Everyday Chill... Everyday Frill » home management

life’s little struggles

thea — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 17:26:56 +0000

My mind is so filled with different concerns right now. While comparing different online quotes for life insurance, I’m actually thinking how we can squeeze another educational plan (for the new baby) into our monthly budget. While it is a relief that we already have budget for hospital bills when I give birth, it is still unknown if we’ll be able to have budget for a baptismal party sometime in July or August. After which, we will be moving to our new place, which will definitely have a big impact on our monthly cash flow.

Honestly, I’m not sure if it’s a good decision to move after the baby’s baptism. I’m thinking having a new baby will be a big adjustment to big sister Mikee, and moving to another place will just make things seem magnified. I worry that she might think something like “I just had a new baby brother, and my whole world has to change?” We can just move next year if we want.

But there’s a driving force that makes me want to move soon. I’m not sure what it is. Maybe, I just miss being in control of the household. (Being the eldest of two working parents with no house help, I grew up being the one in control.) I miss planning and doing something that everyone’s lives depend on it.

Yup, I guess that’s it. No wonder I’m so addicted to party planning and out-of-town/country trip planning.

Oh well.

thea — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:31:01 +0000

I loved using dual purpose furniture. I have these boxes that serve as toy storage and seats. The other week that I was packing my tanning lotions (not allowed to swim remember?) and my daughter’s swimwear for the family outing, I also looked for her beach toys such as buckets and sand molds. I confused the boxes, and opened the box where we store her non-kitchen themed play-doh, and I was disappointed to see hard-rock clays.

My daughter (or maybe the yaya) apparently placed them inside the box uncovered. So sad.

raising them independent

thea — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:33:27 +0000

A cousin told me she has been talking my mom into give me an LED TV once we move in to our new house as a gift. I laughed, saying why would I ask for an LED TV when I could be asking for an entire family room showcase including a reclining loveseat. Hahaha. I was kidding, of course. Shouldn’t I be the one giving my folks stuff instead of them giving me? They’ve given me education so I could “fend” for myself, then that should be enough. And that’s the same way I want my children to be raised, that they are “equipped” enough to take care of themselves.

“There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one’s self” – John Gay

more locks

thea — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:40:49 +0000

My brothers-in-law bought some Schlage locks for added security in our place. No, we are not changing locks, we are adding more. This is our steps in ensuring we are safe inside the house even if someone get inside the backyard. While my sisters-in-law and I need to buy new pepper sprays. Just in case.

Cars are locked when parked. Even the gates are locked in the morning and afternoon, ensuring 24/7 security. I hope we got everything covered.

one trick or another

thea — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:18:43 +0000

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.

Of color combos and pattern distributions

thea — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:33:02 +0000

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.

home design inspirations

thea — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:19:03 +0000

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!

keepin’ it

thea — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:46:03 +0000

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!

location factor

thea — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:24:26 +0000

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?

our “wants” list

thea — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:19:39 +0000

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.