Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Clever Cats International Company

Clever Cats International Company is a local seller of fun toys for fun learning.

Consider the following brands:
- Melissa & Doug
- Alex Toys
- Learning Resources
- Educational Insights
- EDUCO
- Quadrilla
- Room Mates for Kids
- Poof Slinky
- Toysmith
- Acting Out
- Manhattan Toys
- Tatiri
- My Little Sandbox
- KLUTZ
- Chicken Socks
- American Girl Library
- eeBoo
- Mudpuppy
- Automoblox
- Puzzibits
- Mark My Time
- Neat-Oh - ZIP-BIN


Melissa and Doug is very popular with moms for their educational wooden toys. They even have a stamp kit (around P800) that's perfect for homeschooling families. I'm just sorry I didn't see their Complete a Picture Pad, or I'd have bought one.

So, if you're looking for things to get your little loved ones this Christmas, contact Cats International now!

Head Office
Chinatown Steel Towers
Asuncion St, Binondo, Manila 1006
Telephone: (02)-502 9869
Email address: info@clevercatsintl.com
http://www.clevercatsintl.com

Showroom
Ground Floor, CRZ Building,
1269 Batangas St, cor Guatemala St,
Brgy San Isidro, Makati City 1234
Telephone: (02)-844 8624
Open: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Saturday
No lunch break

Monday, November 29, 2010

Jumbo Magnifiers from Clever Cats

We passed by the Clever Cats stall at the Noel Bazaar and I was contemplating a sticker book while my son was oggling the other wooden toys when I saw magnifying glasses rimmed/framed in plastic. These Jumbo Magnifiers, which cost P350, were beside huge magnets (which cost P150 and also encased in clorful plastic).

At first, I was amazed at how I never thought of how much fun a magnifying glass would be to a child. Then we tested it on my 3-year old and he was hooked. It was like we gave him a new set of eyes for seeing the world.

My son didn't ask to be carried anymore. Instead, he walked magnifying everything on eye level in every stall we passed. When I browsed through necklaces, he scrutinized the beads. When we passed bags, he checked out the sequins. He tried magnifying everything and was so absorbed and intent in a whole new world.

I was so happy with this buy. He couldn't wait to get home and find ants! This is highly-recommended as a gift idea to preschoolers. If you can't find one, try ordering from Clever Cats (www.clevercatsintl.com).

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Aristocrat Bakeshop

Technically, you cannot go wrong with any cake from the Aristocrat Bakeshop. All their cakes are just really made superbly, always balancing sinful and too sweet. My all-time favorite from their bakeshop is the Torta de los Reyes which is chocolate sans rival but since their cakes also tend to be expensive, it's really not something one would buy for sharing in big feasts (unless maybe their birthday cakes).

The good thing though is that they offer a lot of mini cakes for those itching for decadence but don't want to really shell out that much.

Take for example these two cakes we just bought from the main Aristocrat Bakeshop in Remedios. It's gopd, old-fashioned caramel cake and the other is Grand Chocolate (I think, it was hubs who bought it).




The caramel cake tastes best when it's served really cold because the caramel and butter icing just melts in your mouth. The Grand Chocolate cake would taste best with coffee and is sure to be a hit with dark chocolate lovers. It's reminiscent of Red Ribbon's choco caramel cake, only more moist and without caramel. Plus, its chocolate is really on the dark, bittersweet side which is why my husband LOVED it. According to him, it was just what he expected and more.

The caramel cake costs P100 while the Grand Chocolate costs P120. Now, we can't wait to try their Better Than Sex cake.

And since these come in their own boxes, they'd be cool giveaways as well in weddings and other celebrations!

So, next time you pass by an Aristocrat Bakeshop, don't pass up on the opportunity for some toe-curling delight in the form of their cakes.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Have a Green Christmas with Milea

MILEA Bath & Body Wellness Essentials has taken upon itself to package their products as Christmas gifts so you can easily just pick one out, order it, and give as is.

Choose from the following:
Active Baby Gift Set
Baby Bath Gift Set
Baby Pampering Set
Gift of clean
Gift of fresh look
Gift of protection 1
Gift of protection 2
Gift of vanity 1
Gift of vanity 2
Mini Travel Kit
Mom and Baby Gift Set
Soap Scrub
Travel Bath Set
Christmas Edition Body Butters


Just go to their site to order and give away a Green Christmas to all your loved ones: http://miletnbea.multiply.com/photos/album/64/Green_Christmas_2010#

Friday, November 26, 2010

Heat to Burn Calories

Christmas is the season for eating. And since it is kinda impractical to be denying oneself, why not use heat to burn the extra calories off?

Exercise, no matter how little, no matter when you do it, will always burn calories. You can just make sure to keep to your routine so you won't feel so guilty about all the dainty desserts you're sampling. Also, squeeze in some more activity to your day. Take the stairs. Walk part of the way to your destination. Do some leg raises. Stretch. Any activity that gets your body temperature a little higher will count. And yes, kissing and getting all giddy with excitement helps too.

Then, add heat to what you eat too, as these are natural fat burners. Make sure to include a bite or two of something that's more spicy than your usual fare. It may even help you eat less. Just don't binge on anything creamy after to take the edge off the spice.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thank You Gifts to the Women in Your Life

There's Thanksgiving and then there's Christmas. Two Holidays when we normally count our blessings and take stock of who we have in our life that we're thankful for. And because i'm a girl, I am hoping you will give special consideration to the women in your life and give them thoughtful gifts.

It's not really hard to please us. Sure, we'd appreciate diamond stud earrings or matching accessories that don't necessarily require precious stones. But we'd also be happy over gift certificates to the spa, bookstore, department store, our favorite boutiques and curio shops and even the grocery. I recommend gift certificates as the most practical gift since you not only show you remembered us, you also allow us the pleasure to shop for something we really want. And you know girls, half of the fun of getting something is the search for it.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

And Then There's Cyber Monday

If, for example, you're not the type to queue in long lines on Black Friday sales and literally go competing with strangers on who saw what first, then Cyber Monday is the sale holiday just for you.

It's the Monday immediately following Black Friday where online retailers first noticed a spike in their sales, which in turn drove them to offer more discounts on that day for shoppers. The term is also being used in countries in Europe for online sales every Monday of November and December.

So, make sure your debit cards are loaded and your credit cards aren't maxed out yet. Take advantage of Cyber Monday sales and be happy shopping in the comforts of your own home.

Black Friday Sale Everywhere

This Friday is Black Friday sale and most of the bigger retailers in the US are sure to offer huge discounts or freebies so whip out that wallet and prepare to buy, buy, buy!

Of course, only buy what you can really pay for and really need and will really use. But do take advantage of the sales and do your research already. Haunt the websites of your favorite store chains. Now may be the perfect time to purchase that Sony VAIO your son has been begging you to get or just to load up on wipes and diapers for your kiddos.

Be frugal and be wise in this season for shopping and you, or your loved ones, may just have a merrier Christmas too!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

OB Ward at Asian Hospital

Asian Hospital was offering package deliveries before but has since stopped. But they still have an OB ward for those who want to give birth at Asian Hospital but want to save on costs.

Only one room that accommodates four patients composes their OB ward so it's really on a first come, first served basis. Fortunately for those with scheduled operations (say, for cyst removal or sheduled CS delivery), you can e-mail admission@asianhospital.com and reserve a slot at the OB ward/room preferred. A lot will still depend on discharges and room availability but at least, you will be given priority when the room/bed you want becomes available.

Just like in any ward, you will be subject to waiting your turn at the CR, overhearing conversations, putting up with your neigbors' visitors & noises and maybe a little unhappy with how cool the A/C is. But privacy aside, each bed at the OB ward has a curtain that provides some level of privacy and a feeling that you're in your own room. There is also ample space to move about for your nurse and caregiver. Your caregiver, however, will have to make do with a couch for sleep (unless the other beds in the ward are available).



At P600/day, the OB ward is a sure cheaper option. Food served by Makati Skyline (all meals and two snacks) is still well-prepared. In fact, the only thing my caregivers didn't like was the powdered juice with the snacks. You also get assigned nurses and your bed still gets made every day. You can also still room in your baby. You also get your morning paper. The bed is still this electronic thing you can adjust on your own with just a push on a button. I believe, you also get a discharge dinner (which we didn't get to enjoy because we had ourselves discharged earlier).







You also get a maternity bag with freebies from different companies manufacturing baby products (like Huggies newborn diapers, Oilatum, Vadol, etc).





So, although I don't have any plans of getting pregnant again, I would still highly recommend those who want to save on costs to make do at Asian Hospital's OB ward. And yes, I'd gladly stay there again.

For more info, just visit their website www.asianhospital.com

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Expo Mom at Rockwell Tent Today

They say that more people are born in the months of October to December because of weddings happening in the colder months and well, Valentines. And the Expo Mom could very well be the perfect bazaar to go to for your wifey's push presents. Perk them up from their post-partum blues by letting them shop for great nursing wear or matching outfits for your brood. Here's a list of the vendors at the Expo.



Entrance fee is P25 which goes to Mommy Mundo's MomShare charity. Also, bring a toy or storybook to donate to their MomShare cause as well.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Exfoliate to Remove Blackheads

How to get rid of blackheads the natural and trusted way? Exfoliate.

You can exfoliate in many ways. You can use the usual face washcloths or go natural and come up with your own concoctions. Use an oatmeal scrub, or mix salt with lime juice, or mix white sugar with olive oil. Exfoliating helps to make sure that your pores are cleaned and cleared and that no oils become trapped underneath the skin to result in blackheads. Even when there's already some swelling on your skin, you can still keep exfoliating to minimize the damage of the blackhead.

Pizza Pedrico's

I classify Pizza Pedrico's as a cheapy pizza, but I don't mean that in a derogatory way. I love cheapy pizzas like Chansel Pizza because I am not really a fan of fancy toppings.

I love Pizza Pedrico's Cheez and Cheez the most, maybe because it's just filled with umami taste. Pizza Pedrico's is also very affordable and easily available (you can find them in gas stations and groceries and you can even franchise) so you might end up researching the merits of phentermine after getting hooked.

You can also get Pizza Pedrico's to make celebrations more festive. For more info, just go to their website http://www.pizzapedricos.com/

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Nexcare Reusable Hot and Cold Pack

3M's Nexcare Reusable Hot and Cold Pack is probably the best item charged to us at the hospital because I can still use it at home, use it well, and really benefit from it.

It relieved my aching back from having to lie down for so long. It also helped ease my gas pains after my CS delivery. Then, when our neighbors in the OB ward were getting excited over the air-conditioning, it warmed my newborn to sleep. Now, I am using it to prep my breasts for breastfeeding and pumping.

Granted, we've only ever used Nexcare's Reusable Hot and Cold Pack as a hot pack but I really love it, really recommend it, and will certainly buy another one again. Perfect for when you strain muscles from using pull up bars or cooling down a feverish tot. It's really a better alternative to ice bags and hot water bottles.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Som's Noodle House

Som's Noodle House has a reputation of being a great go-to restaurant for Thai fare. However, after Jatujak, we weren't really impressed.

This is not to say that Som's Noodle House isn't worth a visit. First of all, it's really affordable and considering the high-end restaurants in the Rockwell/Power Plant area, that is one serious perk. And then, it's also not intimidating because it will actually remind you of the usual Chinese restaurant in Quiapo. Hubs, who have been to Thailand several times, said that Som's outdoor tables (with all those big umbrellas) are very Thai street fare.

We only tried three dishes and they were good, and grows on you.




an order of pandan chicken which weren't uniformly cooked, because one of these was very dry and a little tough, the other was just okay and the last one really tender and juicy


an order of shrimp fried rice that's good for 2-4 people (it will come with three big pieces of shrimp)


phad thai which was delicious (we loved its chicken and egg pieces over the pandan chicken) but came already seasoned with lemon/calamansi so it was already real tangy


Som's Noodle House Thai Iced Tea which I didn't try but which hubs says is a real winner and the thing Som's patrons really rave about


It's not a place I'd keep going back to (being no fan of Thai food) but I also won't mind finding myself there from time to time. And I loved that they gave us a pitcher of water with glasses filled with ice (very Thai of them) without us having to ask.

Som's Noodle House
5921 Alger Street
Poblacion, Makati (aka Rockwell gilid)
757-8079 / 483-3554 (you can call them for food orders and just pick up)

325 Maysilo Street, Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong
(near Andok's and Baliwag)

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

It's the Season for Sales

This week will get everyone bankrupt because of the following sales!!!

First, there's the Crocs and Toys "R" Us sale at Whitespace this Nov 11-14, 2010!!!



Then there's the Big and Small, Havin' A Baby, etc. sale at the Nutrition Compound on November 16-20:



Another great sale is the much awaited Gingersnaps and Just G warehouse sale is on again at Warehouse 19 Armal Compound 2, M. Eusebio Ave., Pasig City. Mondays-Saturdays, except Holidays, Sundays and Extreme Weather Conditions, 8:00am to 4:00pm. From Nov. 12 to Dec. 29, 2010. Lots of great value for your money! Cash basis only. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 5637/5639 series of 2010.

And don't forget, the Richwell Sale is also ongoing!!!
Richwell Trading Warehouse Annual Christmas SaleDates: November 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 19 to 22
Time: 9:00am to 6:00pm Saturdays and Sundays
1:00 pm to 6:00pm Weekdays & Fridays

Address:
Creative Trade Center No.6 Industria St., Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Girls: Barbie, Polly Pocket, Dora, Arts & Crafts, Beados, RoseArt, Fruit
Factory,etc.
Boys: HotWheels, Matchbox, Bakugan, TechDeck, Battle Strikers, Spongebob,
McFarlane, etc.
Infant-Preschool: Vtech, Megabloks, Shelcore, Leapfrog, Baby Einstein, Kids
II, K’s Kids, Noddy, Disney, Step2
Baby: Pigeon, Safety1st, Chicco, Babisil
What’s New: Webkinz, Russ, First Act Music, Games, StarKidz, Bikes
Shoes: Barbie, Chicco, HotWheels, Pokemon, Elle & OshKosh

Organize your shopping list, dear readers, so you don't go overboard.

Cafe La Carmela

Cafe La Carmela is a restaurant in the heart of Jupiter St. in Makati that offers affordable fare with a really great ambience. I thought it would be some dark, smoky bar since my schoolmate who recommended the place was telling us about the P25 cheap San Miguel beer but it's really more a restaurant where you can drink, and have conversations.


entrance of Cafe La Carmela


the main dining area


Calamares fried to perfection


Found the sisig delish but a tad too spicy to be eaten without rice


this order of pancit is good enough for 5-7 people and was also very good


bagoong rice, which was good


tinapa rice, which was great and enough reason to keep going back


Forgot to take a picture of the noodle soup I had but I loved it. The service was good, the staff friendly and the place quiet. It's really perfect for when you just want to hang out and catch up with friends or family.

If you're in the area and hungry for good food and conversations, do check out Café La Carmela International Restaurant at 38 Jupiter cor. Planet Sts., Bel Air, Makati City. For inquiries, you can call. Tel. 02.899.5551

And they also have a promo that could get you winning a free trip to Boracay! :)

Monday, November 08, 2010

Global Pinoy Bazaar - A Review

Global Pinoy Bazaar is a project of Yabang Pinoy where they pool together Pinoy entrepreneurs to exhibit proudly-Philippine made products. It's also a fundraising of sorts (the entrance fee was P100) to help such entreprenurs.

Anyway, the most recent one was held at the Rockwell Tent last November 6-7, 2010. And I must say, I was absolutely impressed. Sure, I didn't see any yakima racks there for bikes but there were local versions of what seems to be Lego-like toys (which uses magnets) and all the clothes were really fabulous! There were sellers of malunggay-based products as well as of chocolates mixed with local produce (siling labuyo, green mango, pili, etc.).

So, the next time there is another Global Pinoy Bazaar, I highly recommend that you go not just to help move local commerce but to also realize that we can indeed be world-class!

My loot consists of three shirts (onesie, toddler shirt and adult shirt) bearing MILKAHOLIC for the men in my life, a mini-bento set from Eden Maternity Wear and a Multi Wrap from Laura's Shawl Couture. Talk about being clothed in happiness!

Friday, November 05, 2010

Little People Lifestyle Photography Holiday Promo

Give your, or another family, a special treat this Holiday season by booking them for a family photo session.

Consider Little People Lifestyle Photography's Holiday Promo:



For inquiries and bookings, contact Kristin Alfafara Rodriguez at (mobile: +63920 9079241) or e-mail her at littlepeople.photography@gmail.com. You can also check out their site at www.lpphotodesign.multiply.com

Careful with Christmas Lighting

After Halloween, Christmas trees are sure to be sprouting up left and right in homes now, all filled with trimmings and lights to cast some cheery atmosphere in living rooms and against your windows' wood venetian blinds.

Festive, right?

But before installing all these lights, do check first if your Christmas lights are in good condition (no bulbs missing, no wires exposed) and that you are not overwhelming any socket.

If you're the type to really light up your home with lights during the Yuletide season, consider consulting with a professional first as to what things you can do to make sure you don't invite accidents and fires in your home.

Also, make sure you have fire emergency plans in place and a handy fire extinguisher nearby. The best thing about Christmas, after all, is that everyone you love is safe and with you, not your home decor.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Eden Maternity and Nursing Wear at Global Pinoy Bazaar

The Eden Maternity and Nursing Wear Collection by Bianca Araneta-Elizalde will be selling at the Global Pinoy Bazaar at Rockwell this coming weekend (November 6-7, 2010).

They will be launching new Infinitude colors (think of denim colors and green as well as more feminine shades) as well as offering mini-bentos (sake tank top and skirt for only P2,500, with the Christmas-colored one) at the bazaar. They will also be offering their Poem Scarf in new colors.

Go, go, go shop now! Cross some more off your Christmas list!

Monday, November 01, 2010

Save for Good Wheels and Save Your Life

With Christmas bonus looming in the horizon, I would like to take this opportunity to remind vehicle owners to save part of their bounty to replace old or worn wheels. This not only saves from future hassles on the road, it just may translate to lives saved as a new wheel with good treads is less likely to spin and slip during rainy weather (and heaven knows we still have a lot of those these days).

It may also be good to consider insuring your wheels and even getting a 5th wheel warranty.

I cannot stress how important it is to maintain vehicles properly and not scrimp on its parts. People may also want to change their oil, have brakes checked or replace broken lights as well as renew/upgrade their car insurance.
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