Monday, March 25, 2013

Yaya Stories: Limes.

So the nanny came to me the other night complaining that the little boy wasn't listening to her. She, apparently, had been reprimanding him (and her own kids, who, yes, still live with us), to no avail.

Nanny J: "Pinapagalitan ko na nga, di naman nakikinig. Sige lang laro ng laro, e sinabi ko madumi yun." (I was reprimanding them, and yet they didn't listen. Instead, they kept playing, even when I told them it was dirty.)
K: "Ano ba nilalaro ng mga bata na ayaw mo palaro?"(What were they playing with anyway?)
Nanny J: "Madikit kasi, hindi ko matatanggal sa couch pagdumikit etong 'Limes'.(It's really sticky and I won't be able to get the 'Limes' off if it gets on the couch.)

So I looked at her, and looked at what she was holding. Limes. Too funny. I couldn't stop laughing, because she started laughing too when I told her it was "S-L-I-M-E" and not limes.

Procrastination at Its Finest

PROCRASTINATION. pro·cras·ti·na·tion [proh-kras-tuh-ney-shuhn, pruh‐]; noun: the act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention. Ex. She was smart, but her constant procrastination led her to be late with almost every assignment. (from Dictionary.com)

Well, we're leaving for Korea tonight, and I haven't even started packing. If that's not procrastination, then what is? Last night, I looked at my empty bag, and the pile of clothes next to it, and thought to myself, I desperately need motivation (like the trip isn't motivation enough). But then, at 3am, I was still staring at the empty bag. The kids were already asleep and I didn't have an excuse.

The nanny dumped all of that on RL's bed. Sigh. Now I don't know where to start.
I'm in the office now, since we don't leave until late tonight, and yes, I am thinking "I have to packkkkkk!!!" but instead, I'm typing this. Ah procrastination! But really, I work best under pressure. Yes, I am the cramming queen. Photo-finish princess!

There. I found a good excuse. LOL!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

God's Promises #2

DO NOT WORRY, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and 
don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. 
God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matthew 6:34
The Message

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Jars of Clay at #Walkway and a GIVEAWAY!

Here's a great way to cap off Easter! 

If you haven't been to Walkway in the past years that they've held an exhibit at Bonifacio High Street, then now's the perfect time to do so. Well, not now-now, but on Sunday, when it all starts! Hehe.

What is Walkway?
According to the Church Simplified Walkway FB page, Walkway is a creative interpretation of the age-old Christian tradition - Stations of the Cross. At Walkway, you will find fourteen interactive stations based on the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These stations are set up throughout the mall grounds of Bonifacio High Street to "hopefully bring a fresh lens on the events that surround Christ’s death and resurrection".

This year, to cap off Easter, Walkway brings you something really special - a FREE JARS OF CLAY CONCERT!


That's right, FREE. The concert happens on Easter Sunday, the 31st of March, at 7pm.



Walkway 2013
Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday
24-31 March 2013
Bonifacio High Street Mall Grounds

www.facebook.com/cswalkway
www.facebook.com/churchsimplified

~~~

A GIVEAWAY!

Wait, there's more! House of Praise is giving away 5 (five) Jars of Clay THE SHELTER CDs to 5 (five) blessed readers! Just follow the Rafflecopter options below, and you're all set. This promo shall start at 12 midnight tonight (20 March) and shall run until 11:59 PM on Easter Sunday (31 March).

Winners will be drawn when I get back from Korea, and shall be announced thereafter.





Spread the word!

Monday, March 18, 2013

God's Promises #1

HIS MERCIFUL LOVE IS NEW EVERY MORNING

I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, 
the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed. 
I remember it all - oh, how well I remember - 
the feeling of hitting the bottom. 
But there’s one other thing I remember, 
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope.

God’s loyal love couldn't have run out, 
His merciful love couldn't have dried up. 
They’re created new every morning. 
How great your faithfulness! 
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). 
He’s all I've got left.

Lamentations 3:20-24 
The Message

Sorry.

Sorry - Is it just too hard to say? I mean, what keeps you from saying it? Why is it that some people can't even say it? If there is one thing I would like to teach my kids, it is to apologize quick and sincerely.

I went with KY to S&R BGC (yes, again!) the other night, but only to grab a pack of those Mixed Dried Yellow and Green Mangoes for my cousin who was leaving for New York in a few days. And yes, also to get those packs of laundry detergent for my officemates. I decided to grab a few packs of gummies for the kids, too. So while at that bay, choosing our gummy packs, a lady decided to push her way behind me to reach for some tin cans of candy drops above me. She grabbed a few and accidentally dropped the whole box! On me. The cans fell and hit my left shoulder. All she said was "ay!" 

I was obviously hurt as I made a loud "ouch!". And yet, she didn't say anything. Not even an apology from her lips as I helped her pick up the cans. And mind you, she wasn't some uneducated-looking lady (okay, I don't want to judge here but..).

What's so wrong with saying sorry? What was keeping her from apologizing? Did she think that because it was an accident, that warrants an excuse? I mean, sure, accident or no accident, she caused the fall.

And so when KY checked if I was alright, I told her how the woman didn't even apologize. And I told her within earshot of that woman! And yet, all she did was look at me and walk away! It's sad how some people shy away from apologizing. I had the same problem with A, who probably took after R - a man who would rather fight for his lie than admit the truth. So I have made it a point to teach my kids that a simple apology sometimes fixes a lot of hurt. Plus it is free, it doesn't cost you a cent, and yet, it could mean the world to others.

Not exactly the same scenario, but yes, be quick to apologize. 

“An apology is the super glue of life. It can repair just about anything.” 
― Lynn Johnston

Saturday, March 16, 2013

After the Big Haul - More Loot!

I think I got nicer items from the Sale yesterday. I actually didn't tell you that I was sorta regretting falling in line for the cashiers right away on the first day. I breezed through the store, forgetting that I won't be able to drive off until 10am, and wasted an hour waiting by the deli instead.

There were actually a few items I missed. Some, thankfully, were still in stock at S&R BGC when my gf G and I shopped there Thursday night. There was a good, albeit useless, buy at S&R Congressional that first day though, and they sold out a few hours after the store opened - the body pillow (not the fluffy kind), which was on sale, 50% off at P299.95! Bah! Oh well, I didn't need one. I got the nice, fluffy ones for A and myself from September's Members' Treat.

Anyway, I didn't buy much at S&R BGC. Just thought I'd bring my gf G to shop since she wasn't a member. I did get Captain Crunch Cereal because this was out of stock already at Congressional. I saw a set of frying pans on sale for P500+, and thought I wanted it. Good thing I didn't get it because I needed something deeper. So when I took my officemates to shop at Congressional yesterday, I found something better! Anyway, here are the other things I got from Members' Treat...

My S&R Bonifacio Global City Loot

Kirkland Vitamin E 400 I.U. 500 Softgels, On Sale at P599.95 
Saw this at Congressional after we paid. Good thing BGC still had it.

Farcent Disposable Dehumidifier 4-pk, On Sale at P119.95
Another one of those I overlooked on the first day.

Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries 2 bags, On Sale at P299.95
Out of Stock at Congressional, thanks to the Early Bird Sale!
This is my kids' favorite cereal! Thankfully, the cheapest.

Pik-Nik Ketchup Fries, On Sale at P94.95
This is RL's favorite snack. He's the only one who eats this.

T.G.I.Friday's Cheddar & Bacon Potato Skins, On Sale at P169.95
A last-minute purchase because I was sad I didn't get chocolates.
LOL! Labo ba? We're trying to cut down on sweets. So ito nalang. Haha.

Member's Selection Caesar Dressing 32oz, On Sale at P149.95
Heinz Tomato Ketchup 44oz, On Sale at P129.95
I know I don't need the dressing as we make our own with CO brand, but I wanted to try this.
RL loves Ketchup! I hoarded last time only to find that the shelf life is less than a year. So got 1 only.

I also bought some Veggies on sale. Plus another one of those 4-ft Residential Fold-in-Half tables. My friend G bought a lot! Her haul filled up our cart. Hehe.


My 3rd Day Loot from S&R Congressional

Artiva Bella Lamp, On Sale at P379.95
Originally P499.95. This is perfect for A's room. That is, once we fix it up. Hehe.

Anchor Bamboo Cutlery Tray, On Sale at P179.95
This cutlery tray will go into my accessory drawer. For rings, bracelets and necklaces.
Saw something similar on Pinterest, and I'm glad to have found a nice one! 

Soft Essences Ultra-Soft Foam Bath Mat, Buy 1 Take 1 at P399.95
I will not use these as Bath Mats though. Instead, they will go beside the beds.

Little Hug Fruit Barrels Original Variety Pack 40 Bottles, On Sale at P329.95
I know, more sugar. But this comes out to just P8.00+ per bottle. I didn't see this on the first day. 

And THAT best buy I was telling you about?

Sandra by Sandra Lee 6-qt Hard Anodized Jumbo Cooker, On Sale at P599.95
Only P600! Can you believe it? So beautiful! I'm glad I didn't buy those frying pans.

I also got a 96oz jug of California Sunshine Fresh Milk that was on sale at P269.95. That's P50 off! Then more veggies and more of those gummies for RL.

I was supposed to go back today with my in-laws but my MIL isn't feeling too good after a long morning at the doctor's office. So next sale nalang. I'm still trying to convince KY to go with me, so I can get laundry detergent for my officemates (out of stock already at Congressional!). If not, then I guess it's 'til next Members' Treat na then!

~~~

The S&R Members' Treat ends tomorrow! If you haven't checked out their great deals, go visit a store today!

If you missed my big haul post, click here.

The Aftermath (AKA The Big Haul)

I went to Members' Treat with a strict budget. And a list. And because A and I were extra early, we were quick and were done shopping in about an hour. Payment took another half hour and by the time we were done, we had an extra hour to spare before the coding window took effect. You can read all about the experience here.

My brother and his fiancee had asked me to get them tables. So my trunk was pretty full by the time we got everything loaded - not as full, however, as previous Members' Treats.

As I've said, A and I went with a list. After getting our household essentials and those tables, we had enough moolah to get extras. Actually, more than enough moolah. LOL! So much so I went back yesterday AND today. And I am planning to go back tomorrow.

Here's what we scored this Members' Treat:

BIG TICKET ITEMS

Keter Sigma 15" Shelving Unit, Buy 1 Take 1 at P1,999.95
I was able to get the same thing last year during the March 2012 Members' Treat for P1,899.95! For just one piece!


Keter Hollywood All-weather Storage Chest, 50% off at P1,499.95
This was a last-minute buy. I didn't think I wanted it until I thought I could use it for the attic (to store all our plush toys).

(No Photo)
Lifetime 4ft Fold-in-half Residential Table, On Sale at P1,099.95 (compared to last September's price of P1,199.95)

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Scotch Fur Fighter Pet Hair Remover, 50% off at P99.95
With a dog and a cat, we really need this for our black couch.

Trojan Super Heavy Duty Trash Bags XL 20s, On Sale at P67.95
These are pretty cheap, even when not on sale.

Ziploc Sandwich Bags 125, On Sale at P129.95
Ziploc Freezer Quart Bags 54, On Sale at P149.95
Ziploc Freezer Gallon Bags 38, On Sale at P154.95
You can never have too many Ziploc bags!

(No Photo)
BioZip Colour/ Aloe Laundry Detergent 4Kg, On Sale at P249.95
Zip All-Purpose Cleaner 1.8L, On Sale at P124.95
Zip Cream Cleanser 500ml, On Sale at P44.95
Onwards Paper Towel 8 rolls, On Sale at P249.95

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

Dove Visibly Smooth Nature Fresh Deodorant, Buy 1 Take 1 at P299.95
Someone's been dipping into my deo stash - LOL!

(No Photo)
Safeguard White with Aloe Vera 8pc-pack, Buy 1 Take 1 at P349.95

FOOD

Tang Orange 60oz, On Sale at P369.95
My kids prefer the taste of Imported Tang over the local one.
I have no idea if there is a difference in formulation. Hehe.

Juicee Gummee Family Party 500g, On Sale at P124.95
These are good! Even better than the Trolli or Yupi brands.

Kruzteaz Pancake Mix 4.53kg, On Sale at P329.95
The kids love pancakes! This should last them 'til September, LOL!

US Apple Strudel/ Strawberry Cheese Strudel 15s, Buy 1 Take 1 at P199.95
Our favorite! This deal made me soooo happy!

(No Photo)
Kirkland Vegetable Oil 5qt, On Sale at P479.95
Lucky Me Pancit Canton Calamansi 7+1, On Sale at P56.95 (yes, they're available at S&R!)
Nutella 750g, On Sale at P269.95
Maling Egg Roll 397g, On Sale at P49.95
Prem Lite Luncheon Meat 340g, On Sale at P79.95
Minute Maid 3 x 1L + FREE Coke, On Sale at P149.95
Libbys Vienna Sausage 18 x 5oz, On Sale at P419.95
Blue Bunny Mint Bonbon Ice Cream 4.5qt, On Sale at P379.95

THE EXTRAS... BOW!

Gibson Candle Holder, On Sale at P24.95
These were cheap and nice! I bought 4 pieces to use as accents.
Okay, Mia, I don't know why I got 'em. LOL!

Rove BPA-Free Flavor Infuser Tumbler 24oz, Buy 1 Take 1 at P399.95
No, I probably don't need another tumbler. But these are cool.

Coleman Teammate Beverage Cooler 1/3 Gallon, On Sale at P199.95
A needs a new jug for school. Yes, school next School Year. Hehe. 

Rove 7-piece Laptop Bistro Box, On Sale at P299.95
Bento ideas are brewing. Love this!

Sistema Klip It Lunch Box, On Sale at P89.95
Sistema Klip It Breakfast-to-go, On Sale at P139.95
Sistema Klip It Salad-to-go, On Sale at P169.95
I actually have these in the original clear color, but wanted more.
Yes, I know I don't need more food containers.

(No Photo)
Bath Towels, Buy 1 Take 1 at P399.95
Olivia Bath Rug, Buy 1 Take 1 at P299.95

And my best buy this Members' Treat?

Luminarc Pure Box Glass Food Container Large Rectangle 197cl, Buy 1 Take 1 at P249.95
Luminarc Pure Box Glass Food Container Large Square 122cl, Buy 1 Take 1 at P199.95
Luminarc Pure Box Glass Food Container Large Round 92cl, Buy 1 Take 1 at P169.95
People were literally hoarding boxes of these! So cheap and nice. 

How about you? How big was your Members' Treat haul?

~~~

The S&R Members' Treat is ongoing until Sunday, the 17th of March 2013. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE. LOL!

Friday, March 15, 2013

After the Chaos.

The S&R Sale started Wednesday morning. I initially thought I'd be alone fighting the crowds, as I couldn't imagine taking our nanny AND the three kids (RL and the nanny's two girls). A has exams this week. But last week, A came home really excited because her school declared Wednesday as Home Study/ Rest day (teehee, maybe some of the teachers wanted to go to Members' Treat, too. LOL). She had AP and Filipino exams for Thursday, so we agreed to take her notes and study while waiting in line.

So yes. We woke up really, really early.

We left for S&R Congressional waaaayyyy before the sun came up. When our alarm went off (I shall not tell you guys what time, because I don't want you think we're cray), I was actually thinking we had loads of time to spare. In fact, with that in mind, A and I decided to drive thru McDonald's for breakfast baon, so we don't starve while waiting for the store to open.

The empty lot at... secret (!) o'clock. LOL!
Too early, and yet, about 50pax already in line ahead of us.
When we got to Congressional, there was a short queue of people and cars outside the main gate, as they still weren't letting people in. I thought it was wise to just wait in the car, as I didn't want A to join the queue along the sidewalk. A few minutes later, they started letting people in. I let A fall in line as I went to park the car. It was way too early and yet, when I joined A, there were about 50 people in line ahead of us. My, we weren't the only cray ones there!

After about 30 minutes, they moved the queue beside the building entrance. People started coming, probably thinking they were early, only to find out, they weren't quite that early. LOL!

This was how far we were from the entrance.
The queue at about 5am. And you think you were early?!
Armed with our step-stools, water bottles, Mickey D's sandwiches, mosquito repellent, and A's AP book and notes (plus the iPad, in case we got bored), we were ready to wait. A found it awkward to be studying in line. Everyone in front of us were staring as I explained the AP text in English. LOL! But that was my condition - we can go only if she studies while waiting. Besides, we started only when the sun came up. The rest of the time, I spent playing Carrot Fantasy on RL's iPad. Hehe.

You know how, when you need something done, time just flies? Well, time flew. And by the time 645am came along, they started letting people in! Too bad for those who sent drivers and helpers to queue for them during the wee hours, because they weren't there when shopping hour came along. Ha!

Hello, Mr. Sun!
A lot of patient people in line this year. I didn't hear any yelling or bickering.
Except maybe for the guy behind us, but that's because he stopped a lady from cutting into queue.
The scene right before they started letting people in...
The great thing about being really, really early is you get first dibs on limited stock items, plus you get to shop fast. There weren't many carts in line for the cashiers when we decided to fall in line at around 730am (yes, we were that fast). I told A that we were sticking to necessities this sale, so we went with a list! I know, Mia, who am I kidding, right? LOL! But really, I think I did pretty well.

The cashier lines at 730am thereabouts.
There was only 1 cart ahead of us, but they took a while to ring up since the cashier had to go on a potty break. Hehe.
The store at 9am. They added a couple of cashiers at the end. The wait wasn't so bad. Well, at least for us.
Our car was coded so we waited another hour. The crowd wasn't so bad. I say, last September was crazier.  But then, we were really early this time, and I guess that was an advantage in itself.

The crowd outside (around 930am). Like I said, it wasn't as bad as September.
It took us a while to load our loot, because our nanny forgot to empty the trunk. Nyar. That, plus there were a lot of cars on the lot, vying for spaces as customers left. But yea, it was a morning well spent.

My first day S&R loot. Yes, you read that right. First day. I went again last night. And again, today, with my officemates.
~~~

After getting our passports from the Korean Embassy yesterday, my gf G and I decided to check out S&R BGC. There wasn't a line going in, and there weren't as much shoppers as I had expected. Lines were organized, but I noticed that stocks weren't as plenty as that first day at Congressional (maybe because the  first day crowd at BGC bought 'em all?).

The BGC crowd. See... happy people. I love it when only the patient shopaholics shop. Haha!
It's fun shopping with someone as patient as I am. G and I took our time checking out the items on sale, and had dinner after.

Doing what we do best. LOL!
I am expecting that the crowds will be wilder tonight and on the weekend, today being the 15th and all. But yes, I went back earlier with my officemates. And yes, I shall be back tomorrow with the in-laws. I love S&R, and I guess you can call it my happy place.

What about you? What was Members' Treat like for you this time around?


PS. I think "Early Wednesday" is an understatement. We may have gone to line up late Tuesday. LOL! Okay, okay, just kidding.

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