Femme Power

Archive for the ‘Lifestyle’ Category

I was flipping over the pages of the Philippine Daily Inquirer today and this business headline caught my attention - “RP kids’ spending power now at P47B.”   Wow.  We hardly realize it but the kids are becoming a strong force in driving the local economy.   Not only are they influential in the family’s purchasing decisions but they also have spending powers themselves out of their pocket money and gift money.

According to the article written by Daxim Lucas, Filipino children from age seven to 14 have increased their economic power over the last two years, from P37 billion in 2007 to P42 billion in 2008 and 2009.   The figures, taken from a Cartoon Network survey results, revealed that “3.7 million kids in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao - the country’s three largest and most economically powerful cities - will hold a combined stash of pocket amounting to P34.7 billion for the entire year.”  The report further says that Filipino children “hold an estimated P47 billion in spending power.”

With all this money, what do these kids spend on?

My 8-year-old daughter, just like any other kids, receives cash gifts too as well as pocket money to school but we closely monitor her expenses.  As much as possible, we don’t let her touch her savings unless necessary. She keeps a Savings Account in Banco de Oro (BDO) and a few days ago, she was happy (but I was happier) that she received a BDO Rewards Card. *BDO individual clients with a Savings or Checking Account with a required minimum month-to-date average daily balance of P50,000 are automatically enrolled in the BDO Rewards Program.  With this, we can earn points on our purchases and online transactions, even when paying bills using Bianca’s BDO cards.  How’s that for both convenience and perks?

How do you teach your kids to save and spend wisely?

Not everyone has the luxury of space for gardening, especially those living in urban areas.  But it doesn’t mean we can’t have some greens in and around the house.  I have blogged about my indoor gardening before which was inspired (or forced?) by our lack of gardening space.  Unlike in my hometown where my parents’ property has a vast (okay, not so vast) front and backyard for some flower and vegetable gardens, our rented place here in Metro Manila doesn’t have that space.   But we have a rooftop where we can grow plants in pots.  Thing is, I would like it better to see my plants within or close to our unit instead of having to go to the rooftop everyday. I didn’t  know how to go about it until I saw these neat Window Box Planters which I think would look great on our windows.  They can be attached on patio railings too.

I uploaded some photos here from planterixchange.com to show you how we could all maximize our space at home for green living.  These Indoor Planters do not only maximize space, they also beautify our property. And since they are made from high quality polyethylene, they’re made to last, easy to clean, and are fade-proof.  They also don’t break apart because they are made in one piece, unlike other products that are just screwed together.

More importantly, a Garden Planter promotes better circulation of nutrients for the plants than traditional potting due to its sub-irrigation system.  Water is concentrated on the roots rather than the dirt on top so that molds and other plant diseases are prevented.  Cool, isn’t it?

A terrarium to bring life to your living room.

You may also consider having a nice terrarium to spruce up any room in your house.  They’re compact and easy to maintain.  I’ve had these in high school but they totally slipped my mind over the years until I saw some pictures at planterixchange.com.  I’m thinking of having one for the kitchen and for the living room.

If there’s anything that I’m not so good at as a homemaker, it’s cooking.  That’s why I love reading blogs that feature different recipes especially those that I haven’t tried yet.   Sometimes I envy those men and women who have that kitchen authority because they can serve anything to their loved ones as if they’re dining out.  How delightful it would be to be able to prepare good food by yourself like a chef in your own kitchen.

I love Italian dishes but I can’t magically create them in my kitchen so whenever I crave for pasta, pizza and even a great Italian seafood meal, I head over to a fine but inexpensive Italian restaurant.  Not only do I get satisfaction on the Italian flavor and ambiance but I also get a day off from my own disastrously battered kitchen at least once a month.  Lol!

While I continuously hunt for some real Italian goodness in our area, Italian foodies in San Francisco seek out this award winning Italian restaurant in La Jolla which serves delectable menu that’s Italian-Mediterranean inspired.  No need to fly to Italy to experience sumptuous Italian cuisine and ambiance.

Buon Appetito!

I know it’s kind of lofty but there’s nothing wrong in setting a huge goal.   My husband and I have been contemplating on traveling again.  But this time, we are saving for an overseas trip.  It’s not that easy to materialize especially at this time of slow economy but if there’s a will, there’s a way.  We have our eyes on Hongkong, Singapore and Malaysia because they’re pretty close to us plus we have friends in these countries that are eager to accommodate us.  Being near, the airfares are also quite affordable for us.  Plus most airlines are coming up with low-fare promotions these days both on local and international flights.

But if things went so much better for us this year, we’d really want to fly to the US.   I miss a couple of long-time friends who are now living in the States with fullfilling careers and some, with happy married lives.   They’re scattered all over California, Virginia, NY, South Carolina, and Chicago.  I haven’t seen them in years though we maintain correspondence through emails and social sites in the Web.   We’d chat about having a reunion and they’re really serious about it.  One proposed about meeting up at SC’s  Myrtle Beach Resort if things push through.  We could all stay at Myrtle Beach Hotels for a superb accommodation that’s close to everything - shopping, dining, and adventure.

If there’s one thing that unites us friends, it’s the beach.  So I guess we’d all love to be at Myrtle Beach Resorts.   My hubby and I are hopeful that we could reach our goal this year and bring our daughter along.   We need a lot of financial planning on this big one and we’re not giving up.

A reliable buy-and-sell website is fast gaining popularity here in the Philippines - www.AyosDito.ph, your marketplace in the Philippines.  It’s a credible website where buyers and sellers all over the archipelago meet. I chanced upon this site sometime last month when I was looking for a second-hand original cellphone.  There were plenty of good items for sale but I was really fixated over a Sony Ericsson P990i that was being sold for P6,500 complete with its original accessories and box with manual.  Unfortunately I lost it to another buyer who was quicker than me by a few minutes.   The one I finally snatched was a Nokia 6680 which I got for only P3,500.  So far, I’m more than happy with it.  It works like brand new, with no defects whatsoever.

AyosDito.ph is pretty easy to navigate because featured items and services are segregated per region/area and per category.   Whether you’re looking for vehicles, properties, electronics, or home and personal Items (brand new or otherwise), you have several options here.  This time, I’m searching for some really nice swimwear.

Here’s a tip from AyosDito.ph: “Never pay in advance to a seller you don’t know.”  There are sellers who go for bank-to-bank transactions and PayPal but it’s best to inspect the item thoroughly first before you make any payments.   Contact the advertiser and set schedule to meet at the most convenient place and time for the both of you.  If you feel that the actual item isn’t worth it, then follow your instincts.   Be prudent in scrutinizing the item you’re about to buy knowing that no warranty is given (I’m not sure if there are actually sellers who issue warranty here but if there are, then so much the better!) unlike when you purchase in a regular store or shopping outlet.  Be meticulous and cautious in choosing and buying.  Bear in mind that you have plenty of options around this site.  That’s why I’m getting so hooked with it, I browse it often.

And if you also have something good to sell, this site would be perfect for product exposure.

Check out the site for awesome finds and steal deals. Have fun browsing!

Sometimes I get to wonder if we, moms can declare a “holiday.”  Like take a few days off from our regular routine - household chores and work responsibilities - and escape to a tranquil resort with excellent spa amenities where we can let our minds drift and totally relax.  Like not worrying what to cook for dinner, if the plants have been watered, if the sink and kitchen counters are squeaky clean, clothes washed, house free from clutters, blah blah.

Who doesn’t want that?   And if you could do it, wouldn’t you take a leap?  I have always thought of bringing my family to an escapade where we all can enjoy.  Our family being beach bums, a nice resort with breathtaking views, serene surroundings and clean amenities surely fits the bill.  There are lots of promising sites to visit but Villa la Estancia Puerto Vallarta took my breath away.  Take a quick look on their website and you’d surely be amazed of the photos.  I’m dying to get there!

I haven’t tried it but my hubby and my big brother love playing paintball.   They say it’s like being in an actual battle - you get to shoot and be shot at but you don’t get killed and you don’t kill anybody.  Well, it’s not that hard to imagine after all.  When I was a kid, I was more inclined to playing war games than playing house with barbie dolls.   Living in a remote province back then, we only had makeshift guns made of wood and sometimes, out of creativity (and nothingness), we made guns and rifles out of banana trunks.  Yes, banana trunks!

So I guess if I am to play a soldier now as an adult and go out for some paintball battle, I’d probably enjoy it.  I browsed on a  paintball catalog to get a glimpse of what it’s like and my jaw dropped upon seeing the types of rifle used.  OMG.  Has my banana-trunk-training prepared me for this? I doubt. LOL!