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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sandy's Wishlists


Little Einstein's Pat Pat Rocket from Amazon.com - getting expensive every week. Now at $79.95


Sweetheart Playhouse - $220 at amazon.

Her much beloved ABBA dolls - don't know where I can buy these. It's probably ridiculously expensive. The likeness is just amazing though.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Holiday Thank You Cards from Sandy

Christmas Thank You Cards Holidays are here again and so are Holiday Thank You Cards. With so many gifts we receive at this time of the year, it's just appropriate to send back a holiday thank you card for each and every present. Invitations-Shoppe specializes in several kinds of thank you cards so you might want to look at their site. For companies, business holiday thank you cards are definitely a must not only for Christmas gifts but for successful Christmas events your company will host.

I've seen really nice Christmas thank you card designs at http://www.invitations-shoppe.com and planning to get a few myself. I'm not rushing though because they can print and ship the same day that I approve the proof. I know Sandy will receive tons of gifts (she does every year) so sending out thank you cards is the least I can do.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Everybody Needs a Friend

I thought it will take at least one more year before Sandy gets lonely being the only child. But I could see she's not only getting bored but she looks at kids with siblings and seem to think that she's missing out on something. Of course, I'm just guessing but I have no doubt she'd be happier if she has someone to play with everyday.

It's always a riot when her cousin Chloe is visiting. She's so happy and much more behaved. They fight and I know it's going to be worse if they're together 24/7 but still, I totally get what she's feeling when she has no one to play with but just us adults.

Sandy and Chloe

Monday, October 19, 2009

Baby Invitations For My Girlfriends

Still on Baby Invitations for Baby Shower. I have three friends who are throwing a baby shower this November and December so we're scouting for the perfect company, in terms of unique design and affordability where we can have them printed. Having a baby is one of the most important things that can happen to a woman. We always try to celebrate the arrival in style and capture every moments as much as we can. From the invitations to decorations, photos to videos, even gift wrappers and small giveaways.

 Baby Invitation

At Birth-Cards, you can get really cute baby shower invitations such as the one above. Just browsing through their designs at http://www.birth-cards.com makes me excited to celebrate the arrival of my friends' babies. You can also personalize the designs by adding a photo of the soon-to-be parents, change the font style and color. They offer instant preview of your personalized design before you order to be sure that there are no more corrections.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Getting Your Toddler to Listen

Get on her level. Either squat down to her level or pick her up so you can look her in the eye.

Be clear. State your message clearly and simply. Your child will zone out if you harp on topics too long.

Follow through - quickly. Don't make threats or promises you won't keep.

Reinforce your message - follow up your verbal statement with other kinds of messages. When you say "eat your lunch", show her you mean it by sitting on the table yourself or eating beside her.

Give warnings - before you try and take her away from a very enjoyable activity, let your kid know that you're leaving in a few minutes.

Realistic instructions .

Motivate.

Model good behavior.

Read full article here.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Warm Clothes for Sandy

Soon we'll be needing these:

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Printable Baby Shower Invitations

Baby Shower InvitationBaby Shower Invitations from Cards-411 are not only cheap but very unique too. You won't find any of their baby shower invites anywhere else. They are specially designed with new parents in mind. And although it could be your 2nd or 3rd baby, having a baby will always be as special as the first one.

The printable baby shower invitations are customizable too. You can upload a photo of the mom, change the color, font style and words to fit your requirements. And to those who just don't want to spend, http://www.cards-411.com also offers free baby shower invitations so you can celebrate your child's arrival in style.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Halloween Carnival at Shangrila Edsa Mall

halloween - trick or treat at shangrila mall

We're booked, thanks to my friend Lorna. Now we'll just have to figure out what costume Sandy will wear. We may be able to find some Gryffindor robes at SM Makati this weekend. If not, then DIY will be the best we can do.

Where: Shangrila Edsa Mall - Grand Atrium
How much: Php500 / kid
When: October 24, Saturday and October 25, Sunday | 1:30 - 4:30 PM

Monday, October 12, 2009

Manic Monday #185

What word describes you best?
Just one word? How about three? Stubborn. Vain. Perfectionist.
Oh, are we not talking about negative traits?

What drives you every day.
Aside from my daughter and husband, my career. And my dream. To be very rich that I can tour the world, buy more than one dream house and go old without worrying about my kids' future.

Where do you want to retire?
55 perhaps? But I should be financially free that time. I don't want to be a burden to anyone.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Fun with Photo Invitations

Photo Announcements Photo Invitations have always been a popular choice among parents when it comes to announcing the latest addition in the family. After all, nothing can be more beautiful as your newborn's first smile. Photo invites are not just limited to photo birth announcements alone. I've personally used photo birthday invitations before and loved how you can keep it as a memento of your child's first birthday celebration.

Looking at CardsShoppe, you'll see that a photo invitation can be used for a wide range of events. From your best friend's 30th birthday to baptism to wedding invitation and graduation announcements. I found a great idea from http://www.cardsshoppe.com about using an embarrassing or hilarious picture from the past and use it as a shower invite for a friend of mine who's tying the knot. Of course, she has good sense of humor so it will definitely work to her advantage. We can just personalize any of the unique designs available by modifying the colors, words and of course, adding one of her "fun" photos back in our wild days.

 

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Sandy Potter or Sandy Granger?

Found some really cheap Harry Potter costumes online. I wasn't really planning on buying anything because come on, $45 for a one time costume? But to my luck, I found these Gryffindor robes for only $19.99! Too bad it's already the 2nd week of October. I wonder if I can still have this shipped?

Check it out at http://www.buyharrypottercostumes.com

Friday, October 09, 2009

Invest in Gold and Increase Your Wealth

Why should we invest on gold? That's one of the questions I always hear whenever precious metals enters a conversation. I used to be clueless too but that was before I learned about monex. If you're interested to buy gold in coin or ingot form, this site is your step to learning everything you need to know.

Monex (MCD) has been providing precious metals for over 40 years now via personal delivery or safe storage at a bank or depositor. They are America's gold, silver and precious metals investment leader so you'll know that you are dealing with the best and the safest.

But back to our original question, why gold?

1. Gold unlike paper does not wear out when passed from hand to hand
2. You can carry a small amount anywhere and this amount can purchase a surprising amount of goods and services.
3. It's your own protection against the fall or U.S. dollars
4. Offers you a solid, long-term and tangible way to protect your wealth.
5> Also applies to outstanding short-term trading vehicles.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Sandy Loves White Hat

Sandy tried White Hat last weekend.

Lovin' White Hat

I thought she wouldn't like it because she's not really crazy about yogurts. But to my surprise, she did. It helped that we ordered it with strawberry and cheesecake too.

I find it pricey at first but the yogurt was very good, unlike grocery-types I've tasted.

From their site:

Try our signature toppings like homemade Granola with almonds (exclusively available in our shops), or our scrumptious homemade cheesecake, or fresh strawberries and kiwi. Have as many toppings on your Hat or make your combo as fun or as crazy as you want, we definitely won't mind. as long as they're right for your taste buds.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Remember Summer With Picnic Invitations

Picnic InvitationI learned the hard way that people tend to cancel when the invite was made via text or email only. Which is why I always make sure to give out invites for every party that I host. Even if it's just Picnic Invitations, whoever it was that was lucky enough to be invited to our party always make an effort to attend. Nothing makes an event final than a carefully laid out invite.

Now that the holidays are just around the corner, family reunion invitations are now starting to arrive in our door step. Most are invitations picnic party but there's one that will require more formal clothes. I'm pretty excited just seeing the invites. It's been a while since I've seen my relatives and the holidays is always a good way to get re-acquainted with some of them.

If you to are planning for your next family reunion, check out Holiday-Invitations at http://www.holiday-invitations.com/. They have a wide selection of unique and exclusive designs for all events - 4th July picnic invites, St. Patrick's and even Oktberfest. It doesn't matter if it's just a couple of days away too because they can print and ship your order the same day you approve them.

Sunday, October 04, 2009

10 Things You Want But Can't Afford

For Ten on Tuesday.

1. Macbook Pro - I've always wanted to buy one but budget is always not enough

2. iMac. Still waiting for 0% deals

3. A house of our own with porch and garden. Soon we'll have this, I just know it in my heart.

4. Travel to Europe. If I only knew, I would have asked my husband to just elope and not have a grand wedding 6 yrs ago. We could've just easily spent the money on a Europe tour.

5. Blackberry or iPhone

6. A pair of knee-high boots from Zara

7. A playhouse like this for Sandy

8. A new computer table complete with organizers and drawers.

9. Buffet at Circles for four.

10. A 3-hour full body treatment at The Spa

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Beach Getaway for Everyone

I'm lining up all our vacation plans. Before Sandy turns 10 (she's only four now), I'd like to be able to visit Europe. And perhaps, we can also try the white sand beaches of Riviera Maya.

Any of the Karisma Hotels will do but since we're going on a family vacation, my husband just don't have the heart to leave our little one at home, I can say the Azul Beach resort will be perfect. According to their site, here are some of the reasons why you should stay there:


1. It's close to the airport, only about 20 minutes.

2. Everything is a short walk away from the resort - beach, pools, game room, bars, restaurants.

3. Great rooms for families. There are rooms that sleep 2 adults and three children plus there are also connecting rooms.

4. Lots of activities for kids - night pajama parties, kids' programs, balloon wars, beach games

5. Even if it caters to families and kids, you and your husband can enjoy some romantic time with each other. There are beachfront sky massages, candlelight dinners and jacuzzis.

I always find our previous travels stressful no matter how beautiful the beach was or how high-end the rooms and amenities were. But if all resorts can offer the same features that Azul does, I'm sure the number of happy vacationing families will increase tenfold.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Welcome October, Goodbye September

There are so many things lined up this month. But before all that, I'd like to say a quick prayer for all typhoon Ondoy victims. We are also feeling blessed that our house was spared. I learned from our helper that the flood water was also 5-6" deep outside our gate. We are indeed lucky that the flood didn't reach our village. My husband was away that time and I don't know what I would've done if something bad happens.

The victims still need help so if you can, please donate what you can via:

Monetary Donations      
1.  CASH or CHECK
Please send cash or check donations to the PNRC National Headquarters in Manila. Checks should be made payable to The Philippine National Red Cross.  We can also arrange for donation pick-up.

2.  BANK DEPOSIT
Account Name:  The Phil. Nat’l. Red Cross
    METROBANK
    Port Area Branch
    Peso Acct.: 151-3-041-63122-8
    Dollar Acct.: 151-2-151-00218-2
    Type of Acct. : SAVINGS
    Swift Code: MBTC PH MM

    BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS

    Port Area Branch
    Peso Acct.:  4991-0010-99
    Type of Account: CURRENT
    BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS
    UN Branch
    Dollar Acct.: 8114-0030-94
    Type of Account: SAVINGS
    Swift Code:  BOPI PH MM
For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.

Credit Card        
Please fax the following info to +632.404.09.79 and +632.527.0575:
Name of card member, billing address, contact nos. (phone & mobile), credit card no., expiration date, CCV2/ CVC2 (last three digits at the back of the credit card), billing address, amount to be donated.
For online donations you may also visit our website at www.redcross.org.ph  .

SMS and G-CASH (Globe)       
SMS
text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

G-CASH
text DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>4-digit M-PIN<space>REDCROSS to 2882

Most urgent needs
Food items: Rice, noodles, canned goods, sugar, iodized salt, cooking oil, monggo beans and potable water
Medicines: Paracetamol, antibiotics, analgesic, oral rehydration salts, multivitamins and medications to treat diarrheal diseases
Non-food items: Bath soaps, face towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, plastic mats, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, water containers, water purification tablets, plastic sheetings, and Laundry soap
Rehabilitation Programs: Shelter materials for house repair

Call Hotline 143 or 527.0000