Hello There!

Just some photos of mi bebes and moi. Most of them taken at St. Lukes Global City, where we’ve been hanging out lately. Yes, the kids are getting sick (again and it’s only January) but that’s Philippines + allergies for you. Hope you’re all having a great day!

A photo of your truly, because I know you miss me. ;) ;)

January 30, 2012 | Filed Under being a mom, family, health concerns, mine | Leave a Comment 

Outdoor Dining

I saw some really nice wooden tables at S&R lately but they were just too expensive for me. I figured they will work well on our terrace so the kids can have barbecue parties from time to time. I also read an article about dining “outside” with the kids which is why I am so bent in finding the perfect outdoor furniture. There’s a lot of options out there – it’s the budget that are lacking. Hopefully, one of my quotes for side projects will be approved so I can start planning the patio makeover.

January 20, 2012 | Filed Under being a mom, family | Leave a Comment 

Moving is her Career

Found my friend shopping for strapping tools online. When asked why, I learned that she’s moving houses. Again! It’s only five months ago since the left her last condo and now, she’s planning to move again. Luckily, it will be near our place so we’ll get to hang out more. She said she’s getting too old for condo living and would want her own porch so she can relax in the afternoon. As if she have time to relax! But anyway, I’m glad because her current condo is filled with students and yuppies that it tends to get loud at night. I just hope she’ll get to stay for at least a year at her new place this time around.

January 8, 2012 | Filed Under anything goes, friends | Leave a Comment 

Christmas 2011: In Photos

Here’s a quick re-cap of our Christmas in pictures. I never regret nagging the husband when it comes to taking photos. No matter how busy or stressed we are, having our pictures taken is a high priority. :) They always come out nice. Which makes you forget all the small holiday-related issues and just focus on the big picture. Pun intended.

The family

My girls

The boys. :D Megster and the Husband.

My little model. She wasn’t smiling because she said models are supposed to be serious.

Now that’s the Sandy that we know.

Finally, a decent shot of Meg. :)


Sandy watching her video message from Santa. Priceless. :) You can watch it here too.


From Santa


Chirpy, her favorite toy as of today.

January 3, 2012 | Filed Under family, Megster, parties, photos, princess sandy, the husband | Leave a Comment 

DIY Furniture

If only I’m a domestic goddess like other people I know, I’d be all over projects like using upholstery fabric to dress up an old chair. Or painting furniture like the photos below.

Amazing how much you can save if you have the time and inspiration to create things like these. I’m all for creativity myself – it’s what I do for a living after all, but at the end of the day, I’d rather buy these pieces in a shop at a reasonable price.

January 2, 2012 | Filed Under money, our home | Leave a Comment 

Buying Special Gifts on a Budget

If you are on the hunt for a piece of jewelry or another special gift for a loved one, bad credit can prevent you from getting store financing. Quality jewelry can be expensive and jewelry stores in particular are wary of bad credit, so how can you afford an engagement ring without spending your life’s savings?

Don’t give up hope yet, you can find another way. Selling stuff from around your house, finding a part time job online or getting an installment loan can help you get that special gift sooner, even without good credit.

Selling Stuff Around the House

Going through your stuff (DVDs, video games, books and such), you’ll be surprised how many things you can sell. Selling your extra stuff on eBay, Amazon and other online market places is fairly simple. Try to at least match the lowest price (as long as it’s reasonable) and you won’t have trouble selling.

Selling items from around the house usually isn’t enough to fund an engagement ring by itself, but it will be a big step towards it. If you happen to have big things around your house like an extra TV or barbecue, it can add up quickly.

Making Online Jobs

Blogging, making funny videos or opening a hobby website with ads can also help you save for a special purchase, but like any job, it takes awhile to start getting paid. If you have time to save up, making an online small business or finding a part-time job online is a great option. Here are a few job ideas:

  • Professional blogger. Talk about something you love and link related advertisements to it.
  • Video blogging (vlogging) is also becoming popular. People who prefer to talk instead of write about their favorite topics tend to do videos with advertisements.
  • Make a hobby website. Websites educating others about a hobby are always fun and can easily turn a profit if well maintained.
  • Make something and sell it. When someone is hunting for a cat-shaped bottle opener or something unique that you can make—they will buy it from you.

Installment Loans

As mentioned above, sometimes you don’t have the time to spend making money — you need it now! If the store won’t give you a finance plan, check for installment loans online. Many online loan companies offer loans despite low credit scores and have excellent rates comparable to regular store financing.

Another benefit to getting an installment loan online is that you’ll know if you’re approved instantly. Then you can start planning for that special day sooner rather than later.

Have more budgeting ideas? Share your idea below in the comments!

January 2, 2012 | Filed Under money | Leave a Comment