already since last week. So I was pretty busy in preparing their stuff for school. I’m one stage mother again as I brought and picked them up from school on their first week. They now go to the same school. Margaux being in Kinder and Bianca in First Step. I was kinda worried how Bianca would actually take the first few days. I was really praying that she would have an easy time to adjust in a bigger school. I remember Margaux took weeks before she finally let go of my hands whenever she would enter the gate. But Bianca was different. She went inside and held her teacher’s hand without hesitate. Guess what they said about most second child being more aggressive is true. Probably seeing her sister Margaux wearing the same uniform matters as well. Margaux is becoming more of an “older sister” now to Bianca. I like it whenever she would coach Bianca anything about school. I really think my girls will be real BFF (Best Friends Forever)!

The past two days have been crazy hectic. Finished a lot of work pertaining to our upcoming events and also reviewing contracts of new business opportunities. Apparently, I also run a number of errands since we need to complete all requirements needed for the new investments

These new opportunities is not even counting what my friend has told me about. She is actually encouraging me to buy gold bullion from the United States Gold Bureau. The agency actually sells precious metals and coins that be used as an investment product when deposited in an independent bank.

I read through an article that this kind of trading precious metals and coins have been in existence since the ancient times. It has been one of the ways for rich people back then to preserve their wealth. Gold has not just been noted for its beauty and luster but it has also been a known investment.

I still need to read up more about this opportunity.  It may really be something too hard to pass up. Will see.

They are now two in the same school…

I’m becoming sentimental again! (sniff, sniff, sniff). I still can’t believe that they are now 5 and 3 years old respectively. Oh, they are growing up so fast. Really can’t hold off the time. And that’s how it is but they would forever be my babies. I am sure when they read my blogs, they would truly know how much I love them very much and how proud I am about them too.

This week has already been regular school schedules. No fuss on waking up early. So happy! At least, less stress in the morning. I commend the yayas for letting them sleep early too especially if I’m still out for meetings. It was a breeze with Bianca. She actually didn’t have any separation anxiety or even school adjustment up to this writing. I remember Margaux was a bit hesitant to enter school when she was in First Step. Seeing her Ate Margaux entering the same school could have been really a big inspiration for Bianca.

Morning rituals are done from waking up at 6am, eating breakfast, taking a bath and toothbrushing on different faucets to make it quicker for them to finish so they can both dress up already. In no time, they are both ready to hop on the car on the way to school.

It has been a fruitful 2 weeks for them in school so far and I always look forward to their stories every time they come home. 

They are called mommy’s happiness!

The husband will be celebrating his birthday this weekend. Pathetic as I still do not have any gift for him. Worst, I also do not have any idea what to give him. A friend recommended to me Chopard watches. Wish I could afford one for him. But nah! I am really clueless on what to get for him. Any recommendations please? I would probably hit the mall today so I can check what’s available and more importantly, what’s good for my wallet, lol!

We welcomed with open arms the arrival of our new baby. We consider it actually as our “baby boy.” My husband was of course very excited. He has been planning to get this one since late last year but we have delayed it a bit. I always believe that it is sweeter when you have patience. We have finally decide on the name. It would be called “Reno.” It was the husband who chose that one. I can’t contradict him for that. He wants to remember the fondest memory we had while we were in US. We really had a great time in Reno, Nevada actually.

It was baptized already last sunday. We are enjoying this new baby so much. I’m now thinking to plan to have a quick getaway somewhere nearby, let’s see.

Nope, we are not in a beauty care products to look for the best wrinkle cream on the above picture, since a friend is asking me to get one that prevents premature aging. But we were in Jean Philippe Patisserie inside the newest hotel in Las Vegas, Aria. They have sumptuous and good-looking desserts available so of course, we didn’t take any chances but try out what they have to offer. Oh, it didn’t fail us. Though a slice of a cake would cost you around Php 500-600, yes just a slice, it was worth it though. We love the breads too!

Let me jump off my story about our US vacation with one of my favorite shows among the Theme Parks we have been to. We went to 4 Theme Parks. Universal Studios in Los Angeles, Disneyland in Anaheim, Sea World in San Diego and Lego Land in Carlsbad. My kids do remember clearly about Shamu, the adorable whale from San Diego. It was one of their favorites. As for me, aside from the show of Shamu, my favorite also in Sea World San Diego was the Pet’s Rule show. It was an amazing show of animals, from dogs, cats, pigs, birds, ducks. I have never seen like it before. The show was actually very witty and entertaining. Example was like the a golden retriever dog preparing their canine cuisine for a dinner date with a poodle dog. Amazing how those animals were trained to be able to do great tricks.

I am pretty sure the trainors are like providing dog gourmet treats. I wouldn’t be surprised if their dog breakfast would be a bunch of new york steaks or even some fillet mignons? lol!

It wasn’t only the dogs who performed. There were cats, a pig, some ducks and birds who were part of the show. Look at some of the pictures we took…

How much do you know about buying a property, real estate settlement, your rights and how much you can protect yourself from being victims of fraud. I was asking a friend who is a registered real estate agent in the US on How Much Are Closing Costs. Closing Costs are actually depending on the location of the property. Different states in the United States do have different tax policies. It is also dependent on what type of structure of the property are you buying. Is it single detached house, a townhouse or a condominium. Some sites do offer a way on how to compute for it by just inputting all the details of the property like address, number of units, and even considering the agent’s rate. My real estate friend also told me the importance of Title Insurance. So What Is Title Insurance? It is actually a protection of both parties, the lender and the owner of the property for any losses on their part that might result due to fraud, errors or liens against the property. I didn’t know that there is something like that until my friend told me all about these things. When we bought our property, we had the full trust to our agent. He guided us on every step to take so we just paid the appropriate amount. Good thing, it was a breeze Real Estate Settlement on our end. I guess the husband understands some of these details already. Now, should you be buying a property, it would really be best to know some information like the ones above.

Yes, I rode the bandwagon of friends who love their iPhone to bits! Yes, I finally got mine (after fretting about the network) before the US trip. In fact, rushed to Globe Telecoms in Greenhills to pick up my unit (white 3gs 32gb) on the day of our flight. The “toy” made my kids sit back on our long road trips. And used the iPhone of their dad too, it was a peaceful trip since they didn’t have to fight over it.

I’m loving it so far. Had to adjust it’s touch-screen feature but I’m getting the hang of it now. Not to mention that I’m having a blast with all the apps loaded into it, especially the games! I’m addicted to most actually!

My grandmother who is based in California is already a retired corporate employee last year. She is now in control of what she want’s do to in life. She basically went home last year to have her grand vacation in Manila. Just last week, I learned that they are making some improvements in their home. Apparently, she got already her Lump Sum Pensions. She told us that she availed of something like Pension Loan, which allowed her to turn her retirement asset into a working cash so she can already do the things that she wants in life now that she is no longer working. It actually makes sense rather than just waiting for your monthly allowance where in you cannot do much because of the limited resources. She is now enjoying life most. She’s happy and healthy. So instead of waiting for a longer period to save up for her dream vacation or improving their home, she can better do things already currently while she still has the capacity to do so. In fact, she actually sold only a specific portion of her lump sum pension and still retained a majority for her needs later in life. I heard there are some who are doing it also here in the country. But the privileges they have in the US makes one individual ask the question: Can I Cash In My Pension Early? It is definitely possible. I’m happy for my grandmother.

I just love the lovely furniture I saw from my in-laws place while we were vacationing in their homes. Round Dining Table is actually not their popular choice as they usually choose to have those rectangular ones that can sit 8-10 people. I am surprised to learn the cost of Dining Room Furniture there so as the China Cabinets . I was informed that there’s a popular online store for dining tables as well. They have nice selections of different dining sets ranging from formal, casual, contemporary, round or rectangular tables. They also offer kitchen tables. The store even offers some special deals like savings from 45-75% off from retail stores. They also offer free shipping. What a great convenience. 

Most of their pieces are made out of high quality oak, birch, maple or ash burl material so you are guaranteed for its quality that can stand many years.  I particularly like those tables that are expandable and even include additional table leaves.  They furniture come in different colors as well.  They have clean black, black espresso, antique oak and my favorite dark cherry brown.  Wish these are all available back home.

Yes, it’s my day today. My birthday actually. I thank my parents for bringing me on this world (and to my mom for taking proper prenatal vitamins when I was still in her womb, lol!) I am thankful for my life. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for my family. God is so good. Today, it is extra special as I am celebrating it with my whole family in a special vacation treat for all of us. We are just having a great time and I, particularly is having a blast. We are currently in Las Vegas. Celebrating my birthday here  Had buffet lunch in Ceasar’s Palace.  Staying for another two nights before we prepare to come home to Manila. This is one great vacation. 

I almost can’t believe that I am just 56% vain? Well, at least…that’s just 6% higher from the 50%. So I am not so much vain! Thank goodness