A Personal Touch To It

How does it feel to have your own home? It is the most rewarding I have ever experienced. I mean, my husband's the only one working... and yet we're able to purchase of great value and something important for the whole family. Among anything else, to provide proper shelter has always been our main goal from the beginning of this journey. Speaking of beginnings, like our wedding, any event that come into our lives, we always put a personal touch to it. 

With our condo, we didn't hire a painter. We just went with the idea that we had to do it ourselves. We're not experts, but we're blessed with friends who knows these things and they helped us. They taught us how to paint like we're good at it. I gotta say, it will take a lot of skill to paint. It may look simple and easy, but doesn't run that way.

In the end, all the hard work paid off just looking at our walls and knowing that we did all the painting. (please excuse our photo we decided for an impromptu  photo op hehehe!)

It's been a month since the plan for the home improvement of our new condo was rolled out. We started as we worked with our contractor for the design we want, particularly for my kitchen. Then, we had to accomplish proper permits for the build out and security requirements for our workers. The purchase of construction materials followed. In- between the process, we go on location to personally inspect the furniture we had custom made. On top of everything, life continues. 

Please bear for my absence. We're at the last leg of the build out and we will be moving- in soon. I really can't wait to share this new chapter in our lives... Until then...

Home Project on Its 1st Phase

It's been a month since I announced the turn over of our new home. As of the moment, we've already accomplished the requirements needed to be submitted to the building manager for home improvement. Materials are ready, we have people working on our cabinets and even our dining table is custom- made. 

But at some point there had been a turn of events. My husband asked for my consent if he can be the one to take care of the design, color and fixtures. In other words, I'll have to trust him on everything. Also, I will not be able to see our unit until the whole build out is done. It's a surprise. I think he's making up for the spoiled surprise from last month's plans. I gave our engineer (who's also our friend) my word that I'm okay with whatever my husband wants. Knowing him, he is more particular with these kinds of things. We both have the same taste that's why I'm not bothered with the whole idea.

I did gave my concerns though, like an alarm system and that he needs to look for a trusted alarm Monitoring company. For our first home after we got married, we installed an alarm in the house we rented. Not that we we're waiting for somebody to trespass, it's to double security. My next concern is my kitchen. Any neutral background will do, as long as I get proper storage for my kitchenware and then I can play with the shades I want to use to highlight my favorite spot in our home. 

The room for our little boys is going to be Lego inspired. Since they have tons of Lego toys,  we plan to keep the present color of the walls and then accentuate thru color blocking from the bedding, the study table and other things to be brought in. As a matter of fact, they already have a 2015 Lego calendar for starters.

We basically got stuck with our old things for the past 10 years. We have been renting for the past 10 years as well.  Preparing for a new home can be pretty stressful but it's all worth it especially, because it's ours now. We can put anything we want. As the queen of our castle, the thing I love about this whole event is to shop for new furniture and appliances. Now, I can surely put every detail I have in plan to use.

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!

Starting The Year with A Prayer

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him

Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.

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.