My 1-2-3 in savings!

It's so hard to save!
I am saying this as a normal person with a normal type of work and trying to live my life paycheck after paycheck! In an ideal world, this is not supposed to happen -- in the ideal world, we should all be able to save and be ready for the future.

Unfortunately, the ideal world only exists in our dreams! Especially if you are living a normal life -- ie. not a celebrity, politician or famous athlete.  Sad to say but we have to admit that "WE NEED TO WORK HARD" to have a better and secured future!  Well this is a challenge for all of us!

Now, I am not pretending to be an expert when it comes to saving money for the future, I am just a simple person with simple ways to save and I would like to share them to you because it might also help you. 

I believe in baby steps so here goes: 

1. Packed Lunch - Even when Sweets and I was in Malaysia, we are really used to bringing our own lunch at the office.  My office mates in MY would always tease me and say "You always eat, Kristine!".  If you bring your own lunch, it will definitely help in your savings.  Let's peg that your daily meal is around Php100 per day (this is a minimum amount), so it's already Php500 per week, and Php2000 per month.  If you BYOB (Bring your own Baon) you can save almost half, not to mention that your meals will be healthy becuase you were the one who prepared them!

2. Making my own nails and hair - When I was in Malaysia (again), Haircut and manicure / pedicure is expensive.  Thus, I had to learn on my own and do my nails and hair on my own.  Even if I am here now in PH, I still do my own nails and hot oit at home -- I saved a lot of bucks!

    Here is a sample of my simple nail art --> Nails
      Here is a sample of my own hair cut --> My bangs!

3. Thrift Shops - I don't want to suger coat -- Yes, I go to Ukay-Ukay and I must admit that I am a parokyano, mainly because you will be able to save a lot compared to visiting Zara or H&M (and other branded items).  You just have to know the right pieces of clothing to choose  from and you know how to disinfect them.  Most of the time we look at our closets and feel that we need more clothes, my suggestion is to "Look again"!

4. MRT / LRT - In Malaysia, trains are our favorite mode of transportation.  It's much cheaper and faster.  Here in the Philippines, you can also save a lot by taking the train (instead of cab) but you have to extend your patience (mula Apari hanggang Julo).. you all know what I mean.  BUT BUT if you want a convenient ride, then cab is the way to go (you just have to alot some budget on it).




5. DIYing - I can't stress enough how I loved DIYing and I have done quite a few already.   My mantra for DIYing is "If you can make it, then do it!".
Being lazy is a whole different story :)

Here is how I did it --> DIY Gloves.

Here is how I did it --> DIY Star Wreath


6. No to "phone plans" - I started using cellphone since 2003 and up to this moment, I haven't enrolled to any phone plans. Simply because I do not want to worry every month that I have to pay my phone bills when I have the option to buy prepaid instead.  Also, I don't want to confuse myself in thinking whether or not I was able to consume my plan (if it's a Plan 1k, or Plan 2k).

7. No to "credit cards" - From the name itself "credit" - it means automatic "utang with interest" and so I am really not a fan.  Don't get me wrong though, I totally agree to use the credit card if this is for an emergency purpose.  My mantra about credit card "If you can't buy it in cash, then don't buy it!"

8. My movie house habit - My husband and I love watching movies but before jumping to the movie house, we assess first whether the movie is "Movie House Worthy" or not.  If the answer is the latter, then we stay at home and download the movies online.

  9. Staying at home - Staying at homes, means not having to purchase anything at all and this is the ultimate way to save.  Why?

    - If you go to the mall, you will likely see something that you want to buy.
    - SALE in malls, don't be fooled by it, you will be buying more than one item.

Staying at home means having the needed quality time with your family. 
Come to think of it, it's not expensive and yet you have the opportunity to give a priceless gift, your TIME!

How about you? What are your simple tips for saving?!

Xoxo

How many "inaanaks" do you have?

For me to answer this question, I have to stop and sit with a paper and pen.  I have to write them all down and I will need at least 30 minutes to make sure that I will not miss anyone.  Why do I have to write their names down?

1. I need to figure out exactly how many they really are.
2. I need to figure out who deserves a gift.

#1 is normal - yes we need to know who they are because we do not want to be caught up in a situation wherein someone will approach us and say "oh bless sa ninang!".

#2 is normal for me - I need to figure out who deserves to receive a gift.  Of course all of them will get something from me but it all differs on the effort that I will put in, in getting their gifts. 

Not sure for others but #2 is normal for me.  Simply because I am not rich and I can't give all of them the gifts that they wish to have.  Here are my top 2 rule of thumb:

* The situation of our relationship - if I get to see you often.  I mean interact with you at least once a month and see you grow and learn how to stand and even walk.

* My relationship with your (my inaanak's) parents - let's face it, we became god parents to you because of the relationship that we have with your parents.  The rest is self explanatory.

If you have a godchild (we all have) and you are already thinking of what you'll give them for Christmas then these rules might help you plan.  No one wants to spend their holiday season being stressed in hiding from their inaanaks right!!

To my inaanaks out there-- all of you have grown by age and by quantity.  As early as now I would like to greet you a very merry Christmas and at an early age, let me remind you that it's not all about the gift- it's my role as your second parent that is more important. ^_^

Xoxo

Are you ready for Christmas?

Few more weeks and Christmas is here!  I really cannot hide my excitement everytime "Ber" months comes in, Christmas is really one of my favorite events of the year! A few weeks back, I posted a link about "My Christmas Game plan" and it detailed my timeline til Christmas time.

The plan might be a little too overwhelming because I indicated a bit of details in it but trust me it helped a lot in my planning. 

Now I want to share a simple list to help us prepare for the upcoming season of merriment.  Here are the things that you need to plan:

1. Plan your gatherings - when you want to meet your family and friends, once you have a confirmed event, make sure to block it off in your calendar. Do not forget to take into consideration your team / company Christmas parties as well.  My suggestion is to really plan ahead, it's not only our schedule that we are taking into consideration, it's also our friends' and families' schedule that we need to block.

2. Plan what gifts you would like to give - when I am planning for gift giving, I don't always go for the extravagant one, I always believe in the saying "Its the thought that counts".  I always go for (a) practical (b) useful (c) cheap gifts that I know will be appreciated!  My suggestion is to start buying gifts as early as September (you have to have a list of course of who you would like to give your gifts to) - once you have purchased a gift, update your list religiously.  By December, you will be surprised that you don't have to spend for gifts anymore -- or at least you just have to spend a minimal amount. 

3. Plan your budget - Undoubtedly, Christmas is the time where you really have to spend.  Whether you like it or not, there is really no escaping shopping.  Even if you are not having an extravagant party, you will still have to spend for your family's celebration.  My suggestion is for us to save at least 1-2k bi monthly starting September, come December we will have enough.

I hope that these three items will help you plan for your Christmas activities and spendings!! 

Xoxo

Welcoming FY15 - CF CMT way!!

Wow! It has been 8 hours already and I am still full!

After the Year-end celebration of CF HR Team at Circles in Makati Shang!  Then followed by the Year-end celebration of the entire CF at Edsa Shang... Now followed by a year-starter at Vikings!! OMG! Boy, I am anticipating a lot and I know that we are ready to take on the challenge that FY15 is bound to give us! Right team??!!

Yey! That's the spirit!! Am I hearing whispers? He he!
Kidding aside.. This lunch is meant for a lot of celebrations! 

1. Ending FY14 with a Bang! Helping CF grow strong!
2. Looking forward to a fruitful FY15
3. Stronger and even smarter team!
4. Relationships that are tougher than a steel ship!
5. Birth month of our two special team members. Our super super manager - Ms My! And my super quiet (minsan) seatmate Ven!

Yes it's a long table and we were all full we didn't even think about work!  Because work will always be work and no matter how hard we worked in a day, tomorrow will be another time for work!  So we need to be smart in the way we work -- looks like we are already practicing this! Right team? Wink!

Yes food will matter (kami na ang mahilig kumain) but a strong relationship and teamwork is the key to success! ^_^

Xoxo

Say "Thank You" to yourself!

When was the last time you said "Thank you" to yourself?.  I admit that sometimes I am a victim of this question, I am often hard on myself and always seek for perfection! However, no one is perfect, we all make mistakes and its fine (as long as we learn from them).

With all our hard day's work, when did we say "Thank You"?  If the answer is "not at all" then we should start the habit of thanking ourselves for all the things that we have done!  Maybe not for ourselves but maybe for the things that we've done for our family and loved ones!

Knowing that we are thankful for ourselves means that we know that we are valuable, that we did something good and that we know that we are worth the "Thanks".  

Just like what the quote above says "If we feel good about ourselves then it should be easy to pass it forward"

Xoxo

Blessed Weekend: Padre Pio Shrine

Last Saturday morning, Sweets asked if we can go to Padre Pio Shrine in Sto Tomas Batangas.  Since we are really heading to Laguna to visit my family, I called up Mama and asked her if she can accompany us and go to Padre Pio.  She mentioned that she really intended to go to Padre Pio this weekend -- I believe that this is not a coincidence - this is a blessing from Him.

St. Pio was born to Grazio Mario Forgione and Maria Giuseppa Di Nunzio Forgione in Pietrelcina, a farming town in Southern Italy.  St. Padre Pio was ordained a priest in 1910.  On September 4, 1916, Father Pio was ordered to return to his community life.  Thus he was moved to an agriculture community, Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary, located in San Giovanni, Rotonda in Foggia.  He stayed there until death, bearing the stigmata, the five wounds of Christ for fifty years.

Padre Pio become a spiritual director, guiding many spirituality, considering them as his spiritual daughters and sons.  He had five rules for spiritual growth, namely:
1. Weekly Confession
2. Daily Communion
3. Spiritual Reading
4. Meditatin
5. Examination of Conscience

His advice on pratical application of theology he often summed up his now famous quote, "Pray. Hope. Don't Worry."  He directed Christians to recognize God in all things and to desire above all things to do the will of God.

To learn more about him -- please visit his Biography --> Pio of Pietrelcina!

The Padre Pio Shrine in Sto Tomas Batangas is less than 10 kilometers from San Pablo City, Laguna town proper, and is another 1 1/2 kilometers from the highway.

As envisioned by Rev. Fr. Joselin "Jojo" C. Gonda, the newly built church is a product of a nature and eco-friendly, Filipino and tropical design.  Wood, stone, bamboo, and sasa define the Filipino character of the structure.

The roof of the church is shaped like a giant ant salakot to remind the faithful of how God protects us from evil and harm just as how the salakot protects farmers and fishermen from the rains and from the heat of the sun.  The whole concept created a unique, serene, and welcoming church that naturally draws people to pray and be inspired by God and nature. -- from St Padre Pio Parish and Shrine brochure.

Once you reached the parking space (one side is soil and rocks, the other side is cemented), you will already see the stairs going up the church.

This view is looking at the church and where you can put your candles.

This view is looking at the Chapel of the Living Water and Images of Mary (below entrance).   This Chapel is at the basement of the Belfry tower where devotees come here to be blessed by the Holy Water.

The tower is the Mary, Mother of Mercy Belfry.  As you go up each floor of the tower, you will see the life of Padre Pio on how he started his mission.  At the top of the tower are the church' bells.

This is another place where in you can also say your prayer.

Now on to the church itself. It is an open space and it's very calm and relaxing.  You can feel the serenity and love of God that you will want to lift everything to Him.

After praying, you can opt to light a candle and pray for the wish of your heart.  My husband and I, we always pray for Love, Family, Forgiveness and Hope! 

I recommend that you visit Padre Pio on a non mass hour or non feast day. So you will feel the solemnity of the place and you can be focused with your prayer.

The feast of St. Padre Pio is celebrated every 23rd of the month but the real Feast Day where there is a month long celebration happens every 23rd of September.

I hope that you can have some time to visit this place to reflect and thank Him for all the blessings that came our way.  If you are too far from Batangas, you can also visit Padre Pio at Libis, Eastwood.

Xoxo

Never too late!

Our everyday life is a constant battle for success!
Whether it's about being honor in school, our promotion at work or even just perfecting that favorite dish at home. 

We always strive to be better and be successful in what we do.
It gives us the sense of fulfillment and self worth!

Now at times when you feel that you have given everything you have.
That you have exhausted all your energy, sweat and even tears.
That you wanted to give up.. think again.. because living our lives means "Always being ready to take on the challenges that can make us the persons we are meant to be".

I want to share this simple video and for me it represents our lives.
We might think that it's too late for us to be successful or avhieve our dreams but there is always hope!  We just have to believe in oursleves that we can overcome things, we just need to have determination!



The video may be simple but I hope that it give you inspiration as much as it did to me!

Xoxo




 

Reward to ourselves!

We have all been working so hard because we want to make sure that we are able to provide for our needs and our family's needs.  We always give our 100% at work and sometimes forget to have a little fun. 

While we are working so hard, it is also important to give some fun time to ourselves.  This is what Sweets and I did when we decided to watch a movie! 

It was in Gateway Mall. 

Not the normal cinema because it was meant not only to watch a movie but to relax as well while waiting for the movie to start.

They had a cozy waiting area.. Feels like you are in a hotel lobby or reception area.

Seats were lazy boy, meant for couples! 

They have a free popcorn and drinks and it was just relaxing while watching the movie.  I can adjust the seat, recline it and so on..

It's not wrong to pamper ourselves once in a while!! I will support you on that because we all need a break!

Xoxo

Happy to share!

Accenture is very active when it comes to recruitment activities and I am thankful that I was able to participate in some of their activities. Some of their programs includes conducting trainings and workshops, topics of which are given by the universities or sometimes we offer the module that we have.

I volunteered to present the "Professional Image".

The materials were given to me and all I had to do was to study them and make sure that I get the message across. 

The first batch whom I presented this topic was;

School - Far Eastern University

Course - IT and Computer Science

Attendees - 100 students

The second one was;

School - Asia Pacific College

Course - AB Multi Media and Arts

Attendees - 80 students

It was both an exciting and challenging experience.  Exciting because I get to share my experience and ideas to the young generation (yuck I feel so old!).  Challenging because I had to keep the participation going and I need to make sure they will feel the importance of my topic.  Good for me, all of them (FEU and APC) were both very active and participative.  I always tell them "I am not doing this session for myself, I am doing this to help you understand the importance of being professional".

I am looking forward to more speaking engagements with different universities.  It does not just give me the experience but it gives me the opportunity to give back whatever it is that I learned from Accenture!  For the things that I am thankful for! 

How about you?  How do you want to share your skills and passion?

Thanks to both schools for appreciating and trusting me in conducting the session to your students! 

Thanks Accenture for the support and encouragement in doing such sessions!! 

Xoxo

Happy Friday: Remember the Reason for the Season!

Five days of September and I am already feeling the Christmas spirit.
Last Monday, while I was walking in the mall, Christmas carols were already played.. oh em gee! It's really Christmas and I am very excited to prepare for it.

While we are all excited for Christmas, let us not forget the reason for the season and make it special for our family, friends and ourselves.  This is the time to meet with our family and friends and catch up as long as we can.  With this in mind, we always need to remind ourselves that we attended the gathering to communicate and not to surf our social media profiles all the time.

Saw this photo from the internet and it's a good wake up call for all of us.
Communication (verbal) and interaction is very important, it helps build relationships and even cure sickness.  Like personally, I would be pissed if my friends or family would be looking at their phones instead of listening to my stories. (not that I am selfish - but if you want to just look at your phone all night -- then I just wasted my time on you!)

If you have the chance to meet up with your family and friends, whether it's just a simple lunch / dinner out or reunion.  Take that opportunity to catch up!!
Let us all avoid being in the venue but pre-occupied with social media. 

Disclaimer:
- It's fine to tweet where you are right now, who you are with;
- It's also fine check-in in FB;
- It's fine to take a picture of your meal;

"Just don't let these social media consume your time"

PS: Do you already have your Christmas Game Plan? I do -- read more Here

Xoxo