Toby's Garage Sale

I've read about status updates on the Toby's garage sale in the past but never really had the chance to go.  Yesterday, I was chatting with co-teacher (and former teacher, hehe) Kat and she was raving about the sale.  She got to buy sneakers for only P1,200 (forgot the brand, though).  She specifically urged me to go because there were a lot of running shoes/apparel.  I had no idea where it was but her instructions seemed simple enough so Greg (driver) and I went this morning.

Seeing the photos on Toby's Facebook page, I just couldn't resist.
These were the photos that excited me:

 

(All photos above from the said FB page)

So anyway, I went during lunch time today to make sure there wouldn't be a lot of people.  It was still quite packed, though not enough people na tatamarin na ako mag shop.  I went mainly for the Moving Comfort sports bras since that was the only thing I needed.  HOWEVER, I could not resist the Brooks running shoes which were 65% off! What a steal, right? 

Para sa akin ata talaga ito, last pair in my size! For only P978.00! Original price at P2,700+.  Will use it for a relaxing run tomorrow to break in them.

My Moving Comfort bras at 50% off! If you're a girl runner, you should know that quality sports bras are just as important as running shoes! ;)

I also got a Brooks singlet at P340.00.  Other items I would have bought too if I had an endless budget: (1) another pair of Asics (good friend Van's Gel Nimbus (I think) was being sold at just P3,500 (I think she bought it at P7,500?)! (2) Vibram for 'wala lang' at P1,200 (3) Arena goggles (3) one-piece swimsuit

I just didn't want to spend that much today, plus didn't reaaaally need a new pair of shoes.  Hindi ko lang talaga natiis yung Brooks kasi sobrang mura! But the guard did say they would have another sale in 4 months... hmmm.  Maybe then? HAHA. 

Oh, to add to my shopping, the husband bought me new socks! ;) Not from the garage sale though.  These were bought in Nike Greenhills but ALSO on sale from P295.00 to P220+.

So, that's it for today's shopping.  And I'm probably also done for another few months (until the next Toby's sale?).  Funny how I have to think fashion buys over and over and over again... and how I don't mind wearing the same blouses and jeans twenty million times.  But when it comes to running (and Liam, of course but that's a given)? No second thoughts needed.  

Oh, the things I prioritize.  Hehe.

PS Will treat today's purchases as my reward for running my first 10km since TBRDM at 1:13, average pace 7:30/km (no walking/water break).  Still a lot of work to do to get to my 21km @ 2:00 but I think it's a good start.  Ready for Milo next weekend! :D

Yummy In My Tummy

For the first time in a long time, we went malling on a Sunday! It's been a while. During my marathon-training days, I was either in the gym running or too tired from running on Sundays. Yesterday, we went out was happy to see that most stores were on sale! M&S for example was having a month-long sale wherein all as in ALL items were on 20 percent off!!! These biscuits were originally P75 but we only paid P60 for it. Needless to say, mom and I went on a shopping spree - mostly on food. Hahaha. 

Look at the little toddler (not a baby anymore huhu) enjoying some butter animal cookies! Yum!

PS Will attempt to run 5km later! Half tamad/half excited.  Always hard to start after a long hiatus (about 2 months).

Firsts

Whenever Liam's awake and alert, I try as much as I can to chat him up and do some cooing and oohing with him, to encourage him to talk back.  Lately, he has been very active with his baby talk, so happy.  Husband says, "Blame it to his overly talkative mother." Guilty :P Anyway, last, last Sunday (May 20), I saw baby's first big smile! :)

I tell you, there is nothing like a smile like this to make all the hard work worth it.  I remember this one batch mate from college saying something like, "Having a baby is so much hard work but you'll love it so much you won't mind." So true.  It really is SO MUCH HARD WORK!!! Most especially for the mom! I used to think, the mom carries the baby for 9 months ++ , delivers the baby...and STILL has to deal with the stresses of breastfeeding?! In as much as it's all done by the mother, I learned to see it this way: Instead of complaining about why everything has to be done by the mother, I just see it as MY privilege to be able to do all these for Liam :) In everything, it's all a matter of perspective.

Productive Tuesday

So, today was ultra productive! I spent the morning in downtown Manila with my parents, searching for that drugstore that sold ge lai ingredients.  I think I wrote about this Chinese practice the other day...? Here's Chronicles of a Nursing Mom writing about it: CLICK! So off to Ongpin we went... My mom's friend told her about this drugstore that sold all the necessary ingredients for the different kinds of teas I was supposed to drink (there are about 4, I think).  We bought the ingredients for the first week, in case baby decides to make an early appearance (which I am hoping for). 

The Big Three Seven!

Finally!!! The moment I have been waiting for, okay, second to the real labor pains, that is! Today, Liam turns 37 weeks in my belly and I'm happy because I know he can come out anytime soon without much complications (but still always praying, of course).  According to my pregnancy references (mostly the iPhone application: Whattoexpect which is based on the book, What To Expect When You're Expecting - have this, too).  I'd have to say, as a first-time mom and one without a lot of pregnant friends, this was really very helpful!

Luckily, my good friend Ritzi lent me the next phase of this book ;)

In other news, I had a really productive day today! Extremely so that I'm so pooped out now! Woke up at about 9AM, had breakfast, lounged around - okay, it gets better - had lunch, did a general cleaning of the room (specifically cabinets, drawers and the like).  I figured I won't be able to do this for a while so might as well.  This was when H went to play basketball (which he does so every Saturday).  H & I had dinner at Cafe Dome in Shangri-la Plaza then walked around for about an hour or so.

Phewwww!

Pregnancy does take a huge amount of effort! From the mere a fact that I've already gained about 30 lbs. or so, I know that it isn't an easy feat.  Hey, not easy to walk around, up and down, with the belly! I do not claim to be the world's most awesome mother since I could not even completely forgo caffeine, hehe.  But I can say that to a certain extent, I've grown so much (not just horizontally) the past 9 months and I just really cannot wait to be the best mother ever to my son.

He can pop out anytime but there's really no telling when exactly - this week, tonight, in 2 weeks...? I hope he doesn't take too long, though.  We'll see! :)

What Happened???

I've been so caught up with everything (work, the pregnancy, etc.) that I just realized tonight that it's been a while since my last post! I was already in bed, trying to sleep but, no.  I just couldn't.  So I got up and decided to visit you, you poor blog thing.

What's been up? Well, I am currently 28 weeks and 5 days pregnant, which translates to 7 months!!! Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes, I hit the you-can-go-shopping-now, mark! And I have! So far I've gotten:

1 Avent sterilizer
1 newborn kit from Avent which includes 4 bottles (2 different sizes), 1 brush and 2 extra nipples - I'm actually not so sure I'll get to use this and if ever what for, since I'll be breastfeeding for at least the first 2 months when I'm still on leave.
1/2 dozen side-tie shirts with sleeves;  1/2 dozen side-tie shirts without sleeves (both I asked our helper to get from divisoria - pure cotton, but much thinner which I think are good for using during the day so it won't be too hot)
5 plain white rompers from Rustan's 
1 infant nail cutter - I heard that a baby's nails grow so fast to the point that there might be a need to clip the nails every other day!
3 pairs of booties; 3 pairs of mittens; 3 hats/caps - I know this is probably not enough, but I got these at Rustan's (i.e. much more expensive that SM Department Store, I'm assuming).  I can always get more from SM ;)
3 rompers from Debenhams (they were marked down! I was able to get three for about P750)
2 rompers from Mothercare - I just love, love, loooove Mothercare! See?

5 bibs for feeding from Debenhams (also marked down - 5 for P265!)
3 receiving blankets from Rustan's
1 hooded towel from Enfant
2 tie sides from Enfant
3 towels for bathing and swaddling


So far, that's it and that has already cost H and I a fortune! It doesn't even include baby's bed/crib! I think next shopping trip will be in a month - gotta space out the expenses :P I'm going to drop by Mothercare in The Fort this weekend, though.  Plus, saw a couple of stores selling really adorable onesies (I'm crazy about these onesies/rompers) in Greenhills so will check them out tomorrow.

Almost ready for baby! <3

Bookstore Shopping

Since I was a student, I've always loved National Bookstore.  Even if I go there everyday, there's always something to buy (a new pen, a cute notebook, a greeting card, etc.)  I haven't been there in a while, actually.  While waiting for H to get off from work, I decided to pass by the Petron branch along Gil Puyat corner Makati Avenue.

1) A trusty pair of scissors
2) Looked at my drawer this afternoon and I realized I needed paper clips!
3) My favorite black pen - cheap and efficient: HBW at Php 5.00 each
4) Scotch Magic Tape dispenser - couldn't find any other tape dispenser and since I found this cute, I got it!
5) Extra Scotch tape
6) Jotter Pad by Star Paper - it's a pad paper with no lines on the sheets.  Perfect for scribbling stuff!
7) You can't see it but I also got Scotch Reuse Again & Again.  It's a sheet with double-sided stickers one can use for sticking paper/photos on a wall.  It claims to not destroy paint/wallpaper at the same time can be used over and over again! :)
8) MAPED magnets.  My school desk stuff are all over the place - papers left and right. Hopefully these magnets will help keep my stuff in order.

Impulse buys, I know.  Stuff I can live without but bought anyway.  I'm blaming husband for this, haha. Well, everything can be put to use anyway :P

Merry Christmas To Me!

Husband's birthday + Christmas gift! :) See, I've never really been a fan of expensive watches.  Not as much as he is - researches about Omega, Oris, Rolex, etc. and obsesses about it *rolls eyes* He had to make me lambing several times for me to let me buy his Oris (although he did use his money, which according to a good friend, is also mine.  So maybe I shouldn't have said yes, haha)

So anyway, this is what he gave me! I've been wanting to get a Garmin (which is priced at about Php 15,000 and above for the one I want - Forerunner 610) but A, my running "coach" said I didn't need it and frankly, I guess I just wanted one, thinking buying something expensive for running will make me feel the pressure to go back to it.  But nah, I think my current weight gain (which might even be doubled in my last trimester) will be enough to motivate me.  BUT ANYWAY! So H knows I've always been lusting over TechnoMarine but never thought of buying an expensive watch.  I guess H thought otherwise.. :P

 I researched for what I wanted and I thought of the TechnoMarine Cruise.  I saw it "in person" and figured it was too...white.  So I got something under the Cruise model (Cruise Beach) instead.  It comes in 3 other colors: pink, royal blue and purple but opted for this one.  Always found turquoise blue to be a pretty color.  The best part about this is that the straps can be changed.  I actually didn't know that all models came with an extra strap.  The extra strap is in turquoise as well.  

This is my first (and last) expensive watch! Malamang hindi naman ito and pinaka mahal out there but a watch over Php 5,000 is already expensive for me! Thank you, husband! <3

***

In other news, here's a recent baby bump photo! 

 23 weeks tomorrow :) I STILL cannot buy baby stuff but going to Rustan's in Shangri-La Mall this afternoon to go window shopping.  Heard renovation is over and done with and the baby section is pretty comprehensive.  Will tell you about that adventure later!

Shopping Shopping!

...because I really want to post about today's purchases, I had to make another entry.  Ayoko naman isama sa reflection ko something that seems so trivial and materialistic :))

So, today's purchases:

Bought another top from my current favorite store: Gingersnaps! I love how their maternity wear is just so chillingly pregnant.  I mean, nothing even that's empire cut and has a ribbon that can be tied at the back.  No offense to those kinds of tops, though since I have a few of them from SM.  But Gingersnaps just makes normal-looking clothes but tailor-fit for the pregnant body.  I've been to the Greenhills branch so many times that all the salesladies greet me when I enter! :))

This is obviously not for me.  My husband does not wear any other jeans but Levi's.  I, on the other hand, am fine with 700-peso jeans from herBench.  He was so happy with this purchase that right when we got home, he tried it on again with other tops/shoes to see which ones go well with it.  *rolls eyes* HAHA

I mentioned this on my Facebook wall but here I am again, raving about Parisian shoes! I got 2 pairs for P999.50! What a steal.  I did see some nice flats in Greenhills' tiangge - forgot the brand but really pretty and unique designs, but for P799 each.  Good thing this was after SM :p Bad news, I still have those flats on my mind... but, no, will not buy any more shoes!!

I've always wanted to buy this but since I've been looking for a Kris Kringle gift for my faculty room baby, I thought of giving her this.  The trouble with having so many new teachers is that I still haven't gotten the chance to get to know them all! I guess this is also because I wasn't in during the summer and first quarter.  Anyway, she's an English teacher so I'm assuming she likes to read!

Okay, I think that's it for the day! :) Things on my to-buy list for the rest of December : Gifts for some co-teachers, my advisory class and NOTHING ELSE.  Should start saving up for baby stuff <3

21 Weeks!

Here's my evidence to being 21 weeks pregnant:

I don't know if that belly's huge only because I just had lunch...? Nah, I do think I'm getting bigger by the day - more so now, than ever! I guess they were right...once you reach 5 months, it just keeps getting bigger.  Oh, please excuse my humongous arms, haha! Some people would be witness to this - I used to always complain about gaining so much weight and not being able to run but now...? I'm so way past that. Just really looking forward to 4 months from now.  Naks, nag mature ;)

**

Yesterday, Friday, classes were cancelled due to non-stop rains (no typhoon).  I decided to head over to Greenhills Shopping Center, since my best friend-of-too-many-years had something work-related in the area.  We had lunch at Le Ching - where I had my Le Ching favorite: Beef brisket with rice ;)

Walked around on my own since Shar had to get back to work (The Travel Club).  Bought gifts for a co-teacher expecting a baby girl (3 rompers and 2 pairs of mittens) and my 2-year-old godson, Miguel (super cute tops from Gingersnaps).  At around 4:00 PM, I felt my belly getting stiff and since this usually happens when I've been walking long, I decided to stop by Bo's for DECAF coffee.  Around 5:00 PM, Shar texts me saying, "Fitflops on sale again, want to get a pair?" And since then, I just kept thinking about it until about 6:00 PM when we'd finally meet again so I could hitch a ride with her.  Well, BUY IT won since, #1 it was 30% off.  #2, Shar put it on 0% interest for 6 months so I'd only have to pay about 500 from January to June, not bad! :P Here are my 2 pairs of Fitflops (black pair was also bought on sale months ago):

They're just so comfy and plus it has that exercise-while-you-walk technology which I don't really understand...but since this is probably the closest I can get to exercising, I'll take it.

I also bought H an iPhone 3GS case.  We've always been in love with Speck's Candyshell and we've each broken 2 cases already (from removing it and putting it back on - which we will no longer do): I have the black one while he has the one in violet :P

**

I think I've had enough shopping for yesterday.  Staying home this Saturday afternoon (and possibly night) to: sleep in, watch Vampire Diaries or get some work done.  Have a feeling the first option will win over the other two!