Coupons ~ A smart way to be even more frugal this Holiday Season

Shopping is look up to as a way to pamper ourselves. It’s not just about buying everything that comes our way, but in this time of recession, it’s like buying after researching. Internet has created a lot of good things that have now become part of our everyday life. Read More>>

Home again

Some of the best things from this weekend's quickie visit to Manila:

• My sister's new house in Sta. Rosa, Laguna! Congratulations Ate! It has a beautiful view of Mount Makiling from the master bedroom, which my mom loves -- she grew up in Laguna where Mariang Makiling was a regular sight. The house is airy and bright, blown through by strong, cool December breezes that just filled me with Christmas kilig. It's quiet and open and seems like it's in the middle of nowhere but is actually in a self-sufficient community! I even saw Angelica Panganiban and Derek Ramsey out for a stroll at the local mall. O ha.
• Spending time with family. Luckily my sister was in town as well for a wedding. Although we just less than one full day together, it was enough for a midnight snack and chat, a long drive to Tagaytay, and lunch at Hawaiian Barbeque at the Boutique Hotel. I also fulfilled my long-stifled cravings for Pancake House's choc-chip pancakes and Razon's "minimalist" halo-halo over lunch with my mom when I arrived. Happiness!
• Wielding the power of the Singapore dollar. How lovely to shop and eat in Makati in PHP when you're earning in SGD! Suddenly my lust for Arnel Papa's jewelry didn't seem like such an extravagant fantasy (not that I bought anything, but it's nice to know it won't give Marlon a heart attack). Shopping at my new favorite store Bleach Catastrophe (na akala ko pang-Chuvaness lang) seemed like a bargain compared to shopping at Topshop. A three-course dinner for three at Greenbelt 5 is cheaper than lunch at the ubiquitous Japanese fast food chain Sakae Sushi, or my favorite comparison for an overpriced meal, NYDC. And the equivalent of my bags of Christmas tree trimmings from Landmark? Two taxi rides from my house to the office. Sigh.
• Checking into the Manila Pen! Christmas at the Pen is filled with so many happy memories with the Glee Club. (Yes, even the disastrous years can now said to be happy.) Actually, the Pen is filled with so many happy memories, period. I especially love what they've done to the restaurant where we have the breakfast buffet, now called Escolta.
• Catching up with friends. I caught up to post-rehearsals coffee with ACS after racing straight to Aui's house from the airport. I just needed that balahuric laughter! I was also grateful to Pia for braving an epic commute from Magallanes to have dinner with me and Marlon in Greenbelt. And I got to have lunch with dear, dear Tria, who blessed me with the gift of her real estate broker -- a soothing balm after meeting the broker from hell. More on which later.
• Tagaytay. Period. I will never be tired of that view, and of the carefree sense of freedom driving up there gives you. And we now live less than 30 minutes away!

Too short as always... can't wait for Christmas!

Great holiday gifts for new baby at Lenox!!

Welcoming a new born baby to this world is one of the joy of life. You can share parents pleasure by giving unique baby gifts at time of baby shower ceremony. Purchasing gifts for a new baby becomes exciting and fun if you have an idea what you want to gift. There are so many gifts available in market but comfort and care are two important things to keep in mind while selecting a gift for a newborn baby.

Here are some unique gift ideas for babies from Lenox store.

Childhood Memories 1st Year Frame: This adorable frame is designed for capturing beautiful moments of baby's first year. Small oval openings hold spots for baby photos at the newborn stage, 1 month, and 3, 6, 8 and 10 months. It includes pink and blue baby graphics which make this cute frame perfect for a baby girl or boy. It is crafted of metal. It holds one 3x5 photo. Sale price of this cute frame is $25.80.

Personalized Rock-A-Bye Baby Carriage: Personalized gifts for babies are always a welcome gesture. This carriage is a personalized gift for new babies. It is a perfect gift for welcoming baby and remembering first months of his or her life. It is crafted of Lenox ivory fine china and metal. Height of this item is 5 3/4". Get this gift for $19.90.
Joseph's Studio Sleeping Baby: This heartwarming sculpture is pefect for welcoming a new baby. It is crafted of resin. Height of this item is 4 1/4" and length is 8 1/4". The resin sculpture is inscribed with heavenly angels sent from above, keep you from harm, wrap you in love. So gift this beautiful item to a new born baby. This item is priced for $19.95.