As I’ve always been about sharing and learning about each other’s experiences, I thought about featuring some homes that I’m so humbled to have been welcomed into when we visited the Philippines last month. What inspired me to share these homes (of course, with the owners’ consent) was that despite the chaos of juggling motherhood, career, and being a wife, these women, known for being the “ilaw ng tahanan” or “light of the home” (a famous Filipino idiom for mothers), are able to thrive in making and keeping their homes not only beautiful, but radiant and full of life and love.

Karen Cruz, fondly called Mommy by two beautiful girls (a 2yo toddler and a 7-month old baby), is a perfect example of a thriving mom. I first saw her home only in photos on Facebook, and when we got booked to fly home, I knew I had to visit and take photos so I can share it on this blog. I’ve always believed in inspiring each other, lifting others up and just simply making one believe that despite the craziness of having small children, providing for them and fulfilling wife duties all at the same time, this is possible.

Just to clarify, these home features are not to set such a high standard on being moms, quite the opposite. We are all aware of the “beautiful mess” that comes inevitably with our little ones. We know that a few inches away from the frame of my photo lies a doll, or a ball.

And that’s okay.

My message is while we let our kids be kids, we can also rise and not get caught up with the chaotic part of it. We can choose to thrive in the role we are currently called to fulfill, and sprinkle inspirational dust to other moms along the way.

P.S. Mommy Yayen is also an avid cook. She has inspired other wives/moms on Facebook to try her recipes because of her yummy posts. Check #yayenskitchen on Facebook and Instagram. But wait! Did I mention she’s also an exclusive breastfeeder? Her pasalubong or gift to her baby when she leaves the country is her breastmilk. Thriving mom? It’s a whopping yes! in my book.