Shopping 101: @ a Book Fair

Here's another Shopping Tips and Tricks Guide I've made based on some experiences I've had during the Book Fairs I went to. I've only been to two so far but I learned quite a lot from them.

1. Have patience.

2. One golden rule everytime you go on sales, ALWAYS list the items you'd like to get.  Saves time and effort.

3. Do some research. Before charging in better have an idea on the layout of the place. Check if there are maps available. Have a plan of attack. As much as possible be organized so you wouldn't have to waste time running around looking for booths.

4. Bring cash and leave the card. For Book junkies, book fairs are a place full of temptations. So if you don't want to end up on a swiping spree then better have cash instead. 

5. Get what you need first. If you have money left to spend then see if you have something else you'd like to buy just for the heck of it.

6. Be a trooper and learn how to dig through the mosh pit of discounted books. There might be some treasure just waiting to be unearthened in there.

7. Take advantage of the sales and discounts. Go with family and friends, pool the purchases so you can get those awesome freebies. Some stores offer free items for a certain worth of items.

8. Come early so you can sift through the available titles before all the good ones are already gone. As much as possible don't go on a weekend. If you hate crowds and long lines then go on the 'alanganin' days. 

9. Have an eco bag or whatever bag ready were you could put your purchases together so you don't have to lug around a ton plastics or bags. Or better yet if you don't want to carry them around then if there is an available package counter, just leave your purchases there for the meantime.

10. Go with a full stomach so you'd have the energy to roam around. All that walking, snooping around, squeezing through crowds and falling in loooooong lines are bound to make you hungry in one way or another.

11.  Know the events that are going to be happening during the fair.

12. ENJOY!

Spot on: 34th Manila International Book Fair (Day 4)

Went back again. Just couldn't help myself. Managed to take a few more photos. The fair was packed with people. Probably because its the weekend and there are other functions going around in the Convention Center as well. 

Anvil's Booth have awesome price slashes like 20% and the jawdropping 80% discount which sounds totally insane right? It's a real book sale, UK-UK style. You just have to dig through the pile load of stuff in there and you're sure to find something to take home with you. Carted home bags load of stuff *blushes*.

Dropped by Heartshapers again to buy some more DVD's. Yes people I'm a DVD and Book junkie. Hahaha. . . Still some VCD bargains at 100 php and 75 php and DVD's at 200 php. Also managed to find time to drop by ADARNA's booth. OMG! I seriously love how colorful their booth is. And the staff are really nice. I purchased 2 books, a shirt and an adorable Pilandok Plushie!

Spot on: 34th Manila International Book Fair (Day 1 & 3)

After 3 years of wanting to go to the MIBF I was finally able to go on its 34th year. I can't find the right words to explain how freakin' awesome and ecstatic I feel right now! 

Some say that there are fewer exhibitors this year but what the heck, I was still able to hoard a whole bunch of stuff so I'm quite satisfied already. I dropped by during the opening day which was on the 11th of September then I visited again on the 13th, and during those two days I can say that I got most of the stuff that I really really wanted. But I find myself wanting more books. OMG!  I'm thankful that I was able to save loads on my allowance because I really made some serious damage on my wallet. 

Only got a couple of photos since I was too busy snooping around the shelves. I was literally going nuts! 

Hoarded a bunch of stuff from Heartshapers booth (left side of the photo). They have DVD's for 200 each and VCD's which are mostly 75 php. I'm not sure if all the VCD's are worth 75 but majority of my purchases is worth that much for a piece. The videos are more on Religious/Educational stuff which is awesome for kids as well.

Tahanan (right side) is by far one of my most favorite booths. And they sell a ton of awesome stuff as well. Since I am a notepad/notebook addict I ended up digging through the bins they had for discounted pads. They sell the smaller ones for 20 each.

A booksigning booth for PSICOM. I passed by the booth on the first day while I was on my way to make my purchases on their newly launched books but I forgot to have my copy signed. BLEH! Typically, I don't read Tagalog novels/books but since it's quite popular nowadays I feel rather intrigued. So I ended up buying the books just to see if these books are my cup of tea.

I also purchased some Comics from the Philippine Bible Society. I had the comics they are selling when I was still a kid so I really wanted to buy them again because the old ones I've had got too old, wrinkly and unreadable. 

There weren't that much people yet considering that it's still work and office day. I'm expecting more attendees during the weekend. Happy that I already got most of the stuff I want before people start to flood in.

Shop. . . Shop . . . But when to stop?

I know how hard it is to resist the temptation of grabbing a bunch of things when you are in the mall. I've been in that situation too many a times and somehow I am able to cut down on the purchases with a few 'shopping guidelines' i've made for myself. Yes,yes I know. Why go to the mall when you'd be too bummed out when it comes to opening that wallet of yours. But the thing is putting things into consideration,and lets face it there are a lot of people out there who are impulsive buyers.

1. Get what you need first. Not what you want. Sometimes we get too carried away and we snatch things that looks like a definite eye candy for us and then when it's time to buy what you need, your money isn't enough to cover for your purchases or worse you don't have money left.

2. Know what you want to buy. Have a clear picture in your head what you're looking for. You'll save time and energy that way.

3. Set a limit and be firm about it. Like 'I'll purchase one of this and one of that and that's it"

4. Look around the mall for options. Don't grab and buy. Sometimes there is a wide array of things that you can choose from, perhaps better than the ones you've seen first. If that is not the case, and you've seen everything then go back and make that purchase. It's as simple as that right?

5. When you are itching to buy something, especially one that you don't really need at the moment, try walking around first. Shake off that urge to buy. And if at the end of it you still want to make the purchase then go. Give yourself lots of room to think about it first. Move away from the item that tempts you.

6. Consider the price. Perhaps you can find better choices for that. Don't buy things that's too way out of your budget. 

7. Buying things that are discounted doesn't make one cheap or stingy. It's wise spending.

FOR SALES, DISCOUNTS, PROMOTIONS

8. My GOLDEN RULE, If you're going to a sale, it's best to keep out the credit cards. Better to have cash on the ready. That way you can control the spendings.

9. Sales could get really rowdy, and the lines at the dressing rooms very very long. If you could, then drop by the store ahead of the sale and scout the place. See things you'd like, try if it'd look good and know your size. Sometimes the discounts could start even before the actual dates advertised.

10. Get yourself updated if there are oncoming and ongoing sales

MOA Big Summer Sale Loot

MUJI ------> Acrylic Drawer -------> Pay -------> Bat the hell out of the mall A.S.A.P.

I should have realized that this plan was a total bust from the very beginning anyway. . . I mean with the sale going on, it was like I was subduing myself under some immense torture of not taking a peak on other items or two. . . and I ended up with a few more items on my hands when I finally left the mall. . . 

But I think that with all those "% off" tags wagging around like giant neon signs in front of my face, I still did some pretty smart shopping.

Stepped inside Forever 21 even though I was steering myself clear from that store because I know that I'd be tempted by that itch to hoard things in there. 

True enough the accessories section almost blinded me into giving in. Like seriously. I looked at the array of choices hanging around and I had to walk around the store several times to try and stop myself from grabbing and tossing things in my basket. I limited myself to buying like 2 of each kind and that's it. No more. It should be more than enough.

I ended up buying 2 necklaces and 2 bracelets.The queue at the dressing rooms were crazy long so it was like a blessing in disguise and I did not end up purchasing anymore clothes.

Finally got my own MUJI Acrylic Drawer. I've seen a couple of youtubers using this same drawer and I finally checked it out. I know for a drawer this is on the pricey side. But the clutter in my drawers is in serious need of help. I don't want to buy one of those plastic drawers I usually see in the stores. I wanted something that is simple yet classy looking. 

The staff in their SM MOA branch are pretty nice and accommodating by the way. And I like how the drawers were packed with the foamy sheet thingy and not just stuffed inside the bag. 

One of my favorites in my loot is from EGG. What I like about their items is that the quality is good. It is made of durable material and is aesthetically pleasing. And look at that cute little bag charm. . .  the gift bag in itself is already a treat. . . it looks sassy. . .

I was looking for my current EDT but alas its OUT OF STOCK. . . seriously what is up with this. . . It's either the scents often go out of stock or the next thing I know the company just pulls them off the shelves and they go kapoof. . . discontinued. . . seriously. . . I mean seriously. . 

Anyway for the meantime I decided to just try a new scent, and thus I got this set. When I purchased the box set I didn't even realize that they weren't all EDT's. Bad shopping on my part. I should've checked first. As it turns out the set consists of a shimmer body spray, eau de toilette and hair mist (this one for me smelled the best among the other two). 

TIP: Brush Organization

I've been having a hard time in keeping my things from getting cluttered and messy. I usually use the tall plastic tumblers in storing some of my hair brushes and the few make up brushes that I have (which are only 2 by the way). But since I have been in some major reorganizing spree I decided to toss them out and find something in solid colors.

These oval shaped acrylic glasses were in the bathroom accessories section and I bypassed that aisle a couple of times. There are four available colors. And sadly there's no purple. There was a blue one, but the remaining piece was a little banged up so I didn't get that one. I ended up getting these two. 

The height was actually perfect. My normally wobbling around hair brushes are finally in place, without the risk of toppling over. The wide base provides enough stability to support the weight of the brushes.

Then I also got these colored stones, which I think are actually used for indoor plant decors, to fill in the pink glass. I couldn't find the beads thingy that people use for the containers where they stick their make up brushes in. These stones are rough so the handles can get scratched. I might replace them later. But they're an okay enough sub for the moment. 

These bunch only cost me about 200 php ( around $4), which is pretty cheap.

BBW: Sweetheart Collection Review

As planned, here's the review for Bath and Body Works Sweetheart Collection. . . . . 

These are the Preview Lotions which came out before the full sized bottles of the body lotions were released.

BBW Scent Description: Sweet as can be with honeyed violets and pink sugar.  

SCENT NOTES:

Top: Italian Mandarin, Grapefruit, White Peach

Middle: Apple Blossom, Honeysuckle, Gardenia, Lily of the Valley

Dry: Cedarwood, Amber, Vanilla, Musk, Candy Heart Accord

MY OPINION:

Honestly I find the scent quite complex. I can't say that its outright sweet because for me the musky scent is the more dominant tone here. You'd detect the floral hints + the musk upon dry down, which actually makes it smell heavier and warmer. I'm at odds about whether I  should like this scent or not. Perhaps I'll just settle in between.

BBW Scent Description: Bat your eyelashes and blow a kiss at a flirtatious fragrance blend of red berries and blonde wood.  

SCENT NOTES:

Top: Sparkling Plum Blossom, Red Berries, Crispy Apple, Iced Petals

Middle: Peach Blossom, Candy Violet, Camellia

Dry: Vanilla Bean, Velvet Musk, Blonde Woods 

MY OPINION:

Smells like bubblegum. I find the lasting power severely lacking. As compared to the other two the smell of this one doesn't last very long. The first note that I was able to detect is the apple then there's the berries. This one is much sweeter than the Honey Sweetheart. This would've been much better if the scent stayed on for much longer.

BBW Scent Description: A dream come true mix of clementine and star daisies.  

SCENT NOTES:

Top: Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit, Magnolia, Maracuya, Pear

Middle: Lily of the Valley, Freesia, Jasmine, Passion Fruit

Dry: Sandalwood, White Amber, Musk

MY OPINION:

The scent lasted almost as long as the Honey Sweetheart. It's a strong flowery scent straight up from the bottle but it tones down significantly. I also smelled the pear mixed in with the florals. I am not a fan of flowery scents because it tends to give me headaches but I liked this one when it dried down. It turned into this light powdery-flowery-fruity smell which is actually pretty pleasant and easy on the nose. Not too overpowering compared to others that might make you look like a walking flower shop.

Bath and Body Works 1st 2013 Haul

Here's my new Bath and Body Works Haul. . . .

I know, I know. . . You may be raising your brows at this new loot, telling yourselves seriously another batch? Doesn't she have enough. Well, it would've been awesome if all of these are mine in the first place. This was ordered by someone else. I only placed the order and received them. The only things in here that are mine is a bottle of the WInter Candy Apple, which smells awesome by the way and a bottle of daisy dreamgirl. I originally was about to get either the Honey Sweetheart or the Berry Flirt since I don't like floral scents but surprisingly I preferred the Daisy Dreamgirl over the other two since the floral notes aren't so strong, and the dry down smells much better than the other two. But then that's just me.

March Haul. . . .Just everything?

So lucky that I was able to grab a box of Ritz again. . . OMG! I've missed this. . .  And a guest from my childhood flashback a bag of Tarzan Bubble Gum. . .

Loot from Saizen, I was finally able to drop by one of their branches. Yay! So far my favorite item from the bunch is the Fresh Bloom in Magic Spell. Now that I have time to think about it the scent is very reminiscent of Bath and Body Works Winter Candy Apple. It smells really good. . . 

From bench/, I got two of Anne Curtis' EDT from their Celebrity Fragrances Line. They have 3 EDT's for Anne: Sweetheart, Glamorous and Fierce. I tried the Glamorous a few days ago when I dropped by the store and I decided to get me some of this for some trial run. 

Scent Description from the bench/ online store: Fruity-Floral: Mixed of Passion Flower, Pink Peony, Poppy Flower with chocolate accord and musk notes. . . 

I hate chocolate scented perfumes but surprisingly this one actually works for me. . .  Hoping for more good things from this new item. .

Haul Friday: something Wax

Finally bought myself an electric burner. Yeah! High Five! Lol. . . . This one functions as a burner and lamp in one because the little holes on the body of the warmer allows the light from the bulb to peek out. It warms up pretty easily and functions well as an oil warmer. In just a matter of minutes you could already smell the fragrance wafting across the room. The design is simple and sleek, good for decorating. And I love the packaging it came in. The black box with the black bow looks sophisticated. Although I got this to serve as a tart warmer. It did melt a small portion I tested out from the batch I got alongside the burner, but the process was slow as a snail. I might come back to the store and purchase the other one available, and i'll see which one functions better.

Then I got two wax melts in Cafe Ole and Vanilla Zest. The coffee one is pungent in cold sniff but I had a hard time picking up the scent once I warmed it up. I dunno 'bout that. I haven't tried the vanilla but it smells really creamy. The votive I got is chocolate chip cookie. I have yet to try that one as well. Cold sniff, the smell ain't really strong I had to sniff it so close to my nose before I was able to pick up on the chocolate cookie scent.

Haul Friday: Smooth and Colored

Got the EVAS vitamin hand in Winter Cherry Extract (vitamin A+B) cherry flavour. There are three available scents this one as well as Melissa Officianalis Extract (Vitamin B+C) Lemon and Avocado Extract (Vitamin C+E) Avocado. It was on sale at 2 for 139 php and comes in a 100ml squeeze bottle. The packaging is minimalistic in a metallic colored tube plus a black twist cap. This is made in Korea so its a given that the writings in the bottle are in Hangul, but there is an additional label with the translations attached at the top of the bottle so you'd still be able to scrutinize the product that you are getting.

The consistency is thin and a little watery compared to other ones i've used before that are sticky and uncomfortable in the skin. It is easy to smooth around the skin and absorbed well,  leaving skin feeling smooth and moisturized. Scent wise, it reminded me of Jergens actually, but I do prefer if the cherry smell is much stronger. So far the only negative I could say is that the scent doesn't stay on that long.

Then I got another lip product since the last one didn't really work for me. I gave in and decided to try out Revlon this time round. I was actually planning to look at COVERGIRL items but I couldn't find the booth so I settled with Revlon. I got the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Pearl, 460 in Blushing Mauve. I'll try to make a review for this product next time.

Well. . . . I'll be seeing you around then alright? Bye!

Product Review: BBW Pocketbac

It's already February, I know. I took too much time procrastinating on this review. I was able to pick out a few of the available Pocketbacs last year for BBW's Holiday Collection, but so far these three are my favorites.

Rudy Red Apple 

           " Rudolf approved wintery red apples, mixed red berries and soft musk"

Initially, I found the smell overwhelming but I actually liked the smell after sniffing it again. (gosh I sound like a dog lol) The scent is strong, pungent and the kind that sticks in your nostrils and lingers.  The sweetness of the apple is evened out by the musk and the berries making the smell spicy, more on the heavier, warmer side.

Winter Candy Apple

          " Crisp apple, candied orange and rich cinnamon spice"

Straight up candied apples. If you are a fan of sweet scents then this one is the pocketbac for you. I'm not really picking up on the cinnamon but the combination of apple and the orange is strong.  I was surprised that I actually liked the smell of this one. I just tried it out and now I'm regretting that I didn't get more.

Ho Ho Ho Cookie Dough

          "Cookie dough accord and creamy vanilla"

For me this is the subtlest amongst the three. The scent reminds me of cookies and cream ice cream. A really yummy gourmand scent. 

Haul Friday: Lips and Scents

Got another Nivea lip product. The first one I got was okay. It was just a little greasy. Although I have noticed that my lips became rather sensitive with spicy foods. It really burns like ouch! And I LOVE spicy foods. So yeah I'd observe the product for a few more tries before I choose to either continue using it or just bin it for good.  

I also got some scents from the Scent Station. The larger bottle is similar to Light Blue D&G and it comes in a 5 ml sized glass spritz bottle which costs 180 php. Then I also got some cute mini colognes which sells at 3 for 50 php.

Photobook: January "A Foodfilled month"

Haul Friday: Lip Love

Still thinking about new things that I could probably do for the whole year on my blog. I listed down a few things but I have yet to sort them  out properly. Anyway welcome to my first Haul Friday, a first and hopefully not the last of its kind for the year. I am planning to make this as a staple post for now. As long as I have new hauls to post that is, considering that I don't really buy myself a lot of stuff, except for, well, books and some writing materials.

I don't use make up, except for a face powder, and I hardly count that as make up anyway. I only do when its absolutely necessary. Although I just started using lipstick as of recent because my lips are naturally pale so I have to 'remedy' that one with some lip color so I wouldn't look like a ghost walking in daylight.

Got myself a new lipstick, which hopefully would fare better than the one I've been using before. And some other lip products which are mostly lip balms as you can see.

I might work on some reviews for some of the items on this loot. I'll get around to that asap. Hopefully.

First Acquisitions for 2013

Sharing with you my first acquisitions for the year. . . The LOTR box set is actually a gift to me, but I'm so darn proud of it that I decided to include this in the photo. 

Product Focus: Planners Part 2

Planners are easily available in local bookstores and there's a wide array of them that you can chose from. It's a matter of preference and of course there's the consideration about your budget. If you are strapped for cash, you'd still definitely find something in those shelves, so you don't have to worry about that. 

If this is the first time that you are gonna be using a planner, then there's always some basic stuff that you can start with. 

Question: Is it okay to have a planner even though there isn't much that I could actually write in a year? 
My idea: Planners, I think isn't just for those people who are busy and are in serious need of time management since you can actually use your planner as some sort of diary as well. You can note down important events and things you'd particularly like to remember on that specific day. 

Here are some basic planners which you can find in local bookstores (the following items are bought here in the Philippines). I personally used them before so I'm hoping that I'd be able to give a more personal input in this part of the 2 part review. 

This is actually my 3rd Joyful Moments planner. Easy, clean layout. Really cheap and highly affordable at ₱25. The price hasn't changed since I first I used it way back in 2011. And I still have that first one with me. LOL. . . It comes with its own plastic sleeve cover, really handy and easy to carry around. What I really like about this is the section where you can read about different scriptures from the bible. Each page even has quotations and the very last page is a list for the 20 Foundation Stones for Success. The color scheme is quite a dull shade of gray, not as expected considering the striking yellow color on the cover. I liked the color for 2012 better. Hopefully they'd mix up the colors for 2014 with more livelier shades.

Sterling 2013 Monthly Planner. Probably the most colorful amongst the line up. The pages are a continuation of the paisley, flowery theme you'd find on the cover. The colors on the background is light but it would be best to use a darker ink on the parts that has the designs in it, so your writing wouldn't get swallowed up and disappear against the backdrop. Despite the size, this probably has the most sections thus far. Things you'd usually find in those stiff hard bound planners. One the special pages that I really like and found quite helpful is the Expenses Tracker (great help especially to those budget conscious people). 

Lastly is the Hallmark 2013 Datebook. The cheapest one @ ₱18.50. The cover is made of glossy carton. It has a free sticker but the size would tend to occupy the whole box with little space for the actual writing. I'm quite averse to the squiggly fonts though but maybe that's just me. 

For such a cheap price, the following aren't exactly something to scoff at because for such small things, they do fulfill their purpose and help you in more ways than one. So go and head off to bookstores near you and see the planner that's best for you (lol it actually rhymed lol). . . .

Product Focus: Planners Part 1

Want to always keep track of everything? Always keep your schedules in tip top shape? Or simply keep things organized and planned without worrying about forgetting important dates or overlapping schedules?

Then you ought to get yourself your very own planner. Whether you'd like a simple monthly planner or perhaps the bulkier ones with every kind of scheduling options available. Whatever your need is, there's definitely something out there for you. 

Me being the self confessed O.C. that I am, this is the first thing on my list of to buys whenever the year ends. I got a couple of them actually; 6 in total. I know it's a lot. But in my defense I got the first three planners on separate occasions when I dropped by the bookstore some few days ago. Then the other three I got from Taobao, which included my long awaited Ardium planners which I failed to get last year. I wasn't expecting that I'd get to have an Ardium planner this year. And two for that matter.

Anyway for the first part we'll be taking a look at the first three planners I got from Taobao. 

Left to Right: Ardium Purple Light Planner (Diary Series), Ardium Project Manager (Monthly Diary), Scheduler

Ardium was established based on the motive of experimental creativity and moderate design aesthetics. 

Ardium which initially launched stationary products under the brand name of "Design DaDa" in 2005, have attracted attentions not only from Korea but also from overseas. 

Also, Ardium has been recognized as "High Quality Brand" with it's own products and local partner's original technology.

Furthermore, Ardium, with its  expanded design scope will make our best efforts to develop products in order to increase the company's brand recognition through cooperation with local and overseas partners. 

----- Company/Product description taken from ARDIUM planner:

The Light Planner is about a centimeter thick.  The layout is clean and simple and the sections were arranged from general to specific, therefore you'd have more room to jot down any other additional info about a certain task in the succeeding portions of the planner. Simple notes with the yearly and then expound in the weekly or daily section. The boxes are ample sized, enough to fit whatever things I'm supposed to jot down on it. You can spiffy it up without making it look cluttered because the white washed pages and lightly inked grid and lined pages provides a good canvass for accessorizing and personalization. 

Ardium Project Manager is about the same size as the Light Planner, but is half a centimeter less in thickness. Compared to the light planner, this one is mainly for Monthly planning hence the size, as compared to the other one which has an extra daily section.; there's an additional free notes section of two types, one is gridded while the other is lined, and a yearly checklist + yearly plan.

The only concern that I have is that I am not sure as to whether the pages is sturdy enough because its sewn together. The issue I have is that the pages tend to get ripped and the threads snap after prolonged use, which is usually my case so I prefer to have planners whose pages are stapled together.

The scheduler from Papier, also a company from Korea, is slimmer compared to the previous two discussed in this post. Exact size indicated is 96 x 170mm. Really handy and easy to carry around in your bag without adding any kind of bulk. The other two aren't that heavy per se but if you'd just want to have a planner in easy access to take down scheds as you plan it then this one is more ideal. It's open dated so you can use this whenever year you want.  

All in all these are really good buys. The quality is really good and bonus points since it came with its very own plastic sleeve covers which would really help protect it from stains, dirt and accidental water spillage.