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!!

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*.

Advertise that!

Advertising plays an important role for businesses to generate income from potential buyers. Without advertisements, the products go unnoticed and nobody would buy it. If you want to put your entrepreneurship skills to the test, then you are in need of an Advertising Agency that will handle all your advertising needs and make sure that whatever you're selling ( whether a product or service ) will be put up front for the mass to see.

Searching for an advertising agency can be tricky. They  have to understand your needs and make sure they know exactly who to target for what you're selling. Having the experience of working in an advertising firm years ago, I've understood the tough competition between companies in terms of their marketing strategies. Although I am not really an expert in the business management field, but as a savvy shopper, my keen observation really pays off.

Advertising comes in different forms: print ads, media, telecommunications, and now the internet. They may not be the same but they all share one goal - to gain your trust. It's amazing how even a social network like Facebook could generate income by placing ads on our pages. Everywhere you go, there's always ads. One thing's for sure - it's all about the strategy.

Swaddle your little one

Babies are the daintiest among us all and caring for them doesn't just take a lot of time, but a whole lot of patience as well. I may not have one right now but I could say I've had some experience in caring and handling babies when my cousin was born. I was the only girl and so far, the eldest in my family among my generation so I was given the hands-on opportunity by my mom and aunt to care for my baby cousin. 

Generally, it takes all the time, patience, and effort in the world to raise a child. But one of the most important stages in their life that a mom could treasure is when they are still babies. You feed them, give them a bath, change their diapers, hum a lullaby in their sleep, and give as much attention to them as you can ( even if it's 101 % of your life ). But there's something else aside from a mother's touch that babies need, specially when they're all by themselves in their cribs or sleeping - being swaddled. 

At this time of the year, you might want to provide more comfort and warmth to your baby. And I'm talking about baby blankets. If you're very particular in terms of your baby's needs, you always want to have a choice specially when it concerns your precious little one. If you are pro-organic, then you might prefer using an organic baby blanket. Organic stuff are perfectly safe for baby and gives you peace of mind knowing that no harmful substance will affect your baby's health. And if you are the creative type, then you might wanna go for the personalized baby blanket. Whatever you decide is clearly up to you. And remember, a cared baby is a happy baby.

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!

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 ;-)

Are u a Kikay at ♥?

Let's say you are going to a party. Or the mall. Or a quick errand to the grocery store. We, females, have our very own "forget-me-not" stuff that will always be present in our handbags. In our case, we call it our "kikay kit". "Kikay" is a Filipino gal's term which means "vain". Why the stuff? Simple. Men have their emergencies, and so do we! *wink*

Here's a peek of what's inside my kikay kit:

1. Mobile phone     ~  Gotta have it in case of emergencies,  and for checking Facebook while waiting for appointments, etc.

2. Keys              ~ We all bring our house & car keys right?

3. Hand sanitizer    ~  Germs are everywhere. Spread love, not virus okay?

4. Handy mirror     ~  In my case, I really need it. It's all funny games till I flash that smile with green leafy stuff stuck between my braces.

5. Mints                 ~ Making sure nobody knows I had some garlic in my lunch.

6. Cheek tint         ~  It's nice to have a little hint of color on those pale cheeks.

7. Concealer         ~  I don't normally use it but hey, it helps cover those eyebags and nasty blemishes.

8. Lip balm           ~  Always handy specially during cold weather. No to cracked lips!

9. Lipstick            ~  I like having it on my purse. You never know when you're gonna need it.

10. Handkerchief     ~  It's always nice to have something to use in case we sneeze.

11. Power snack  ~  It helps me get through my low blood sugar problem.

Let's face it. We all have the right to be vain. And don't forget - Vanity is also a form of art. 

How about you? What's in your kikay kit? 

i ♥ MYSELF

"Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all." - Whitney Houston

     Each of us has our very own purpose why we're here. And what is that purpose? Some are for the best, others they don't even know yet. But being a part of this whole universe, we know there is always a thing we all should never forget - to love thy self. It may be considered blasphemous if we don't have the so-called "self respect" which is one important thing for us to be accepted by others. Maybe in times we don't realize we overdo in some aspects that's very keen to the observer's eye which is our "physical" attribute. 

     I must admit, I've been a victim of this unconquerable disease in a woman's life - makeover (don't we all do?). Women nowadays go through a series of processes that even men don't understand why. "Why go over and over again? You look great, that's enough." But for us, it's never enough. We are never content. We still want more. The fact that cosmetics play a huge role in our lives makes us think, are we under some kind of a spell? Or is it just the mere reality that women are from Venus? Let's just say we are Venus, and she is the goddess of love and beauty. We have to stand by what she's symbolizing - beauty. Not only on the outside, but inside. Inner beauty is what makes us even more beautiful - doesn't matter how gorgeous and appealing you are but if you don't possess inner beauty, then physically you're never attractive at all. It's okay to make yourself presentable but there's more that meets the eye. It's what's in your ♥.

     For the record, I've always believed that LESS IS MORE :)