Cutty

Temptation is everywhere these days.  It is getting harder and harder to hold on to our cash.  Online sales are happening every month.  Retail establishments in malls are trying hard to boost sales during this pandemic.  If you know me, you'd know that this it the ultimate time to test my EQ.   In the days leading up to the biggest holiday of the year, let us be mindful of our retail practices.  

If you have balikbayans or tourists who need to shop for pasalubong, I suggest taking them to the Duty Free Fiesta Mall. They have this current promotion called Peso Power.  How does it work?  If you pay for your purchases in Peso, it will be converted using the P39 to $1 rate. If you are going to pay in any other currency, you get a 10% duscount in your purchases. You get to save a lot on groceries and chocolates. I hoarded the usual stuff: corned beef, spam, detergent, toiletries.  If you are buying luxury items, you will surely get a great deal because you get it tax free PLUS you get the additional discount. It is hard to let this opportunity pass. Hehehe, I didn't.  I haven't gone in months so I was surprised to see the new layout and the new brands. Pandora's there now. Heys luggage is also there. Penguin is about to open too. Victoria's Secret occupies a big space that used to be the Premier members' lounge. Ben and Jerry's will have an area near Hersheys...

Since last quarter of 2011, I've been pining for this pair.  I only acquired this a few weeks ago, from my hard-earned baking money. Somewhere between saving up and acceptance (of not getting it), I realized that I was compensating for the "loss" with several other pairs of shoes.  Oxfords from H&M   Jelly shoes from Melissa    My replacement Fitflops   Sparkly shoes from Payless What's the lesson in this?  I could've just bought that first pair with all the money I spent on the others.  But, where's the fun in that?  I'm close to broke but I'll live. 

As soon as we got back from Vic's office's annual Trick or Treat, Johann dumped all their goodies on the bed.  Both big and small Kuyas were excited to sort through their loot.  They got their usual favorites, jelly ace and a few Hershey's kisses.  They recently discovered Flat Tops and Curly Tops, so Javi horded them too.  This is the start of their love affair with candy. Before going to the office, we had to bribe them with candy just to get them dressed up.  "I don't like candy!"  That's what they said.  Ha! So now, they know what Trick or Treat is about.  I had to play cop and ration their treats to 3 pieces each.  Otherwise, we'd be battling tonsilitis tomorrow.  For sure, we won't have problems making them dress up next time. -------------------- Speaking of treats, the kids weren't the only ones who came home with them.  While the boys were with Daddy, I went to BHS with Bettina.  I came  home with these.....

It seems that my trip is very timely.  When I arrived last week, I didn't realize that Australia is having the Financial Year End Sale.  But, it was of no use to me.   Everything is really expensive here. What I am looking forward to is the Great Singapore Sale.  Since I had to stay the night in Singapore for my connecting flight to Manila, I decided to stay a bit longer so I can explore the city.  I managed to book the latest flight in the afternoon so I had at least 6 hours to waste on Orchard Rd.  Nyehehe! Oh SIA, why do I only have 20kgs?  Sa vino pa lang kulang na.

It was a whirlwind trip, right from the start. After 10 million years, I eventually received my Australian Visa last Wednesday.   Two hours later, after talking my mother into looking after the kids while I'm gone, my ticket is ready.  Since I've been monitoring the airfare rates to Oz and back, I already knew which flights I'll be getting.   Thank God for online booking! I arrived in Adelaide on Friday morning.  I got in just in time for the long weekend.  It was the Queen's birthday, you know. While Vic was in the office, I explored the Rundle Mall and the Central Market. The following day was spent touring around Victor Harbor and Glenelg courtesy of Filipino friends.  Sunday was for hearing mass, shopping in Ikea and doing chores.  Monday was Wine Tasting day at the Barossa Wineries.  Today, Tuesday, I checked out the local outlet shops.  I have a few more days left before I head back home to my children.    ...

I've been meaning to replace my face powder for weeks now. I've been using a cheapangga brand and I can feel it on my face.  I can also see the effect it has.  My complexion has changed and I don't blame it all on lack of sleep.  However, I only remember that when it is time to put on "my face." So, yesterday, before going to the grocery, I made a quick visit to the cosmetics section.  I went back to one of my tried and tested brands and I found out that they released a new variant.   I was so pleased when I tested it over the counter.  Though it comes with great coverage, it doesn't feel heavy.  It also has this cooling effect on the skin.  Don't you think it's perfect for summer? It is P300 more expensive than the other kind but I guess that's because the brush applicator is of better quality.   I thought it was such a bargain at first.  Then, I saw how much Target retails the item.  I could have gotten it for half th...

Our passports were delivered just before lunch today. By 5PM, we've already booked our flights. My mind is working overtime. I'm already making a shopping list. My mind's thinking of what to bring and what food to feed my kids in an unfamiliar territory. I've checked out the weather forecast as well as the car-rental service. I'll be purchasing a set of car seats and will have them shipped in time for our arrival. I've gotten hold of cousins I haven't seen in years. A get-together is being conceptualized at this time. My mind is thinking: P.F. Chang's, outlet stores, Bath and Body Works, Crate and Barrel.... How I wish we can afford a trip to the East Coast. Hay, excited much? Di naman. Di nga ko makatulog eh. But, seriously, I feel guilty for leaving Bettina a day after her party. Speaking of Bettina's birthday party, I need to put this aside so I can focus on that. I still haven't finalized my caterer, giveaways supplier, decors and...

Buti pa si Mama papunta na ng HK. Gusto kong sumama pero di pwede talaga . Gusto kong mag-shopping na parang andami kong pera. Hehehehe =P Antayin ko na lang mag July. Meron kaming 5hour lay-over. Pwedeng pumuslit puntang Canton Road at mag dimsum.

Before the year ended, our family flew to one of my favorite shopping destinations. After making the first shopping stop at Toys R Us, the appeal of the city lost its luster to the kids. They were once again invigorated when we made our way to... where Johann and Javi met their latest favorites... Though we didn't get to see any of Disney Cars' characters in Disneyland, we found them at the Venetian in Macau... The trip was extra special, specifically to Javi, because he got to ride almost all forms of transportation (bus, boat, plane and train) for the first time. Unfortunately, he was asleep when we rode the train back to the city. It was a good thing that Johann was awake to remember the ride. The kids witnessed the dragon dance along Canton road... listened to the bagpipers in the airport... and had their picture taken with one of our known lady lawmakers... I am more particularly proud of my eldest because he has proven to be quite a young traveler. He wanted to...

My mother and I arrived last night from our 4 day stay in Bangkok. Needless to say, I was so tired from the trip that we were all asleep by 9PM. We spent the first two days shopping. Half of the third day was spent in bed recuperating from an upset stomach. Monday morning was also devoted to getting better. Being alone with my mother proved to be beneficial and unfavorable at the same time. With her, I got to be a kid again. It was nice to feel that I didn't have to look out for anyone. She took care of the food, the itinerary, the meds and other mommy-related stuff. Unfortunately, I'd had to put up with her unsatiable urge to shop. We no longer had room in our luggage, she still bought stuff. Twenty minutes before our pick-up schedule, she hied off to the nearest mall. So now, I am back to my responsibilities. New challenges and concerns welcomed me. Hay, back to earth na talaga.

Vic and I spent last weekend in Hong Kong for our much needed break. As parents of three kids aged three and below, we need to find time to be together as a couple. * We left the kids with my parents. I went to HK with a list in mind. I was set on buying a bag (again), or a watch plus some clothes and shoes for the kids. I already had a list of stores I am planning to visit. I wanted to go to Macau because the big hotels weren't there when I last visited the place. I wanted to go the Peak also. But, Vic didn't want to. He just waited while I shopped. Sometimes, we went our separate ways so he can get his toys. Nakakahiya , we didn't do anything touristy in this trip. It was basically a shopping trip. Okay lang . We didn't get to do much of that last time. I was deprived of shopping last time I was in HK . So, pardon me if I don't have any pictures to show you. Day 1: As soon as we've checked in, we had some money changed to the local currency, had...

Besides being declared as a special non-working holiday, it is much awaited because of this

I was able to go after all. Apparently, there was no need to feel sorry for myself for missing the sale . Hehe. I went on the third day. Most of the racks and stands were already empty. It was obvious that the remaining items were "napagpilian" already. A lot of people swarmed all over the Lacoste boutique. Even if they were on sale, they're still quite expensive. Generally speaking, most of the fire sale items I saw were 30% off the retail price. There were very few at 70% off the regular price. Maybe that's why the lines aren't that long anymore. There were lots of people though the crowd was manageable. I was hoping to get Bettina's baptismal garb but it wasn't on the racks. I was also hoping that the perfume I've been eyeing since March is on sale. Unfortunately, it is not. I didn't get a bag, though Vic said I could get one as his Mother's Day present (plus birthday, Valentine's and giving birth to Bettina). There was noth...

Rustan's is having a sale and I am stuck at home!!! Items affected by the fire are at 70% discount. Knowing that luxury items are the ones directly above the fire, I'm hoping to score some of those. But NO! Nandito ako sa bahay. Sana meron pa matira by the weekend. I first heard about the sale last Sunday, when I got gifts for the doctors who attended to me and my third baby. I asked the cashier at M&S when the department store is set to open. She informed me that Rustan's will be having a sale on May 5th. I've been looking forward to this, however, I heard that the lines are so long. I'm planning to slip out for just a few hours but I don't think that is going to work. It's so disheartening. Oh well.

Believe me, mapapabili ka even if you don't have plans on buying. Towels are buy1take1 for 500, bathmats are buy1take1 for 300, 300 thread count pillowcases are buy1get1 for 250. Expect long lines getting into The Fort branch. The lines were much shorter at the Congressional branch.

Now that I am about to enter the last trimester of this pregnancy, I am having great difficulty in getting the appropriate thing to wear. I used to get a lot nice stuff from Havin A Baby and Gingersnaps. But when I frequent their stores these days, I am quite disappointed with their display. HAB has become really expensive. I would have patronized them if their quality has improved. Would you believe that they've gotten more expensive than Gingersnaps? Most of their newly-released blouses are nearly P1K. Gingersnaps, on the other hand, has some nice items at a less expensive price. The only problem is the silhouette of the shirts. They're often loose and baggy, something that a pregnant woman wouldn't want to don when she's feeling like an over-blown balloon. It's nice to know that Mothercare and Bayo's maternity lines are quite nice. I'm glad to see that most of the maternity basics, like jeans, underwear and shirts are from 40% to 70% off in Mother...

Right after breakfast this morning, Vic and I trooped to S&R to get some items. I wanted to stock up on items for the rainy days. Another reason is this... Needless to say, it was full of people panic-buying and people taking advantage of the good deals. Our carts barely had space to go around. There were lots of buy 1, take 1 items like sheets sets, pillow cases, bath sponges and dinner candles. I got several of the Martha Stewart candles (P29, buy 1 take 1) for the coming Undas. Sunbeam knife sets with stand were sold at P350. Vic was disappointed that the Webber outdoor grill he wanted was no longer available. One big boo-boo of the day was the Hagen Daaz strawberry ice cream that we thought was only P300. I was scanning my receipt earlier, only to find out that we paid WAY more than that. The promo tag was VERY misleading. As soon as I got back, I called the store to have them check the item at the shelf. Best buys from today: > Lifetime foldable tables at P2000. ...

After three days of going around, we finally managed to go down to The Strip. As expected, I paid homage to the shops at the Bellagio. I braved myself to enter Chanel. I wanted to check out if I can afford one of the items in my wishlist. Apparently, I can. However, if I choose to purchase it, I'd have no shopping money for the remainder of the trip. I also have the option to pay cash for the half of the price then charge the rest to my card. Still, I can't get over the fact that I can buy 1 LV and 1 Gucci for the price of the Chanel. However, if I choose not to get it, I know it will haunt me forever. Ugh! The SA was so helpful. She showed me the stuff I want to see. She even told me that Chanel ships to Manila. My next concern was the sales tax. She said that there'll be no sales tax but she doesn't know how much I'd have to pay Customs to release the bag. There is also a 12-day exchange policy for unused and unworn bags. She really is making it very...

Warning: This post may bore you. I am composing an online schedule for the week. We're leaving for Taipei this Saturday. Usually, the week before we leave our families is the most hectic week. Like most moms, I am trying to spend as much time as I can with my kids. It is not so easy to do. It is also the same week that gets swamped with rehearsals, sectionals, errands and other stuff we need to prepare for when we're away. Some people had to do advance work so they won't be too far behind when they get back. I did what I planned to do today. I failed to do a few items but I think I can catch up tomorrow. Just this afternoon, I shopped for two weeks' worth of groceries, paid my bills, confirmed my international roaming activation, purchased a memory stick and spent some time with my kids. When I arrived home, I sorted out the stuff that needs to be brought to Marikina (where my kids will stay when Vic and I are away) and to my luggage. I also had a few minut...