charmed life♥

source: Google One the hardest financial milestone is making your first P100,000.00.  Slow progress on the early stages of saving but when you get used to it, you will realize that you should have started it years back.   It will be hard to start especially nowadays when the inflation is high, all the commodities are expensive as well as the utilities.  To achieve this you should be focus on the goal : increase your income, maintain regular savings rate.  (Save now, "Luho" later). source: Google Here are some start up tips: Start an Emergency Fund : I have already discussed this few years ago.  How to start or set it up.   Emergency Fund -What it is or how to set it up?  (click in the link). Pay off high-interest Debt :  Eliminate your debt, this includes your credit card debt.  It's okay to use a credit card, but make sure you pay it all up in full on it's due date so it  will not earn interest. Keep cost of living low :...

Another cute collaboration from Starbucks Philippines...  Meet the Cinnamoroll x Starbucks collection.  The new collection is composed of 8 drink wares and 2 merchs.  It's available on all Starbucks stores.   Don't be surprised when you go to the store and these cuties are not on display.  You need to ask the Barista about it.  Which I felt is a bit odd?  Well, it's their rule.. we cannot do something about it.     Stainless Steel Doina tumbler 16oz These cuties were dropped last June 2, 2026. If you ask me what are my favorites?  As you all know I am really a Hello Kitty fan...Cinnamoroll is equally cute, but I made a promise that I will not buying any drink ware this year.  I am contemplating to get the 16oz Stainless steel Doina tumbler with handle (P2,195.00) .   Here are the other available drink wares and merchandise: Mook Stainless Water bottle 11oz P2,495.00 Zane Stainless Steel tumbler 12oz P1,595.00...

As promised I want to share what fits in my Miss Fluffy bag .  It's a 25cm bag (same shape as a Birkin ).  It comes with a detachable strap but for me I prefer carrying her without it. For me the bag is best used for coffee or lunch dates...I don't really use this as my work bag.   It does not fit so much stuff..  (maybe I just a person who brings so much stuff .. *wink!)  Here are the things inside my Miss Fluffy bag: Key wallet Small Kate Spade wallet Two mobile phones Medicine pouch Cosmetic pouch Card wallet Car keys  Foldable ecobag The bag really sends good vibes every time I use it.  It literally smiles back...♥

I watched this film yesterday... honestly, in order the understand and appreciate the movie, you should have seen the first which was shown 20 years ago. I loved the first one, that is why I am so excited to see the sequel.  Though entertaining, I found it lacks something.. "parang bitin".   This film shows us how print media (hardcopy magazines) is now replaced by digital content .  The shift that has a big impact on people who does not want to embrace change.  It's like vlogging is more popular than blogging .  Personally, I still blog but that does not mean that I am not open to change, but I feel I can express myself more on writing than doing video or reels. source: Google I truly enjoyed the fashion scenes: filming the scenes in the actual fashion week (at the Dolce & Gabbana Milan show) for authenticity. The cameo of Donatella Versace and Lady Gaga .  The OOTD's of Andy - super love!  My fave? - the patchwork maxi dress worn by Anne ...

I am writing this as a tribute to my Tita Linda who has passed away last March.  Honestly, I still can't believe that she's gone.  On my mind, it's like that she is in her home... just chilling and watching her favorite videos, live streaming of mass on her iPad.  And I am not sure if I could finish this without being emotional. I did a eulogy on the last day of her wake.. But I felt it was too short... (" bitin" )  and I want to honor her more. Who is my Tita Linda? To her siblings and close relatives she's their "ATE Linda" (eldest sister) To my cousins she's Tita.. To her friends - Linda... To her PGH workmates she's Miss Santos... To me I call her Tita but definitely she's my second mom. ( I am her loyal PA - personal assistant, sidekick, "dakilang alalay".. hihi) For those who don't know, I grew up with her... I spent my school breaks, Christmas vacations, with her (and my grandparents).  She always take me with her at ...

Who has not received a Trader Joe's tote as a "pasalubong" from your friends and family from the US?  This canvas tote have became one of the most coveted reusable bags worldwide.  Even well-known celebrities carry them.  It actually became a high fashion item..  2026 is the year when the world intensifies shifting to sustainability : By avoiding the use of single use plastic bags in order to protect the environment.   Here are some of the trendy reusable bags you can find: Classic Mini Tote Halloween Theme Mini Tote Easter Theme Mini Tote Easter Theme Large Tote Classic Large Totes are available in Blue, Red and Green Trader Joe's Tote - comes in two sizes Mini and Large.  This tote really started the trend.  It retails at $2.99 - $3.99 (approx. P180.00 - P265.00 each) according to Forbes online to is being sold on Ebay up to $50,000.00.  The tote also comes in variety of colors and designs, but the most popular is their classic tote with ...

source: Dreamstime.com Let's review the basic acronyms that we should know.  Recently  I was able to watch one of It's Showtime's - Laro Laro Pick segment and it sad to know that some people are not really familiar with the acronyms we see and hear in our everyday lives.  I remember when I was in high school we are required to memorize the meaning of the department of government acronyms (including it's secretaries).  So let's review... Departments of the Government of the Philippines: DOE - Department of Education DOF - Department of Finance DFA - Department of Foreign Affairs DOJ - Department of Justice DOLE - Department of Labor and Employment DILG - Department of Interior and Local Government DAR - Department of Agrarian Reform DA - Department of Agriculture DBM - Department of Budget and Management DepEd - Department of Education DOE - Department of Energy DENR - Department of Environment and Natural Resources DOH - Department of Health DND - Department of Na...

Hello girlies!  Finally I found a make up primer that suits my skin.  It's the Happy Skin Oil Absorbing Matte Primer .  It's a lightweight gel matte primer, long lasting (almost no retouch), has an all-day mattifying effect so goodbye - oily skin .  According to Happy Skin website: "The Alkaline pH absorbs the excess oils for a fresh balanced complexion.  Mineral Silcate and Caffeine work hand in hand to tighten pores and smoothen skin.  Hyaluronic acid floods skin with plumping and refreshing hydration, while Squalane imparts soothing moisture." Price: P899.00 For best results:   In order not to make your skin too dry because the of it's mattifying effect, I moisturize my face before applying the primer.  Then finish it off with Happy Skin Fresh Morning Dew Micro fine Glow setting spray. Verdict : ♥♥♥♥.5 of ♥♥♥♥♥ Will I recommend this?  Of course I will.. Aside from making your skin smooth and shine-free after it's use.  It's p...

Everyone's question is... will bag charms trend continue?  Or is it a dying trend?  My personal take is it will not really disappear: maybe Labubu or the Monster had it's time in 2025 , they need to get take the back seat this year. Bag charms give every bag a personality and uniqueness.  It also shows the personality of the one carrying the bag, especially nowadays people are more drawn to  quiet luxury bags and adding bag charms will surely make their bag stand out. What do we expect this year? source: Google source: Google Functional : Miniature keys, bottle opener, compact mirrors, mini pouches, tiny bags, and the like... moving on from The Monsters to these useful items.  We already saw this in third quarter of 2025, and it will be more visible this year. source: Google Multi-layer Maximalist : the aesthetic is mixing textures, multiple charms, personalized and slightly cluttered look.  Inspired by Y2K, playful and nostalgic elements. source: Chloe...

source: Kate Spade New York Opening 2026 with one of the most cutest collaboration:  Kate Spade New York x Hello Kitty & Friends.  This is not the first time Kate Spade collaborated with Hello Kitty.  They did their first in time with Hello Kitty's 50th Birthday celebration.   This year aside from Hello Kitty, Kate Spade included My Melody and Kuromi - in this collaboration.  Maybe it's also to celebrate My Melody's 50th Birthday which happened last year.   The collection was launched last January 15, 2026 that includes cutest stuff ever!  From jewelries, apparels, wallets, bag charms and bags . source: Kate Spade New York & Sanrio source: Kate Spade New York / Sanrio source: Kate Spade New York / Sanrio Price ranges from $58.00 to $449.00 and are available in-store, Kate Spade New York and Sanrio websites.

Happy 2026!  I know most of us have are own plan / resolution this new year.  Of course we all want to start the new year right... This year I want to save more... invest... be more frugal.  I am not getting any younger, I really want to build my retirement fund. Here are some of things I am not buying for 2026:  source: Pop mart Plushie bag charms / Blind boxes :   Yes!  I admit, I splurged a lot on "anik-anik": from the Labubu monters, Hello Kitty plushies, Care Bears, Monchhichi and etc.  I promised myself - No more "unleashing the child in me " for the moment.  I hope that I could control myself.  I admit I love anything cutesy... but I have to do this.  There are boxes still unopened.  It took up so much space in my room.  (But of course, if it's a gift - I would gladly accept it. source: Google Tumblers : I have a lot of unused stainless tumblers at home.  So I think I should refrain from purchasing new one this ye...

New Year... New Bag... Let's make a review. :) If you really wanted that Goyard St.Louis Tote and does not have a budget for it.  Don't fret... Check out Christy Ng Russo Tote bag .  Christy Ng  (pronounced as Christy "Ung") is a Malaysian brand that offers bags and shoes.  They recently opened their first shop here in the Philippines at SM Mega Mall .   I have learned about this brand in social media, quite interested with it.  I really wanted to visit their shop at Mega Mall to see the bags up close but unfortunately every time I try there are a lot of people inside the store.  That is why when my sister gave me the Russo Tote last Christmas, no need to go to the store to check it out. (*wink).  Here's my thoughts about the Christy Ng Russo Tote : According to their website the bag is made from  coated canvas (sturdy and waterproof) and vegan leather .  When you touch you can easily say that it was made from high quality materi...