As I observe the saleable items, I am amazed. I refuse to think that I am not a trendsetter, it’s just that I have my own fashion statement. But I guess as entrepreneurs, we need to adjust to what the market dictates and not be stubborn about what we thing will sell — that is the first lesson we have learned.

Going around, I am surprised to see items that sell like the trend now are “Angry Birds”, anything about it. I have also funny shirts that spoof brands, couple shirts, and of course, accessories. However, people who have been in the bazaar business tells me that come December, everything sells. Since people love to give during Christmas.

I am praying that this venture will prosper and that even if it’s not Christmas, we will still find the right location to sell our goods.

Honestly, after the Christmas season I tend to tone down my shopping spree despite all the “SALE” marked in the windows of the department store but now that I will once again travel, I need some winter clothes and I am looking for bargain finds. Of course, always being a smart shopper. Especially with all the prices going up nowadays, we need to be clever in what we spend on. Bargain prices without sacrificing the quality, right?

As early as now, I am window shopping for the right wardrobe. Going through the rack of gowns and mens ties. It motivates me to shop and create the perfect look for my kids. I guess that’s the “Fashionista” in me that’s working.

For my son, we will soon visit the tailor for his custom made pants and vest. As for my daughter, I have done my pre-shopping and we will soon hit the racks with her so she can choose her gown and of course, her shoes. The stage mom can’t wait, LOL!

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My husband considers me a shopaholic but I say, I am a smart shopper. As early as September, I have been hoarding “sale items” for our Christmas gifts. Even though I have to brave through the thick blanket of people, I would do that just to have the best value for my money.

I just wish we also have bargains like in the US such Cyber Monday and Black Friday deals. Thanksgiving is such a big deal for them and they celebrate it by giving shoppers Thanksgiving sale at the mall. Oooooh, I would probably go ga-ga over there. teeheheheeee.

I am almost half done with my Christmas list and I am having so much fun doing the shopping

Just yesterday, I have felt some of the major symptoms of anxiety and it scared the hell out of me. My heart was pounding, my body was sweating, excruciating headache and nausea. When I try to vomit, I felt as if my jaws are about to lock like my whole body was crumbling. It was then I realized that my body was talking to me and I had to succumb to it. I turned on the air conditioning unit, lied down on my bed and emptied myself out – tried not to think of anything.

Men, did it scare me! I am fine now but the feeling has left a scar. I promised myself I had to let go. Anxiety for me is more than just emotions, it is my body’s defense mechanism against stress.

I guess I have to learn more on controlling these emotions. Now, I understand why a person who goes through these attacks end up in depression. I have felt it and if you do not recognize the symptoms, the fear can be paralyzing which may turn into a serious medical condition or a mental disorder.

The following day, I heard mass and asked for guidance and of course, forgiveness. Forgiveness because I have failed once again to let go and let GOD. I am only human and I cannot control everything that comes my way and I admit that. Accepting your weaknesses may seem very hard but it’s the first step to realizing there is something wrong and find a way to fight and turn these weaknesses into a strength. This way you let it work for you and not against you

On the other hand, nothing can beat retail therapy to fight any amount of stress . I just can’t help but visit my favourite department store and check out the latest in their women’s apparel section.

Just this morning, I dropped by Robinson’s Pioneer to buy dog food and do some errands. I find the dog food at Handyman a lot cheaper than the ones  sold in the regular supermarket.  And since I’m already there, I decided to go to the supermarket and do some purchase.

During this time, I realized that the brand of imported coffee which I use for my brewed coffee is a lot cheaper than the one I purchase at the grocery which I go to. I immediately shared it with my daughter and told her that I feel deceived. “Hahahaha…”, my daughter started laughing. She told me I’m so babaw (shallow).

I actually laughed at myself for being the way I am. What can I do I am just a sucker for bargain?

I frequent three grocery stores and I know which items are cheaper than the other. Even the way I prepare my day, it’s carefully planned so I get fuel efficiency. Gasoline prices are so high nowadays and I feel the need to save whenever I can plus it’s also Earth friendly.

In buying big ticket items, I carefully canvass all the stores available so I can get the cheapest price available. Can you just imagine me looking for a  discount auto insurance? Oh, yes! Even that, I just want to have the best value for my money.

As the bunso (youngest sibling), she still enjoys the perks of soliciting shopping money from us, mostly from my brother and my other sis since she knows that she can’t ask so much from me because I already have kids. But I do give in once in awhile.
Unlike me, my sis is the type who can stay at home all day. Retail therapy for me is when I engage my senses in choosing my shoes, clothes or even household embellishment while she chooses to go online and search for online sites.
Although I have tried to shop online, the first attempts were exciting but the subsequent tries, brought in some unexpected disappointments like the color do not match the displayed item online. I did not bother returning but I just told myself that I would be careful the next time.
I admire my sister’s persistence in looking for fab finds online. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’ll even join online auction just to get the things she wants. She will probably have her own online shopping store soon.

Even her wardrobe, you can see the sporty gears and not the “girlie” stuff. She just loves rubber shoes, she’s completely my exact opposite. I can with only a pair of rubber shoes or even none.

Now that she’s about to celebrate her birthday, one of her birthday wishes was to have her Nike training shoes. Fortunately there was a Nike and Adidas Clearance Sale and I bought a pair training shoes for her. It’s 50% off, isn’t it fab? She loved it so much.

As for me, I am glad to have scored a good bargain once again. Being a practical mom, I see to it that even if I give in to retail therapy, I am always a smart shopper.

Happy Birthday, my dear daughter!

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