I am busy planning our dream vacation and scouring for Walt Disney World hotels for discounts that I have been putting this off for a while now (sorry, for post fillers ) so here they are – Matthew took a long time to decide

Matthew:
Archie Comic Books – Digests are better, recent years please.

Martha:
Barbie with accessories
Anything Disney Princess, specifically Cinderella)

**She would prefer the Barbie though.

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I already mentioned that I already have eyeglasses for computer strain. A friend gave it to for free and it has absolutely helped me spend more time in front of the computer getting work done without stressing my eyes. I am still thinking of getting the $ 8 Rx eyeglasses from Zenni Optical as backup glasses though. Just in case my kids break down my glasses and tear it apart:

Edil has been requesting for glasses too and he likes these nerdy glasses:

I watched a video called How You Can Start Spending Smart and it is true, you do not need to spend so much if you can spend less with equally fashionable items.

My favorite high fashion eyeglasses cost less than $10!

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There is no industry so much commercialized than the baby industry. Do you agree? I have given birth two times in the span of eight years and each year, there are new gadgets that come out that parents and babies “need”, totally changing caring for the baby. While most of them have been heaven sent for mothers and caretakers, like breast pumps, fashionable baby wearing slings, disposable liners for bottles, some of them are just invented to take money from parents who should just spend it for their baby’s vaccines and milk.

Each year, strollers are becoming more fashionable, compact, sturdy and lightweight. Ads even claim their stroller rods have been tested in the laboratory. It makes me think how much strollers are like cars these days – it makes them as expensive as well. I really do not have anything against it because I’m all for strollers – I personally would want them before I give birth because there are things babies need to be trained to get used to – the car seat, the crib and the stroller. My son didn’t like being in the stroller because we put him in when he was 6 months old – going around in the mall was such a pain because he was heavy. My daughter on one hand treats her stroller like her sleeping bed and car. When she is put in her stroller, she knows two things – she will be seeing things (going out) or she will be driven around to lull her to sleep. It has been very effective and easy for me.

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I always keep saying every year that it’s baby boom year but it is eclipsed by the following year because more people I know get pregnant! Last year, I know at least 10 women who are pregnant and gave birth and this year, the number rose to 15. Is it really baby boom or I’m just at the age where almost everyone I know is busy making babies, being married and all and trying to make use of their eggs before old age hits?

I am actually excited because a brand new addition to our family is coming on the 17th – she is going to be my niece and I cannot wait to meet her. Judging from how cute her older brother is and how I adore him, I am sure I will adore his little sister too. I love babies, especially if I only get to play with them and smell them and just return them to their mommies when they poo and cry.

I also love baby stuff. I guess nothing is more exciting than shopping for the baby. Baby Bedding Sets are just one of the many things parents mull over – and most linens and clothes are hand washed and ironed before the baby comes!

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I am wearing eyeglasses right now. No, they are not prescription glasses but ant-glare ones for protection for my eyes since I am in front of the computer all the time. Two weeks ago, I had the most terrible eye strain and migraine ever and I was worried about my eyes. Thankfully, an optometrist friend gave me a pair for free. Otherwise, I’d buying the $ 8 Rx eyeglasses from ZenniOptical.com. I am thinking of getting the Edil and the big brother a pair too since I saw how great the deals on the site are. I even saw Zenni Optical on TV!!!

Since they are pretty cheap, I need not worry my son breaking his glasses or misplacing them since I can easily replace them. So, High Five to Zenni Optical – great job on offering quality yet affordable glasses for us!

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It has been three weeks since G, my laptop, got sick and needed to be sent to the repair center. She wasn’t turning on (no display) even if the lights were blinking. An initial diagnosis made by the technician was motherboard failure. We were already told it will take 3 to 4 weeks for it to be repaired and the cost, if the diagnosis is correct, will be anywhere from $200-$300. (Yes, I might as well get a new one, right?) I don’t want to give up on my laptop because of sentimental reasons. It is the first laptop I have bought with my money from writing and she was really with me (literally) when I was working so hard. But I do realize I need a desktop computer, given how long I work in front of a computer. There are great deals right now, I just wish we had a credit card to buy one. There are great deals on packages with 0% interest for 12 months. I can always apply online for best credit cards – but I really don’t want one anymore.

You need to find a credit card that works best for you. For example, if you do groceries a lot and charge it to your card, you can get one that has bonus points for shopping. Or if you use it for gas, you can sign up for a card that offers rebates or discounts on petroleum. If you have multiple cards and want to consolidate them into one, you can get a card that has a zero balance transfer rate so it will be easier to pay and monitor your expenses.

I’m going to think about this until the end of the month and make my decision. I need to have at least 30% of the total payment as well.

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June is almost over and before you know it, most people are getting for Christmas and doing some serious Christmas shopping. I, for one, really do not have anything on my wish list except cold cash and a brand new LCD TV.

I have been wanting to get one ever since we stayed home more often (bad weather, money-saving strategies, etc). There are great deal on flat panel tvs if you cannot wait for Christmas sales.

Prices of flat panel TVs from Toshiba and Samsung start at $234.75 and up. That is for a 19 inch flat panel TV already – pretty cheap right?

If you like to watch movies on big screens, then, a 42 inch one is perfect for you! There is an LG 42 inch flat panel TV selling for $899.95. You can actually get a lot of price ideas and selections from brands like LG, Toshiba, Samsung, JVC and Sony at buydig.com.

Usually, gadgets are always the hottest items to go on sale during Christmas season. Of course, SLR Digital Cameras are on top of the list with more people getting interested in taking photography as a hobby. It is a good thing that we already have our own SLR camera but most friends are still lusting after the nikon d90. It is currently selling for $1,145.00.

With the price you get these:

1. Nikon D90 DX-Format Digital SLR Outfit w/ 18-105mm DX VR Lens
2. Sandisk 4 GB Extreme III 30MB/s Secure Digital HC Memory Card (SDSDX3-004G-A31}  [QTY 3]
3. Sandisk Stock up & Save Visa Gift Card Rebate Claim Form
4. Zeikos Hi-Speed SD USB 2.0 Card Reader
5. Sakar EN-EL3E 1900mAh Lithium Battery for Nikon D90 / D80 / D200
6. Sakar Digital Concepts AC/DC Battery Charger for Nikon Lithium Batteries
7. DigPro Deluxe SLR Holster Case – DP4000
8. Sakar Super Blower – Dust Removal Tool
9. Merkury Innovations Three Piece Lens Cleaning Kit

It is time to save pennies to be able to do some serious big time shopping

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I never really got to sharing how I got obsessed with make-up a few months ago. I even went as far as watching make-up video tutorials in YouTube! I never knew people could be so addicted to cosmetics ! There are even YouTube videos of people describing their latests “hauls” – a term they use for shopped make-up items.

We started with quality but affordable (read: cheap) items like Everyday Minerals (EDM), NYX, drugstore brands and the like. However, it is really true that high-quality make-up can be on the expensive side because it stays longer, non-comodogenic (doesn’t clog pore) and has really strong color quality.

I stick to my tried and tested brands though. I am prone to breakouts because I have sensitive skin so with regards to skin care, I stick with Clinique. Another good buy is the Urban Decay Glider Pens – I will never use another eyeliner brand ever again. It’s that good! It doesn’t smear and is very creamy. I have yet to try another good recommendation: NARS because I cannot afford one anymore!

I’m all shopped out with regards to make-up. I’ve got everything already and I don’t even go out that much – I just stay home most of the time. Now I’m going to be planning a more expensive shopping bonanza – furniture shopping

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