Deck the Halls Safely

I've mentioned from my other blog that I'd be decorating the house today. Things I need to purchase later are the Christmas lights, because the old ones we have here are not working anymore. replacement bulbs are costly, so must buy new sets. With that said, I won't buy cheap ones at K****n stores, or along the sidewalk because most of the lights they're selling are not safe. I'm a bargain shopper, but I won't risk my home's safety with that. So if you guys want to purchase Christmas lights, buy and use the ones that are approved by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and are certified by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS). You'll also see a sticker of the Philippine Standard (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) placed on the package, indicating that it is approved and safe to use.

So to safely decking the halls, and keep yourself and home safe, I'm giving you quick tips.

• Check your lights. If you will be reusing your old Christmas lights, and other electrical decor, better check the cords. Because some may tend to wear out after a few years of keeping and using. Always have them checked before you use or purchase new sets, and or experiment with other ways of decorating.
• Unplug. Christmas lights are pretty at night, right? But if they overheat while you're away or asleep, you will not be near to prevent a fire from happening.
  
• Use the right type of light. Indoor lights and extension cords are not made to withstand the elements. The rain for example, may ruin your decor or short circuit and might start the fire. Use only lights and extension cords specified for the outdoors.
• Less is safer. Make sure you connect no more than three (3) strands of Christmas lights together. Do not overload extension cords, power strips and wall outlets.
• Keep them dry. Make sure outdoor lights and decor are kept dry.
• Keep them away from heat. They can burst into flames when exposed to other sources of high temperatures.
  

Falling Hair, No More!

Last month I noticed my hair was falling out, just a few strands everyday, after taking a bath. That started to happen when I used a different shampoo and conditioner. I was a bit worried with my hair falling out, so I switched back to what I had been using. But I don't think it's doing well with my hair, or maybe I just don't have any patience. Though I am very much comfortable with the brand I'm using and my hair fall had lessen, I was still a bit worried. So I told my mom about this, and she let me use olive oil and conditioner, and told me to sleep with it on all night with a shower cap. And so I did. And guess what, 2 weeks after that, I notice my hair has stopped falling out.

Present Perfect!

Yesterday, I went shopping again. This time, i bought presents for our labandera and helpers, extra presents for my parents, and sibling. Geez, they have lots from me already hahaha. Also, bought some stuff for my room, for my Aunts, 2nd degree cousins, and some friends. lol. I sound like I have lots of money hehehe but nope, I only spent P1,300 and some change just for today. I am really good at budgeting and getting stuffs that are cheap, yet classy.

I spent just an hour and a half shopping because I already know what they like. So, this time I have avoided some holiday faux pas.

Here's how:

• I pay attention to the people I am shopping gifts for. I really focus on what they want and like and not what I want for them.

• Always remove price tags. So, I just said I shop cheap gifts (except for my parents and siblings) for them, so I make sure they won't have any idea how much the gifts are. hehehe. It's reallt tacky to leave them on gifts.

• Wrap the gifts. I nicely wrap them with care. Presentation is everything. Nicely wrapped gifts will make even the simplest presents stand out.

• I don't give gifts to everyone I know. unless I am rich and powerful, but even so.. I will still not give gifts to everyone I know. This is how it works for me, if somebody who is not on my list gives me a gift, I don't really panic. I just smile and thank that person. Do you also do the same? We are not obligated to give a gift in return, are we? Although it might be a good idea to have a few extra tokens handy for moments like these.

And also, I always show my appreciation by sending thank you notes, or sms for the gifts I received. They don't have to be incredibly formal. As long as you put thought into it, right? It's really the thought that counts!

Happy Christmas!

Are You Stuck on a Budget This Christmas?

I almost forgot that i still have this blog hehehe. apologies. Anyway, since Christmas is near, I think I will have to post something all about Christmas for this month only. Hmm.. So today, I am done wrapping gifts for my family, friends, and god-kids. My friend and I went to the mall to help her get some stuffs for his family and friends too. She's quite stuck on a budget, but i helped her manage the available cash that she had. Good thing we bought stuffs that fits her budget.

Anyways, if you too are stuck on a budget, just don't turn your back on the holidays just yet. here are little tips that I'd like to share which will surely work for you too:

• Handmade gifts: You don't have to get them expensive gifts, ya know. the key is to utilize your talents (i know all of us have unique talents) and put extra time and thoughts into your Christmas presents. If you're good on cooking, cook good food for your loved ones or for the gathering. How about baking? Well, make some batches of tasty cookies, nicely wrap them, and distribute! If you're artsy person, make some beaded accessories for friends. Just like this:

• 

( i made them :) sorry the image is quite blurry, i just used my webcam :p)

• Gifts of self: The best gift to give other is your time, sometimes. I haven't been spending time with my family lately. So i promised my siblings that I will treat them a movie and go malling, play arcade games with them. treat mom and dad for dinner, spa and massage.

Well, that's all i can think of for now. I think this will also help you save some money, as i have saved a lot. And, you will be able to make those people happy and special.

My Mantra For a Happy Life

I want to live in a happy and productive life rather than run after it. I was actually lying on my bed when this whirls on my mind. I know this is easy to say and hard to do, but I still want to share this with you.

My mantra for a happy life:

• Believe in yourself. For some reason, I felt like I lack self-confidence before. But this has changed when I started working with international clients for almost 4 years now. (that's with different companies). But before I applied for my job 4 years ago with a company that was run by foreigners based here in Iloilo City, Philippines, I felt like I didn't measure up in the international community. WRONG. Because many times, I have something more to offer. I adapt really easily and always rise up from life's blows. Just like some other Filipinos working abroad, most of them are educated, honest, hard-working and are warm people.

• Learn. Even if I'm already 28, I still need to learn. From evertything that happens -- good or bad, and every challenges life throws at me. I still need to find the best in it and learn.

• Never lose sight of life's joys. My favorite place in the world would still be the Philippines at Christmas! The feeling of celebration, hope and joy. Being with the family and loved ones on Christmas always make me believe that life is great. Plus, Christmas in the Philippines starts in September hehehe what a celebration. :p

• Just keep going. And going..and going. What I want, I can get. Because I will.

I will keep this in mind always. Oh.. i better go back to sleep now.

How To Relieve Stress

The past few weeks has been so stressful to me. So i would often divert my attention to my "comfort foods", and that's the reason why I gained 5 pounds already. I binged when I am stressed out. I know know I am not the only one who deals with stress -- we all deal with it. Whether be it our family life, work, relationships, friends and finances. But don't sweat because there are really a lot of ways to deal with stress.And just yesterday.. I thought of ways on how to relieve stress, and I can assure you it will work for you too.

• Laugh. Ah.. the power of humor. Crack some jokes with your friends, even if it's corny. Remember, laughter is the best medicine.. and it's contagious!

• Light a scented candle. The glow and warmth of scented lit candles add peace and joy in my room. Vanilla-scented candle works best for a relaxing experience.

• Make a gratitude blog. If you don't have one, start now. Or if not, then update your old-fashioned diary. Because you have something to be thankful for each day, and it reminds you that life is beautiful! And believe me, sooner than you think.. your gratitute entry will be overflowing with the subtle and evident joys of life.

• Write thank-you notes. Start spreading your gratitude to the people who love and bless you. People are surprised and moved by a simple "thank you" card because appreciation is so rare these days. So, be a giver of "thanks", and you will find more appreciation coming your way.

• Drink Green Tea. Hot green tea, that is. Because it calms and soothes your body and your spirit. Sipping this drink not only warms you, but it also boosts your immune system because it is packed with antioxidants.

• Display Childhood Photos. If you have a blog, then make an album or a page that could let you post your childhood photos online. Or try some image hosting sites that are available on the internet. This will bring you back wonderful memories and calm your spirits. If you want to have them displayed at home or in your office, keep them in pretty frames on your desk or your bedside table. Ah.. the power of nostalgia.
  

So don't ever try to hurt others to feel better. Nah-ah.