Parrot on a PorchA Journey Toward the Little Mansion Dream

Guess who’s all set now for summer. Well, it’s never too early anyway here in our country especially that afternoons lately can be extremely hot and humid. I bet my little tot will be excited to wear the Rash Guard Set swimwear I bought him yesterday afternoon at SM Makati. I didn’t have actually plans of buying until I passed by the swimwear racks and saw varied designs for all toddler sizes. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced at just less than Php 400. I figured, they’ve just newly displayed these swimwear thus, the rack is still overflowing. Come March, I bet Moms will start to scour as they prepare for their summer swimming getaways.

I’ve posted about my good buy at FB and a friend asked what a rash guard is. It is actually a type of athletic shirt made of spandex and nylon or polyester. It is used as a protective clothing or for light coverage in warm to extreme summer temperatures for swimming and for several watersports like surfing and scuba diving. The one I bought is very similar to this one from Old Navy.

After surfing endlessly for home inspirations this afternoon, let me blab about fashion this time for a change. I’ve just stumbled upon an interesting website to shop for Watch Bands. I have come to realize that it’s not about the actual watch itself that makes it flashy and fashionable. Actually, people won’t notice the brand right away as they will not stick their noses and likely look at it very closely. The very first thing that is noticeable about watches are actually its band.

If you have a high-end watch, WatchStyle.com’s HIRSCH Artisanal leather watch band collection is a must-browse catalog. Each leather band is specially handcrafted one by one exuding nothing else but sheer elegance and craft. Its one of a kind HIRSCH Rembordier technology make all their leather bands sauna-tested and water-resistant.

Their stainless steel series collection is also alluring with their styles coming up in matt or shiny metals, classical designs, elegant showpieces or modern combinations of different materials. Their HIRSCH No Allergy system also makes it possible for them to come up with skin-friendly, hypoallergenic watch bracelets for those who suffer vulnerability to aggressive skin allergens.

I bet people from select non-US sites will be delighted to know that they also ship internationally.

Now this spares me from thinking what to gift the husband on his birthday in three months.

My son’s turning two in a month’s time. For the nth time last night, the husband and I discussed over dinner our birthday plans for him. Earlier, I was set on giving him a Jollibee party. I have even saved up for it a few months back. However, upon deep contemplation and with anticipation of the housing goal’s completion come summer time, I am torn between proceeding with the original party plan or we’ll just celebrate it by having an out of town trip. Just the three of us. The latter option will entail cheaper costs than the first and so the remaining savings will just be used for Little Mansion’s dolling up. I’ve been thinking and wishing of Outer Banks vacation rentals for the trip (I’ve been dreaming about it for the longest time) but I think the little one will appreciate either a trip to Manila Ocean Park or Zoobic Safari better. Obviously, we have not finalized our plans last night (blame it also to my being so fickle-minded) so expect that another discussion will have to be made soon.

“You get a chunk of chocolate and you do what I do
You roast a marshmallow, you toast it just right
You smoosh them all together and you take a big bite
Cracklety crackers and lickity sweet
Mmmmmmm, S’Mores. They’re so good to eat.
Mmmmmmm, S’Mores. A real camping treat.”

If you are a parent who has a Barney fanatic son, then I guess, you are familiar with these lines and probably even sang it. It could also have been your frequent LSS (Last Song Syndrome) many times. So what brought me to think about S’mores and camping and bonfires? Well, apart from feeling chilly on this cold Thursday night, I suddenly recalled our bonfire childhood days as I see these fire pits from Outdora. We were on sixth grade then and it was the school’s first time to conduct an overnight recollection or to what they call a spiritual retreat. One of the highlights was we were grouped into a smaller number, circled around an improvised bonfire and tried to read the surprise recollection letters our parent sent us through our teachers. It was really touching and inspiring and I must say that the bonfire thingie was effective and added the much needed reflective mood.

Even though our parents weren’t there, we felt their comforting words and wisdom through the warmth exuded by the outdoor fireplace. It’s as if they were talking to us in person.

Now this topic suddenly gives me an idea for the Little Mansion’s outdoors. We have a little space outside where we could allot a spot for a camping or S’mores night with my son. I bet my son would love to experience that every now and then. Conversations over bonfires can be a one of a kind bonding moment for the whole family especially during chilly nights such as now. I just have to make sure though to consider putting fire rings for everyone’s safety. If the limited space won’t suffice, this portable Patina fire pit from Outdora will do. The moon and stars cut-out design will surely capture my son’s heart. I can already hear my son’s voice singing Barney’s S’mores song while roasting mallows in my imagination.

There are tons of charming designs at Outdora.com that you might want to check out. Based in Sonoma, CA, Outdora offers wide array of high-quality selection of outdoor fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and patio fireplaces.

I have just browsed my favorite travel booking site and I’m convinced that a Caribbean all inclusive family vacation is what I want for me and my son’s birthday this coming March. Well, more of a dream, actually. With our ongoing house construction project and future expenses in “stuffing” the new house, monthly loan amortizations and everything, it’s just impossible that we can afford such lavish vacations for now. Have you seen the marvelous and breathtaking pictures of the white sand beaches of Riviera Maya and the paradise haven offered in each of the Karisma hotels? Beach beds, hot tubs and hammocks, and swim-up rooms with fabulous ocean view, prompt and courteous service of a dedicated full-time butler, five-star dining in signature restaurants, pampering spa treatments, relaxing and homey luxurious suites…I don’t think there’s more to ask from this paradise on earth. :sigh: But nothing can stop me from wishing and I will continue to dream. It’s free to dream and besides, who knows, we’ll be given a way to achieve this dream, maybe not now, but in the future. My lottery numbers are ready for betting tomorrow!

One of these days, the husband and I will sit down for a brainstorming session as we will draft our 2010 financial goals and plans. With our “little mansion” project as our top most priority goal, it is already given that saving up measures and frugal spending will be strictly observed in the months to come. In fact, I am already preparing myself as my budgeting skills will be tremendously put to test. No luxuries, no whims, no unnecessary expenses. Simply put..no travel plans and most especially, no extravagant shopping. Looking back at my budgeting and shopping attitude last year, I could say that I fared well and I’m already pretty geared up for this year. The “little mansion” project has been indeed a big motivation. I just hope and pray that we’ll be continually blessed with lots of work opportunities so it will translate to bountiful earnings and more savings as well. If everything goes well as planned and hoped for, we could probably take on our other goals like venture on a business franchise. I got motivated while browsing FranNet.com where I chanced upon great franchising opportunities that are surely a big hit in the business industry today. If this might be a little shadowy, then we can pave way for a more exciting and fulfilling “project” instead. How does baby number 2 sounds? Hmmm, let’s see.

After a few weekends of malling, one bazaar visit, and tons of online shops that I browsed, we still don’t have a Christmas gift for my little tot. Arrgh! There surely is a lot of easy options like toys and clothes but I’m veering away from giving him toys because he has tons of them already and we barely don’t have space anymore in our room to stock or store them. Clothes, well, I’ve been showering him going out clothes and sleepwears every time there is an online sale at Old Navy and I have enough for this year. So I’m thinking whether to give him a nice pair of Florsheim shoes or probably this NFL Youth Uniform set I saw at kidsportsinc.com. Or perhaps those Sports Starter Baseball Equipment Set from the same online store since he’s into playing ball..hitting and catching the ball, actually. They’re not exactly toys as they are training equipment so it’s exempted to the guidelines I’ve set. Besides, it’s never too early to get them be involved in sports, right? Take a look at this site should you also be in the lookout for possible Christmas gifts for your kids.

Kidsportsinc.com is a one-stop-shop for the best sports training gear for the youth. Whether it be baseball, soccer, golf, basketball, street hockey..this site provides the best options in helping you develop and mold your little sportsman.

So now, what I need to do is discuss with the husband and come up with the “perfect” choice. The good thing though about this is that, we still have a couple of weeks before the Christmas deadline.

*This is a sponsored review.

With our goals #1 and #2 running great as wished for, I think it’s never too early to start planning for another objective which is to pursue a graduate degree program in Business. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business so it’s just the perfect program to supplement my educational background. Setting aside the financial aspect, I am actually able to accomplish this goal right now especially that my son has become less dependent on me and I’ve got extra time to devote on this. Going back to school full time is not actually an option because as much as possible, I want to be a full time mom still. What I’m eyeing at are those promising online colleges that I’ve been hearing about. One of them is the Capella University, an accredited and fully online university that is a leading provider of master’s and PhD degrees not only serving in the US but also in 45 countries worldwide. Their students, faculty and alumni, through their latest Inside Online Education podcast, affirms the high-caliber academic excellence that they provide. I pray that everything will take place as planned for a more positive and brighter future.

This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.

Traveling with the family spells indeed a whole lot of fun. In fact, it is encouraged that every family takes time to spend vacation together to bond and relax once in a while. Traveling with kids should not be stressful for parents because they can actually research online for family-friendly destinations, resorts and travel deals around the world. For example, take a look at the Family Vacation packages exclusively offered by the Karisma Group of Hotels.

The Azul Sensatori Hotel which is located in Puerto Morelos, Mexico caters the needs of children and teens and makes sure that they have fun by providing a whole array of incredibly exciting and fun activities. For kids and babies, they have the Azulito’s Kids Club where they can play toys, equipment and programs by Fisher-Price® and My Gym®. It also has a kid’s pool, water slide, splash park and playground. They have baby toys and equipment like monitor, stroller, bottle warmer, baby bathtub for the vacationing babies so mommies need not lug baby gears anymore. For teens, they have the Breeze Teen Club where they can hang out and play interactive games like Wii, CD mixing classes, beach volleyball tournaments and tennis clinics. And of course, they are known for their luxurious and cozy family-oriented suites. Family-friendly vacations such as these veers away the stress in planning your dream family vacation.

Last year, the husband got an onshore assignment offer at work. He was supposedly designated at their Chicago office for a period of one year. The great thing about this offer is that he can bring me with him (family status) and enjoy all the corresponding onshore benefits like free lodging on the first few months, free airfare and all other relocation assistance. Unfortunately, he had to decline the offer in as much as he wanted to accept because one, I was about to give birth that time. In fact, I was in my 9th month of pregnancy. And two, I was still employed then so resignation was something we could not just rush. We felt bad for passing that great opportunity up but we didn’t have a choice. We just hope and pray that same offer will be given soon and be able to pursue the supposed itinerary I cooked up. Yeah, I was really that excited.

Aside from visiting our relatives in California, an exhilirating New York Sightseeing activity was on my list. I dreamed (and I still do) of experiencing the exciting Brooklyn Tour that CitySights NY takes pride of in their site and their clients greatly rave about. A friend recently toured New York City’s attractions, neighborhoods and places of interest in a double decker bus and that experience exactly made me envious. I hope by the time comes when our great American dream come true, their slashed down tour prices for as low as $39/pax on their current hot deals page would still be offered or it would be cool, if they’d be cheaper so we can avail as much tours as we want to. For those of you who are bound to New York soon or who will spend the Holidays in the city, do check out the irresistible offers on their site.