Baby: Family Lounges

The diaper changing station has become my best friend when going out.

I am a first-time mom, and I find this very convenient when I go out with my baby. Okay, let me take that back. It is a necessity. I absolutely hate places where they don't even put spaces for changing diapers, let alone breastfeeding stations.

I admire places that have family-friendly lounges.

In the Philippines, these are few and far between. Since we moved back here, the only place I saw, so far, with family-friendly spaces (those with added amenities that does not only include diaper changing stations) is Eastwood City. Ayala malls require you to be a VIP member to access their lounge, so I have no idea how it looks like.

Family-friendly lounges are part of my perfect place. I took this set of pictures from Westfield Mall in San Francisco.

I hope that someday in the not-so-distant future, family lounges will become a requirement in every mall, park, airport and other public areas. Wouldn't that be cool?

Clockwise from top:
* Seating area fronting the TV. There's a breastfeeding station at the end.
* Wall-mounted toys for tots
* W Family mural to welcome you

Clockwise from top:
* Flat screen TV on the wall
* Two-level lavatories outside the lounge
* Curved countertop for changing diapers, with a lavatory beside it. Pull-out cabinets for trash.

Food: Fantastic Pinay at Cafe Breton

My all-time favorite dessert crepe is the one by Cafe Breton called Fantastic Pinay. It's crepe filled with sweet yellow mango cubes, topped with nutella, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

I tried making crepes, and the crepe recipe that tastes closest to Breton's is this one.


Basic Crepes
by JennyC819 at allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted 

Directions

1.  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine.
2. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
4. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side.

Tip: Before serving, try the Fantastic Pinay way. Add mango cubes in the middle, then fold the crepe. Spread nutella on top. Finish with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. I am sure you'll be smitten.

Cafe Breton uses something like this flat crepe maker, which I think is the best way to even out the batter while cooking.

Tibos Electric Crepe Maker
Image via Amazon

Technology: MyPantone App

Who hasn't heard of Pantone colors? If you're a creative, this is probably a staple. You would also have known that the color of the year is Tangerine Tango.

And yes, they have a Pantone app too. But if you're like me, you wouldn't know about it until the last minute. :P

Anyway, while having my nails done in Lavender Cloud, I was browsing a magazine and I saw it. There it was -- a brief write-up about the MyPantone app. I decided to check it out on my phone, and I instantly fell in love. *wink*

Images via Apple

Get to choose from all the Pantone colors using the fandeck or an image.

This is so helpful when choosing color combinations for your home, crafts and even fashion!

The app retails at the App Store for $9.99.

Love: Barnes and Noble's Classic Lits

What is it about these books that makes me want to buy them all? They're super pretty to look at. I swear, when I have a space for a library, I will get every single one. :-) This collection is from Barnes and Noble.

So cute!

Look, some are just $10!

This is a page from Arabian Nights. I drool.

Design: Japanese Floral Pattern

Well, what do you know? I couldn't help it. I made a desktop wallpaper with the Japanese Floral pattern by Florence Broadhurst for Kate Spade.

Download it for your own personal use through here.