Gift Love On Christmas Day

Christmas is my favorite holiday aside from Mother's Day (oh yes it's a holiday.) It's because people are generally happy on this day and I feel all the positive vibe throughout the season. Also, I feel so blessed everytime my son would receive a gift. Small or big, expensive or not, I love it when he open his presents! Surprised, disappointed, and perplexed. These are his common reactions when opening gifts. He's so adorable, I love it! Now that he can express his feeling vocally, I wonder what kind of reaction he'll have? Hehehe!

 

I actually asked him what he want to get this Christmas. He answered, "Bubbles," "Drums," "Balloons," "Choo Choo Train," and "Basketball." So there you go relatives and friends, his wish list!

 

Speaking of wish list, I know most of us have exchange gifts during Christmas parties. Most of the time, we have a specific budget for it too. But don't you just hate it when you don't know what to put on your wish list? Or if your monito or monita would write something above the budget and promising to pay the excess but not really paying for it? I hate that. It's not about the money really, but the promise they make that annoys me. I end up not asking for the difference because it's embarrassing or I'll just forget.

 

To be safe, I sometimes ask for gift check because well, it's safe (but boring)! I listed some of the items I received and love to received for less than Php500.

 

• Daphne Home Scents. Php348. I've been a fan since last year and finished a number of bottles already. I like Acres of Lavender and Jasmine Infusion

picture from daphne.ph

 

• Mia Maison reed diffuser. Php475 (small refill). I love fresh bamboo and Green Tea. They're more expensive (just a tiny bit) than Daphne's so I normally get their refill since I have a few bottles od Daphne home scents   

picture from
heyladyspring.com

 

• Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me. Php499. I don't have this yet but I'll sure get one before the year ends. I'm interested with "Naughty and Nice" and "Under the Sheets."

picture from happyskincosmetics.com

• Victoria Secret Fantasies body spray. Less than Php500 from online sellers. I have a lot of VS sprays and perfumes given by relatives and friends. I'm not a fan of the regular body sprays but I like Bombshell a lot.

picture from victoriasecret.com

 

• Marks and Spencer Tea. I'm not a coffee drinker so I prefer tea because of its taste, smell, and health benefit. I always get a box of tea bags for Christmas. Marks and Spencers have a variety of tea bags for everyone

picture from jenniepperson.com

 

• Planners. I like to scribble a lot so a planner is always a good choice of gift. National Bookstore carries a lot of planners for less than Php500. I personally like planners with loads of information and space like Bell de Jour but it's too girly and teenager for my taste. I'd say Starbucks' is a great alternative but I since I don't drink coffee, I wouldn't even fill up the stickers in one year. I'm planning on getting Moleskine's The Little Prince planner.
   
  

  

  picture from moleskine.com

  
  

  
  
  

Hit, Run, Karma

I was picking up my husband's costume for their "Game of Thrones" chirstmas party when I was hit by a motorcycle. It wasn't that bad really (thank God) but I sure was shaken up and pissed at the same time. 

I just got off the jeepney and was about to cross the street when this a**hole motorcycle driver hit me. I swear I didn't see him because it was only a few seconds after I stepped out of the jeep. The impact wasn't rhat hard. You could say it was "daplis lang" in Filipino but it still fell and got out of balance. Actually, "sumadsad sa kalsada" is the correct word to describe it. As I was getting up, this sorry excuse for a man even had the guts to yell at me because I was hit. I angrily got up and told him "Ikaw na nga nakasagasa ikaw pa galit! Ni sorry 'di ka man lang nagsabi!" He then sarcastically said "Sooorrry!" I then yelled all the Filipino curses I know to him and hope he'll get into accident too. I know that wasn't Christian-like and classy of me but that guy was an a**hole to the nth level! Yes, my reaction says a lot about me but I was hurt and pissed off at the same time. I didn't have time to think things through. Yes, I'm very very emotional.

I also told that driver that he should be thankful I'll not press any charges. He was starting to drive away when I told him to wait. I was thinking of going to the nearest police precint and blotter this incident but he drove away and left me with some of my scattered groceries and stuff in the street. 

A while ago, I noticed the bruises on my knees and legs.

As I think things through, I realized that the a**hole might be speeding that time. He said I wasn't looking. If that is indeed the case, he would have stopped and hit his breaks before hitting me. But he didn't because he was probably driving fast. It actually made me more upset.

Anyway, I'm still lucky I'm alive with minor bruises. I thank God for preventing any major harm to come my way. I'm still upset with the motorcycle driver and I'm just hoping karma will get him. 

Quote Memes

Patience is something I don't usually have, but this time, I'm going to hold on to this.

I'll try my very best not to get Anger the best of me.

If you want everything to be Fair, you should be ready, it will also come your way and bite you in the ass.

Don't question my Job Performance because I will definitely question yours.

Money? I do need it but not desperately like you.

#InggiteraMode #NoBonus

#SureKaFainessHanapMo?

#SoAnoScorecardMo?



#IPerformThereforeIQualify

#NakinabangKaDinSaTLDescretion

A Way To Reward Myself With Luxury

Most of the time, I consider myself a smart shopper. Since becoming a wife and a mother, I've gotten more conscious of the price for every thing we buy - food, clothes, appliances, etc. In other words, I've become a cheapskate. I have to, no, I need to be one to accommodate our budget.

Although we splurge once in a while, oftentimes we make it a point to live within our means. Good thing I'm happy with what we have right now so I'm not affected when people post vacation pictures, recent purchases, and the likes in Facebook. It's funny, but I know some who actually have to borrow money for those vacations and latest gadgets. Who are they kidding? I don't get it really.

I'm not a hypocrite. I do wish we could go out sometimes and buy the latest gadgets and stuff. I'm just saying I'm not so impressed with people pretending to be "rich" or living a glamorous life when you know that they're not. I'd rather save first before booking that dream vacation or buying the latest model of Samsung and iPhone.

http://asianamericanhistory.com

As a matter of fact, I'm actually saving for one of the things I wanted to buy before I got married. That is, my first designer bag. I could have bought myself one before but I choose to use my savings for my wedding. We have a "paluwagan" in the office wherein all of the members will get the money at the same time, in December. I'm been searching for the best first designer bag and I've shorten my list to LV or Prada.

One of my friends ask me why do I want to buy a designer bag. It seems impractical for her considering we both are moms and wives. I answered her back by comparing a designer bag with an iPhone 5s. For almost at the same price, which one has a higher reselling value? Then she laugh. I think she got me then.  

I've read somewhere that a handbag is not an investment piece if after buying one you survive on toast and water for the rest of the month. I certainly won't survive with water and toast for a day so I have to plan waaayyy a head of time before buying a designer bag. When I finally get my hands on one, I'll just consider it as a sweet reward for all the hard works I've done as a working mom.

Playtime for my Toddler

My son turned 3 last month and his energy and temperament keeps me occupied most of the time. Interacting with him is now difficult (specially with tantrums) and endearing (when he's in his charming self). Terrible threes and terrific threes in my face.

I also read that this age is the appropriate time to let your toddler attend school. I wanted for him to do that but our schedule will just not allow us to do it. Good thing there's a Saturday playgroup at Toddler's Unlimited in Alabang. We paid P4,200 for a month because we wanted our son to interact with kids of his same age.

I was expecting more than an hour of playtime but the playgroup was actually a structured program. First they allow the kids to play, then there's the art class, story telling, recess, and playtime again. It's like a shortened version of their regular preschool class.

activities at Toddler's Unlimited Saturday playgroup

my son's first masterpiece

I liked it because our son seems to enjoy interacting with his classmates. I'll enroll him for more sessions after this month ends. I'm even considering this school for the little boy but the morning and afternoon class still won't fit my schedule. I'm actually excited to let him attend formal school next year so I'll keep on looking for more schools within the area.

House House Baby

I've been busy for the last few months. As much as I want to update my blog, I just couldn't find the time. You see, we moved to my parent's place because our house is under going a renovation. It's actually more of a remodeling than a renovation. The house must be raised up so we'll avoid being flooded. We've experienced this for the last two years and we just don't want to go through it again.

 

We initially plan a small renovation but my in laws wanted to remodel the house. I admit that we're not financially capable of this home improvement but we're lucky our in laws are giving us a loan. Yes, a loan, because we very much intend to pay them back.

 

It is a lot of work. Living with my parents also adds stress in my life. Maybe it's because I'm used to living on our own that I just can't stand living in a house where I can't control everything. I've experienced being a queen in a castle so I certainly don't want to live in another queen's castle.

 

Nevertheless, I enjoy looking at home designs, style, and furniture. I remember the first time we moved to a new house - financially draining but emotionally fulfilling. It's almost the same right now but I believe we are now smarter. We want something practical and sturdy now rather than cheap with poor quality. But one thing I will never compromise is my dream chandelier in our dining room. I've wanted this piece eversince we moved but we just don't have enough money at that time. Besides, it didn't go with our house then so this idea was scrapped, until this time.

  

 

I saw this picture online that will serve as our inspiration for our home. I like the padded wall in this picture but it might not be practical. Maybe we'll just get a padded headboard for our bed? Haha! I also wanted a Daphne chair but I don't think my husband would agree because of the price. I thought about having it copied but it just wouldn't be the same. Might as well drop this idea. Anyway, I'll just post pictures once its done.

 

Crazy for Mason

There used to be one thing one thing on my mind when the hear the name "Mason," it's Mason Disick, the son of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick. I love this boy and his dapper style! So much that I dress my son like him. He's my favorite Kardashian. So yeah, I'll admit that I'm a fan of this reality show. Hehehe! 

Another "Mason" that I'm currently obsessing with are MASON JARS!! I want the regular clear mason jars, the vintage blue jars, colored mason jars, mason jugs or whatever you it, and oh I also want the daisy lids! These are just too rustic vintage. And I looove vintage stuff!

from boulderlocavore.com 

from boulderlocavore.com 

from ig account of paperstrawlove

It started when I started planning my son's birthday but because my brother-in-law recently passed away, we felt having a birthday party may not be appropriate anymore. 

Anyway, I also love organizing things. I've been thinking of a way to organize a section in our pantry and I think these mason jars are perfect for the job. I'm also thinking of replacing the drinking glasses we're using. We're a thirsty family and love to drink a lot. I think these mason jars with handle are perfect because of its large water content. 

Everytime we do our groceries, we (actually just I) end up buying chocolate drinks, fruit juices, and tea. I love grapes and strawberries too, so I make it a point to get atleast one. I consume them within two weeks but I'd hate the way our ref would look. All those plastics, cartons, and storage bottle.. I really hate a clutered ref. So I would love to see our drinks and fruits, neatly packed in these mason jars. 

I also plan on using them as vases but then I realized, it will be too expensive! It's better to use empty sauce and spread bottles for that. Have you tried googling on the uses of mason jars? Do so and you'll be amaze! You might even become a fan, too!

RIP Jay

Last March 12, my brother-in-law lost his battle with cancer. To all those you'll read this post, please say a prayer for him. It will be appreciated.

 

 I never met him personally because he was already in the US when I met my husband and never had the chance to come home. He was a very good person and a very generous one too! He shares all his blessings with his family. One thing I admire about him, he lived his life despite his illness. He will surely be missed!

RIP Jay Pantaleon

Hello My (Book) Lover...

Since it's the love month, I can't help but blog about the men I fell in love with. I'm not talking about my past boyfriends (I had one before my husband if you're interested) but the male book characters that swept me off my feet. It's funny but I kind of feel like a playgirl by making this list.

Edward Cullen from The Twilight series. I love that he's so devoted to his girl, and he'll do everything to make her happy. In reality, I'd probably break up with him because I don't want to get suffocated with the relationship. I'll eventually feel the pressure as his world turns around only on me (and drinking blood).

Bruce Patman from Sweet Valley series. I don't know why but I like him better than Todd Wilkins. Probably, because he's fun and not as goody shoes like Todd. I liked this character when I was in grade school when my idea of a potential boyfriend was popular, rich, funny, and a bad boy-type. Thank God I grew up!

Noah Calhoun from The Notebook. Very patient and loyal to his girl. Romantic. Hard worker. When I get old, I hope my husband and I will still be devoted to one another like Noah is to Allie.

Luke Brandon from The Shopaholic series. Hot. Understanding. Supportive. Successful. Very Rich. Enough said.

Jace Herondale/Lightwood from The Mortal Instrument. I love a dangerous man. He's daring, impulsive, and hot headed. Not a friendly guy but extremely loyal to his girl, family, and friends. I'm so drawn to him because he's my male counterpart in a book.

Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games. Who doesn't love the boy with the bread? Most of the characters I want in a man, I see it in Peeta. Patient, loyal, humble, and simply loveable. This is the same way I would describe my husband.

I don't like reading the dramatic type of love stories, so I have a very small list. They're mostly from the Young Adult genre and were all (coincidentally) adapted in televisions and movies. Mind you, I love the character ok, not the actors who played them in the movies. I might have missed some but obviously, these the characters I will never forget.

Love Themes

I've been busy planning and gathering ideas for my boy's third birthday. I know that I'm set on "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" theme, but I can't help but admire other themes that I might choose if I control my son's likes or even if I have a girl.  

If only "The Little Prince" is a cartoon, I would have chosen this as his party theme. It fits him perfectly because he is after all, our little prince. Too bad he's not familiar yet with this book character. Just look at the picture below. Isn't adorable? One thing is for sure, the next time I'll have a baby boy; this will be the theme of his baptism or first birthday party.

photo from www.karaspartyideas.com

I've seen this theme so many times now. It's common, but I'm still impressed with the details. If the host/hostess incorporates the educational value of this theme, I think my son or any kid will learn a lot. The kinds of animals, their habitat, sounds, etc.; it's fun way to learn!

photo from www.karaspartyideas.com

Now I've mentioned in some of my posts that I want another boy should I get pregnant again. I still do. I think boys are low maintenance. But parents with baby girls can have all the fun in party planning! Most of the cutest party themes I saw are for girls. If I'll have a baby girl, the first party theme I'll plan is all about ballet. I had ballet lessons when I was a girl and the very first "occupation" I wanted was to become a prima ballerina. It's just natural that I'll throw a ballerina theme party. In a way, I get to live in my childhood dream too!

photo from www.karaspartyideas.com

 Another theme I want is an Owl party. I like pink but I don't enjoy too much pink. An owl party is a perfect way to play with colors that boys won't fall out of place with. Think about turquoise, yellow, lime, and purple. I love it!

photo from www.
andersruff.com

Anyway, a birthday party needed not to have a theme. That's what my husband always says, and I do agree with him. No matter what theme we choose, it's important that we first give thanks to God for giving us the blessing that is our child. We won't be spending a hundred thousand pesos for our child's party because frankly, we can't afford one. Hence, I'll be doing a lot of DIYs. But I also don't think badly of parents who spent that much for their child's birthday party. They have their own reasons, and I won't take it against them. As long as the parents are not throwing a party to boast their egos/place in the society and will not put their finances in jeopardy, I'd say do it!  Go and have that party you want for your child. I definitely will, but for less. ;)

Party Planning Part 2

My husband just gave me the go signal to start planning for my son's third birthday! Yehey! How exciting can this be?! I suddenly remember the themes I wanted for my son's birthday... 

1st birthday: race car

2nd: mickey mouse

3rd: circus / carnival

4th: safari

5th: construction

6th: nautical

7th: soccer

I might need to scrath this list. I forgot to think that my son will develope his own likes and preferences as he grows up. My son loves eveything Disney Jr. But I know his top 3 favorites are Hi 5, Mickey Mouse, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. We had a Mickey Mouse theme for his second birthday at home so I'm thinking of having the Jake/pirates theme for his third. Like an obssessed mommy planner, I googled a lot of ideas to make this work. I just got so giddy and excited by looking at these pics because I'm certain my little one will looove it as well.

photo from google.. love this cake!

photo from google... cupcakes and invites

photo from google.... decors

I got a lot if things to consider now, the most important - BUDGET. When I checked one of the forums, I was surprised that some of the parties cost more than six digits! That was crazy!! I wish I have that kind of money. But then again, I don't think I'd spend that much for a kid's birthday party. I'm sure those parents have their reasons but it wouldn't be that practical for me or my family. 

What can I do to have a six-digit-looking party but costs less? DIY. It's the only choice. I'm confident and artistic enough to say that I'll be able to recreate some of the decors and ideas I found online. Since party itself is more than five months away, I'll have plenty of time to stimulate the artist in me.