Christmas Tree Heaven: Tamilee Decors

Photo by Hustvedt










I was in Christmas tree heaven this morning.

Tamilee Decors was on the way home so I decided to drop by and take a peek at their latest collection. Their trees are gorgeous -- even the undecorated ones!

I stood in front of one undecorated tree for more than 5 minutes trying to figure out how they attach the lights. From what I observed, the strings of light are tightly wrapped around each branch. These people got tree decorating down to a science.

Tamilee Decors
325-A P. Guevarra St.
San Juan, Metro Manila
Tel. No. 724-9110

I'm going back sometime this week to buy the candle holder I wanted. They don't accept credit cards so I have to remember to bring cash or my husband next time. They accept checks but I don't know if this rule applies to non-regular customers.

Tip: If you need to park, enter the open gate on the left side of the shopwindow. The gate on the right is where you come in if you have a driver.

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Teary Over Nido Commercial

It's that time of the month. I get all teary eyed when I watch this commercial.

I am dedicating this video to all my Plurk buddies.



Thank you Spraky24 for the video and lyrics!

"You're My Number One"
Lyrics by: Sandy Sulit
Music by: Caloy Agawa
Performed by: Sharon Cuneta, with daughters Frankie and Miel Pangilinan

Look at me mom
Shining like the sun
Bright as the day
You're my number one

And there's no treasure
That i will cherish like you

And when i smile
They all see you glow
And they all know
You're my number one

My one and only joy
Is to give you my love

(bridge)
My one love for you
I give through and through
I see you and the signs that bring joy
That all the world can see so clearly

Look at me mom
Shining like the sun
Bright as the day
You're my number one

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Wardrobe Inventory: Tops

GAP Photo from People













WARDROBE INVENTORY: WEEK 3

TOPS

The Lucky Shopping Manual suggests the following:

MUST HAVES...

6 Work Tops
3 Fun Tops
4 Weekend Tops

ADD...

More Fun Tops

MY WARDROBE

• More than enough work tops. I'm turning them into preppy-wife tops.
  
• A lot of weekend tops.

I need...

• Fun tops. I'm guessing fun tops mean gimmick/night out tops.
  
• That elusive classic white button-down shirt. Help me find one!

I fitted all my tops and I had to let go of around 10 pieces. My white tops also need some Tide Ultra.

Note on T-shirts:

Both Giordano and Bench discontinued their basic black t-shirts! Why?!?!? The fabric Bench is now using is lighter and stretchier. I like the older one better because it's more forgiving. The new one is too clingy for my taste.

How's your inventory coming along?

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Holiday Planning: Oh, Christmas Tree! (Week 4)

Holiday Tasks for the Week (28 September to 4 October):

1. Visualize Your Perfect Tree

• Surf for the latest trends in Christmas tree decorations.
  
• Go around the malls for inspiration. Their Christmas tree showcases are now up. Try to take a picture when the salesperson is not looking.
  

2. Inventory Your Christmas Decorations

• Are you buying a new tree? A bigger tree this year means more decorations.
  
• Are you changing your theme?
  
• Are all your poinsettias still intact? The balls still shiny? The lights still twinkling?
  

3. Start Shopping

• Go to Divisoria soon! According to the experts (my Plurk mommy-buddies) the best time to go is before mid-October .
• The malls are now selling Christmas decors. Prices will go up as Christmas nears.
  

4. Declutter Your Home

• Make room for the decorations. It is hard to imagine how you will decorate a room with clutter all around the place.
• Prepare your home for holiday guests. Make an inventory of extra towels and sheets.
  

Note: I'm following the holiday planning schedule of Cynthia Townley Ewer. Check out her website -- Organized Christmas

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Adobo and the China Food Scare

I wanted to cook Marketman's Adobo, Gata at Sili for dinner tonight but I was worried about the canned coconut milk in our pantry. I remember the can having some Chinese writing so, to be safe, I decided to cook something else.

I won't be eating adobo tonight, but all is not lost. After learning that Marketman used coconut milk from Thailand, I immediately checked our pantry. Luckily, our coconut milk is also made in Thailand and not China as I first thought. Whew! It's going to be adobo for lunch tomorrow.

Ate S on the China Food Scare

The China food scare is making even Ate S nervous. When I handed her the coconut milk, she kept on asking if I was sure it was not made in China. I had to explain to her that the writings in the can are Thai and not Chinese. I also pointed to her the words "PRODUCT OF THAILAND".

I am trying to access the BFAD site for the partial list of products pulled out from the groceries but the site is down. In the meantime, Ate S is removing the China-made products in our pantry.

UPDATE: I got the partial list from ABS-CBN News. Get it here.

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Sexification and Beautification: Soup Diet

Last night, Ate S and I made a big batch of Toni's fat-burning soup. (Check out the complete recipe and step-by-step pictures in http://wifelysteps.com.)

To be honest, the diced green vegetables with the tomato juice did not look appetizing at first. What was I thinking? I already spent P300 for the ingredients and I there I was having second thoughts about the the whole soup diet thing.

I watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition while Ate S took over the cooking. After the show, still teary eyed (I always cry after watching that show), I went to the kitchen to check up on the soup.

Ate S and M were grinning. They were so sure that I will not eat the vegetable soup. I was nervous. I asked them if they wanted to eat soup with me but they shook their heads. Bah! They'll see. O ye, of little faith!

Well, I showed them. I ended up eating 3 BOWLS of soup that night. It was really good, something I'll eat even if I'm not on a diet.

My diet officially starts today and will end Wednesday next week. Wish me luck!

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How to Fold T-Shirts

Compare this t-shirt stack to the photo in my post yesterday.

It's driving me crazy! I want my pile to line up perfectly. Aaaarggghhh...

What's a SAHW to do? Well, I spent the whole morning searching for a video on how to perfectly fold shirts.

Here are the results of my research.

First, there are obsessive-compulsive folders out there. Most of them used to work in GAP. (Remember Reality Bites?) There's this guy who automatically folds messy shirts in stores when he goes shopping. Read the article here.

Second, there is a magical way of folding shirts. I first found a YouTube clip demonstrating the technique but the woman in the video spoke Japanese. Luckily, Martha Stewart has an English version. See the video here.

(But the boys might find this video more interesting.)

Third, there are gadgets out there for folding t-shirts. My favorite is FlipFOLD. If you're planning to give me one for Christmas, I want the green one. If you like crafts, you can make me one. See the instructions here.

Fourth, aside from the GAP fold, there is also a Disney fold. Read the article here.

Fifth, although there are tons of posts on the GAP way of folding t-shirts, there is not one instructional video on how to do it (although there is a video on folding jeans). I heard they use plastic boards when they fold. One woman suggests using a chopping board as a guide. Please help me find a video.

That's it. Happy folding.

How do you fold your shirts?

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Wardrobe Inventory: T-Shirts

Photo by LTgate


WARDROBE INVENTORY: WEEK 2

T-SHIRTS

The Lucky Shopping Manual suggests the following:

MUST HAVES...

2 Good White Tees
2 Good Black Tees
4 Tanks
1 Striped Tee
1 Henley or Polo

ADD...

Solid tees in unpredictable colors
Fun tees

MY WARDROBE

• 2 black tees. My favorite black Bench shirt is starting to fade. I don't like wearing the other Giordano v-neck t-shirt.
  
• TONS of graphic tees. What was I thinking?!?! C actually hates my logo/message/graphic t-shirts. She says I'm too old to be still wearing them.
• 4 Hello Kitty tees
• 18 collared/polo tees of different fits.
  
• 3 long-sleeved tees.
  
• 12 solid-colored tees

I need...

• 2 good black tees
  
• 2 good white tees
• 1 striped tee
• 1 henley
• 1 black polo tee
  

I'm going to Giordano and Bench later.

How's your inventory coming along?

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Holiday Planning: Off With the Old, On With the New (Week 4)

Holiday Tasks for the Week (21 to 27 September):

1. Make Room for Things to Come

• Throw or give away old toys and other unwanted stuff around the house.
• Your DS Lite no longer working? Add iTouch to your Christmas wish list.

2. Start Home Improvements

• Showcase your house this Christmas. Do your home improvements early and avoid the Christmas rush.

3. Window-shop for Potential Gifts

• Armed with your list and budget, start scouting bazaars and malls for potential gifts.
• If you see a gem, buy it now!
  

4. Write Christmas Wishes

• Set a deadline for sending your Christmas Cards.
• Start writing as early as now. If you make two a day, you'll be all set my mid-November.

Note: I'm following the holiday planning schedule of Cynthia Townley Ewer. Check out her website -- Organized Christmas

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Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Hike We Go (Updated)

For the love of CCB, I am going hiking tomorrow!

It's good that my husband loves her as much as I do because he'll be the one lugging all the stuff I want need to bring for the trek.

Here is a list of what I packed in HIS backpack.

Water
Food (Granola Bars)

Shirt
Socks
Small Towel

Camera
Wallet
Cell Phone
Umbrella

BLUE KIT
First Aid Kit
Medicine Box
Flashlight/Radio
Cold Pack (For heat cramps)
Emergency Poncho
Emergency Blanket
Multi-Tool (Swiss-Army Knife)
Work Gloves
Signal Mirror (Regular Compact Mirror)
Compass
Whistle
Lighter
Toilet Paper
Notebook and Pen

Here is a list of what I packed in MY backpack.

Water
Food (Granola Bars)
Hat
Shirt
Socks
Small Towel
Jacket
Sunscreen (highest SPF I can find)
Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Lip Balm

Camera
Wallet
Cell Phone

It's a 4-hour trek so we better be prepared.

Tip: Make sure you drink at least 1 quart of water the night before the trek.

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Recipe: Orange Iced Tea

What you need:

Powdered Iced Tea (My husband doesn't like Nestea, and Lipton is expensive, so I now use Earth and Sky. Use whatever brand you want.)

Sunquick Orange (It must be Sunquick. This is the secret ingredient.)

Water and Ice

Plastic Shaker (I got mine free. I bought Nestea just to get the free shaker. My friend got hers from Tang just recently.)

Just mix everything together. Add more or less to taste. The Sunquick will do wonders to your iced tea. I promise!

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Space and Clutter

I grew up in a family of pack-rats. My grandmother held on to everything -- M.Y. San and Danish butter cookie tin cans, empty jars of mayonnaise, ketchup bottles, old bicycles, unused and broken appliances, outdated clothes... you get the idea.

Photo from the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland








I can still remember her carefully removing the labels and sterilizing the bottles before keeping them. She stored her loot in an orderly fashion, much like how Wall*E did in the movie. However, as years passed and her collection grew, her backyard started to look like a junk shop. I once saw giant rats hiding behind old bottles of Coke and Magnolia Chocolait. Eeek!

While reading this month's issue of Yes! Magazine, the featured celebrity housewife reminded me of my lola. The pretty wife/host confessed that she does not throw anything. She's not kidding! She was able to fill their 110 sqm. master's bedroom (almost as big as our whole apartment) with rows of boxes and knick-knacks. She and her husband now have 4 container vans parked in a vacant lot out of the city to store things that they can no longer fit in their basement. Beat that!

This got me thinking. I always thought that our house would look less cluttered if we had more storage space. After seeing the cluttered bedroom of the said celebrity, I realized that clutter has nothing to do with space, but everything to do with purging. I just need to be vigilant about throwing or giving away things we no longer use. Better yet, I have to learn not to bring into our home more stuff.

This is easier said than done, especially since I am very sentimental. It's a daily struggle. Sigh...

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Impulse Buy: Alphabet Craft Punch Set

Two Sundays ago, I had to choose between a K and Company dress and a craft punch set.

I chose the craft punch set.













My husband asked me why I wanted it. I didn't have an answer. I just do. I dream about it at night.

See how it perfectly cuts little alphabets.










Aren't they lovely? Would you have chosen the dress?

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Wardrobe Inventory: Skirts

Photo by Joe Mabel

WARDROBE INVENTORY: WEEK 1

SKIRTS

The Lucky Shopping Manual suggests the following:

MUST HAVES --

2 All-Season Work Skirts
1 Day-to-Night Skirt
2 Summer Work Skirts
1 Denim Skirt
2 Summer Weekend Skirts

and IF YOU NEVER WEAR PANTS, ADD...

1 Summer Evening Skirt
1 Winter Evening Skirt
1 Leather or Suede Skirt

MY WARDROBE

3 Black Work Skirts (9 if I include the skirts that come with blazers)
3 Colored Work Skirts
3 Denim Skirts
1 Evening Skirt
1 Weekend Skirt

I need more weekend skirts and at least 1 day-to-night skirt. I also need to lose 5 pounds if I want the skirts to fit like they used to. LOL!

How's your inventory coming along?

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Wardrobe Inventory

I always learn the hard way.

Our maid misplaced (a.k.a. lost forever) one of my clothes again. I cannot describe... I don't want to discuss it. I feel really bad.

Sigh...

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Starting today, I am going to devote an hour every Sunday to do my WARDROBE INVENTORY.

To make the task less daunting, I will focus on one type of clothing every week. My Lucky Shopping Manual will be my guide.













Join me! Let us itemize and update our wardrobes together.

Here's the schedule:

Week 1 - Skirts
Week 2 - T-Shirts
Week 3 - Tops
Week 4 - Dresses
Week 5 - Sweaters
Week 6 - Jeans
Week 7 - Pants
Week 8 - Suits
Week 9 - Bags
Week 10 - Shoes
Week 11 - Jackets
Week 12 - Undergarments
Week 13 - Swimwear
Week 14 - Outerwear

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Holiday Planning: Me, Myself and I (Week 3)

"If Mama's not happy, nobody's happy"

That's the theme of Cynthia's holiday prep checklist for this week.

Holiday Tasks for the Week (14 to 20 September):

1. Make a Christmas Card List

• To whom should I send a card? Start a database of names and addresses.
  
• Will I give a generic store bought card or will I make my own?
  
• How many cards do I still have from last Christmas? Will I be using them this season?
• How many cards do I need make or buy? Order or buy the cards soon.

2. Inventory Gifts

• Set aside a box where you can put the gifts you buy.
• Do you recycle gifts? Make a list of the gifts left from last Christmas and put them in the gift box.

3. Plan for December Pampering Sessions

• Schedule "me" time for December as early as now. Plan ahead as you will likely forget about this during the holiday crunch .
  

Note: I'm following the holiday planning schedule of Cynthia Townley Ewer. Check out her website -- Organized Christmas

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Clutter Diet: 5 Questions Before Buying

From Lorrie Morrero, my organizing guru:

I am so excited to share with you our new free "Wallet Reminder Sleeves!" They help you prevent clutter from coming in your door with a reminder of the five questions you should always ask before purchasing.

Which reminds me...














Photo by Donovan Govan.


I want to bake a pound cake but the recipe requires a mixer, a gadget I never considered buying before. Should I buy one?

THE 5 Ws OF SHOPPING: Lorie Morrero's 5 Questions Before Buying

1. Who owns this already and might share it with me?

I think Teacher Jam has one but she just gave birth and I don't want to bother her. Mrs. P lives too far. Maybe C has one at home.

2. What do I already have that is like this?

I have a whisk, a spatula, and a wooden spoon.

3. Where will it be stored?

I might have to give up a few plastic containers to make room for this.

4. When will I have time to use it and maintain it?

This will all depend on the success of my pound cake. My sister said that a mixer is a good investment and that it can last a lifetime. Oh, I bet it will since I am going to use it only once.

5. Why do I want to buy this?

I want to bake my own cake since I find the Sara Lee pound cake too expensive.

So, do you think I should buy a mixer?

[Get your own free card sleeve at http://www.clutterdiet.com/wallet.]

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Organize Your Discount Cards

I love discount cards!

Some cards you get instantly and some you get only through hard work -- shopping and saving the receipts.

No matter how and where you got them, you have to bring them all with you all the time because you never now when you might need them. There was a time I had to go home and get my card because a friend decided out of the blue to buy a refrigerator. Sayang ang points! Since then, I organized my cards and vowed never to leave them again. (Two weeks ago, I forgot my wallet but all my discount cards were still in my bag. LOL!)

Where do you keep your cards?

LifeHacker and Martha Stewart suggest using a key ring. You punch a hole in the cards and put them all in a key ring or small carabiner.

Punch a hole in my Sanrio Fans Club card?! NEVAAH!

I keep mine in this gold card holder. I bought it for P250 in the Rockwell Urban Bazaar a few months ago. A similar holder is available in Fino, Rockwell for around P500.

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Cleaning: Seven Wonders of the Home

These are the seven cleaning products that I cannot live without.

1. Vinegar

*Cleaning
*Deodorizing
*Mild Bleaching









Bathroom: Vinegar eliminates soap scums and softens mineral deposits in faucets.
Laundry: When added to the first rinse, it cuts grease, softens the water, and whitens fabric. You can also use vinegar to colorfast clothes.
All-around: Mix it in a bucket of water with a few drops of tea tree oil and you have an instant floor cleaner. 1 part vinegar and 1 part water makes an excellent window cleaner.
Deodorizer: Boil half a cup of vinegar in a pot of water. It will absorb all the bad smell in the kitchen. You can also just leave a dish of vinegar in a musty room and drawer.

2. Baking Soda

*Deodorizing
*Scouring
*Stain Removal









Miracle Mix: Vinegar and Baking Soda
Kitchen: Leave a small box in the refrigerator and freezer to keep it odor free.
All-around: It provides gentle yet effective scrubbing power. Mix it with dishwashing liquid to scour toilet bowls and tiles.

3. Dishwashing Liquid

*All-purpose Cleaner











Don't be fooled by the name. You can use dishwashing liquid to clean almost anything in your house. Just don't forget to rinse.

4. Erasing Pad (Melamine Foam)

*Scrubbing
*Scouring










Ideal for sinks, bathtubs, ceramic tiles, windows, microwave, refrigerator, computer (my MacBook), electrical appliances, furniture.

We unfortunately used flat paint on our walls and this pad is the only thing that can safely clean it.

5. MC All-Purpose Cleaner

*Dirt and Grease Remover











If it won't come off with water or dishwashing liquid, use MC.

6. Goo Gone

*Goo Remover











It removes grease, gum, stickers, crayon, tape and all kinds of goo. Say goodbye to annoying price stickers.

7. Kitchen Paper Towel

*Drying
*Cleaning










Use it to dry hands, wipe surfaces, remove dust, and clean spills. It is disposable and germ-free.

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"C" Sees: Oops! She Did It Again

The lady has a gift. She can discover the "funniest" things in the most innocent places. (See her previous finds here.)

This time, we were in a make-shift toy store in the middle of a mall.

While I was checking out this toy...











(The doll is cute but a bit creepy. Reminds me of Chucky.)

she found this...

THE "DUMP" TRUCK

Click here for a better view.











R-U-M-B-L-E! R-U-M-B-L-E! R-U-M-B-L-E!

Is that the sound of a tummy rumbling?

The "dump" truck to the rescue!

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2008 Christmas Bazaar Schedule (Updated Last 30 October)

Start scheduling your Christmas shopping.

Here is a list of the upcoming bazaars for the months of September to December.

Happy Shopping!



SEPTEMBER

8 September

American Women's Bazaar
World Trade Center, Metro Manila

12-14 September

Rockwell Urban Bazaar
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Tent, Makati City

13-14 September

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

27-28 September

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

28 September

Assumption Alumni Bazaar
Hotel Intercontinental, Makati

OCTOBER

4 October

US Embassy Club Shopper’s Day
World Trade Center, Metro Manila

4-5 October

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

Venture 7 Christmas Bazaar
Hotel Intercontinental, Makati

6 October

American Women's Bazaar
World Trade Center, Metro Manila

11-12 October

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

Woodrose Family Bazaar
Cuenca Community Center
Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa

12 October

Casa Y Jardin Bazaar
Hotel Intercontinental, Makati

19 October

Casa Y Jardin Bazaar
Hotel Intercontinental, Makati

24-25 October

Rockwell Urban Bazaar
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Tent, Makati City

25-26 October

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

26 October

The Best in the West Bazaar 2008
Rotary Club of Makati West
Hotel Intercontinental, Makati


NOVEMBER

3 November

American Women's Bazaar
World Trade Center, Metro Manila

8-9 November

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

9 November

21st Christmas Bazaar
Rotary Club of Makati
Grand Ballroom, Hotel Intercontinental, Makati

15-16 November

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

Noel De Luxe Bazaar
The Megatent, No. 30 Meralco Avenue
Ortigas Center, Pasig City

16 November

Hearts and Hands for Charity Bazaar
International Bazaar Foundation (IBF)
PICC Forum, Manila

22-23 November

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

23 November

Assumption Alumni Bazaar
Hotel Intercontinental, Makati

28-30 November

Rockwell Urban Bazaar
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Tent, Makati City

29-30 November

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

DECEMBER

2 December

American Women's Bazaar
World Trade Center, Metro Manila

5 - 16 December

The 7th World Bazaar Festival
World Trade Center, Metro Manila

6-7 December

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

12-14 December

Rockwell Urban Bazaar
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Tent, Makati City

13-14 December

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

Christmas Gifts and Giveaways
Delicacies Area, Tiendesitas
Ortigas, Pasig City

13-23 December

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

18-23 December

Grand Bazaar '08 @ the Big Tent
Isidora Hills, Holy Spirit Drive
Don Antonio Commonweath, QC

19-21 December

Cars/Accessories Showcase and Lifestyle Bazaar
Celebrity Place, Capitol Hills Drive, Diliman, Q.C.

20-21 December

"Yuletide Souk" The Big Red Bazaar
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Tent, Makati City

22-23 December

Wonderland Christmas Bazaar 08
Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Tent, Makati City

27-28 December

Karl Edwards International Bazaar
NBC Tent, Taguig

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Recipe: Rib Eye Steak

You don't win friends with salad.
- Homer Simpson
















My husband is not a fan of vegetables. He believes that our evolution from apes to intelligent human beings was largely due to the fact that we eat meat. How can you argue with that?

Good thing steaks are so easy to cook. If you're in a hurry, you can cook them straight from the freezer (according to Mrs. P).


How To Make Rib Eye Steak

Ate S and M watch VideoJug instructionals with me.

Note: I cooked steak for lunch yesterday. I got it right on my first try. Hooray!

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Holiday Planning: Christmas Notebook (Week 2)

Holiday Tasks for the Week (7 to 13 September):
[See Week 1]

1. Start Your Christmas Notebook

• It may be a regular notebook, an accordion file or a clear book.
• Insert/paste your Master Gift List and Holiday Budget
• Make room for other stuff like calendars, pictures and more lists.
  

2. Make a Christmas Countdown Calendar

• Take note of the bazaars this holiday season.
• Schedule shopping trips.
• In a few weeks, you will start to calendar Christmas parties and reunions. Avoid double-booking.

3. Create a Mood Board

• Choose a Christmas theme for this year.
• Start a set of tear files. Clip ideas from magazines. Print out pictures and articles from the web.

4. Inventory Crafts Items

• Do you still have hundreds of those gold gift wrappers?
• Tapes, tissue paper, cutting board, cutter, scissors, etc.
  

5. Make a Shopping List

• Base your shopping list on your gift list and budget.
• Decide whether you will make or buy the gifts.

Note: I'm following the holiday planning schedule of Cynthia Townley Ewer. Check out her website -- Organized Christmas

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My Little Christmas Tree (Year 2006)

"Little Christmas tree
No one to buy you
Give yourself to me
You’re worth your weight
In precious gold you see
My little Christmas tree"

- Little Christmas Tree
(Jose Marie Chan)

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2009 Ikea Catalogue

THANK YOU, KAYE. I LOVE YOU!




















THANK YOU, BATS. I LOVE YOU TOO!

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Grocery Shopping: As Good As It Gets

2 behavioral problems I leave home when grocery shopping:

1. PARANOIA/PHOBIA

I want to be well-stocked for every national disaster imaginable. There is no harm in being ready, but my imagination can often times run wild. (After watching War of the Worlds with my husband, I asked him if he had an evacuation plan in case aliens invade planet earth, or for zombie and vampire attacks.)

Because of this, I tend to over-stock food. Just a few months ago, I had to throw a few dozen expired canned and bottled foods.

2. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVENESS

If I have to buy more than 1 thing of something, it must be an even number, usually 6.

I don't need 6 cans of green peas or 6 packs of noodles but I still buy 6. I cannot explain it. It just has to be an even number.

THE HEALING PROCESS:

I made a list of the food staples that I store in the pantry and I limited myself to a certain number for each item . When grocery shopping, I only buy enough to replenish our stocks as opposed to buying 6 of everything.

Example: I can only store 14 cans of corned beef. At the end of the week, if we used 3 cans, Ate S will write down "Corned beef - 3 cans" in our grocery list. I then use all my will power to buy only 3 cans.

I still hoard groceries but I now have a system. We have provisions enough to feed 4 people for at least two weeks in case disaster strikes.

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Grocery Shopping: The List

With the rickety carts provided by ***mart, it is very hard to maneuver around the grocery while holding a list and a pen.

Post-its to the rescue!
















My two hands are now free, and I can easily identify my cart -- no more pushing some other woman's cart away.

I also discovered yesterday that the medium carts have better wheels. I used to always choose the biggest ones and those are squeaky and unwieldy.

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I LOVE: The Electrolux Ultrasilencer

BagLove just posted a video of her current obsession, the Prada Trembled Blossom bag. I love the bag too but I'm coveting another item now. (hint, hint, *ehem*, *ehem*, christmas gift)



Behold, the world's most silent vacuum cleaner!

Click and zoom in the picture to see how beautiful it is.













My husband already bought me an UltraSilencer but it's orange -- the only color available in the Philippines. (Thanks, Honey!)













Why I love my UltraSilencer:

1. It is truly the world's most silent vacuum cleaner. I can watch TV while vacuuming our room.
   
2. It has a washable hepa-filter. My husband is allergic to dust. Hepa-filters help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms.
   
3. It is powerful. Mrs. P advised me not to buy a vacuum cleaner that is less than 1200W. The UltraSilencer has an adjustable power of 1400-1600W.
   
4. It has cool attachments. On top of the brush and crevice tool, the UltraSilencer comes with a rotating duster attachment that uses static electricity to attract dust particles.
5. It looks cool. But it will look a lot cooler in all-white.
   

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