GT: Financial State

Interesting I must say. It's very seldom that a blogger would share his or her financial status. I'm going to make this GT of mine very specific.

To make things different, let me start by sharing that I don't do the budgeting. That's right ladies, I let my man do it. We learned it from my parents. We talked about it, and so far everything is working perfectly fine. Since my husband is the one working, he is more suited to gauge whatever is best when it comes to money.  Including checks. As for me, I make a list of the things we need for the house and for our home such as groceries, maintenance, utilities and the things "i want" like decorations, plants, new curtains or throw pillows, scented candles, all those girly things. 

Sometimes, I don't even have to make a list, my husband would take the first step and tell me: "come with me, let's buy this and that, I think the living room will look better". And it's far different and fun.

Well that's how we work things out as a couple, least we need inside the house is an argument about money. Talking things through with your other half is very important. Compromise. It was easy for us,  because we're very similar with almost everything. And now I am free from the stress when it comes to budgeting and accounting.

Personally:

Since I am a HOUSEWIFE, literally,  I stay at home 24/7. I greatly rely on the allowance my husband gives me. Half of it I save and deposit in the bank, half I go shopping. I shop for whatever " my son 's needs including mine".

I don't count on blog money 100%. It's just additional income that I use for charity , online shopping and the rest still goes to savings.In terms of keeping my money safe, you will only find 2 wallets inside my bag. My ever reliable Kate Spade in Black  that carries my bills, my ids and debit card. 

The other one is just a coin purse. (from Hershey's and Red Ribbon). Sometimes I only bring my coin purse and my cardholder.

If you noticed I didn't include owning a credit card. Yes people, I don't use a credit card. I make it a point to always pay in cash or use my debit card. Well, I got traumatized some years back when I still own one.

Upon application, the bank people told me that they will not include any membership fee or any other fees on my monthly.  After a month of using it, they billed me with a membership fee of almost php4,000 a month.  Some common incidents are promos and offers. Sometimes,  even without your consent they will enroll your card at some promotion or insurance policy. Like what they did to my mom, an agent made an offer  through a phone call that made my mom say yes. They talk fast, will mention several confusing terms etc. That's their strategy, so be very careful. 

On the other hand, with some reliable credit card companies, if you always pay on time, they will reward you with stuff, I remember my family getting a boom box and 2 bean bags.

That's just my point of view when it comes to credit cards, we all have our own preferences. But I gotta tell you, once you make it a point to always pay in cash, you will avoid  further debts and it will grant you the deeper meaning of SAVING.

Pure discipline, and it entitles you to a rewarding feeling after purchasing your dream bag or  your favorite shirt  knowing that they're all already paid for.

Important:

• Never Spend Beyond Your Means
• Keep it Real and Simple
• Prioritize
• Save, Save, Save, Save, Save!

Share your financial point of view with us @ Girls Talk

GT: I Love My Body

GT I'm back! It's been a long time that I didn't even know that it has a new host. Congrats Kaye for the new development. At this time of the day, I am pouring everything to have a "me break" so I am going to use it by sharing a blog about myself. As for my first entry for the month of July, I am going to share a photo that boosted my confidence to next level and that I became even more appreciative of what God has given me.

This photo was taken last June 26, 2010 in a Hotel- Observatory. A photo by a very good friend with the same interests in photography. These photographs are not edited, in came out from the camera's lcd in an instant, and yes ang galing! Talk about pure creativity. The photographer used another instrument for the angel wings.

Why this picture if you're going to ask. This was my first time when somebody actually asked me to model. Well, not really model MODEL like we see in the magazines. Usually, it is me who asks people to model for my portraits, so this is something new for me.

I may not look as good or pretty, fit or even dressed properly. But the experience was a confidence booster.  I even told my friend "Jon, make it work, I'm not good at this" :D

I maintained a very slim body when I was a teenager until I got married. After giving birth, I tried  bringing  my old body back. And to be honest, I struggled hard.  I guess it runs in the family ---inheriting  a big bod after giving birth, my mom's body acted the same. I struggled, I tried all options but I didn't get frustrated. I embraced it and adjusted. I have a different life right now. If I need to upgrade my size and wear bigger clothes then be it.

Like what Peachy shared in her GT entry, the most important thing is we have a healthy body. So girls, we are all unique both body and mind. Being happy plays a very big role on loving your physical.

Girls Talk! My Favorite Shoes

The girls are buzzing again. This time, its about our favorite footwear.

Shoes... every girl's weakness. Don't tell me its not. To be honest, I am not a shoe person, but when I see something that I really like, I buy it and it stays with me forever.

Two of my first favorites are these:

Peep toes from Cathryn and Charlz (2 years old)

2 inches slip- on from Parisian (1 year old)
I like it with jeans.

For every pair there is a story. I was on the look for a different kind of flat shoes. I searched for about a month. I found several nice flats, but not as sophisticated looking as the one I bought from Cathryn and Charlz. I use it for both causal and formal. Dress, jeans, pants, shorts, skirt. It fits every outfit in my closet.

We all know that Parisian is from Shoe Mart. I got these shoes just for my Visa interview. I didn't have the time to go around and look anymore. And when it comes to these kind of situations, I go to SM. They always have the answer for my dilemmas. By the way, with all the rushing on the day of my interview, I ended up wearing the peep toes.
My Adidas, and its red!

4 years old with me

If I were to buy a new one, I will still choose red. Have this old one repaired and keep it. Lastly, let me share the oldest of them all. My Doc Martens. Offcially mine back in 1997.

12 years old

It was very hot when I was in high school. Every kid has it. A friend of mine bought hers from Hong Kong. That time, I own a very nice Benetton shoes (which was also very hot back then). She liked my Benetton, and I was dying to have a Doc Martens. She thought, since she owns more than one DMs she's happy to trade her boots for my Benetton. So that's how I got my first boots. I still use this by the way. Especially on a rainy day. Plus, I want it in white! (si Jandi kasi e...)

Wanna share your favorites? Go to: Girls Talk!

Girls Talk! My Favorite Perfume

I have been aching to join Niko's Girls Talk!. It's all about the wonderful life of being a SHE. This week, the girls are buzzing about their favorite scent/s.

I actually have 3 favorite perfumes. 2 are in the picture, the other... all empty threw it already.

Banana Republic JADE--- i like it because of its spicy-sweet scent. Its different yet not too strong. Its beyond our usual (sweet and floral). Perfect for both day and night.

Clinique Happy Heart--- my "anytime of the day" scent. I almost tried every Clinique perfume. Happy, Heart, To Be, In Bloom... they're all nice but I'm staying with Heart. Its in-between everything.

Estée Lauder Pleasures--- I also consider this as my "anytime of the day" perfume. Sweet smelling.

One important factor I look for a scent is the after smell. Sometimes perfumes can be so nice at the beginning, but later in the day, you end up smelling like you worked for 2 days and perspiring.

Lastly, I also like body mists and baby colognes.
Johnsons baby cologne HEAVEN will always be part of my scent sensation, also Watson's Body Treats--body mist. It's a good thing we have our local scents made already. During summer or on a very humid day, I use baby cologne or body mist. It makes me feel cooler.
What's your story girl? Share it with the rest @ Girls Talk.