A Beachless Summer

This is one extraordinary summer for me and my family. Often times, as early as October, we already have plans for summer. This has got to be an experience to remember with summer being beachless.

It all started when we received a call late last year that we're already approved to move- in our new place. We got all excited and executed every plan for our home. Planning was easy, but the roll out got a little delayed because of the requirements we needed to submit in order to do the finishing touches. Having a friend who is a contractor is a blessing because he made things fast, sure and easy for us. With all these, it looked like our summer will go around with the adjustment and fixins of our new condo. But all is good for the whole family because we have a large pool to enjoy as part of the amenities of the community we chose to live in.

Every week, we go swimming. To a point that it feels like we're in a resort, only we don't pack our things to go home, we're here permanently and that's awesome! It's summer but the pool is often empty. We were told that most residents are balikbayans or prefers to hangout somewhere else or even go to the beach at this time of the year.

Not only that, we didn't have to enroll  our son for swimming lessons, because with a pool around, my husband personally instructs our son. And still to our surprise, a famous swim school  offers swimming courses here in our place. Perfect! we'll never run out of choices.

Summer 2015 may be beachless, but we sure do love the fact that anytime we want to freshen up from the tropical heat, we'll just take an elevator down and yeah, SWIMMING!

Summer Getaway List

I know, I know, the new year just started, but you see, here in the Philippines, the beach is considered as an all year round destination. As early as now, my husband and I are already planning for our summer outings. That includes the beach and schedules when we will invite guests for a pool party in our new place. But I'll let my husband handle the bookings/ reservations and I'll do the checklist of the essentials we need.

This year, I've added a few things in our Summer Getaway list. It's like re-filling our usual beach bag with the old and some new items.

A new pair of Havaianas Slims and Sanuks. They're the most comfortable ever especially for outdoor fun. Nothing major, but these footwears are just perfect for almost every summer activity.

New swimsuits for everybody!!! We're kinda stuck to our old swimwears for the past 2 years. It gets tighter or it loosens. Any of the 2 means that we need to buy something more comfortable to wear. It's a different story for me. Even for a stay at home mom, I still want to look good, beach ready.

We all have our own style and preferences. For me, I still plan to wear a tankini or a one piece swimsuit to hide my "mommy bulges". I'm just taking advantage of the fact that I'm still fit to wear at least a one piece swimsuit. Remember my shopping experience from Zalora? Since then, Zalora has been my go- to guide when it comes to the latest trends.

There are so many stylish swimsuits at ZALORA that I was completely spoiled for choice. I think I might get one from here.

I fell in love with this Cheska Corset Maillot. I'm so into anything nautical. This will fit my body well, it's not too eye- catching, looks comfortable and it's stylish, perfect for my personality.

Last on our list is a Go Pro which I think is a good choice than buying a waterproof digital camera. I mean, we already have an SLR. Plus, we have kids, we love going on family adventures, sudden outings and road trips,  and we're into taking pictures everywhere we go, so yeah, a Go Pro definitely. I will post about it later on, once we've used it and watch out for my chosen Partner for Summer 2015 (wink!).

How about you, have you planned anything for this coming summer? it's 2 months away... can't wait!

3's A Celebration 2014

My Birthday Celebration

Like the past years I've celebrated, I planned my birthday for 2014 to be simple. I'm happy to be able to spend my special day with the people I love. My supposedly "special day" turned into almost a week of fun. From a weekend lunch at YABU and dinner treat from my mom. My birthday lunch at Tender Bobs with my boys, birthday dinner with our good friend Ricky at City Buffet and my birthday celebration at Yakimix, all my favorite places to eat.

Prior to all of these, I gifted myself with a brand new induction cooker and range hood. A coffee machine to add will make everything fantastic. As you noticed, whatever I got as gifts are all going to our brand new condo.

I wait each year for my birthday because I truly feel that it's the best time to get anything or at least treat myself to whatever will make me and my family happy. Well, the "waiting part" has always been the most rewarding. I thank the Lord for such wonderful blessings.

 Christmas 2014

 As we all know, my family is set to move - in our new home. In between celebrations, from my birthday, my youngest son's 3rd birthday and the Holidays, we have been poured with so much new things to cherish. Like spending Christmas in our new condo. Even without furniture, we chose to spend both Christmas and New Years at our humble abode.

In 2013, after typhoon Yolanda, we felt like there's not much reason to celebrate. It was a bit depressing, the whole vibe, the feel of the season at that time was very sad. But the Holidays for 2014 turned amazing. In a way, we made up for what was lost during our 2013 celebration. We were also graced with the presence of some relatives from America. It was our first time to spend the Holiday Season with some loved ones from GA. It feels good, it feels extraordinary and exciting to be able to celebrate Christmas with people we don't often see.

Welcoming 2015!

2014 was a wonderful year. There were more easy times than tough ones. The year just started and blessings are already pouring in. I can't wait for what's in store in the next coming months. Here's to another great year, let's make more miracles happen 2015!

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.

Collecting Legos

My husband and I began collecting around 8 years ago. We feel like it has been that long because we were already buying Lego toys for our eldest son. Then comes the Duplo for our youngest. Frankie is very fond of Lego because he can literally create things with bricks without following any instruction manual. Watching my son build and create what he once imagined brings an amazing feeling for a mom like me.

From then on, we're on the look for Lego sets, mostly boxes of bricks. Since it's for playing, there are times when we lose bricks, and that's when we buy another box until the collection grew bigger. Our love for Lego expanded as we meet people with the same interest, and that's how we found out about PhLUG and other Lego items for collecting--- Legos for the young at heart.

Next on our list are Lego Books which we can display in our new home. We just found one or two that can also be useful in creating stuff, but we didn't buy it yet.

When The LEGO Movie came out, that's the time when we just want to gather what we feel we need to  collect. What we have is nothing compared to those who have been doing this for years.

The Lego Movie mini- figures was a set that's a bit hard to complete especially that toy stores here in the Philippines doesn't sell mini- figures as much compared to other countries. But we have our sources and we even got more than what we expected. There's a batch to be kept and there's a couple of mini- figures on display.

This is a must! An original The LEGO Movie: Everything is Awesome Edition (Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack + Exclusive Minifigure + Exclusive Content + Bonus Blu-ray 3D)

We bought our copy from a Lego collector. I drove all the way to UN Manila early in the morning  just to meet up with this guy. I was with my husband of course and we know the guy, so safety on meet- ups (check!)

 1980's Vintage LEGO Spaceman in Red, White, Yellow and Blue

We're now looking for a black classic spaceman.

 Benny the Blue Spaceman in The LEGO Movie

The Blue Spaceman is said to be the last color to be released. Benny is a special character in The Lego Movie representing the 1980's Classic Space Astronaut. Only, Benny's suit is scratched and his helmet is broken and has an excited turn- around face.

Lego sets from The Lego Movie

These were the first box sets we had from The Lego Movie. We only purchased one from a mall, the rest were ordered online from fellow collectors.

 Shell Station has released a new set of Shell V- Power LEGO Collection. The rules state that for every 1,500-up worth of Shell V-Power Nitro fuel you can buy a toy from the set for 150php each and you can only purchase 1 toy for every receipt. That's a full tank for most cars. You see, we can't burn fuel just to be able to fill up our tank again and buy another toy. So I asked my dad if we can take turns and whoever will go first to gas up a car, must buy a toy until we complete the set or even get 2 sets of the whole collection. We did this with Shell's previous promos. So, our car's tank is full and we got the Lego Shell Station. My dad messaged me and he got gas too and bought the red Lego car. In a week, we now have 2 from the 2014 Shell V-Power Lego Collection.  Ha!

For more information: The New Shell V-Power Lego Collection

The fun of dressing up your Apple gadget. I particularly love this Original Belkin Lego casing for the iPad Mini 2. How I wish that they also have something for my old iPad 2... and sorry I need to emphasize on "original" because sad to say, fake items are everywhere in our country.

A Lego piece from Japan. For some reason, anything from Japan is always something to look forward to and worth collecting.

We're part of The Philippine Lego Users Group

We became part of PhLUG through a friend who is a super LEGO collector and enthusiast. My husband visited their exhibit once and he continued until he made friends and became part of the community. On a regular basis, the group organizes an exhibit where fellow collectors can display and sell their items for a more reasonable price compared to the ones being sold in malls. Some are from travelers who intentionally go abroad to buy Legos and other collectibles. 

It is a wonderful community. So if you're in search of some hard- to- find Lego items or any Lego set here in the Philippines, try PhLUG. It's a fun way to buy the Lego toys you want and at the same time, make friends.

Home Project Now Rolling

Moving forward towards happier times. One of the things that's been keeping me away from my regular routine online is furniture shopping. Finally, the moment has arrived when we get to choose the stuff for our new home. Personally, I don't want fill our unit in an instant. I want to do it slowly so that we can also get the furniture that is perfect for each room. And of course, we can't afford to buy and change and buy new ones again and again. I told my husband that if we're to rush things, everything else might go bonkers at some point.

It turned out that my husband had that same thought in mind. Planning was made easy because my husband and I are attuned with the same ideas, stuff we want to put in and certain themes for our new home.

The only request I have was a signature chair for myself. A high back chair. You know the idea, when guests will see that chair, they know it's mine and I own that small space in our home. Same goes with my other half, he requested for a LaZBoy, I didn't argue because he granted mine and I want him to get his too.

My chair was an easy find. SM Home World is now selling sleek chairs, home decor and other furniture. I was in heaven when I saw the line of high back chairs on display. It comes in different sizes, designs and colors. But it's a different story with my husband. Since a LAZBOY costs so much, he's still on the hunt "for the worthy recliner".

So we've settled our chairs, this afternoon, we went through the list of kitchen appliances we need. As much as possible, we want to go for things that are economical, environment-friendly, safe and easy to maintain. It's our own home, it's new, so why not make a good investment.

Van de Graaff Generator At The Mind Museum

As a pre- Mother's Day celebration, my husband and I took our kids to the Mind Museum. It was my first time to visit the place and it was Frankie's 2nd. I've been curious of what this museum has got to offer. I've seen pictures and have read posts about it. Finally, I was able to step inside one of Manila's most visited museums.

It was a fine summery Saturday morning. We opted to go early to beat the crowd, thinking that it's Mother's Day and a weekend everyone's going to be out celebrating. Tickets were at 450php per head which was good for the whole day until the museum closes.

When we got inside, we were greeted by Aedi (idea). Aedi gave a short message on what to expect and see inside the museum.

The first thing we saw was The Majesty of the Universe area. It was the most visited when we were there. Maybe it's because most of us are curiously in love with knowing the universe and visitors are automatically pulled at this section of the museum.

We watched a short film. I enjoyed the whole clip because I was opened to new information about the solar system, space and the whole universe.

My eldest son, is very fond of science and experiments. He went back to see the T-Rex that's made up of real fossils. How cool is that?!

The highlight of our visit was to experience Van de Graaff generator for the first time. My son was scared seeing the hair of the ladies who went ahead of us go up. Something that he can only see on television shows and movies. Later on, he became comfortable. He has short hair, but you can see hair at the top part of his head raised up.

If The Majesty of the Universe is the most visited, the Van de Graaff generator holds the longest line. These are just few of the wonderful things seen at The Mind Museum. It sure is a place for learning both for the kids and the young at heart.

SEE: How Van de Graaf Generator Work

February Is Family Month

 We have been very busy since the last week of January. It's that of the year when some close relatives both from my husband's and my side of the family comes home for a vacation. It's that time of the year which we also find as the merriest aside from Christmas because we get to spend time with the people we seldom see.

This year, we're happy to be reunited with individuals whom we haven't seen in 2 or maybe 3 years time... Their short visit made February as the "love month" not only for lovers  but also for families simply because we're graced to be with our loved ones.

Our family reunion started with the visit of my godmother, sister of my dad from New Jersey. Her visit this year is a bit extraordinary because it's her first time to see my parents' new house. Her last visit was in 2009, we were still living in the old house then. My parents' hosted lunch as we also held the yearly blessing of the house with our other relatives.

 Here: My dad and his sisters

Before my Aunt's arrival a family friend who is also our neighbor came from America. It's been more than 5 years since her last visit. As part of the family, we invited her in every get together we had. We also invited her to join our usual girl bonding, brought her to Mom & Tina's.

A week back my husband's cousin came home with his family, also from America. We got a room in the very same hotel where they checked-in so we can spend quality time. My husband and his cousin grew up together as brothers and as best friends. This visit of his cousin is very important to us because of the bond they share.

We still have the whole month to spend time together. Please bear if I leave you hanging with this short entry. More stories to come in the next weeks or maybe the next month. As of the moment, we've been planning and planning, part of that are activities also fit for the kids and the mommies.

Year-End Family Bowling

After Christmas, our family decided to go bowling as bonding time instead of going out of town. We all met up at Paeng's Bowl at the Eastwood Citywalk after lunch and on with our fun family event. It was my parents' first time to join us. It all started with just me and my siblings. Thought it's a good way to try something new as bonding time. Then we sent an invite to our dear mom& dad to watch us play and that their presence was highly appreciated. Well, it's making the family complete with them around even if they don't play.

But it turned out to be more fun. The moment my parents arrived they instantly grabbed a pair of bowling shoes asked for assistance in setting up a lane and they started even if some of us were still on the way.

Aside from traveling , it's nice to see both mom & dad unwind this way. Most of the time, especially couples their age, they settle to stay at home, grab a cuppa or chat with their amigos and amigas. Life turned out to be different for us. As our parents grow old, they're more open into trying things they weren't able to enjoy when they were looking after our family. After a game or two, my parents went ahead for a Christmas party in our old village. But they left us with some refreshments from Magoo's Pizza.

Times like this is very important to us. We can also find joy and memorable moments even thru the simplest things like playing a fun game. And so, our Family Bowling continues... looking forward to our next, our first for 2014!

Snippets From Our Christmas Celebration 2013

Hello friends, it's been a long time since I posted something. This year's Holiday Season was a bit of a challenge for me personally. A week before Christmas, my 2 little boys got sick and I followed. The only week when I can prepare for the Holidays in terms of giveaways, final gifts to be wrapped and preparing our home for Christmas Day went pretty bad. The last 3 months of 2013 has been filled with sacrifices. But it didn't stop me and my family from pushing for a memorable year still.

December 20 was the busiest day for me. Even if sick, I prepared 2 boxes of Choco Christmas Cuppies for my son's Christmas party in school. That same day, I also made 20 sets of Chocolate Crinkles as giveaways to our friends.

When the Holiday week started, it was a boost for me to start moving again even if I still feel a bit dazed and dehydrated.

Our menu went around the ff:

Lasagna

Pork BBQ

Macaroni Salad and 

Fruit Salad

I wasn't able to prepare as much food like in the past years, but when I got to taste of what I cooked, it made me feel that it was indeed Christmas making it my first decent meal after 5 days of not being able to eat well.

 Before hearing mass, I also prepared 20 sets of meals with drinks and dessert given to the less fortunate on Christmas Eve. It has been a ritual of our family to go around nearby barangays giving out food on Christmas. As much as I don't want to share it, I know I have to because even if sick, it made me feel better. Just looking at the happy faces of the families enjoying their food, it's something to be treasured. It's not about self-fulfillment, it's for the simple reason that we want to share the blessings my family was graced with, no matter how big or small.

And of course, Christmas is not going to be complete without gifts to be given and to be received. These are just some gifts we got and I would like to thank every thoughtful heart who also shared their blessings to us.

For sometime, my parents stopped putting up a tree on Christmas and replaced it with a Nativity set.

It's true that the whole essence why we celebrate Christmas is because Christ our Savior was born on this day.

Eventually, after having a new house, the Christmas tree's back as the highlight among the Christmas decors. It's fresh, so the scent of  pine makes it therapeutic as well. On Christmas day, we went to my hometown to celebrate Christmas with my parents and siblings. We all wore red and had a picture beside the 8ft. Douglas Fir Tree.

It may be too late to greet everyone "Happy Holidays!" I pray long-term, that in the coming years, it will just keep on getting better and positively fruitful for everyone!

Cheers from the Xtraordinarymom--- Enchie

Family Bowling

Here's the new addition to our list of family activities on weekends. We've always paid Paeng's Eastwood Bowl a visit almost every year because this is where my husband's company would hold their bowling events. At some point, my husband and I were encouraged to come up with bowling as a fun family bonding activity.

It's been years or even decades since I held a bowling ball. I never really played, as a matter of fact, I wasn't that interested when I was still young and single. I watch my friends play but often times, I prefer watching while munching on some Magoo's pizza. Okay, as far as I can remember, my last visit in a bowling alley before I got married was way back in 1995.

With the recent events we attended at Paeng's Eastwood Bowl, aside that it's brightly lit, I thought that the bowling alley itself didn't change much, the good 'ol vibes was still there.

Paeng's Eastwood Bowl

City Walk II Bldg., Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City

2 Saturdays back, my husband took the family for some bowling time. It was our eldest son's first time to play bowling. Fast learner I must say and I'm very proud of him. As for me, I wasn't expecting too much from myself since it's been years last time I played bowling. To my surprise, my first shot was an amazing strike lol! With that, it kinda boosted my confidence. While playing, we munch on some hot pizza from Magoo's.

Believe me, it's a fun way to spend time with your family. Not to forget, it's pocket-friendly and it can be one of the most memorable events in your life.

We Love FAMILY Selfies

Selfie: Is a net lingo pertaining to an image of yourself taken by you and often meant to be shared online.

A selfie is often found on Instagram, Facebook... actually, as long as there's room for sharing, anybody can post and find self portraits anywhere online.  It's nothing new, the only thing that made each photo experience different is the camera/ gadget being used.

Before, we take chances fitting our faces using a digital camera. Now it's easier. With the use of cellphones/ smartphones, mostly iPhones, the 4th to the 5th gen in particular, and for sure, the next iPhone will produce picture- perfect materials. The new iPod Touch has developed and can be used as a good photo instrument too and of course, tablets for some. Using any of these, you can see yourself and have time to adjust accordingly for a nice- looking self portrait.

There's still room for our digital cameras by the way, but most of the time, it's being used to capture moments from special occasions. And even with a DSLR around, I still make backups using a smartphone or any from our other gadgets.

There were times when I would take a picture of myself and share them on my IG account, especially when it was new. I think I came to a point when I've outgrown it. Now, I prefer posting pictures of my family instead of myself.

Compiling "Family Selfies" is on a different level. It is as fun as taking the usual selfie, but it's more carefree compared to a self portrait when one becomes too conscious and serious trying to nail a good angle.

Also, with less load, when traveling within the city, more pictures are taken anytime we want to. We make it a point to take a lot of family selfies, it's an easy way to document our memories as a family. With the release of smaller gadgets producing clear pictures, I have to say,  it's heaven sent.