Christmas gifts you can make or buy cheap

Christmas can be daunting and exhausting, both physically and financially.  But gifts don't have to be expensive to show that you appreciate your friends and love ones.

Here are some of the gifts I find really appealing, inexpensive, and easy-to-do, which is also what I'm planning to do as a gifts:



 
1.  DIY Bath and Body Products
Thanks to Wise Bread for compiling these stuff for us.  Learn how to do these amazing bath and body gift products in one of their articles - complete with links, ingredients and step-by-step instructions.


 
2.  Holiday Greeting Cards

I like getting cards - digital or paper.  I would say I appreciate the paper more, cause people have taken the time to collect, choose, and write something there.  Again, I appreciate it in any form... thanks everyone.

 

3.  Sew your gifts

If you sew or knit or crochet, why not give us a lovely cellphone pouch or a wallet or a card holder.  Whatever it is, as long as it's from you, would be lovely and much appreciated.

Here is a sample:

and many more...


4.  Gift cards and shopping cards

Companies often give these away for their employees.  You can do that too... You can plan this out months before the holiday.  Perfect gift for any occasion and very economical. :)


5.  Just explore your local market

Haggling is a skill you can acquire.  Your local markets often give you discounts if you just ask.  So prepare your gift budget and stick to it.  If you can't get it to the price you want, walk away... chances are, you'll find another / similar item on a bargain.

Inexpensive Ways to Feel Sexy

All Women have insecurities. It could be being too short, too skinny, too fat, too.... whatever! And for someone who hears this all the time, it's tiring. I am not perfect... way, waaaayyyyyyy imperfect. But when I need a confidence boost, I always do these: 

• Eye contact.   When you talk to a person, maintain eye contact. It's more personal and the longer you stare (not in a creepy way), the more relaxed you become and so as the person you are talking to. 

• No nonsense talk. People want to know you. But that doesn't mean you have to be argue every single thing just to prove your point. What they mean is... you have your own opinion, say or principle on a certain topic that you stick to. It's nice to have contrast. People notice me more when I say something contradicting... not rude though. They find it interesting that I don't exactly share their thoughts. 

• Sit and Stand straight. Trying a different posture helps in boosting confidence, why not give it a try? 

• Wear Heels. Notice that when you wear heels, you walk differently - at least I do. I walk straighter, more feminine, because I don't want to ruin really good shoes.

• Wear Lipstick (Make-up). Not all of us are fond of make-up. Believe me, I don't. But it creates wonders. Lipstick enhances your lips especially if you choose the right shade. Nothing too bold or too flashy. You can also use lip gloss instead of lipstick. You can look into the how-to videos in YouTube to learn how to apply make up properly (that's what I did). 

• Smile.  Smile generally makes you approachable. People are comfortable around you when you smile.  

• Laugh out Loud. i love a good laugh... you know! A very hearty laugh... almost like catching your breath, you want to roll on the floor and just laugh it all out. People are drawn to me when I laugh. They say it's contagious. The joke wasn't even that funny yet, they all laugh because of me... They laugh with me, not at me.

• Accessorize. Add a watch, a bracelet, a pair of earrings, etc. Match them all. One of our church-mates says she likes how I dress up and accessorize. My earrings always match my shirt. :)

• Exercise. Try it... you feel better after just one session. :)  As an update,  I only work out at least 5 minutes a day and not more than 15 minutes.  It works just fine.  I lost 3 kg.  I started in May 2014.

• Think Positive. Your outlook in life radiates through you. You glow. If you are positive, it shows in your face. If you are negative.. well, it reflects too.

Also posted in:
http://panobamagblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/inexpensive-ways-to-feel-sexy/
http://voices.yahoo.com/inexpensive-ways-feel-sexy-12116989.html?cat=69

Turning Down Potential Clients

Having the business at home has its perks. I get to work on my pajamas. I can watch TV while working. During down times, I can multitask. I can even work at nights when I don't feel like working during the days. I love working from home.

Unfortunately, there are times when you miss the camaraderie. Sure, you get to be close with your clients that they eventually become your friends. But it's not the same as the office / company setting. You don't get to have office parties, organized by co-workers.

Another annoying thing with working from home is the disturbance. Since clients know you work at home, they get to call you all the time, even disregarding the time.

I got a call at 10:00 pm on a Sunday, asking about my service. I told the caller, it's Sunday and I don't have office on Sunday. Aside from that, it's late. He got taken aback and backfired, "how can you get a client if you don't entertain them?". I told him, "I'm sorry, but most of my clients know that Sunday is a family day. No business calls then."

But business was more in my mind so I answered his inquiry. I already know he's not going to be a lead since, apparently for him, I rudely answered his question.

Now, I'm not one to turn down potential clients. Of course, I wanted to make a sale. But I guess, one out of 10 is fine. I would rather have clients that clearly knows boundaries, than one annoying clients. I can see we're not going to get along. Demanding every minute of my time for ridiculously outrageous tasks. (that's how I see him).

 

Things To Do Instead of Spending Money

Money can't buy happiness... and according to Mind, Body, Green, there are 35 things you can do instead of spending money.  I can't really enumerate them all, as some of it aren't applicable to me.  

So I'll be doing my version of things to do instead of spending money.  Like what the Money Saving Mom did.


Here's mine:

• Walk around.  I like walking inside mall.  Others think its depressing but I am one of those who aren't an impulse buyer.  It's not the same as spontaneous buyer.. hahaha!  If you don't like in the mall, walk in the park or within the suburbs.  Just walk.  It's therapeutic - increases endorphins - and helps you lose weight.
• Chat with friends.  I would prefer face-to-face conversations but if it's not possible, chatting with friends is okay. 
• Drinking coffee.  Three-in-one is fine with me.  It doesn't have to be expensive.
• Movie Marathon / TV Series Marathon.  I am addicted to TV.  I am glued to the couch when watching something I love.  Helps me relax.
• Organize your clutter / drawer / closet.  Clutter can be everything.  I like arranging my accessories.  It's not cluttered but I like to rearrange them.
• Watch harmless pranks in YouTube.  If I feel down and I need an immediate boost, I look for a good laugh.  You can look at the "No laughing Series" or "Gaki No Tsukai" Videos.  It's a Japanese sitcom with a twist.  Participants can't laugh, at anything.  Just hilarious!
• Read a Book.  I get lost in space whenever I read a really really good book, particularly romance.
• Cook.  Not eat.  
• Take a Shower.  Sometimes, having a shower is all it takes to ease your day.  :)
• Get your hands dirty.  You can either plant in your garden or in a pot, make your own jewelry, make your own bracelets, etc.  Just keep your hands moving.
• Listen to music.  Apparently, people are more productive when they listen to music while working.  I guess that's true.  I feel something missing when I don't hear music in the office.

There are more, and I can't write all of them.  These are just some of what I can think of that are free and very easy.  I just hope it helps you relax too and stop thinking about spending.

Share with us your thoughts.




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Sources:

• Wise Bread (http://www.wisebread.com/100-small-things-that-can-bring-you-joy)
• Money Saving Mom (http://moneysavingmom.com/2014/05/35-things-instead-spending-money.html
• Mind, Body, Green (http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13538/35-things-to-do-instead-of-spending-money.html)

Learn, Earn and Travel - Australia

Note:  I am not endorsing any companies.  Simply curious about their program and am taking it into consideration for future plans.

I have always wanted to experience traveling.  Am not really that adventurous but it doesn't hurt to try, explore new place, culture, food, and meet new friends.

But when I travel, I need to have a purpose.  I don't just want to explore, I want to learn and gain experience.  I am actually looking for a paid vacation.

One of the things that made me interested is the Work and Study program available in Australia.  Being a Filipino, there are a lot of restrictions for us to travel especially applying for Visa.  But with a guided application, there are minimal or no rejection - when the purpose is to study.  

The Science of Laziness

This probably has nothing to do with money (or everything to do with it) I don't really know.  But I read somewhere (forgot where), that when you want something done soon, give the work to the lazy people.

I remembered a post in Facebook, written, Bill Gates giving the work to lazy people, because they think of ways to get the work done soon, and be lazy again. - I'm paraphrasing.

Now, of course, you wouldn't expect such a great outcome, but at least the work is done.  There are obviously a lot of misinterpretations or connotations about laziness. 

I consider myself lazy - don't like working (or at least the idea of it), don't like chores, don't like cleaning, and the list goes on.  But at the end of the day, someone has to do it.

I remembered telling my dad, that I would never let myself be laid off or be out of work, so I can hire someone to get things done.  Of course, that didn't help me at all.

Taking the first step

I admire people who took the leap of faith and are now reaping the benefits.  It doesn't matter if it is as trivial as going to the mall and buying items on sale, or as extreme as resigning from a company to pursue a lifelong dream of going into business.  The theme is the same... taking the leap of faith to uncertainty.

I have taken mostly a step simply because I was scared to fail.  And when I fail, I know I will fall flat on my face.  It is embarrassing, the most humiliating.  And I don't want that for me.

Charlie Day, actor and writer of "It's always sunny in Philadephia", gave one of the funniest yet inspiring speech to graduates of Merrimack College, his alma mater.

He pointed out that we don't need to be fearless, but it shouldn't stop us to becoming great.  We are all destined for greatness (Megamind) and a quote from Bill Cosby, "In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure."

It is scary to go into the great unknown.  But without failure, without risks, what else is there?  Do we really appreciate what we have if it was handed over to us?

It is always hard to take the first step into financial success.  I hate it.  If I can avoid it, I will.  But whenever I am faced with a need, I face a dilemma of finding or looking for other means to provide.  Do we want to live in debt?  Do we like facing our debtors?  Do we like going through friends and family for financial help or do we want to be empowered?

Savings and investing take time.  It's not instant, unlike the 3-in-1 coffee.  But if we keep postponing investing or savings, we will eventually ran of options and start to look for our friends, family, sons and daughters to provide for us.

Determine your goals, what do you want to achieve.  In 20 years time, what do you want to do? 

That should keep you motivated.

Travel tip: What to pack for the weekend

Frequent traveler or not, there are just some stuff we packed that we don't actually use.  And if you're like me, I tend to over-pack. These scenarios are all to familiar for Overseas workers. And if you're unlucky enough to pack too heavy, you get ridiculously charged for overweight baggage.  Mind you, they charge per kilo / per pound, not per bag in excess.

Now, whenever I get invited for an overnight swimming party or out-of-town adventure, I still over-pack.  I have managed however, to keep everything in just one bulky bag.  

According to Travelfashiongirl, here are some packing tips you can use for a weekend getaway. 

Why I blog

I have written several posts about reasons why I blog... and although, it had evolved and varied in reasons, one thing remained constant - to make money.

I would have to say that it is much harder than it seems. It doesn't work overnight, like everyone had pointed out.  And after several blogs, I have managed to stuck with one.  Unfortunately, I don't get paid there.  But I liked that I get to express even the trivial.  I have managed to get several followers who are as crazy as me ... (or at least understands my craziness. LOL).

WHY I BLOG NOW

• I blog because I wanted to learn and share what I learned.
• I wanted to keep talking without being a douche or get judged for getting crazy, because let's face it, they're as crazy as me.  
• And most importantly, I want to earn without the conventional 9-5 job.

The last one would take a while to achieve but at least, I'm getting started.  I have nothing against people who have regular conventional jobs, as a matter of fact, I have one.  But I also know myself.  I know I get bored easily.  Researching, reading and learning new things are some of the ways that spice up my everyday life... aside from TV.

WHY PERSONAL FINANCE OR FINANCE IN GENERAL

I have been fascinated with personal finance.  I am a FINANCE major that didn't even fully understood personal finance or finance for that matter.  I still have a long way to go.  It would be a lot better to have someone learn it with me and exchange ideas, and challenge me.

I find that the only way I can find like minded people is to write it down and get across.  I have friends and families who share the same principle but it's not enough.

So, I am open to several of your comments, suggestions, advice even opinions as to how I can improve my knowledge, understanding and even challenge me to do personal finance everyday.  That's how I come up with saving tips.

I am also wondering why you blog.

Kid's Summer Jobs

Summer doesn't necessarily mean fun.  For students, I would think is a very boring time.  Since they don't go to school, it ultimately means "no allowance".  And that also means, more time at home.  

Students (kids) aren't as happy as you expect just because it's summer and schools out.  They may not be enthused about going to school, but they are happy when it comes to allowances.

Facebook "Likes" - For Sale

I recently made a Facebook Page trying my luck in online selling.  I am a bit nervous about it cause I haven't done that before.  So far, my contacts are reliable, especially since they've done this longer than me.

Since my Facebook page is relatively new (just 2 weeks old), I need to get as many "likes" as possible to at least get it started.  I found someone who can do that in just 2 days.  Thanks to 199jobs.com.  I paid to get roughly 2,000 likes on my page.. almost instantly.

However, having many likes doesn't mean many sales.  But still, it gets my page across.

Why Personal Website seemed unimportant for Filipinos?

courtesy of Google Images

I recently visited a website called CAREEREALISM and bumped into this post - click here.  According to the post, you have been missing a lot when you have don't have a personal website.

I have blogs which I consider my personal websites.  I may not write / post regularly but I do try to post at least once a month and that's my goal.  Of course, that doesn't really work well.  My problem is managing too much blogs.  I can't think of what to write anymore.  So I segregated them by theme - finance, random, Tagalog, English and Writing - all of them are personal.

SuperTyphoon Haiyan (Local Name: Yolanda)

Upon seeing the pictures of ruins, frustrated people and lifeless bodies of fellowmen after the super-storm that hit the Philippines, I was distraught.  I am crying inside.  When will this stop? I wonder.

The Philippines was recently challenged with conflicts in Mindanao and then a powerful earthquake which also claimed lives last 15 October 2013.  And now, Haiyan!  

Bohol Earthquake - October 2013

 

 Click image to enlarge

Review: The Turtle Always Win (by Bo Sanchez)

My sister, knowing I am interested in business and personal finance, bought me a book by Bo Sanchez.  Sanchez is the Founder and CEO of the Truly Rich Club.  From what I have gathered, it is actually site for those who want to learn more about personal finance and get updates of the latest trends from Philippine Stock Exchange.  Again, I'm paraphrasing here and this is what I have understood.

"On the Money" on ANC

I have learned most of the tips for personal finance online but it was only a few months back that I've come to know about "On the Money".

"On the Money" is a daily show of ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC).  I have the option to watch them online should I miss any of their episodes.  Interestingly, their topics are broad but ultimately, they wanted to inform Filipinos how to properly invest, guide them, and give them advise on how to better manage their finances.  I admit, I am one of those who live on paychecks-to-paychecks.

Acts of God: what should you do before and during calamities?

Living in a tropical country, it is inevitable to have rains, storms and hurricanes regularly.  They are very common in the Philippines.  And sadly, when I say disaster, I mean devastation.  Loss of life, loss of livelihood, agriculture, infrastructures, etc.  Hurricanes with wind speed of 150-200 kph.  There are floods everywhere.

Most of our fellowmen had sought refuge in designated evacuation centers.  But since disaster struck when you least expect it, most of them are unprepared.  Sure, we are used to storms and rains, but floods that rose in few minutes time, no one would anticipate that.

The monsoon rain brought hundreds of millimeters worth of rain in just 3 days, equivalent to the normal monthly rainfall.

Now, why am I saying that?

Is it just living a good life?

My perspective

There are a lot of misconceptions about becoming a Christian and being a Christian.  There are so much expectations, unmet and unsatisfied, resulting for others stumble and eventually turn their backs on the Lord. 

There are others that say that to be a Christian, you must be poor. For to understand Christianity and to follow the Lord, one must sell their riches and give to the poor – as said in Mark 10:17-31.