Balik Bayan Box 🇵🇭

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Pulubi 🙌🏽

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Resibo, ipon ng OFW 🇵🇭

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Wallet ng OFW 🇵🇭

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OFW ~ Hindi jackpot ang abroad 🇵🇭

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Hindi mapera ang OFW 🇵🇭

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Living Simple: Daily Reminder

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Goodbye #21: New Look Pink👖

I will stop only when I could fit everything I own in my small closet. Meaning whatever clothes I own and even my uniform at work. Bags and skin care products included. Until then I will keep on getting rid an item per day. But without adding something new. As the day goes by the desire to leave is just getting stronger. With this desire I choose to save money rather than spend them.

For today I am bidding farewell to my skinny red jeans from New Look that I can't remember anymore which year I purchased. I think price was around 30.00AED and it was during on sale. I can't remember making a purchase on a regular price. But please if because of this post you will be waiting for New Look UAE to go on sale and expect to find jeans for that amount, just don't. That's what I noticed since 2014 ~ sale prices of New Look are not affordable anymore in my book. As opposed to earlier years. So since then there has never been a single purchase for me from the said shop. Whatever kind of sale they may be having.

Whenever I am getting rid of a clothing the first thing I asked myself is can I wear it at work when I ran out of clean uniform? Since it is red the answer is NO. Followed by the question does it makes me happy? Well since it does not have a front pocket the answer is NO. Last question is if I see this again on sale of course will I buy it? And still the answer is NO. That's 3 strikes. So it really has to go.

Goodbye #20: H&M Orange👖

September came and I was back in UAE from vacation. More than ever I am very much dedicated with my goal of being a minimalist and not just solely on decluttering. Because if the latter only the it will just become a cycle. I am trying to be a frugal minimalist. If I will not then I'll just go ahead start accumulating things again which I will declutter later. Am I making any sense to you? I hope I am. With that in mind I am hoping I will be done decluttering by the end of this year or at least first quarter of next year. And end means after it is done no more items left to declutter in the future. Only then I can move on and focus on other things. Back to photography perhaps?

For today I am sharing with you another jeans that I'm getting rid of. This is an orange jeans from H&M. I bought it because it was on sale for only 30.00AED and I got it from the kids section. This is intended for 13-14 year old teen. But then since I am petite it fits me well perfectly. I bought it as an everyday jeans but then I simply don't have any space on my closet left. And I want to throw away the other drawers I have in the room. Too many drawers mean too many places for the cockroaches to hide. Too many cockroaches mean having to use spray to kill them every time which is not good for the health. So my goal is to have a more of empty spaces in the little room. But then have enough items that I will be using everyday. I survived college days with only 2 jeans. So surely I will survive again. Besides when travelling I can't and don't bring much clothes either.

I now only have 2 jogging pants. And 4 pajamas. I'm keeping it that way. And always making sure I am not running to the nearest sale that I see to acquire more. This is what I mean of being frugal minimalist. My idea of minimalism is having the basic that I need in less amount. My idea of being frugal is choosing the money to be in my bank account than to keep on buying excessively. As over the years as I look back on my spending habits I can't help but have regrets over it. Too much money has been wasted.

Goodbye #19: Lee Cooper Flowers👖

And I am back with another purging session. Maybe it will end only if I have only handful of items left on my closet. And this jeans had the same story like yesterday. Dubai Outlet Mall Centrepoint has a promotion last June 2015. If I will buy at least 5 items I will get 2 items for free. Price of jeans are between 10AED to 30AED only. So I got this Lee Cooper flower jeans for only 30.00AED

Lee Cooper is a British brand of clothing available in UAE via Lifestyle/Splash/Centrepoint. I collected jeans on impulse because I was greedy. But a year had passed and I was able to wear it no more than 10 times. That means I have way too many. And it means this is something that I don't really love or brings me happiness. And so in my pursuit of minimalism I'm finally letting it go.

To be fair with Lee Cooper clothing especially jeans I'd rate them good. As I had been a customer since 2007. I'm letting it go for the reason that minimalism requires only minimum items. Items that I really need and not just wants. I have uniform at work. And I only need to wear casual clothes only on weekends. At home after work I do fine with just pajamas. So a lot of clothing would be better off with someone else than me. Took photos for remembrance. Thanking it for the service then goodbye!

Goodbye #18: Lee Cooper Green Flowers👖

I am also in the process of finishing off all my beauty products and documenting it by writing an Empty Bottle Post Series. As of this writing I already finished a lot of stuff. But I don't have time yet to write them down. Because at the same time I'm also getting rid of so many items in the flat particularly the clothing. And also documenting it by writing down Goodbye Series Post.

Lee Cooper is a brand of clothing from UK. Available in Splash/Lifestyle/Centrepoint across the UAE. June 2015 when I found out the shop in Dubai Outlet Mall is selling it cheap. With that I purchased at least a dozen. Wore them a few times and fast forward 2016 I have too many clutter. Majority of items are not really necessary.

I am not fashionista (I think I always say that) so I can't really pull off so many clothes like this one. I can't just pair it with any shirts or shoes. As end result I managed to wear it at least 3 times? And only when I'm about to go to grocery store. So no thanks I already have way too many jeans that I can wear for that purpose. With that in mind this has to go.

This is not the first jeans I'm letting go of. I thought I needed at least 60 jeans. And this is definitely not the last jeans I will get rid of. I'm just thanking it for the memories. Keeping a photo for remembrance. Then saying goodbye. That's all for today. Till my next purging session. Ciao!

Goodbye #17: H&M Gray👖

Welcome to another edition of my Goodbye Post Series. Haha. Well the story is when I was young I badly wanted a closet full of clothes but money was tight. So when I had a chance I kept on buying clothes especially jeans until I can't even close my small closet anymore. And ended up putting items at every corner of the small room. Then realization hit me that I don't really need much. Money would be better off in my bank account to use for other things like vacation. Or hopefully relocate into another country. A colder one. 

For today's purging session (big word huh?) the one that has to go in this H&M gray pants. They went on sale last July to August and before going on vacation I shopped a little. I got this pants from the kids section for only 30AED thinking I could use it as everyday jeans. And now after almost 2 months I can't see any use for it anymore. Would you believe that 2 jogging pants are actually enough for me? And so it has to go.

Put this in my cargo box to be sent in Manila. 

Goodbye #16: Souvenir 👋🏽

Since I'm so obsessed with minimalism; I can't let a day pass by without me disposing something in the tiny flat I am living in. Disposing does not entirely mean I'm throwing away items at garbage bin. Of course some items I'm handing over to people who might need them. But there are items like this one in the photo that I don't think anyone would still need in their house or life. Would you believe that I got it way back in 2007? And I do not know why I held on for this so long. Maybe because it is a souvenir from a birthday party? But then if we keep all the souvenirs especially for socially active people imagine how our houses would be like? Someone said thanking the people is enough. And keeping the memories at the same time would be fine. Lastly you can always take a photo of it before throwing it away. As a remembrance. And that's what I am doing here.

Goodbye #15: Woods of Windsor 👋🏽

Hi there!
And a good day to all.
Most of my posts will be about Goodbye Series. Honestly decluttering is very addictive and the idea of minimalism is very enticing. When I was just starting months ago I felt that my progress was a slow one. As there are far too many items that I just can't let go. But then after my one month vacation in Turkey I came back to UAE very inspired.

Well houses in Turkey are all huge. And they have way too many things. But in spite of it they are extremely clean with their houses. So when I came back in UAE some of it has rubbed in me that I became obsess in having a clean flat/room all the time. But in doing so I must really unclutter first. Too many clutters give opportunities for cockroaches in having a place to hide. I became eager more than ever in disposing items. So one of the items that I have given away was Woods of Windsor True Rose in lotion and body wash. Simply because I have way too many. I bought it because it was on sale but it does not really gives a spark of joy to me.

Yes I adopted Marie Kondo's way too in disposing items. I'm keeping only those that I love the most and giving me joy. If not then it has to go. Forget about the money I wasted as I cannot turn back the time. But at least be smart enough that next time around I will be buying only what I need and what I really love. That's all for now and I will come back with items to dispose again. Haha.

Jollibee @ Dubai Mall

Jollibee is a Philippine food chain. And since 2015 it has been available in Dubai, UAE. Well while I was in Turkey for one month there were instances that I am missing Jollibee. I know Turkish food are good and healthy but then can't help it anyway. I even remember the jingle 'I love you Sabado, pati na din Linggo'. That's all I want to share for the day haha. Ciao!

My Turkey Diaries: Macchiato ☕️

Just a short post for today. When I was in Turkey there are so many shops for tea and coffee. After all they do have the best coffee in the world but I can't say the same yet about the tea as I have to taste first the ones coming from Sri Lanka. But in spite of having numerous shops they also sell them in tetra packs in supermarkets. Well this Macchiato is from Macro Centre. Yes I love it but it is very memorable for me as I had to walk for more than one hour just to get to the tram station.

Goodbye #14: Piggy Bank 🍓

As I have said I will come back with the continuation of my purging stories. Or my journey to minimalism. Another item/s I have to get rid of are these cute piggy banks in shape of strawberry. Well the first flat mate I had left it. It is actually a good decoration. But since space in tiny flats matter there is none left for decorations. It has been sitting inside the closet for more than a year. Waiting for the space where I can display it but that space will never come. So better to just give it away. Anything that you are not using within 2 months and in my case a year probably means you'll never use it forever. And that's it. 

My Turkey Diaries: Ulker 🍜

When I was in Turkey I found only one brand of instant noodles and it is called Ulker Nissin. Ulker Nissin has only 2 variants. I have chosen Makar Neks. In short it is a Tomato flavor of instant noodles. Well Turkey have so many delicious food to offer but sadly instant noodles isn't one of them. So better leave this business with Asians. Sorry.

H&M 👖

Hello there!
Please relax. I did not end up shopping for items I don't really need. For today I just want to share that last July to August 2016 H&M in UAE had a massive sale. I got these items from the kids section for only 20AED to 30AED each. They are not for me of course. I will be sending them for my brother in Manila. And if you will ask me why, when clothes in the UAE are having sale they are actually cheaper than what are being sold in the Philippines. So whenever there is a sale going on I can't help but to shop items for my family back home. 

And that's all for now. I will come back again to write about the continuation of my purging. And I do not know when it will be over. I accumulated far too many items in one decade that I am here..

Empty Tube 63: I Love Body Scrub 🌸

Let me start by saying that I am totally new to body scrubs. I started using and loving when I had a chance to try Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Body Scrub this year. Admittedly I have chosen the brand because of the scent and it was on sale  when I made the purchase. And naturally because I enjoyed it I went out and try other cheaper brands as well hoping to find something like it. I tried I Love body scrub during my trial and error period of body scrubs.

I Love is a UK brand of affordable skin care products and very much available in Carrefour across the UAE. I have chosen Raspberry and Blackberry body scrub as I think this is the most delicious scent they have to offer. As of the price no complaints at all as I purchased it for only 17.00AED that so far is the cheapest body scrub I was able to find in UAE market.

Problem is after trying out the BBW I always compare other brands I tried over it. As of the scent I Love body scrub smells good. No question about it but then it does not last longer as compared to BBW. BBW have big grains of sugar that dissolves upon contact with the skin and so it feels weird that I Love body scrub does not feel that way. I Love body scrub have very fine granules that using it feels like I'm just using another body wash instead of a body scrub. And so I feel that BBW can exfoliate my skin better than I Love body scrub.

I have taken photos of the back to show the ingredients and whatever information about this product that you might be interested of. I wish I could offer much information or feedback regarding I Love body scrub but then I can't think of any other. Aside from having a good scent. But nothing really extraordinary well at least for me.

I used it for less than a month. And I am not sure if I'm supposed to use it on my face but I tried anyway and I didn't notice anything unusual. Anyway I'm just writing it as a part of my Empty Bottle Post Series where I am documenting the beauty products I owned/hoarded in the past and finally consumed up to the last bit. I was a hoarder for one and half year. The time seems less but my stash seems like I had been hoarding for years. In the end they are nothing but clutter. And no longer makes me happy. But at the same time throwing them away would mean wasting my money. So I will just use them all.

As you can see in the next photo there are other items that finally I was able to finish at last. I have so many clutter in the house that I can't find my earphone. Actually there are important items that has been lost inside the drawers. Lost amidst the sea of all the stuff I own. At times it is irritating that clearing up my space is such a slow process but then losing my temper would not help my situation. And it should always remind me not to fall back into hoarding habits again.

 

Before going on vacation last August I decided to stop purchasing and using body scrub for good as I have seen it as excessive expenses but then while I was on vacation I got bumps all over my body due to weather, dirt and sweat. So as soon as I am back in UAE I started using body scrub again. Admittedly it made my skin better. And keeps my skin moisturized. So it is a choice between not spending money on body scrubs but having some issues or shell out some cash and have a soft, hydrated and smooth skin? I have chosen the latter. Ciao!

Glass Lock from South Korea

Hello there!
Well these Glass Lock containers are not excess of mine. It is a South Korean product that I had been using for the longest time. So I'd say tried and tested. Often times it is on sale at Safeer Mall. So whenever I have extra money I buy a few and sending it back home. As I have seen from some websites that the prices of Glass Lock in the Philippines are unbelievably high. Triple of the amount I usually pay at Safeer. 

Empty Box 62: Daiso Collagen Face Mask 🌸

Face Mask is a product supposed to help us regarding our skin concerns like helping out to reduce the excess oil or give an extra hydration or moisturize the skin. Or making the facial pores better. Some claims to be anti ageing and what else are out there for their marketing purposes. And admittedly I'm one of those people who fell for its promises. (I mean it helps in keeping the skin hydrated or moisturized but I don't buy those anti ageing claims) And since I started doing the South Korean and Japanese skin care regime since 2015 I bought a lot of face masks from good old Daiso store. My mistake was of course hoarding but then no use for me to be mad at myself for doing so. What matters is I was able to stop it. And never make the same mistake again.

Collagen is a product that they say will help the skin in looking young, firm, and supple. And so collagen face mask was born. I think it started in Asia. And it has many brands but I have chosen to buy from Daiso as the box cost only 7.00AED and has 3 masks inside. But the price now is 9.00AED as I checked the last time I was in Daiso. It is recommended to use it at least 3 times a week but alas as I always complain or say of not having time anymore that I'm able to use a face mask once in a blue moon. Hence it is taking me forever to finish my stash. If used continuously my stash would last up to 6 months. For the month of September alone I used only 2 pieces of face mask and I don't have a work during those times. Oh life to think that 5 minutes is enough when using mask.

I will not discuss about the Ingredients as I have given up on that since I'm not a chemist and I would not understand that part. I just listen to my skin every time I'm using a product. With Daiso Collagen Face Mask I would say it is safe to use as I did not experience anything out of ordinary. I mean Daiso Collagen Face Mask helped my skin hydrated and moisturized. Making it soft afterwards. No side effects waking up with a patchy face and the likes. And it feels good thinking of pampering myself in little ways like face mask. Allow me to post overload of photos as familiarization of the product.

Bottom line is Daiso Collagen Face Mask is safe to use as others won't even try it because it is a cheap brand of face mask. Would I recommend face mask? Only if you have extra money and time but if you don't have then any face moisturizer would do. But you should at least try it once as to a reward or pampering yourself.

And I'm back into writing Empty Bottle Post Series like this one as I travel my way into a minimalist and frugal life. I'm trying to finish off all my make up and skin care products that I hoarded from the past. And posting them here to track down my progress. And I hope at least it helps some of you when I'm writing down my mini review or feedback. That's all for today. Till next time. Thanks.

Goodbye #13: Lee Cooper Pink 👖

Hi!
And the purge lady is back again.
I don't have any rule on how I purge things up. I mean some are doing it by area like the closet first or the kitchen first. But I don't have that. So as you can see in my Goodbye Post Series I am jumping from one item to another. Like one day a glass. The next day a candle holder and today a pants. As long as I have an item to get rid of in a day. To achieve the clutter free environment. 

Lee Cooper is a UK brand of clothing. In UAE available in Splash/Centrepoint/Lifestyle. Whatever the proper name of the shop. And you can see them in all City Centres across the UAE. Last year when I found out that their branch in Dubai Outlet Mall is actually selling clothes cheaper than any other mall. As end result I purchased a dozen pants or so. Not because I need them. But because I want them. I think I bought this one for around 20+ AED only.

Pink is cute. But I don't have much use to it. I can't use it in the office. And since I am not fashionista I don't really know how to rock it. In more than a year that it has been in my closet I used it not more than 5 occasions. And now it's time for it to find a new owner. Yes it is still in perfect condition. So goodbye pink pants! 

Hello, Creightons! 🚿

Hello!
For today I don't have any post for my Goodbye Series Post (items I am getting rid of) or Empty Bottle Post (items I am consuming to the last bit). Let me just share with you the gift I got after my one month vacation. Creightons body washes. As can be seen in the photos below:

It is a brand of shower gels from UK. And in the UAE available in Carrefour. Not sure about the other shops that carries it though. So far that's all I can say as I haven't gotten around using it. I have way too many stocks of shower gel. Well just writing this post to let you know this brand exists in UAE.

Here are the variants that I got. And for me they are both interesting and would surely smells great. Cherry and Wild Fig. Raspberry and Pomegranate. Both are fruity scents. Good shower scents really makes taking a bath more fun. And that's all for now. Will let you know soon if this is yay or nay. Ciao!