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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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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Wardrobe Inventory: Jeans

Photo by aphasiafilms














WARDROBE INVENTORY: WEEK 6

JEANS

The Lucky Shopping Manual suggests the following:

MUST HAVES...

1 Pair to wear with heels
1 Pair to wear with flats
1 Weekend Pair you can wreck

ADD...

1 White Jeans
1 Another Favorite Pair
1 Cords (Corduroys)
1 Fun Jeans

To help you with your inventory, here is a guide to the perfect pair of jeans from Real Simple -- The Best Jeans for Every Body Type.

I don't have a pair for wearing with heels. I also don't have cords.

I have --

• 6 pairs of drawstring cargo pants (a.k.a. fat pants)
• 3 pairs of Levi's that are way to small for me now (a.k.a. pre-wedding pants)
• 1 pair of Moto jeans that fits horribly (a.k.a. i-bought-it-on-sale pants)
• 1 pair of white skinny jeans (a.k.a. what-was-i-thinking-my-thighs-look-huge-in-these pants)
• 3 pairs of wearable jeans

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Wardrobe Inventory: Sweaters

Photo by Lisa Dusseault









WARDROBE INVENTORY: WEEK 5

SWEATERS

The Lucky Shopping Manual suggests the following:

MUST HAVES...

2 Fitted Pullovers for Work
2 Cardigans
1 Black Turtleneck
2 Weekend Sweaters

ADD...

1 Evening Sweater
1 Vintage Sweater
More Weekend Sweaters

MY WARDROBE

I have too many sweaters! Good thing I did this inventory because I almost shopped for more in Zara yesterday.

Fold Marks -- I've noticed that my sweaters are developing fold marks because of long-term non-use. I need to find a better way to fold and store them.

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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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Wardrobe Inventory: Dresses

Little Black Dress by Banana Republic















WARDROBE INVENTORY: WEEK 4

DRESSES

The Lucky Shopping Manual suggests the following:

MUST HAVES...

2 Work Dresses
2 Weekend Dresses
1 Daytime Party Dress
1 Evening Dress

ADD...

More Weekend and Evening Dresses

(Note: I combined the Summer and Winter suggestions.)

Don't forget the LBD (Little Black Dress). This is a definite must-have in every wardrobe. Check different styles here.

MY WARDROBE

Thanks to C, I am fully covered in this department. She made me shop for dresses early this year so that I'll stop wearing jeans and graphic tees. Now, I love wearing dresses. No mixing and matching required.

How's your inventory coming along?

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My Divisoria Experience

Photo by dodongflores









Last Wednesday, during the holiday, I went on a shopping trip to Divisoria with my mother-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law.

I had a blast shopping with them! That experience will forever set the bar for my future shopping expeditions to Divisoria. These are the reasons why:

1. No hassle looking for parking. We had a driver so we did not waste precious shopping time trying to look for a parking space. We were also able to go down in a strategic place, between 168 and Divisoria mall.

2. We had a navigator and guide. My sister-in-law knows the ins and outs of Divisoria like the back of her hand. No more aimless walking around trying to look for finds -- she knows exactly where the cheap but fancy stuff are!

Best of all, she knew where to get good food at the 168 food court. She ordered from this Chinese restaurant in the corner (near the restrooms) called Spoon. We feasted on Hot Prawn Salad, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Chili Spareribs, Chami, and Seafood Platter. I never knew 168 had such a fine restaurant.

3. No lugging around our heavy shopping bags throughout the mall. This is the best part. My mother-in-law brought along two assistants to accompany us around. Whenever our hands got full of shopping bags, the two assistants takes it back to the car and then meets us again inside the mall. How cool is that?

I felt so spoiled that day!

I am definitely going back to Divisoria soon but the experience will never be the same.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Ultimate Yaya Accessory: Cash Card

"Yaya, can you buy 5 kilos of Wagyu beef on your way home? Just use your card."

I wake up. End of dream sequence.

Seriously, a yaya (nanny) cash card may prove to be heaven sent to busy moms.

My very pregnant friend almost passed out in the supermarket a few weeks ago. She did not feel well but needed to buy some things for her kids. She had to use her credit card and therefore could not delegate the grocery shopping to her maid.

Why not give yaya her own card so she can do the shopping for you? She and the driver can even gas up on the way home. Wouldn't that be lovely?

I'm not kidding. You just load the card an amount enough for emergency shopping trips. Enroll it in your online account so you can easily keep track of how it is being used. You can reload it online too.

Easy, right?

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"C" Sees: Her True Value Finds

Two weeks ago, I dragged "C" to True Value in Power Plant, Rockwell. I, while shopping for lights, was blissfully unaware that "C" was dying of boredom in the CFL section. When I asked her if it's okay for us to go around and browse the tools section, she gave me an emphatic NO.

Yesterday was different. As I aimlessly browsed the True Value aisles, "C" entertained herself with some of the "interesting" items near the counter. Inspecting her finds, we were giggling like school girls as we read the labels. *hihihi*

NO. 1: UDDER CREAM

This was "C"'s first find. I saw her laughing her ass off while holding this jar with a cow label. I first thought it was underarm cream. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was an UDDER CREAM! The intense giggling then started. "Cream for you significant UDDER!" "Not only for the lips but also for the nips." "Oh! AAP (our breastfeeding friend) will love this!"

Seriously, check out the website of UDDERLY SMOOTH. I think it's a great product once you get past the UDDER.

NO. 2: "PERSONAL" Massager

We just couldn't resist taking a picture of this contraption. It claims to be a personal massager. With that shape, I'm sure it will really be a "personal" experience. Grab it now! It's 20% off.

Check it out in the Walgreen website -- HEALTH O METER Personal Massager. Read the reviews of the customers. See the udder other uses for the massager.

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