Stuff I No Longer Buy

Well, not a lot anyway.  I no longer buy the following as much:

• books
• cds
• dvds

Since the internet and the multimedia advances that came with it a long time ago, I've stopped buying the above.

For music, I don't even buy from iTunes.  But if I like the soft copies I hear from specific CD albums, I go buy the CD if I have to.  Similar goes for movies/tv shows, I get their DVDs.  And even then, they'd have to be extremely to my liking that I'd find it worth my time, effort and money to go and buy.

Except for home decor I buy from my travels, I'm just one of those who naturally practices minimalist philosophy when it comes to purchases.  I'd rather not have any more junk or clutter in my home and if I have to it had better be something that serves dual or more purpose.  Even with this blog I limit the tag categories so as not to make it anymore complex than it has to be.

So for books, I'd rather buy those that can be double-purpose, something you'd also be proud to display in the house.  Not something you know you can easily give away or not care if someone doesn't return it after borrowing it.  That way it's more value for money.  Lol!  So I guess this would mean art, design or architecture books that I find interesting.  Or perhaps that's just the industrial designer in me.  I don't buy mass market bestsellers in hard cover.  Besides I no longer have as much time to read as I used to.

So I think I might also cancel my cable subscription soon and just use Internet streaming via a device like Roku.  I might do this next year once my subscription expires. Would cost me less too than the bloated fee I pay for cable.  Thank goodness for Roku or Netflix and the like.  Hehe!

Tracking My Order

Tracking my package... Was curious where it would originate from and now I know.  Of course it'd originate from China, not Cupertino, California.  Ooh la la.  Should receive the silver/white slender slab of goodness before month end. :D

The Magic Carpet

Was on vacation recently... and saw this carpet among several being shown to us prospective customers.  They're all hand made and made of different materials - wool, angora, silk, etc.

I really liked this one.  It's like in one of my favorite colors.  It's light and not heavy-looking.  It's just gonna dent my pockets badly if I went ahead and bought it though. Costs about 3 round trip tickets between 2 continents with a big ocean divide. Tsk!  But whenever I see this pic, I kinda regret not buying it but I don't know. Gaaaah!!

Olympus EM10 Unboxing and Test Shot

Just a few shots.. The package arrived: one EM10 body only, and one Zuiko 25mm f1.8 lens.  Pancake lens 14-42 mm to follow in May.  Gah.  Oh well.

the warranty card

my curious pet by the package

test shot of the Portrait scene, awesome!

My Sanrio Fix Today

Just bought a bunch of Sanrio stuff again, this time online, from the sanrio.com website and ebay.  I was initially looking for some cute Sanrio stickers for my camera but wound up staying on the Sanrio site and putting the products below into my shopping cart.  Ack.

The funny thing is, when I checked my order history at the Sanrio site, it's exactly a year to the day of my last order from them.  Same date, but a year later.  What a coincidence.  Lol.  And good thing that the site has a 20% off promo off the order total amount.  Nice!


So from sanrio.com I got the following:

1.  6 plush dolls,

- the 3 Goropikadons
- a classic Hello Kitty
- a Kero Kero Keroppi
- and a blue Hello Kitty Lucky Cat

Goropikadon is among those Sanrio characters I remember back when I was a kid and haven't seen for a long time.  What a pleasant surprise to see them cropping up again at the Sanrio site.


2.  a Goropikadon pen,

My Nepal Trek Gear - A Review

Some months back I posted a blog of the gear I planned on wearing and using during my Nepal Himalaya trek.  This time, I'm blogging about some points regarding these gear/apparel after the trip because such info might also be useful to some.

Note that I'm also a photography enthusiast so I also brought some photography gear with me, and the trek was done during the monsoon season.

To start off:

1. daypack

in the bus from Pokhara to Nayapul

I used a Deuter Act Trail 28 SL.  Used it all the way from the flight from Manila, to Bangkok, and to Kathmandu and back, and of course while on the trail.

at one of the teahouse stops

Verdict = essential, but when I bought it, I was looking to buy the 24 SL 'cause it's slightly smaller and I didn't want to bring heavy stuff while on the trail so I thought 24 SL might be enough.  However, since I also used the same pack as a carryon bag on the flights to and from Nepal, the 28 SL was the better choice.

Manila - Trek Gear Shopping Tips

I am a trekking newbie and when I decided late last year to go on my first serious trek at a mountain range overseas (scheduled months down the road back then), let's say I had an interesting as well as fun time of it for some months researching, window-shopping, and finally purchasing online and in Metro Manila whichever items I don't have yet .

So, in the interest of sharing with fellow trekking newbies where I shopped for my trek/outdoors gear and other shopping tips, I'm posting here my shopping tips/directory for the semi-budget-conscious trekker.  Lol.

1.  amazon.com

• women's leather boots: I chose a relatively inexpensive waterproof Timberland pair with ankle support.  It was recommended by an experienced trekker friend of mine.  I bought a half-size larger and I'm glad I did because it fits almost like my usual shoe size, and because I'll be wearing thick wool socks with it:  one thick merino wool outer, and one liner sock...to minimize blisters. So it had to have extra room.  It arrived today and I tried it on, and it fits great with the socks.  Thank goodness.  Hehe!  I was afraid it might not fit me.  Lol.  I'm wearing it on a climb to a really well-known high-altitude mountain range overseas whose topography/climate arguably differs with that of the Philippines's so I'm not sure if it would be the best footwear to recommend for Philippine mountain climbs.

• merino wool socks:  warm socks; anti-bacterial, can be worn more than once without having to wash them; more expensive than your usual or athletic socks
• point and shoot camera pouch: I chose a Lowepro Tasca 30 for my Olympus XZ-1
• poncho: covers yourself/bag if it rains torrentially up in the mountain, can do double duty as a makeshift tent with the right gear; possibly available in Metro Manila (supermarts or Ace Hardware maybe?) 

2.  my Deuter Act Trail 28 SL pack (includes pack rain cover):  Recreational Outdoor Exchange, otherwise known as R.O.X., also available in Toby's Sports

3.  trek pants

Trek Gear List

Below are lists of things I'm bringing/wearing/using on a multi-day/week trek this year.  The destination's a cold place especially as we go up to a higher altitude, but am not going during winter so I won't be bringing any down jacket.


Bags

1. Deuter ACT Trail 28 SL pack - a pack designed for women's bodies..    
   
   
2. 1 sturdy duffle bag
   - holds all items that I need not carry while on the trail
   - to be carried by porter once trek starts
3. small pack
   - for my on/off trail carryon items 
   - might use my small and lightweight MEC Ridgemont pack (pictured below with my Bad Badtz Maru plush) or my small Millet pack.
   
   - This small pack would be put inside the Deuter pack when on the trail, and pulled out when at accommodations and dining at accommodations, for convenience with my carryon items.  Not camping with tents see.
4. stuff sacks/bag
   - usually nylon drawstring bags or small zip up toiletry bags (freebies from cosmetics/skincare/perfume product purchases.. lol) or plain plastic bags to organize my packing of items into stuff sacks: i.e., electronic gear peripherals in one, toiletries in another bag, undgergarments and socks in another bag, food packets, first aid kit, etc.

Electronics + Peripherals

1. DSLR camera with extra lens
   - especially for landscape, macro, evening, and astro-photography
2. point and shoot camera
   - mainly for trail, people, and other camp pics
3. lightweight tripod
4. lens filters and cleaner
5. my iPod video/classic (5th gen)
   - so can backup photos straight from the camera to here, not to a cumbersome laptop.. then transfer to PC/laptop when I get back home
6. cellphone (whether or not it's going to be used)
7. chargers, cables, and extra batteries and cards
8. camera pouch for my Olympus XZ-1 point and shoot camera, clipped on to my pack's strap/harness for easy access when on the trail
   

Other Gear

1. poncho
2. trekking poles
3. head torch
4. gloves
5. watch
   - I got myself an inexpensive and basic sporty Timex Marathon watch (in torquoise) 'cause I don't want to lose track of the date and time while trekking for several days/weeks. It also looks cute even when not trekking. hehe.
   - It has a daily alarm, 2 timezones, 24-hr timer, stopwatch, 50m water resistance, etc.
6. fleece blanket
7. towel
8. sarong 
9. metal water bottle
10. plastic drinking cup
11. my double-walled tea tumbler
    - got this in Vancouver
    
    
12. spoon and fork
13. gaiters (I'm not sure yet how useful a pair would be for me)

Apparel

Recently Bought Online

Another day, another mundane post.   :P

Mainly for an upcoming trip, I've bought a couple of items online in the past 2-3 months; all on amazon.com.  It's just  more convenient that way, especially when I know some friends coming over to Manila from the US who are willing to bring the items for me, but also because most of the items are stuff on my to-buy list but can't find sold in the country.

 

I don't really enjoy going to the malls unless I am hanging out with friends/family, or I feel like buying new clothes at Promod, or some kawaii stuff at a Sanrio store, or some books at the bookstores, or am researching/window-shopping for outdoor gear/apparel and gadgets/computers to compare with online shopping price and availability. Yeah?  hehe!

So anyhow, my latest online purchases are kind of related to some future plans which involve trekking/the outdoors and my other interest which is photography, and the rest are items I like but which I can't find in the Philippines.

So let's see the stuff I bought online (for a planned trip) which I can't find in shops in Manila:

My New Toy at Crazy Amazon.com

This is the camera when I first chanced upon the white version of it (finally) at past midnight Manila time on amazon.com about two weeks ago.  Only 1-3 amazon.com merchants (not amazon.com itself) selling  it with one item of it each in stock.

This was the cost of the same camera and model about two days later.  USD 833.50.

This has been the current price posted since about 3 days ago.  USD 1009.98.

Crazy.  I'm glad to see no one has yet bought it at the current price.  You can guess which one I got,  after looking around for this white version of it everywhere online.  hehe!  Bought it as soon as I caught it on amazon.com after days of amazon.com not even selling this white version and not seeing it available elsewhere online for purchase.  And my primary reason for choosing white was because it would be easier to find when I rummage for it in my bag.  Lol!   I really prefer the white one but I also don't mind if I end up with a black one.

See I was looking to buy a point and shoot camera with manual features like with DSLRs... handy

One of My Favorite Stores

That's one of my favorite stores. It's where I go in downtown Manila when I gotta have my Sanrio fix or for other kawaii things like charms and bracelets. It has more choices than  Gift Gate most of the time. Hehe! Been going there since it opened more than 10 years ago. :P Reminds me of Hong Kong.

c
crop of actual photo from cellphone cam as I Ieft the store

Bag and Keychain

Little Twin Stars plush/keychain on my useful little Goyard tote = even more cuteness!  hehe!  

another pic (cellphone pic)

Some people grew up on Disney cartoon characters.  I grew up on Sanrio characters like Little Twin Stars above or Hello Kitty, etc..  hehe!

Happy New Year - Happy Car Lantern

"You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July"

I love this one! I got this mini car lantern, or in other words, a little or mini "parol" for my car's dashboard, as a gift from my aunt. My siblings and I have one each. And mine never fails to make me smile or feel good with it blinking while I drive. I likey!

I created a video of it with my Mac's iMovie HD app...the first time I've ever really used this app after years of owning this trusty 'ol Mac. Good thing I didn't remove it from this PC. Lol!

So anyway, pardon the amateur and crude effort. I was really just trying out the app now that I have more interesting material. hehe! I used 3 video clips from my cellphone camera to edit this video file (above) with a clip of background music Firework by Katy Perry (kinda apt... lol). "Ignite the light, and let it shine...".Hehe!

Here's a clip of one of the other cellphone videos of the mini parol in my car with music from the car radio itself, and with some of my favorite Sanrio characters on the dashboard lol. Happy new year!

I ♥ Sanrio! :P

Gaaah!  If ever there's a store other than a bookstore I should steer clear of, it's called a Sanrio store.  Lol!  :D

I had another Sanrio shopping spree over the weekend.  I really shouldn't be left alone inside Sanrio stores.  :P  Ended up forking out a lot of money again for Sanrio stuff.  Ack!  Above is a pic of my latest Sanrio loot!

My Carryon Trolley Bag

Last year, I decided to shop for a wheeled carryon that can be as light as can be but also as small as can be possible for me considering the things I bring and the sort of packrat I can be when I travel.  Lol.

I decided that this new carryon, for my size and build:

• may or may not have spinner wheels, as long as it's wheeled
• should be as light as possible but still be sturdy
• should be suitable for both business or adventure/leisure travel
• should have clean lines and not look too rugged: can look like a backpack but with no visible external straps flapping about; no mesh-like or netted pockets
• not look like almost every other kind of wheeled carryon (boring, rectangular, rigid, etc.).  So no Samsonite or something similar please.  Lol.
• not be made of hard plastic or shell sort of casing
• small enough to be under carryon regulations by all if not most international airlines
• but roomy enough for lots of pieces of clothing and other non-carryon gear (gadget chargers and batteries, etc.. anyone? hehe)
• has an outer pocket for a laptop, and should be on its front, not back
• one am willing to check in if required to (like with domestic flights with smaller planes)
• one I can stow in the overhead bin by myself

Hence, after checking out two different locations where they sell different brands of carryon bags, I settled on this Eagle Creek wheeled trolley, with the same color as in the pic.

 

http://www.eaglecreek.com/product/20200

D-d-d-dragons

I wanna buy these dragon figurines from Lladró and Swarovski. 

This one's Lladro the Dragon by Lladró, US$ 560.00

 This one's from Swarovski,  US$ 400.00.

I wonder when I'll get them?  Lol!

Lladró Great Red Dragon figurine

This one from Lladró looks fierce.   The price is quite fierce, too.  USD 25,000.00.  Gaa!  Lol!

New or Used Car?

If the car in question is not a reliable German car (read BMW or Audi that gives you value for money), buy used. hehe!

If I had the money now and as well as for any additional maintenance costs (what with the roads and reckless drivers in Metro Manila) I'd buy an Audi (new or used). *sigh* or should that be, *huhu!*? Lol.

me and my Audi :P in Germany, with my initials on the plate

I'm one of those people who sort of live according to the principle derived from a quote by William Morris, "Have nothing that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." Keeps things simple. :)

That's why I bought and use a Mac (though it's not that expensive anymore now), and just got myself an older version of the iPod (the iPod Video, which costs about 2x or more the cost of the latest iPod Classic version). Using Mac saves me computer repair problems in the long run (not to mention the time and effort it'd take to have it repaired), and gives me a better computing experience. And I would buy a designer bag (i.e. Hermes, Dior, Balenciaga, Loewe, Lanvin, or LV... the authentic ones of course :P) if I know I can use it on a daily basis without breaking my back. hehe!

I guess in the end it's a matter of being able to afford quality or knowing the value for money of the item one wishes to own and use. If it means less time and effort spent trying to keep up with the Joneses yet still not be dowdy (unlike when you change cars every few years because there's a new hot Japanese car model out..), less headache for me, less time spent for maintenance, and hence I get to spend my time and live my life in quality, then I say go for it. Time is now my luxury. I'd rather spend it doing things I like doing than spend it over headaches, inconvenience, and stress that shouldn't have been there in the first place.

I'm for spending more now for a few more expensive/quality items that I know I'll be using regularly and would last me longer, than often buying less expensive but ultimately unusable items that probably wouldn't last 2-3 years and end up looking like it's ready to reside in a trash bin, sold, or given away in a shorter time than you would have liked.

The above principle doesn't always apply to my apparel/shoe shopping habits though. And I don't buy accessories much, only when I need them. But that's another story.

Just my two cents'. =)

Hermés Silky Pop Bag

One of those nice to haves...

the Hermés silky pop bag

a reusable shopping bag: ideal for errand/mall shopping
(but not grocery for me... I don't think so.. 'cept for toiletries maybe.. hehe!)

folds and zips into this neat little leather packet which
you can bring anywhere with you, ain't that just cool?


in another design

I think it's a cute tote for when travelling, and yes, shopping, especially since I haven't seen any fake one of this around. Hence, no other clones toting the same style bag as you. hehe! Sometimes, I wish I had Paris Hilton's budget. Haha! This little thingie costs more than the latest Olympus DSLR E510 camera I just recently bought. Waaah! Better off buying jewelry I guess. I better luck next time.. *Sigh*

Some Nice to Haves...

1. this digital SLR camera with image stabiliser that's also light and small enough for travel

2. a CD of Christophe Maé's Mon Paradis album

3. stereo system in my room that's linked to and will play my archive of mp3s - need to research on this.. is there such a one by Bang and Olufsen? haha! Or will I end up with an ipod (noooo!! I hope not)?

4. three different pieces of furniture - one for my room, 2 outside my room

5. a new Macbook - but then again maybe not... as long as my current one still works fine.

6. a new mobile phone
- something as cute as the Sony Ericsson Z610i but with higher camera
resolution for those times when it's just easier and faster all around to whip it
(instead of a comparatively bulkier DSLR) out of my bag for shots/opportunities
needing faster response times

7. a new bigger bag
- but I just bought a leather messenger one that costs about as much as a Lacoste
shirt but which I can't bring to the office 'cause it's not that bulky enough for
all the stuff I bring to work; especially once I get the DSLR cam. :( *sigh*. It
looks great though, and I guess best suited for when going shopping. hehe!

- again I have to research on this one... am picky with bags but I prefer to spend
more on bags than on clothes. I usually end up looking for and buying a decent
bag/s more than for clothing when overseas (and so far, Italy wins for design and
functionality. haha!).

My Moo Cards..

Arrived via Royal Mail... Had photos from my Philippines Flickr account printed on them. =)