It’s a Saturday, clean up time!

I had to dust off the window blinds, and put back the used bags and shoes to its proper places. I sure hope I get to figure out a system of organizing and storing our stuff in such a way that they are put back to its proper/original place after use, without much effort.

For example, I’ve segregated our daughter’s toys into cooking/kitchen, painting/craft and music. Of couse I don’t expect it to be organized in more than 30 minutes. What other people do is have a playroom where all the toys of all their kids are placed. Not a bad idea really, it’s just that I don’t think our (future) house is big enough for such a room.

One mom keeps the rest of the toys out of sight, and only puts a couple in her child’s shelf. This one might work for me too. Oh yeah.

I love browsing the internet and windowshopping at the mall for home decorating ideas. I like observing how a certain bed matches with the tv mounts in a bedroom set up. Although sometimes, I get so inspired with all types of designs that I’m afraid I’d end up with a room looking in such a bad taste. It’s like when you’re trying to dress up that if you wear too much of the good stuff, you’d end up looking like a drag.

But there’s one self observation that is, I think, very relevant to planning an interior design, my wardrobe or even my scrapbooks. I love matching colors! It doesn’t have to be monocromatic, in fact, I prefer complimenting colors. I still won’t wear the orange, aqua and brown combo unless it’s a swimsuit though. Haha. But I’d consider the color combo on a bathroom or playroom.

Like clothing, matching prints can do or undo the look. For casual wear, I love wearing plain shirts and shorts while wearing chunky printed bangles. But for mixing and matching upholsteries, wall papers and throw pillows, I think the pattern distribution used in scrapbooking can do the trick. Mixing small and big patterns with (complimentary) solids, that is. Also, use smaller amounts of big patterns and more of the small and subtle patterns. The black&white pattern also tones down strong solid colors such as red, orange or turquoise.

I’m currently browsing home management websites looking for inspirations. I’m trying to determine what would work with a family of 3 (and possibly 4 in a year or two). Not only the organization part of home design but also the color combination of walls, furniture and accessories. I was specially attracted to outdoor entertaining essentials, and surprised that there are so called outdoor pillows.

Anyway, I saw some paint colour collection, and I’m leaning towards a fresh look for the living room and kitchen, while “loft” palette for the bedroom. Found a nice colour palette for the living room, bathroom and kid’s playroom. Just looking at the palette is so inspiring!

Just recently, clutch of our car had to be fixed. We had to pay 3700 pesos for that. We started thinking if we want to sell it, and buy a new one. I like the idea because I’d be pushing for an automatic this time so I can borrow it. It has new set of tires and mags, and recently renewed comprehensive auto insurance. We know someone who is very interested to buy it. It’s just that we’re not comfortable paying for a car every month, while paying for a new house which we plan to buy sometime this year.
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Speaking of houses, I’ve been waiting for re-runs of Color Splash episodes over at the Lifestyle Channel. I’ve been seeing plugs of the show that it has an airtime (replays only) on Fridays around 5pm but was disappointed last week because the channel didn’t air it. Boo!

Last weekend, we went to Subic which is miles away from home. Husband told me that we’ll stop by to gas up and have some breakfast. I thought it would be much cheaper to gas up if we wait to arrive in Subic or any station which is nearer the provinces. He told me otherwise.

Anyway, I saw some real estate agents around the area, with miniature / model houses on the side. Even from afar, I knew the model house has at least 3 bedrooms. Judging from the location, I’m guessing it would only cost only half as much as a single attached house in the city. So either live in a big house in a faraway land, or live in a small house in the city with access to some convenience.

It seems that we can still live comfortably and purchase a house in the city but the house would be so small that it needs no doorbell as we can hear what’s happening outside from the farthest corner of the house. Pre-selling price at that!

Maybe it’s time to migrate to another country? Kidding?

Someone asked me why I stopped taking pictures. I did not stop. I am just taking a break. I started to feel that I need either a wide lens or a really good digital camera (there are good ones in the market for wide range). Plus, money for travel so I could explore more. That’s my setback. I chose not to give priority to this hobby in our budget. Well, like I said, it is my choice.

I’m being fair to my husband who I know would love to purchase his home entertainment system. For sure, he’s been picturing one LCD plasma on a flat panel mount. He even shared that he’d be motivated to run the treadmill in front of it.

Well, I think there’s time for everything. We’ll just have to wait.

Sunday night, we had dinner with my parents and siblings at Adarna Food and Culture located along Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City.

Great: Ambience is very good. It’s like eating at your grandmother’s house in the province, very cozy just like home. I also liked the furniture and decors. I’d say it is a very interesting place for photography enthusiasts.

Good: I liked their rellenong bangus paired with pickled ampalaya. Felicidad was good too according to my siblings who tried it.

Bad: I don’t know if it’s just Sunday but I felt that they were short-staffed. I had to follow up on our iced teas twice. And maybe I was full from a previous party that I didn’t like their seafood special.

Can you guess what this is?

Anyway, my dad shared his Cagayan de Oro (versus his Davao) escapades while my mom shared that my aunt was bugging her, asking if I know any used rv for sale. Also, it was a good decision I didn’t wear my skirt which was the same with the skirt that I gave my sister because she’s wearing it tonight. My brother has a new tattoo with “arkitekto” on it. While the other brother reminded me of their band’s pictorial.

I thought I took many pictures but when I got home I realized I took less than twenty shots. And not any one of them included me or my husband.

When you plan to buy a house, and if you plan to loan money for it, you need to save at least 30% of the appraised value of the property because most banks will only lend you 70%, at most, of the value. Aside from that, you should consider other unforeseen expenses during construction. After its construction, you will have to buy (additional maybe) furniture and appliances.

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