Spoiled Daughter- In- Law

In the recent reunion I had with my childhood friends, the talked about topics was mostly family life. What's new, the fun part as married women and the ups and downs of sharing a new relationship with people we didn't grow up with, yet, are there to complete our families. I'm talking about our "in-laws".  I was the last person to share in the group about my experiences with my in-laws.

My friends asked me on what kind of relationship I share with my mother-in-law in particular. All I blurted out at that moment was "I'm a spoiled daughter-in-law".  Over-all, my relationship with my in-laws from my mom-in-law, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law and even cousin-in-laws are close to perfect.

 We all have our stories to share, all are expected to be different and all relationships are bound to be created depending on the person or what defines both us and our in-laws. I realized in the end, it's all about respect. It's all about finding your spot in the family and by being sensitive or being aware on what's happening around you.

 My in-laws give importance to my part in the family, which I really appreciate. They respect my role as the mother of their grandchildren and nephews. They never bypass my role as the wife of my husband. 

My parents taught me well in order to have a smooth relationship with my in-laws: pay respect by recognizing their positions and their roles in the family, radiate self-respect and  by being simple. Personally, as much as possible, I try to be the one to adjust in any given situation. 

Honesty is also part of a successful relationship, especially with your other half. 

It is given that we all have our ways in running our own households. On my experience,  being open about the things I prefer matters. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts on certain things. We all have our perspectives so honesty and sincerity will help both sides meet in the middle, agree on something without stepping on each other's roles in the family. Well so far it works for me.

I am very happy, thankful and partly proud to share with my friends the closeness I have with my in-laws. It kinda shed a new light to something where the in-laws (particularly the mom-in-law) plays the villain.  I guess for some it might take time, like a lot of time. Hopefully for most of us, everything is running smoothly. 

If there's one thing to learn when dealing with others in general, it's always to be respectful and understand our differences.

When I said that "I'm a spoiled daughter- in-law", it became a spot- on realization that made me even more grateful for meeting and marrying a man with such a lovely background and family. If my husband is a nice person... my in-laws are nicer. 😁

Pumpkin Patch

In my previous posts, Fall marked our trip in the US last year. We arrived in June and our planned stay was just 2 months. But since it was our first family trip and we haven't seen our families in GA for years, we decided to extend our stay until at least we can celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday, my son's birthday, our great grandma's birthday and to experience Fall. 

As I was told that it's during Fall that the Pumpkin Season begins and so is Halloween preparations and Thanksgiving. It is also the most liked season because of its warm colors and cool breeze.

My youngest son grew fond of pumpkins since. It became his favorite vegetable, he loves Halloween and he even uses his pumpkin container for trick or treating all- year round as toy basin.

At this same time, for the past 2 weeks we've been driving by from church when we noticed that they're slowly setting up the patch. As first- timers, we got really excited. The day has finally arrived, and again from church, we went straight to have our first pumpkin patch experience.

It's like a mini fair. There's an ice cream truck, small rides for kids. One of the things we enjoyed was the scary maze, it was for the whole family to enjoy. The set- up was perfect, nothing too intense.

These pumpkins are for sale, the price will depend on the size. Wheelbarrows are made ready so it would be easier to tow pumpkins around. We bought small ones and displayed it by our kitchen window.

Pumpkins are often used as decorative lanterns (jack-o'-lanterns) for Halloween. By tradition, it is cooked or baked for Thanksgiving. Since we live in the south, the Country feel made it extraordinary. It was my first time, it brought out the kid in me. I mean, pumpkins of different sizes, with hay under my feet and Country music playing... I don't get that everyday, so I'm one happy mom.

4 Facebook Accounts

I started joining social media in 2002. Friendster was so famous then. Through the years since the boom of the internet, the only applications I got involved in (aside from Friendster), was Multiply and Facebook,  I also maintained both my blogging sites. 

Like everyone else, I enjoyed the whole idea of being able to connect with friends from distant places. Schoolmates whom I haven't seen for years, and just the whole idea to be able to connect to people and voice out ones thoughts. My story goes around why I ended having 4 Facebook accounts in the last decade.

My first Facebook account was running smoothly. It was linked to my blogs and I'm very much friends with everyone until... it was hacked. My life was so open and sharing stories on my blogs thinking that I'm just an ordinary mom, I have nothing to lose.

The problem started when somebody tried to get log-in info through my details online. You see, aside from blogging, I am also an active gamer until 2013. I play World of Warcraft online. W0W requires so much and if millions are playing it, millions are also interested into getting an account for free, no matter what. To be able to join, one should purchase the game itself, create an account and pay on a monthly basis for game time. My account was a gift from my husband by the way.

Throughout the process, an account with a good setup can also be sold (for a good amount) to another interested gamer. Given that, later on, aside from my Facebook, my Blizzard account was also targeted for phishing. I deactivated my Facebook immediately, I changed all of my account info and I simplified the things I put on my blogs and online over-all.

My second Facebook account was made as soon as I deactivated my hacked FB. It stayed for awhile until... My husband requested me to deactivate it for a very important reason. You see, my husband is a private person, he is my opposite. If I like posting stuff, you won't hear a thing from him. So prying  irks him a lot. If they can't get through him, the next person was me. It just so happen that I wasn't blogging as much too and I seldom make posts that's why this next deactivation process was not difficult to do.

My third Facebook account is supposedly for business purposes. With the deletion of my second FB account, my husband got rid of his own too and we decided to create this third as a business marketing instrument. For about a year, we were able to run a specialty loaf business. Then mid- 2016 we went out of the country for a long vacation. When we got back, everything changed, our lives changed and we did not push with the business anymore. 

Coming from a good 4- month vacation, me and my husband agreed that I convert this FB "business" account as personal so we can share photos to our families. Later on, this third account went crazy (even with the most private setting) I got several requests from people I/ we have no intention of adding. When I mentioned crazy, there was just too much going on that it was already annoying so... deactivation time.

This fourth Facebook account I just made yesterday was carefully considered. I must admit, Facebook has become an essential in a sense that we want to be in touch with the "important people" in our lives. This account will serve close family members, relatives and friends I want to keep and "I'm actively" in touch with. Not much posting, no comments, no likes (maybe) but I'll be there for anyone who wants to share a conversation.

4 Facebook accounts... 

Throughout this transition I also learned a few things specially when it comes to privacy. From having hundreds of contacts composed of family, friends and acquaintances, I was able to filter it down to less than 50. People worth keeping are those who were and still are very supportive and generous of their time to us, those who inspire us, precious beings we value because we matter to them...

My family is in transition, we want a fresh, clean beginning, and  this is one part where we choose people we know that are true to us and who can be part of this new journey we're taking.

Minimalist Living

My understanding of a Minimalist Living is running under the "less is more" perception.

It is also going back to basics at some point and it was just recently when I became fully aware that this way of living has always been our set up at home and it is called Minimalism.

We started this kind of approach the moment we started a family. Life began from the very bottom. We get by from paycheck- to- paycheck. This kind of situation has taught us to become wiser. We saw the positive effects in "having less". We get by with what is only needed and we spend less time hanging out.

Lifestyle is a key player in our lives. Its impact takes effect instantly. Sometimes it is stressful and there are moments that can be inspiring.

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A Minimalist's life for me is simple living. As for our function as a family, we were able to learn and appreciate the art of detachment. It is one way to unburden oneself and clearly an easy path to get rid of items that we don't need and we feel will only serve as clutter. Time management is also important in setting one's priorities.

At Home

• My goal everyday as a stay at home mom is to make and keep a well- balanced household. It all starts within the four walls of our house. Having a conducive environment at home helps one overcome the mess that is outside, like a downpour of work or just the nonsense one has to deal with everyday.

• The reason why we bought a condo is because it is more manageable. Less maintenance, less headache. It's smaller than a house but it is still spacious enough to decorate and play around with. A basic square cut is always recommended so in times you want to rearrange or redecorate, it's easy.

• Get rid of old items especially those that are not being used. Toys, clothes, shoes etc... Not only you get to declutter but you also get to wear or keep newer things. In our case, we donate our old items. 

• Avoid excessive decorating. 
• Have plenty of storage and store items you want to keep properly
• Build a personal space in a corner of a room.
• In the kitchen, I also have the basics. Baking tools are on a set basis only.  When I got my KitchenAid mixer, I gave the old stand mixer back to my mom. 
• I have 2 sets of plates one for formal dining and another for everyday use.

These are just examples, the list goes on.

Benefits:
Less clutter, less stress to the eyes and mind.
More room, more space for meditation or quiet time.
Less clutter, less dirt, less bugs and pests.
A clean house dictates clean living and a healthy lifestyle.

Food

• The main goal is to avoid wastage and to equip your kitchen with your preferred essentials.

• Buy the ingredients or items for cooking that are often used. In a week, I was able to practice to come up with a menu good for 4 and that becomes basis for my grocery list both perishable and dry goods. Not only you avoid wastage but you replenish your fridge with fresh items every week.

• Establish what is needed to be bought in bulk and in minimal amount. 
• One of the things I love about the products we have in the Philippines is the "value pack". It gives the exact amount you need in one cooking or recipe.

Closet/Clothing

• Let's say, for some of us, it is when we go shopping we greatly damage our budget or savings. One of the perks of being a homemaker is I'm not required to dress up everyday. Shopping for new items for events and gatherings or even just to replace whatever I have are the benefits I enjoy with having less or just the basics in my closet.
  

• For whatever season it may be, "invest" on the basics and just do mix and match.

• When it comes to footwear, storage can be an issue. Shoes have a life span whether it is often used or not. I personally have "one pair" of what I think is essential. A pair of flat shoes, strap- on/ sandals, flip flops, slip-on, walking shoes/ running shoes and I have a heavy duty pair  which I can use during the rainy season.
• Accessories, make- up, perfume: Basic, what you prefer of course,  and just enough to consume at a certain period of time so you can treat yourself to a new set again.

Most of this basically hits on the amount we tend to buy and keep for a long time.

Travel

• One of the things I keep in mind when I travel anywhere with my family is to pack light. On our recent trip to America, even if we were given an allowance of 2 50lbs each (x4), aside from our personal bags, we opted to bring 3 large suitcases only: 2  for our clothes and a luggage filled with pasalubong/ gifts. With kids in tow, it's always best to travel light especially for long haul flights.
• Set your mind on souvenir items that are going to be useful when you get back home.

• It's a different case when you've done major shopping at your destination. For us, we shipped the items we bought ahead of the time of our departure.
• Based on our experience being around the East Coast, for a family of 4 we survived our daily tour with just my personal crossbody bag and a medium backpack in tow. 

• Wear the most comfortable clothes and shoes, the set of clothing you're willing to let go or you'll often use throughout your travel so you don't have to pack it.

Social

This is going to be more on a personal perspective.  In 2015, my husband and I got rid of our personal Facebook accounts. Many wondered, a lot made speculations... and it's just Facebook! Whatever accounts we have now are just active for communication purposes.

For me, the only active accounts I have is Instagram which is on private and with chosen few as my contacts, plus my blogs.

Simplify your world online. The thing we don't like about social media is prying, and there's too much negativity circulating.

We choose the people we hangout with as well. It's cool to have a few friends that you can trust and be open with, than a lot which you barely know.

When it comes to social media or on mingling, filter your activities. You don't have to get rid of your accounts just filter everything and be wise on what you post and share online.

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The reason why my husband and I are able to achieve goals and meet them on our specific timeline is because living with less gives us a wider perspective of things, of life itself.

Avoid getting too sentimental.

Don't ponder and overthink too much.

Choose to Live in the moment.

We can plan well, relax, look at our options, and study everything before we plunge into something. It gives us a huge amount of time, at least some room to breathe.

Being a minimalist helps us achieve goals. It also teaches our children how to live a simple life.

No one is getting deprived by the way, Minimalism is simplifying things. It's humbling and it shows the brighter side of life itself.

World of Coca- Cola Tour

Location:265 Park Ave W Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

The World of Coca- Cola is situated within the Centennial Park District. It's just a few steps away from Centennial Olympic Park that was built for guests during the 1996 Olympics. It is right beside the Georgia Aquarium.

The World of Coca- Cola was the 2nd tourist spot we went to in Atlanta. Aunt Mel treated our whole family to the World of Coke as a welcome gift, but we were able to go during my eldest son's birthday last September.

 I love Coke! It's my go- to drink if I want something refreshing on a hot day or just to unwind and while watching a great movie. This tour was one of the highlights of our US trip last year because we visited the home of Coke, where it all started.

John Pemberton Founder of Coca- Cola

Information Booth for interested guests

The Lobby

Here, folks will welcome you with Coca- Cola drinks.

This is also where you will find the Coca- Cola bottle sculptures and the waiting area that will lead to---
 The Loft

The tour officially begins at The Loft. You will find memorabilia that represent the 125 Years of Coca- Cola from 30 different countries.

Our tour guide was very excited and asked each guest of their country of origin. It was amazing that the groups and families that we were with was composed of travelers and tourists from around the world. Switzerland, Korea, China, USA and even Greece. Of course, we got very excited to announce to all that we're from the Philippines.

Coca- Cola Theater

At the theater, a short film called Moments of Happiness was shown. It revolved around stories and moments of people from around the world with different cultures, how they celebrate and share their most valued journeys with Coca- Cola. It was a heartwarming film about love, life and family. The joys a drink can bring to our hearts.

I did not feature some of the other places we went to during our tour because we weren't able to take pictures. But you can visit: https://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/ for details.

Pop Culture Gallery

Bottle Works

 Coca- Cola Polar Bear

The finale of our Coca- Cola tour was the Taste It! Experience. Here, we're able to taste over 100 Coca- Cola products from around the world. I guess, on what we've tasted so far, a country or continent's beverage is represented based on their culture or way of living.

Coke dispensers from places around the world: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America

I took note of the following drinks I've been eager to try:

Japan- Vegitabeta ( not too sweet, refreshing, a bit bland)
Madagascar- Bonbon Anglais (unexplainable!)
North America- Gold Peak Sweet Tea (my new favorite in Georgia)
Korea- Joy (fruity)
North America- TAB ( gave me a nostalgic feel, milder taste compared to Coke)
Italy- Beverly (it's like vodka with sparkling water)

Over-all, I'm amazed on how Coca- Cola was able to recognize and come up with the distinct flavors that made each destination unique. I am proud to say that Asia has the most balanced set of beverages.

 My eldest son trying Coca- Cola products from Europe

Aside from the Taste It! experience, a section was also made available for other Coca- Cola products we're more familiar with. Keep your cups cause you might want to extend your Taste It! journey with some Coke Life, Cherry or Vanilla Coke, or with the Original Taste we all love. My second best choice was Raspberry Coke!

 Happy Me in My Happy Place

 More Coke for take home!

 Coca- Cola Store

We truly enjoyed our visit at the The World of Coca- Cola. It's one of our most memorable in this trip. It introduced a greater meaning than just recognizing and drinking a bottle of Coke. This whole experience showed us the other side of a famous soda brand, how it brings joy to everyone. I am very grateful to have experienced The World of Coca- Cola with my family. I mean, we love Coke!

Personal Tips On Getting Your Dream Condo

It has been 2 years since we've officially moved to our new home and I'm loving every moment and everything about it. I decided to make this post about our new home purchase so I can shed a little light on what basis should you use in order to get your money's worth on purchasing a condo unit, at least coming from an ordinary person's point of view.

I've talked to certain individuals who were having difficulties on weighing things if they should get a condo or a house and a lot. First of all, an investment will depend on your perception or simply what  will work for you not only now, but in the future as well. For me and my husband, throughout our married life, we've been staying/ renting in a condo. We saw the practical side of condo living, but we still plan to invest at least on a lot property if not a house and lot. We need to remember our personal reasons and purpose why we want and need to make this investment.

This whole entry will focus on our personal basis and experiences on choosing the right developer, the condo must-haves, location and other important things as buyers.

The no.1 rule we learned on making an investment is not to rush into things. Take time and do research, do ocular and inspect the exact location of the building itself.  Usually, developers have model units, don't hesitate to go and ask around. Share your plans and goals with trusted people you think can help you, especially those who already made a good investment.

Purchase a property that will not give you headaches or any inconveniences.

It took 5-6 years for us to finally land at the hands of the right developer. We almost bought a property that we're not sure of. We went to several loops on choosing and making an "almost" bad decision. But from a casual talk with my husband's friend from work who found out about our intention, he gave us some points. It all began with that simple conversation, and now we're living in our dream home.

Location:

It's an investment, take into consideration the location. It's accessibility whether you have car or none. A lot of condos are being sold for an irresistible price, don't get hooked! There's a compromise. It's cheap but location- wise it's not family- friendly or it's situated near a slum area or low lying area. Worst of all, it may be resting on top or beside a fault line.

Accessibility is important, "as much as possible" find something near your work place. Look for nearby grocery stores, sari-sari stores even, banks, churches, schools, hospitals, commercial establishments. Check whether it's linked closely to major public transport such as trains and terminals. Lastly, make sure that it has ample parking space.

Our location is in a prime area of Quezon City. We're near major establishments. There are schools, and hospitals nearby. We're just a jeepney ride away to Cubao, we can walk to a known shopping location. We're beside major roads. All these, yet we get a nice, family- friendly environment. Once we get inside the premises of our condo it's quiet and peaceful. We have a jogging path, a swimming pool, a playground and an outdoor gym. We basically feel like we're in a resort.

Developer:

Once you've set your mind on the perfect location. Look for a developer. Be aware, most agents like profiling.  How you dress up or what car you drive are some of the things they look into and it's a sad, pathetic truth.  Be honest, show them who you really are, don't clothe yourself to impress. Anyway, just the thought you're interested on investing makes you a very capable person.

This can be tricky, but usually, the best in the business has something built in major locations. It's an investment right? spend on a good/ best developer. The one who can guarantee to meet your expectations. When I say guarantee, it means the developer has money that they don't wait for down payments to pay for the construction of the building. With that, pre selling offers will come in handy. They can give you flexible terms. Just like what happened to us. Since our developer has money, they can afford to adjust according to our terms. Of course, that is with further study and approval. This goes with a reliable bank the developer is linked with.

Here are other important things to look for:

Amenities:

We're basically looking for a home that can give you more than a clean environment. Nowadays, a community offers amenities such as a pool and a playground. Look for these. It will add as a good find with the investment you're about to make. In our case and as mentioned above, aside from a swimming pool and a playground, we also have a clubhouse for events, a jogging path, an outdoor gym and a grotto where mass is held on special occasions. Make sure that the amenities are already available for use when you move in.

Cut of the condo units with major fixtures included:

This is one of the reasons why it took us quite some time to finally nail the right condo. We've been to several condos and one of the things that greatly bothered us was the unusual cut of the units, which I think is the trend nowadays. We were looking for a condo that can give us the feel that we're living in a house. It's small yet a basic square cut can give us room to make adjustments or plan our interior properly.

Choose a condo that already have the basics: a clean cut unit with dividers, working bathroom fixtures, kitchen with a sink or at least shelves. Look for a grease trap as well.

Balcony:

Get a unit with balcony.  It will serve as your garden or special nook.

Water:

Look for a condo where water is not affected when power is down. If you get the best developer, piping and all are at its finest.

Emergency Power System:

A condo with emergency powers is a plus. There's a working elevator, you can use an outlet, the fridge is running when power is down. We have all these in our condo and it will make you feel secure when there's an emergency.

Maintenance of the building:

A building has a life span, imagine a "not so well- maintained" one. We're very fortunate that our developer handles the building maintenance. Clarify with your developer on who'll provide maintenance. There are instances that the homeowners association is the one in- charge. There are cases when there's not enough funds, they skip this process, so through the years, the unit owners end up with an old- looking, cracked up building.

Our building is new, but you know what, they just repainted it. Our community is composed of 5 towers, and each are repainted and maintained properly. 

Security 24/7:

Make sure that the condo you choose has reliable, strict security services. Each tower in our community has its own lobby, concierge and security guards. We're also equipped with CCTV cameras. Aside from that, we have guards and an emergency personnel roaming around the premises, a guard at the walk- through entrance and several at the main gate and parking.

Housekeeping and In- House Maintenance:

Housekeeping does the internal stuff like cleaning and garbage disposal.  These are 2 essential roles that does internal maintenance 24/7. If you need something fixed in the middle of the day and night, they come to aid you.  That extends to the amenities.

Staycation? No need to go out, I have everything in my humble unit, better than a hotel.

It's a good investment for those working or living abroad and for those who frequently visit the Philippines.  

Whatever I shared here are just based on our experiences when we purchased our condo. Most of you might ask who our developer is. For security reasons, I will not mention our location and the exact property we purchased, but we are proud to share how happy and satisfied we are with Ayala Land.