Wishlist (Part 1)

These days, it's very seldom (if ever) that I get to watch TV.  Which is a good thing considering that I had time to watch TV for just a couple or so hours today while Adam took a long nap and I saw stuff from the shopping channel that I want to have or has caught part of a series that I now want to be able to watch regularly or maybe just watch online!

First there's this spin mop that I really got fascinated with.  I mean it looks easy to use plus I don't have to wring the mop with my hands when I rinse it.

Then there's the 9 minute marinator which promises good food everytime.  I particularly like the tenderizer feature which I could definitely use on meat for grilling which my husband loves.

Then as I was flipping through channels I caught sight of the teaser of Drop Dead Diva and I really liked it and now I wanna be able to watch it but I didn't catch the airing schedule and even if I did, I don't think I'll be able to remember it, let alone watch it...

It's going to be like a couple of weeks ago when I was able to watch the "Bird" episode of Worst Week where laughed my a** off and has promised to watch the succeeding episodes but has never gotten to!

I even went online to search for online episodes but I can't seem to find a working link!  Now I have to remember to look for these shows when I am able to go to a DVD store, if they're available so I can watch them.

But as this post title suggests, this is just part of my loooong wishlist, and although I don't plan to throw my earnings (or my husband's) down the drain by spending it on whatever looks pleasing or caught my fancy, I still can wish, can't I?

Christmas, 2009

However rushed our celebration of Christmas was, we still had a lot of fun!  Several days before Christmas, I got sick and had to go on leave from work... I got the 48-hour bug and I when I was able to shake it off, my head was reeling from the medications and the fact that I still had a lot to do before Christmas Day comes.  I wanted to make it really special since it was Adam's first.

Of course, the little boy was not able to wait until Christmas Day to open his and mommy's gifts!

And then on Christmas Day, he was dressed up and ready to go and hear mass when he messed up his clothes and so we had to change him again before leaving...

We spent almost the entire day at the mall... We bought him new rubber shoes (because all his rubber shoes don't fit him anymore) and a remote control toy car with lights and music which spins and spins and keeps the little boy quiet and entertained everytime his Dad plays with it.  By the time we went home, Adam was already tired and ready for bed.  All in all, it was a tiring yet happy celebration.  Next up, New Year and the little boy's 1st Birthday celebration!

8 days to go `till Christmas!

Initially, I was planning a 12 days of christmas countdown... an everyday posting of significant events leading to the day itself starting on the 12th of December which is my Mom's birthday. Needless to say, I didn't get to do that, because I got so wrapped up with the daily activities, coupled with the rush of the season. Anyway, I'll try to post as much as I can despite the increasingly long list of my errands and must-do's.

Like I've already mentioned, December 12 marked the 62nd birthday of my mom. We didn't get to do anything special that day because it was a workday. But my sister, Lynne, cooked carbonara and we just bought bread pan to go with it, hehehe... rush na e! I didn't even get to buy her a gift (slightly kapos sa budget, e) but I promised her a full supply of her medications (she has Parkinson's Disease) come pay day. Happy Birthday Mom!

Yesterday, "Simbang Gabi" started already... nope, I didn't get to attend the mass because hubby and I got home so late the night before, tending to Adam, that we were not able to wake up at the break of dawn.

The Christmas parties have already started... the other night (December 15), I got invited to attend the school custodians' Christmas Party and it was a blast! Thanks ate Cynthia and Grace for inviting me, I was laughing my heart out at the games you prepared, plus the food was delish!

Last night, I got to sneak in a bit of Christmas shopping after work. I went to the mall and bought something for the exchange gift for our office Christmas party tomorrow. I was going to have it wrapped there also but the line was super long that I decided against it. I also got to buy Adam's first baby toothbrush and a refill of his liquid soap. When Charlie came home from work, it turns out he also went to the mall (a different one) and bought Adam a polo shirt and hip-hop shorts, which he mistook for baby pants, hehehe!

My Shopaholic Confession

Hi! My name is Heidi and I'm a Shopaholic! 

I have always been a bit out of control when it comes to spending time and money whenever I get near a mall or even the remotest of "tiangges" but I really thought I have been cured of this "addiction".  But I was mistaken!  It seems, my recent giving birth has just elevated my being a shopaholic to a new level.  If before, my shopping tendencies were just limited to trinkets and the occassional expensive, branded, items for myself... now, I have discovered a different kind of happiness whenever I buy something new for my adorable baby boy!  And just like most mothers out there, I wouldn't settle for just the "ok" stuff... I browse the shelves and display cabinets for the best (which are almost always the most expensive) baby things and don't even think twice as to how big a dent it's going to make on my budget or if my baby already has it in a different color.  All I can think about is... no, wait... I don't think much when I'm shopping for little Adam, I just say "oh isn't this cute" or "this would be perfect for Adam" and buy, buy, buy!

And then of course, the minute I got home my mom made just one comment and I was brought back to reality... That most of the stuff I bought, my son doesn't really need... they're just darn cute... that I probably wouldn't be able to pay for my purchases (I used my credit card when I ran out of cash, which wasn't very long after I filled up my cart with baby things) until my son celebrates his first birthday... that I still have a lot more important stuff I should have spent the money on!  This made me think of an upcoming movie adapted from a book I read a year or so ago... Confessions of a Shopaholic.  Hmmm... hubby and I will have to make it a movie date and see this movie if only to see my shortcomings from a different perspective and maybe... just maybe I'll be cured.

Catch "Confessions of a Shopaholic" in Cinemas on February 18, 2009!

Baby Things Update

A couple of months back, I posted something about the list of things I would buy for my baby... now, a few days before my due date I have yet to buy all the things written in that list but I just don't want to go overboard (like I usually do) shopping and then end up not needing nor using some of the stuff I purchase. My mom said I could always shop for more baby stuff when our little Adam arrives. So anyway, here are the stuff I have bought so far...

Clothes

• 5 undershirts or onesies
• 2 blanket sleepers
• 3 pairs of socks or booties
• 5 pajama stretchsuits
• 1-2 dress up outfits
• 1 hat
• 1 sweater

Bedding

• bassinet or crib
• baby mattress ~ i bought a couple of comforters instead
• sheets

Breastfeeding

• 3 nursing bras ~ i only have one... am still waiting for the two i ordered from a friend
• pillow to support baby
• breast pump
• 1 box of breast pads
• nipple cream (lanolin based)
• loose shirts or button downs for me (easier for nursing)

Changing

• diapers
• baby lotion
• baby wipes
• diaper rash ointment
• toys to distract the baby
• changing mat
• tissues
• dirty diaper bin or bucket

For Going Out

• diaper bag/backpack
• baby carrier/stroller
• diapers
• travel-size tissues
• baby wipes
• plastic bag for dirty diapers

While waiting for my doctor during one of my check-ups a med rep gave me a free digital thermometer so I'm counting that as one of the baby needs that I could cross-out the list also... so mommies out there, am I all set for the big day? Or do I have to run to the mall to get something essential before my baby arrives?

Sale Shopping!

Today I went to the office super late... I just couldn't let the chance to shop Factory Sale items for my baby boy and so I asked my sister, Zelle, to accompany me to an early morning (the sale started at 9am and we were there by 9:30) shopping for baby clothes and beddings. I found out that there's going to be a sale from my Aunt who works at the same factory (Hello Dolly Manufacturing / Canadian). Today is the last day before they do their annual inventory or something. Imagine baby mittens for only one peso per piece. Newborn onesies for Php 45. Newborn sleeveless shirts (the ones with buttons on the shoulder) for Php 27. Baby briefs for Php 30. Short sleeve button down shirts for Php 33. Baby Pajama bottoms for Php 35. Crib comforters for Php 250. Baby pillow cases for Php 20. Baby bolster pillows (with pillow case) for Php 50. Breastfeeding pillows for Php 225. And Bolster pillow cases for Php 25. There were also comforter sets and beddings for king size beds but I didn't really want to get distracted from my baby things shopping so I didn't pay attention to their prices anymore. The sale lasts until 5pm only today and I just had to partake in it! I can't get over how many I was able to buy with only Php 1,300. I would have bought more if I wasn't worried that my sis and I wouldn't be able to carry it all and that I really had to go to work today because we're going to have our office christmas party (4:30pm) and I'm one of the people in-charge of the decorations. Anyway, I am satisfied with what I was able to take home without making a big dent on my budget!

Shopping List

After our window shopping last week for baby stuff, I decided that I have to be completely rational about shopping for all the baby needs if I want to still be able to keep enough money for when the baby actually comes! All the cute stuff would have to be stayed away from for a while... I have to make a list first of what the baby really needs before I start losing my sanity and buy everything I find nice and adorable. Here's my list so far (and mommy friends, feel free to suggest/add anything that SHOULD be in the list but I have not thought of yet):

Clothes

• 5 undershirts or onesies
• 2 blanket sleepers
• 3 pairs of socks or booties
• 5 pajama stretchsuits
• 1-2 dress-up outfits
• 1 Hat
• 1 sweater

Bedding

• Bassinet or crib
• Baby mattress
• sheets

Breast-feeding

• 3 nursing bras
• Pillow to support baby
• Breast pump
• 1 box of breast pads
• Nipple cream (lanolin-based is best)
• Loose shirts or button-downs for me (easier for nursing)

Changing

• Diapers
• Baby lotion
• Baby wipes
• Diaper rash ointments
• Toys to distract the baby
• Changing mat
• Tissues
• Dirty-diaper bin or bucket

For Going Out

• diaper bag/backpack
• baby carrier/stroller
• diapers
• Travel-size tissues
• Baby wipes
• Plastic bag for dirty diapers

Like I said, I only listed the basics (and pardon for the repeated items, I just categorized them as to when they would be used so...) Oh, and I know, the clothes look super few, but I want to buy more (of course after the baby comes already).

Everyday Minerals

Nope, this post is not about food supplements but makeup... The Friday that we went to Makati for housing loan counselling, when we got back home I got a post office notice that I had a parcel that I had to claim from them. Since I didn't get any e-mail, text message or call from my relatives abroad, I didn't know what the parcel was... I completely forgot about it until yesterday, while I was switching bags before I went to work, I saw the notice in one of the pockets of the bag that I was going to use. I decided to check out what the parcel was so during lunch break, I went to the post office to claim it. And there they were... my free samples from Everyday Minerals! I forgot about them already, but it was quite a nice surprise that they finally arrived. I have been reading a lot lately about mineral makeup from friends and co-N@Wies so I think it is high time that I try it for myself. I have yet to try them though, maybe next week...

Business Tool

For quite sometime now, I have been thinking of starting a small online business... I just haven't gotten around to organizing the details just yet but if this plan pushes through, I know I'd want to utilize shopping cart software that would make it easy for my customers to order from me. And I found just what I was looking for in Ashop Commerce. They provide all the services that one could ever hope for in starting their own online business and so much more!



I have looked at different softwares and after reading and researching about each one's strengths and user-friendliness, I came to find out that using a shopping cart software is quite easy and would surely make a budding online entrepreneur happy. You don't even have to take my word for it, try it for yourself and see how easy it is. There's a demo store found in their site that makes you want to jump in and start your business right away. Do visit their site and find out more about this innovative way of starting your own online business venture. Now I am excited more than ever to get this business on the road already so I can use the shopping cart software.

Practical Gift Shopping

Christmas is almost here and for most of us working wives, shopping for our loved ones could be a bit difficult. First there is the issue of "what to buy", I mean yes we know our loved ones' likes and dislikes but sometimes, it's still frustrating to come up with meaningful gifts that they would really appreciate. And then there's the "how much?" aspect, I mean we can't all spend loads of money on gifts! And then I found out about CouponChief.com ... It got me excited again over the prospect of shopping for my loved ones. Here's the 411: You'll find it all here, whether it be a gorgeous watch for Mom or a nifty gadget for a tekki brother... name it and CouponChief.com has it! Oh and the best part about it is DISCOUNT!!! You get all sorts of discounts and freebies that you just can't help yourself but thank your lucky stars that you found out about it. Like the gorgeous watch I was thinking of buying my mom, could be found at Sears at 20% discount and the nifty gadget for my brother who is addicted to gaming consoles could be found at Best Buy with a 100$ discount plus add-ons! So if you're like me, who wants to buy good stuff at friendly prices, you should definitely check out CouponChief.com for a worry-free and definitely practical christmas shopping!

Shopping Spree

My mom and I went on a spur of the moment outing yesterday at the Mall of Asia. I didn't go to work, to put it simply, I played hookey for a whole day spent it with my mom who's currently on month-long vacation from work as per her doctor's orders. I guess she's starting to get bored all cooped up at home that she called me and asked me if I had anything specially planned for the day. i of course just told her that aside from boring office work, I wasn't planning on doing anything else. So when she then asked if I could accompany her to go "out", I immediately said "sure" because normally, my mom wouldn't even dare of asking me to absent myself from work just to accompany her, I felt that she needed someone to be with her at the moment so I told her I could bring her to MOA if she wants and so we went... Well, I didn't expect my mom to be super energetic and walk and visit all the botiques in the mall or anything because she's always complaining of aching joints and muscles anyway and I just brought her there so she'd have new things to see and I could treat her out to lunch or something but I guess having her first born by her side gave her an extra energy boost because we went window shopping, and she didn't even complain of getting tired or anything (well except towards the end of the day, and by that time, I was tired as well!). She even helped me in choosing from a wide array of choices of makeup from elianto and endured the long wait as I tried on cute flip flops from ipanema (I bought a cutesy salmon colored one!). We had lunch as sbarro and then continued with the window shopping until she came upon stitchin' moments where she bought several patterns for her new cross stitch project. We went home at around four in the afternoon... I miss spending time with my mom... I know it can't be helped that I live apart from her now but I just wish I could still spend time with my family more...

Long, Busy Weekend

Thursday (Nov. 30)

I did not go to work, instead I went with Malyn (Charlie's cousin) to Zapote where we ordered bamboo blinds that we would line our cement fence with and a couple of cypress plants. I'm really focusing on making a small "garden" in front of our apartment before the holidays since most of our "parties" would be held outside. Then we went to Makro-Las Piñas to buy a couple of single sofa beds for guests who would sleepover. But when Charlie texted that they were dismissed early from work and decided to follow us at Makro, the sofa bed idea got junked and instead we bought a new mattress for our bed so the old one could be used by guests. Then my uncle Andrew (but we call him Tito Boy) texted us that he would also go to Makro so we met up there then our group convoyed back to our apartment, ate late lunch (it was already around 2pm) then used Tito Boy's car to go gift shopping at Alabang Town Center. We were not able to buy any gifts though since the Tiangge at the middle isn't complete yet instead, Charlie and Tito Boy ended up buying shirts that were on sale at Olympic Village. When we got home, my youngest sister Mae was already there (for her weekend sleepover) with Malyn. I cooked beef with broccoli and all five of us had dinner before Tito Boy went home.

Friday (Dec. 1)

Since it was a holiday, Charlie wanted us to go out (basically because our noisy neighbors were at their noisiest again) so we went to SM Southmall with Mae & Malyn. I was able to buy gifts for my some of my inaanak as well as several plant pots and a new cutlery set. Charlie insisted that I buy my Christmas gift to him already so I bought him a pair of rubber shoes. I also bought a cute red bag for Mae and other trinkets at Egg.

Saturday (Dec. 2)

I woke up a bit later than usual, I was feeling pretty tired plus I think I ate something that upset my stomach because I was nauseous for a while. Mae and Malyn were already up so I had to quickly prepare breakfast for them (pancakes, fried eggs & bacon) and fix Charlie's baon for work. The bamboo blinds that I ordered were delivered after lunch but we couldnt install it right away because it was so hot outside. We just lazed around inside the house and watched DVDs. It was already around 4pm when my dad arrived to pick up Mae but before they went home, he helped me install the bamboo blinds and the kitchen utensils holder above the sink. I was replanting the last couple of plants when Charlie arrived with his co-worker Bong to place a "stand" for our refrigerator.

Sunday (Dec. 3)


It was laundry day for me since I was not able to do the laundry yesterday. I was feeling tired and irritable by lunch time that Charlie asked me if we could go out again. I was trying to refuse and was telling him that I wanted to just sleep the rest of the day but he was so insistent that we ended up going to SM Sucat. It was there that I found out that I was going to get my Christmas present early too. He bought me a 21" Sanyo Flat Screen TV for our room. Hehehe! I was bugging him about a TV for our room for several months already but he said that we didn't really need it since we already have a TV downstairs. And just when I was already giving up on the idea, my wonderful husband buys me the TV! Thanks honey! I love you!

So that's that! Tomorrow's another work day... haaaay! Sana weekend na ulit!