Lancer GLX 2002 - For Sale

Mitsubishi Lancer GLX 2002 - 1.5L stock - engine, carb type w/ OEM skirts, momo corse steering wheel/momo corse shift knob/skunk lowering springs/ rota - slipstream mags - brown/ 55 series federal tires with 80-90% thread. w/ regular change oil (full synthetic). no major repair. 1st owner, 70th Kms.never flood victim.straight kenwood audio-speakers. will include stock springs. RFS-migrate abroad. Contact 09065106076.

Divisoria 2009

This Christmas season, I think I went to Divi for like six times, oh my god I cant believe it! I go to Divi to buy gifts for officemates, friends, inaanaks, aunts, cousins, and helpers.

I started xmas shopping in November, but later realized that the items being sold are old stocks from last year. I recognize the wood items and other stuff I bought the past year, hehe. So anyway, here are my top 10 Divi xmas shopping tips:

1. Make a list. Indicate the age and gender. I failed to do this this year, and I regret it. Pramis it will help you save if you buy in bulk.
2. For christmas decors, buy them in November. I frequent this stall along the street near Divi Mall. They are beside the stuff toys area. I got a plain wreath for P40.
3. For christmas gifts, I suppose its better if it was just a one-day shopping event. Take a leave around 2nd week of December, preferably a Monday. Start shopping at 8AM. Park car in Tutuban.
4. Get one of those sako bags, so you have everything in just one bag.
5. Cheapest items are found in Divisoria Mall.
6. Nice items not found in Divi Mall can be found in Meisic Mall.
7. I found great buys sa streets like big mugs at 6pcs for P50, Nike cap with tag for P50, black vest for P150, leggings for P80 each. Some vendors come out around 4pm, but some have pwesto.
8. Buy gift wrappers in bulk. There is this store between Meisic and Divi mall that sells them in bulk.
9. Bring alcohol or wet ones. You will need it, hehe.
10. Not everything in Divi is cheap. I was trying to find this class A rubber shoes. I ended up buying it in Greenhills because it is cheaper there and the craftsmanship is nice. Class A Lacoste shirts are also sold cheaper in Greenhills than Divi.

Every year, I get wiser and wiser in terms of shopping for christmas, and eye laaav et!! :)

2008 Richwell Sale

I was finally able to visit the Kidz Kraze Richwell Christmas Sale! It's in a warehouse located on the street between Honda and Monark in Libis. I arrrived around 4pm, shopped for about an hour and went home with these goodies:

shelcore steering wheel toy - P450 (the twins love to drive!)
shelcore steering wheel toy - P450 (of course I had to get two)
fisher price sesame street stroller toy - P200
toy car [that transforms into a robot] - P100
toy car [that transforms into a robot] - P100
hotwheels tshirt - P100
hotwheels tshirt - P100
barbie woven mat with beach slippers - P100
barbie woven mat with beach slippers - P100
toy laser gun - P100
safety 1st toy - P75
safety 1st toy - P75
safety 1st toy - P50
chicco infant shoes - P50
chicco infant shoes - P50

That's 15 items for P2,000. Not bad! :)

There are other more expensive items at 20% off, but still expensive by my standards ahehe! (like P2,000 less 20% equals P1,600 for one item). It is interesting to note that in some items, its the box that dictates the price - the more dilapidated the box is, the cheaper the item is. I saw Barney items, Elmo, Dora, Mickey, Sesame Street. You can find Barbie dolls at P300, but the nice ones start at P400. There were lots of Barbie and Chicco shoes and sandals. Try to make silip inside the brown boxes because the items inside are usually the ones with the biggest discount.

When you arrive, get some plastic bags from the counter. They're free. Then, have your companion line up for you while you do the shopping. You can take turns lining up while the other shops. Testing is done by them and you cannot bring batteries inside. You definitely need wet ones and alcohol because some items/boxes are dusty. Oh and bring a fan, as in pamaypay.

Happy Shopping! :)

Dates:
Nov 28-30
Dec 5-7
Dec 12-14
Dec 19-23

Time:
9AM to 6PM (Sat-Sun)
1PM to 6PM (Weekdays)

Creative Trade Center Compound
#6 Calle Industria St. Libis, QC
7431658. Cash basis only.

Our first christmas tree

Last year, we spent Christmas at my parents house. This year, Keith and I decided that we will spend Noche Buena in our own home, as a family. I said - we need a tree.

Wala tlaga akong idea how much it costs but sa mall, the more sossy kind is at P7,000 and that's for the tree alone. OMG! Finding a cheap christmas tree? Divisoria is the place to be!

On my way to Divi, I made a silent prayer that I will be safe and hopefully I will find a christmas tree below P1,000. As I walked my way to Tabora St, I saw a number of christmas trees displayed along the street. I asked for a pretty 6ft tree and manang said it is P1,900, hanggang P1,800. Mahal. This is just the ordinary type ha. I asked for a leaner tree and she said P1,100, last price is P900. Hmm.. I said, mag iikot ikot muna ako. O cge P800 na lang, she called out. I wasn't sure about buying a tree that's been exposed to the elements - shempre tabing kalsada lahat na ng usok ng sasakyan dumikit na dito, and naulanan/naarawan na rin sila.

I entered Tabora St. and sooobrang dami ng tao.. siksikan to the max! I made a detour at the back of one stall and entered a building. I noticed a lot of wedding gowns and evening gowns na super ganda. I asked how much, and the girl said P5,000 for the wedding gown with complete accessories. WOW! So eto pala ung sinasabi nilang bilihan ng cheap wedding gowns. Finally, na-discover ko na din! Hehe. Lumabas din ako agad ng building, after all, christmas decors ang pinunta ko dito hehe.

Wala mashadong christmas trees along Tabora St. puro ornaments lang like balls, poinsettias and garlands. A hanging santa clause costs P250; a christmas rug is P100. I walked further and reached Divisoria Mall. In front of the mall, I saw a vendor selling christmas trees na hindi nka-buka ang leaves. I asked how much the 5ft was. P450 daw, P400 last price. Ang mura diba. I asked him to open up the leaves. I wanted to make sure na hindi exposed ang central rod pag nka-open na ang leaves. So inayos ni manong and binuksan nya lahat ng branches/dahon kase nga I wanted to see ung buong christmas tree. And yun nga, manipis ang tree and mukhang "malnourished". So I said, Uhm sorry kuya hindi uubra, mashadong manipis eh. Mabuti naman at hindi nya ako sinaksak and he told me na ok lang daw. Whew, hehe :) remember, this is Divi noh!

I decided to go to 168 to check my options. On my way there, I passed by a store that sells gift wrappers. I got the glossy kind for P36 one dozen (P3 a piece). Mura, considering wrappers in NBS are being sold at P11 each.

Before reaching 168, I decided to go back na lang coz I was tired na, then I saw Jinhung Bijou Art, Inc. and noticed na teka baket ang daming tao dito. I saw christmas trees on display. I checked out a 5ft tree and saw the price tag. It said P999. Ok pasok sa budget. I was trying my luck and asked the manong if I can get discount and he said, ma'am P860 last price. I wasnt expecting to get a discount kse I am buying from a store, but of course I welcomed the good news Thank you God hehehe So I bought the christmas tree here, shempre I checked muna if complete ang parts bago ilagay sa box.

It was drizzling when I went out of the store so I made silong in one of the stalls along the street. The manong was selling christmas tree ornaments. I asked for purple medium sized balls which were being sold for P100/dozen. I made tawad and got them for P60. I also bought medium red poinsettias for P200/dozen (or P16.67 each). Super cheap na coz other stalls sell them for P25 each, and sa malls naman they are P40 each. I passed by Tabora again and bought big gold balls with silver glitters. They are priced at P150 for 6 pcs. I got them for P120.

I was ready to go home when I decided to buy a star for the christmas tree. I asked different stalls and their prices varied from P20 to P200, grabeh naman. I was able to buy the star from one of the kariton vendors for P40 (orig price P50).

All in all, I spent around P1,300 for the 5ft tree, ornaments and wrappers. What a great bargain! :)



Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas everyone! :D

DIY - wedding matches

I am so happy how these wedding matches turned out! Being the Candle Sponsor for Peen's wedding, I was also asked to make the wedding matches. I went to the Wedding Library in Megamall to see what's available. They only have silver and gold matches. The bride wanted pink/brown to match their motif. So I have no other choice but to DIY, hehe.



I made them using brown grosgrain ribbon and pink paper flowers. I bought the ribbons from Carolina's at P4/yard. I used two yards. I bought two sets of paper flowers (P25/set) and one glue stick (P5) from Simple Joys. Bought two matches from our suking tindahan at P2.50 each. Total cost for this project is P68. Not bad! :)

My friends loved it naman, esp the bride, so this is another DIY success story :)

Makro great buys

Kka-tuwa to shop at Makro. Keith is a member and when I saw the Makro Mail this morning, I asked him that we visit Makro Cainta, which is very near our place. We brought the twins along.

Some items are really cheap. Plastic crates are being sold for P179 each. This is a good-deal, considering plastic warehouses I called sell them for P450 each. We also got a wooden utility shelf, which was priced at P299. Uber cheap na kase if you ask a carpenter to do it, you'll spend P350 and that's labor fee only. Another great find is the plastic hamper which is being sold for only P39. The Hallmark wrappers were also a great find. They sell at P11.67 each in National Bookstore, but in Makro it's only P5.90. Super sulit! The FM radio which we got for P299 is like a toy, hehe. It is compact and lightweight. Okay na for its price. We also got 2-pc braided doormat for P50. Nothing special, but we need this at home. All these for P1,000. What a steal! :)

Makro offers free membership and accepts all major credit cards.

Hidalgo Quiapo

Hidalgo. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Ahhh, this is the place where you can get your camera gadgets at a lower price. A haven for budget conscious camera aficionados.

I don't have the courage to go to Hidalgo and have no reason to go there. Here are some phone numbers of shops in Hidalgo in case you need to ask something:

24K - 7334564
Avenue - 7335474
Henrys - 7337723
Mayer - 7337598
Watsons - 7337697

Pictures of my DIY projects

Table Centerpieces (25 pieces)


Folded brown folders to form a box and held them together with scotch tape. Pasted bond paper triangles to contrast the brown box. Printed images of Superman, Batman and a star on colored paper. I pasted the cut-out versions on the box. Used blue, green and white Japanese paper as added decorative pieces. Inflated size 5 balloons and propped them up using balloon sticks.

Guestbook


I used Microsoft Word and copy-pasted the twins monthly pictures and write-up. Searched the Internet for clipart designs and included them as added decorative pieces. Had it printed at Netopia and ringbinded at Jinco's.

4-tiered Cupcake stands (2 pieces)


Using cardboard, I traced different sizes of a circle using a compass w/ pencil. I cut the cardboards and wrapped them with blue cartolina. Glued them together with a glue gun. I also used glue gun to attach blue and green satin ribbons. It can hold a 7" round cake and 25 cupcakes.

As an alternative to cardboard, you can use illustration board or styrofoam. You can buy the materials at the stationery section sa department store ng SM Mega Bldg B. Mas varied pa ang styro shapes and sizes nila compared to National Bookstore.

5x2 Welcome Banner



I made the design and searched the Internet for superhero costumes. But it was actually my brother Bogs who executed my ideas using Adobe Photoshop. Had the layout printed coz I wanted it in tarpaulin material.

Pull-string piñata



For this pull-string piñata, I followed a step-by-step guide I found on the Internet. Using an old cardboard box, I cut and shaped it to my preferred size and glued them together using a glue gun. I cut a U-shape opening at the bottom and tied a ribbon (this will open the piñata). I cut and trimmed blue crepe paper and wrapped the back and sides of the piñata. For the front, I added a Superman/Batman image printed on tarp material using double-sided tape. I attached toys at the end of blue/green ribbons using scotch tape and attached it to the bottom of my piñata. I glued blue crepe paper to seal the bottom and hide the taped ribbons. Before closing the top, I dropped 80pcs chocolate bars w/ stickers and confetti. I added two nylon strings before sealing the top with a lot of glue (using a glue gun). The nylon strings will hold the piñata from the ceiling.

Balloon Burst



My modified balloon burst contained 3 numbers, 14 Superman/Batman images and a lot of confetti. The numbers and images correspond to a prize. I tied small balloons outside the big balloon and tied ribbons to complete the package. It also has a string so it can be tied from the ceiling. I forgot to make a stick, but the manager of Shakeys made one for me using a barbeque stick and she wrapped a pushpin at the end using scotchtape. I bought my big balloon at the basement of Divisoria Mall (the one with the wet market). It is a size 16 (transparent mother balloon) and it costs P25.

Coloring Sheets


I just searched the Internet for free printable coloring sheets. Brought crayons and other coloring materials from home.

Arranging of lootbag contents and Thank You cards


For the girls, I wrapped jackstones with yellow and white Japanese paper and tied it with a kikay silver bracelet. For the boys, I wrapped toys (paper airplane, rubik's cube, chess, etc) using Japanese paper. I put the candies and chocolates in clear sandwich bag, added a little confetti and stapled it so the candies will not fall out. I printed "Thank you for coming... Vito & Carlos' 1st birthday" and glued them on colored paper. I attached the TY notes on the zipper of the bags using black yarn.

Wrapping of Game Prizes


I just used plain coupon bond, lined it with yellow marker, folded it to resemble a paper bag. I then placed the contents wrapped in clear sandwich bag. The contents are the ff: 2 pcs mini Mentos, 1 Hershey's choco crispies, 1 keychain/bottle opener, 1 Batman sticker booklet. To lock the paperbag, I stapled different plastic ribbons that I've curled.

My trip to Divisoria Mall

I finally set foot on the very infamous Divisoria Mall. Been wanting to go here for the longest time, but no one would accompany me Bwahaha! It's not that bad, really. Or maybe it was a Monday, at 10am, and it was makulimlim. Hehehe.

I was with my MIL and together we searched for party items. The theme for the twins' birthday is "Superman & Batman". All the party supplies are in the Basement (katabi ng wet market), like the party hats, nametags, balloons, invitations, etc. They also have themed party supplies na Justice League, Disney Princess, Sponge Bob, etc. Most of the toys sa 2nd and 3rd floors are great for give-aways but limited lang ang theme and most of what they have are Disney Cars, Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse.

Happy ako sa purchases super sulit na rin esp for our budget party. I was able to buy the ff:

Lootbag for the boys:
small justice league backpack - P20
rubik's cube - P7
chess - P8
snakes & ladders - P8
lighting Pokemon yoyo - P7
batman toy - P75 for 1/4 kilo (44 pcs) - This I bought on impulse. Bwahaha!

Lootbag for the girls:
small disney princess backpack - P20
jackstone - P36 for 10 pcs
silver kikay bracelet - P25 for 12 pcs

For the game prizes:
disney princess wallet - P8
jump rope - P8
water game - P7.50

For our decors, I was able to buy 100 pcs non-glossy size 5 balloons of assorted colors (P95), sticks (P35) and a hand pump (P35). A total of P160.

For the twins' costume, I was able to buy size 1 superman and batman suits for P450 (price of both).

That's P1,500 for everything. We bought them all in Divisoria Mall. It's the green building (w/ the wet market sa basement) along Tabora Street. It's our first-time here, but okay naman ang experience. Not to confuse, the New Divisoria Shopping Center is the peach building across it, with an Anding's store beside the entrance.

I also asked for tarpauline printing, pero mahal dito, P40/sq.ft. Tarp Kingdom offers P25/sq.ft (Tel No. 2477197). Mental note to self - bring a map next time! Shopping will be faster.

I wasn't able to buy cupcake stand materials cause I couldn't find the right styro size. Maybe I should try cake supply shops. Long way to go pa sa birthday preps, I only have 5 weeks to go, mejo panic mode na rin. Waaahhh.

Shopping for shirts.. I mean, socks

I went to Megamall today to buy some socks for Carlos. He has outgrown his socks already. He needs it when he is on his walker. Shoes are kinda uncomfy.

I passed by the teens section since it is located at the same floor as the infants section. I noticed 50% OFF signs and went to browse through the items. I saw this cute black top with some silver embellishments from Hot Kiss. It was selling for only about P200. Well, it's been a long time since I bought something for myself.. so.. I asked for the L size and quickly added, "ay! XL na lang"- Remember, this is teens section, Hahaha! :P The XL fit me well. And so, I got it! :P

I'm payatot, so I dont usually have an XL of anything. But now, I own two XL tops - the other one is a non-maternity blouse I bought when I was 5 months preggy with twins. That, I dont intend to wear anytime soon. Hahaha!

I was happy with my purchase. The next time I want to buy a shirt, I will definitely consider the teens section. :) It's cheaper than the items in the ladies section. That's a nice tipid tip right there ;) The irony of it all.. a 30-year old buying clothes in a store for 13 yrs old Hahaha! Sabi nga nila, ang bata gusto tumanda, ang matanda gusto maging bata. Ahahay!

Oh! by the way, I was able to buy the socks - P75 for 3 pairs. It was on sale, too! ;)

The Picture Company - Promo

The Picture Company Buy 1 Take 1 on Annual Membership Fee. Grab your bestfriend and split the membership fee! :) Original rate is P2,500, so it becomes P1,250 per member. Promo is until March 15, and applicable at all branches (Podium, Rockwell, MOA, ATC and Bonifacio High Street). Example, if I register at Podium, I can use it if I go to ATC. Major credit cards accepted.

Membership perks:
~ Unlimited photo sessions
~ You can enroll up to 4 sub-members (immediate family only) --> Example, I am the member, my hubby and the twins are free, and we get unlimited shots for the whole year.
~ Free storybook when you have purchased 15 sheets at the end of the year. They print per sheet (8x10 size), and it costs P890.
~ After you have ordered 4 sheets, you get a CD with pics (but low resolution only). You can use it for emailing, uploading, blogging, or printing (wallet size).
~ Free 5R print on your birthday and anniversary.
~ When you order a recopy of the exact same print, you pay only P300 instead of P890.
~ Free enhancement (Example you want sepia tone, etc.)
~ They have many props/costumes. :)

Big savings for those who love portrait sessions. If you are a non-member and you want your family to have a (one-time) studio session, you pay P1250 for 4 pax. That's already the membership fee in the promo! *:P

For complete details, you may call them up. Here's the number of their Podium branch - 6375929. Look for Michelle.

Diapers - Cheap or Branded?

We have tried different diaper brands - Prokids Newborn, EQ Dry, EQ Plus, Huggies Dry, Pampers Comfort, and even those unbranded ones found in the palengke.

We started with Prokids Newborn, then moved to Prokids (small size). When the twins got a little bigger, we tried other diaper brands like EQ and Pampers.

The twins consume atleast 12 pads in 24 hours. Since diapers can be costly, I became curious if there are cheap quality diapers out there. I bought a few pieces of unbranded diapers for the twins to use during daytime. The good thing is, they didn't have rashes. However, the pad would leak if we didn't change often. In the end, it was more costly.

I also found out that the unbranded diapers being sold in our palengke are Class A diapers. Here's a tip - if the price is very cheap, chances are it is Class B or C. No problem with that, except that the quality of these diapers is not consistent. You have to check each one to make sure they are not torn or dirty. Since I'm a busy mommie, I do not have the luxury of time to check each pad when buying.

There's also just a small difference in the price of branded and unbranded diapers. Large unbranded diapers usually cost P6 a piece. You can buy Pampers Comfort L12, and each pad would cost P6.58.

I also called diaper depots in the metro, to find out if they sell cheap diapers. They usually give discounts if you buy in bulk. However, some of their products are Class A diapers that do not have the blue core which helps in the absorbency of the pad. Therefore, you change more often. Also, depots are not as accessible as the malls, so add the cost of transpo fee or gas to your budget.

And so, I have learned to buy from our trusted grocery store. It is more convenient, and you are guaranteed of the quality of the diaper. And, in the end, it comes out cheaper.

Right now, the twins are using Huggies because Carlos had rashes with Pampers. Vito naman had rashes with EQ. The Huggies Dry L38 costs P6.89 per pad... that's a good deal for a pad that guarantees my boys no leaks, no rashes. :)

Resume or passport pics for only P29

If you need to have your picture taken for your resume or passport, consider Digiprint. They charge P29 only. Kodak and Polaroid booths charge P100+. Instant developing din sha. You'll get the prints after a few minutes. I just discovered this today, and it's a good tipid tip I want to share with you guys ;)

8 Wedding Tipid Tips and Reminders

1. Start your wedding preparations early. You can canvass for great deals, and remember most suppliers increase their rates every year. Keep your contracts.

2. Make a budget list and stick to it. Include incidental costs like transpo and food, and tips to suppliers come wedding day.

3. Choose the months of December or January, since most venues are already decorated for the holidays. Avoid February because cost of flowers is high.

4. Keep your entourage list short. A long list of entourage means more gowns, more flowers, more HMUA.

5. Enlist the help of friends and relatives, instead of a wedding coordinator.

6. Prepare two matchboxes for the candle ceremony. It will look nice in the photos if your sponsors are coordinated when lighting the candle, instead of borrowing from each other.

7. Get a good professional emcee for the reception, who will take-charge of your program and make sure that you are right on schedule.

8. Bring ziploc bags for left-overs after the reception.