My Shoe Fix

I have a confession to make. I love shoes! Oppps, I think you all know that by now. It's not a secret anymore.

I have another confession to make. Whenever I finished a race, I reward myself a pair of shoes. That one is new to you, isn't it?

Yeah, buying a new pair of shoes is a good motivation for me to sign up for a race and of course to train for endurance so I can cross the finish line. So this pair of shoes are well-earned reward for finishing a race.

I have one last confession to make here. I always buy on clearance so this pair cost me only $2.96. Yup, I just don't have the proof now because I already worn it so I removed the tag.

And that is true. I am not lying.

Who doesn't want Freebies?

I love freebies! Every store in the planet has it's own commercial strategies to lure costumers to their door. And when you go inside... you are trapped!

Contrary to urban legend, I don't go shopping a lot. I go to the store but not to shop. I only spy for what is on sale. And most of the time I left the store empty handed. Well, there were times I got somethings in my hand or a little baggie but they were mostly samples and freebies. So don't judge me! LOL

I do love to shop though. And most of the time, if I really need to go shopping, I plan it. If the store has strategies to lure costumers, I have a counter strategy not to fall on their trap. And yes, I go there to take advantage of what good they can offer.

So yes, I went to VS the other day because I got this on the mail. I received this kind of promo on the mail every month and I take advantage of it. It does come with 2 other promo cards that says 1. $10 off the bra and 2. Free Tote for $65 purchase. I only use the the card above. Just to make it clear and to stick to my alibi. LOL.

Californication Day 7 (Part 2): Nothing Happened in Vegas

We woke up early the following day despite the fact that we went to bed late. As tourists, we didn't want to waste time in bed because we are on a mission. We need to cover as much of Vegas as our schedule would allow.

So we hit the strip early in search of Pinoy breakfast.

A Filipino Restaurant we found at the strip.

 My favorite comfort food - Tocilog.

Did a little walk along the strip.

Checked out some stores.

Went souvenir shopping.

 Cranking up this little machine for souvenir coins to add to our collection.

Had fun people watching.

 Inside the hotels... it's always night time.

And just enjoyed the sight around us.

It was also our last day in Vegas. We checked out a little early. While waiting for our bus to L.A. we banged some slot machines. After all we are in Vegas and it's not complete if you don't do a little gambling, right?

 

I did win though but lost too. 

This is one of 'MERICA Posts Series. A regular post dedicated to my HOME away from home.

Read more about my 'merica HERE as I share my experiences in this land of amazing People, Culture and Traditions.

Californication Day 6 (Part 1): What did happen in Vegas

Our Sta Monica escapade which concluded my 5th day in California technically ended with a hearty meal at one of the restaurants that Carmen brought us to. Too bad I was too overwhelmed to even remember where it was and the name of the food I ordered. Anyway, the following day we woke up early to take my first trip out of L.A. with my dear cousin Joey.

Snow-capped mountain

Our destination... Las Vegas, Nevada!

Arriving early that morning at the strip.

The trip took only about a couple of hours so we got there early for sight seeing. We stayed at the Excalibur Hotel and at this early in the morning, Vegas was just a typical sleeping town... sleepy.

Joey and I were the only souls in the street at this early so we can't ask anybody to take our photos together.

But when the night fell, I was amazed how the city was transformed. It was simply magical. We wasted no time in the Sin City. Right after we checked-in in our hotel, we hit the strip and explored every nook and cranny there is until night fall.

 In front of the Caesar's Palace.

We checked out almost all the hotels and casinos just like any other tourist for that matter. The sights and sounds were too overwhelming for a country girl like me. I didn't like it.

Inside the Caesar's Palace Hotel and Casino

A little tired checking out all the trendy boutiques.

Colorful glass art at the ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel Lobby.

The Fountain. For now - but will surely have a repeat of this in Roma soon. wink*

The strip came alive when when the night falls.

And of course, as for me and my cousin, vacation will not be complete without checking out the "happiest place on the planet." Wink***

After an hour of browsing and getting awed by the wonderful collections inside this wonderful place on earth... we left happy. It was indeed amazing how that "little blue box" made me happy! Just a hindsight. wink***

It was a little chilly that particular night and it spitted snow for few minutes as we headed back to our hotel. It was so funny how the people in this part of America was so excited to see snow when we in my part of America dreaded it. LOL.

We went to bed early to recharge and refresh for the next day's hectic schedule. Thus, Vegas Part 1 officially ends at lights off.

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More Info on Vegas Destination:
1. Caesar's Palace
2. Vegas
3. 20 Great Things to Do in Vegas

This is one of 'MERICA Posts Series. A regular post dedicated to my HOME away from home.

Read more about my 'merica HERE as I share my experiences in this land of amazing People, Culture and Traditions.

Between Shopping and Bonding

It was a night before Christmas... and I was exhausted. I wrapped presents until 12 midnight. I had to wrap a minimum of 5 different presents for Hubby, Brandon, my 2 step-daughters and my in-laws. I already downsized the number of presents I would be giving to each one of them this year because budget is really tight. However, it was still taxing just to wrap the presents.

It was Christmas Eve and earlier I was with my only Pinay BFF here in Maine, rounding up some stores in town for the last minute shopping for our Christmas presents for loved ones.

Christmas Eve is always the best time go shopping. No panic [that is at least my personal opinion] and no rush. I get what I get and that's all about it. Well, I already did a few shopping right after Christmas last year and I was just really there to drive my friend because she needed a ride.

Oh well, what do you expect? It was a nice balmy day, the sun was out, with no frost... and BFFs like us surely need to bond to strenghten their friendship. And there is no other way to do that than... shopping!

Early Halloween Party with Filipino Friends

Last weekends, Medy and I (together with Maya and Rich) attended an advanced Halloween Party with Filipina friends in New Hampshire. It was the very first Halloween Party I ever attended in my entire life here in the United States.

Just Kids and Adults in their Halloween Costumes.

I am not a party girl anymore but the fact that I will have a rare chance to have fun with some amazing Filipinos friends is indeed a rare opportunity to pass on. Not to mention that having to eat lots of Filipino foods that I have been craving for since I left my home country is a bonus.

Just a part of the dessert table.

Just part of the long buffet table.

The long line of pots containing Filipino Dishes.

The gracious hosts, ate Malou and Kuya Jude opened their home to us. Kuya Jude cooked up a lot of fun activities for the kids while ate Malou prepared lots of yummy dishes and treats for the adults. wink***

Kids helping Kuya Jude set up the Pinata.

Having fun hitting the poor witch head pinata.

Paparazzi moms lined up to take photos of the kids.

Spidey and Bat Girl taking a break.

Finally, picking up the rewards of hard work. Sugar rush alert!

My friends taking a break from eating for a photo opps.

The party I had to admit was fun and the food was delishhhhh! Good thing the weather cooperated. It was kinda chilly and cloudy but at least not rainy. It's Fall so I can't be whiny. We left with a couple of doggie bags from the dessert table and a heavy tummy. I need to go back to gym. Seriously!

Rise or Fall

Life is a game of football. When you fall... just rise back up and aim for a touchdown.

- Ruthi Orona-Gregoire -

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