What's Your Rockstud?

First of all and in all honesty, I seldom look into designer brands simply because I feel it's too much for me as a stay at home mom. But for some reason, I got attracted with Valentino Garavani's Rockstud collection. I see a lot of these from our local entertainers and boy they really look good and classy. So if I were to choose my Rockstud pair, I will go for a strappy flat sandals.

Okay, let me dream even just for awhile...

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I came across this image on Instagram. I fell in love with these sandals in an instant. I prefer the red one, but any shade will do as long as it's a flat sandal. I like sandals and flats because it's the most comfortable especially if you have kids and it can go with any outfit. This is perfect if you want to be stylish and functional at the same time.

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Rockstud Rouge flat sandal

This particular design fits my over- all personality.  "Simple lang, pero Rock!" (giggle!)

It's worth almost $1000, so now back to dreaming...

Transforming our Balcony

Personally, I want our balcony to look and feel cozy. This is a slow transformation, because the things that I want to put are very expensive considering that it's made for any type of weather condition. It's meant to last in short. As always, I got ideas from Pinterest. I found a couple of pictures and I kinda combined everything. The original plan was to come up with something inspired by the image below.

Since our country gets more rain than sun, we opted to get a rainproof patio set. I got our patio set from S&R, it's a Keter 3-piece Bistro Set for 6,000php. Keter has a nice selection of  outdoor furniture. 

The next on my list are wooden planks as flooring. This is the expensive part. A 4-piece set of wooden square flooring is 1,700php. I need 6 sets to cover "at least" half of the balcony. The wooden flooring is also made for outdoor purposes so no fading and rotting will happen. We're hoping to get the flooring done before the year ends or just in time for Christmas. Anyway, there's no need to rush, we have all the time, this balcony is ours!

This is what we have accomplished so far. I just want to have an accent corner where I can put my herbs and plants. Imagine it with the wooden flooring more on the side where the 2 plants are. But friends who already visited us are happy and satisfied with the present set up of our balcony. 

The plants came from my parents. They were really small when I got them, and its all grown now. I used to have a potted Basil but unfortunately, with the recent storm, the strong wind bent the whole stem, it didn't recover so I returned it to my mom for some care.

I water my plants twice a day (early in the morning and late in the afternoon). It actually depends. Lately, I let the rain do the job on watering my plants.

The door to the balcony is see- through. Most residents prefer to cover this door with blinds or curtain. As for me, I want it to be open, I just have a roll- up blind ready if the sun is really out. The purpose why I want things to be visible is to get a glimpse of the life outside our home. It's a condo, but I still want it to function like a house. I just feel that we need to let some light in once in a while. I mean, from our dining area, it's so relaxing just staring at my plants, it is very refreshing. True enough, when we were visited by the management, they instantly loved our set up. It's different and something new to their eyes.

 If you plan to buy a condo, I suggest that you invest on a unit that has a balcony. The balcony will serve as your front or backyard where you can still garden and do some sky watching. It can also be a breakfast nook, or just a place where one can spend some quiet time.

The Value of a Balikbayan Box...

I don't want to post about this but I think I need to voice out my thoughts on the issue since my family is a recipient of Balikbayan boxes. We don't get Balikbayan boxes as often like most families, but a box is surely important to us. Our relatives abroad would send a box just so they can give us gifts in time for the Holiday Season. Whatever is sent to us, everything is for family use and mostly for the kids.

My concern with this issue is all about respect, privacy and security. 

1. There's a reason why our items are boxed and tightly sealed. I'll assume that anybody in this world will never allow any person to go through their things ( big or small) without permission. We're just looking at things at a wider scale in this issue.

2. Anything that's inside the box is owned by a private individual.

3. Once you open a box, you've already stepped on our rights, our privacy and our individuality as receivers and most of all, you've disregarded & degraded the hard work and sentimental reasons of our loved ones who worked hard for those goods.

You might want to read this: Duterte slams BoC for desecrating Balikbayan boxes, milking OFWs 

 

4. Contraband? what are the probability that somebody will put drugs or even firearms in a carton box which will also be processed within the United States or country of origin.  Okay, let's be realistic, it's a possibility. But I'm sorry, I just don't see it to be the main cause/ reason of this sudden fiasco. There are bigger fishes out there! Well, not unless those sharks are your comrades.

Even if the BOC says that our items are going to be safe, I mean come on Mr. Lina, are you going to be there during the process and inspection of each box? (wish ko lang!) Kaya nga ayaw pabuksan kasi ang dami ng nawawalan. And don't say that BOC is not going to be responsible for any loses. Why can't you be responsible?  You guys wanted this in the first place. A box is a treasure chest to those longing to taste what "they think" is good, new and simply anything imported. Clearly, you'll be answerable once a box is opened.

The box that was sent to us in 2013 was delayed by a month from the time it was expected to arrive at our doorsteps because we were told that BOC was holding it. Our box was just there and BOC wasn't releasing it. (Ano hinihintay ninyo, lagay from the forwarding company?) We trust our forwarding company it's BOC we don't trust.

5. During former President Ferdinand Marcos' time, and I learned about this just now, those Balikbayan boxes were "tariff- free" for OFWs and the next Presidents respected that in honor of our Heroes abroad.

There are more serious problems that needs attention. There are mouths to feed, victims of disasters that needs help, traffic is terrible and getting worse, crime rate has gone up, employment rate has gone down and so on... Fix these problems first.

This government made things from bad to worse. A lot was lost, including lives because of your ignorance and stupidity. Now you want to concentrate on how to earn money from Balikbayan boxes? Why? is it because the "Ber" months are coming? and more people will send boxes? or is it because 2016 is just a few winks away?

The problem with the administration is they like to change things. Things that's already been functioning well, processes that has already made our lives easier. They like "change" to make a name for themselves regardless on who are they going to step on and what they're going to disrupt. This government is very one- sided. Can't we be functional by doing something smart and will benefit the Filipino people?

You want reality? my basis here is my everyday function as a homemaker. I go out everyday to bring my son to school, run errands, buy food, commute and all that. With what I've experienced for the past 5 years:  I feel so unsafe, there's no sense of security, I felt betrayed with what was going on around me.

I rode the MRT just recently with my 2 kids... "Diyos ko po!" 

I renewed my Driver's License: I got my card after 4 months. 

We renewed our car's registration: "sorry no plate available". 

Gas prices will go down by 1php but will increase by 5.

Even garlic and sugar are being hoarded.

We're basically a big landfill for some country and we're letting them get away with it. 

More street kids begging for "money".

Loads of families who doesn't have homes.

People are more desperate, furious and impatient. "The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer".

It wasn't like this 11 years ago when I ventured on having a family of my own. Yes, the previous Presidents stole money, they're as evil as the devil, but hell they  made sure that the people were "at least" given what they needed and what they deserved. And they weren't pointing fingers by the way. Sending those 3 Senators to jail is useless if the remaining 80 million are still hungry, sick and lost. 

In the end, no matter how dirty the system is, it's what you have given/ contributed to improve the lives and well- being of  the Filipino people that will always matter.

Just in: The President stops inspection of Balikbayan boxes

Change A Little Of What We Do

Note to self:

Yeah, I've been very busy since school began last June. Well, even if we've kinda "officially moved- in", we are still adjusting. I gotta be honest, once I step outside, it's chaos. Traffic is worse, dirt is everywhere, I don't feel secure at all. You see, our country has gotten worse for the past 5 years.

Anyway, I didn't make this post to rant about that, but put everything on top of each other including my daily routine, errands, adjustments and a whirlwind of nonsense going on in the streets, all you get in return is stress.

I am very much into multitasking. For some it's bad, but for me, it's good especially as a stay at home mom. It depends on the outlook of a person. But for some reason, just recently, first time it happened to me, I just gave up.  Well, I got sick.

So again...

It's good to change a little of what we do everyday. It's healthy and makes life less boring. Our new home kinda gave me that vibe. I am thankful to do some changes. At the same time, I am also free to go back to what I'm used to. That's one blessing right over there, I can be anywhere I want to be, I can do anything in my own perfect timing. Life's good.

The Blessing of Our Home

The home blessing added light and positivity to our new home. Our parents were very happy with what we have achieved. Of course, they're so proud of the hard work my husband has poured. It was a dream come true for us as a couple and as  parents. It was a goal we were so focused on. Even if life's a bit hard for most in this country, we are blessed that God graced us with the resources in order to attain this goal--- being able to provide a permanent shelter was one of our dream for our children. 

We had a solemn celebration with our close family. Our good friend Ricky graced us with his presence too. As always, my husband and I are known for small but intimate gatherings. We saw the value in celebrating with just the special people in our lives. Even our officiating priest felt that he was home... He stayed longer than expected and shared a meaningful conversation with us. Through that, we were able to build a certain bond with him. The Parish Church isn't too far, that alone is a gift.

Our home will always be Christ- centered. Our faith binds the relationship between family members. It serves as the light to whatever we take inside from the world outside the walls of our home. 

Now I can say that...

We've now officially moved- in!

Breathing A New Life

Heather Von St. James, a Mesothelioma Cancer Survivor is breathing a new life. Mesothelioma Cancer is an asbestos-related disease. A few months after giving birth to her baby girl, Heather was diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer. She didn't give up. Heather and her family sought for medication and made herself aware of the disease. Her attitude towards her medical condition was incredible.

"Don't give up, don't take death sentence as a diagnosis."

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Watch and share her story: Heather Von St. James Story

She fought with hope and a positive outlook both in her hands with her PURPOSE deep in her heart and soul. Family in her story, was a factor to her healing. Her family supported her all the way. Adjustments were made but it didn't serve as barrier. Heather won this fight, and her journey as mother, wife, a motivational example and as an inspiration continues.

"We operate from a place of hope and a place of living in the moment" - Heather

Heather's story inspired me to reach out to those undergoing not only challenges on their health and wellness but over-all, life's adversities. After learning about Heather's battle, it taught me to fear nothing and it even pushed me to hang on so tight to my sole purpose in life. Heather's story is proof that there's hope. That we should make ourselves aware. That fear will bring you nowhere. That we shouldn't stop doing what makes us complete. That we should take it one moment at a time and cherish each memory we make every day.

One of my fears as a mother is to pass at an early age. I don't fear death itself, it's really about the "what ifs". What if God suddenly decides to cut my life short. I want to be present and watch my children grow and mature. I want to grow old with the love of my life and both of us will be there for our children, for every milestone they'll make until they're ready to face the world on their own. Even if they're married, I want them to realize that I will always be there for them no matter what... and that's how I see my purpose in life.

Our "purpose in life" is being able to meet the reason what to live for., why we are here. For each day, I always see myself with my family. I look forward to this every single day of my life. It makes me happy, it makes me feel secure and loved.  They're my motivation to open myself and face reality as it is, they're my medicine to fight off negativity and they will always be my inspiration in everything I do.

Our PURPOSE is an instrument that brings out the greatness in each of us. It washes all the negativity away so we can clearly see the path to hope and better living. 

Choosing Who To Hire

There are a few things to consider when you begin to look for a contractor. Make a list of questions to ask and exactly what you want in the remodeling project. When you know what you're looking for, it will be easier to choose someone from a potential long list of home renovation contractors.

Know exactly what you are looking for in the project. You don't want someone coming in the home who will do random work just to get more money out of you. Think about the way you want the area to look after the work is completed and if there are any special amenities that you want included. One option is to hire a design consultant to give you ideas about how the renovation can look once it's completed.

Don't settle for the first contractor that you speak with. Interview several contractors before choosing the one who will give you the best price and who will provide the best work. Check references in order to see how previous work has been completed. Some companies will lower their price if they find out you are talking to another company, so be up front about meeting with potential contractors.

It's alright to do a background check. Find out if the contractor is licensed and how long the contractor has been in business. One thing you should check on is if the contractor has insurance. This will help if there are any repairs that need to be made due to any damages that the contractor may have made. Look at the contract, and know what you will be paying for so that there aren't any surprises when the job is done. There should be dates on the contract of when the job will start and when it is expected to be completed. After you examine the details of the company and what is offered, it will make it easier to make a final decision on who to hire.