Be in Style This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July holiday is fast approaching and it will be a great time to spend it with family and friends we hold dear. Wouldn't it be great to show off your patriotism with t-shirts, caps, ribbons, light and even swimwear? Indeed it would be a memorable holiday weekend and a perfect photo op for families with themed attires.
Here are some items that may interest you and your family:

CafePress - Fourth of July Women's T-Shirt

For the ladies, a simple, white shirt with the flag printed in front is a great outfit for the outdoor Fourth of July barbeque parties. This CafePress - Fourth of July Women's T-Shirt in classic fit, crew neckline, made of 100% cotton is only $19.99!

CafePress - CafePress Fourth of July Dark T-Shirt

This shirt would be great for the men to wear. The nice blue color of this CafePress - CafePress Fourth of July Dark T-Shirt would be a great contrast to the female version shown above. Standard fit, crew neckline, 100% pre-shrunk cotton for only $24.00!

CafePress - My 1st Fourth of July Infant Bodysuit

For the youngest member of the family, the CafePress - My 1st Fourth of July Infant Bodysuit would definitely be a cute outfit. Made of 100% ring spun cotton jersey, this adorable outfit has a three-snap closure for easy diaper changes. Priced reasonably at $19.99, Daddy, Mommy and baby would look picture perfect in matching outfits!

ToBeInStyle - Women's Fourth of July One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit: US Flag/Small, Blue

Pool parties for the Fourth of July? Not to worry, show your patriotic side with ToBeInStyle - Women's Fourth of July One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit: US Flag/Small, Blue and have fun! Yours for only $32.99. Be chic, and be in style.

Oriental Trading Company - Paper Fourth of July Bags

Patriotic design paper bags that you can fill with favors, small toys, and treats to hand out during parades. Oriental Trading Company - Paper Fourth of July Bags can also be used as loot bags for the little nieces and nephews who will be celebrating the holidays with you. For only $3.75 a dozen, these paper bags will definitely make the occasion more memorable.

CafePress - Smiley Face Fourth Of July Cap

Shield yourself from the sun with the CafePress - Smiley Face Fourth Of July Cap when watching the wonderful Fourth of July parades. Grandma and Grandpa would also look great with these. With adjustable hook/loop tape closure, this cap fits 20" to 24". The brim also has a sweatband. Only $13.99!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Three Men and A Mommy

I have three children. One daughter and two sons. My daughter lives with my mom, whose house is just 150 meters away. I miss my daughter. I miss having someone to have crazy girl talks with, or exchange magazines, or even to just sit and watch chick flicks with. She is so busy with work that sometimes, during the weekends, all she does is sleep. Someday, when things are not so hectic anymore, maybe I can spend some time with her.

My daughter (in the red shirt) and my niece (white top)

Now, I live with my two sons and my husband, making me "the only thorn among the roses." Even our dog is a male!

What is it like for a woman to live in a house with three males? Let me sum it up in two words - Tired and Chaotic.

Men always expect someone to pick up after themselves. Every morning when I come home from work, the first thing that catches my eye are the used plates, bowls and utensils in the kitchen sink. And then there are the candy wrappers, empty foil packs of whatever, and a hamper full of dirty laundry. 

Men can actually cook, but they opt not to. For some reason, I am left with the task of cooking three full meals a day. I slave over the stove, making sure they have something yummy to eat. Sometimes, I am just so dead tired, I do not even have the appetite to eat what I prepared.

Men are the worst when it comes to budgeting. I am also the one in charge of minding the family budget. It is a mind-boggling task to make sure we have a little bit of savings, enough food, paid utility bills, tuition money and spending cash. I try to cut down on as much as I can, however, these boys think that I have found Yamashita's treasure!

Men have a knack for keeping the house dirty. It really makes me wonder if there was one point in time that I paid for the exclusive rights to use the bucket, the mop, the rag and the cleaning sponge. It seems these things have labels on them that says, "For the exclusive use of Mama."

Men are the noisiest creatures on earth. Put these three together in the living room, turn on the television and make them watch a  basketball game. Serve them cold beer and some chips and you no longer need to go to a stadium. Boy, can they scream! 

Men are scared of cockroaches. So very true. All those biceps, triceps and six pack abs are no match against a one inch crawler. Once you hear a "thump, thump, thump" better be ready with a broom, rolled up newspaper or the can of bug spray. Wonder woman to the rescue! My youngest son even said, "those things think they're butterflies!"

Men are not very handy. Maybe some are, but not mine. I am a part time plumber, electrician, and carpenter too. The toolbox is mine - my pliers, my set of screwdrivers, hammer, vise-grip and wrenches. My trusted companions to help me save money and a trip to the repair shop.

I know everyday is a challenge to cope up with all these tasks. As messy, noisy, lazy and weird these men are, I love them so much. They love teasing me, and share jokes with me. Sometimes, they volunteer to help me around the house. (Which sometimes makes me scared because I know there's something they will ask in exchange). They are concerned when my sugar levels are not good, and they never fail to end their text messages with "I love you."

The men in my life

My family is my treasure. They are the most beautiful blessing I have received from God. We are the perfectly imperfect family and tired as chaotic it may be everyday, I am still truly happy to have them in my life.

Giveaway Alert: Win a Microsoft - Surface 3 Tablet!

What a perfect way to kick off the summer! Log in with Facebook or use your email to join this giveaway and get the chance to win a Microsoft - Surface 3 - 10.8" - Intel Atom - 64GB, retailed at $499.99! With the integrated Kickstand, the ability to run desktop software and touch apps, and a full-size USB port, Surface 3 is a perfect mix of innovation and practicality. As thin and light as it is, you'll be amazed at all you can achieve with this device.

Product Features:

• 10.8" ClearType Full HD Plus Display - Makes navigation simple and presents media in rich detail.
• Windows 8.1 - Allows you to stay connected and productive. 
• 64GB storage capacity - Offers room for pictures, videos, music and more. Quad-core processor - Intel® Atom™ processor with 1.6GHz processor speed, up to 2.4GHz Burst speed and 2GB RAM for efficient performance. 
• Wi-Fi - Allows you to connect to the Web while within range of an available wireless network. Bluetooth interface - Lets you wirelessly link with compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices. 
• 8.0MP rear-facing and 3.5MP front-facing cameras - Enable you to capture important moments to share with your loved ones. 

• USB 3.0 port - Makes it easy to connect peripheral devices. Integrated kickstand - Allows you to prop up the tablet for a clear view of displayed content. Magnesium body - Creates a lightweight, yet durable, design. 

[Giveaway] Giveaway Botanica Science

Bringing Back The 60s Sound

Taking guitar playing to the next level entails getting a foot pedal. There are different kinds of foot pedals that give different kinds of effects, however, the effect of having a reverb foot pedals is simply stunning.

A reverb foot pedal makes it sound like playing in a large church, stadium or hall. If you feel that this is an essential piece of equipment for you, choosing the right kind of foot pedal is must. We must always go with the best out there and what else would you go for? Nothing else but boss fender reverb pedal. This compact guitar effect pedal gives that timeless tube driven reverb sound that provides that great musical boost for any time of music genre.

Keep The Cash Flowing With Qmee

Everyone wants to earn a little extra spending cash, however, our present lives have us tied down to our full time job, our household tasks and the responsibility of raising kids. That alone makes it close to impossible to find a second job as a source of income.

Luckily, there are other alternative ways to earn cash on the side. Blogging, for one is a great way to go, however, in order for you to drive traffic to your blog will also entail hard work. For me, I have made blogging a source of additional income. Its fun because I earn while doing what I love - writing. I also do paid surveys, and in exchange of my opinion as a consumer, I get to receive vouchers and gift cheques so it is still okay, at least I have grocery shopping money.

For those who do not have the benefit of free time, there is a new way to earn extra cash without putting in so much effort. Have you heard of Qmee?

Qmee is a free browser app that you can easily install into any major browser that gives you cash rewards for clicking results that you would otherwise click anyways for no reward. Now how does that work? Simple. Once you have Qmee installed in your browser and you use your favorite sites to search for something on the web, Qmee will show relevant results on the left side of your screen with cash rewards attached to them. You can opt to click on your original searched item or click on Qmee's results and collect your reward! All your earnings are kept in a "piggy bank" which you can empty out at any time into your paypal account. You can also opt to donate your earnings to charity.

It is a great way to earn and help others as well. Hurry over to Qmee and get started! 

Happy earning!

Once A Thomasian, Always a Thomasian

I get emotional every graduation season. 

I am a proud Thomasian. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest Catholic University in Asia. This is the same university where my parents met. Dad was a student in the College of Medicine, Mama was enrolled in the College of Commerce. Most of my aunts and uncles are Thomasians too. My sister graduated here with an degree in Economics. My daughter followed the same path and earned her Economics degree in 2007. My son opted out, not of his choice but because he was sidetracked by all his extra-curricular activities which took up most of his study time. He vows to come back and earn a master's degree.

There are many challenges to face attending classes at the University of Santo Tomas. The long commute, the flooding during rainy season, the commitment to learn and to be an embodiment of the Christian faith. Nevertheless, no matter how long ago it was since you've last been at the UST, the phrase, "Once a Thomasian, Always a Thomasian," stays with you forever. A visit to the campus gives you unexplainable joy. Memories of being a shy 16 year old college freshman comes alive. You would really want to retrace the steps you took everyday to get from the España gate to your building. You'd want to see the classrooms where you had your gym classes and kneel down in prayer inside the Santissimo Rosario church. The last time I visited the university, I peered through the wire fences of the botanical garden, where me and my friends spent hours trying to classify the different kinds of leaves and insects. I wanted to go up the 5th floor of the main building where the Anatomy and Chemistry laboratories were, however, the entrance says "Students and Professors only."

My only regret, is not attending the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony. I felt it was not yet the end of my academic journey, since I was going to enroll in the College of Medicine in the following school year. I told my parents that I am happy to have earned my Bachelor's degree, but will only attend the graduation ceremony when I earn my degree for Doctor of Medicine.

Sadly, I did not graduate from the College of Medicine. I have written about this before, and I will write about it again. I am content with what I have achieved in life and if I could go back in time, I would probably choose to finish my studies in Medicine, provided that it will be the only thing I would change in the past. I would have wanted to experience the passage through the Arch of the Centuries, the lighting of the candles, and the tearful good-byes to classmates.

Since we can not go back in time, I relive the joy every time I see videos of the Baccalaureate Mass in the University of Santo Tomas. I see myself in those smiling faces, I remember the "uniform signing," I remember the feeling of happiness upon seeing my name in the Official List of Candidates for Graduation.  What a great time that was.

I am sharing with you the video of the 2015 Baccalaureate Mass held in the University of Santo Tomas. Witness the hope and joy in the eyes of these youth. So heartwarming.

Congratulations to the graduates and a big pat on the back for the parents who stood behind and fueled the dreams of their sons and daughters. Mabuhay po kayo!

DHgate's Daily Deals Is The Real Deal

A month ago, I could hardly contain my excitement upon discovering a great e-commerce website called DHgate.com. I was amazed at the numerous categories of goods they offer for sale! The website is so user-friendly. Simply type in the search bar the item you are interested in and it will give you hundreds of options to choose from.

 DHgate.com caters to both individual and businesses, offering high quality goods at wholesale prices. It does not stop there. Most items offer free shipping, and if you purchase by volume, you'd get even more discounts. I love the fact that they offer per volume purchases, because this would foster small business enterprises. If you however, do not have that business streak in you, DHgate.com can be the go-to-place for shopping with family and friends. Buy in bulk and share with friends and family or re-sell and start you own business. 

One more great feature of DHgate.com is its Daily Deals. Simply hover and click "Daily Deals" in the Navigation bar and it takes you to the page where you can find great discounts on items that you would surely love. You can save up to 90%, however, you have to hurry because these items go really fast!

As a special bonus, DHgate.com offers a special $50 coupon for new customers who will spend $200 or more on their first order, valid through May 31st, 2015. 

At DHgate.com, every body is a winner!

My Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished ~ A Poor Man's Bucket List

I have been having lots of thoughts about growing old, looking back on what I have accomplished and on what I have missed. I read somewhere that if you visualize your goals every day, you will someday achieve them. Years ago, I watched that movie, "The Bucket List" with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It was a good movie, except I did not like the part that both of them were dying.

It is a nice thing to do, to list all those things you would want to accomplish before you get old (or die, as in the movie), however, in this day and age, when money is tight, I guess only millionaires would qualify to make bucket lists.

So I decided to not make a bucket list. I will make a "Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished." It will be my version of a poor-man's bucket list. It is free to dream, so here I go!

My Wish List With No Regrets If Left Unaccomplished

In the evening of my life...

• I wish to reside in a simple but sturdy house near a beach. I love the sun, sand and sea and I absolutely adore the sunset.
• I wish to be an accomplished writer
• I wish to be able to live comfortably until it is time to go
• I wish to grow old watching sunsets with my hubby, with our very own "his and hers" walking canes.
• I wish to see my children all financially stable and successful. I would love to have lots of grandchildren too.
• I wish to have my own Ford F150 Raptor before I am too old to drive.
• I wish to visit Batanes, Palawan, Sagada, and Camiguin.
• I wish, (if my finances would cover it) to spend a year vacationing in Europe and the United States.

These are only 8 wishes, but who knows? I may add more to my wish list depending on how my life evolves. It has been a wild ride, this journey called life, but I'm pretty sure I'll keep truckin,' keep loving, keep living. It is a legacy I can be proud to call mine. 

Live simply, stay happy, fight for what you feel is right, share the love, and never forget to thank God for all He has given you.

Good-bye Pen and Paper! Hello Xiaomi Mi Fitness Wristband!

Keeping track of your daily activities and sleep patterns can help us to plan a more effective exercise regimen. Accomplishing this task is no longer difficult with fitness wristbands, specially the new Xiaomi Mi wristbands available at DHgate.com.

These wristbands are waterproof and a single charge can last up to 30 days. Great for monitoring activities like walking, jogging or running. It also keeps track of sleep patterns and doubles as a vibrating alarm giving us a more subtle way to wake up.  Its state of the art Bluetooth 4.0 technology and accelerometer allows compatibility with MIUI Android 4.4 and higher. All these great features are contained in a small alloy body measuring only 34x14x9 millimeters!

Another cool feature is that we can purchase different colors of the wristband and slip the small alloy device into the rubber wristband of our choice. Great for people who love color-coordinating their attires.

The Xiaomi Mi wristband is among the thousands of cool products we can find at DHgate.com. They offer goods at wholesale prices and usually free shipping too. If you are in search of any item, whether clothes, accessories, electronics, household products, appliances or what-nots, check out their user-friendly website. This is one great online marketplace that you would definitely keep coming back to.