Early Christmas Shopping

The past few months have been a blur of spending -- not on wants and luxuries but on definite needs. While it hasn't been easy, we're grateful that we were able to go through this difficult time, at least on the financial front.

This means, however, that we do not have a lot of money left in savings. We're taking it one day at a time. But since it's less than 100 days till Christmas, we do need to look for a way to save AND for affordable gifts for people on our (very) long Christmas list.

I found some online coupons that could be used to purchase some great gifts online, at a discount, of course. There are plenty of choices online. I'd love to get my son some Lego toys (which could be had for 50% off with coupons) since they encourage creativity. My daughter...hmmm, perhaps Stuffed Animals would be appreciated? I'm still looking around for the best choices and the best deals, not just for my kids, but also for my husband and the rest of my family. And our inaanaks too. Quality gifts at great deals, that would be such a treat for me!

I Need Shoes!

I need a new pair of shoes. Seriously. The last dressy pair (the one I use almost everywhere) gave out just before I gave birth. Now, I'm surviving on a pair of rubber clogs, just because I'm on maternity leave and not going anywhere for a while.

Unlike most women who buy shoes on a whim, I actually buy shoes only when I need them. I'd like to maximize their use so I'd look for a comfortable style that I can bring to the office, wear with either jeans or something a little dressier. Something versatile. In fact, when I bought my wedding shoes, I actually bought a pair that I could use for later parties and events! So when I say I need shoes, I really do!

That's why it takes a long time for me to find the "IT" shoes each time. Not to mention that IT has to fit my budget aside from the criteria above. It's good that you can actually do comparison shopping for shoes online. And not only shoes but also socks and stockings that should go with the shoes. That's certainly a godsend for someone like me!

Starting My Christmas Shopping

Christmas is just around the corner! It's the happiest time of the year for many Filipinos, who have the longest Christmas celebration in the world. It's also the time when people give and receive gifts.

I have started some shopping for toys for the children in my gift list. My shopping is however, far from over. There are still a number of people (adults!) who I want to give gifts to, but I'm just not sure what to get them. It's great that we can now browse and buy stuff on the net.

My mom loves to fix up the home once in a while. I believe that she would be happy with anything from here.

I think my mother would be happy with anything for her garden. She's very happy puttering around, making things grow. Unfortunately, I do not have her inclination and her talent, so I have to rely on online reviews in order to get what would be the best choice for her.

My husband would love tools since he loves tinkering around with mechanical stuff. Hmmm, maybe I should let him browse here so that I'll know what he really wants.

Well, still browsing and still looking for the perfect gift. Hope I will finish my shopping before December!

Baby Stuff Shopping

Shopping for baby is a really fun experience! Fun but confusing, that is. There are simply so many choices. Take prams for example. There are so many designs and colors. There are even pushchairs for twins, and even one for three kids! There are three wheelers, and there are also the so-called travel systems which have both a car seat and a stroller in one.

What about beddings? Ok, there's cribs and bassinets and cots. If you're getting wooden, metal or a portable pack and play type. And of course, the accessories that go with them. That's not even including the option of co-sleeping.

Cutie clothes are also a joy to shop for. Blue or pink? I actually prefer white, yellow or green because they can be used for either a baby boy or a baby girl. Long sleeved, short sleeved or sleeveless clothes? A little of each, I guess. How many of each depends on how often you do your laundry, and the weather at the time the baby uses them.

Are you breastfeeding? If so, you would probably still need a breast pump for those times that you need to get away, as well as a few bottles. Of course, if your decision is to go bottle feeding, you would need even more bottles. You would also need a sterilizer for all those bottles.

There are so many choices out there that it's quite easy to blow a lot of money on baby stuff. Just be patient, compare prices and features, and get the best ones that suit your situation and your budget.

The Frugal Shopper in Me

With the very fast depreciation that we're experiencing right now and the looming economic crisis, it is imperative that we get the best value out of our money. I'm pretty weird in that I'm not really that much of a shopaholic compared to other women. Which is a good thing considering the present economic situation.

That's because I feel that some purchases are better spent elsewhere, especially if the item is more of a want than a need. I don't really go for brand name items, you see. But I do try to stock up on the things I NEED and the things I WANT whenever I find sales or special deals.

For me, SALE is a four lettered word. I try to avoid it as much as I can since it can be so tempting to buy things that you do not need if you see that it's been marked down -- which defeats the purpose, really. I only go to sales when I have something in mind that I need or want to buy for the longest time but held off because I was looking for a better deal. Coupons are also a great idea for me. With $15 off coupon code discounts, my money goes a longer way than if I pay at full price! I could buy more stuff for my son, also at a discount of course. Or indulge my book addiction! Or just simply book a vacation for the whole family.