Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Owning A Home Made Easy


Empty lands in the province area are the main target of these big land corporations. They would buy these empty lands for the purpose of developing it into high class subdivisions with ready made townhouses for those who can afford to buy one or just the basic house unit for everybody or for those who are just starting in their family life. Having your own home is actually a good investment, rather than just renting an apartment or a condo unit. It is more practical and you are sure of your privacy and security once you are staying at a subdivision. There are many real estate broker or agent that you could approach most especially at the malls, they would definitely help you in finding the right home for you and your family. Payment plans are also available for a lighter payment terms because these real estate owners understands how money works these days and how hard it is for an individual to earn money. It is like renting the place but with the assurance of owning it, once you have fully paid.


Unlike renting, there would never be assurance that you would have the unit even if you have stayed there for twenty years. It is indeed a wiser choice to buy a house with a three to five years payment plan and some even up to ten years payment option, depending on the real estate owner. A good real estate agent would know a perfect prospect to sell their units to. Some of them are targeting single men or women who are successful in their career but is still staying at their parents home or just renting a condo or apartment. These individuals mostly are hungry for independence. Since these houses are already complete with house amenities and facilities after paying the needed amount you could directly transfer to your new home. Elegant furniture, well-mowed lawn, verandas, and window boxes with different styles and design like the lattice window box cage that would be perfect for your flowers and succulents.


Having your own home, makes an individual more at peace, especially for those who already have their own family. How nice would it be if you were to stay at a subdivision with a very relaxed and highly secured environment. It is still in your hands which place is better for you and your family so you better make the right choice because when you are assured that your family is safe your mind is also at peace even if you are far from them.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

A Tourist Spot


Last summer time here in the Philippines, I wish to had visited Tagaytay, the most famous tourist destination in our country. But because of many reasons,unfortunately our plan of going was cancelled. I love the place not only because of it's temperature there but because of the beautiful scenery that the place has to offer.Tagaytay, has a cooler climate, like that of Baguio because of it's high altitude locations. It has also become one of the most go to places of people in manila when they want to escape pollution and traffic created by the most busy street here in the country. Being 55 km. away via Aguinaldo Highway, it is just a three to four hour drive, so for example if you left Manila early in the morning, you would really have ample time to roam around Tagaytay and could still go back to Manila by afternoon. 


Tagaytay City are covered by hills and mountains, which is literally forest and grasslands, lies along a ridge stretching from Mount Batulao in the west to Mount Sungay in the east and is about 32 km long. It also overlooks Taal Lake in Batangas Province, and provides one of the most iconic views of the Philippines. If in any case you decided to stay in Tagaytay, there are a lot of hotels and pension houses that you stay at. Days Hotel in Tagaytay is the most recommended lace by my friends, not only because it has the perfect location for great scenes but also has the best service that you deserve to experience during your stay. They have about 48 standard rooms, 12 superior and 87 deluxe, and each of them has it's own balcony for the private viewing of the lake and the volcano. Alongside the balcony, are the beautiful La Fleur fiberglass window box, where you could find selected plants and flowers planted on these window boxes. 


They also offer a roof deck restaurant and bar, a swimming pool as well as the kiddie pool. To know more about the Days Hotel in Tagaytay, you could always visit their website, also for advance booking and information about their latest promos and rates of their rooms. Visiting Tagaytay has always been on my bucket list which I never had the chance to experience, but i promise to go there the next time I visit Manila.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Luxurious Living


There are a lot of condominiums that are built in the city or near the public establishments like malls, schools, offices and many more. That is for the convenience of these people that these condominiums were built. Young professionals and newly wed are mostly the target of the sellers because they are the ones who need a space for themselves or for their family. Having a condominium they say is a good investment, but a friend of mine once said that it is not really a good idea because your investment hangs in the air and once natural disaster strikes (like an earthquake for example) it will also disappear in thin air. But of course let us not think of the bad outcome, let us more think of the positive side of it. If there is a reason that you should not buy these type of properties, there are also a lot of reason for buying it. 


Filipinos of today are learning to live in the sky, because culturally, we are not quite ready for this type of glamorous living. Owning or renting a condo unit can mean a lifestyle change for Filipinos from the upper to middle class who can afford to stay in these high-rise condominiums. Smaller space means it is easier to clean and maintain and gives a stronger sense of protection. Condominiums are sometimes built with the features and amenities like of the five-stars hotel. There are units that have terraces and added window boxes, like the french window box cage, where they can grow plants or flowers for added beauty in their space. Also, some condominiums offer facilities like function rooms for parties and other events, gym's and sports facilities also including swimming pools. 


If I were to choose in staying in these condo unit or having my own lot, I would rather choose having my own lot. My reason for choosing a lot instead of a luxurious unit, is that lands or lots do not depreciate on their prices and I felt safer having both my feet on land than in space. I will feel more secure knowing who my neighbors are rather than, living in a self-contained community.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Shelter for the Less Fortunate


"Home is where the heart is", that is an old saying which I first heard from my grandmother. Because of poverty, a lot of people here in our country do not have a descent home. Some of them would either squat in the suburbs or worst under bridges and near the river banks. Good thing our government did somehow find a temporary solution to these problem. They were able to convert some unused government land into a residential space intended for the people who squats around some private lands or around the city. That is also one of the many reasons why the image of our country was ruined and they still continue to ruin it because of the fact that they can not leave their houses in the squatters area because accepting the relocation means loosing their source of income. And without their source of income it also means no food for their family or their children specifically. 


The housing project that the government is providing is actually a very good remedy for those people who lives in the squatters area. Aside from a decent home, they also provide an easy payment plan and assure the people that they could still make a living even though they are far from the city. I could understand where these people are coming from, they are hesitant because they are unsure and not properly educated with information about their relocating sites. Our government are giving these people better homes and also good environment for their children. Relocating sites are near to schools and churches and the surrounding are clean unlike in the riverbanks and under the bridge which is full of dirt and pollution.


The houses they built, as shown on TV is just enough for one family to live in, some houses are even two stories with complete furniture and enough space for everyone to roam around. I wish that these houses have also window baskets and hay rack planters of their own, since they really can not make a garden in their front or backyard because they do not have enough space, at least with these window boxes they will be able to plant flowers or herbs to add beauty to their home. I am just lucky to have grown up in the province because we at least have our own home and a safe environment for everyone in our neighborhood.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

My Stay in Hotel Central Saint Germain


After a three-day vacation in Valloire, France, I went back to Paris. Since my flight back to New York is still after 3 days, I stayed back in my hotel in 3 rue Champollion, 75005 Paris, France - Hotel Central Saint Germain. It is located in Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés, near the Seine, Notre-Dame, the Sorbonne and the Pantheon, near the Jardin du Luxembourg. It offers luxury and tranquility of a beautiful house in the heart of an historic district in a setting designed in harmony for all your well-being.


When I arrived at the hotel, I was assisted by the receptionist to get a room. I went straight to my room and to regain my energy. I really need a long sleep. My room is quite small but is just enough for me. I don't have that lot of baggage. I love my bed because it is so comfortable and relaxing. I turned on the TV to watch some news before I finally fall asleep. The next day, I walked down the street to eat a breakfast and to tour around the city of Paris. I also visited some boutique and bought souvenirs. After such a tiring day, I went back to the hotel. I love the view of the hotel from afar. The colorful flowers hanging in the deck makes it more inviting.

The hotel all in all is great. In addition to the great decors and friendly staffs, the hotel had indoor plants in glossy fiberglass planters. It looks so adorable. With its, shiny look, you will think that it is new. I love everything in this hotel. If you are planning to go to Paris and looking for a place to stay and if you are in a tight budget, choose the Hotel Centra Saint Germain.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

An Enjoyable Trip To London


Travel and adventure is our hobby. Going to places that I never been before. Tourists destinations such as resorts and beaches, beautiful cities and wonders of the world is our goal. You may think that my hobby is too expensive but to tell you honestly, I make use of the discounted fares. Sometimes, I accompany my husband to his business trips. Today I'm going to tell you about my vacation in London. It was my first time to go there and I fell in love with the place. Beautiful scenic view and jaw-dropping tourists spots. These includes The Tower of London and Kew Gardens, the Palace of Westminster, St. Margaret Church and the Greenwich. Other flabbergasting landmarks are the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, St. Paul Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, London Museum and the London Underground.


On the first day, I was alone since my husband had a business meeting. I went to Hyde Park. It was a cool day where sun is covered with clouds and a great time for a walk. Children were chasing each other in the pool. Some doing their morning exercise: jogging. The flowers in various colors blooms as if there's no tomorrow. The awe-inspiring landscape is really adorable. Hyde Park offers almost everything and you'll surely enjoy such as the Diana Memorial Fountain, Serpentine Lido (where you can go swimming) and also there is a boating area as well.


When I already the feel the burning heat of the sun, I went to West One to have some shopping. I bought a few tops and shirts for my hubby before going back to our hotel, Marylebone Hotel. It was one of the finest hotel in London. It has 256 air-conditioned rooms complete with amenities and a mini-bar. The hotel is very modern and stylish. The staff were friendly and accommodating. One thing that I like the most is the topiaries in the tall planters. It enhances the exterior look of the hotel giving it an inviting view for travelers and tourists.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Painted Pots For Your Home

 

Pots are perfect for decorating especially with flowering plants on it. It is a great addition to your patio, deck or entrance way. Terracotta and clay pots are the two most common pots used in decorating. Others customized it by painting and putting designs on it.

It was Saturday and my day off from work but it's the day to clean the house and redecorating it. I was inspired by the magazine that I have read a week ago about home decorating. I woke up very early to start my weekend routine. I made a one round jogging at our block. I prepared breakfast and set the table for my family. I started cleaning the kitchen, next the bathroom, then the living room and lastly, the patio and my little garden.

In our patio, I have hanging plants with bougainvillea and several terracotta, ceramic and clay pots for my other flowering plants. I painted my pots with different colors to have a more interesting look. One of my friend shared her ideas in making a beautiful arts and crafts. I have my own version, too. I will share with you how I do it.

  • Things you need:
  • terracotta or clay pots
  • paint (spray, acrylic, oil based enamel)
  • gloves
  • old newspaper
  • stiff brush
  • wet cloth

1. Cover your work surface with old newspapers.
2. Scrub your new terracotta pots with a stiff brush to smooth the bumps and imperfections.
3. Wipe the pot with a dump cloth to remove the dirt and dust. Dry it before painting 4. Seal the inside of the pot using acrylic spray paint. The clear paint seals the pot and the moisture from leaching outside the pot.
5. Allow the paint to dry before painting the outside part of the pot.
6. Layer the pot with a primer paint as first coating.
7. Paint the outside of the pot. Use a thin coat of high gloss exterior enamel spray paint. You spray paint it up to the brim of the pot.
8. Let the pot dry out.
9. Add your designs.

Now you can try this at home. Make your own design and make your patio or deck more appealing.