Smartphone Friendly Gloves

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It's winter. The temps are below zero and you have been waiting at the bus stop for more than fifteen minutes now. Your freezing cold. Thankfully, you didn't forget to wear your beanie and your gloves. Suddenly, your phone rings. You want to ignore but sees that it's an important call that you need to take. So you have no choice but to remove your gloves so you can answer your phone. The call takes about five minutes. After that, your hands are so cold and numb you can't feel them anymore. 

Familiar eh? Do you ever find it annoying whenever you have to remove your gloves just to answer a text message or a call from your smartphone? But there's now a solution to this dilemma: smartphone friendly gloves that allow you to use your smartphone without having to remove them. I found these really nice touchscreen friendly gloves at Esprit.de and I just thought: this would  be perfect for the husband.

And there's a pair that's perfect for women too:

I just love them! Too bad I won't be here when it really gets too cold as I'll be away in a sunny, warm and tropical place. :)

A Quick Way to Get Around The Campus

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When I was still doing my Master's degree, it was very tiring to go to the campus and going from one institute to another for the different lectures. Getting from one place to another, especially in the cold seasons, has proven to be very tasking especially that I don't have long, quick legs. I wanted to be more mobile but driving a car to get to the campus in Vaihingen is impossible since I don't have a driver's license then. Going by bicycle is also not an option since I don't know how to ride one.

I was thinking of getting myself a scooter. I am sure it will not be as difficult to maneuver as a bicycle plus it is faster. And there are mopeds for sale that are really inexpensive and very suitable for ladies like me. Ain't this pink one just cute? The younger crowd will definitely go for this one. But since I already fiinished my Master's (thank goodness!), I think I will not really be needing a scooter or a moped or whatever you call it. Perhaps my daughter can have one when she goes to university and we only live in the vicinity of the university where she will attend in the future. Crossing fingers!  

Lovely Shoes For Your Little Fashionista

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On our way home from the Kindergarten, a parent asked me about my little girl's Barbie shoes. She asked where I bought them because her little girl also wanted one. Her daughter is turning a year older in the next few days and so she was frantically searching for something just like it at the shoe shops here and also online. She wanted to give it to her daughter as a bitthday present you see but her search is in vain. Since my husband was still in the Philippines on the day this parent approached me, I asked him if he could buy two pairs, one for my little girl and the other one for her friend at the Kindergarten. Thankfully, he agreed and even sent me photos of the cute, colorful and dainty designs. The material is made from sythetic leather and the outer sole is made of lightweight rubber (I think). 

Don't you just love these? Which one's your favorite?

My little girl's first pair is already "kaputt" so to speak, with the heel part slowly separating from the counter, and the synthetic material peeling off. It could be because of too frequent wear, with my little one tending to drag her feet while she walks. But whatever the reason, we need some fast cure clear adhesives (click here for a selection of other adhesives) FAST so we can put them again to use here at home during her impromptu ramp modeling sessions or in the next summer season. This also got me thinking as to whether I should ask the hubby to buy more so I can sell them to the little girls at the Kindergarten. ;)

Black and White Never Goes Out of Style

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Although the color of the season is GREEN, I can still see new styles in black and white gracing the windows of fashion shops in downtown Stuttgart.

I especially love Hallhuber's new winter collection: don the 60's look in graphic! These dresses from Hallhuber in Op-Art-prints, colorblocking and Jacquard design are simple and elegant and just eye-catching! I must have at least one (dreaming!) to update my winter wardrobe, which by the way, has become unwearable since I have gone maybe 2 sizes smaller. :D

Photos from Hallhuber.

So, which one is your favorite?

It's Stocking Season Once Again

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The days are shorter and the nights are getting colder... and it is the time of year for them good old stockings. They come in different shades and colors and materials, and different lengths too!

Knee-High Socks:

Source: ealuxe.com

Match your plaid and / striped combo with knee-high socks and you'll look as if you just got off from a fashion pictorial. :)

Overknees or Over-the-knee:

Source: (L) tumbler.com, (R) laurenconrad.com

If Overknee boots are not for you, you can wear the substitute: over-the-knee socks and still look chic in it. It's the trend this fall season. Plus it gives you the excuse to still wear your shorts, skirts and dresses with your favorite pumps or ballerinas without freezing in the cold.

Source: winterfashions.net

They also go well with ankle boots too!

Good old Tights:

Source: fallwinterfashiontrends.com

These will never go out of style and will always be a basic in autumn fashion. They come in bright colors, with patterns, volume elements and sometimes, embroidery too!

Upgrade your fall wardrobe now with a pair or two of these stockings or socks or whatever you call it and look your best this fall season!

Them Mattress Toppers

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Complaining of a hard mattress yet too stubborn to get a new one? Here's something that might chase all your hard mattress blues away without having to haul it out of your beds: a latex foam topper. This may be the best thing yet... aside from getting a new softer mattress that is. It's cheaper than getting a new mattress and provides better support because of the latex material. It helps to regulate temperature too because of its "breathing mechanism". You can also choose the hypoallergenic ones if you have a family member who is allergic to dust mites and synthetic materials.

I too would get these mattress toppers should I want to reinforce my old ones. Saves me money and effort in throwing the old one out too! :D    

The New Chromebook

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Have you seen the latest from Google? I wonder if you have seen the latest ad for the Chromebook. Here in Germany, it is advertised as the notebook for anybody and for all. Below is a video of the ad from Youtube.


It really looked cool... It is made by Samsung but Google is advertising it as the Chromebook: The Laptop from Google. Sold here in Germany for €299. Not bad... Perhaps when I need a new laptop, I will get one just like it.

Anybody who is using the Chromebook? How is it's performance?

Get That Summer Barbeque Look

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My husband is going to be hysterical if he sees my online shopping bills. Ever since I got home from a very long vacation in my home country (imagine almost 6 months!) and has gotten a bit smaller, it's like I'm in an online shopping frenzy. Most probably because each time I order something online, I have the right to return the unused item and in original packaging within 14 - 100 days, depending on the online shop.

And since it is summer here and grill or barbeque parties in the garden or at the park are IN, it would be nice to come "dressed" for the occasion. Nothing fancy... just something that will make you feel comfy about yourself and allow you to move freely while at the same time looking trendy and classy.

I found this really nice dress, a striped classic poloshirt and white bermuda shorts from my favorite online shop that will go pretty well with my beige PabDer shoes. I can already imagine myself eating a stick of veggie-cues (>_<), spending lazy days at the park or those relaxing walks along the beach...

Lighting Always Does The Trick

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In whatever situation, lights will always play a vital role. Lighting has long been studied and used extensively in different fields: photography, film, arts, sciences, medical instrumentation. Aside from providing light at different intensities to serve its purpose, lighting is also important in creating that ambience and feel.

Next to home furnishings, indoor lighting is of paramount importance especially if you want to create different atmospheres at different parts of your home. Of course, you wouldn't want white glaring light in your bedroom or gloomy and dim lights in your work room, right? Everything has its proper order so to speak.

Flush ceiling lights are perfect for areas requiring a good all around light because it sits completely cleanly to the ceiling. This type of lighting is recommended for bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens and offices. With so many designs to choose from in the market today, you can choose the ones that will suit your room. If you want to get more ideas on which design to choose, Searchlight Lighting offers a variety of styles and types.  

There are also spotlights, low or high ceiling lights, and even shades that you can mix and match to serve a certain function in your room. Rooms after all, are also sometimes multi-functional so you have to also plan what type of lighting will do just the trick for you. 

Pab Der... So Comfy and Light

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My happy feet are happier now that I discovered PabDer. PadDer is an Italian brand that has several branches in the Philippines. Unfortunately, they don't have one in Davao yet so I was able to buy my pair in Ayala Cebu. 

This cream-colored loafers are just so comfy I would walk for hours on end without complaining. They are hand-made and the material is from very soft lamb leather. I am so totally satisfied with my own pair... and because they also come in other colors, I am oh so tempted to get my own collection of PabDer shoes. But since I am not really imeldific, I think one pair will do... I know it will be years and years before I purchase another one. Because you know me.... I only buy something for myself when I really need it. :)

And just look at their logo of sheep dogs... Aren't they just cute?

 

Super Mario

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I don't know anybody who doesn't know Super Mario. He is a very popular character way back in the 80's and I guess he still is to this day. I consider Super Mario a classic computer game. It has been in existence for three decades now and it is still popular among children, teenagers and adults alike. I remember playing with it with my cousins on our Family computer when I was still a kid. That was still in the 80's and technology has evolved a lot since then.

Yet, Super Mario, the Italian guy in the signature blue jumpers, red shirt and cap, and black moustache and his sidekick and bestfriend Luigi, the one in the green jumpers, didn't  seem to grow old. He still looks the same, maybe even better. The games have become better too - more interactive, more alive, more colorful.

Have you ever tried playing mario games? My daughter even enjoyed playing it when she was allowed to play with a friend's Nintendo.

One can even play the good old classic mario and even luigi games using only a computer and an internet connection. Yes, no need to buy additional gadgets. I tried playing it online and it brought back those childhood memories. The graphics and the audio are very similar to the one I was used to playing as a kid, it made me smile just listening to the background audio. Hehe!

Because the game is free, you can play with it for hours on end and never get bored. There's different games for different age groups and gender. The classic Super Mario Brothers game is available for just about anyone. Interesting games like Mario pacman can be played by big children, and Mario memory game and Mario tetris would be a fun game to be played by smaller children.

Pearls Never Go Out of Style

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Freshwater pearls are the gems that have always and will forever be in style. All the latest trends and fashionista’s around the world incorporate them into every day wear. They are simply the easiest to work with because they not only complete all the outfits that seem nearly impossible, they also can be the beginning of a new family tradition. Thousands of women pass down their gems to younger generations, where pearls are the main gem that is passed down. 

As for pearl anklets those are unique. You may not see them as much, but they are sure out there. I know that everyone that has one loves them because they complete the outfit without being overbearing and pompous. Unlike bracelets, anklets are perfect for the summer; bracelets get in the way and are sometimes too much for an almost perfect outfit. They are subtle enough but give enough spice to an outfit that tops everything off.

Summer Closing Sale

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Summer is almost over. I can already see shops displaying their Autumn and Winter collections. More importantly, end of summer sales abound. Are you planning on going on vacation to a tropical country to escape the cold, winter days? Then now is the perfect time to buy those trendy and chic summer outfits. Although the SSV is over, there are still some shops offering summer collections on sale for late shoppers. 

A shop's window enticing shoppers with their promotion... up to 50% off !

Here in Germany, the summer closing sale or Sommerschlussverkauf (SSV) takes place for 2 weeks, for a total of 12 days since shops are closed on Sundays. It would be very wise to save up your allowance and hit the shopping malls starting from the last week of July until the first week of August. Retail shops are offering up to 50-70% discount on summer collections. This is done to sell a huge part of the summer collections and to make room for the new winter collection.

According to German law, on sale goods during the SSV should only be seasonal items like textile, clothing items, footwear, leather goods and sports articles. Included in the textiles are not only clothing items, but also furniture coverings, carpets and mattresses which are manufactured using textile. Suitcases and handbags could also be included in the end-of-summer-season sale if they are made of leather or textiles. Not included in the assortment are glasswares, china and ceramics, electrical appliances, writing materials, etc.

I know I am too late for the SSV this year but there will always be other SSV in the years to come. I still have more summers ahead of me. It pays to do some research first.

 

iPhone 5: To Be Launched on August 7?

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©istockphoto.com/gianlucabartoli

According to a website, an Apple source revealed that Apple will launch the new iPhone in exactly three weeks, on the 7th of August to be exact, during a keynote speech. 

Previously, there has been speculations that the release date will be earlier: from October to August. That said, one can say that Apple wants to react to the success of the Samsung Galaxy S3, which I think has received a good response from techies the world over.

What of its new features? Until now, everything remains a speculation. There are still no details about the specs, design or availability. There are rumors though about the new iPhone 5 having a larger 4-inch Retina display, NFC support and possess a Quad-Core processor. It is said that it will be the debut device for the next version of Apple's Operating System, the iOS6. 

I can't wait to learn the official specs but I guess I will have to wait until the 7th of August for it. I also have always wanted to get myself a smartphone. Maybe, if I wait long enough, I will get the one meant for me. As they always say, "good things come to those who wait...."

Tempting Offers from O2

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Hear ye, all gadget fans of Germany. O2 has a very tempting offer for Smartphones. There is an ongoing special promotion for smartphones. You can now own the latest Smartphone of your choice without having to pay the entire smartphone price. O2 I think is the first to offer Ratenzahlung, making smartphones now more affordable to ordinary people like me.

You can own an Apple iPhone 4S 16GB for instance at €27.50 monthly for 24-month installment or €55.00 monthly for 12-month installment. You only need to pay downpayment of €19 to get the unit.

Or the new Samsung Galaxy Note (which I have been eyeing for quite sometime now, thanks to the latest Korean Drama, Rooftop Prince) at €22.50 monthly for 24-month installment or €45.00 for 12-month installment, with a downpayment of only €1.00.

There is also the HTC One S at €25.00 monthly for 24-month installment of €50.00 for 12-month installment, with a downpayment of only €1.00.

You can find other smartphones on offer at the O2 website. These prices are without contracts. You can also choose from a variety of 24-month Postpaid plans. And for a limited time only, O2 is offering a 10% discount on the monthly tarif rates for the first 12 months of a 24-month contract and a free connection fee worth €29.99 for purchases made only until 27 June 2012.  Ain't it just great? I am even tempted to avail of this offer. So, should I still wait for my old cellphone to retire or should I go and get a new phone, a smartphone at that?

Light Luggage

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Yippeee!!! It's almost official. We are coming home to the Philippines in December. After five years of yearning to spend Christmas in our home country, we are finally spending it there this year. Almost official because we haven't booked our return flights yet but the husband's flight reservations are good to go.

Now all I need to do is make some preparations. I even have my own notebook for that list. The contents? That's a SECRET. But I really do need a light luggage, one that will not take a major fraction of our limited baggage allowance of 30 kilos (we are flying Economy after all).

I was at the luggage department of Galeria Kaufhof yesterday, albeit for a few minutes to have a quick look and found some really light luggage from Samsonite and Rimowa to name a few. There are even some items on sale. I guess I will have to start saving up for luggage since our old ones are quite heavy. I fear that since we will be going home in time for Christmas, I will need to pack up gifts for everyone!

Anyway, here are some of my finds:

Samsonite B-Lite Fresh Trolley: A softside luggage weighs 3.68 kilos and measures 47.5 x 30.5 x 79.0 cm. Comes in very trendy colors (electric blue, charcoal, lime green, raspberry and emerald green), is expandable, has 4 multidirectional wheels that allows for 360° rolling in multiple directions, for easy manoeuvrability. It also has a comfortable, push button wheel handle, an integrated top carry handle and side carry handle that combine extreme lightness with strength, a combi padlock with TSA function to keep your belongings secure and worry-free. The zippers, with discreet Samsonite logo, are angled for easier grip and can be locked using a separate padlock. There is also a large front zipped pocket to store personal belongings and accessories. The interior divider pad is of mesh material for easy and organised packing in the top compartment. Ribbons are also provided in the bottom compartment, to secure packed items and reduce wrinkling. Price: €199.00 for a 111L B-Lite Fresh (from samsonite.de)

There is also the Cosmolite, Samsonite's lightest and strongest hardside luggage, thanks to the latest CURV technology but for double the price of the B-Lite Fresh.

Rimowa Salsa Air combines the casualness of soft luggage with the durability of hardsided cases and is 26% lighter than the Rimowa Salsa. It comes in four sizes and weighs between 1.9 - 3.7 kilos depending on the size. It is available in both two-wheel and multi-wheel cases. The cases are made from high-tech polycarbonate plastic, and available in fivecolors: Aquamarin, Ultra Violett, Inka Gold, Marineblau. It has durable aluminum telescopic handles. The interior cloth lining has securing straps. Also has a combination Rimowa TSA locks and comes with a 5 year guarantee. Price: €359.00 for a 92L Salsa Air (from kofferpoint.de)

 

Keep Warm with Peak Performance!

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Winter is finally here... It snowed for the first time last Tuesday but only for a while. The rain that followed after the snow fall just melted all the snow away. Today, the sun is smiling and shining after three days of wet, humid days. But soon, I know that it will snow.. really snow.

The temperature is still mind. It hasn't dropped below zero yet, but still, it IS cold. One should not take any chances and should or better yet, MUST dress warmly especially when going out. This winter, we are ready. We purchased new winter jackets the last time Outlet City Metzingen had their Sonntagsöffener Tür.

We were just browsing through the different stores when we chanced upon Peak Performance. They have a special offer on that day and I fell in love with the off white down jacket. There's also the  purchased winter jackets from Peak Performance Outlet Store in Outlet City Metzingen at a very good price -- for 70% off to be exact.


I recently wore it this week and I don't need to wear layers and layers of clothes anymore! All I have to wear is a shirt inside and then the jacket and I didn't feel cold at all! It really kept me warm and comfortable the entire day, thanks to the high quality goose down and fine fabric that ensures good insulation properties.

More about the Brand:

Our origins – "Passion for sport and nature"

Peak performance was established in 1986 in the Swedish Åre by professional skiers with a passion for sports, design and natural adventure. Today, we are an established international brand, but our values are still the same as when the company was establishment - we live, gather inspiration and develop with the same passion, which remains unchanged. We sum this up with the expression: "Living the Brand".

On our journey we have learned everything about the requirements for the appearance and functionality of clothing and equipment for active people. This has helped to make Peak Performance what it is today.

A constantly growing brand with an international network of independent dealers, own stores, franchise shops and sales in over 25 countries. Whatever we do, Peak Performance's basis will always be the classical "Mountain resort" and associated lifestyle. And we shall continue applying the simple philosophy to our products, which we had when the company was established: to create products that we like and use ourselves.

Finally, A Notebook!

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After much thinking, comparing and long waiting, I now finally have my very own notebook! Want to know what it is? It's a VAIO from Sony. I am loving my new baby. Why? For a number of very good reasons and I am also sure you all will agree.

Vikki, as I would like to call it has a 14" LED Display and is powered by an Intel Core i5 2410M / 2.3 GHz processor that can run as fast as 2.9 GHz thanks to Intel Turbo Boost Technology. The hard drive has a 320 GB S-ATA, which is not a problem since I can easily add on a bigger external drive should I need more data space. I love the color, which is white and the way that the keyboard will light up in the dark, making it easier to work even when the room is not so well-lit. The screen backlight also dims a little to save on power when it detects inactivitiy after a few minutes. Although it is a bit heavy at 2.5 kg, it is still easy to carry around because of its slim design. I also have no problems with Internet connectivity because it connects so fast. It also has bluetooth connectivity so you can easily synchronize your smartphone and other gadgets. It runs on Windows 7 Home Premium and is bundled with a bunch of other software. One can also easily connect to internet via the "WEB" key. With a battery life of 3.5 hours, this notebook could go a long away.


Now I don't have to worry about missing assignments and tasks especially when we go out of town because I can carry my computer with me. And I won't have any more excuse for not updating my blogs, except maybe during our examination period.


I am happy with my Vikki. And I intend to use it as much as I can. :D Have you got a VAIO too? How was it?