Secret Santa Shopping in School 2014

 On the second day of December,  the students  at St. Joseph  went on a shopping spree with the Secret Santa Shopping  that was  put together by one of the most active  Moms of the school.

I volunteered to help during the  set up and first day of shopping.  My daughter asked me not to come on the time slot where she has to shop.  She wants it to be a surprise although I already told her what I want if she is buying for me lol.

 Our son, on the other hand, wanted me there so I went  on the time slot where he has to shop and I helped him.

 We gave each of them $25 dollars each,  They mainly buy for family and  close friends.  The items for sale at the Santa Shop is pretty affordable so they were able to buy  a bunch of stuff.

 Part of the proceed of of this event goes to school so  it's a  good time for the kids to learn shopping while helping the school fund.

 I was able to take pictures of my kids after school as I've waited for them until the classes were over.

 I am glad that they are still into posing in front of the camera.  I know that there will come a time when they would be embarrassed to even  have a picture with me lol.

 Silly faces  this time moment and below is Rylie's BFF trying to photo-bomb our neighbor's pic lol.

Okay, ready, get set, jump!

Awesome one guys!  Anyway, I have a feeling that  Rye Bread bought me the tealight set and EJ bought me the photo coaster set.

Some items that were for sale includes the following.

I love those pompom flowers that the organizer made.  I had  fun working with other Moms during the Secret Santa Shopping.

How to Draw Last Minute Christmas Shoppers to Your Ecommerce Site

Christmas is in a few days, and shoppers will be rushing to buy those gifts they told themselves they would get last month, but put off until the last minute. For many commerce stores, this is the best time to attract and draw in even more visitors to their website.

Most of these visitors will not be just browsers and people thinking about what to buy. They already have an idea of what to buy or would like a few suggestions. One thing they definitely don’t have is time. So, let’s position your ecommerce store as an excellent place to do their last minute shopping, shall we?

Social Media Posting Frenzy

We are talking Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Youtube and other visual social networking sites online that you have an account in and significant fans, followers and user base. Inundate and consistently engage them with your offers.

Most times, people surf these websites for deals and special offers whilst doing their last minute shopping online.  Post and create special deals for your audience on these platforms. Send them to particular or special web pages set up for that campaign.

Convenience is Key

Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, aren’t they? Well, now more than ever, you need to bend over backwards to please them. You may have to offer gift-wrapping services, curbside delivery if they order online or through your app and a ton of other things. The point is to help make their purchasing easy and their pickups even easier.

Holiday Promos are a Must

There’s nothing better than holiday promotions to drive sales and increase your profits during this festive season. You might want to give some thought to running a promo featuring the twelve days of Christmas or a countdown to the New Year.

Each day could feature new products with decent price slashes, discounts, clearance sales on multiple bestselling products and so on. Get creative with this stuff. Then, announce them on your different social media platforms, email and push to apps before the promo and every day during the promo.

Want to take things up a notch? Try doing different special price offers in the morning afternoon and evening. There’s no limit to what you can do with this. Put out banners to indicate the special offers outside your store too. This can help drive some foot traffic to your store.

Special Emphasis on Best Sellers

If you have been taking note of your best sellers during the year, then you know what people love buying from your ecommerce store. Use this to your advantage. Boldly list them on your ecommerce store. More importantly, do this on your blog.

The search engines are frequently updating new articles on a daily basis. So the more you talk about these bestselling products on your blog; the higher your chances of getting your web site ranked for that on the search engines.

Take advantage of multiple location based websites like Angieslist, Foursquare, and Yelp. Upload new pictures of those products and the special offers to these sites to get even more people to check out your ecommerce store.

Include Shipping Deadlines

Sometimes, customers decide to buy products not because of the cheap or affordable rates, but because of the free shipping or highly subsidized shipping costs offered by the ecommerce store. Now, once your shipping offer is up, put a deadline on it.

Something as simple as “free shipping offer available on XYZ till Dec 23^rd” can be the thing that pushes customers over the edge to make a purchase. The deadline not only increases the urgency, but also creates a scarcity effect.

Lastly, put your ads everywhere you can find. Put them on the web, multiple high traffic websites, flyers, banners and posters. Do these, and you will be successful in drawing even more last minute Christmas shoppers to your ecommerce site. 

Oscar King is a tech blogger and freelance writer specializing in ecommerce, and knows how important it is to make use of the Christmas season to maximize revenues. For a shopping interface that won't be taking the holidays off, he highly recommends visiting http://www.fastspring.com. You can learn more about Oscar on Google+.

Gift for Teacher

The teacher  at our children's school doesn't get paid much.  I think their pay depends on the number of the nrolees each year but I am not quite sure how  it really goes.  It is always nice to give the teachers some  token of appreciation of their dedication in honing our children's talent and skills.  I love that they are very personal when it comes to teaching  our kids.  They   treat them like they are their own children which is always great for us parents.

 We bought this set of  nut bowls  for our son's teacher.  He gave it to his teacher for his Christmas present.

I love how unique and festive the  look and design of these bowls are.  I am glad that we chose the blue and not the red because the teacher told me that  her home is  decorated with blue so these bowls just fits right in.

Making Your Life Easier

You have a busy life and everyone demands a piece of your time. Between your family, your job, and your house, there's hardly a minute to breathe. When you feel like your head is spinning and you can't handle your mountain of obligations, consider house cleaning companies like Maid Right. This is your opportunity to hire a reputable service and rest assured that your home is in good hands. Imagine the sigh of relief when you get home at the end of a long day to find your living space sparkling clean. When you opt for a housekeeping service, you are choosing peace of mind.

House Cleaning Services Give You More Time to Enjoy Your Life

Keeping your household under control can be exhausting and overwhelming. When you are feeling pressured and on the run, the last thing you want to do is wear yourself out with house work. Invite a professional service in to take care of your home on a regular basis and you'll finally have some time to yourself. Spend quality time with your family. Take a few minutes for rest and relaxation. Catch up on all of the other details that are a part of your life. You can count on your house cleaning service.

Choose a Reliable Service to Get the Job Done

Choose your house cleaning service with care and you can expect the same, conscientious cleaners at every visit. Sit down and explain your wishes, making your expectations clear. Take your cleaner on a tour of your home to get a full understanding of the layout of your home and what tasks should be completed. When you keep the lines of communication open, you'll find that there are less bumps in the road. Your house will look neat, clean, and organized, thanks to your talented cleaner.

Let Someone Else Worry About Keeping House

When you hire a professional to perform house cleaning in your home, you take one burden off of your shoulders. You'll find that it is much easier to keep your home in order, thanks to your cleaner. Each time that a thorough cleaning has been completed, you'll have the satisfaction of a job that is well done. There's no need for you to waste another minute worrying about your home. Your professional house cleaning service will take care of your living space.

Mink Sherpa Throw

I got these  Mink Sherpa Throw for 50% off at the mall when hubby and I went and bought our daughter's  heated bed sheet.  

 We used these a lot when we are having our TV time.  It's very soft and warm so it keeps us comfortable when watching our favorite shows.

I like when I find deals like 50% off because you can really save money  in buying the things that you need at home.

Buying Books Vs. Renting Books

My husband decided to  rent the books he needed for his classes in pursuing his master's degree.  He rented those books at Barnes and Noble inside  Doquesne University campus.  His classes for the first semester has ended  last week and he got good greats.  He is enrolled again for the second semester and decided to buy  the books new online because it is cheaper than renting it.

I took these shots inside Barnes and Nobles when hubs was goofing around and the little Miss was busy looking at something.  He is doing his  classes online and I admire him for his perseverance in continuing his  education.  

Taking Advantage of Sale

Our daughter's pants are all short now  which I find  amazing because we just bought them this summer.  She is growing tall, that's for sure.  We decided to go to Macy's  the day after the Black Friday to see what sale they have after the  big sale.

We founbd some warm clothes for her that are 50% off sale so we bought her some.

 The pants were also on sale which is great.  I even found me a Levis on the kid's section that was on sale so I got one for myself.

It's great to buy clothing when they are on sale because you get to save a lot of money than paying regular price.  Taking advantage of the sale items is the way to shop smart especially this crunching time.  

Google Tablet and a Universal Fit Tablet Case from Solo

Disclosure: The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review. Opinions expressed is solely my own and may differ from others. The product/s being described in this review was provided for FREE for evaluation purposes only.

We were so thrilled when our daughter was chosen by Google as the State pf West Virginia's winner  for the Doodle4Google winner this year.  It gave her an opportunity to explore   interesting and cool stuff that  isn't offered here in our State.  Our whole family got to  go to San Francisco for the  awarding ceremony which is really.  It was expensive as we have to pay  for extra two people (two were paid for by Google) but it was worth it.  As a state winner, she had some perks as well such as exploring the  Googleplex in Mountain View California,  meeting  the judges and meeting  all the  state winner and the families from  all the 50 states.  

One of the perks that she received aside from a trip for two in California, is this  Google tablet.  She was  very excited about this one as she has been wanting to have a bigger  gadget  other than her iPod.  

I was very glad that I was given an opportunity to review one of this sleek and stylish Universal Fit Tablet Case from Solo as collaborated with Shoplet. Solo is one of the largest and fastest growing brands in the laptop bag and tablet case market. They sell backpacks to briefcases, tablet cases to totes.  Their  designs are  innovative and stylish   to enhance the personality  of ambitious individuals looking to achieve more with confidence. 

I love how  this tablet case is made of high quality material and really made so well.  You can buy this  via Shoplet (link provided) for $45.92.  Considering the quality, the price is just right.

You can adjust it for multiple viewing angles.

I love that it has a magnetic strap because  it ensures that the booklet  stays closed.

I also love that the tensioned clips are designed to securely holds and protect  virtually all brands of tablets.  I love that it is flexible so putting the corners of your tablet is so easy!

Shoplet have everything that you need for your business and home including office supplies, office stationary, promotional products,  and many others such as medical supplies .   Thank you once again Shoplet and Solo!

Fertility Treatments for Women

I never thought that this little body of mine would bore two precious babies.  This was taken  when hubby and I first got together as a couple.  I think I weighed like 85 pounds (I so miss that weight).  Fast forward 12 years later, I weighed 97 pounds and i would not go down anymore lol.  I am just grateful that I don't have to go through fertility treatment in order to get pregnant.

Oh well, the weight doesn't matter since I have two  beautiful and loving  kids!

When people hear “infertility treatment” it sometimes results to tremendous anxiety in people having trouble getting pregnant. For many women, the adventure to getting pregnant is not an easy one. There are many things that can stand in the way of getting pregnant, and many things that can cause fertility issues. Many people immediately worry that seeing a fertility specialist will automatically mean having to use high-tech assisted reproductive therapies like IVF, and all procedures and treatments that take up so much time, money, and effort. 

 The reality is that most people who seek fertility treatment don’t need to focus on expensive and time consuming treatments just to get pregnant, according to Pregnancytips.org. In fact, some underlying factors on why women have difficulty getting pregnant can be detected right before our eyes. The most common reason for female infertility is ovulation disorders. It is very often resolved with the lowest tech treatments available. 

New Shoes for the Kiddos

We bought two pairs of  shoes for our daughter at Payless.  The grey shoes are perfect match for her dress  but the red shoes looks great on it as well.

 We bought both of these because they were on sale.  She love shoes with heels.

 Here's how it looks on here dress.  Which do you think she should wear for her recital?

We also found a  great looking shoes for our little man.  This would be great to wear  for  church  clothes.

I love buying shoes for the kids when they are on sale.  

How To Shop For An Engagement Ring

So many of us have fallen in and out of love over the years. But when it’s ‘the one’ that you are with, you can spend what feels like a lifetime waiting for him to get down on one knee. Perhaps it’s time you gave up on the subtle hints. It’s time you took him shopping!

If you have been having ‘the’ chat with your partner and you feel it is time a formal commitment was made, you may want to browse some jewelry stores together. He may not want to buy a ring then and there, but he needs to get an idea what kind of ring you are looking for. A diamond engagement ring can be many things. There are so many designs and cuts out there. Having a designer ring could mean any number of styles.

If you were looking at Houston jewelers Whiteflash.com, you could find some of the highest quality diamonds in the world. A good diamond would have a high clarity and minimal imperfections. Perhaps the most important thing to consider is the cut. You may want a round diamond or a princess cut. You may choose a three-stone setting or a full band of diamonds. Some diamond jewelers will offer you a bespoke service, or let you design your ring.

Visiting the stores with your husband-to-be gives you a chance to see the ring on your hand. You can also ask about the diamonds and the build process. Viewing the ring in person could be the best way to find a ring you like, or at least identify the kind of design you are interested in. There are also some very good online stores, allowing you to access the best jewelers all over the globe. You can see great photographs of the diamonds and the designs. Some even allow you to build a ring with a simple online app.

When it comes to your engagement ring, money should be no object, but there may be an upper limit you are restricted to. A very good quality diamond will look amazing and will last a lifetime. Engagement rings often become treasured family heirlooms too, so look out for a design that will stand the test of time. A lot of couples like to have an engagement ring engraved. This is also done for the wedding rings. If you are picking out your wedding rings at the same time, you may want all three rings engraved together by the same artist.

Diamonds come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and clarity. To pick a good one requires a good eye and honest information from your jeweler. When you are browsing lots of stores, be sure to pick one you can have confidence in to provide detailed information about the gemstone. Some stores even provide the opportunity for you to meet the designer so you can better understand the meaning of the artwork. Find a good ring with the right meaning to suit both of you.

Thrifty Fashion Tips: Dress For Less This Festive Season

When the festive season approaches, the money-savers among us start to panic. Not only do we have to purchase lots of food, presents and decorations we have to spend money on looking fabulous too. For many of us, this means an annual expensive shopping spree for Christmas party outfits that we rarely wear twice. But, it doesn’t have to be like this. It is possible to look fabulous this winter without breaking the bank. Here are our thrifty fashion tips for dressing for less this festive season.

1. Reuse

If you really want to avoid spending lots of money on new party dresses, you have to get over the shame of wearing your Christmas outfits twice. If you are going to a work party, let’s face it, it’s very unlikely that anyone will remember if you have worn that outfit at a previous festive do. So, have a rake through your wardrobe. You never know there might be a perfect little number hiding at the back of your closet that you had completely forgotten about.

2. Browse fashion magazines

Look through fashion magazines for inspiration on party outfits. Sometimes we get stuck in a style rut which is very difficult to break free from. Browsing through fashion magazine and blogs could really help you take a fresh perspective on the items that you already have. For example, you may come across a celebrity wearing two items that you would have never thought to put together. Experiment with some different style combinations at home and you may just find the perfect outfit.

3. Borrow

When you can’t afford to buy a dress for your work Christmas party, ask for help from your friends and family. We are sure your friends and family will be more than willing to help you out, and you never know, they might need to ask the same favour of you. This will give you plenty more options to choose from and it will not cost you a thing.

4. Focus on accessories, makeup and hair

Instead of spending all your money on an entire new outfit, just buy a small number accessories and makeup additions. A clutch, smokey eyes, perfectly preened hair and some chunky jewelry could really jazz up that simple black dress you have in your wardrobe. Alternatively, buy a decent priced pair of statement shoes to add glamour to your existing items.

5. Shop at thrift stores

If you do need to buy a few new items for your parties, you will save money if you shop at charity stores. You are far more likely to find unique clothing and vintage pieces by shopping at one of these stores.

Recent find at a thrift store

6. Shop online

Buying items online is usually cheaper than buying them in-store. You can use any coupons you have or take advantage of any online offers and discounts that may be available. Also, all this information at your fingertips, you can easily find the cheapest price for the item you want.

It is important to remember that you don’t have to wear something new to every event to look fabulous. These thrifty tips have, hopefully, proven to you that it is possible to dress for less this festive season.

Tower Fan from Ozeri

Disclosure: The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review. Opinions expressed is solely my own and may differ from others. The product/s being described in this review was provided for FREE for evaluation purposes.

This past week, I was worried about my family back home because of the recent typhoon that hit the Philippines.  My Mom's  house isn't  fully repaired yet from the devastation  of the last typhoon that hit the country and here it is again.  I could only pray that may  God spare our place from being hit hard.  December is such an emotional month for me.  It's a happy time but  it's also a bit sad because I miss my family back home.  

Glad I have blogs where I can express my emotions.  An avenue where I can spend my time being productive.  If it wasn't for my blogs, I would go  bananas sometimes when I am feeling homesick.  Blogging gave me that too voice out my opinion, not only about my family but also in what I think about  certain products that I get to try.  I recently received this Tower Fan from Ozeri  that.  It is 44' tall and it offers a passive noise reduction technology which I really love.  I was a little concerned   when I found it at our front porch because it was raining that day and I wasn't home, the delivery guy put it by the railing where the rain was hitting it.  

We opened it and inspect and thanks goodness, it wasn't wet inside.  Ozeri usually packaged their products very well and secure anyway which is really nice.

The boys put them together to test how it works.  I know that it's Winter and we don't need it yet but it's nice to have.  Time flies and we would be looking forward for another  summertime and this would be a great addition to keep us cool.

I love that aside from the touch sensitive LED control panel, it also comes with an Extended range remote control.  The LED control panel   provide easy access to all features, including a 7.5 hour timer that can be programmed in 30 minute increments.

At the back of the fan, there is a slot that serves as the handle when you lift the fan to  transfer from one place to another and it also serve as the  storage for the remote control when not in use.  

My husband love the upgraded canted fan blades that utilize the physics of blade curvature to generate opposing sound waves which reduces blade noise and isolate the soothing sounds of the airflow itself. This fan features 3 pre-programmed airflow patterns designed to foster sleep, relaxation and comfort with 90 degree whisper-quiet oscillation for optimal air circulation. You can barely notice that the fan is on because it is not noisy at all. This tower fan is engineered with 3 independently controllable fans and 3 fan speeds, offering up to 9 levels of cooling and customized airflow. This really give you the option of how you want your fan to function.

This is my firs time to have a tall and thin fan. Ozeri defines the latest in style and innovation offering digital decor and other unique features.

The bottom of the stand is the heaviest part of all of these which makes it  really secure when standing.

This tower fan is among the world's thinnest fans at less than 3 inches thick and boasts a visually arresting design with an elegant reinforced glass base stand. You can get this on sale for $98.99 via Amazon with free shipping.

I wish that I could send this to my Mom.  She would definitely love this especially during the summertime.  Thank you very much Ozeri for this awesome fan!