On Black Friday Sale.

Well, the reason why I wasn't so keen about this or I intentionally didn't blog about it last Friday is because I purposely avoided digishopping. I received lots of email alerts and newsletters from digishops, all loudly announcing their promotions but I ignored them. Don't get me wrong, of course, I still love digiscrapping stuffs but my paypal money is allotted for something more important which is my son's 1st birthday party three months from now. I purposely didn't wander so long..(yeah, I still peeped in some of my fave stores) so I won't be tempted to buy. I tend to purchase on impulse so for someone whose self-control in shopping is limited, avoiding them is the answer. And I think I deserve a pat on my back. I managed to get away with just one purchase from Weeds and Wildflowers at 30% off its original price. I'll start with my second Photo Book soon and since I don't have the luxury of time to whip up layouts from scratch with digi kits, I'll be using quick pages instead so it'll be a lot easier and faster to finish. It's not that it's tough creating one as if needing a work holding tool or something but as I always say, time is the problem. And so here's what I got..the Delightful Collection Quick Album by Gina Marie Huff and my purchase comes along with a free wordart, WW's Thanksgiving treat for every purchase in the shop.

So how much did you spend during the Black Friday Digi Sale? Care to share your loot?

Artscow Orders' Shipment.

You might have probably read in my main blog that the photo prints I ordered at Artscow are finally here. I worried when my order didn't arrive by the tenth working day after it was shipped. But all the while, I didn't know that the package was with the city's postal office until I received the parcel notice last Thursday. It turns out that my Artscow packages will all be claimed from the postal office's customs section since they are sent via USPS and it has customs declaration sticker on it. I just hope though I won't be incurring customs duties and taxes just like the lady beside me who was asked to pay a certain amount for the air tools that she was sent. Except for the Php 35 parcel fee, they didn't charge me any tax for the prints. Hopefully, same goes with the Photobook and Photo Calendar I also ordered and are due to arrive by late this week.

Sunday Freebies.

I'm feeling good tonight so I'm going to share a few things I recently found on the web. No, they aren't term life insurance quotes, but the latest alluring digiscrapping freebies made by the outrageous designers and digiscrap enthusiasts. I wonder where do these designers get their creative juices and talent. I hope and pray that they continue to create and share wonderful freebies as these definitely help the scrimping digiscrappers out there, saving them a fortune through the freebies they make. Let's support these freebie designers by respecting their TOUs and giving credit that is due to them.

Fall's End Wordart Freebie


Christmas Morning Elements


Another Xmas

Determined to Scrap.

Since this weekend's a long one with tomorrow a non-working holiday, I am planning to play with my dusty digiscrapping kits. I want to create another Photo Book with Asher's 2008 pictures and memories, try out this chocolate wrapper quickpage freebie I recently got and make our family Christmas greeting card and tags. But then again, I know I may sound a broken recorder here, I can't seem to squeeze all these since a few online tasks suddenly poured in and I need to accomplish them by tomorrow, the cutoff day. I'm rushing all of them so I still have a time to spare for doing this digiscrap to-dos. I must digiscrap this weekend. Offline, I also have a number of tasks to do for my sister's wedding on January. She's asking me to check out hotels, preferably similar to hotels las vegas where they can stay and prepare on the wedding day itself. She emphasized that the hotel must have a lovely lobby facade with a grand staircase where they can hold a pre-ceremony photoshoot. I just hope that hotels on their wedding day aren't fully booked yet.

Rob Pattinson ... Bite Me ... Please!

Dianeskie's Freebie Friday.

And of course, just another amazing and colorful kit from a dear online friend of mine, Diane. Here's her Bright Christmas Kit freebie for your pleasure. Please click on the image to be directed to Diane's blog and download page.

Beauty Schools Directory.

If you are considering to pursue a career in hairdressing and wanting to be a talented and sought after make-up artist someday, enroll yourself in one of the thousands of US Beauty Schools that can be easily searched through FindABeautySchool. The site has a comprehensive listing of beauty schools across the country and gathering information about each of them has never been easy through their directory. One can just search by state or by zip code, select your prospective beauty school, provide your contact information and just wait for the complete syllabus that will be delivered to you in instant. Hop on over their site and give it a try.

Now I'm off to find some white gold jewelries for my sister's birthday.

Christmas Freebie Mania.

If you are in the hunt for Christmas goodies and freebies, check here often as I'll regularly post about my recent finds across digi fora and shops. Can you feel it's Christmas already? I do..in fact, we already have our Christmas tree up and we've started wrapping gifts as well. We're not yet through though with our christmas shopping but nevertheless, we're almost done and geared up for the Holidays.

Please click on the images to be directed to the designers' pages. As always, please respect their TOUs and leave them some love.

A Magical Christmas Add-on Freebie


How Many Days Til Christmas Quick Page


Snowflake Stamp Cluster

Waiting for my Artscow Orders.

Here are the the products I ordered recently from Artscow. Perhaps within the week, they'll all be arriving.

1.) Item: A 20 page 8" x 8" Photobook - a compilation of all my pregnancy and early months of Asher digiscrap layouts.
Cost: $ 9.49 ($7.99 shipping + $1.50 for additional 3 pages)

2.) Our 2009 Photo Calendar
* I ordered 3 all in all: one for Makati, one for Frisco homes and one for my folks in Saudi
Cost: $ 6.99 (thanks for the free shipping coupon code)

3.) 250 pcs of photo prints at $0.06 each with 50 free photo print credits.

If you are thinking to compile your digiscrap layouts, Artscow has the cheapest rate yet quality printing. By the way, they have promos for new members where one can get up to free 1200 prints. So sign up and redeem your 1200 free prints credits & 3 8″x8″ photo books & other great photo gifts credits.

Back Pains.

I think this will be my last entry and I will call it a night already. My lower back is painful that it's yearning to lie down and rest, perhaps, wanting a good light massage. My day was kinda tiring after attending a wedding in the morning and bringing the little one to the Pedia for his wellness checkup. My back's probably just tired from taking care of the little one who wants nobody to carry him but me. I don't think it's needing back electrodes yet..it's not that serious as you think. I'm searching at AllegroMedical.com for possible equipment that can give relief to this back pain. Allegro Medical is one of the largest online retailers of life enhancing products and medical equipment in the United States. What's hot lately on their site is the free ecatalog where special limited time specials and discounts can be availed by new members. Check it out.

Meanwhile, I have to go. :)

Guess What?

Just a few minutes after publishing my previous post, yes, you guessed it right. The Home for the Holidays Collab Kit is now in my downloads folder and is just waiting to be unzipped. The next question is, when will I use them? I vowed not to purchase any other Christmas kits anymore as this is quite a big kit already. And that, I'm back to my scrimping mode at the moment to make way and save for next week's Black Friday sales. What are your shopping plans? In my case, I don't have definite stores to shop at yet but most likely they'll be baby online stores to shop more apparels and stuffs for the little one.

To Buy or Not To Buy.

Since the moment I received Kate Hadfield's newsletter this morning, I have been contemplating whether to buy this or not.

I love the colors..so vibrant, happy and it's sooooo Christmas. Funky Junky Home for the Holidays Collab kit would be perfect to all of our Christmas photos especially that this year is the little one's first and it'd surely be special. One thing though, I'm not sure if I'll have the time to digiscrap them if ever since our holidays will be busy..two out of town vacations, merrymaking and of course pigging out that needs doses of Hydroxycut hardcore after. It's 30% off now so that also persuades me to get it. Hmm..okay, perhaps, it wouldn't hurt my paypal that much if I binge..today and for this only..promise!

Wishing for Denver.

I've just finished chatting with a friend of mine after 2 hours of non-stop blabbing about her upcoming wedding. She's actually persuading me to fly and visit her in Colorado where the wedding with her boyfriend for 10 years will take place. If not only for the expensive airfare from here, I definitely would love to attend and of course, experience Denver. I've heard so much nice stuffs about Denver that any traveller would be encouraged to visit the Mile High City. What's not to love about the city...jolly and friendly people, yummy dining and cozy Denver Restaurants, high-end fashion, booming business, renowned athletes and of course, the marvelous beauty of the city. I've just read a lot about Denver at Denver Magazine and now I'm itching to go there. My friend's offering to pay half of my airfare but let's see..I really would love to go but we'll have to take into consideration our schedules by that time.

From dNeero-ites about Christmas

It's never too early to start preparing for Christmas especially in my part of the woods. We actually celebrate the longest Christmas in the world, setting up Christmas ornaments at home for as early as November. I'm so excited that I started shopping for gifts already..how about you? Can you feel Christmas in the air already?

Cool Freebies.

It's been a while since I posted my freebie finds lately so before I check out some cool tv deals in one of my fave online shops, I'm posting these finds quick.

The first one is entitled Butterfly and is created by the talented Nanine and Sev at Digital-Crea. This contains 37 papers, 4 worn brackets, 4 brackets, 20 butterflies, 12 flowers, 4 greenery branches, 7 frames, 4 glitters splats, 12 ribbons, 1 Bloom wreath, 1 cloud, 1 rain drops, 2 staples, and 1 hook.

The second one is a free gift with a purchase at Afterfivedesigns and was collaborated by 13 designers. The kit is called Artemia for the designers' friend Danielle and is all about hope, friendship and love. An accident injured one of her two little boys and may have permanently left her husband partially paralyzed. Some of her friends in the industry has come together with an amazing collab kit with the intention of easing their family's financial burden.

Pardon..pardon.

Pardon with all these non-scrapbook related (NSBR) posts recently. It just goes to show that I, still, haven't got my mojos back and they're still on the lose. There's a part of me wanting to scrap as I have lots of piled Asher pictures to play with but I just don't have the drive to do it. Lack of time is also an added factor here especially that Asher demands nobody to carry him but me these days. You see, I also author a handful of blogs so that's another load to keep me busy with. I need to earn to prepare for the Holiday expenditures, thus, my blogs are sprawled with money equated keywords. I'm thinking to try out for retail jobs but I don't think I can handle it along side with my wifey and mommy duties for now. Perhaps, by next year when everything's get settled, I might try.

Fab Eyewear This Christmas.

The popular online eyeglasses shop did it again. They just released a new batch of stylish and cool eyeglasses so take a look at the Holiday Glass Frames From Zenni Optical. With this, I'm sure those fashionistas out there would have a complete outrageous Christmas getup to boot. Why not? Aside from its quality, these $ 8 Complete Rx Eyeglasses are a must-buy because they're so cheap. Be sure to bookmark their site and get engaged with another frugal shopping experience in these economic hard times.

A Yo-yo Holiday.

Christmas is definitely right just around the corner!

What Font Are You?

You Are Helvetica

Your life is ultra modern and ultra streamlined. You don't get bogged down in details or decoration. You like to think that you're the epitome of style and taste. People either totally get you - or they think you're boring and generic.

What Font Are You?

Manic Monday #141.

What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today?
I look horrible. I didn't sleep well last night since I have to wake up every time a nurse or a doctor checks on my son. We're in the hospital by the way. My son has been confined since Saturday night due to bronchial asthma. Sad.

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain.
I have lots of weird dreams and nightmares but luckily, they don't repeat.

List three foods you can’t stand:
Sashimi or anything raw, a balut's sisiw and ampalaya.

See here how the others answered this.

I have to sort some auto insurance quotes brochures that were forwarded to me today then make a recommendation to hubby which will suit our car best.

Maree Freebie.

Before I inquire from agency if our flight to Boracay on December comes with a travel insurance, let me share with you some cutie goodies made by a dear online friend, Diane.

She calls this Maree kit and comes with a very nice alpha as well.


Go ahead, click on the images to be redirected to her blog. Please don't forget to respect her TOU, give her credit and of course, please leave her love when you download it.

Get To Know Me.

Snagged from Litzie.

my name is: Mai.
this morning i was: so sleepy.
i'm afraid of: earthquakes.
i dream about: travelling around the world and owning a home based business so I can still take care of little A.

HAVE YOU EVER…
pictured your crush naked?: no. Haha!
been in love: of course.
lied: yes.
flowers or candy: flowers.
scruff or clean shaven: clean shaven.
tall or short: tall.

WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX…
what do you notice first?: his eyes.
last person you slow danced with: the husband at our wedding.
worst question to ask: can't think of one right now.

WHO…
makes you laugh the most?: hubby.
makes you smile: Asher.
gives you a funny feeling when you see them: hubby.
is easier talk to: boys or girls?: definitely girls.
sit on the internet waiting for someone special to IM you?: yes, hubby.
save AIM conversations?: nope.
wish you were a member of the opposite sex?: never.
cry because of something someone has said: yes.
pray?: Yup.

HAVE YOU EVER…
fallen for your best friend?: yes, he's now my husband. :D
rejected someone: yes. Haha!
cheated on someone: nah.
been cheated on: Yep.
done something you regretted: yes, but it's all in the past.
wanted to die: Never.

DO YOU…
color your hair: I did once.
ever get off the computer: When I need to.
habla espanol: Whatever (yaya, you're such a loser. LOL.)
sprechen sie deutsches: ewan ko.
fight with your parents: yes but the respect is still there. More of getting my point across i guess.
have friends you’ve lost touch with: yes.
feel happy?: yes.
wish you could fly away.. far, far away?: yes.
believe in God?: Yes!
could you live without the computer?: no LOL.
what’s your favorite candy?: mentos.
whats your favorite fruit?: Mango.
sunrise or sunset?: sunset.
what hurts the most? Physical or Emotional? Emotional.
trust others way too easily?: No.
are your fingers cold?: yes..brr..
coke or pepsi: Coke.

FINAL QUESTIONS…
I want: to go home already.
I wish: Asher gets well real soon.
I love: my boys.
I miss: my dad.
I fear: of losing my loved ones.
I hear: the TV.
I smell: medicines.
I wonder: what time will Paul gets home today.

SS: The Nudder Meme

Sunday Stealing: The Nudder Meme

1. Who did you spend at least two hours with today?
+ My husband, little Asher, my in-laws.

2. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?
+ Christmas!

3. Who was the last person you called?
+ Hubby..asking if he has bought already the golf equipment he'll be giving his boss for his birthday.

4. What were you doing at 12am last night?
+ Nebulizing my sickie son.

5. Are your parents married/divorced?
+ Legally separated since I was 6.

6. When did you last see your mom?
+ Last August.

7. What are you wearing right now?
+ A baby tee and shorts.

8. Where is your favorite place to be?
+ Home sweet home.

9. Where is your least favorite place to be?
+ Hospital!..argh!

10. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?
+ USA and Europe.

11. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years?
+ Still here.

12. What was the last thing that really made you laugh?
+ My son who was making of his daddy.

13. What cities/towns/villages have you lived in?
+ Makati and Quezon City.

14. Are you a social person?
+ More of online.

15. Do you sleep alone?
+ No. I sleep with my two boys.

My DSD Loot.

It's been like what..ages since I scrapped. But don't get me wrong, I really do want to digiscrap as I have tons of photos waiting to be scrapped but I just couldn't squeeze some free time in between my online works and Mommy duties especially now that my lil son is sick. I envy those work at home moms who can multitask and still manage to come up with awesome pages.

Anyway, since I don't digiscrap that much lately and I'm saving my paypal earnings for the holidays and for Green Machine's car insurance, I managed to get away from the Digital Scrapbooking Day manic sales that went on in my favorite digishops. BUT..(there's a big but here)..I didn't let it pass without me purchasing 2 lovely kits from a dear blogger/twitter friend of mine, Jacq of Purple Colourz Designs. If you are a digiscrapper, I'm very sure you've heard a lot about her and seen her amazing pages in galleries as she's been a Creative Team member to the greatest designers out there. Right now, she's also into designing kits and she's having them on Pickleberrybop. Here's my Purple Colourz Designs loot..both at 35% off:

Her Pink Tutu


A Little Eclectic

First Christmas.

It'll be my first Christmas since I resigned from work and surely there are lots of things and happenings that I'll miss. No more fun, wacky Christmas parties overflowing with foods. There will be less Christmas gifts for sure since I no longer have colleagues to exchange gifts with. No more corporate promotional items which serve as Christmas gifts from our suppliers. No more HP Planners, gift certificates, desk calendars and bountiful goodies from them. :sigh: But it's okay, we now have Asher with us and it'll be his first ever Christmas celebration so that alone is one meaningful gift to treasure.

NSBR: A Gift For Mom.

Mom's birthday is just a few days away and I haven't even thought of what to give her this time. I heard that she's complaining about her broken eyeglass frame the other day so I might probably check out a new pair of glasses online. I saw last night that Zenni Optical was on FOX news! and this gave me an idea where to wisely buy Great Eyeglasses For Less. Zenni Optical sells chic and stylish prescription glasses for as low as $8. The reason behind this is that they sell it directly to their customers at a wholesale price. There are Variable Dimension Frames From Zenni that one would literally have a hard time selecting which to get. Check out Zenni on Fox where they confirm that this is indeed a great deal. This design will probably the one I'd get for my Mom.

A Newspaper Drive.

No this isn't a chocolate, a chopping board nor some kind of a whistle. If you'll look at it closely, it's actually a USB Drive made from Newspaper and Wood Chips! Another interpretation of a "Newspaper Drive". This drive is available between 512MB and 16GB and seems it is made from the same paper and wood chipboard like what Ikea furniture is made from. This gadget gives importance to a very important environment-saving act, that is, recycling. Isn't it a cool and funky creation? A high-tech gadget exhibiting a primitive appeal. Well, I honestly commend the creators of these gadgets because I've heard that this is an "enviro-gadget"..a term I coined from a yet another wonderful site that features eco-friendly gadgets and tools in these modern times.

We are now living in an ultra-advanced world where the technology keeps on unveiling new discoveries about computers, tools and gadgets that make people's lives a lot easier. But as responsible dwellers here on Earth, we must not go for these advancements at the expense of the environment. We must do our share to protect it or at least give something back to Mother Nature. I just love how Daniel Harrison, the author of envirogadget.com puts it: "There’s always another gadget, but only one planet." Short and sweet but conveys a clear message to everyone the importance of the world we're all living in.