=✿Shopaholic Gal✿=

I meant to post my warm Christmas greetings here but I didn't get to do it on time-I was just too pre-occupied. I had a big dinner to prepare and was busy with everything else in between. Holidays can sure keep people busy. As for our Christmas celebration, we had a fine time. Our children received what they wished for as Santa granted their wishes. We all received a little something from Santa. My husband received a nice box of cologne, and I received a couple of books. Knowing one of my books is about reading tarot cards; I thought I would prepare myself with getting a box of tarot cards as well. You see, I am into science and discovery, so anything related would interests me. I enjoy reading whenever I have time, and the books I received will definitely entertain me. Anyway, we all enjoyed our time. Our children really had a blast opening their presents. They definitely adore Santa for his kindness and generosity showering them with gifts every Christmas. Okay, I've got to go for now because I have some shopping to do yet. It's the day after Christmas after all. Okay, happy holidays everybody!

It's the holidays and it's the best time to shop. Most of us are usually busy shopping for gift-giving purposes. Well, at my end I have been busy shopping the past week as I found lots of money saving deals. So I treat myself with getting a number of things, like a nice pair of boots, jewelry, and some clothes. I am still on the lookout for another pair of boots that I have in mind. I am going to see if I can find more on sale boots as we are going to the mall. The holidays are exciting because of the sale. I love shopping. My sister Nora and I are enjoying our time shopping and sharing what we bought, etc. As for my boots, let me show them to you. I paid almost nothing for them because they were at least 75% off. What a deal, huh?

I have been re-arranging my posts. My posts labels were not what I wanted to see here, so I made some changes. I also need to take it slow since I have 3 long months to go. I mean the triple P's 30 day old log and 10 written posts requirement did not work...LOL. People are too defiant to follow through or comply with such simple rules. But overall this is way better because it calls for people to really make an effort; work a little harder and wait a little longer. I just wish I knew that the rules have changed. When I submitted my bloggy here, it was definitely a little did I know I would be hit in the face with the old routine...ahahay ah. It is disappointing I tell you. Anyway, I think I am going to enjoy blogging here since I can share a little about my shopping sense as well as fashion sense and everything else in between. We all have our own unique sense of style. So, I thought it would be interesting for me to have a blog all about shopping, and yes, fashion and things along those lines. I find it fascinating to get a glimpse of one's fashion sense. It is also helpful to see how others are saving money when they shop. Some of their money saving ways might even help me save more money, too.
Now for those of you who have a fashion or shopping blog out there, please be sure to share it with me, huh? Let's exchange links! It's nice to have a shopping blog where we can share what tickles our fancy. We actually get to learn from those who shop wisely and are fashion forward. I know I would, especially when I don't watch TV very often. Sometimes I learn online from reading how to mix and match and from seeing how things should go. Just like what I learned from watching the "What Not To Wear" show. I caught a few helpful tips there and learned how to dress appropriately. Less is more...I heard and, well, I am trying hard with looking my best as much as possible. I like a simple yet elegant type of style. I admire those who can pull it off with wearing clothes that make them look sophisticated. Feeling comfortable with how a piece of clothing feel on me is very important to me-it has to do with the design; look and feel. That is the number one factor with me when it comes to clothing. Another important factor is the style that can make me feel comfortable wearing my clothes in public knowing I look good; decent. I like Designer's clothing but the name doesn't matter to me as much as those two I mentioned; design and style. Okay, till here for now.

The more I see leg warmers the more I am tempted to try wearing them. I might just go ahead and shop for a few pair soon. I have been looking around online and learned that they would go well with skinny/straight leg jeans or leggings. So I am looking forward to trying a new look for this winter. I wore my leggings some time ago and that is when I found out that I could use some leg warmers...LOL. I was almost running trying to get in the store fast because of the cold weather. By the way, I also like the style I see in the picture here. And I just happened to have a similar top and leggings, so all I need now is a pair of leg warmers. I just hope I can pull it off. It has everything to do with feeling comfortable yet presentable at the same time. I like the winter fashion. Okay, this is all for now. I am only making a quick update here.

I have been a bit busy in the last few days decorating our house for the holidays. So far I managed with putting our Christmas tree up. Our children had been eagerly waiting to see the Christmas tree fully decorated because it looks so pretty. Seeing the tree full of colorful shiny ornaments sparkling-some with glitters-and lights twinkling at night just make them so very excited. I took a few pictures of our Christmas tree, but I tell you, pictures don't do justice for its real spectacular sight. When it is dark and we have all the different colored lights flashing, goodness, the tree comes alive. Christmas sure makes the surrounding look amazingly beautiful with almost everybody up for decorating their houses. There are people that go beyond what is considered ordinary that their houses look almost unreal with all the fancy decorations they use. As for us, I will only be putting up some garlands I have left along the railing of our front porch and hang a cute wreath outside on our front door. Our house looks like a little cottage when it snows, especially when covered with snow. Oh, the spectacle of sight and sound during the holidays are definitely fascinating.

I thought everybody would be curious about the house we bought for our family back home. So here I am sharing a few pictures that were taken by the seller some time ago. The house doesn't look quite like that now since it's been let go for years. However, the house still looks good! My family is lucky to have it because of its lot size and where it is located; subdivision. The house may look small on the outside but on the inside it is huge; spacious. It is close to the shopping center/market, schools, and even the beautiful ocean. We just love the ocean, and I can just imagine that it will be so much fun for us to visit home someday. It makes me wish that the Philippines is not that so far away from us, because I would like to help with renovating the house. I like to decorate and I always find it exciting as I get to mix and match. The house actually needs a lot of work and I think the renovation will be an ongoing process for a while. At first, we didn't think that it would take long since we sent extra money just for the repair. But then the money ran out so fast and it turned out that it takes more than what we estimated. Although we knew it would cost us a tremendous amount of money. We decided to buy a house in the big city since my sisters and I didn’t want to see our family go back to our farm or even at the nearby village. Also due to that some of our siblings have to finish school-in the city. The village is nice, too, but so far there are only schools for the elementary and high school kids there. Okay, this is all for now.

~o~

As always the Black Friday sale is fun and exciting. Who can possibly resist hearing everything is on sale, right? Almost everybody looks forward to the day after Thanksgiving. Indeed, as it is the best time of the year to shop-I heard-which makes the Black Friday sale the most awaited of all. Some people mostly shop early to prepare for Christmas; gift-giving time. People do save big doing so and that is if they get inside the store without being squashed or stomped on by the stampeding frantic shoppers...LOL. Anyway, as for me; I made sure I shop alone so I won't have to rush. I am a very careful shopper you know. I like to take my time and look at everything I am interested in. I don’t want to miss anything, so it can be a headache going shopping with me because I take forever, but really only if you are not shopaholic. Now as for what I bought. Oh, I saw a lot of neat stuff and so, of course, the shopaholic gal in me surfaced...LOL.
I was only able to buy some clothes and accessories for my daughters and me though, because I ran out of time as I didn't come early enough. However, it is on my wish list to get a new digital-camera in the near future. Everything I bought was on sale; like those women's shirts/tops, they were sold at 70% off! I was definitely more than happy to buy a few-the purple top is my fav by the way. I also couldn't pass up the deal on leggings being that I can get two for the price of one. So I ended up getting a few as well. As for my children, I already bought clothes for them ahead of time. But I always feel that when I buy something new for myself, I have to have something new for them, too. So yesterday, I grabbed a couple pair of winter hats and mittens-they were 50% off. I always find deals when it comes to children's clothing anyway. Every time I go out I could easily buy some, especially for our eldest daughter who has to have new clothes everyday for school. I actually have to get creative with the mix and match routine; otherwise it is quite costly.

I am a spender; spendthrift while my husband is a saver; thrifty. We are just the opposite but I am glad because we won't have to worry about going down together...LOL. Although he does get carried away with over buying sometimes, he still manages to save money. He usually spends big when it comes to the sentimental stuff. That just reminds me back when he was still working; because he spent a lot of money giving us gifts and putting me up in a hotel for almost a year. He sent us boxes of goodies and money every month (ever since he responded to my first letter to him) until he brought me over to America. We all enjoyed the treats we received from him. So I thought he would be the man for me because he is so kind and generous. He actually captured my heart with all the sweet and thoughtful things he did for me. He requested songs on the radio, sent me beautiful cards, flowers, and chocolates to show his romantic side. I had fun being pampered really, and just who wouldn't anyway? My aunt and I had the most fun living like a couple of princesses-it was our 15 minute fame and fortune-in our short-lived fairytale life…LOL. She and I enjoyed it while it lasted as she was mostly my companion the whole time I was staying at the hotel.
As for my husband, I am proud to say that he is very good with money, frugal in his ways and would not even want to owe anything. He avoids getting buried in debt whenever possible because he knows that living in luxury is not always a good idea. He experienced just about everything in his lifetime that he is wise to that now-he knows better. That is why we settle with living just enough for us to feel comfortable. My husband is not extravagant. However, when it comes to the gift-giving; especially during the holidays and birthdays my husband just over spends. He is definitely for the joy of giving and making our children happy. He has a tendency to become a shopaholic in an effort to please his loved ones. While I only buy a few things, but I make sure though that my gifts are entertaining as well as educational. I spend big, too, because I like to lavish my loved ones with gifts. I am that kind of person, and when I give, it has to be something worth keeping. It also goes with having friends; I don't have many but a few good ones. Anyway, I just seem to enjoy sharing what life is like and how it has been with me. I don't care what people say anymore as long as I enjoy my time blogging. I can only say that my husband and I make a good match, and I guess most people end up marrying their opposites. That is usually how it goes.

It seems to always happen to me that when I go shopping I see something priced more than I am willing to pay, and oh, it's disappointing! Yes, a quite pricey item that really makes me mad enough to actually go to lengths as to going beyond my means just to have it-if I can't have it, it hurts; my feelings and if I have it, it still hurts me; financially. I have had that happened to me a number of times. Well, sometimes if I am just not willing to spend the money, I try to hold off. You see, I have to take my time with deciding whether to buy it or not to buy it. That happens a lot when I am on a tight budget. So I go home first thinking about it; have it on my mind until the time I come back and get it. Only it usually disappears just when I finally decided to purchase it. That is the thing that gets me. In the end I have to regret why I let it go when I had my chance. It reminds me of when you have a chance you better take it because that may be your only chance at such. Just like with this saying that goes "strike while the iron is hot". When you have the opportunity you better take it because if you wait for later; later may never come. Indeed when it comes to deals and items you like, it is a now or never deal, it goes with love, too. People can be picky but for being so picky they end up with partners they didn't want before...LOL. They are only catching their tail...LOL. When I shop I have that trouble. I can't often decide and when I decide it is already too late because the item is no where to be found; somebody actually bought it-I get shock. Oh, isn't it awful to be eyeing on an item then it disappears before you can afford it. Dosn't that get you down when you want such item so bad? Ah...with me; I kinda get silly over those things, I guess that is part of my being a shopaholic...LOL.

Sometimes when I go shopping I try to look for what is on sale, I guess even when I don't need the on sale stuff. I can be a compulsive shopper which is a downfall for me because I couldn't save a cent if I keep it up. Now here is what I figured; only buy what you need, use money saving coupons, and always carry a shopping list. I also learned those from other people who know more about shopping than I do. Indeed it pays to always shop wisely. That is what I am actually trying to do, that I shouldn't be so oblivious with over buying. It is important for me to be aware of what I buy and what I spend my money on because then I'll always have extra money in my pocket. And that is especially since my biggest purchase yet is a spacious house for my parents. I am not alone on it though, but it is costing me a lump sum of money. My brother in law helped us with getting the money for the house; he put up the money for it, and I will only need to pay him back for my share without the interest-if to say I borrowed mine from a credit card or bank. I thought that is so nice of him-how kind and generous of him. My sister Nora is lucky to be married to him and they are both thankful to have each other.
As for my husband, he couldn't take any chances with putting up the money due to that we have children with health problems. So he didn't want to touch anything if he can help it-in case of emergency we have the money to be able to cover the cost. I wouldn't blame him; for our children come first, of course. I can actually handle the extra expenses because I have my sideline. I am happy enough that we are all doing well financially. My husband and I don't have to work since we have enough to be able to live a comfortable life. Furthermore, I need to be a mother to our children for now as our little one especially needs my tending. She is so precious that I couldn't possibly leave her just to pursue a career. Money and material things can wait-those things will always be there anyway. I am all set for now, only if I want more, I just need to go back to school someday when time permits me and make something out of myself. That is not going to be so hard and I love school. I thought there for a while I was going to go all the way until I became pregnant with our second child. Before anything else though, I need to study the English language, I am learning and practicing right now on my blog...LOL. Okay, till here.

Every time I go shopping I always find something to buy. When I go in the store I go for the food; so my bambinas and I have some snack while we are shopping-it’s fun and we all enjoy it. That is mostly my downfall, and that I can't seem to hold on to any money. I guess I was born to be wild; I mean a spender...LOL. Oh, well, I will have to bear with my situation somehow because I brought myself into it, so I shouldn't have anything to complain about. That is what my husband tells me each time I sound like I am complaining, that I only have myself to blame because I don't save a cent. Poor me, I was born poor, that is why a little money is a big deal...LOL. Anyway, I know that someday I can meet my goals, only it will be slow. However, I might only be able to do it through the slowly but surely process. I am sure of that with the way things are going in my life. I can make things happen that I set myself into indeed only it’ll take time. I am a determined person and ambitious on top of it all. So, with me; I love spending money as well as earning money. I work hard and play hard in other words.

According to my Chinese Astrology sign I am usually very good in business dealings, and you know there might be some truth to that. You see, I used to sell candies at home and made a lot of money doing so. I sold cigarettes to my uncles and neighbors...LOL. I doubled my money selling knick-knacks. If I stayed home, I reckon that I would be selling junk foods and beverages right now each time our village has a ball-dance going on. I would have to also learn how to sew clothes as another way for me to make extra money. I made hundreds of pesos while I was home doing it as a beginner I tell you and I enjoyed it for a while...LOL. I spent it on my own-a good thing my mother didn't see the money...LOL. If I could do nothing else I would be in Manila working probably as a nanny or a house maid-it's sad, if not then probably married with a few children by now. However, I can never predict nor second guess about what could have been, because things don't really happen as you sometimes had hoped or even planned. Also we don't often end up marrying someone we like-someone we usually have a crush on...LOL, which is why who knows what could have been and what could have not been.
I know that if I chose to stay home I would do what I can do to survive for sure. My parents especially my mother wanted me to finish school and get a skill even just a secretarial course. She wanted me to go to school and become a secretary because that would be all they could afford. It makes me wonder sometimes what would have happened if I did stay home. A lot of things go through my mind just thinking about what could have been. Reminiscing the good old days is fun. Oh, the memories I have of home will never fade away. Every time I remember a happy even annoying moment with all the people I crossed paths with; it simply makes me smile. I am certain that I would make a good business woman. I can run a business successfully and I hope that someday I own a business indeed. I have the will for it anyway, and who knows that perhaps I have what it takes to make a business grow.

Shopping has always been my weakness ever since I was a young girl. I can still remember that I used to organize a Christmas exchange gifts at home for all of us. My idea was that I would go shopping; and then buy different things especially candies because I thought my people would enjoy it. I wrapped a number of candies inside a small box and made 9 boxes enough for the whole family. Oh, I can still remember doing that at one time and put all the names of my family members on each box then we exchanged gifts. That was neat and I was creative enough to think of such, just so we would have fun during Christmas because you know we don't normally celebrate Christmas at home-that is just with my family though.
We only celebrate the New Year back in the Philippines. I always enjoy it there every New Year because we get to have a family get together and cook different yummy foods. We also follow the tradition like what those things people do for the New Year. They say if you gather 12 different fruits on the table; it is for good luck, so we do that hoping we would have good luck each year. I guess the 12 fruits represents the 12 months in a year. In addition, we put a number of rose’s petals in water and drink the water...LOL. What makes New Year even more fun is when we get to play with fire crackers and fireworks, and especially when my mother throws some money in the air for us to fight over and collect...LOL. Ah...I wish we can always do that, but that is all in the past now I am afraid but I definitely had so much fun celebrating the holidays with my family-while I was at still at home.
As for my being such a shopaholic; I do spend money like no tomorrow-well, if I get carried away, and my Chinese Astrology sign says so. What I mean is that "money just somehow burns a hole in my pocket", I could not hold on to any money I have for too long. It eventually finds its way out, and so, more often than not I am broke. That is why it is advisable that I should save up for tomorrow. I should put a little away for the rainy days as I just never know that I may need money for emergency. So far, I have not been able to save, not especially when I have so much to pay for 5 years. I have to work hard to achieve my goals and I am trying hard.

Let me introduce myself on this blog. I am a Filipina folks but as you can see I am more ambitious than most. Well, you know why? It is because I wanted to have more than what I would have if I just stayed home. That is basically it; I wanted a better life. I didn't want to stay too long under my parents' roof either, because it was like "the older I get, the longer I stayed home, the more rebellious I became". Oh, my life at home with my parents wasn't easy because of the strict rules my siblings and I had to abide...LOL. I am a liberal person; I want to have freedom and be on my own without being told what to do, etc. So eventually when I developed my wings to fly, I flew away. I never gave it a second thought to go off all on my own. I left home when I was 16 years old to be a working student because I thought it would be better for me to be away from home at all cost-being so young and all.
So yep, I went to school in the city only I lasted for about 6 months and then had to go back home. I was sent to school by my mother's Godmother but I felt neglected and because of it I was failing in school; I had to go back home then. However, only 7 months later I left home again, because I met my pen-pal. I was on my own at 17 and stayed at a hotel for about 10 months then set off for a new home which is to the U.S.A. My life was both happy and sad really; I went through a lot of trials and tribulations. Even now, my life is still not easy, and I must say; life is not something to say we can just "wing it". See, if we are not careful about how we make our decisions, we could suffer for life. We all have got to live and learn I guess...LOL. Okay, until next time, I will continue to share my stories to the world. So watch for my next post eh.

I am indeed a shopaholic gal, but hey, mostly by nature because I don't have the money...LOL. It is undeniable for me to say that I am shopaholic because I not only have the urge to shop but have trouble holding on to any money. The problem with me is that I am a compulsive shopper. When I go to the store to buy one item I don't often go home with just one item. I have that problem and it's been hard for me to be financially fit. Half of the time, I don't even know what to do anymore, but I know that my will-power is stronger than my compulsiveness. My being shopaholic is something I can't change about myself because it is part of being me. I do have my limits though, so I am not completely lost. I just thought having a blog about shopping would be fun. There are so many things I can talk about and share especially with the way the technology is improving nowadays. Imagine I always see something new every time I turn on the TV. Whoa! What a surprise because where did all this new information about how to create something come from? What amazes me the most; is the computer.
As for my husband he is also a little bit of a compulsive shopper, and so he can't save a lot of money either. Maybe this is why we are struggling a bit. Well, it is not always easy to survive in this world. We are not really alone as there are so many people struggling to pay their bills because they don't know how to manage financially. They don't shop wisely and that oftentimes they buy things they don't need. Kinda like us...LOL-a little. I was born to be a shopaholic...LOL. However, having said that I am shopaholic; doesn’t mean that I am all to myself because I do think of others in need-I am not that selfish...LOL. I help my people on a daily basis. You see it makes me happy to make others happy. There is nothing is this world that makes me happier than seeing my loved ones and people in need happy. I am always overjoyed seeing the people I send money to; smiling back at me...ahahaha...it feels great to do good deeds! I don't do it though because I am godly or religious but because that is what my heart's desire. Helping others is my pleasure because it is my passion. So every now and then I make sure that not only during the holidays the poor people I know of back home would have extra money.