I would like to shop online again. Hoping to fill up one big box of things that we can use for the new house. I was excited last month, but the excitement ebbed, especially now that we can sense that the turnover won’t happen again this year.

But I still like to shop. I would love to get those vintage photo frames. And I heard there’s free shipping on patio umbrellas. Shopping will definitely lift my spirits.

I remember seeing a big plastic pool on sale, while we were strolling around the mall. I’m not sure about the exact dimensions but I can say it is a huge pool. So my husband didn’t hesitate to buy it. Three summers later, we still use it. It was definitely a good buy, especially if you have little kids.

And my friends seem to think the same too! It is a good decision to have a plastic swimming pool at home. Just recently, they have invited our kids for a swim.

They had so much fun!

I’ve been looking for ways to save on space for the new house. I’ve seen the same model so I have an idea more or less how cramped it would be if we will choose bulky pieces of furniture. So as early as now, my husband and I agreed on minimalist approach for our furniture and appliances.

For the kitchen, instead of the usual cabinet doors that swings out (so yes that takes up functional space), we are choosing the sliding type. There are different sizes, but we are looking for 36″ Drawer Slides.

I’m thinking if we should opt for open cabinets for the bedrooms and toy nook. No final decision yet, but highly probably to give the illusion of more space.

It’s summer here in our side of the earth. It’s also the students’ school vacation. So aside from having them take lessons, it’s a good time to stretch some muscles, smell the flowers and enjoy family time.

So off we went to UP (University of the Philippines) with the kids’ (and hubby’s) bikes. Of course, we brought my son’s own bike but he preferred to ride with his sister.

Did I run or bike? Nope. No need as I was sweating from the moment we brought out the bikes from the car. It was so hot!!!

Finally got the chance to chat with my friend who’s living in North Carolina. It’s been years since we last talked. We were both single then. Now, we both have kids, but she’s separated now. So after exchanging stories of our lives, she asked me where my cousin is (male, whom she knows is a good accountant). I laughed and told her why look for someone located miles away. I referred her to accountant carson thorn, located in NC too.

She laughed too. She explained that yes she’s really looking for a good accountant, but actually, she wants to know if my cousin is still available. A good “segue” huh? Hahaha.

…and I missed it.

The race was held last March 10.

They had to register and check their bikes in, the day before the actual race. And I couldn’t leave my kids for a night. So I decided to just go on the actual race. Here’s the thing. I don’t drive. Hahaha.

Well I guess, that’s another reason for me to take up another (yes, I’ve previously taken two) driving lessons again. I don’t know if I’m too scared or just too lazy to drive. You see, I use my travel time to meditate on things that I’ve done, and that I still want to do. And I’m not sure if I’d be able to do that, minding the traffic. Yeah, maybe after 10 years of driving experience, perhaps.

Anywaaaaaaaaay, I was so glad he finished his first race safely.

We’re so proud of you, hon! Mwah!

I’ve been looking for a shampoo that would match my hair’s needs these days. It used to be that I can use just any shampoo. But I guess it comes with age that my skin and hair will need more nourishing. I was glad to see that Burt’s Bees Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner are both available at smallflower brand. Then I can do my shopping online, along with my brother’s items. Oh yeah, I might as well get my kids their Baby Bee shampoo and wash.

Last month, we had a chance to spend an overnight at Thunderbird Resort in Binangonan, Rizal. We got two Superior Rooms, each having two queen-sized beds, since only 2 adults (plus 2 kids) are allowed in one room.

+ There were more than enough pillows. There’s hot/cold water. Everything looks clean.
- The pillows had a very faint smell of cigarettes but I wasn’t that surprised as this is a casino resort.

We went with the kids knowing they have a play area and swimming pools just across the rooms.

There’s also this particular table beside the pools that’s overlooking the city and the golf course.

It’s no surprise that the place is big (knowing there’s a golf course), so we knew we can’t just drive and dine outside of the resort for lunch and dinner. It’s a good chance to try their Koi Restaurant.

Some came in big servings such as the Three Cheese Carbonara, which my kids shared. I’m a lover of Pinakbet with Bagnet, but I didn’t like theirs. Other orders such as Tuna Steak, Crispy Pata and Beef Tapa tasted bland. But Tenderloin Salpicao A la Asiana tasted great!

Seafood Medley, Salmon Fillet and Sinigang na Baboy were great. Chicken Adobo and Pasta Bolognese were just ok.

+ The lady in the counter, and also the one who took our orders was very friendly and courteous.
- Basketball was on tv, and there’s this crew guy in green (I wasn’t able to get his name), who was standing in front of our table, who was supposedly sweeping the floor. Note that we were the only customers that night. Duh?

Earlier last week, we had a chance to visit a house which is the same model as ours, but not exactly the same size, just a little smaller because this only has a one-car garage. That’s it. All the rest is of the same size as ours.

Just the same, I checked every corner so I’ll have an idea which of our things can still be used and moved in, which can be thrown out, and what other things we need to buy. I knew that our new house would be small, but I didn’t expect it to be that small.

I knew we need a lot of wall cabinets and furniture with discretely hidden storage. I just didn’t know that ALL furniture that we should be getting/using would be just like that, with discretely hidden storage.

So yes, I’ve been hanging out a lot on Pinterest looking for more ideas. Wish us luck!

Sunday is family day. So even if we almost don’t see each other on other days of the week, we get to, at least, have lunch together on Sundays. And this particular Sunday, 2 days after Valentine’s day, we decided to celebrate the love week.

We had lunch at Gumbo, SM North Edsa. They moved to a new location, still inside The Block, 2nd level beside Mothercare.

We availed of their buy-2-get-1 dessert. Burp!