Raising a family, making a home.
One of the best discoveries of my year has been this crafternoon group that I’ve recently become a part of. It’s just a lot of fun getting together with other moms for cookies, coffee and crafting, and I’m really glad that my neighbor and new found friend, Michelle, invited me to join the sessions. I’ve been to two so far, and both times we worked with felt. It was actually a couple of months ago when I attended my first crafternoon with Teacher Maricel, so yes this post is very late.
In case you missed it, please check out yesterday’s post about our first day at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay. I ask you to do this because I need for you to see the gorgeous (but blurry, sorry) photo of the hotel garden at night. Notice the path of lights and the tent-like structure on the right side of the photo? That’s where we had dinner during our Tagaytay staycation.
That was the special surprise that our hosts, Celine and Treena, Chef Edwin, and the rest of their team at Taal Vista Hotel put together for us. It was such a magical setup, perfect for a proposal, an anniversary celebration, or any ordinary night when you want your special someone to feel extra special. Yup, you can have the hotel arrange a beautiful dinner under the stars for you. So romantic! It was a great anniversary dinner for MrC and I, although we had to share it with the rest of our group haha!
[Read more…] about An Enchanting Taal Vista Evening and our Staycation, Day2
Before anything else, I have to apologize because this post is a few days late. I was supposed to publish this last Sunday, but then I got sick and really wasn’t able to function properly until, well, now. So this post has been sitting in my drafts folder for a few days, but the good news is (and believe me, it’s good news for you guys too, you’ll find out why later), it is finally here. This is the story of our Taal Vista Hotel Staycation!
My son and most of his friends turned/are turning 7 this year, and so we’ve been attending a lot of parties. A few weeks ago, he and I went to a Mad Science -themed party in Alabang Country Club. The little guy told me that they had a similar activity in school during the foundation week last year. MrC told me later on when he saw the party photos that it was actually the exact same group who came to school.
The party theme and activities were really great for the age group of the invited guests. I noticed at the last few parties we’d been to that while magic shows, puppet shows and clowns were still enjoyed by the kids, you could no longer see that level of awe and amazement that they had when they were 4 or 5 years old. I love how the science experiments and interactive activities at the Mad Science party were educational too.
We got there just as the food was being served. I didn’t know anyone at the party, and had actually just met the celebrant and his mom that day, so I felt it would be awkward to go around and take pictures of the food and decor. The party was catered by the club and they had the usual spaghetti, lechon (roasted pig), barbecue and sandwiches. There were also mini donuts from JCo. The room was covered in balloon decor, as you’ll see in most of my photos.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to the branch reopening and blessing of the Human Nature store in Santana Grove, Sucat along with some of my favorite mom bloggers. I was ever so excited to be there because my sensitive skin and I absolutely love Human Nature!
Having to deal with rashes on a regular basis is no fun at all. Trust me, I’ve been red and splotchy constantly since I was 11. I used to think that imported hypoallergenic products were the solution. When I discovered that they weren’t, I shifted to baby products. The thing is, I am not a baby, and so I didn’t think that these products were doing a good enough job of keeping me clean and fresh, specially when I started commuting to school and to work. And then I discovered Human Nature at the Cuenca Christmas Bazaar a couple of years ago, and the rest is history. I use their shampoo and conditioner, facial wash and moisturizer, deodorant, insect repellent and even their eye shadow.
I drove myself to the store on the day of the event, and so I ended up getting there late. That’s what happens when you’re a slow driver who is extra slow with parking. So I basically missed the whole blessing, but I made it just in time to reach the welcome message of Human Nature founder and Gawad Kalinga President, Anna Meloto-Wilk. She spoke about how Human Nature started and eventually grew to become an organization that provides business opportunities and the promise of a better future for so many Filipinos.
There were several performances that day from members of the Human Nature and Gawad Kalinga Community, a few volunteers, and some of the children that GK has helped. It’s great to know how big of a difference this organization really makes in the lives of so many people in our country.
The Paranaque Branch Operator, Atty Dulce Punzalan, shared a short message after all of the performances. I think I should also mention that this stellar lady actually performed herself! She was part of the belly dancing group, and she also sang a few numbers with her band. Talk about being multi-talented! I love the story she shared about her humble beginnings and how her dad worked hard to be able to give their family a good life. She obviously takes after her father in that you can really feel the spirit of sharing and giving back in her. She is truly inspiring!
The simple but super fun and energetic program was hosted by Human Nature’s Marketing Director, Melou dela Cruz. Towards the end of the program Mark and Jolina Escueta, and Angeli Bayani were given recognition for their contributions in nation building as artists. The program ended with the entire group, us included, dancing the Human Nature Dance. I think it’s cute that direct selling companies have special rah-rah dances. It really puts everyone in high spirits.
I’m really glad I got to go to this event, and I’m super duper happy to know that the branch in Sucat is there anytime I need to stock up on my Human Nature stash. One thing I saw they sold at the store that I’m sure will excite a lot of people are these yummy Theo and Philo artisan chocolates.
I can’t wait to visit the store again soon and shop til I drop! Check them out if you’re in the area. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with their stuff too.
Human Nature Philippines
http://humanheartnature.com
#/humanheartnature
#/HumanNaturePhil
One of the fun things about planning my sister-in-law’s wedding is getting to go on family road trips for the planning and prenup sessions. Their wedding will take place in Villa Escudero, a place that brings back many happy memories from when I was younger. One of my favorite trips there was with the whole of my dad’s side of the family when my grandmother was still alive. Here’s a photo of my cousins and I with our Lola on that trip, many years and several pounds ago.
