Things I Want but Don't Need

When it's Christmas time, there's this strong urge to just shop and shop and shop until we drop. Probably because we feel that after a year's hard work, we deserve a treat. And while it is okay to reward oneself, there's the tendency to overdo it. And I don't want to do be like that anymore.

I will just buy what's necessary and the rest I will try to ignore even if they are already calling my name. LOL!

Here are the things I would LOVE to buy not because I need them but because I WANT them.

So in a way, this is my Christmas wish list. If anybody out there wants to give one of the list below, just leave a comment. Hahaha! Merry Christmas!

Charles Phillip Shanghai, Lizzette Python-Print Smoking Slipper $175 from Neiman Marcus

Rayban, Icons Wayfarer Sunglasses $145 from Neiman Marcus

Play Comme Des Garcon Stripe Sweater $390 from J. Crew

Fendi, Chameleon Tote Bag, Large $2,390 from Neiman Marcus

Chanel Cuff. I don't know how much but I am sure it doesn't come cheap.

Little Special Gifts for Her

When it's Christmas time, I always have a difficult time choosing what to give to a certain family member, friend, colleagues. Maybe it's the pressure or maybe it's from so much choices available also.

But this time, I prepared early. I just hope that the people I am giving gifts to will appreciate my effort.

Here are some of the things I wrapped, mostly for myself. LOL!

Crane and Co. for J. Crew Sketch Note Cards

Liberty Crystal Braid Bracelet from J. Crew

Vintage Pajama Set from J. Crew

This quilted cover is a special gift for a special someone. I hope this will be put in good use :)

Overalls for Him

It is just several days before Christmas and I am sure there are still million of people out there frantically looking for the perfect gift for their families, friends, colleagues and even acquaintances.

And if you are in the Philippines or a Filipino in a another country, there's an exchange gift you have to think about also. That's another gift list you have to include in your shopping.

I am lucky in a way that I don't have that many friends and families to give gifts to. LOL!

But yes I still have a couple of people or so in my gift list that I have not decided what to give. So I did some online scouting today.

I came across these Dickies bib overalls that would look cute on your husband, boyfriend or brother.

Zip Pocket Bib Overall

Sanded Duck Bib Overall

I like these because they look comfortable and durable. And the best thing is that they're all below $100. The top one is only $34.99. I think that is a steal.

I would buy this for the hubby because I think he will look cute on it but I do not think he'll wear this on a Saturday stroll. LOL!

But once we have a farm of our own, I am sure he will appreciate this. It is such a perfect work clothes!

Save Your Head

Cambodia is not a Christian country and they don't celebrate Christmas. But Christmas being hugely commercialized now, you can definitely feel that Christmas is around the corner by just visiting grocery shops (lots of tempting chocolates!).

I am not sure if it's just me or traffic is also really getting worse around this time of year in the city. I mean, I can understand christmas rush in Manila. People are probably running from one party to another, shopping for christmas, etc.

But here? Hmmm...

I mentioned this because yesterday, the traffic was unusually heavy made worse by another motorcycle accident on the road.

When we passed by the accident area, I saw a kid being helped out. The kid looked fine but was a little disoriented probably. He did not have a helmet on.

Geez people! Just go to the nearest helmet shop helmets and get one. It's for your own safety!

This one looks like a hit with the kids.

Parents should not let these youngsters run around bare in the head when driving a motorcycle. I know I won't let my son.

Anyway, I am off today to finish my christmas wish list. Here's hoping I won't encounter any more accidents on the road today.

Stay safe everyone!

Taylor Swift and Her Bags

I've been a fan of Taylor Swift for a while. I love her music, I love her style and now I am loving her more for her practicality.

I followed taylorswiftstyle on instagram about a week ago. It's a Taylor Swift fan's intagram account and she posts pictures of Taylor Swift.

I noticed that Taylor Swift repeats her bags, shoes and shades. It's not really a big deal but most celebrities won't be caught dead wearing the same item all over again.

Some celebrities will only wear the latest trend - be it bag, dress, shades or shoes.

But Ms. Swift, she's a class on her. Take a look at the picture I swiped from the fan's page.

She has worn this bag countless times! And I am loving it big time.

I also saw one bag that she wore several times, it's the same Mango bag I have. I gotta find the picture first so I can brag it here. LOL!

Some Me Time

Stress, if we don't know how to manage it will manifest in some form of disease or sickness in our body.

I had some rashes all over my body and I cannot think of any food that's causing me allergy so I blame stress. And rightfully so, because when I researched stress can give you rashes.

So today, I am having some "me" time. I am going to have a Spa session, the whole works!
I'll have a massage first. Then a facial. And lastly, a mani-pedi session. Yeah, I reluctantly agreed with the mani-pedi. LOL!

I am excited because I will be bringing my own deep massage body cream myrrh from I Coloniali.

It's a gift from a friend and I am excited to try it. She said it's really soothing and to the skin and the muscles.

This cream is actually for men's. But she said it will definitely work with the women's too.

Let's see how it works!

Chader Coffee Table

I have been trying to find a center table but I couldn't find one to my liking. I want something modern, preferably glass or something with steel.

I tried checking online sites of Philippines furniture shops but the ones I see are mostly wooden center tables or if it's glass, it looks so cheap.

Of course I want an affordable center table but I don't want to buy something that I also don't like.

I asked hubby to help me out. Guess what? He found exactly what I had in mind. He told me to check Neiman Marcus online.

Huh? What did you say? I asked him?

Do you need bass amp to hear me? He countered?

No thanks! I just did not expect you'd find the one I was looking for in that store. Here it is:

Jonathan Adler "Chader" Coffee Table

This is perfect for our small condominium. The only problem is that it is way above our budget. Can you guess how much is this?

Well, if you're ready to part with $1,789, then this beauty is yours. Insane, right?

Oh well, we really can't have it all. Maybe I should go back checking the Philippine online stores. LOL!

High-Low Skirt

I have been seeing a lot of high-low skirts lately from different brand of clothing. And I want to wear one myself. I just don't know if I could pull it off.

Picture from thisnext.com

I always wear safe and classic clothes but this time I am intrigued. I want to try and be fashionable. Even for a day. LOL!

I think I could wear the above skirt with the screen printed tee shirts in northern va, a gift from a friend.

I am not sure I could bring myself to the groceries wearing this one. I might look too dressy.

I think I'll have to grab hubby for a date night. Perfect excuse to wear this look and have a food in my belly at the same time. LOL!

That Time for Party Dresses

Endless party is upon us again. Well, not yet, but it's coming soon enough. Are you ready with your dresses?

I am not. LOL!

I am still ready-ing my body before I buy my party dresses. Though, I couldn't help but take a peek at what's available in Zara and TRF while reading cigars review.

I noticed that there are a lot of sequined dresses lately. Here's some dressed from TRF.

I am liking TRF better lately. I guess because I noticed that it's more affordable compared to Zara. But I think they're under the same company?

TRF's market, I think, is more towards the younger women/girls. Well, I am still a young woman. LOL!

Cape Coat

If I live in a cold country, I would probably need a bigger closet to accommodate the coats. I just love coats!

Here is another coat from ZARA I would buy if like I said I live in a cold country.

ZARA Cape Zip Coat

I like the zip detail and the pocket. I could hide some tool supply inside it, if I have to. Hahaha!

Seriously, I love this coat. If this will go on sale, I might buy it. But where will I use it? LOL!

Trumpets

My friends had the unusual conversation today. They were arguing whether the color of the trumpet has anything to do about its quality.

I say unusual because both of them have no musical background much less play a trumpet or any instrument for that matter.

I took it upon myself this afternoon to look for the best trumpets. But then I have no idea where to begin so I just looked at different styles and colors. LOL!

I couldn't decide which one I like better. The silver or the gold one?

Silver

Gold

I think both look nice. If you have a friend who plays the trumpet, these ones will surely make a great gift.

Uniformed

Travel for me is not just about the destination. It is important for me that I also coordinate my wardrobe with the place I am going to visit.

I am not saying I have to be fashionable. I just want to look nice and not out of place. Guys have it easier. Whatever they wear, they blend in easily. Girls have to make an effort.

For our recent trip to Japan, I made a little research about what people in Tokyo usually wear. I do have this impression that fashion in Japan is more about individuality. And I am right. Japanese have the most unique fashion sense I have ever seen.

The research gave me an idea what to wear during the whole trip. I did not make an overhaul of my wardrobe. I just made sure that what I wear will also be weather appropriate and something that I will be comfortable to wear.

For our Tokyo Disneyland trip, I wore this:

Hubby, at first objected with my choice of clothing. He said I looked like I am wearing one of those restaurant uniforms. Well, he doesn't know anything about fashion anyway. So I just ignored him. And besides, Disney has a Halloween theme that time. I could pretend I was wearing a costume.

When we were inside the theme park, he noticed that a lot of women have almost the same outfit as I have. LOL!

It's nice to blend in with the local but still remain true to your own fashion sense.

Too Hot to Handle

I don't know how I got to bags from pads for chairs. I guess my spirit is really week.

I already told myself I won't visit my favorite online stores because that's just torturing myself. But I still found myself going to my bookmarks. And before I knew it, I was already admiring how pretty this Marc Jacobs Tote bag is.

This is the style of bag I don't have in my closet and which I have been looking for a while now.

Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle Tote Bag in mink $438 from Neiman Marcus

Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Tote Bag in black $438 from Neiman Marcus

I gravitate towards black bags usually but the one in mink is just too pretty, right? I might break my bag ban for this. Or should I?

Which one is prettier for you? The mink or the black?

Building an Online Store

A friend emailed me a link to an online store builder. She wanted me to check the website and give her my opinion.

My first impression: How come I did not think of this before?

I remember there was a time when I was crazy about putting up a travel agency specializing in honeymoon packages.

I spent a lot of time researching and then trying to build my own website. Since I do not have any know-how at all about websites and online store, in the end I got burned out from trying to do everything on my own and finally I just gave up.

If there's one thing I regret, it was about not utilizing Google to look for someone who can help me. If I did, my honeymoon travel agency would have been up and running by now. But then, maybe it's not too late to start all over again. Hmm?

Anyway, an online store builder is something I would definitely suggest to people trying to start their online business and especially to people who have no idea how to start one. They can do so much for you and your business.

I checked the link my friend gave me and their services include: set up your store, design your website, find customers and even answer phone for you!

After I went through the site, I am filled with sadness. I shouldn't have done everything my own back then. Lesson learned: If you don't know anything, ask for help.

But like I said above, maybe I can start all over again.

Shopping Regret

I tried on this ZARA Racer Back Dress in blue when we were in Bangkok. The fit was great. I really liked it. But I already have a dress in this color and it's almost in the same cut so I did not buy it.

ZARA Racer back dress in blue

I remember I saw from the website that they have the same dress in red. So I asked the saleslady. Unfortunately, the store did not have a stock of it yet.

ZARA Racer back dress in red

Which do you like? The one in blue or red? I actually like the one in blue. But I thought the red one is also nice.

Now that I am back home, I regret not buying the dress. Just like I regret not buying the Julbo Ski Goggles.

Oh well. Maybe next time.

Uniqlo in Bangkok

I found something interesting, shopping related of course, in Bangkok during our recent trip.

Whenever I want to buy something, a dress or tops or pants, I always gravitate towards my usual brands - ZARA, Mango, GAP. Sometimes I break my own rules and buy at some random shops.

But most of the time, I end up feeling either guilty (expensive item) or disappointed (bad quality). So to save myself time and money I just go to my "favorites".

But this recent trip to Bangkok, I found myself buying clothing items from Uniqlo.

Uniqlo opened in Bangkok a year ago. We were also in Bangkok then. I checked it out but I did not find anything I like.

But to my surprise this time around, I found a lot of items I like and the prices are of course cheaper compared to my favorite brands. A pleasant surprise!

What's funny is that it was my husband who ended up buying a lot of items from Uniqlo. He loved the long sleeves there. I think he bought seven! LOL!

As for my kiddo, he did not want anything to do with shopping. He just really want to buy some mesa boogie 2x12 cabinet guitar center. I know pretty sophisticated for a young age, huh?

But we told him, we'll buy him his rockstar guitar next time.

Uniqlo is a Japanese brand. We'll be flying to Tokyo next month and I can't wait to see what's in their Tokyo outlets!

P.S.

The Uniqlo shop we went to is located at Central World Mall, Bangkok.

Thread Count vs Design

They say that a good sheet, or pillow case should have at least 300 thread count. Or is it 400 thread count? Haha! I forgot.

But whatever. What is important to me is the design. I don't like flowery sheets or anything that has a lot of colors. I just like my bedsheets and pillow case in one plain, solid color. Sometime an accent here and there does not matter, as it's not overcrowded.

My tendency is to choose plain white but I also have light brown and a light purple color.

Here's my kind of bed linens.

Photo from Neiman Marcus

When it comes to car seat covers, I also like plain solid color. The other day, I saw some cute subaru seat covers, like below.

Simple but really nice

I guess getting older has something to do with my color choices lately. But I am really liking it. 

My Kind of Watch

I have four watches but only one is working right now. The three has stopped working. I suspect the batteries are dead.

I can't help but dream of buying a new one. Since it's a dream, I might as well dream big.

If I have a choice, I'd buy a men's tag heuer carrera. I've always worn big watches. I just don't feel comfortable wearing ladies' watches. I don't know, I am just not too ladylike I guess. LOL!

So here are my choices if

With a brown alligator strap - $4,800

With polished steel strap - $4,600

With black dial color and polished steel strap - $5,300

Which one do you like the most? I like all of them but if I have to choose one, I'd go for the for the first one. I like brown leather strap.

My Love for Coats

I have this fascination with coat. In fact I love them. If I were living in a cold country, I believe I'll have plenty of coats.

But since I live in a tropical country, I can only stare at coats in the department stores.

Here's one I would love to have, from ZARA.

ZARA Wool and Lace Coat

Isn't this chic? I am so tempted to buy this coat. I am traveling to Japan next month but the weather is not that cold yet. So if I buy this, this will just stay hidden in my wardrobe cabinet. Or I could plan a travel to a snowy place just so I could wear this. I wish. LOL!

I'll be in Bangkok next week so I will definitely check this out. Let's see if I can restrain myself. Haha!

Black, Nude and Red

I am flying to Bangkok in two week's time. My husband's attending a conference for a week and I together with our son are tagging along.

That means my son and I will be in Bangkok for leisure. I might take the opportunity to double check the equote life insurance given to my husband's company. At least that way, I am productive. LOL!

Of course, it goes without saying that I will also be doing some shopping there. I plan to buy some flat some and probably a couple of jeans.

I've checked Zara for some flats and here my choices:

Studded Slipper Php3,990

Patent Leather Slipper Php1,990

Soft Studded Moccasin Php4,990

Studded Slipper Php2590

If you notice, the colors are in black, nude, red and a little accent of gold. Those are my favorite colors. I also love blue. But I did not see any blue flats shoes.

Let's see if I'll be able to spot these shoes in Zara Bangkok. I'll be sure to report back here.

Honey Butter and Stretch Marks

Like other moms out there, I do have a secret in my tummy. No, I am not talking about my big belly. I am talking about my stretch marks.

When I got pregnant, I never thought I'd get the dreaded stretch marks. My mom never had them. So I thought I will never have that problem.

I was totally wrong. My stretch marks have prevented me from wearing two-piece swimsuits now. If I had only listened to my friends then.

Oh well.

If you're pregnant and even if you think you won't have stretch marks after, just patiently apply a cream. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Here's one cream my friend swears by.

Bella B Tummy Honey stretch mark cream

If only I could rewind time. But then again, I don't think I'd enjoy looking at the mirror with a big tummy, big face and big nose again. LOL! So I'll just be accept my flaws and move on. LOL!

Taylor in Red Dress

I just saw this picture of Taylor Swift in a hot red dress. I confess I am a fan of her and her music.

Photo by WireImage

She is really a cutie. Well, actually she is morphing into one sophisticated lady. I love her style on the red carpet and off the red carpet.

But of course, first and foremost, she is a singer and a songwriter. She also plays the guitar which adds so much character to her image.

Now I have totally digressed. The reason I posted the picture is because I love the dress and I am looking for something similar like that.

I am going to a attend a prom. NOT! Hahaha! Just kidding.

Heels or Flats?

The most comfortable shoes for women is relative. What is comfortable for one may not be comfortable for the other. And vice versa.

Also it depends on whom you ask. Some women will say, they are comfortable with heels, even high heels. Me? I can't even stand on shoes with heels anymore let alone walk and be comfortable in it. I say, I am most comfortable with flat shoes - sandals and ballet shoes.

If you take a peek in my shoe cabinet, you'd find a couple flip flops, a pair sneakers, a ballet shoes, and a pair of brogues.

For my birthday, I want to buy something for myself. I am actually thinking of shoes. Something I can wear everyday, something very comfortable and something that's not too pricey.

Here are my choices:

I like this Birkenstock Boston Suede. It looks so comfortable. And guess what, I haven't owned a Birkenstock ever! So I guess it is time I have one. Hmm.

Women's Merrell Wonder Glove. Now this looks very comfortable especially for long walks. It's just right timing as I am starting to incorporate walking as part of my exercise routine.

GAP loafers. I like this because it looks very chic, easy on the pocket and looks really comfy. 

All these shoes are not available from where I am. Either I have to order them online or I have to ask someone to buy it for me. 

During this time, I wish I live in a big city so I can buy anything I want. If I need to, of course.

Xbox and Kids

Our Wii is more than two years old but it is only now that it is being used by my boys. I don't know why they weren't being explored much before.

Now, they play everyday! It is nice that it's being used but sometimes I get a little jealous because they spend so much more time now playing and even talking about it.

Boys.

My 5-year old even wants another gaming console for his birthday next month! He said it would be "awesome" if gets xbox for a present on his birthday!

XBOX 360 Bundle

My son wants one after he saw an xbox 360 controller in a friend's house and he got curious with it. He told me he played xbox with his friend and it was "awesome".

If I buy him the xbox, I am pretty sure the boys won't have time for me anymore. 

Safes

Break from shopping find...

My husband and I were just talking about gun safety earlier. I told him I saw someone with lots of bullets as his belt yesterday. Apparently hubby saw him too and apparently he was a security guard of someone important.

I don't know, but seeing a civilian-wearing guard with lots of bullets gives me the creeps. With a lot of things going on around us, the very last thing I want to see are those bullets.

If I have my way, nobody should own any armory or anything like that. And if they already have, it should be put in a safe where nobody could access them.

Well, something like this..

gun safes from GunSafePros.com

I really think ordinary citizen should not be allowed to carry guns or pistols. License should be revoked or not issued at all.

Well, that's my opinion. 

Birthday Wish List: Brown Leather Bags

My birthday is less than a month away. And all I want for my birthday is a bag. Are you listening hubby? Or bag fairy?

Mulberry Bayswater Leather Bag £600

net-a-porter.com 

Michael Kors Gia Tote with Pockets $995

michaelkors.com

Dear hubby, I know the two bags above are expensive but if you look at my workload and the way I work, I think I deserve either one of them. But if it really doesn't fit in your budget, then by all means just buy the bag below. At least it's in the same color. I'd be happy, as long as it's given wholeheartedly. LOL!

Jessica Simpson Contempo Tote in Walnut $68

overstock.com

With Retina Display

Hubby is considering buying the new Macbook Pro with retina display.

Photo from apple website

While the new macbook sounds so good, I objected to hubby's plan. He just bought his macbook over a year ago and it is still working perfectly.

It slowed a bit when he upgraded to OSX lion. He thought he would be reformatting hard drive but all he needed to do was to downgrade to its original osx.

After he did that everything was fine and it's fast again.

I don't know why he's thinking of buying the new macbook. He hardly uses his macbook anyway. He only uses it to sync his iPhone and iPad. And that's it. Well, sometimes he uses it to surf online.

I think hubby's addicted to anything Apple. Every time a new item comes out, he's tempted to purchase one.

Hmm..in the meantime, I am waiting for the release of the iPhone 5. LOL!