My Pregnancy Journey: First Edamama Shopping Experience

One of the struggles of expecting moms these days is ticking off items from our long shopping list. With several malls and stores not allowing pregnant women to enter, most of us have to rely on online stores to get our maternity and baby items. Thankfully, there are a handful of reliable shops to help us. One of which is Edamama. 

Hello, Edamama.

I was so excited when I discovered Edamama. It carries several brands I've been eying to buy for my baby and myself. And I made sure to check it out when it had a sale three weeks ago.

When in Guam: A Guide on Airport Transfer, Outlet Shopping and More (Part 3)

We were so happy that Mother Nature was on our side the whole time we were in Guam. With clear skies and short light showers, we got to enjoy frolicking on the sand for days. And to end our trip, we decided to go with one of the best resorts in town.

Hello, Guam!

Guam Reef Hotel is one of the highly rated resorts along Tumon Bay and we opted to save it as our last resort during our Guam trip. Located at the center of Tamuning, it is just a few steps away from several plazas, Duty Free Shops and UnderWater World. But more than its prime location, we were excited to lounge around its beach front and enjoy the view from its infinity pool. And we were surprised that this 45 year old resort has a lot more to offer. 

When in Guam: A Guide on Airport Transfer, Outlet Shopping and More (Part 1)

With Guam, being just 4 hours away from Manila, the westernmost point of US territory grew as a popular destination for Filipinos itching to travel to America. And with Cebu Pacific's enticing promos, R and I spontaneously booked for a week long vacation in this small island.  

Hello, Guam. 

Guam is a small island that can be easily toured in less than half a day. But before any sightseeing or shopping, one must know how to get to your hotel from the airport. 

Midsummer Manila is Back this September

The insane Manila traffic is just about to get even crazier as we move closer to Christmas. With a supposed 30 minute drive turning into a grueling 2 hour trip, we should start crossing out some of the items on our shopping list as early as now! And one of the best places to make that happen is at Midsummer Manila. 

Hello again, Midsummer Manila. 

Midsummer Manila is back this September with three pop up schedules!

Just in Time for Christmas: Midsummer Manila Christmas Creations Pop-Up Bazaar

Midsummer is back and just in time for the holiday! With over 50 merchants offering unique fashion pieces, scrumptious treats, striking statement pieces and about anything and everything for you and your loved ones, this is one bazaar you shouldn't miss.

Hello, Midsummer Manila.

I had the pleasure to attend its bazaar a few months ago held at Arya and my eyes feasted on the beautiful items brought by the wonderfully curated merchants of Midsummer Manila. Though it is not as big as bazaar giants, one of the things I love about Midsummer Manila is how it made shopping a lot easier by handpicking its merchants and just offering some of the best in town. 

Save November 20 and 21, 2018, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as Midsummer Manila has more in store for you in this season of gift giving!

Midsummer Manila Trunk Show Finds

I used to be so addicted to bazaars that I mark each and every one in my calendar. And yes, it definitely drains the budget. I still remember how excited I was whenever the Rockwell or Noel bazaars will announce its dates and I make sure to block at least 2 of the three dates for shopping. But as I grew older, my priorities changed. I started to save more and smarter on where I spend my hard earned cash. Needless to say, I've grown more mature and learned when to splurge and save. But when I got invited to Midsummer Manila's trunk show a few weeks back, the shopaholic in me was back.

Hello, Midsummer Manila. 

Midsummer Manila is a bazaar and trunk show organizer that has been roaming around Manila specifically Makati and BGC with its curated concessionaires offering unique finds. 

I was invited to (I think) its second trunk show which took place in one of Arya Residences' function rooms and I was impressed with the selection. Hardly any can be considered mainstream. Most are beautifully hand crafted and worth every penny. 

Here's a rundown of my favorite finds:

Taking Gifting to the Next Level

Christmas is just around the corner. (Okay, a few more corners.) The trickling Christmas decors are all over the Metro and despite the intense heat, I still want to sing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." And with November halfway over, I started to think... what do I want to give my loved ones and myself this holiday season?

And so... here's my shopping list this Christmas. Let's start off with my parents.

I want to give them the gift of HEALTH.

With my parents not getting any younger, I want them to stay strong and mobile. Before, I was supportive of them learning how to use the new technology but I realized how much time they wasted in just sitting and staring at small screens. 

I plan to buy them something that will make them fit. Simple free weights and workout outfits would be a nice start for this. Let's throw in a few workout videos. (Or they could just search YouTube too for that. Yay for free workout videos!)

As for my sister who looks so frail, I want to give her a bucket of fat! (I kid.)

I want to give her the gift of SUCCESS.

We all heard it before. We are how we dress. If we dress poorly, then chances are, we won't make it up the ladder (which is usually true if you want to go corporate). There were also studies that show that those who dress smarter and wear make up to work are more often than not paid higher than others who dress not as sharp or do not groom themselves as well as their colleagues. 

Given this, I want to buy my sister a few sharp office outfits that are bound to impress and a few cosmetics to make her look lovelier. (Because she already thinks she's pretty.)

For R who makes my heart skip a beat every time, I want to give him the gift of HAPPINESS.

I know R is happy to some extent but no one can ever say that he or she is too happy. The nice thing about these gifts--health, success and happiness, is that it is limitless. I want him to experience a different kind of happiness through cooking. 

I love to bake and he likes sweets. I think that those two are perfect. A nice baking day would be a fun experience for us and a nice memory to keep (and hopefully yummy brownies to enjoy). 

Oh, let's also throw in a new pair of bedroom slippers as he had to give away the ones he recently bought. 

For myself, I want the gift of CREATIVITY.

Well, technically, you can't buy creativity (which I wish I could) but there are ways that could help me discover (if there is) and enhance my skills. 

I plan to buy some canvas to practice painting and hang on my empty wall my masterpiece no matter what it'll look like. I also intend to buy some oil pastel in case I fail with using real paint. Let's also add an apron for the artist feel. And if I surprisingly do well, I'll definitely give my love ones some artworks too!

When In Hong Kong: Ikea Bistro

I love Ikea. I simply could not resist visiting one whenever I find out that there’s one nearby. The adorable and affordable furniture pieces make me want to redesign my place ASAP. But aside from the smart space pieces, one thing I love about Ikea is… IKEA BISTRO. Oh meatballs!!!

Hello, Ikea!

It has been a while since I last visited one. I remember getting meatballs and soft-serve ice cream every time I visit. It was a sweet reward after walking around the huge Ikea store.

This time around, it was even more thrilling to look around especially since I now have my own space to spruce up. But let me skip my whole I-wanna-try-that, I-wanna-sit-on-that-one, and ooh-what-is-that-cool-thing phase and go straight to the mouthwatering snacks Ikea offers.

I was surprised that despite the massive size of the store, they scrimped on the bistro area. It makes you remember that you’re in Hong Kong where space is as precious (and expensive) as diamond.

Anyway, nothing can hinder me from getting my meatballs, even when the bistro is packed.

We got an order of Swedish Meatballs (HK$9, 5 pieces), Hotdog with Soft drink (HK$10), and Smokey Honey Sausage (HK$10, 3 pieces).

Sale Alert: H&M Anniversary Month-Long Sale

Remember when there was a big crowd in front of SM Megamalllast October 17? Yes, it was a year ago when traffic madness happened because of the opening of H&M Philippines.

Forgot why there was a long line just to shop? Well, H&M was giving away several gift certificates for the first 100 or 200 customers and a lot were hopeful to get one. (Though others say that those people who lined up were paid to create buzz about the opening of the awaited retail fashion brand. But that's another story.)

To celebrate its first anniversary in the Philippines, H&M is treating its customers with a MONTH-LONG sale. Yes, a sale during the whole month of October! Shop and buy several OOTD at 50% off.

See you there!

H&M branches are in SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Makati, SM City North EDSA, SM Fairview and Robinsons Manila.

SALE ALERT: Lego Warehouse Sale 2014

Calling all LEGO lovers!

Lego is having its warehouse sale on December 10 to 14 at Unit A23, 2^nd Floor, Topy Building IV, 3 Economia St., Bagumbayan, Quezon City.

 

Discount is up to 60% off so go get that Stormtrooper set now!

Take this opportunity to buy your kids, nephews and nieces Christmas gifts!

Image from OzBrickNation 

I do hope they have the Lego key chains on sale too!

-Gluttonshopper

Lego warehouse sale images are from Bricks Philippines

Promo Alert: S&R Members' Treat

Mark your calendars as S&R will have a treat for its members this September 24 to 28!

From appliances to grocery picks, you’re bound to get great deals! 

I’m hoping there will be a lot of chips and chocolates on sale. <3 (Oh, Crunch, Rice Krispies, M&Ms, Ferrero Rocher, Cheetos!!!)

Visit S&R's Facebook page for more details and announcements.

-Gluttonshopper

My First Thanksgiving (and Black Friday) Experience

It was my first time to experience Thanksgiving and Black Friday here in the US and it sure was TIRING.

Unlike the Philippines, most parts of the US do not celebrate Christmas the way Pinoys do. I think the only place in America that feels just like the bright Manila is New York. But I'm in California, 6 hours away from the Big Apple. Then again, they also have something quite similar to our Christmas where relatives come over to share a feast and that's Thanksgiving.

Trader Joe's Favorite: Speculoos Cookie and Cocoa Swirl

Just when I thought the cookie butter craze is fading a bit, a new one appeared and made an even stronger impact!

Hello, Speculoos Cookie and Cocoa Swirl!

I was a bit iffy about trying it as I want to be a foodie hipster here! (If there's such a thing.) 

But Trader Joe's is like a temptation island. You just want to try everything you see. A lot of their products are covered in chocolate. I love chocolate. Am I in heaven? Okay, I'm getting off topic here.

The Cookie and Cocoa Swirl seems to be in demand as we need to go to the customer service counter to get a jar or two. Yes, distribution is limited too. 

Again? Maybe not.

It’s my favorite month in a few days. I just love Valentine’s Day and of course, my birthday (hihi). So in preparation for the day of L-O-V-E, two of my friends and I thought of giving each other something. I decided to order online as there’s an enticing promo that I just have to get it! Hey, it was 30% off.

Most of my friends know that I am not a fan of online transactions as it scares me. I only did it once and tried buying something for N but it ended up… wrong. *sigh*

So when I came across this promo, I chose to pay in cash. Since the order won’t be delivered till the 14^th, I made sure that I ask for a receipt just in case. So let me narrate my online shopping experience.

It was the typical process of choosing what I want, entering the details, choosing your preferred payment method and wait for an email or call for verification. Smooth. Easy. Convenient. Well… not really.

The delivery company called me three times.

One was to confirm my order, billing address and that I have to email them again the delivery address and my little note as it was cut in their system. Not much of a hassle.

Call number two was to tell me that the price on their site was discounted and final and that I need to pay on or before February 1 to get the special rate. Sure, no problem. I told the sales representative that I could pay the following day but I will need a change for PHP1500 as I might be out of change. She noted that.

Call number three was to confirm the best time to get the payment and I said on or before 11 a.m.. She confirmed by saying that their guy will be in my office at 10 a.m..

So, “the following day” came and no one came to get my payment. No call. Nothing. I was a bit busy too that day so I wasn’t able to call to follow up.

Bazaar Alert: In Search of the Next Bight Thing Bazaar

I just love bazaars. I love the fact that I could score some unique finds at reasonable prices there. I also love the thrill of being able to bargain your way to getting the lovely top you are eying. And today, I’m definite that tonight will be one fun night!

The search is on for the Next Big Thing and the prize is definitely no joke!

I just love this bazaar as all concessionaires are on their toes pampering shopaholics for them to have the best shopping experience (or at least for that night) as each shopper has gets to vote for their favorite store. What’s the big deal? Well, the store with the most votes wins PHP100,000!

Sale Alert! SuperSale Bazaar this March 2-4, 2012

Something very exciting is happening this weekend and I can’t wait for Saturday to come!

For the past few weeks, all I have been doing was eat, eat, and eat. Then I realized, I did not shop last month (and to think it was my birth month), except for those occasional food shopping and gift buying trips. I am not a shopaholic but I usually buy a new top or whatnot every month. I guess I prioritized my tummy last month (oh, how time flies) more than my desire to wear something new to work. (Yes, wearing something new, even if it’s just a clip, makes me feel, well, excited to go to work. *blush*)

 

I know that there’s a SuperSale Bazaar every March of the year but I was not expecting it to be early this year. I was so surprised when my officemate B handed me a flyer of my favorite bazaar stating that it is slated to happen this MARCH 2-4, 2012. That’s this weekend!