Valentines 2015

I thought of putting a big blog comeback by posting a lengthy post last Valentines but usual life got in the way. Valentines is a bit busier than usual for me because it almost always coincides with the Lunar New Year and these two are my busiest times aside from the Christmas holidays. Hunter's birthday is also a day before Valentines so while everyone was looking forward to the romance, I was actually running around finishing orders and organizing Hunter and his cousin Tacio's birthday.

Days before Valentines, we were fortunate enough to be invited again in GMA to be part of their Valentine feature. It's been five years since I started doing this little guestings and I am grateful for the opportunity. I still get a bit giddy just before the show. I'm just so thankful I have such a supportive little team.

with my ever-reliable SA Aiza

My supportive hubby who went straight to the set after a night shift

Studio Valentine Set-up

Checking my make-up at 3 am. A must after an all-nighter!

Paolo and I knew that we won't be having any Valentine date or getaway since he just started with his new job and is on-call even on weekends. Although busy, my schedule is very flexible so I do make the adjustments for the family when things get a bit hectic. Three days before Valentines, I got my gift from the hubby which is something I had been checking out for over a year already. I love it!

Y for "Ysa Yason" according to the hubby.

I also got 2 dozen red Ecuadorian Roses. Red has never really been my color but I think it is growing on me. =)

Sorry for the cheesy holding-the-flowers pose. I just had to! =p

Standing tall and proud in our new living room which is another post altogether!

Each rose is as big as a closed fist. If only they last a bit longer. 

We had to "celebrate" earlier since we decided to throw a simple 3rd birthday party for Hunter and his cousin Tacio who also celebrates his birthday a day after Valentines.

 I'm that mom who likes celebrating her child/ren's birthdays. No matter what I have to do for the next few days or how busy life gets, I need to be DIY-ing and doing things for my family. Creating memories especially for kids is one of the most important things to me. I can only hope they will appreciate it someday and look back with fondness.

I can't believe its Hunter 3rd already! His First birthday was just like months ago and his Second birthday celebration in Chicago was just like last week! Goodness, Hunter is just speeding along and I'm barely catching up!

Trains, Cars and Screwdrivers! A few of their favorite things 

DIY decors for our two boys

Desserts come first!

Everyone's favorite spot

Having their "secret" conversations

Simple feast for the family

All homemade!

Papa Pao/ Tito Pao

The boys didn't really care as long as they have their lollipops. =P

It was a happy day with family. I wish we could have invited more people but since it was such on a short notice and celebrated right smack on Valentines, we figured our friends will have plans. As long as the two little boys were happy even just with their pops and cut-out trains---everything is just swell. Until next year.

I thought we were done with all the Valentines hoopla but the morning after, I saw a little package at the foot of the bed. Another surprise! 

A sweet bucket bag chosen by Paolo. He figured the wallet was my choice---this one he chose for me. Makes it all the more special and sweet. 

One thing I've learned about family---when you do all the special things for them to show your love---you get it back tenfold. No need to demand. To find The One---you have to be The One. ;)

Cheers to love and family! ❤

Charmed 30 years

Oh, goodness me! It's the last day of May. This month just flew by! A lot of things happened this month and as usual, I was bad at keeping my resolve to write again as much as I can.
Life happens and nothing reminds you more of that than turning 30!

My sisters couldn't agree on the birthday theme: Shabby chic from my sister Hazel and Sassy Pink Flamingo from my sister Vi. I guess they are both my personality. =) 

My 30th birthday was a relatively quiet one. It was just a simple get-together with our family.

Admittedly, it wasn't initially what I had in mind. I've been planning my 30th birthday for most of my 29th year (heh) and a vacation with my husband and son somewhere far and romantic was what was included in my dream sequence. I kept on moving my flight back in Manila that I just decided to spend my birthday with family in good, old Chicago.

But nothing beats being with family and 80% of all the people I love most and being reminded how loved I am for the last 30 years of my existence. I guess I just have to make it up with the one very big % left in Manila when I get back. ;P

Unlike some people who dreads the big 3-0, I actually looked forward to it. My twenties are nothing short of awesome and I was able to accomplish, experience and learn so many things that I guess will come by few and far between from now on since our twenties are always viewed as the time of experimentation and finding out who we really are.
I am more excited with the calm and stability my thirties will bring. I guess there's nothing that quite substantiate the feeling of coming to your own and having the quiet confidence and belief in yourself that naturally comes with time and age. 

I wouldn't say I had it easy, but I must admit I had it easier for the most part. I am well aware of that. I guess its the awareness that pushes me to do more, to want more because I am given these opportunities and blessings.
I remember when I was trying to come up with a business name, I was thinking of what we all strive to have. It is the Charmed Life. A charmed existence that is not just so much about the material things but aspects of life that make everything meaningful: family, happiness, love.

I don't have a perfect life but I do live a Charmed Life. In my own terms.  ❤