OOSOUJI: Japanese New Year Clean-Up

Welcome the new year like the Japanese.

OOSOUJI -- THE BIG CLEAN

The Japanese prepare for the coming year by cleaning their houses and offices from top to bottom. This is a way for them to inform Toshigami (the new year god) that their place have been purified and is ready to receive his blessings.

I am cleaning our house now. "Toshigami, I am ready for your blessings."

Sources: Wikipedia and Blue Lotus

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Wordless Wednesday: Christmassy Brown Paper Bags

THE PROTOTYPE





















THE BROWN PAPER BAGS

Finally, a use for my alphabet craft punch set.

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Potpourri: Coffee Stains, Shopping and Christmas Gifts

NO TV?! NO COMPUTER?! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!

After my Lasik surgery last Tuesday, I had to say goodbye to blogging for awhile. Although I still plurked using my phone, I could not blog hop nor update my posts.

I never realized how addicted I am to plurking and blog-hopping until last week. Forced to find other things to do, I was able to accomplish a lot of tasks at home. I went shopping too!

Banished Coffee Stains

Using my Magic Formula (Baking Soda and Vinegar) and a small green scour pad, I was able to remove the coffee stains from all the cups in our cupboard.

What you need:

* Baking Soda
* Pure White Vinegar
* Scour Pad

Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda and white vinegar. (go for pasty consistency)
2. Dip the scour pad in the baking soda and vinegar mix.
3. Gently scrub the stain.


Speed Shopped














MM dragged me to this private shoes and bags sale in Corinthian Gardens. We were in and out of the place in less than 30 minutes. She bought shoes and I bought a bag.

Assembled Car Safety Kits















Inspired by Martha Stewart, I decided to put together my own Car Safety Kit. Do you have an emergency car kit?

Tata! I need to rest my eyes now.

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Happy Halloween

My babies wish you all a Happy Halloween.
Click the photo for a bigger and cuter image.

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Trick or Treat Loot Bags

I was informed this morning that our Condominium Trick or Treat was moved from tomorrow to today.

TODAY!

I was immediately off to the grocery.

I veered away from candies and chocolates this year. I sure hope these cupcakes and cookies are safe.






Ate S, M, and I turned regular red sando bags into Halloweenie loot bags.


BOO!









My dogs are now all dressed up in their costumes and ready to party. TATA!

More pictures to follow later.

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Speed Stacks (a.k.a. Expensive Tumblers)

For whatever reason, my godson MUST have one. I don't get it. They are just inverted tumblers.

It seems like a lot of kids are also crazy over Speed Stacks because the toy is now out-of-stock in major toy stores in Manila. Out of desperation, I was already planning on buying one from Amazon last night. Good thing I saw this set in REGINA'S (2nd floor, Shoppesville Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Center).

It's only P550. (The same item is $9.99, without shipping cost, from Amazon.)








Note: This is not a paid post. I am not endorsing Speed Stacks. I have no idea what kids do with these tumblers. I am just trying to be a good ninang (godparent).

Photo of Cup Anatomy from www.speedstacks.com.

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Holiday Planning: BOO!

Photo by x-eyedblonde















Holiday Tasks for the Week (19 to 25 October):

1. Check your lists and relax.

• Check your lists to make sure you haven't missed any important task.
• Another holiday is coming up. Time to shift your focus for a while.
  

2. Decorate your home for Halloween.

• Are you buying ready-made decors or are you making your own?
• My friend Mrs. P made her own cute scarecrow a few years ago.
• Find a way to blend the Christmas lights you already installed in your garden with your Halloween decors.

3. Buy or make your Halloween costumes.

• Do you have a theme for the whole family this year? You can be a farmer and your children the vegetables. A gardener with her flowers? Snow White with dwarfs (hmmm... childhood dream)? Queen Bee with worker bees? You get the idea.
• The cute and unique costumes are selling like hotcakes so shop early. You don't want to end up with the generic Wonder Woman/Superman your child wears all year round. This is the one time of the year you can legitimately act goofy.
• Can you help me find an adult version of these costumes - here and here?
  

3. Prepare your Halloween candies/loot bags.

• I heard it's now not enough to just give out candies. People started giving away loot bags last year?! Is this true?

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

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Holiday Planning: Deck the Halls

Photo from Wikimedia













Holiday Tasks for the Week (12 to 18 October):

1. Prepare Gifts for Shipping

• Send your gifts for overseas friends early. Avoid air shipping and save money.
  
• The gifts must be ready for shipping by November 15 if you want your friends to get them before Christmas Day.
  
• The same rule applies to Christmas cards. Mail them early.
• Shop around for cheap and reliable shippers.

2. Shop! Shop! Shop!

• I cannot overstress this. Shop early and avoid the Christmas rush.
• If you shop online now, most sellers can still deliver your purchases before December. Check their shipping rules.
• Schedule trips to bazaars and weekend markets.
  
• Review and update your Christmas list. Are you still within your budget?

3. Start Decorating Your Home

• It's never too early! You want maximum exposure for your Christmas tree after spending days installing the lights and decors.
• You can start with the tree then build-up the other decors each week.

4. Halloween

• Two weeks to go before Halloween.
• What's your costume this year?
  

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

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Christmas Lights Safety Reminders

1. Check the condition of the lights.

• Some experts suggests using new lights every year. Since this may be costly especially for those with big trees, just make sure that the lights are all in good condition.
• Are they still working properly? Are there worn or frayed parts? Are there exposed wires?
• Repair or replace damaged light strands.
• Check if they are indoor or outdoor lights. Never use indoor lights outdoors.
  

2. Avoid octopus connections.

• Connect a maximum of 3 light strands together.
• Use enough extension cords.
  

3. Do not leave a lighted tree unattended.

• Turn off the lights when nobody is in the room.
• Teach everyone in the house how to turn off the main switch in the fuse box.
• Place the fire extinguisher in an accessible area. Make sure everyone knows how to use it.

4. Match your extension cord with your tree.

• Fine! This one has nothing to do with safety.
• Why use a white extension cord when your tree is green?

See also: Associated Content

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The Must-Have "IT" Toy for Christmas 2008

Every year, toy companies come out with must-have toys that make parents who fail to get them feel like crap.

Remember the movie Jingle All the Way? Big guy Arnold Schwarzenegger had to fight with Sinbad for the "it" toy, Turbo Man. The movie ended with Arnold becoming Turbo Man, impressing everyone, and securing his title as the coolest and bestest dad in the world.

This year, unless you want to be a real-life Elmo, you better start shopping for ELMO LIVE!



P.S. If Mr. G is reading this, Mrs. G wants one too... uh... for future Baby G!

P.P.S. Thanks to Mrs. P for sending me the link to Elmo Live! Mrs. P already ordered one online.

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Holiday Planning: Don't Forget Halloween (Week 5)

Photo by Karoli














Holiday Tasks for the Week (5 to 11 October):

1. Continue Shopping

• Shop! I'm done with my Christmas decor shopping. I can now focus on the Christmas gifts.
• Buying a few items every week is easier on the pocket compared to buying everything in one shopping trip (hopefully not the 24th of December). One exception would be if you're buying in Divisoria.
  
• Shopping early prevents impulse and pressure buys.
  

2. Prepare for Halloween

• Don't forget Halloween!
  
• Prepare your candies and decorations.
  
• Start shopping for costumes.
  

3. Buy/Order/Reserve "Must-Have" Toys

• Research. Know what the kids will want for Christmas. I'm betting they are not clothes.
  
• Excited moms and dads are already ordering the "it" toys. Don't be left behind.

4. Organize Your Closet

• When I was a kid, Christmas means new clothes.
  
• Make room for a new wardrobe by throwing out or donating unused and outdated clothes.
  

Note: I'm following the holiday planning schedule of Cynthia Townley Ewer. Check out her website -- Organized Christmas. She just posted great tips on Halloween planning.

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How to Tie a Christmas Bow

Yesterday, I was so inspired by the trees in Tamilee decors that I decided to make a Christmas bow. With the gold ribbon I bought on sale last January, I started looping and tying.

My first attempts were pretty horrible. I tried to do it on my own for the around an hour until I succumed to googling for video tutorials.

Thank you Meghan Carter! Merry Christmas.



My Christmas Bow

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Holiday Planning: Planning Week (Week 1)

Holiday Tasks for the Week (31 August to 6 September):

1. Master Gift List
2. Holiday Gift Budget

I'm making a list, and checking it twice. Were you naughty or nice this year?

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

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