My NBS Warehouse Sale Haul

January 22, 2014 by

I actually didn’t think I’d be able to go to the warehouse sale last week but I did! Thanks to my husband, I was able to go on Saturday AND on Sunday. The warehouse was dusty, crowded, and hot but I didn’t mind staying there for hours. It was book heaven for frugal moms like me. Imagine books going for as low as P5! If you’re lucky enough, you can find great books in mint condition being sold at 90% off. Just check out some of our fave finds:

photo firstday.jpg

photo 20140119_203046.jpg

photo 20140119_205943.jpg

photo jakeispick.jpg

Did you notice that those were all children’s books? 🙂 The little boy was with me when I went to the sale on Saturday so it was mostly his pick. Each of those books cost only P5 – 50 pesos.  I went back on Sunday all by myself hoping to find some novels for me to read but still ended up with more children’s books. Although, I still did manage to score a handful of good novels for my sisters and me.

photo 20140119_151246.jpg

Sunday being the last day of the sale, the warehouse was packed and the queue to the checkout counters was loooooooooooooong. I spent more than hour waiting in line! I’m not complaining though as I still got to browse books from the tables as we moved along the line. During the four hours I was there, I saw people who chose to leave when they saw the crowd and the long line. For me though, the huge discounts were well worth waiting an hour in line.

photo 20140119_151254.jpg

We’re definitely looking forward to the next NBS Warehouse Sale! From my experience last week, I’d keep these in mind:

  • Wear rubber shoes or closed shoes with socks. The floor was just bare cement and my black sandals turned gray after walking around for hours.
  • Go on the first day of the sale – in the morning! Best to go when the sale first opens to grab the best buys. Plus, books are still well-organized during the first day. If you have kids, I suggest you go on the first day as well.
  • Eat before you start shopping. Expect to spend hours going through the stacks of books and another hour at the checkout lane. Good thing I had plenty of candies in my bag to ward off hunger pangs.
  • Forget the book list! I actually had a book list with me when I went to the sale but it was rendered useless. One, the books were not arranged in any particular order. Second, there was just too many shoppers (too many competition :P) that I just grabbed whatever the kids would love to read and was in good condition. I wasn’t even able to check what the little boy was putting in the basket anymore. Which is why we ended up with “a hundred” Batman books. 😛
  • Bring wet wipes and alcohol. You’d need them after you shop. Most books are dusty so expect to get a bit of dirt on your hands. There’s a washroom on the first floor but a pack of wet wipes and alcohol would still come handy.

photo 20140120_113842.jpg

Filed Under: BookWorms, for DAD & MOM, for the KIDS, Products We Love Tagged With: ,

Off the Bookshelf: I Wish They Taught Money in High School

January 21, 2014 by

Well, I do remember studying about money in high school. We were taught to count money and change as early as first grade. We also had business math in high school and we had those investment problems in algebra. So, yeah, in a way we were taught money in high school. But, like the authors of I Wish They Taught Money in High School, I wish they did teach us how to apply all those “word problems” in real life. If somebody had taught me how the stock market worked in high school or even how to invest in mutual funds, I’d have made a fortune by now! It makes me question that if a lot of students had been taught how to apply such techniques, would we need as many payday loans in order to survive in the world. Maybe we would all be rich and live happy lives knowing that our teachers gave us all the skills we needed to be able to look after our money and spend it wisely. Who knows? But this didn’t happen and consequently, it inspired this book to be created.

photo moneybook_zpsa684a7c7.jpg

The book, I Wish They Taught Money in High School, comes in two parts written by Sharon Que and by Clarissa Serina-de la Paz. Both authors share their respective money journeys with Sharon Que focusing on entrepreneurship and Clarissa Serina-de la Paz focusing on investments. Both debunk the myth that you have to be rich to start a business or to have investments. Their personal narratives and the quirky illustrations by GooglyGooeys.com make the book a light yet very informative read.

No One’s Too Young to Start a Business

In my generation, kids were supposed to focus on their studies and leave money-making to their parents. Prior to being gainfully employed after college, all our expenses were funded from allowances given by our parents. Unless we took stock market trading courses or had lessons on how to pay bills appropriately, we were basically just thrown into adult life and the way the world works in terms of money. Ms. Que though shares with us how she, as a young child, was already exposed to the rigors of business. This early exposure to entrepreneurship has paved the way for her early success in the field of business. Yes, she was already a young entrepreneur at age 10. 🙂 In the book, she encourages us to start a business and turn it into a way of life. She also shares with us how to be an entrepreneur without shelling out any capital. So whether you choose to open up a one product shopify store, a t-shirt printing company or sell jewelry, there’s no better time to start this than the present! The book also provides you with a step-by-step guide for registering your business. If you’re looking for other tips and tricks for starting your own business, such as how to get a higher sales count, then you can look at this negotiation skills training course to help you on the road to being successful. There is plenty of help out there you can find no matter the area you’re looking to improve on in your business, whether you’re just starting off or have been going for years.

From Working for Money to Making Money Work for You

Clarissa Serina-dela Paz on the other hand shares her money journey as a fulltime employee. She gives very helpful advice on how to make your money work for you. Those who slave in the office only to have paychecks barely last a second in their hands would be wise to take Ms. Clarissa’s advice.

Specific and Attainable Goals for Financial Freedom

Both authors espouse goal setting to achieve financial freedom. They do not claim to make you millionaires overnight but share doable ways on how you can grow your wealth even with meager resources. Though most of their recommendations can also be found in other online sites and books, it still is inspiring to hear their personal success stories. Unlike books written by financial experts, these two books do not contain highly technical terms that make our heads dizzy. They provide concrete ways – the very same ones they used – to achieve financial freedom. I Wish They Taught Money in High School is highly suggested for those who want to grow their money but have no idea where and how to start.

Filed Under: BookWorms, Business Savvy Moms, for DAD & MOM, Mommy Talk, Products We Love Tagged With: , ,

How to Buy Maternity Clothes on a Budget

January 14, 2014 by

Buying maternity clothes can be an expensive exercise, sending your modest bank balance into shocked convulsions, as it distributes cash left and right, completely blowing itself of all proportion as you snap up an adorable booster seat you just HAD to have. Most Mum’s will scour the shelves in search for the perfect outfit for their soon-to-be-newborn, clutching at jumpsuits and cooing over little shoes, entranced by the design possibilities. While we want our babies to be blessed with the best (that we can afford), you may consider yourself for a moment and account for your changing body. Your clothes won’t fit at some stage in the nine months period; in fact, a growing belly and swelling boobs pretty much guarantee at least two areas will need to be accounted for, not to mention your butt and thighs. It is possible to spend minimally on a few essentials with the following tips:

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Buy Online

Online shopping is fast becoming a thing; more people every day log in and browse, on their lunch breaks or daily commute, whipping out a debit card to grab a bargain with minimal delivery charges. Digital commerce is a time and monetary savings exercise, allowing you (the consumer) to reach out and find the best price for a certain item or style, read reviews and make an informed judgement call before accepting the purchase and throwing it on the moment it arrives. You’re a bit time poor at the moment, so take advantage of the price comparisons and convenience of online specials at this URL, or several other maternity centric sites. Additional perk? No more horrible shop mirrors.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mix and Match

What’s better, off-loading a couple of hundred off onto a nice maxi dress, or spending the same amount on basics suited to any occasion and configuration? Tees, stretch singlets, tights and maternity jeans are all cost effective staples to make your wardrobe go the distance without putting too much pressure on credit card mileage. It maybe be boring at first, but don’t be afraid to decorate and accessorise; jewellery and scarves can add a new, colourful dimension to any outfit, so don’t be afraid to express your personality and creativity!

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ask Around

Sisters, friends, relations…Most of us know somebody who was pregnant at one time or another, and if it was recently (say within the last year), tap into your network and ask to borrow their wardrobe for a while, until you get your own pieces together. You’ll be surprised by the kindness and versatility of some items, and you never know, once you have your first pair of maternity jeans firmly around your legs, you may be inspired to buy another for yourself, gauging what you need in terms of comfort and style.

Buying maternity clothes for yourself need not to be painful, nor selfish; if you look and feel good, those happy endorphins will be passed to your growing baby, and translate into a calm, confident and sexy Mum to be.

Filed Under: for DAD & MOM, Mom's Corner, Mommy Talk, Products We Love Tagged With:

Mama Needs a New iPhone – How to Find the Perfect Mobile Phone Gift

December 10, 2013 by

Whether you are shopping for Christmas, a birthday, or just because, a mobile phone makes an excellent gift for a loved one or friend. Unfortunately, thanks to a plethora of choice in the stores, it can be a tough job trying to decide which model of phone is going to be suitable for the lucky recipient. So how do you find the perfect mobile phone and do you need to be concerned about price plans?

Who is the Lucky Recipient?

Before you buy a mobile phone gift, you need to think carefully about the person it is intended for. Mobile phones vary greatly in specification and ease of use, so what might be suitable for a teenager would probably be highly unsuitable for your granny. Everyone is different and tastes will vary, but in general terms, here are a few guidelines for anyone considering buying a mobile phone as a gift.

  • Child – the younger the child, the cheaper the phone should be. In fact if the child is not yet at senior school, I would question whether buying a mobile phone for them is a good move. Younger kids are not responsible enough to look after an expensive mobile phone and are very likely to lose it almost immediately, but if you do feel a mobile phone is a good gift for them, stick to a cheaper handset or even a second hand one. Make sure they know that they need to take care of it and if they break it you’re taking it to a cell phone repair poway specialist to fix it and not getting them a new one until they’re older.
  • Teenager – Teenagers are the most difficult people to buy mobile phones for. They invariably want the most expensive handset with every added extra imaginable. They are also extremely picky about which handset is currently ‘cool’. Just because you think a mobile is the bee’s knees, don’t expect your teenager to agree. In this instance, play it safe and ask them in advance which mobile phones they actually like.
  • Parents – Buying your mum or dad a new mobile phone is a really thoughtful gift idea. However, do make sure they actually want or need a new mobile phone before you splash out-unless you have your eye on a new iPhone 5s and are fairly certain that your mum will simply give your nice gift back to you within a couple of weeks.
  • Grandparents – Not all grandparents are capable of using a smartphone, so think carefully before handing over an iPhone or Samsung to your elderly granny or grandpa. If their sight is slightly impaired or they suffer from arthritis, they might find it easier to use a larger handset with extra large buttons for ease of use. And if the only time your granny or grandpa will use the phone is to answer your call, don’t bother splashing out on an expensive fixed term contract. Instead look at the cheapest SIM only deals you can find.
  • Girlfriend – Girlfriends are another tricky gift category. For one thing, your girlfriend might be mortally offended at being given a new mobile phone-especially if she thinks you are patronising her. And for another, if she has expensive tastes, don’t think you can get away with buying a cheap and cheerful handset from an obscure manufacturer. If you try and buy a mobile on the cheap, the relationship will in all likelihood be over the moment she unwraps your little gift.

The Right Price Plan

When buying a mobile phone as a gift, you do need to consider whether (or not) you should purchase a SIM card at the same time. If the recipient already has a SIM and a corresponding service agreement, all they will need is a phone. Their existing SIM card can be used in the new phone and all will be right with the world. But if the recipient doesn’t have a SIM, you will have to look at buying a SIM for them.

Do You Need a SIM Only or Standard Mobile Phone Contract?

Once you have chosen the right mobile phone, you have two choices: a SIM only deal or a standard fixed term contract price plan deal. SIM only deals are ideal if the mobile phone is a gift because you can pay the initial sum and then let the recipient continue making the payments if appropriate. The danger of signing up for a two year contract in your name is that the recipient may end up overspending on their monthly call allowance. If this happens, it will be down to you to pay the outstanding sum, so be careful.

There are always lots of great deals on offer from the main mobile network providers. EE, Vodafone, ‘3′ or T-Mobile SIM only deals are readily available online or in the stores, so make sure you do a price check on a site such as SimOnlyExpert.co.uk before settling for one particular deal. And if you do find a great deal from one company, use this as a bargaining tool to persuade the others to offer you something better.

Filed Under: for DAD & MOM, Mom's Corner, Mommy Talk, Products We Love

RC COLA: The Cola for Pinoys

November 24, 2013 by

Unbeknownst to many, RC Cola has been in the market for more than 100 years.  It is one of the first softdrinks developed and sold in the United States. Through the years, it has continued to provide refreshment that is truly satisfying and that comes at an affordable price.

Satisfying. Affordable.  Two words that any housewife like me would be delighted to hear.  RC Cola is both – it’s big on taste and big on savings.  This is one of those few cases where cheap is not substandard.  It may be low in price, but it’s definitely high in quality.  It’s no wonder it’s fast gaining popularity again with Pinoy consumers.

I remember sharing bottles of RC Cola with my sisters when we were young. With our limited school allowance, RC was the frugal choice for our soda fix.  Apart from the price, we also love its sweet cola taste.    Through the years, this softdrink brand has managed to keep the same old RC taste we have loved. Whether you pair it with meals or quick snacks, RC complements just about any food.

Our next-door neighbor sells RC products so we can conveniently buy them anytime – even in the middle of a meal that doesn’t seem complete without our cola drink.  I know that more and more Pinoys are choosing them over the popular sodas.  As a matter of fact, my neighbor told me that they sell more RC Cola compared to other cola brands.

photo rccolahoney_zpsc96429aa.jpg

ABOUT RC COLA

The RC Cola brand is one with a truly unique heritage.  Originally launched in 1905 by pharmacist Claud A. Hatcher of Columbus, Georgia, USA.  Consumers first knew it as “Chero-Cola.”In 1934, Chero-Cola was reformulated and re-released as Royal Crown (RC), a brand that is even more admired today.

Just a bit of trivia here, Hatcher developed his own brand RC Cola when a local salesman of a very popular cola brand refused to give him a discount despite his bulk purchases.  By concocting his own cola, he was able to sell them for a much lower price.

You may not know it also but RC Cola was actually the first brand that sold softdrinks in a can.  It was also the first one to develop a diet-cola and a caffeine-free cola.

From the “working man’s drink” in Georgie decades ago, RC Cola transcends social classes and is now enjoyed the world over.

photo RCColaworld_zps9bc8efe0.png

In the Philippines, RC Cola has the crisp, satisfyingly delicious cola flavor that stands out from competition by the right blend of ingredients suited for the Pinoy’s taste buds.

photo RCColaProducts_zps512b6a47.png

RC Cola is the brand of cola soft drink that stands out from competition through the right blend of ingredients suited for the Filipino taste.

I’m a sweet-toothed Pinoy which makes RC Cola a great choice for me.  It has none of the strong carbonated flavor in other softdrinks that has made me veer away from sodas.  I have to dilute other sodas with a big handful of ice cubes for me to be able to drink them comfortably.  On the other hand, RC Cola has that smooth and sweet cola taste that’s refreshing even without ice.

photo rccolafromstore_zps06f6c22f.jpg

RC Cola products from our friendly neighborhood sari-sari store. 🙂
SRP for the small bottles is just 5 pesos!

When was the last time you tried RC Cola?  If you can’t remember, grab a bottle at the nearest store and feel a rush of childhood memories as you guzzle down the refreshingly sweet RC taste.  RC Cola has managed to keep its legendary taste – a taste so unique you’ll never forget it.  Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers, I know you’ll agree! 🙂

Know more about RC Cola and their recent promos through

RC Cola Twitter: https://twitter.com/RCColaOfficial

RC Cola FB: https://www.facebook.com/RCColaOfficial

 

Filed Under: Eat-Outs, Family Fun, for DAD & MOM, Products We Love
« Previous Page
Next Page »