Here comes the rain

photo credit : my 8 -year-old

Had a full day yesterday.

Started with doing errands then a children's party for lunch.

Yup, my son has parties even on weekdays.

They're still on vacation.

Had fun mingling with the moms, didn't want to leave but duty calls.

Met with the contractor then brought my other son to another activity.

Went around looking at bathroom fixtures and home stuff.

On the way back, was pouring so hard.

I love it!

I love the rain.

I don't complain about the weather as when it's hot, we want it cooler, when it rains, oh no it's raining!

I just enjoy it.

We need water, plants need water.

Our dams need water.

When I got home, I just sat quietly for awhile and watched the rain.

Time for some hot cocoa and a good read.

Who doesn't love bed weather?

Everydayflair goes to country

photo credit : my hubby

It's always nice to go out of town esp since it took us less than an hour.

Sta. Elena was very peaceful, fresh and organic.

Always a nice contrast to the city.

Kids enjoyed the horse, turkeys, bunnies, carabao ride, etc.

I enjoyed the greenery and purity of the place.

Though I'm a true blue city girl

Spending time in the countryside makes one feel revived and refreshed

Kids were being kids

Simple fun and games one takes for granted when in the city

The quietness makes you feel far from the bustle

Thank you to Gippy and Hindy for sharing with us the beauty of the place

May you always wake up to its peace and freshness.

Enjoyed the drive back to the nerve center

Highly progressive, busy city

Lots of cars and restaurants and people

Yup, I'm home!

Dragon

top from Bangkok Soi La lai Sap, pants : ZARA

photo credit : Trisha Ding-Santos

Had an afternoon snack with my friend, Trish.

Okay, that snack was more like dinner, hey, didn't get to eat lunch
Got great news while I was with her but that's for a different post.
Went around to look for rain boots
Chatted while walking around Greenbelt
It's interesting how fast progress and change comes to this area
Just wish progress also to the whole nation
But then again, this is in all of us
Team work
No crab mentality
No judgements
Be part of the solution
No bending of rules for one's convenience
All working towards progress, peace and a moral nation
Might be dreaming
But change is the only thing constant
And I guess this time around
I hope that change is for the better.
We'll see.

Without a cape

got a haircut

photo credit : some good looking guy

My day just ended.

I usually sleep around 9 p.m.

Still got a lot of energy hence wanted to unwind.

Just got off from a meeting which I presided

Tiring, challenging, fulfilling

Got called Superwoman

Flattering, inspiring but most of all humbling

I try but I have no cape

Though I have loads of faith

And people who support me

And Someone guiding me

And it's just what I need

to keep me grounded and do a good job

At the end of the day

Superwoman or not

I come home always giving my best

And that in itself makes me feel super.

Good night!

Toting it

Got this tote bag from my friend, Lills.

She supplies to major stores and mostly overseas.

Thank you for the bag, Lills.

Will be using it especially with all the docs I would need to carry.

Keep up the good work!

First guest

in front of Lill's beautiful main door

my favorite part of her house, the kitchen

photo credit : Lillian Pajaro-Manapat

Had such a wonderful time last night.

I feel so blessed with the friends I have.

I was invited by Lills to her new home.

Lills was a batchmate from college but really knew her in my first and only corporate job.

That job was 17 years ago.

We were both giddy-fresh from college.

She wasn't able to make it to my birthday and feels so guilty and felt she missed out big (well, you did, Lills, haha)

So she tried to compensate (more than enough) by having me as her first guest in her home.

What a great hostess , she was!

Since I don't have a driver right now,

she even picked me up.

It was like a date!

We had a great dinner and lovely conversations over it.

Lills is also very faithful and I was just so touched by her prayer before grace.

Lills, your friendship is one of the wonderful blessings in my life.

At this point, friends are there for life.

Thank you again for the wonderful dinner and all the effort.

Keep sparkling!

Bookish

photo credit : my 8-year-old





Had to pose quickly in front of Fully Booked, one of my fave places to go to. I can get just spend hours in there.

Heading home as am going out for an intimate diinner at my friend's new home.

Looking forward to seeing her work of love.

Keep you posted!

Pedestrian

top from ZARA, pants from Ilaya

Had a quiet Father's Day yesterday.
Visited my Dad at the cemetery.
We already heard Mass the night before.
Stayed home, did some cleaning of my candle armoire.
Yup, I have a cabinet meant for candles/candleholders.
Went to Rockwell.
Browsed through Fully Booked.
Had a casual dinner.
Simple and relaxing.

Today was maintenance day.
Went to the parlor then did the groceries.
Then home with the kids.

My friends haven't really seen me lately and haven't been going to events.
Still no driver so not so mobile.
Though I do enjoy my long walks.

Monday's almost over, before you know it, it's Friday again.
Enjoy your week!

I want my ATM

photo credit : my 8 year-old
clutch bag from Aranaz, given by my friend, Anne Gonzalez

photo credit : my 12-year-old

Unlike me, my son doesn't like parties.

I sometimes have to beg for us to do something on his birthday.

So, since he likes paella, among other things (he's a real gourmand, by the way)

we decided to have a casual dinner at Terry's Selection (Pasong Tamo Ext)

Eversince, my husband & I always thought about unique and original gifts to our kids.

Something not only lasting but will teach them lessons.

This year, since he's already 12, decided to have him own his own ATM account.

Went with him today to open an account under his name and wherein it's him who signs

No dad or mom

Explained to him the values of saving and keeping track of his balance
He loves it!

He feels grown up and responsible.

And of course, cool!

Gives him some kind of independence to decide on his own.

Wonder what could top that feeling for Christmas...

Happy birthday!

12 years ago

photo credit : my 12-year-old

Today's my son's birthday.
12 years ago since I became a mom.
Gave birth in a foreign land where the nurses spoke a different language from those that I understand.
Still remember it vividly.
Was just like yesterday.
But I see him and he's even taller than me.
Time does fly.
Good thing love does not.
Happy birthday to my best!

Wrap it up

black wrap dress from SM (bought years ago), necklace & shoes from Rustan's

photo credit : Jackie Laudico

Busy with meetings lately plus I don't have a driver right now hence been staying home pretty much.

Black wrap dress from SM which I bought years ago. Very comfy and fabric really hugs the curves.

Middle of the week, hope things are going well for you.

Tata!

heart-2-heart

Thank you to my dear friend Rica for her special feature on my 40th birthday.
It was the highlight of my day!
Thanks, Rics!
www.heart-2-heart-online.com
Click on Rachelle's 40th bday
Enjoy!

Design Kit

Invite Sample, CD, Notecards inside the Design Kit

the Design Kit from Isa

Another nice package came for me the other day.

Got my design kit from my 40th birthday from my graphic designer, Isa.

I love it!

I think it's such a nice touch and such cool packaging & concept.

Totally for everydayflair.

Thank you, Isa, and continue spreading your creativity.

You have my support all the way!

Beauty in Rusticity

Anne G.

our rustic setting

Had another fulfilling day.

Spent the whole morning in a Board Meeting.

I enjoy that, planning, coming up with solutions.

Hearing other people's opinions on things.

Broadens your mind and perspective.

Home for lunch and time with my kids.

Then met with the staff for some pep talk.

Went over to my neighbor's , Anna, to visit her cute son.
Got a call from my friend Reg Yuson that he's in the area.

Am so proud of Reg, he's so cerebral.

Went out with Reg, showed him the space then we went to S&R.

Had to buy some stuff for my dinner tonight.

Went home then prepared for the dinner.

Culminating with having a friend over .

Lovely day.

Got to do things for others, got to enjoy time at home.

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

Enjoy your Friday!

Happy birthday, Trish!

birthday girl, Trisha, face behind Dressing Room (Rockwell, Crossings Glorietta)

lunch at Cafe Juanita

Yesterday was such a full day! Was gone from 6 a.m.to 6 p.m.

One of the relaxing parts though was my lunch with Trish.

We always have a good time, chatting, laughing, updating each other.

We're celebrating her birthday last April! This is our tradition every year.

She just got back from a long vacation hence the delayed celebration.

Trish is my very good friend and eating buddy.

Whenever we eat out, we eat for 4 people! Okay , sometimes for 5!

No food goes to waste with us.

We used to be gym buddies as well but 3 months ago, I stopped. Got bored after 5 years of doing the same stuff. Trish is still on it. Meanwhile, I'm planning to take up tap dance classes, been wanting that for a long time.

Happy super belated birthday, Trish!

May we celebrate it til the eyeglasses can't be worn off.

All the best!

Clean and Clear

In photo : Isa Palabyab & Marielle Bitanga

Isa is the sister of my neighbor, Anna. She & Marielle have been best friends since Prep! These two will be representing the Philippines for the Clean & Clear Asia contest.
Good luck you guys!
Remember always exude that clean & clear look, beauty both inside and out.
Go vote for Team Philippines!

Metrowear

w/ Mai & Anna

Just some photos from an event last night.

Enjoy....

Leftovers

leftover flowers from the party

Just some inspiring things to look at. Enjoy the week...

Everyone loves a contest!

1 entry : Rockin' 40 with style and timeless beauty

Eds had 2 entries

1st : Stylish, fashionable with a big heart (disqualified as no mention of 40)

2nd try : You make 40 look good

Anne who made me come up with the contest as she texted me days prior to my birthday stating :

40 never looked better, good for you!

And the winner was, Isa ,my graphic designer:

"If this is 40, then I'm looking forward to it"

I always like having unique and doing unique stuff.

I always like to make my friends and me have some kind of challenge and fun.

So when I got a text from Anne saying that 40 never looked better, I decided to come up with a contest with my friends to come up with a tagline of me being 40.

Not all entries made it as most described me, very heartwarming but not following contest rules, haha.

Here are the disqualified, heartwarming, friendship -loving "anecdotes" from my other friends who were brave enough and cool enough to join my I- have- a- lot -of- time-game.

MT : Most principled, trustworthy, steadfast friend

WS: Stylish, sociable and, sexy, a woman of substance

IG: Always positive, curious & full of energy

AO: Classy, loyal, real

RDJ: One line lang? haha

So, to all my friends, thank you again for being friends.

You give friendship a good name!

Stay cool!

Pineapple

photo credit : Anne Gonzalez

Just wanted to share one of the fave gifts I got.
Thanks, Isa, for my lovely earrings.
Got compliments.
You really get my taste.
Congratulations for winning the game but that's for another post!

The ones who make my heart beat

Thank you for everything.

40 years

I am so grateful.

For joys and challenges that make the kind of person I am today.

I hope I live a life expressing gratitude to my Master.

And giving back glory for all His goodness.

For once, I am speechless.

I am just thankful.

Thank you.

Last to leave

w/ Anne Gonzalez & Hindy Tantoco
My last 2 guests
We ended before 9 p.m.

w/ Jackie, Mai, David, Anne, Anna & Rima

Like what I said , only chosen people were invited to share my birthday with me.

Thank you for making it special & memorable.

It truly was an event to remember!

And so it continues

w/ Anne Gonzalez
My friend , Anne, who thought party was still on June 2. She said she was already booked for the parlor and her dress was ready for the day after. She had to rush when I told her, where are you, come, come now, yup, I'm strict. Am so glad and touched that she really went out of her way to spend my birthday with me. She came straight from her day and was the last to arrive about 7 in the evening but she could've been there for a second and that would have made my day.

about to blow the candles

my co-parents before in Ateneo but moved my kids to international schools but stayed friends w/ Wenchie & Vangie

Vangie is also one of my ever dependable pediatricians ( we have two, for back up), the kind of doctor who really cares and makes it a calling and vocation, you're one of a kind, Vange!

Trisha & Cel

I designed the flower arrangements, each table had a different setting

My friends call this photo, the artists and the artwork, haha

w/ sculptor, Reg Yuson, who had work but claims he's so scared to turn me down hence he came, haha

"Rache, I have work and usually I don't rush (true artist) to my appointments but with your birthday, at 3:00, I was already panicking" haha, my friends know how strict I am, wink,wink
w/ Jonathan Olazo & his wife

Jonathan doesn't attend socials but he said for me he'll be there

I am so touched guys, likewise, you can always count on me at your exhibits.


More to come...