Earn while you shop!!! ^_^

Calling all shopaholics!

If retail therapy is your all-time stress reliever - then the malls are your clinic and the bills are your prescription. I didn't say it is the only cure, but IMHO it sure works for me at times when I need it the most. I don't go out much, and I don't shop very often either. I tend to fall under the savvy shopper category, and always have the needwant in my head, "Do I need this or do I want this?". And if it falls on the want, then I shrug my shoulders and leave before I change my mind. On the other hand, if it is a matter-of-life-and-death-kind-of-need, (OK I am exaggerating) then I scour the internet and find the best deals. And that's how I found Ebates. Who says you can't spend & earn at the same time?

Whenever I go online, I make sure I log into my Ebates account. What is Ebates? Ebates is the pioneer and leader of online cash back shopping. It pays members cash back every time they shop online as well as provide them with the best coupons and deals online. Best of all, it is FREE to join!  For example, if you are a Macy's fan, you earn 3% cashback regardless of how much you spend. And sometimes if you are lucky, your favorite store might even give double cashback. Right now, Macy's is one of them so you earn 8% cashback. Cool, huh? Once you've earned $5.01 or more, they will either send you a check or thru your Paypal account. Or if you're feeling generous - you can even choose to donate your earnings to a charity of your choice.

I just got mine, and here's the proof:

For first-time registrants, you will get a bonus $10 gift card. Just make sure that you log onto Ebates everytime you shop online for you to earn cashback, otherwise you won't. Sometimes I tend to forget specially when I'm in a hurry and how I wish I could redo it if I could (darn!) but anyway, there's always a second chance.

Interested? Sign up through the link below and start earning!

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=Eb1eBUE6n96zV8Zutj2uXg%3D%3D&eeid=26471

They say it's better to give than to receive. In this case, you can do BOTH! Sweeeeeeet!!

Wazzup wazzup?!

It has been more than a year since I last posted here in my beloved blog. Whew! What a loooong hibernation it has been for me! Seems like I have kept myself (and my hands) busy for the past year and so. Well, it seems like when you love doing something & you stop doing it - you will always go back. And that, my friends, is what you call passion. 

Being on a loooong break (or should I call it, procrastinating, eh?) enabled me to explore my other interests in life. Even the ones that I am eager to learn & still not so good at. Traveling opened my eyes to a whole new journey, not just in my own simple world, but to worlds unknown. My flair for photography never ends, and still on the prowl for those "unguarded" moments from my beloved ones. Of course, I still give them a good shot. I have also expanded my cooking knowledge - still on the trial & error stage but hey, I've been getting "thumbs up" signs from my husband! (which is a good thing, right?) Not to mention baking, I feel like I am in Julia Child's or Martha Stewart's kitchen (only in my dreams of course!). But just to clarify, I am still not a pro. Maybe I am just, in my slightest exhilaration, to share with y'all what's keeping me busy as a bumblebee these past few months (or year/s). 

So, hello again fellow bloggers & amazing readers. Or should I say, I am back :D

Moving Here

Guest post written by Arnoldo Acevedo

We moved here last year to help my husband pursue his music career and boy was that the best decision we ever made. We’re closer to my parents which is nice because they can help with the baby and I now get to be a full time stay at home mom which is so nice. I love being home with Sarah during the days and I also have time to start my own little business on the side which I’ve always wanted to do. I love that I can use my clear internet Nashville to get online and solicit new customers and I’m almost done with my business website which has been a total labor of love. I had to have a design student come in at the last minute on that one and help me finish it off but it looks really good if I do say so myself. My husband isn’t quite famous yet but one of these days he’s going to hit it big, mark my words!

Alone in My Big House

Authored by Rickey Combs

For the most part I like living alone, but sometimes it’s really difficult. I have to take care of the house alone, and it’s not easy to do all of the yard work and maintenance on my own. I like having my own space and not having to deal with a roommate, but lately I’ve been getting kind of scared at night. It’s funny because I’ve been living alone for years and this is a new development. I can hear little noises outside of my window some nights and if totally freaks me out. I know it’s probably just a squirrel or some other animal scurrying around, but it scared me enough to get an ADT Alarm Systems. I kept on thinking about all of the worse case scenarios and getting myself all worked up about it. I got a great deal on the alarm and it gives me peace of mind, so I know I made the right move. I wish I would have gotten one earlier. I’ve been sleeping much better since installing the alarm system. Now, when I hear a noise outside I know that no one can get in my house without an alarm sounding off.

Looking for a bargain?

Shopping can be a very exhilarating and exhausting experience at the same time. You can shop 'til you drop, but not until you get your hands into the best deals you could ever find - anywhere. May it be the mall, the bazaar, the flea markets, or online. Speaking of online, if you love eBay, then you might want to explore this website called nomorerack. It specializes on great deals which usually go as high as 80%.They have the Daily Deals which, of course, you have to check out daily to make sure you don't miss today's deal. And there's this Insanity Deal where they offer outrageous, insane (which is why they call it an insanity deal, of course) deals that rack up from 80-95%. But it doesn't last all day so make sure you look for that purple box and grab it while it lasts.

So, what's the catch? Why so cheap?

Ever wonder where those unsold, overstock, and closeouts go? nomorerack.com does the hunting for us and makes sure they get to it before somebody else does. And that's how we score these amazing deals. Which means we can also get famous brand goods in retail prices. Simply amazing! But before you can get your hands to these fantabulous deals, you have to be a registered member first. And you know the saying, "the more you share, the more you have"? You get 5 free $10 gift cards if you share the website to friends. Fan-ta-bu-lous indeed!

Checkout is also a breeze. They accept major credit cards and shipping is only $2 per item. What more can I say?

With the downfall of economy, even the not-so-bargain hunters enter the bargain frenzy. We want to get more out of our paychecks, and so the hunt begins. And who says shopping is just a snap? When your wives or girlfriends come home with bags and bags of goodies, instead of asking them how much they spent - ask them how much they SAVED. You'll never know a good deal until you see one. *wink*.

A Night to Remember ( New Year's Eve )

I have grown up with the tradition of starting the year with a bang. And with a bang, I meant a huge celebration and all that fireworks and stuff. In the Philippines, New Year's Eve is one of the highly celebrated holidays aside from Christmas. But since I am 7,000 miles away from my dear family back home, my hubby and I decided to throw our own party with some of his family members and our very close friends. Although we can't celebrate it ala-Filipino style (again, with the fireworks and all that noise) but I guess I can say we definitely welcomed the year filled with food, fun, laughter, pictures, drinking, mingling, and a whole lotta music!

New Year pull-apart cake

finger foods ala carte

hubby, friends, & family by the bar

the crowd waiting for the NYE countdown!

OMEOMY band playing in our basement

snapshot with friends

CHEERS!!!!

This is by far, the biggest party we've had since I've been here in the US. There were a lot of preparations but then again, it was all worth it. I managed to be sober the whole night (as what a good hostess would do) and by 5am, we were off to bed. Seeing all their happy, smiling faces and their laughter filling up our house is like the cherry on top of this last holiday of the year. Now we are ready to brace for what 2012 has in store for us and hoping for those yet to come.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

" Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? 

     Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne! "

Another year has passed, but it all seemed like it was just yesterday to me. Time really does fly fast, and next thing we know, we're toasting champagne glasses and making noise to welcome the year ahead! As holidays were the busiest time of all, I realized that I haven't had enough time to sit down and write on my blog. And so before 2012 knocks on my door, I won't let this year pass without saying Goodbye 2011. This year has been wonderful and the more I lose track of time, the more lessons I also learn. Life has been good to us. And everyday I am very THANKFUL for all the blessings we received. Every once in a while we have our "moments" but then again, I am thankful for it. For it was those moments that made us who we are today. For every time we fell, we rose. And for every tear we cried, we smiled. And for every pain and loneliness, we find solace and bliss. God has showed us how powerful HE really is, and it is only HE who creates our destiny. It was only when I realized that what I got right now is what I really wanted from the start. And that the more we count our blessings, the less problems we have. 

As I look back and wave goodbye to another friendly year, I never forget the years that passed us by. If only life has a pause button, I'd gladly pause a few days before the end of each year and seize every last moment I have with it. But it will never be that way. So it is time for a new year, a new life, a new resolution. As long as there's always something to look forward to, our journey will always be an exciting one. We don't know what's in store for us in 2012, and all we can do is hope for the best. So let's raise our glasses and toast for a bright, wonderful, healthy, and blessed 2012!!!

From our family to yours,

A BLESSED HAPPY  NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺

Another holiday away from home

     When I was in my teen years, I have always desired to get away from home. It has been my rebellious spirit to try new things and explore different places. Being here in America for about 3 years and 2 months, I learned and realized a lot of things. That sometimes, we get more than what we bargained for. Holiday season is here again, and yet I feel that melancholic breeze. I lived in the Philippines my whole life (although I had to be away for 3 years to work in Singapore) but even so, my heart longs for the only place I called "home". Good thing, I made some really nice friends here and they help me get through the forlornness of the atmosphere. And so last Sunday, we gathered together for our very own Fil-Am Christmas party. I want to be able to look back and reminisce the fun times I had with them, so I brought my trustee camera and took some shots!

yummy appetizers and desserts

homemade prosciutto

a bountiful feast

prizes for the games ( I got one!)

a fun eggplant game!

a Filipina's day is never complete without Kodak moments!

     The day was filled with fun, laughter, tears (from laughing so hard), food, and camera flashes. I almost forgot that I wasn't in Philippines at that time. Next thing we know, it's already 9pm! Time really does fly when you're having so much fun. I wished I could have this moment with my family. All I can say for now is, life's moments are well-spent when you know it is shared with the people you love.

--☺☺☺☺☺--

HOUSE SWEET HOUSE

Thanks to Olga Quinn

My house is my pride and joy and I just love spending so much time making it perfect. I had my mom come in and help me decorate because I had absolutely no taste at the end of the day and I knew I’d make the place look like a hot mess. I went to texas electricity providers to keep my energy rates down and I even planted some flowers in the front yard which has just been the best thing ever in terms of my morale and I’m actually planning a housewarming party (which I’m a little late for) very soon! I can’t wait to show this place off to all my friends and hopefully get a gift or two for the house. I really need to get a doormat and I also need some new lamps so you know, I’ve got a ways to go. My mom is coming back for Easter so hopefully by then I’ll have bought everything I need to get this place in the shape she wants it in!

Medical Scrubs

The medical field is currently popular among job categories. Most of the people I know are either nurses, pharmacists, or medical technicians. I couldn't relate though, because being in the medical field wasn't my thing back in my college days so I took an office-related course instead. But now I understand why it's always on top of the job-hunters nowadays because anything related to health will and always be a priority. That plus the overwhelming advancement in technology particularly computers, it just makes sense. 

If you or anyone you know are in the medical field, you might be on the lookout for medical scrubs. The first time I heard about the term "scrubs", I didn't know what it was until a friend of mine who's a nurse went to shop for scrubs. I asked her why it was called that way, she said it's just what they call their uniform. It took us a while to find a store that sells scrubs. But now that I found that this website http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/ sells scrubs online, I can suggest this to her and to my other friends. They offer scrubs of all types and designs, surely you can find one that's just right for you. Maybe someday when I've decided to be in the medical field, I might have to buy one for myself too!

Candid Autumn

Two weeks ago, my husband and I together with his niece and her boyfriend, took a nostalgic steam train ride in the Wilmington-Western Railroad. They have this event called "Autumn Leaf Special" and we thought it would be nice to board the train and do some Fall sightseeing in one of Delaware's historical suburbs, Hockessin. So as I bundled up ( knowing it would be 40 degrees on that day ), I also packed my Canon SLR to see if I could take some shots aboard our No. 58 coach.

Here are some of my favorite shots ( sorry I couldn't post a lot as I am a fan of the burst shot LoL... ) and hope you enjoy the panoramic views through my camera's lens ( 'coz I did! ).

A front view of our steam train ( a vintage version of Thomas the Train! )

A combination of the orange, yellow, and green hues make up the autumn foliage

The sky makes an astounding backdrop for the trees' colors

One of the water views along the Hockessin border

Reflections of Autumn

We can only take pictures aboard the train, so these were taken from where I sat. I had to fumble with my camera's settings the whole time as I had trouble with the bouncing of the flash through the window and the sun beaming towards my face since we took an early afternoon train ride. But so far, I still managed to capture the beauty of Autumn right from my seat. 

Ahhh, Autumn what can I say?? Let me savor you first whilst I brace myself for your successor, Winter.

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."  ~ Albert Camus

Don't get lost

Ever been in a situation where you get invited to somebody's house for the first time and went to the wrong address? Or driving in the dark trying to find your friend's house and the GPS says "Destination on the right" yet you still couldn't find it? We've been there folks...

My husband drives me around so I can familiarize myself with our neighborhood. I like taking a good look at other people's houses too, which has something to do with my fascination for architecture. Believe me, I am not knowledgeable in construction stuff but I can pretty much tell if a house is just right for my taste. One thing I noticed though is that here in the US, people are free to design their house the way they want it. But the sad thing is, some just don't care. And I'm talking about address plaques. Some people have designed their house too elaborate that they forgot that tiny detail that would make it convenient for their family and friends. Like some of the houses we saw, I couldn't find the house numbers even in broad daylight. I love designs, but I just wish that homeowners would pay attention to some of the essential details of their house. You wouldn't want your loved ones to get lost looking for your house, would you?

Zip it up!

Usually, it's the girls who get the chills easily... but how about the boys? Boys get cold too, you know. And just in time for the cold front to start saying "hello" to our bare skin, it's time to start zipping up!

I have a brother who, I might say, is a fashionista. He usually goes with the flow. But since he's way back home in the Philippines, I just send him stuff to fit his lifestyle. I may have spoiled him a bit, but he's my only brother and I love him to death. With him working come rain or shine, he needs something to protect himself from the nasty outburst of the typhoon. And that's where I come in. I love to shop, not only for myself, but specially for my loved ones. And one of my favorite stores offers these zip up hoodies which basically is the fad in teenagers and adults nowadays. Pretty cool and protective at the same time huh? He just loves wearing it not only for work but for play, too. The funny thing is, in Philippines, you will see guys wearing them even in the sunny weather! I guess you can pretty much say that's a fashion statement for Filipino guys there.

Fashion or no fashion, we need to shield ourselves from the excruciating effects of climate change. At this time of the year, we have to bundle up. Don't worry if you're wearing a bulky coat even if it's not winter yet. If you're feeling cold, I got three words for ya - ZIP IT UP!

A baby experience

Recently my husband and I have been invited to attend a friend's baby shower. It was actually a "surprise" shower and as far as I know, this is her 4th baby shower already. Some were given by her family, friends, and colleagues from work. It was a nice day for a first-time attendee like me. Yes, this is my first time to be in a baby shower and it feels good to be aware of what goes on in an event like this ( getting ideas in the future *wink*). Anyway, as soon as the opening of gifts came, I noticed that most of the guests gave them baby girl clothes ( it's a baby girl, by the way ) which I think is a smarter thing to give than toys. I mean, a baby can always use more clothes right? I didn't go with that idea though, since I figured that they'll probably be getting a lot of clothes so I went with the booster seat instead.

I remember when I was shopping for a baby shower gift, it took me forever to decide what to give. I was in the baby section for an hour and been walking back and forth from aisle with their baby registry in hand. Unfortunately, the baby registry wasn't updated so it got harder for me to decide. Oftentimes, when I shop for gifts I don't just grab it off the shelves. I always keep in mind if that person will like it or not, and if it's essential for his/her daily use. I don't know why, but I think gift-giving is not just a chore. It must be done from the heart.

So far, I am still eager for my mommy moment to come...

Fit for a King

I consider shopping to be my stress-reliever. You know the saying, "Shop 'til you drop"? That used to be my old adage. Until I got married - which means I am now shopping for two.

Every time I feel the urge to give something to my dear husband, I get blank completely. Just because men aren't as easy as women when it comes to gift ideas, specially since my  husband's a bit difficult. He's in the computer profession so he isn't one of those button-down-shirts-necktie-kind-of-guy. He's not a sports fanatic either, so that narrows it down to gadgets and/or clothes. And I'd usually go for clothes, because I believe it's more essential to him rather than the gadgets. And since he hates surprises so he's not fond of the idea of waiting for something he wants as a gift because he'd rather just buy it himself rather than wait. I know my husband's size so well, but as you know, clothes' sizes can be tricky sometimes. Either they shrink or they're just too loose. In that case, I needed help.

I usually go to the big and tall section when I shop for his clothes. Oftentimes I shop alone, which makes it even trickier to find something he'd like. I would stand in the same aisle for an hour deciding if I'd get it or not. Thankfully the stores here in the US offer returns for purchases so I am not extremely bothered by that fact. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy shopping for my  husband. It's just not as simple as shopping for my mother or a girlfriend you know? Tricky it is...

I give him the royal treatment, because he is my husband. And by royal that means with substantial respect and undying love and trust. But that doesn't mean that he can just wear whatever. I always make sure to find something that's fit for my King ♥ 

Holiday sweet treats

It's officially 45 days before Christmas and yet some of us might not have thought of what to give to our loved ones. Thanksgiving is 2 weeks from now and then here comes the holiday rush again! Prepping up for the holidays has never been easy, and it always involves making a list and checking it twice. Finding out who's naughty or nice would be a breeze but once you do, you gotta have a little "something" for that lucky one. And what's the best way to spread a holiday cheer? - a nice sweet treat :)

For all we know, chocolate gifts are one of the highly rated Christmas goodies of all time. Everyone loves chocolate! And if you're thinking what I'm thinking, I don't mind getting some for me and my hubby. Holidays are also the time for self-control, if you know what I mean. With the gift-giving tradition and the exchange of Christmas cookies and pies, we all need a little bit of "sugar rush" once in a while. Oh, I can simply visualize the kids running and screaming after a few sweets, and the adults laughing and chattering around the dining table. Gotta love the holidays...

I may be talking about the holidays right now but remember, there's still Thanksgiving. Which means there's more time to shop! So go ahead and find out who's naughty and who's nice ;-)

Baby Boom

 

 

Are babies the IN thing this year? Because lately, I have been surrounded by an overwhelming batch of pregnancies. So far 5 of my friends are expecting their babies by the end of 2011 / beginning of 2012. 
Coincidence or sign? *wink*

     Yesterday I joined some of my friends for a 3D/4D Ultrasound viewing of our friend Lany. Her and her husband are expecting a baby girl on the 2nd of January next year. Yeah, isn't it cool to have a post-New Year's Day baby? The whole world would be celebrating her birthday next year! Anyway, I was very excited to be part of this wonderful event in our friend's life. Oh the joy of seeing her up close for the first time! I couldn't be any happier for them...

 

     Being an expecting parent must be a very exhilarating feeling one could ever have. And I can just imagine myself being in their shoes someday. I am just a few among my friends who are not on the list yet, but who knows? Maybe next year. I wonder if Mr. Stork will bring our bundle of joy in the near future. Too early to tell and besides, hubby and I still have some plans in mind before we leap to the next level. Aside from the fact that we still want to explore a little bit more of America, is that we're also facing a major change in our lives which is moving to a new house. A lot of work and stress, but all worth it once we get settled in. So it really isn't our year to have a baby. But prayers aren't left unanswered. And it is in my prayers that our time will come in the future. :-)

Live Concert

Guest post from: Natalie Walter

We told all of our friends to visit http://www.ExpertSatellite.com/ and upgrade their television package to get HDNET. All of our friends like a pretty popular band from our hometown, Widespread Panic. They were playing at a venue, the Georgia Theatre, which had been rebuilt after it burned a few years ago. We knew that the concert was going to be a good one because the venue was small, was in Athens ( the band’s hometown), and was at the theatre that they had played in some twenty years before. We try to go to every concert that we can when the band is near us, but we live out West and would not be able to make it home to see the band. A lot of our friends didn’t get tickets either or couldn’t make the concert. We got HDNET and were able to watch the concert live on television from our house. A lot of our friends were able to too. I was happy that it was going to be broadcast live. The concert was up close and personal, I almost felt like I was there in the crowd!

Say "CHEESE!"

"Don't just stand there, let's get to it. Strike a pose, there's nothing to it." - Madonna, Vogue

     It's amazing how social media nowadays have a tremendous impact when it comes to expressing ourselves. May it be Facebook or Twitter, we often find ourselves browsing thru our friends' photo albums and eventually know what's going on in their lives. And that, of course, involves a camera.

     I am still an amateur in the world of photography. That  plus being a self-confessed "camwhore" which I am guilty of LOL! But hey, who doesn't? Cameras have become part of our daily essentials - we can't live without it. For every face and place we see, we point and shoot. Taking a picture is like painting a canvas, but without the hassle of bringing paintbrushes and palettes. With the overflowing popularity of modern technology, there will always be that perfect camera for each of us. Whether you're a frustrated Ansel Adams or just a nature lovin' hobbyist, it all depends on the purpose and apparently, the budget. It is very important to research about the specific kind you're looking for, otherwise you might end up wasting your money. It took me a while before I found "the one", and I am delighted with my choice.

     Pictures say a thousand words, but memories last a lifetime. Keep in mind, we are not just taking pictures - we are collecting memories.

Family Friday!

Another year, another Fall. Next thing you know, Winter's here. Sometimes it's hard to think that months pass by so quick it almost feels like I haven't done anything in one day. We are going out for a dinner tonight, and we're eating crabs. They say it's the last time of the year that we get to enjoy it. As I stepped into the shower, I noticed I have been using a lot of hot water lately. I remember in the Philippines we used water heaters to immerse in a pail of water. Good thing they have lowes hot water heater in the local hardware store here. Just brings back the good ol' days...

While enjoying my hot shower, I also couldn't help but notice our bathroom was all in pink. Well, not everything. Only the pink shower curtain which I bought as a set completed the dreamy peachy look of our bathroom. Thankfully, my husband wasn't against it ( knowing they are very particular with their THRONE) and he said it's pretty much up to me whatever I want to do with the house, as long as I don't touch the basement a.k.a his "man-cave" lol...

I couldn't decide what to wear, and so I just grabbed the first one I could find - my wrinkly striped sweater. I must have misplaced the iron headboard and so I wasn't able to give it a quick press. Even so, I still wore it. Nobody's gonna notice it anyway. And off to dinner we go!

I love spending time with my in-laws. Even if it's just a quick visit or a simple dinner together. They're what I call "home" away from "home" <3