Official Turn Over of Our New Home

I have to say, my husband worked hard for this and our partnership made everything run smoothly.  Everything fell right into place. Several sacrifices were made. In terms of monetary, we gave up on a lot of things including out of the country trips just to be able to save up for our home.

The feeling is unexplainable, unbelievable and way extraordinary... very rewarding.

I didn't really have any idea that the official turn over was going to be this soon. As always, my husband planned for it as a surprise for me. Well, I kinda spoiled the surprise this morning, which explains why I'm wearing "pambahay" during the turn over. (see picture below)

We were placed in a situation that we had to go together for our errands. All I know was my husband needed to bring our car somewhere for maintenance (his excuse) and I on the other hand, needed to fetch our eldest son from school. Although, handing me the keys on Christmas Day is something special, I guess God still wanted me to come along to experience the whole process of the turn over.

It's a good thing I was there because it's a must to inspect our unit and the agent gave us final briefing on some important house rules we need to take note of, especially we plan to do home- improvement (add- ons, repainting, stuff we want to install)  after the Holiday Season.

It's officially ours!

After the tour, we went to the turn over room and a "welcome sign" greeted us. Some papers were signed and we were given a gift basket from Domex.

We chose Ayala Land because we trust that they put great value on their properties and  their clients. They make sure that the over- all environment is safe, the community is family- friendly, the staff is well- managed and the facilities including the buildings are maintained.

It was with the Ayala Land agents when we didn't feel rushed or pressured. They are not pushy, they don't shove flyers on prospects and once an inquiry's made, they're very courteous and accommodating. We also heard a lot of good feedback from our friends who got their own properties from Ayala Land.

On making an investment, make sure it's long- term, it's worth every cent, get what you really want and go for the best.

A week before Christmas Day, I received the most valuable gift ever... a new home. Today, Ayala Land Company formally handed the keys to our new condo. Praise the Lord for this wonderful blessing.

I Go Back Home...

I am very grateful for the wonderful blessing of having a lovely home to go back to... My parents decided to relocate 5 years ago... Moving to another place means change for us. Change means new beginnings, a refresher and a dip in different color is healthy.

With a fresh start, our own home, a new house (finally!) we made sure that the house itself sits in a place far off the chaotic city life, away from the main road where we can only hear the tapping of  rain drops on the roof, birds chirping and our laughter through the roof.

Over the weekend, with my 3 boys and our Beagle, we decided to head home to relax and spend quality time with my parents and the rest of the family. Our mom will always be "the mom" of the house. I really enjoy moments when she cooks for us. She prepares scrumptious dishes and I miss her as somebody who you'll always find ready to sit and chat with you. Whatever she's doing, once she sees any of us, her children she'll stop working and she'll keep us company.

Our stay was very timely because they just got the 8ft. Douglas Fir Tree (fresh tree from Oregon). The tree has that sweet, pine scent that filled the house instantly. We've also set the menu for our Christmas celebration, games and other gimmicks  to make the Holidays extraordinary.

Yes, it's Christmas time!

The Lara Home stood out once again. The signature blue door was lighted with ornaments and Christmas lights.

The weather was perfect as well. It's cold and windy... before, we find time just to go to Tagaytay City and embrace it's climate. Now, we don't need to because we're enjoying the very same chilly temperature.

Every time I'm in need for a quick break from city life I go back home. Home is where I grew up as a child and blossomed into a lady. Home is the strongest foundation which my parents built to overcome life's adversities and celebrate the glorious moments as a family. Home has always been the center of our hearts.

Another Rewarding Performance

From the last weeks of October to the first weeks of November, we have been very busy with school practices for the foundation day presentation of my son. Every 2 years, the school prepares for a huge musical play and of course, the guests of honour were us, the proud parents. 

This year, they performed an adaptation of Ibong Adarna. It was nice to watch and refresh my mind of the story which I last read when I was still in high school.  At the same time, seeing my son perform once again is joy to my heart. His performance in this adaptation has leveled up. He led the group to a dance interpretation of a certain role from the story.

The show was held at the Meralco Theater. The production was bigger than the last show 2 years ago. This time around, Frankie's younger brother was present to enjoy and appreciate this colorful and lively performance on stage. He was dancing as he watched which was clearly a sign that he is ready for school this coming year. 

Here's to another milestone! I guess, the next celebration is going to be hectic but more fun and memorable simply because both my boys will be performing on stage together.

Praying for the safety and well- being of our brothers and sisters in the Visayas and Mindanao regions as the Philippines prepare for another super typhoon (Hagupit) expected to hit this weekend. May God's mantle of protection make this devastating force to recurve and vanish before it hits another land.

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Happy Shopping with ZALORA

-not a paid post -

Online shopping isn't a regular thing for me, but there are times when I do buy stuff online, especially those that aren't found in a regular shop or at the mall.  I study everything from the mode of payment, over- all security of my information and the item and shipping.

I've intended to go online shopping with ZALORA for quite sometime now. I browse through the website a lot. I've read posts and reviews from other bloggers too. Everything posted or shared online about ZALORA are all attractive and interesting to look at. 

One reason that got my attention with ZALORA was the Cash on Delivery mode of payment. Here's the thing, I don't use my card that often... as much as possible I pay on cash basis even for big items. On the other hand,  let's face it, as a woman, it's normal to have that urge to shop for what you think you deserve... To make the long story short, I found the heart of online shopping with ZALORA, I enjoyed my shopping experience with ZALORA.

Convenience, security, accessibility, availability, affordability, ideal customer service and satisfaction guaranteed, it's ZALORA. 

ZALORA brand itself holds the chicest, loveliest items a girl could ever have. 

My first purchase was a Pink Strappy Flat Sandals With Laser Cut Details 699php

- Synthetic upper

- Elasticized band for secure fit

- Synthetic insole with brand details

- Synthetic outsole

 -source-

The colors available for this particular design are Grey, Pink and Brown. I chose pink because it's the shade close to nude and I love nude because I can match it with everything. Shoe size will depend on the no. of items on stock. But most of the time, with just browsing, I noticed, sizes are available.

This was my first time to purchase a footwear online. I don't shop online for shoes because I wanna make sure it fits me and it is comfortable. If fitting is an issue, ZALORA has a size chart that can be used as guide. If the shoes doesn't fit at all, you can always return it to ZALORA within 30days.

• The process begins as soon as you have picked the item/s of your choice (including the chosen color, size and design), add it to your "virtual shopping bag".  
• From there you check out and a form to be filled out (for new customers) will appear. 
• Choose the mode of payment.
• Enter code if you have a discount coupon/ voucher.
• Double check the entire order form, click "Order Now" once done.
• You will receive an email confirming/ track your order. 

 

I'm in Metro Manila so I'm expecting my order to come in 2 days at least. But my order was delivered within 24 hours which was very impressive. Not only that, the delivery guy was very courteous and he looked neat and presentable. 

I love the packaging, it made me feel that my order was really taken cared of. The sandals were in good condition and with individual dust bags.

 

I'm thinking of buying some Christmas presents for my sisters and friends from ZALORA. From tops, bags, accessories, make- up... there's so much to choose from. Thank you ZALORA for making online shopping easy and fabulous. As for a stay- at- home mom on a budget, I've never been this so excited and happy. Now, that I have an option to pay in cash and treating myself to something functional and stuff  I want is going to be with a snap of a finger.

Women's Debonair Oxford by Christian Siriano for Payless

There's a lot of Oxfords shoes, but mostly comes in patent leather or canvas. Every time I go window shopping, I go inside almost every shoe store just to check if I'll be lucky to see a pair of leather Oxford shoes. I want leather because I see Oxfords as a classic piece. It being leather with the orb detail and wingtip style,  makes it timeless.

In between my search, I've also prepared myself that if I find an Oxford according to the traditional look, it may probably be more expensive. But this concept changed when I paid Payless Shoesource a visit.

So, I was out with my mom last week, the usual mom and daughter bonding. We had lunch then we went window shopping. As I waited for her, I decided to go to Payless to check what's new. There I  browsed, browsed and browsed through shoes in my size. I found a pair of slip- ons but it didn't fit me, so I went to a different shoe rack. To my surprise, I saw this pair of leather Oxfords by Christian Siriano. It feels like I hit the jackpot.

 Women's Debonair Oxford by Christian Siriano for Payless

 1250php

 At long last, my kind of Oxford shoes... it has been awhile and thought I'll end up with nothing as I almost gave up in search of a leather Oxford shoes.

Features perforated orb detail, wingtip style, padded insole for comfort, 1" stacked heel, and a durable outsole. Manmade materials. -source-

Christian Siriano created a stylish, elegant and affordable line for Payless. First time I wore it, I was out walking with my friends the whole day and it rained by the way. I didn't feel tired and my feet didn't get any blisters from walking which is common when wearing brand new shoes. Talk about fashion and comfort as well.

Outfit:
top: Uniqlo
bottom: Tiangge sa Greenhills
bag: ZARA
shoes: Women's Debonair Oxford by Christian Siriano for Payless

Take note ladies, this is a limited offer. As always, availability will depend if this particular pair of shoes is still on display in your shoe- size rack at any Payless Shoesource branch.