The Black Friday deals are indeed awesome! Well, if you have the money set aside for this big sale event of the year, the grin on your face is probably the widest. Supposedly, we were planning to shop in Viera Mall but, on the last minute, we were lazy to go out in the cold outdoors. I stayed home and did my Black Friday shopping online. And boom ... got my iPhone 5S Gold.
The only savings I got is having the iPhone 5s with no down payment. The price is still the same in apple store which is $649. I was torn between the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Blackberry Z10 but, the latter has $99 down payment whereas the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has 0. My final decision ended with the iPhone 5s. I could have gotten the Blackberry Z10 but, I am saving my $99 for a good cause.
If I am not happy with my iPhone 5s, I can always change it in 6 months. I bought an insurance for it where I can exchange it to another unit. Now, that's another deal to steal right?
How's your Thanksgiving Day everyone? It must have been a fun day with family huh? My husband and I had a wonderful time with our turkey dinner at home. After dinner we watch a Christmas movie on TV and at the same time switching to Football game. We drove by the Indian River to watch the Falcon 9 rocket launch and as we drove home, some of the houses in our neighborhood already turned on their Christmas lights. It was beautiful. Honestly, we already set up the Christmas lights in our home so; for the first time, we turn it on as well. That's how to invite everyone to be in the spirit of Christmas.
Back home, I remember that during this time of the year, the Christmas spirit can be felt everywhere. Groups of carolers are already in the streets sharing Christmas music to some establishments and even in our neighborhood. Carolers have their soloist and guitarist, and when they sang good, they usually get more donation. Most of the guitarists are not professionals but, they have been playing their guitar most of their lives so; they are expert with chords. I am just wondering if they were introduced to some of the amazing music tools such as korg kaossilator pro at guitar center, I bet they can create beautiful music composition easily. I believe they can. Anyway, I haven't seen any Christmas Carolers in my neighborhood ever since. Maybe, they are not allowed here or, it is not part of their Christmas tradition.
I love freebies especially if I don't pay a dime. Yes, I got this free VS mist for free when I received a coupon from VS thru mail. I don't usually open emails everyday but, last week I read every one of them. Guess what, VS sent me an email to claim this black purse worth $58 for free.
The next day, I went to Merritt Island Mall and claim this black purse for free. There was no purchase required so, both items claimed are FREE. The black purse is a freebie exclusively given for Forever Angels card holder.
I tell you what, half of the time I missed claiming the freebies from VS. I tend to forget. I know, my bad!
I love this black purse and I think I am keeping it. Initially, I was thinking to give it to mom but, I bought her a purse and a wallet so; I guess she will be happy for the two items.
Have you ever heard the music "Feels So Good" by Chuck Mangione? He is one of my favorite musicians. He is known as Jazz flugelhorn legend and I remember, a friend gave me a cassette tape while I was in high school. I listen to his music when I needed to relax my mind. Lately, as I was browsing Feels So Good in YouTube, one child played this song using a clarinet. What a lovely music!
I admire children who plays musical instruments at young age. If they play saxophones, clarinet, and flugelhorn, they have great talents. Anyway, if you are looking for good synthetic clarinet reeds reviews, you can surely find it now. If you haven't heard the song Feels So Good, you know where to search it. Here's what I know, you heard this song once before.
I have been waiting for Black Friday deals this year and been comparing these three Smart Phones: #iPhone5s , #SamsungGalaxyNote3 and #BlackberryZ10. I have been watching the review of these phones in YouTube and so far; my heart is rooting for #Blackberry because it is bigger.
Now, T-Mobile has this great deal but, the Blackberry is not included for Black Friday deals therefore; I have to pay $99 for down payment whereas; 0 down payment for either the #iPhone or #Samsung. I am still confused right now. What do you think? Which would you prefer?
This great looking SUV is Ford Edge, one of the best ride that we have. When we went to Missouri for a one week vacation, we cancelled our flight and take the road trip instead. No regret! We enjoyed the long ride. Oh my goodness, the mountains in Tennessee are gorgeous. We stopped in one of the towns in this state to buy lunch in a Chinese Buffet.
Yep, we pass by Illinois and it was fall season so; the colors of the leaves are already changing.
We love this road trip and though it's tiring, the sight is just gorgeous.
I am not sure where this place at but, we did pass by a lot of bridges. Our road trip started from Florida to Missouri.
Going to Missouri, we traveled in three days and we stayed in two hotels in Tennessee and in Missouri right after St. Louis.
From Florida, we crossed the states of Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and finally reached Missouri by 1 PM on the 3rd day.
Check out the sign, I wonder if the city is nearby from here :-)
Hubby and I truly enjoyed our trip and we plan to visit Missouri again. Among the states that I mentioned above, we are interested to visit Tennessee and stay there for few days.
It was a rainy day in Orlando but, down here by the coast, the sun's trying to show up. It was a beautiful day to explore the beach in Cocoa or just hang out by the mall. As I gaze up above, I took a snap for this amazing display of clouds in the sky. The sky is fleeced with beautiful display of clouds.
We went to Rusty's Seafood Bar and Grill Restaurant by Cape Canaveral area to meet our friends for lunch. It was the first time that I meet the parents of our friend and they are wonderful. Ron and I was already hungry so; we decided to dig in with the buffet while the rest ordered snow crab legs.
We spent few hours reminiscing happy times. We don't usually take photos but, on this day we did and everyone's having fun. There was a newly opened Italian Restaurant in the area so; we thought of checking it out.
We end up buying some doughnuts, cannoli, gelato and some fresh breads. Great tasting bread I must say.
When we parted ways, hubby and I went to Merritt Island just to hang out a little bit and check their Christmas Decors.
Hubby saw this Fiat and he loves it by the Macy's entrance. Well, I don't like to ride in smart cars , sport cars and Fiat is no exemption. He really has the plan to buy a Fiat though.
I went to Victoria's Secret and pick up my freebies. Yap, these are FREE , no purchase required and this is worth $70.
As we head back home, the sun was setting down from the horizon. It was a beautiful thing to see!
Advance Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Were you able to find some cool ideas regarding the table setting arrangement for Thanksgiving? Well, if you are still searching for it, I already gathered 10 festive table settings that I found on the net. Before I begin though, let us all be reminded why we celebrate Thanksgiving.
4 Fun Facts of Thanksgiving:
1. The first Thanksgiving Celebration goes back with the Pilgrims of Plymouth Massachusetts
2. 1621 Plymouth Thanksgiving is the birthplace of Thanksgiving holiday.
3. The First US President who declared Thanksgiving Day as a Holiday was Pres. Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
4. It was President Abraham Lincoln who declared that Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated every last Thursday of November.
5. We celebrate it to thank God for the blessings of good harvest and of the preceding year.
Now, depending on the number of guest that you have, you can always take an inspiration from any of these table setting arrangements.
Make the centerpiece filled with beautiful flowers and different shapes. Look around in your garden and in your chosen vase, fill it with blooms. With the sprig of fall, you can use them too to spread colors on the table.
This is the perfect time to use those beautiful dinnerware and tableware after all, your family and friends deserve the best during Thanksgiving.
You don't need to spend so much to make your table look as festive as these.
You can buy a dozen of gourds, splash different colors of flowers and add few candles. It will definitely make your Thanksgiving table as glorious as these.
For now, I am sure you already have ideas.
What do you think? Which of these are your inspiration?
Thanksgiving is an American Tradition. After all, thanksgiving is all about family.
All photos above are not mine. All credit goes to the photographer and owner of these amazing table setting arrangement photos..
I was checking the USCIS.GOV today and I saw this:
I already posted this good news in my FB wall right after I received the notification from USCIS.GOV dated Nov. 15, 2013. USCIS reminds the Filipino Nationals to avail the Immigration Relief Measures. This is intended only for Filipinos who are already a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident who were impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. Take note of the following:
1. Change or extension of nonimmigrant status for an individual currently in the United States, even when the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired; 2. Extension of certain grants of parole made by USCIS; 3. Extension of certain grants of advance parole, and expedited processing of advance parole requests; 4. Expedited adjudication and approval, where possible, of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship; 5. Expedited processing of immigrant petitions for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs); 6. Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications, where appropriate; and 7. Assistance to LPRs stranded overseas without immigration or travel documents, such as Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards). USCIS and the Department of State will coordinate on these matters when the LPR is stranded in a place that has no local USCIS office.
For more information check out the following links: (copy and paste it in your browser)
" If you have already filed your application or petition:
You can make an expedite request by contacting the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283. The NCSC will take a “service request” and forward your expedite request to the office with jurisdiction over the application or petition. You also have the options of 1). visiting your local office by scheduling an InfoPass appointment or 2). writing a letter to the local office or service center."
Understanding the law is complicated that is why; when we need a legal opinion, we rely on the reputable expertise of a certified lawyer. Recently, the Philippines was smashed with a super typhoon Haiyan causing a catastrophic destruction in the Visayas Regions in the country. On November 15, 2013, the USCIS released an information for Filipino Nationals who were impacted by the typhoon to avail the Immigration Relief Measures. You can get the full detail in the USCIS site.
This is good news for Filipinos who are already US citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents for they can request to expedite the processing of their immigrant petitions for their immediate relatives in the Philippines. If you know somebody, please tell them to avail this Immigration Relief Measures intended for them. If in case they need the help from immigration lawyers, they can choose to do so as well. Good luck!
I don't do shopping unless I have a coupon and freebies. I got this VS tote for free when I bought this Visctoria's Secret lipstick which was on sale at that time. Using the $10 coupon plus and free shipping coupon, I paid almost nothing. Pretty good deal, don't you think?
Anyway, I love collecting VS tote and freebies but, I am not a big fan of this particular tote. It's not my style but, I know that my mom will going love this.
As my thought and prayers goes out to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, life must go on. If we don't look forward, we will be miserable. Much as we ached for them especially for those whose love ones perished from the storm, we have to continue to work and to earn a living so that we have something to share to them. We should give and help them in anyway we can and pray for the best that it will reach them and will somehow lessen their burden.
Risks in Coastal Living
Yesterday, we went to Cape Canaveral to watch the #Maven liftoff to Mars. We live in the coastal area too down here in the Space Coast. My husband and I love living in the coastal area but, we know the risks. When we have hurricanes, even category 3, we have to leave and evacuate. We have evacuation signs here and most people living in Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, Titusville and Port St Jon takes the evacuation warning seriously.
This is Banana River along Cape Canaveral, so pretty and calm. Beyond few miles from here is the Atlantic Ocean. People came here for surfing. We have big waves from the Atlantic, perfect for surfing. Living nearby waters is beautiful but, when storm comes, we do not think twice. We have to leave.
Too many died in the Philippines because they are not aware as to how damaging a storm surge could be. Storm surge was being reported in the news many times but, it was reported like an ordinary word. Most people in the area especially those living in shanties had no idea that a storm surge can do widespread devastation. In Biloxi Mississippi during Katrina, big building and casinos were like a toy smashed and toppled down. It was only category 3 hurricane compared to what hits the Philippines, a #SuperTyphoon category 5.
I've never been to Leyte Philippines but, I bet the coastal areas are beautiful. It probably looks like these photos. When Hurricane Katrina hits Mississippi in August of 2005, the house of my father-in-law was gone because they live by the bayou. The water reached as high as the ceiling. They evacuated bringing only important documents.
Right now, we will go back to Mississippi and will probably live there for many years. We will be buying property away from the beach. We were already looking for houses nearby our family. 8 years had passed since Katrina but, most of those badly hit areas remain vacant. If you visit Biloxi Mississippi, you can still see the vacant lots with flooring intact, buildings abandoned and more, the traces of the fury of the storm surge.
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
- St Francis of Assisi
The devastation caused by the typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) has affected not only a few cities and houses in the Philippines but the majority of the Visayas region where the death counts has now reached thousands and number of families affected now millions.
A conscious effort is now being undertaken by the Davao Bloggers Society and Filipino Bloggers Forum to join the relief operations by raising a total of P100,000.00 to finance and produce 1,000 hygiene packs for the victims. Each kit costing to PHP100 or USD2.50 will contain toiletries and other essential goods for a week's use of one person. Hygiene kits were chosen to be donated as this is something that is not yet prioritized by many donors.
Each kit will contain the following:
For MALES – Total Cost: PhP95.60
•60g Soap
•Weekly pack Shampoo – 8 sachets x 4 mL each
•3 packs of 30 g Toothpaste
•Toothbrush
•40 Pulls Pop Up Tissue
•10 g Cotton
•75 mL Alcohol
•2 x 3 mL Deolotion
•12 mL Insect repellant
•Resealable Zip Bag
For FEMALES – Total Cost: PhP100.00
•60g Soap
•Weekly pack Shampoo – 8 sachets x 4 mL each
•3 packs of 30 g Toothpaste
•Toothbrush
•40 Pulls Pop Up Tissue
•10 g Cotton
•75 mL Alcohol
•2 x 3 mL Deolotion
•12 mL Insect repellant
•2 pcs Sanitary Napkins
•Resealable Zip Bag
If you are from Davao City and you wish to help or join the campaign, you may donate in cash (please seal in an envelope) or in kind (preferably hygiene products found in the list/picture) to:
Mam Bebs Bakery
CVA Building, CM Recto Street, Davao City
(fronting City Triangle, adjacent to Ateneo Claveria Gate)
Mondays- Fridays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you are living outside the Philippines, you may send your donations via Paypal to merchant@alleba.com
or simply click on the button below to donate using your credit or debit card:
Pledges for donation will be received until December 7, 2013. Please feel free to contact bloggersforreliefPH@gmail.com for all your inquiries and questions.
We are also asking donors to write down a positive message or words of encouragement (or email to us messages)
for the recipients, one for every P100 donated, to be inserted in each kit.You may also include it as message when sending your Paypal donations.
Please also help us disseminate this information to those who are willing to help and contribute. You may share or link this post to your social media accounts with hashtags #bloggersforReliefPH #YolandaPH.
All kits and other donations will be turned over to Ateneo de Davao University for distribution.
Please LIKE Bloggers for Relief PH for more updates:
Bangon, Pilipinas!
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another” -Charles Dickens
I was sick for almost 4 days in fact; when I woke up this morning I was still dizzy. It's Sunday and I don't want to miss the Sunday Mass so; I forced myself to get up and attend the 8AM mass at Merritt Island. I was so touched when the priest announced that there will be a second collection intended for the #Philippines.
As the world saw the helpless typhoon victims asking for food and water, the response of the foreign aid was immediate. It was overwhelming to note that people in foreign countries care and felt the urgency to extend help to my beloved country. Typhoon #Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Yolanda has devastated most of the towns and cities in Visayas Region.
My family lives in Northern Mindanao, just south of the Visayas. Though we were spared on this typhoon, my family and relatives were victims of the Typhoon #Sendong in December 17, 2011. 11 of my relatives lived with us for a month. I thought about it during the mass. Though financially I didn't recover, bank's drained. I am thankful that my relatives are safe. God provides for all our material needs. I am thankful to God for keeping my immediate family safe from harm because I can't imagine losing one of them.
As the second collection was gathered, I look at the faces of the parishioners who gladly give a donation and I was teary eyed. Their $ will surely makes a difference in the lives of the typhoon victims. As a Filipino I am forever grateful for their generosity. Thank you parishioners of #DivineMercyCatholicChurch in #MerrittIsland , #Florida .
The #SuperTyphoon #Haiyan / #Yolanda directly smashed some areas in the Visayas region of the #Philippines this week. The authorities expect that death toll will exceed 1,000 +. This reality is overwhelming for us Filipinos. For now, I can only light a candle and say a prayer. Please join me:
"Dear Lord God, our refuge and strength,
even the wind and sea obey your voice.
Put the wind back in its place,
and say to the sea:
Peace! Be still!
Fill us with great faith,
and save us from the surging water,
so that we may tell the good news of your saving love;
You know when I am upset, depressed and feeling so blue, I tried to pull myself back together by inviting positive vibes. How do I achieve that? It's simple really. I stay in my home office, light a scented candle, and listen to "easy listening" music. I just close my eyes and eventually, my mind relaxes! In the office, I have my guitar. I play with it as well. Even though my husband doesn't like to listen to my squeaky singing voice LOL, he don't mind at all. He bought a guitar for me about three years ago and I play with it from time to time. It still looks brand new for I took care of it so good. It is as good looking as a peavey guitar at musicians friend.
Did you know that I have long nails? The only time that I cut my nails is the time that I play my guitar. Long nails can damage the finger board of the guitar. Anyway, after playing 2 or 5 songs, I am back to my old self again. Music is my stress-reliever and calms me down. What's yours?
Early this morning, Gabby Douglas, the TWO TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST is one of the guests in Fox News. It is so nice to see her on the limelight (once again) promoting another great product. This time, she endorses the Flips for Sony. Who else has the right to endorse the Flip from Sony? It's none other than Gabby Douglas, the Olympic Gold Medalist that can perform a perfect flip! If you are a fan of Sony's VAIO, you will be glad with this news:
The VAIO | Flip PC, Tap 11 Tablet PC and Tap 21 all-in-one PC are now available for pre-order from Sony and Best Buy for $1099
From $749 to $999, you can choose from these items:
VAIO Fit 13A | Flip PC
VAIO Fit 15A | Flip PC
VAIO Fit 14A | Flip PC
Tap 11 PC and Tap 21 PC
For VAIO | Flip and Tap 11 PCs : check these items in Sony and Best Buy today.
As for me who can't afford this gadget, I will just join the Sony Flip Sweepstakes.
Here is how to Win a Flip PC /VAIO® :
For Twitter entry:
1. Get creative and tell them what you’d do with a Sony #VAIOFlip by tweeting your answer to @SonyElectronics
2. Make sure #VAIOFlip is included in your tweet so your entry will be counted.
tweet sample:
- @SonyElectronics I will take a flip video of myself #VAIOFlip
- @SonyElectronics To capture many selfie photos #VAIOFlip
For Comment Entry:
1. Feel free to submit your response in the comment section of link below:
2. Make sure you provide your correct email address so Sony can contact you if you win.
3. Copy and Paste this link in your browser and add your entry: http://blog.sony.com/2013/11/vaio-flip-sweeps/
They allow one entry per person/per day. U.S. residents only. They will select one winner randomly and this sweepstakes starts at 9 a.m. ET, Nov 4 and ends 5 p.m. ET, Nov 18. The winner will be contacted via Direct Message on Twitter or through the email address provided to the Sony Blog. Check the official rules at Blog.Sony.Com. Goodluck to all well, especially to me (wink) oppsss.
I have a keyboard that my father gave me few years ago and I seldom use it. Besides, I can only play few notes. It has a built in music collection so; that's basically what it is for me. When my brother asked me about it, I did not hesitate to give it away for my nephew. At least he learns to play with it. As far as I remember, when he was in First Grade, he had a piano recital. He successfully played a children's song and I guess, that keyboard that I gave him has helped him a lot in his practice time.
He is now in 6th grade and I plan to give him an affordable 88 key keyboard as a gift. I do not know if he wanted to have a new one but, the last time we chatted on the Internet, he wanted an MP3. I bought a good brand that can connect to Wi-Fi so; he can download music via the Internet.
This policy is valid from 21 October 2008
This blog is a personal blog. For questions about this blog, please contact amiableamy in the message section. If my post has a sponsor, it may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content or advertising post may not always be identified as sponsored content. The owner of this blog provides opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. It is the sole responsibility of the reader to weigh the product endorsements as legitimate. This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
