Let Me Explain

Why do I feel so compelled to explain about some posts I've made?

Anyhoo, just like in any other blog, I have tags/ labels, a feature I love because I'm so OC.
I love categories. Even in my phone, my contacts have categories.

Basically, reason why I'm saying this is that since I blog mainly to document my life and my kids' milestones,

I also blog to earn. There are times when I blog to get paid.

Those entries are under the PHP tag.
For those posts, you would notice they are so mundane but nonetheless true. So please excuse me as I tend to blog about nonsense stuff.

I need money so I can stay home with my baby.

Lots of love,
Lil

Monica Says

So I'm trying to incorporate a few Tagalog words in Monica's vocabulary.

Just the basic ones.

While in the shower,

Me: Can I have water please

Monica: Ok (turns on the faucet)

Me: Salamat.

Monica: No! Not salamat.

Me: Why? Do you know what salamat means?

Monica: Salamat means burger!

I have no idea where that came from!!!

BPI vs Citibank

I've been a BPI customer since God knows when and this is the first time I'm having problems.

Since I don't have a regular work, meaning, I'm a noble SAHM, I'm on a payroll account c/o my husband. I get my salary on month end and by chance, my credit card's due date falls on the last day of the month too. Perfect, I would say.

I've always loved Citibank's service. Consistent.

My Citibank credit card is due tomorrow, December 1 and my Globe postpaid is due on December 5.

I'm having cold sweat right now.

For the first time, I'm disappointed with BPI. I still can't see any changes in my account balance.

I'm really scared.

I don't want to pay any charges that could be avoided.

I make it a point to pay my credit card in full ALWAYS.

I used to ignore the importance of paying in full and knowing cut-offs but it came to a point when I had to run to my sister for help with my tail between my legs.

NEVER AGAIN. That's my promise. NEVER again will I leave balances.

I've done my share of precautionary measure, I called up Citibank and told them about my concern.

They took note of it but can't guarantee any reversal of charges should I pay later than my due date.

Fair enough.

Tomorrow, I will go to ze husband's office and complain.

I need my money ON TIME.

Enough Reason

The copy itself is enough reason.

You see, Norvz and I have this wish or vision of us family wearing the same thing. Not necessarily of the same color as long as the brand is the same.

Case in point, Lacoste apparel. But not now, not while the kids are still growing up so fast and the clothes will be small even before you know it. We're not rich.

Last year, holiday season, we've been setting our eyes on Superga. It only had few styles and colors back then. But it was so basic and so cheap, we wanted it so much.

We never got around to buying it.

I'm not surprised that Superga has its own store in Greenbelt 5. It really has grown.

I initially thought of buying this for Monica then let Mateo use it after. I don't see any point of buying two. Planning it as my Christmas present for her but when I checked the price, wow! Unbelievable! Php 3650
I could have bought it easily if I really wanted to but I can't accept the price. It's not even soft. My number one requirement for kids' shoes. It's a bit heavy for my two-year old.
So, no thank you.

This one I plan to buy for ze husband. I'm so sure he's gonna love this. But he has a lot of shoes already.



As for myself, I'm torn among these colors.
White, simply because I like it simple. Ano daw?? Redundancy ata.


Wild Rose. Pink is not my favorite color (or maybe I'm just in denial). I just like how it brightens up an outfit.


Superga in Red Canvas. Red for me is just like white or black. I consider it a basic color that you can match with any other color.


I think it's perfect for days I feel so lazy to dress up. It's a boring color that I love. :)


For the kids, I'm thinking of getting any of the colors above or these
Yellow or a bright green one which I cannot see in the website or bright blue nowhere to be seen also. A pair of kids shoes is just Php995


I just have to find the perfect timing to buy these.
Perfect timing means credit card cut-off.

I'm a wise spender, don't you think?

Florsheim For Kids

Florsheim, first thing that comes to mind, it was one of Norvz's school shoes back in high school.

I've never really liked them.
So why did I buy kids their own Florsheim.

I don't know what happened, but we never had the chance to go to High Street, me and my kids.

Mateo never really had his own cool shoes. What he's been using is a pair of beat up Inch Blue shoes, a hand-me down from Monica.

I felt so bad for Mateo not having his won shoes. Well, Norvz and I bought him his own limited edition Crocs but it still doesn't fit him. How frustrating!

Then I bought him these super cheap shoes form SM, those Inch Blue/ Robeez copycats worth Php100. They're ugly. Horrible.

I only bought a pair because one time, we forgot to bring Inch Blue.

Anyhow, after my hair color session last week, I dragged my kids to Rustan's thinking of buying another brand.

But since they started playing on the display beds, I couldn't go farther than the Florsheim shelves. Silly excuse!

I'm very particular with kids' shoes. I put more importance on them than on clothes.

Here's what I bought:

Mateo's shoes up close. I like it that it has soft soles. Perfect for kids still mastering how to walk.
Php 1299


Monica's pair. I hope someday I can have shoes like this. I know they're easy to find but you see and as you probably know by now, I'm very maarte and picky. I'll wear only if it's TOD'S or Prada or Bally.

Norvz has no complaints. I love him. That's all that matters.
Php 1399


Now, let me find the time to blog about what I was supposed to buy for the kiddos.

One At A Time. Step One

I've been dying to have my hair colored! I'm trying to achieve a hair color I used to have. If we're friends in Facebook, it's that of my profile photo.

I've also been wanting to go to this trusted stylist I know but he's just too far! Jerome from Piandre in Quezon City. I can't bring my kids in a salon, I'm so sure they will freak out. I don't know how to drive and I can't have someone drive for me. Most likely, I will really have to commute. I don't have a problem with that. Thing is, I don't know how to go there alone.

November 20, I implusively (as always) went to FIX salon in Glorietta 4 for a hair color. I took advantage that the kids were sleeping.

Haste makes waste. I'm not satisifed with my color. I want it lighter.

Aaah!!! When can I ever go to QC????

Read Your iPhone as a Hard Disk

Before converting to Apple from a die-hard Nokia, I prepared myself for the reality of not being able to copy text messages form the phone to the computer.

I'm probably the most sentimental person when it comes to mobile phones. Since year 2000, I made sure I have a copy of all the text messages from my then-boyfriend. My high school boyfriend turned husband. LOVE!

I remember typing each and every text to MS Word or MS Excel. It was such a hassle and a waste of time.

When I converted to iPhone, I still wasn't ready to accept the fact that I can forever lose my text messages. I've searched high and low on how I can be able to save my text messages or import them on my laptop.

I remember even blogging about the free web services to save and import text messages.
They worked for a couple of weeks. And then it seemed like something went wrong.

Good thing I found PhoneView by Ecamm. It was recognized by Macworld as one of the most promising programs for the iPhone.

For only $20, this is what you get:

Perfect!!!!

I couldn't ask for more!

Disclaimer: This is only compatible for Macs.

You Asked, I Answer... Apps

Beth asked:
Where can I download apps for the iPod touch?

Answer:
You can get the apps form the iTunes store. When you buy an iPod touch or an iPhone, you need to have PC with you with installed iTunes. You need iTunes so you can activate the iPod or iPhone.
The process is very simple. Just plug it in and follow step by step instructions. It will ask for your credit card number so you can make purchases form the store.

There are sooo many apps available. When we first got the kids the iPod touch, i promised myself that I will only get the FREE ones. There are tons and tons of them, believe me!

But later on, I can't resist the urge of buying apps for the kids especially when I know they will benefit from it. Most apps are just .99c, and that's just Php 48. CHEAPER than a coloring book :)

I don't think I spent more than .99 US cents.

Mateo, my 1 year old now knows his shapes. Thanks to iPod.

It's also good for practicing their fingers in preparation when they write because they learn how to control their finger movements.

Right now, I already have over a 200 applications for the kids. And only five are paid.

Really BAD News

My father came home with a very bad news for all seafarers and the wives...

Due to recession (all the while I thought, America was catching up. But what the heck do I know about economy, right??)

Anyway, due to recession, wages will be be reduced by 10-20%.

This applies for all agencies. All ranks and levels..

This is heartbreaking. I really feel so weak about this.


It's said that ONLY tanker vessels will be exempted from this.

Ok, fine, recession won't take forever. I'm sure economy will get better.

BUT I'm also sure that it will take a LOOOOONG time before the salary can be increased again.

Why? Simple.

Why would these agencies, even if they can already, raise the salary again when the crew are actually "not complaining" about it. Of course, seamen would just keep working, they really have no choice.

UNLESS, some rule or law will ORDER these agencies to increase the salary again...


I FEEL SO DOWN RIGHT NOW.

It's like all my energy has been sucked out of me.
I don't even feel like talking to my kids...


It would be selfish for me to ask my husband to transfer to tanker. I don't think I can ask him to do that. And I don't think if I can bear the thought/ worry of him in a tanker vessel...

You Asked, I Answer 2

Leslie asked:

for the name of my dermatologist and how much is a session of laser hair removal.

My answer:

Hi Leslie!
Thanks for reading my blog. [Here I go again feeling celebitchy, :) ]

Her name is Dr. Grace Chan. I'm not too sure with the first name. Hahaha.
She holds clinic in QC, i don't know where exactly. Another one along Bayani Road, near Heritage Park. That's where I go.

She doesn't do hospitals anymore because her kids keep her busy. She looks okay coz she was using an LV Speedy 30 and drives a 2009 Honda CR-V. Nothing, at least we know she's not some cheap-y doctor, right?

For the underarm laser hair removal, she charges Php 1500 per session.
That's half of what Facial Care Centre, Skin 101, Dermstrata, Let's Face It, Clarity for Healthway charges. ;-)

If you want her number, leave me a comment with ur email. Don't worry, I won't publish your comment. :)

Some More Curves Story

November 24, I was scheduled to go to Curves for my assessment and also to be convinced to sign up. Hahaha.

Of course, part of the assessment is to check my weight and measure some parts of my body.

Tanya, the Irish girl expat of Curves led me to Detecto.
I was so surprised to see my weight at 106 lbs!!!!! Wow!!! Super wow!! All along I thought I was 108lbs. Two pounds ain't a lot, but for me, that's still 2 bs!!!

And as for my body fat, wow!!!
17.7% equivalent to LOW body fat!!!!!

Double wow!!! I was so ecstatic!

I told her my target is to be back to 100 lbs. but she told me that as it is now, I'm actually underweight. But if I will follow the program I could lose 5 lbs and 5 inches off my waist.

If that's the case, my waist will just be 20 inches???!!!

Hahaha!!! Of course not! I'm just dreaming!

For the record, my waist never went lower than 26 inches.

My body figure is different from common girls.

Most girls are makipot or narrow when looking at them in the front.
But when you look at the side, they are actually makapal. Get what I mean?

As for me, I'm malapad, frontal.
But if you look at the side, I'm actually manipis.

Oh, I hope I am conveying the message properly.

So here I am after my 1st session in Curves.
I bought a few tops for the gym. Non-Nike ones (lust), until I'm not sure yet of how long I will last in this lifestyle.

Do you now understand what I meant with malapad in frontal position?

























How come my body seems photogenic but not in person? (or maybe i'm the only one thinking it looks good in pictures.)

What I'm saying is, it doesn't look like it's been buried in flabs.

I Have A Good Feeling About This

Guess what, I signed up!!!!

Yup I did!

When I went to CURVES in Serendra, (i'll take pictures next time), I loved the atmosphere, the location, the trainers, the music, everything!

I was able to get a discount of 66% from the initial service fee of Php 5000. So I only paid Php 1695 plus monthly membership of Php 1690.

Considering the location, Php 1690 is so cheap already!
Fitness First charges around Php 2500 plus personal trainer of Php 9000, monthly I think, or it per number of sessions?
Gold's Gym, I have no idea but they charge yearly. Although I've heard that if you do the computations, Gold's Gym comes out cheaper than Fitness First.
Slimmer's World?? Should we even include that. Urban legend has it that you have to fall in line to use a treadmill. Nge...

In Curves, I love it that it's exclusive to women. Perfect for me since ze husband is always away. I can avoid gossip--as if I'm a celebitchy. Hahahahaha!!

Plus in Curves, the trainers are always around FREE OF CHARGE!! They will guide you every step of the way.

I did my first 30 minutes this afternoon. It wasn't easy!
BUT it was so much fun!

Now I'm looking forward to go there as much as I can.

(Well, basta walang mga nega sa paligid ko.)

Here are a few pictures from Curves Serendra. I promise to steal some more shots.
Hot and Cold Shower Area


Part of the powder room and shower area


Behind me are the 24 lockers. A maximum of 24 can be accommodated at the center during the 30-minute session.


Can you notice the glow on my face? Thanks to endorphins. I feel so refreshed and energized.

Head on over to Curves Serendra. You can try out the equipments before signing up.
The 66% discount is applicable only this week or for the first 100 members.
Very few have signed up but don't take your chances!
Go to CURVES now!! Serendra, 2nd level beside Padua gallery and SMEG showroom.

Another Attempt

I've lost count.

I've lost count of how many times I tried to include staying fit in my life.

Back in college, my mother funded my membership in Fitness First. It was a passport membership so I had access to any center. During that time, Robinson's Tower along Ayala Avenue was the coolest and nearest area for me since I'd be coming from school. A couple of months after, or probably 4, I got lazy. But I remember saying it got in the way of my thesis completion. So we cancelled the membership.

Not too long after, I was so eager to try out belly dancing and yoga. I can't seem to find a friend with a similar interest and back then, yoga and belly dancing weren't too in. Meaning, you'd really have to go out of your way just to attend classes. My solution, buy a CD compilation of both.

I still have them. Hmm, maybe I could sell them?

Going back, belly dancing was so much fun. It was very sensual. And I loved that. I'm comfortable and I love sexuality and sensuality. BUT as a college student, I found it expensive to attend classes worth Php 600 per session plus fare plus time plus I had to buy accessories. During that time, my concern was to save money so I could go out with NORVZ and eat and buy whatever we liked.

Then I bought YOGA CDsand tried them at home. I did it for a couple of months too. And I swear! Each and everytime, I get so sleepy during the routines. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, I don't know.

I think I'm too active for YOGA. But it's one of my frustrations in life.

Is it so obvious in this blog that I have a lot of FRUSTRATIONS. It's okay, they are of different levels. Hahahaha. Doesn't really affect of how I view life and how I relate with people. :))

+++++++++++++++++++++++
Alright, years have passed, got into a freak accident, got married, got pregnant, gave birth, got pregnant, gave birth and on to the present..

October 2008, I blogged about signing up impulsively with Fitness First again, The Fort branch. The nearest gym. I wasted 6 months worth of fees there. After paying the intial fee, I never came back, I wasn't even able to get my starter kit.

IT WAS A VERY WRONG DECISION.

So I forgot about gym, sulked in my stubborn post-partum weight. I really didn't like looking in mirrors and I didn't have enough appetite for shopping. I only splurged for the kids. That's how I vented it out.

Then I heard about CURVES.

Knowing that it's exclusively for women, I was so sold already. Plus the fact that it's just in Serendra, oh so near! Don't you know that's my future home?? *The SECRET in action*

But the price. I was scared that it might be too steep given the location and that it's a franchise...

Drugs

I woke up today hearing my parents talk about how sick they feel.

My dad complaining about a headache.
My mom complaining about her tummy and a few muscle pains.

Probably my dad is getting tired from working 6 times a week. He's out of the house 12 hours a day except on Saturdays. He's doing part time recruiter right now with his agency. He thinks it will be a good preparation once he retires from taking ship assignments.

As for my mom, I think I may just have to look for Tramadol Drug. I'm sure that will make her feel better. I used to take that when I got out of the hospital after a freak car accident in 2006. It does wonders!

But then again, you see, thing is, my mom is such a worrier. Everything she feels wrong in her body is caused by stress. Everything!

I've been convincing her to seek a therapist for her. To help her think of the brighter side of things. She's so concerned about her age, turning 61, I don't blame her though.

But it's too much, it disrupts her body processes already.

Watch For The Kids

I think I may have a problem. And I don't like it. Seriously.

I have noticed that everytime I buy something, I tend to not be contented with it so I end up buying more.

I don't like it. I have the lowest self-control/ self-discipline EVER!

After buying myself 2 watches (See?!!!), I impulsively bought this LEGO watch for the kids.

Even before getting pregnant with Monica, I've always thought of buying one should the time come.

So, Last Friday, I think..

I walked into this watch store, No Curfew in Market! Market! New Wing and made Monica try it on. She loved it. She didn't wanna take it off.

So I bought it.

I know I could have talked her out of it. But deep inside, I wanted to buy it too.
I'm sure it's of good quality so Mateo can still use it or play with it when he reaches two.

Php 1350, LEGO Classic Watch For Kids.

Heaven

What is heaven for me?
Heaven is being with ze husband. To be in his arms all day and night.

But I have other kinds of heaven when he is no around.

This is heaven...

Assortment of pens in National Bookstore. Haay.

I can spend hours and hours and hours in a bookstore.

Seriously, I love the scent of books and bookstores.

Monica Says

Alright, enough money-making for now. Just for a little while.

After eating, Monica faces me and shows both her hands

Monica: Mommy, look, this one is chicken. This one is rice.

Me: (so puzzled) Huh? What do you mean? You're not a chicken.

Monica: No, This hand is for chicken and this is for the rice. See?

Me: Oh! Hahahaha.. Nice. So only one hand is oily. That's a very bright idea. Good one.

Here's us, while eating. Not on the same day, though.

Mateo sits with me and eats from my plate. I'm still getting used to how he eats. It's hard, especially when I came from Monica who was and still a hassle-free baby. Raising Monica is such a breeze. She's probably the most understanding toddler I know. She understands the logic of things when explained even if she's cranky.

Well, as for Mateo, I'm keeping my hopes up that he will outgrow his signs of being tough and hard-headed. I understand he's a boy and still a baby, but, he can really be too much to handle.
I actually have a theory now which I will try to blog soon.

There's Monica. Easy to feed. Or maybe because she just really loves eating. Hahahaha...

Free TV

Oh, there are just too much to choose from.

Drama, thriller, reality, comedy, action, suspense.. Name it, and I bet there is a show for that!

TV has never been this jampacked since the last decade. And each and every TV series gets so interesting.

Being a mom, I feel like it's so impossible for me to keep up with all the latest TV series. The only quiet time I have is from 12 midnight onwards. But what else can I watch aside from the news at that hour right??

Well, with Spreety, I get to have Free TV Online

Finally,I can watch Gossip Girl and Glee with my darling husband.. peacefully and legally.
Goodbye pirated DVDs!

New Articles

I just finished my movie articles and now I have to complete around 50 titles tackling about Moving Companies Los Angeles. I'm being hopeful because I'm so sure there will be lots of articles online where I can get references.

I really have to work hard for this since the holidays are FAST approaching. I need to raise funds. Whoever said I'm rich???

And besides, everybody could use some extra money.

Please excuse me as I research about articles relating to Los Angeles Moving Companies

When, How, and Where

Didn't I just mention in one of my previous posts that by January, I will only have to wait for 5 months before ze husband comes home?

I'm excited because I feel like it's so soon already which makes me excited to think about family vacation ideas.

We've been planning for it forever! I wonder when will it materialize?

And really, I think I'm willing to give up husband's desire to buy me a 15-inch Macbook Pro for Christmas.

Macbook Pro is like a whopping Php 100K+++, we can probably go to Palawan with that amount, or maybe HongKong with no shopping involved, but where is the fun in that, right? Hahaha..

I have yet to check how much we will be spending on our planned vacation, then again, Monica will be studying next year already.

Aaah!!!

GC NOT Gift Cheques

What I mean with GC is

Gift Cards.

More on Christmas-related topics.

I plan to complete my holiday gifts by next month (read: credit card cut-off, hahaha. just being smart), enough to give me time to think what I could give to more special people around me.

My main concern are my parents. Honestly, what else can I give them that they don't have? Whatever it is that they don't have is surely expensive. Like a massage chair, hell, I can't afford that. Every Christmas season, it's always a problem.

And voila, due to hours and hours of spending time online, I stumbled into one of Oprah's favorite items to give out, the VISA gift cards wherein I can decide how much money I will transfer to the debit card.

This probably solves my holiday ordeal. My parents can just whip out the card and let them decide what they wanna buy.

Thinking it's so impersonal? Like it's not well-thought of?
Well, I'd rather make sure they like what they're getting than try so hard to be personal in choosing the gift but just end up in the closet unused.

What's even better is that you can customize what the card will look like. I personally like to have their photo on the card. This way, fraud can be avoided. And also, they can still keep it as a photo card when they have used up the credits.

And oh, gotta hurry!

Enter the promo code PUMPKIN and get a $2 discount per card ordered.
Offer is good only until November 25.

Postcards

Christmas is just around the corner and though I'm almost done shopping, I'm still on the lookout of what else I can add to the presents.

You see, I've always loved giving presents and I find myself not really contented with just one gift for each person.

So i saw this website online full of postcard templates and I thought maybe I could use this as Christmas cards instead and I could probably send out a few to our relatives abroad.

Aaah, Christmas is just so exciting. It's even more fun if you are blessed to spend on the things you want to give out.

Back on postcards, I wonder if the designs can be customized? Because I'm so vain I want my photo on it! Hahaha. Joke.

Ingenious!

Has it been 2 days?

Two days since I last posted here? Ooh, I've almost drowned from all the articles I was supposed to write and was feeling extremely lackadaisical.

Most of the time I was away here, I was just on Facebook eagerly checking out updates from friends and alternating it with Plants VS Zombies. So addicting these two. It's really not healthy anymore.

So I will be posting a few more entries here since I will be doing more articles in the coming days.

I gotta work really hard, Christmas is fast approaching and bills are not getting any friendlier.

So here's a photo of the kids lounging around in their duvet turned playmat.

At night, though, no matter what, they won't let me cover them up with a blanket. It's just impossible. Once they feel the blanket, they start squirming until the blanket comes off.
Just look at this photo..
Maybe I can make them change their minds if I have a custom-made Photo Blanket? This is such an ingenious product and it just gave me a brilliant idea! will be researching on that soon.

Once I'm done with my articles.

I really just want to raise some money.
I promise no more spending come January. A clean start!

I need to start saving, come January, it will only be 5 months before ze husband comes home.

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I Did It!

And I'm not sure if I can go through it again..

Today was my scheduled first session of laser hair removal.

I told myself I will take pictures and probably a video so I can share here and something I can show to ze husband when he comes home.. NEXT YEAR!! Tagal!

POINTERS:
Should you decide to undergo laser, you will only be required to have your auxiliary hair at 3mm. Very short. Think unshaven underarms for 3-5 days. If it's longer than that, the doctor or aesthetician will have to trim it. Dyahe! Much like what happened to me. Hahaha.

Next, you'll be in for a surprise if you have a mole on your armpits. I do! The doctor will have to cover it up so laser won't go through it. That is NOT safe!


So I failed to take a picture or a video because I was too preoccupied with the thought of how much it would hurt.

She used EpiFree Radiancy Machine. It looks exactly like this

EpiFree – The Professional Light-based Permanent Hair Removal System
Parlain has newly introduced professional light-based hair removal system EpiFree into Hong Kong and China market. This equipment is developed by the Israel company, Radiancy, which adopts their patented LHE® (Light & Heat Energy) Microphototherapy to bring us the new effective hair removal system. EpiFree utilizes specific light wavelengths and pulse durations to selectively target and coagulate the melanin found in hair follicles with minimal effect to the surrounding skin tissue. With Epifree, permanent hair removal will be achieved under the professional, painless and safe treatment under simple operation. The manufacturer, Radiancy, obtains the EN ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 and the equipment has been successfully obtained the CE certificate for their guaranteed quality. When compare with the Intense Pulsed Light and Laser hair removal equipment, the user can experience a 50% faster result by EpiFree!

After trimming the hair, she applied Cetaphil on the area and wiped it dry then she applied a really cold pack. Probably to numb the skin a little.

I heard a beeping sound from the machine, signaling her that it's ready, she presses down the razor-like thing on my underarm and a red light flared out of the "gun"

The feeling?

It felt like I have been snapped with a THICK rubber band that is REALLY HOT!

In one armpit, she probably "gunned" me around 12-15 times.

I kept thinking and reliving the moment when I first tried to stand up after going through a CS operation. Do you remember the feeling when the uterus goes down and shrinks and tries to go back from its place? Of course that situation hurt more, but that was 2 years ago!

While I was there, I kept thinking:

ALL FOR VANITY.
ALL FOR BEAUTY.

I'm scheduled to go back next week.

I think I'm gonna have to take a rest for a couple of weeks first..

Bahala na.

You Asked, I Answer...

Pauline asked where I bought the kids' iPod Touch..

We bought it in Anson's Makati last August right before Ze Husband left for work.
Why? Because at that time, their CASH price was cheaper than iStudio and Power Mac.
It cost us Php 10500 for cash.
For card, it's around Php 11800

We bought just the 8GB version thinking it would be hard to use up.

In iStudio, if you will pay by cash, 5% will be deducted. Deferred payment up to 6mos.

Power Mac is always the most expensive.

An iPod touch becomes an investment because depending on the apps you will install, the kids will REALLY learn a lot.

Mateo knows his shapes already and some nursery rhymes.
Monica practically know all the basics.
Aphabets
Phonics
Shapes
Colors
Numbers

The possibilities are endless! :))

Goodluck on your iPod Touch.

Get a larger memory, i suggest. :))


Lil

Dream BIG

This is a rundown of the watches I aim for.
I don't have a collection and this is not my obsession.

I really just want to have one of these. Too much if I get everything. :))

First, a Cartier. I was in college when I started lusting over this. I'm just a bit iffy with how the roman numeral 1 and 5 are placed. Nakaka OC.

SANTOS DE CARTIER
GALBÉE WATCH, LARGE
MODEL

++++++++++++++++++

I think this one would look better on me.

SANTOS 100 WATCH, LARGE
MODEL

Next Cartier watch I'm lusting for is this..

LOVE WATCH, QUARTZ, WHITE GOLD,
DIAMONDS, WHITE FABRIC STRAP

There is so much more
But lemme post this for now as I am swamped with my articles due tomorrow.

Goodluck to me! :)

Vision Board Upcoming

Standby as I try to post my "dream big" watches....

Patek Philippe


Cartier


Tag Heuer

TW Steel

Loot For The Day

Confession:

I refuse to wear a watch. I once swore that I will ONLY wear a watch if it was a:
- Patek Philippe
- Cartier
- TW Steel
- Tag Heuer (this is probably the cheapest among the 4)
- or Lacoste, if I have to be forced. And also for the love of the brand.


Ok, I don't dream or I don't have plans of collecting watches. I do know that it adds "oomph" to any outfit and it can say a lot about a person. But really, I do not wish to have a Rolex, an Omega, a Bulgari, an IWC, Jaeger, not even Philip Stein.


My only requirement is that it has to be oversized.

Five years ago, I realized my arm doesn't look good in girly and tiny watches.

BIG ones flatter my arm the most. And I think it suits my personality more.

Believe me, I've tried a lot of times, the small ones, they just won't do it.

Anyway, i admit that it's gonna take years before I can actually afford my dream watch, that would be Patek. And because I got bored in the mall today. And also I wanna try to teach Monica how to tell time, I've decided to give in and buy a Swatch.

The kids won't be able to resist wearing them and learning time would be fun because of the colors. I bought two watches.


I'll let my kids have this in due time. I'm sure Swatch can stand the test of time. Php 2700

The second one has a box like this. I was told it's a numbered collection, meaning it's limited and produced around a hundred, i think.

Inside the box. Php 4500

See, in any watch, in any type or any brand, I have one problem. It can never fit my tiny arm.

So weird. My wrist is so thin, they won't fit perfectly.

But don't take my word for it because I haven't really dared wear or try on a Patek.
With a Tag, the watch stays an inch away from my wristbone.

Oh well.

But wait, after these 2 purchases, I have this urge of buying more Swatches.

The designs are so fun and cute.

Yikes.

I'd Rather

It's no secret that Manny Pacquiao is known to be a philandering husband.

Given his status and money, I'm sure girls would love to be around him.
Even if, truth be told, he had a face like that. Even if he didn't have the height or gift of gab specifically in English.

Jinky or Jinkee is not shy to flaunt all her material assets, Chanel, Hermes, jewelry and a lot more.

But really, if I were in her place, I wouldn't be satisfied with just money.

I want and I need faithful husband.

Am i jealous or envious of what she can afford?
Maybe. But it won't make me wish to be in her position.

I'd rather be in a position where I can afford stuff and save up for the high ticket items and have a monogamous and loving husband.

Unlike her who can buy whatever she fancies in a whim.

No, thank you.

I have a better life and marriage.

Bath Time

My kids have skin asthma.
They have really sensitive skin, they can't be in either too cold or too hot places.

I have to be very careful with the products I buy or use on them.
It's always trial and error and that results to wasted money too.

Monica was just 3 months old when her pedia informed me that she has eczema or dry skin or commonly referred to as skin athma. It can be outgrown. Some other situations, it can't be.
Too bad.
But at least it's just skin.

I've lost count of all the products I tried on them.

A few months back, I realized that it helps if i try to keep changing soaps and shampoos on them like every 2 weeks or so.

The most promising soap I use on them is the one by ByNature Handmade Soap, Baby Blue.
I swear my life on it, it really, really works! When my kids start to develop rashes, it's what I use right away, and in two days, they're gone!

My husband told me to use Ivory soap for the kids, the imported one. That works too. That's what he used when he was little, he had skin asthma too.

Now, I interchange all these soaps with Sappo Hill Oatmeal Soap from Healthy Options

Php 110. A bit pricey but it's okay.

Next is Aveeno Baby hair and body wash. This does wonders too on my babies' skin. Expensive at Php 500. Its scent is very light and gives off that amoy-baby scent. But now they are toddlers meaning super active, I can't use it for their hair anymore. I buy this in S&R, Php 1000 for two bottles and it comes with a lotion of the same kind.

Aveeno's good for my babies' skin.

Right now, I use two kinds of shampoo for the kids.

This is Suave Wild Watermelon. It's so cheap in the US but not here. Php 200 per bottle. I splurge for the kids' bath products because when I try to give them the "more affordable" ones, they itch and they rash and then we have to go to the doctor, in effect, i spend more.

This I discovered by accident. I didn't notice Monica toss it in the grocery cart. Php 180

It doesn't give them itch as well.













Now, you might want to stay away from this shampoo if your kids have sensitive skin or asthma. This shampoo, though cheap, gave my kids irritations. It was such a hassle. They kept scratching that turned to boo-boos. Kawawa. My kids were so uncomfortable and would cry in the middle of the night complaining that their backs and legs itch. Also the tummy.
Imagine, the product is so harsh, even if I don't use it as soap, the rinse gives them the rashes.

FLIP Ultra For SALE!

I recently bought a FLIP Ultra 60mins.
It was last Wednesday in Anson's Makati, out of sheer impulse.

I am selling it now. Why? Because I really wanted a different one. I thought I'd be satisfied with it, but since I've already set my eyes on Zi8, it can't be changed.

Anyway, I bought this at Php 4995

I will sell it for only Php 4000.
Note that Flip Ultra 30mins is at the same price.

What I have is 60 minutes and it's just 3 days old as of this writing.

It has the complete box set, together with plastic.

Look, even the lens still has the plastic. I take care of my things very well.

NO scratches.
NO defects.
NO faults.

It also comes with a soft carrying case and lanyard.

If interested, please email me at liljasmine30[at]hotmail[dot]com
or message me in facebook

OR leave a comment with your name and number.
DONT WORRY, I will not publish your number.

Looking forward!

Vessel Tracking and Sweets

I am so in love with my husband, I wanna know where he is exactly at all times.

Am I clingy? No.
Does he think I'm clingy? I don't think so. We've been together for so long that he knows I mean well. We've had a lot of arguments before about me having to know where he goes. But he has later on realized how important it is for me and the value of knowing. He understood that if there was nothing to hide, why not inform me of his whereabouts. And I do the same.

When he's in the ship, I miss him so much that I really find ways so I can reconnect with him even if it's just me. I just need to feel in love all the time.

Oh no, I don't think I'm making sense here. Rambling is ze word.

Anyhow, when they are on long voyage, meaning 10 or more days of no signal. I get really sad and worried.

I can bear the sadness BUT NOT worry.

So what I do, I try my best to track their ship online.
I know they just left Singapore and on their way to Nigeria. Two weeks or more. Tagal!!!

Tonight, this is what I found,
And it reads:

The Beluga Family on a northbound transit of the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. The Beluga Family is a heavy lift multipurpose dry cargo vessel registered in Antigua and Barbuda.

I try to zoom in the pictures as much as I can, hoping maybe I could catch him somewhere there.
Haay..

Image like this makes me feel I was there too. I feel secure knowing I can see where they passed.

I really love my husband more than anything.

I love him more than our kids.
Don't ask me why. It's just like that.
We are like that.
We've come to that conclusion.

Am I bad mother for having said that?
No. I don't think so.

Sweetest!

Call me shallow, but Ze Husband is the sweetest of the sweetest!

They were in Singapore for bunkering, just for a good 8 hours.

He wasted no time and bought a call card.

Our initial conversation was this.

Me: How much yang call card?

HIM: $14 for an hour

Me: Ang mahal naman!

HIM: Ganon talaga pag nagmamahal, mahal!

Then we both laughed. He was trying to be funny but it was so cute! So sweet!

That's why I love him to bits and pieces!

Love, love, love, love!!!!

Gambling Online

I haven't had any real form of gambling. I'm such a saint. NOT!

Well, my greatest attempt at gambling was when I was in high school and would play lucky 9 with my friends. Nothing big, just .50c

I've always wanted to go to casinos but I'm afraid that I'll get so hooked. I know myself very well.
Just look at this photo taken last month when we went to San Miguel By The Bay. There's the whole family around that coin-eating machine. We all went crazy with that game. The idea is to shoot a coin inside and the plate will push the coin towards the other coins that must drop, that's how you win.

We probably spent more than a thousand pesos there, it was so addicting.

On one of my nightly dates on the internet, i found this online casino which I think is "safer" for the kind of person that I am. Since it's billed in pounds, I can limit myself. They accept various types of payment, so convenient!

They don't only offer poker, they have games and slot machines too. And once you refer your friends, you can earn credits too.

November 10 in Snaps

Mateo, in Market! Market! outside Healthway. I had to accompany my mom to see a few doctors. Opthalmologist, Internal Medicine, and EENT for her ears.

I had a dinner date with my SuPerFriends (grade school friends) so I asked my mom to just bring my kids home. Knowing the bagets would cry once they realize I'm not in the car with them, I decided to buy a few stuff from National Bookstore (you have to keep me away from those wastelands)

It didn't really cost much. The coloring book for Php 50, markers for Php 38 and the clay for Php 20. No wonder it was so hard to knead. Nothing else comes close to Play-Doh.

By the way, they still cried in the car. Sheesh..

Bought them these sticker and coloring books. They are very much into stickers now. Especially Monica who likes completing the stickers to color the pictures. Mateo just sticks them all over his body.

+++++++++
My sinful loot for the day. I think I'm taking a break from buying pens. I'm into notebooks now. I'm really starting to think I keep buying these things because I wanna go back to school badly.

Alright, the one on top left, I bought only because I liked the paper quality. Smooth and thick, the leaves are beige and the lines are hot pink--> that's the selling point! As it is obvious again, the top right notebook, i love it that it's plain and thought it would be nice to write my "curiosity topics" there. The Sabrina notebook, honestly, I can't remember why I bought it. Promise.

I don't understand why I keep buying planners. I really don't. Probably it's my unconscious telling me that I am so obsessed about planning but never really get to fulfill my plans? The red one is weekly planner, so cheap at Php 200. Purple one is daily planner at Php 200 also, both are from Best Buy. I actually think they're Moleskine copycats as they even come with an elastic band. When I got home, I honestly didn't know what I'll do with all 6 planners. The small one, the one with the car is so cheap I just had to buy it, Php 20.

The giant yellow notebook reminds me of the ones I used back in college, only, it was MEAD. Well, I'm not in college so I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I buy one, I resorted to this Php 65 notebook. So cheap, right?? The one I'm holding, I don't know too, where I'll use it. I just had to have it, pretty colorful leaves.

The three planners I have. Cuh-raazy!!

It's an obsession!!! I know they come cheap but if you sum them all up together, SINFUL!!
I have some more but I refuse to take pictures, they are the ones that are bad for the wallet.

But seriously, I think I have to stop spending on all these things. Bookstores are such wastelands for me. Once I smell fresh books or paper, it really lures me in. Promise.

++++++
Other things I love right now

And lastly, for my next project/ splurge, I will be using this,

I am planning to have most of our digital pictures printed and turn them to scrapbooks or if I get lazy, self made photo albums. This glue claims to not make photos turn yellow or leave residues. Php 96

I am egg-zited!!
Currently, sorting thousands of photos to be developed.

This has been a very long post..