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. :)

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...

The Right Time to Shop Is NOW!

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I am here vacationing with my daughter in the Philippines. I miss the hubby, who is now back in cold Germany. When it gets too hot here, I would somehow wish for the cold and snowy Stuttgart, of building snowmen and going sledding, of hot chocolates and just cuddling and hugging at the living room on most lazy days. Another thing I miss: the WSV or the Winterschlussverkauf (Winter clearance sale) which is still ongoing, I think.

Source: http://www.bz-berlin.de

With most winter items gone 50-70% off the tag price, it would really be difficult to say NO and not shop! I could even shop online and ask hubby to send the items for me. :) But seriously, if you haven't done so and you are in Germany, don't miss out on the WSV! I know I wouldn't! The WSV started last January 4th and will end at the end of February. Different stores and shops, of course, have different schedules so be sure to check your local newspapers for the latest updates. 

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)

 

Trolley Backpacks

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It is such an agony for me to carry my backpack. Why? Because it so heavy especially on days when I need to carry Vikki (my laptop) along with my lecture notes and packed lunch with me for my Thursday classes. It is literally backbreaking, my back and shoulder muscles are as tense and hard as a rock.

A friend recommended that I use trolley backpacks instead so that I could just drag it with me and my back won't have to always carry the burden. So I am searching for some good trolley backpacks online and here's some of those that I found:

Product Name: Wander-Full Laptop Backpack with Wheels
Brand/Make: Samsonite
Material: Polyester
Dimension: 38.0 x 25.0 x 50.0 cm
Max. laptop size: 37.0 x 27.0 x 4.0 cm
Volume: 31 L
Weight: 2.22 kg | 4.89 lbs
Handle: Lightweight mono tube handle
Others: Ergonomic shoulder straps, standard zippers, a large, zipped, organised front pocket, two bottle holders, with a limited 2 year global warranty

Product Name: JanSport Trolley Driver 8, 34 Liter
Brand/Make: Jansport
Material: 600 Denier Polyester / 420 Denier Velocity Nylon
Dimension: 21in h x 14in w x 10in d
Max. laptop size: 12in h x 10in w x 2.00in d
Volume: 34L
Weight: 2.2 kg (inclusive of packaging)
Handle: Retractable two-stage handle
Others: Tuck-away shoulder straps to convert to backpack, two large main compartments for versatile storage, padded sleeve fits 15" laptop, front utility pocket with organizer keeps essentials handy, fully padded back panel for cushioning comfort, 80 mm inline skate wheels for stable, controlled motion, front stash pocket, padded grab handle, side water bottle pocket

Product Name: JOSHBAG BoardPack ® Notebook / Laptop Wheeled Backpack

Brand/Make: JOSHBAG

Material: 100% Nylon

Dimension: height: 50 x width: 35 cm x depth: 23 cm

Max. laptop size: length: 39,5 cm x width: 30 cm x thickness: 5 cm

Volume: 35L

Weight: 2.7 kg (inclusive of packaging)

Handle: Retractable multi-stage handle

Others: two large main compartments with zipper, padded laptop sleeve with belt, inside: 2 accessories pockets, removable, optimally for power supply, large front utility pocket with organizer

These are just some of the trolley backpacks that I liked. Let's see what I will purchase in the days to come.

photos: amazon.de

Will Skinny Jeans Look Good On Me?

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Skinny jeans hug the body through the hips and thighs. They are meant to flatter your silhouette by poviding a "slimming" effect, so pick this fit if u want a pair of jeans that creates a youthful look.

I have always loved people watching especially when I am in high pedestrian-traffic areas. I get to see different people from all ages and sizes and I get an idea on what's trendy these days, no matter what body shape and size you may have. I have been seeing women wearing skinny jeans but I am not sure whether it would be the right kind of pair to buy. The problem: I have a big booty and wide hips so I am not sure whether it will look good on me or make me look heavier. Another problem area is my tummy so I need to wear something that will help tuck them in.

I am actually considering taking a girl friend that next time I go shopping for clothes. That way, I will have somebody who will advice me which one looks good on me and which one doesn't. Maybe I will try on a few skinny jeans and see how I look in them. I am also considering shopping online. There are lots of nice styles that I see on the Internet but I don't know how I will look in them. But then again, I can always return the item within 14 days if they don't fit me or if they don't look good on me.

The Worst Dressed in the Golden Globes 2011

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I love to look at Hollywood stars all dressed up in their thousand-dollars-worth gowns for one of the most prestigious awards night known to man, the Golden Globe Awards. And I can't help but say Oohhh for those who dressed up so well and a big Uh-uh! for those who don't fit well in their designer dresses.

Of the many stars who glammed up for the night, here are some of those who made it to the Worst Dressed List:

January Jonesd in a bright red peekaboo Versace gown, which is made entirely of flowy fringe with some dangerous cutouts.

Julian Moore in a hot pink Lanvin gown. The color is bold, but the shapeless, strangely asymmetrical style is just screaming "worst."

Helena Bonham Carter sporting her signature wild hair, a mess of a Vivienne Westwood dress and mismatched red and green shoes.

Natalie Portman  in a Viktor & Rolf pink satin dress. The pastel pink is great, but the sequined rose is uninspired at best.

Jennifer Love Hewitt in an icy pale blue Romona Caveza gown with a fussy flyaway top and a too-high hairdo. 

Jennifer Lopez in a bright white Zuhair Murad dress. The sheer bedazzled bolero ruins any positive buzz she had going.

Leighton Meester in a blah Burberry Prorsum gown. The muted colors, long sleeves and a very modest slit put this unflattering and un-wowing look at the lowest point on the list.

Tilda Swinton in a Jil Sander champagne skirt, white shirt and pink pumps.

Halle Berry in a black Nina Ricci dress.

These I gathered from various sources on the Internet. Who's the worst dressed for you? You be the judge!

Refreshing Honeysuckle for 2011

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Yes, it is official. Pantone has finally announced it's 2011 Color of the Year and it is HONEYSUCKLE or technically, Pantone 18-2120. Why Honeysuckle? Because it is "a color for all seasons".

Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it. Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.

It is believed that energizing honeysuckle lifts spirits and imparts confidence to meet life's ongoing challenges.

If you are up and ready to face the challenges of the Year 2011, a little boost of confidence by wearing on a flash of honeysuckle here and there will probably do wonders. I remember having almost this color for my wedding motif last 2007 and it was really kind of symbolic to us who are just having a fresh start at married life. 

If you are looking for some trendy fashion, here are some designs to add to your wardrobe:

I may not be that fashionable but I must say, this color is great!