Redecorating A Blank Wall

Remember when I posted about our living room wall that we temporarily decorated with my son’s 1^st birthday banner?  The little boy look so cute in it that we just decided to keep it until either of the two happen (1) the adhesive tape sticks out or (2) we decide to redecorate and give our home a nice new living room wall make over.

Both reasons happened, and after two years, the wall is now back to blank.   And what better way to search for ideas about home decoration than browsing online? 

As I was browsing some ideas online, I came across Sammy Dress, an online shop that offers affordable and wide variety of different things.  I came upon various decors I would love to have in that blank wall in our home.

The clock above is priced at only $8.92 and is perfect to my minimalist theme.  It looks so nice and regal.

And I was thinking of adding a few bits of this beautiful 3D Flowers Wall Sticker Mirror Art Decal PVC Paper that cost $1.71 for 12pcs (quite a steal!).  And these are DIYs so I will have fun doing this myself or maybe creating an activity with this with my son (but then again, flowers might not be his thing).

Then I realized, I have a little boy and he’ll love something like this 3D football in his own bedroom.  But I have to stick to my initial plan which is to re-decorate the blank wall we have at our living room first.  But I think I can save the link for future use. J

I was so engrossed browsing for possible home decors as there are a lot to choose from.  And some are Do-It-Yourself decors, which I like to do.  What do you think?  Any suggestions on how I decorate my blank wall in the living room?

Applying for Pag-Ibig Fund’s Re-Pricing

Many of us, homeowners, have acquired our home through mortgage to Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig Fund.  Pag-Ibig right now has the lowest interest rate in their housing loans compared to the past 5 years.  This is a very good time to convert your loan to the Full Risk-Based Pricing Model.  We did so last week.

We applied for conversion to Full Risk-Based Pricing Model at the main branch of Pag-ibig at Mandaluyong.  You can check the nearest Pag-Ibig branch to you if they allow processing of re-pricing.  I believe Calamba branch process re-pricing, however, the branch closest to us, Imus Branch doesn’t – reason why we need to go all the way from Cavite to Mandaluyong just to process it.

Before going to Pag-Ibig Mandaluyong, I called Pag-Ibig Imus first and asked for requirements.  Which are:

1.    Duly accomplished Application Form for Conversion to Full Risk-Based Pricing Model.  [You can get this at Pag-Ibig or ask Pag-Ibig to email you a copy].

2.    Photocopy of latest Tax Declaration – Land and Building.  [You can get this at your Municipal Hall’s Assessor Office.  I didn’t pay for anything for this, but someone said she paid Php50 at their City Hall. #Attention Red Tape].

3.    Photocopy of latest Real Property Tax Receipt – Land and Building.  [If you are religiously paying your real property tax, this shouldn’t be a problem.  But in case you are not, be prepared to pay a lot.  I think the interest per year goes as high as 20%].

4.    Php1000 processing fee.

We arrived at Pag-Ibig Mandaluyong around 930AM.  We were queued at the re-pricing counter.  Because I am worried that I will mistakenly put wrong information in the form, it was only there that I accomplished it.  Note (1) if you are married, it is advisable to go there as spouses.  The forms need to be signed by spouses and will not be processed by one spouse alone.  Note (2) please bring a photocopy of your marriage certificate and valid ids.

During checking of requirements, we were asked if we will be paying by PDCs (post dated checks) or cash.  We were confused.  Note (3) apparently, once your loan is re-priced, you will need to pay 3 months in advance of your amortization.  This is for Pag-Ibig to ensure that you are a good payer.  We didn’t bring 3 months of amortization with us (because that was not included in the requirement list).  But since the person assessing us, checked our records and knew that we are good payers (meaning: paid already weeks before due date), he allowed us to just pay 1 month.  Whew.  I honestly don’t want to go back and forth Cavite and Mandaluyong.  The person assessing us told me that it was their prerogative and job to check if applicants are responsible and can pay.

After passing the requirements, we were asked to pay for the processing fee.  We were asked to photocopy the receipts.  And wait for 2-3 hours processing.  Yay! So we don’t need to go back na talaga. 

While waiting we opted to go to SM Megamall for lunch and visit the Home Sale happening that weekend.  Both the hubby and I are so engrossed in the sale that I forgot to check my cellphone for anything.  We went back at Pag-Ibig exactly 3 hours after we left and found out that Note (4) the person assisting us texted me 1 and half hour ago that our papers are due for signing already.  Tsk tsk.

We were asked to have the papers we signed notarized (there’s a Notary Public just outside the Pag-Ibig office costing Php100).  We paid one-month advance amortization at the cashier and had the receipt photocopied.  And what a surprise!  Our monthly amortization is now lower by almost 17%.  This is a lot considering you need to pay for this amortization for years.  J 

Since our Pag-Ibig housing loan is under Full Risk-Based Pricing, and we chose 3 years Fixed Pricing Period, our monthly amortizations will change every 3 years dependent on the prevailing market rates.

If you want to know more about re-pricing, just visit any Pag-Ibig branch.

Jolly Cow’s Mommy and Kids Day Out

It was so long ago, and I really can’t remember exactly the day, that Neo and I went out as just Mama and Neo alone.  It has always been Mama, Papa, and Neo.  This is why I was so excited when Jolly Cow invited me and Neo to join Jolly Cow’s Mommy and Kids Day out last September 5.

Our day started early.  We were to gather at Fly Ace Building at Pasay at 8AM.  Neo and I arrived 30 minutes early and were greeted by this bus. 

It’s like a field trip! J

We were then ushered by Fly Ace representatives to their office.  There, we waited for other mommy bloggers to arrive.  Neo had so much energy running around.  After almost an hour wait, we rode the bus that served as us service for the day.  During the travel, we were treated by snacks (burger and Jolly Cow milk).

And the little boy loved it!

We arrived at our first destination: Art in Island at Cubao after less than an hour drive.  Mommies and kids were given almost 2 hours to roam around this two-story building of art.  

By 12 noon, we all headed to Gateway Mall and had our lunch at Burgoo.  During the lunch time, mommies and kids were treated to some intermission numbers.  What better  intermission to catch the kids and kids-at-heart’s attention than a magician and a puppeteer?  The kids and moms had fun watching them. 

Everyone was entertained. 

Then, Mr. Regi Santos, of Jolly Cow, Fly Ace Corporation, introduced Jolly Cow products to mommies.  Jolly Cow products are sourced from Germany.  Mr. Regi explained the steps that Jolly Cow has to go through from production to delivery.

Photo from Jolly Cow fb page.

After eating and being entertained, mommies and kids gather at Gateway Cinema to watch a block screening of Inside Out.  We were given snacks and drinks to munch while watching.

Lakas makasosyal ng lazy boy.

Thanks, Jolly Cow and Fly Ace Corporation for treating Mama and Neo a fantastic Mommy and Kid’s Day Out!  We had so much fun! J

Press Release: ATC Evening Primrose: Growing up successful

When we were young we’ve been asked with the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?”   And though it practically altered every year as we grew older, one thing’s for sure, we all wanted to be successful.  Times has changed, modern women now has control over different aspects of our daily lives.  You see women as government leaders, CEOs, and creators.  Women pave paths for themselves now.  We see women making rules instead of just following rules made for them.

ATC Evening Primrose relieves premenstrual syndrome and breast pain connected with menstrual cycle.  It also helps ease hot flashes caused by menopause and reduces symptoms of eczema and dermatitis.  Be a strong modern day woman, don’t let anything get in the way of doing what you love and do well in it.

Organic Urban Gardening 101 by Cedarhills Garden Center

I love plants.  I love gardening.  Let it be clear.  But I think gardening hates me.  I can count in one hand alone the number of plants that grew when I plant them.  Some of them die.  Most of them don’t really want to live after I plant them.  Sadly, I don’t possess a green thumb. L

This is one of the reasons I gladly accepted Cedarhills’ invitation to attend their Organic Urban Gardening 101 workshop.  The workshop was held at Cedarhills Garden Center in Quezon City. 

I arrived at the venue a couple of minutes before the start time and was able to roam around Cedarhills first.  The workshop started at exactly 1pm, which was really good because as Gerald, our facilitator, said he doesn’t want to punish the early bird by starting late.

This greeted me at my table in the workshop.

The workshop consists of everything you need to learn to start your own garden and maintain one.  We started in sequential order of gardening.

Stuffed Cheesy Omelet ala Neo’s Mama

I love simple meals.  This is because I am not as blessed in cooking like some people.   My daily routine doesn’t include preparing meals.  But sometimes (when I feel like it), I create a simple recipe in mind and prepare it.

So here’s another simple, delicious, nutritious, and easy to prepare meal by Neo’s Mama.  Stuffed Cheesy Omelet.

What you need:

3-4 eggs

3 slices of Hawaiian Ham (or any flavor you prefer)

Butter

Quick melt cheese

1 can of Jolly Mushroom

How to do it:

·         Beat eggs in a bowl.

·         Slice in dice the Hawaiian Ham.

·         Mix beaten egg, diced Hawaiian ham, Jolly Mushroom in a bowl.  

·         Add grated quick melt cheese.

·         Heat butter in a pan (don’t overdo).

·         Saute the omelet mixture.

It’s easy to prepare as is wouldn’t take as much as 15minutes.  It’s nutritious because it has eggs, cheese, ham, and mushroom.  It’s delicious, thanks to the cheese.  It’s simple and affordable.  Try it now!

Jolly Cow Fresh Milk: Your Creamylicious Milk

Kids nowadays are quite picky when it comes to choosing their food and beverages.  As moms, we worry if our kids are getting the right amount of nutrients they need in order for them to be healthy.  Being a mom of a 3 year old, I give my little boy milk to supply the essential nutrients (such as calcium) needed for his growth.  However, it is quite a struggle when trying to introduce Neo to non-formula milk.  He find the taste bland and he prefers other alternative.

Good thing I was introduced to Jolly Cow.  Jolly Cow Fresh Milk contains 3.5% butterfat that makes it creamier and more delicious for kids like Neo.  Milk is very important for growing kids as it helps keep strong bones, good dental health, increases energy, and helps build strong muscles.  Jolly Cow has high amount of calcium, protein, and different vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, Zinc, and Ferrum. 

Jolly Cow is sourced from Germany.  It is produced from 100% pure cow’s milk with strict and high quality control implemented during production up to delivery of products.

For moms like me, Jolly Cow offers Non-Fat Milk (also known as Skim Milk).  It has 0.3% fat. 

Try Jolly Cow: Your Creamylicious Milk and discover a more exciting and enjoyable milk drinking experience with your kids!

Neo and The Pang-Masa Style Birthday Party

Long before different fast food chains introduced their birthday packages, we already have the birthday party pang-masa style.  This birthday party is held in the street in front of the celebrant’s home instead of classy event’s venue.  Where the food served were foods cooked home-style by the celebrant’s parents and relatives.  Where the decorations are just tarpaulin and balloons.  Where the official photographer is the Tita or Tito of the celebrant.  Where the sounds are from videoke machines that the celebrant rented.

Wacky pose with Lolo Jun.

This is the typical pang-masa style birthday party.  This is no longer as popular today as it used to be.  And Neo is so fortunate to be able to attend one last August 30.  

It was the first birthday of Neo’s third cousin.  We arrived before the official start of party and Neo instantly felt relaxed.  He was able to enjoy and play with the other kids.

He participated in all activities and games.

Participating in the longest line game.

He participated in the pabitin game.  He was so excited.

But he ended crying when he wasn’t able to get one.  Lolo Jun to the rescue giving him his own treat and wiping Neo’s crying face.

He ate on his own.  J

He ended the day by trying to sing (I think he was reciting a poem) in the videoke machine.  Sadly, I wasn’t able to capture it. 

It was so fun attending a birthday party like this with Neo.  He didn’t even want to go home after the party.  To say that he had so much fun is an understatement.  J

Cedarhills Garden Center

Last Saturday of August, I was invited to attend a workshop entitled Organic Urban Gardening 101.  This workshop is sponsored by Cedarhills Garden Center, a one-stop shop for all your gardening needs.  It is located at 57 Mother Ignacia Avenue, Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City.

I have learned a lot in the workshop and would love to share it in detail to you in another blog post.  For now, let me give you a photo blog tour of what’s in store for you once you visit Cedarhills Garden Center, which one of my workshop-mate described as “heaven” for gardeners. J

They sell different kinds of plants: flowering, herbs, decorative, and everything!