“What keeps me busy these days is the mom life and trying to get used to filming and editing a YouTube video every week,” says Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, who seems to handle motherhood with ease and with nary a hair out of place.
The doting mother of three usually starts her day chasing her toddler Maxen around to give him a bath, followed by a Pilates session before catching up on content creation for her clients. Handling her children’s schedules when it comes to school and extra-curricular activities and running their household are, of course, added to the mix.
“Oh, every day is just different,” says Martinez. “I can’t even remember what I did yesterday!”
Upon entering her home, which has a distinct soothing smell similar to that of a spa and a look that’s particularly inviting — with lush plants and cozy rugs scattered in different areas — it’s obvious that she’s quite the homemaker.
“It makes me happy seeing nice things that are not only beautiful, but are also meaningful to me,” shares Martinez. “It changes the whole atmosphere of our home too — and so whoever comes to visit will always feel the warmth, welcome, and coziness!”
Beaming in her oatmeal colored co-ords and with Maxen in tow (She wasn’t kidding when she said he’s always attached to her), she takes us around the home she shares with her husband Chucho Martinez and gives us some tips on how to keep one’s home in tip-top shape — from sprucing it up to keeping it tidy.
Watch the video below:
Is this your first home with Chucho?
It’s the first house we moved to right before I gave birth to Tyler, as the first house was rented. It looked so different. We changed so many things like we changed all the sliding doors from metal to big glass and wooden ones; repainted all the rooms and removed some walls, changed the garden, etc. We still have the old photos! It’s come a long way!
Is there anything in particular which you collect for your home?
Rugs and candles! And chairs! My kids will even tell you that. I always come home with a new rug or a new chair.
What’s your favorite and least favorite house chore?
I don’t cook. I just don’t enjoy it. I don’t like the smell on my hands. But I love to eat and set the table.
You love plants. Have any tips for those who don’t have a green thumb at all?
I didn’t have a green thumb at all, but I learned so much from the plant suppliers — sourcing them myself and trial and error to figure out which ones are high maintenance, which ones aren’t. I have my faves!
Snake plants are great for air cleansing as they don’t need a lot of water and sunlight so they’re good for keeping indoors. I have one in every room and corner! Fortune plants too, really easy and they can grow big. Fiddle leaves are so pretty but are so high maintenance especially if you keep it indoors. Keep them out and let them be so they’ll bloom!
How do you spruce up your home in such a way that your kids are sure to enjoy staying at home?
All my kids are homebodies! Believe it or not, they would rather stay home. They love their bedrooms, they love ours, and the other spaces we’ve created like our lanai, and even the dining room. I keep our home lush with plants and lots of pillows and different textures all around. I like to keep it cozy. We’re usually always barefoot at home. That says a lot!
What’s one thing you don’t mind splurging on for your home?
FOOD and anything for our home — from bedsheets to furniture, appliances and even plants! They really make a difference. I choose quality and aesthetic for sure.
What’s next on your home shopping wish list?
IT NEVER ENDS. Another painting perhaps, and who knows where I’ll put my next rug or chair … Glasses also, because we need that…and lots of it…candles too, that’s forever!
FAVORITES:
Go-to home brands: Casa Consunji, Philux, West Elm, and Pottery Barn
Websites: Amazon and Net-a-Porter
Book: Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
Artists: Jigger Cruz, Martie Datu, Sid Natividad, Nicole Coson, Matthew Adam Ross, and so many others!
Designers: For everyday wear, I’m really loving Australian labels like Bec + Bridge, CMEO Collective, and Keepsake, among others. Locally, I love Rajo Laurel, Religioso, Boom Sason, Martin Bautista, Patty Ang, and Rosanna Ocampo.
Photographs and video by Jill Fernandez and Carlos Bautista