swanky::chic::fete

party planning and friday faves

2013-05-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

party planning is on my mind ~ whether its a kids party or a swanky adult soiree ~ i'm in a mood to party!

i'm in that state of mind maybe because we will be kicking off the 6th ASTON GOLF CLASSIC next saturday and our house is buzzing with party paraphernalia deliveries and crafting. i'm also busy running around finalizing details. aston has already been celebrating this week despite it not being officially his birthday yet. his school honored may birthday celebrants this past wednesday and they each received special blessings at chapel mass. he just loved all the attention and can't stop talking about it.

we also treated his class with superhero cupcakes since next week is the last week of school and they've got activities and end-of-school parties lined up all week. we got a little ahead on schedule just to give way for his kindergarten graduation celebration which we look forward to next wednesday.

more on that in the next few days but in the meantime, here are a few dressed up chairs most appropriate to sit and honor any birthday celebrant, bride-to-be or mom-to-be. decked with flowers, ribbons and delicate fabrics ~ they are the perfect way to dress up plain chairs!

have a great weekend, folks!

image sources 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

photoshop to-go

2013-05-15T06:52:00.001-05:00

i have a fun app to share with you today. my friend nina told us about this makeup app for your iphone that you can use to instantly photoshop faces. it's called perfect365 (its a free app).

using the app, you can perfect your skin by smoothening, brightening or removing blemish from it. you can even alter image by slimming the face, lifting the cheeks or enhancing the nose (it's like plastic surgery on your phone ~ hahaha!).

you can also play with different makeup looks, add lashes, enlarge eyes or change eye color. it is super fun and really, i think it's genius. hurry and get the app and play along with me!

here are a couple of shots from mother's day brunch. i played along and enhanced my features by darkening my makeup, whitened my teeth and trimmed my face - i tell you it's better than a makeover or plastic surgery!

i'm wearing joie blouse and jewelry from pbc closet.

aston is wearing a shirt from zara kids.

may new favorites

2013-05-14T06:45:00.000-05:00

last week my friend grace of divasoria blog featured me on her blog's popular glossy series and i was thrilled to empty my makeup bag and share my favorite skin and bath products. i have holy grail favorites but i love to try new (or new-to me) products that i'd like to switch out or alternate when season ends or when weather changes occur. so here are a few items i have added lately.....

rimmel scandal eyes shadow stick - not only is it a steal for under $5, it is an easy eyeshadow stick to apply. very pigmented with high luster, it comes in a variety of colors. i have the bulletproof beige that goes on eyelids in a light gold shade that's very pretty.

chanel vitalumiere aqua - i got a sample sachet in the mail and was instantly hooked. this is the perfect summer lightweight foundation that offers medium to full coverage. it's a new product in my HG list, its that good.

urban decay makeup setting spray - didn't think i need one BUT boy i was wrong. 3-4 spritz of this to your face as your last step before heading out the door and it leaves your skin so refreshed and makeup lasts forever.

tom ford beauty brow sculptor (in chestnut) - a bit pricey for an eyebrow pencil but i think it's worth it. the slanted angle of the pencil tip makes for an easy application. the other end reveals a brow brush and an eraser after twisting off the cap. this is a new HG product as its an easy no-fuss eyebrow pencil for me. no wonder some stores limit the number of these you can buy at a certain time, some women hoard them!

tom ford lip color shine (in insidious) - these lipsticks are less pigmented but rich in shine and luster. insidious is the perfect light coral shade for summer to complement a tan!

jouer lip enhancer - this lip treatment is packed with ingredients and vitamins to nourish and moisturize dry, chapped lips. i got a small tube sample months ago and totally forgot about it until i suffered from dry lips recently. it not only instantly treated it but it has lasting nourishing results!

l'oreal true match crayon concealer - i am amazed how this product did a good job of covering stubborn blemishes and skin discolorations. it goes on skin creamy and it blends easily. this could potentially be a new concealer favorite that even beats high-end brand concealers, imo.

neutrogena oil-free acne wash - i have used the pink grapefruit cleansing wipes for like forever and thought i'd try this since i ran out of my cleanser. i love the pink grapefruit scent that leaves skin feeling fresh and tingly. it never leaves my skin dry and has 2% salicylic acid to keep my acne controlled.

i love new york for mothers by bond no. 9 - and lastly, i got this fragrance for mother's day and it is the perfect blend of spicy and fruity that can be worn everyday. the stunning bottle is in the loveliest baby pink color that perfectly complements its feminine scent. love that they also gave out a good sized refillable atomizer with my gift along with about a dozen sample tubes. nothing beats that!

so, what have you added to your holy grail list lately? do share new finds!

the 6th aston golf classic invites

2013-05-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

in a few weeks we will be celebrating aston's 6th birthday party. today i am thrilled to present the 6th Aston Golf Classic invitations designed by kelly of WHHostess. it is an adorable 5-page booklet invite placed inside a white box filled with green crinkle paper in the bottom and a golf ball.

i have always wanted to incorporate the madras pattern to a party theme and thought this was the perfect oppurtunity to do so in a golf preppy par-tee!

the almost 6 year old celebrant who's just as excited to party over here at the tiongson greens!

happy mother's day

2013-05-11T17:39:00.001-05:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the sweet moms!

life gets so much better when your mom tells you everything will be all right during tough times. she's there ALWAYS for her unconditional love and care. her unwavering support makes you believe in yourself countless times when you doubt your own capabilities. she simply know you and how far you can go. and they trust and believe that you can do it. today, i strive to be that for my own son.

i'm sharing some really old photos of my mother with me and my eldest brother alvi. this first photo was taken at a beach back home in the philippines. i'm guessing my brother was about 3 or 4 years old here. unforgettable tender moments from the past.

my mom teaches english college classes in a university and i usually walk with her to school and that's perfect photo op time before kindergarten class. this was in our front yard with papaya trees and hibiscus bushes you can't miss. ha!

wishing you all have a wonderful time celebrating your moms, our true heroes!

this week's highlights and favorites

2013-05-10T07:51:00.000-05:00

wow, friday is here again that quick. i am excited for the weekend but before all that, here's a week recap.....

image

this is the best gift for the mommy-to-be who's days away from giving birth in the hospital!

i am most excited for nars + pierre hardy's nailpolish collaboration. my favorite shade of red, jungle red is from nars and they always have the most sought after collabs with major designers. pick your duo now!

my latest youtube obsession, international makeup artist lisa eldridge and all her videos on makeup tips and tricks. amazing transformations and excellent tutorials!

one of the bloggers i started blogging along with several years ago finally revamped her blog design and came full force with her interior design business. abby of abby m. interiors, has been an amazing supporter and bloggy friend all these years and i am so happy for all her success! check her new site out!

shopping sale alert : today's the last day to receive 40% off on selected designer items on saks. hurry, prices go back up tomorrow! j.crew also offers extra 30% off their sale merchandise both online and in-stores with code : SUNSHINE (ends may 12th)

and a few highlights of the week : a glossy feature on my makeup and bathroom products stash that i can't live without over at my friend grace's divasoria and i finally shared my girlfriend nina's birthday luncheon with lots of girly details you can recreate for a bridal shower or mother's day brunch. check it out in case you missed it!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND!

amethyst

2013-05-09T06:30:00.000-05:00

last valentine's, i gifted my husband a bunch of tumbled amethyst rocks to add to his collection. he loves decorating his office desk with these purple crystal rocks known to have calming and healing properties.

apart from their health and well-being improvement abilities, they add color and texture to the desk and look beautiful clustered on either the coffeetable or bookshelf. a shopping tip : pick a slab that has a rich and bright purple/violet hue to it. avoid dull or grey-looking ones. the bigger ones are obviously more expensive but personally, i love bunching smaller ones together in a silver tray or even as a decorative paperweight on a desk. i have a few amethyst jewelry pieces but i love the raw organic cut on these ones.

do you like amethyst crystals? how do you style them?

silver tray from biscuit (also available in this shape) // amethyst crystals from kuhl-linscomb

~ photo by SCF

a glam birthday luncheon

2013-05-07T19:54:00.000-05:00

when one of my dear friends, nina decided to host a luncheon for her birthday i knew it was going to be fabulous. she's all girly and glam and it was no surprise that it hugely influenced her party decor concept. she had envisioned lots of flowers in pinks and oranges with a punch of lime green.

since nina's hands were full with her new business and caring for her twin boys, i helped her coordinate and plan party strategies with her. we bounced off ideas ~ we shared pinterest inspirations and texted back and forth nightly on different party details. we had a blast planning, cake tasting ~ the whole process was just pure fun!

it was a perfect gorgeous saturday. she served pate with crackers and fruits to start when guests arrived. nina just recently opened an online gem shop, PBC CLOSET, so we all shopped and perused her home studio/boutique. it was the perfect time to catch up with old friends, shop and sip endless mimosas!

the huge white vase with lanterns was nina's idea and inspired by this image. it gave such a gorgeous impact to the tablescape and overall party decor. grocery-bought flowers beautifully arranged and bunched together lent a luxurious expensive look even if they were not. we kept the flowers in the same color scheme and scattered in the middle of the table in varied vase heights, just to give it a more casual less uniform look. the lovely ruffled rosette tablecloth and ghost clear chairs was the perfect blend of modern and girly. i just loved those mixed together!

she hired a chef and small staff to cook and serve us during lunch. we were treated to delicious stuffed cremini mushrooms and mixed greens salad to start. followed with grilled shrimp linguine in lemon butter sauce with garlic bread which were absolutely yummy. then a refreshing coconut (the celebrant's favorite!) sorbet with berries and freshly baked ginger snaps were served to end the meal. then the final dessert treat for the guests were the individual two-tiered mini cakes in either vanilla butter cake or chocolate cake!

each guest get to take home a dainty bangle from nina's shop, PBC Closet as party favors!

as nina opened gifts, we stayed around and nibbled on macarons from

mon cherie and chocolate chip cookies from tiny boxwoods!

it was truly an unforgettable birthday party and we were just as delighted to be a part of it. thanks nina for having us!

photography AILYNNE ABARADO-REMIGIO

catering ABUSO CATERING

mini cakes CAKES BY GINA

rentals AZTEC

for the new grad

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

so many reasons to celebrate this may and the coming months which includes honoring the new graduates. a few weeks ago i shared our mother's day gift guide and i hope it sealed your surprise gift for your mom!

this time, we've compiled precious gifts perfect for the newly graduate who's either heading to college or getting ready to join the workforce!

lucite letters / canvas bag / tassel key ring / pearl necklace
notecards set / paperweight / life planner / jewelry box

sunday craving

2013-05-05T17:50:00.000-05:00

spring showers and rainy days are here. weather is warmer and sometimes wearing your wellies can be too much. these ballet flats made of pvc material with adorable bows are the answer to skipping the puddles oh so fabulously!

comes in 5 jelly bean colors, these jelly flats are a must-have! oh, and did i mention they're only $29.50?

insta-week report

2013-05-03T06:30:00.000-05:00

hello loves! how's your month of may so far? can you believe we are almost halfway through the year? and summer is almost here!

may is a busy month for us. end of school year events, birthday preps for aston's party, mother's day plans and lots of birthday to celebrate almost every weekend. we are also finalizing summer getaway plans so that's what i'm looking forward to. in the meantime, let me share some latest loves via my instagram (@swankychicfete).......

last weekend, i finally picked up the latest chanel azure nailpolish from the summer 2013 collection. it is a gorgeous blue green metallic shade that is bold and beautiful. i've recently painted them on my nails and i just love the sheen and rich color it has. i've been getting tons of compliments on it!

if you live in houston, please head on over and visit the jonathan adler showroom and store in west ave. packed with his signature pottery and colorful fun home accessories, it is a haven for chic lovely vignettes in every corner. i have been eyeing a lot of his everyday casual dinnerware, pillows, throws and rugs and the overwhelming explosion of display makes you second guess your picks. i can seriously want everything in that store!

have you printed your free monogrammed personal calendar for the month of may from the talented gals of for chic sake? this month's modern design of chevron is so pretty and comes in 5 colors. i've got mine laminated and placed in my office desk.

finally, i've got preparations for aston's 6th birthday party well under way and kelly of whhostess created the adorable invitations. dubbed as THE ASTON GOLF CLASSIC and with a preppy madras theme, this golf par-tee will be so much fun with lots of darling details. can't wait to share them with you!

so, what have you got planned this weekend? do tell!

cinco de mayo fiesta

2013-05-01T11:11:00.003-05:00

yesterday i shared a few cinco de mayo party themes that's featured over at pottery barn. they have a ton of ideas, tips, recipes and video how-tos for you to enjoy and valuable to achieve successful entertaining. but today i've created a mood board to highlight some more colorful elements to add to your fiesta celebration!

for sources, click here

ENJOY!

cinco de mayo inspiration

2013-04-30T07:13:00.002-05:00

if you're hosting a cinco de mayo fun party this weekend, steal some inspiration from pottery barn entertaining ideas. a tequila tasting party, mojitos and tacos party or a margarita party are just a few of the party themes perfect for an adults only cinco de mayo celebration.

galvanized or clay servingware are beautiful elements to add to the colorful decor. sumptious mexican food fare such as guacamole and pico de gallo, ceviche, quesadillas are easy bites to prepare. a build-your-own taco bar would be the ideal setup serving yummy tacos and a mix-your-own beverage bar would be so much fun. a non-alcoholic beverage is always an option such as aguas frescas can be served too. this will be an awesome party to kick off the summer!

lastly, check out this simple how-to in creating a gorgeous mojito-inspired centerpiece (using the galvanized tiered tray from pottery barn). ENJOY!

olivia and mr.butler

2013-04-29T06:52:00.003-05:00

hello friends and hello monday! i hope you all had a great weekend!

let's start off the week with this super chic lady, everyone's style muse olivia palermo. i am sharing some of my favorite looks when she's out walking mr. butler, the cutest pup there is!

~ all images

weekend shopping

2013-04-27T17:16:00.000-05:00

i have to confess, i have been busy the past few late nights trying to create my own version of the perfect custom jack rogers. i've been playing with different color combinations on their website. it allows you to pick the leather color base and then the whipstitch color to go with it. the possibilities are endless!

these are my top contenders, with navy/green leading on......

i was really hoping that you can also add your own monogram on this one but that one is only available on this exclusive style.

what do you prefer? the monogram style or this classic one?

friday links and favorites

2013-04-26T06:30:00.000-05:00

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* i am coveting everything in monique's house

* having a hard time picking out the best combination for my jack rogers custom sandals

* do you know that birchbox has a home accessories and gourmet food section? great tip to be shopping there for mother's day!

* can't wait to try this dual functioning baby stick from revlon

* this week, friends and family sales are in full force. here's what i want from saks (code : FRNFAM2) ~ this and this. and here's what i'm lusting over at tory burch (code : TBSPRING) ~ this blouse, bangle and this tunic coverup.

* i love my hair elastic ties and i am going to try make my own and save some big bucks with this easy DIY

i hope you'll have time to check out those links this weekend. we are predicted rain this weekend so we don't have big plans. i am just starting to shop and prepare for aston's birthday party coming up in a few weeks. i'll be focusing on doing more of that this next few days!

retro kitchen

2013-04-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

i know some of you love the retro-look in your home especially in the kitchen. these colorful bella diamonds line of bella small kitchen appliances from jcp can help you achieve that vintage retro-feel with these whole set. and with mother's day just around the corner, these can be the perfect gifts for the moms who's needing to update old kitchen appliances!

coffeemaker // toaster // slow cooker

and to shop the complete bella kitchen appliances, click here

mother's day

2013-04-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE 2013

scarf // necklace // pouch // candle // bangle
ginger jar // pillow // nailpolish set // perfume // makeup

weekend recap + birthday soiree sneak peek

2013-04-22T13:56:00.001-05:00

i can't help but share some images from my fun weekend that started last friday. i met up with christi and mel for lunch and afterwards did a little side trip of window shopping at a bientot and also went to see christi's fabulous new home. i surely missed christi and her blogposts so it was so nice to see her again and catch up. it was my first time to meet mel and she is just the sweetest most fun person to be with. so gorgeous and fashionable too!

we had lunch at charming tiny boxwoods and sat outside despite the sudden cold weather. oh and just to randomly add, we also caught a glimpse of pretty lauren bush lauren who scooped up our table as soon as we stood up to leave. we had a really fun time and i have to mention, i am seriously in love with christi's new jawdropping beautiful house. let's hope she updates her blog soon with images of her brand new home!

on saturday, nina gathered some of her closest girlfriends to host a birthday luncheon at her home. she hired a chef and small crew to cook and serve us lunch at her gorgeous home. the weather was perfect and we just had a grand time. i promise i will share a complete soiree report later but in the meantime, let me share a few images from my iphone and some amazingly beautiful sneak peek shots by ailynne seen here below.

the stunning birthday girl!

monday blues

2013-04-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

i've done quite a few monday blues blogposts in the past because that's pretty much sums up how i feel the end of sunday and the beginning of the week. i had a glorious weekend with friends and family and i'm so sad to see the weekend end so fast!

well hopefully this blue rooms may cheer us up all a bit and help us positively face the week ahead. happy monday all!

images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

sunday shopping

2013-04-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

shop

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

you can also shop here :

j>crew

weekend's agenda

2013-04-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

via

well, friday is here but the weather has turned weird on us. i thought putting away my sweaters and heavy coat was a good idea for spring cleaning but alas, mother nature has other plans. it rained thursday and dropped to 40 deg overnight and friday is in the low 60s. still pretty weather but now i have to dig out my for my sweater or slip on a jacket, whichever resurfaces first.

but i won't allow weather changes to dampen my weekend. bff nina of pbc closet boutique is hosting a milestone birthday celebration. i helped her with the preparations and we've been busy texting, emailing ideas and coordinating with each other these past few weeks. saturday is the big day and i am excited for her. you can take a peek at her birthday soiree inspirations here. i can promise you it'll be pretty glam, girly and simply beautiful!

also today, i'm most excited to be getting together with pal christi (we miss her blog!) and a longtime stylist/blogger online friend mel (of one of my faves, style scout blog) who's in town for a wedding. can't wait to finally meet her and catch up with christi. full report on that much later. in the meantime, i hope you are starting a little early weekend happy dance!

see you back here soon!

perfect striped tee

2013-04-18T07:29:00.001-05:00

every summer i'd love to wear soft tshirts. it's difficult finding the perfect summer tee that's soft, breathable and in good quality. i stopped by anthro yesterday to pick up some gifts and found a huge selection of striped tshirts in fun colors. i also love the new new striped designs and color combinations on every shirt!

and if stripes is not your thing, their summer blouses and buttondown shirts are just as pretty. i love that anthro has a great variety of selection. and the dresses, oh that's a whole other blog post!

you can check out more anthropologie blouses and tops here :

Anthropologie Tops

musical chairs

2013-04-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

if we just have the money and means to redo our home's interiors, i would love to change our color scheme to bright colors against a white backdrop to add a whimsical feel to a modern home. but for now, we are stuck with our neutral beiges and browns with a few splashes of color here and there that i switch out season to season.

i'm ok with that but sometimes an overdose of colors can just satisfy your craving for something fun and fancy. these colored chairs featured today are just the right amount of rainbow color pop. they just make me smile :)

oh how i'd love to hang around the house playing musical chairs amongst these!

images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

prayers for boston

2013-04-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

~ image via