Way to Find Great Deals & Save Money

Almost everyone especially homemakers like me dig discounts and promotions because it is an opportunity to save money. It is such a great feeling to know that you were able to buy something you like but did not shell out huge amounts of money.

 

Thankfully, the web has become a haven for discount divas because there are so many group buying sites out there that offer almost all kinds of products/items you can think of at a special price or rate. Yes there are Uber Coupons everywhere.

 

For residents of USA and Canada, a one stop site where they can choose coupons is UberCouponCodes 

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What Happened During The Last Trimester Of My Pregnancy

Last March, when I am 32 weeks pregnant, my mind is happily set to the plan that I would give birth via caesarian section around the month of May. So when my husband and I went to my ob-gynecologist for the regular check-up one Saturday, I confirmed with her our preferred date for the CS operation. Little did I know that I would give birth two weeks after that.

It started when my ob remarked that my baby seems small for 32 weeks. She said my tummy is big and the fundic height () is in normal range but she thinks it is mostly water. Actually she had been telling me since past visits to eat more, specifically add more protein in my diet and to drink 2 glasses of milk a day to make the baby bigger. I think I did just that (although not consistent with the 2 glasses of milk) and I did gained weight but she said the baby is still small. I am not sure if the fact that I am always tired because of work and other matters contributed to that.

My first baby is also quite small (5.5 pounds then) and she said that maybe it is a gene thing. But she still required me to undergo another ultrasound.

I am quite nervous but still not worried when I went for the ultrasound. But what happened after left me dumbfounded.  The OB-sonologist called my doctor to inform my condition. I actually forgot what it is called but she said something is wrong with my umbilical cord- so the nutrients and oxygen can’t pass freely from me to the baby. Thus the reason why the baby is almost three weeks behind in terms of height and weight and it is called intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR).

My husband and I were instructed to go to the delivery room right away and there I learned that I might need to give birth right away. When I asked the resident doctor the reason why - she told me that it might be the best thing to do so we can save the baby. 

Apparently that calls for an emergency because there is a risk for my baby to die while inside my tummy. Just imagine the shock and fear that I felt that moment. I felt helpless because the doctors and nurses seem so sure that I need to deliver right away. I felt so nervous that when they check my blood pressure, it was unnaturally high (I think 140/110). That is unusual because my BP is always between 90 to 120 range. Anyway they told me to relax and my bp went to normal soon after. They then interviewed me about my medical history. And I was given the first shot of steroids- needed for my baby’s lungs to mature faster. 

Then I underwent a non-stress test (NST), in this procedure they forced my tummy to contract to see if it has an adverse effect with the baby’s heartbeat. If they see that the baby’s heartbeat weakens in every contraction, it means the baby needs to be delivered asap. Thankfully, the results are very positive as my baby seems okay and can cope with the contractions. I also have no risk factors because I am not suffering from any diseases (no high BP, no diabetes, no infections).

So my OB called to say that I can go home but with the instructions that I need to go back very early the next day to get the second shot of steroids and to further discuss my condition.  The decision of my OB relieved my worries a bit and I glady went home that night.

What happened the day after? To be continued…

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Hoping To Take Stamp Collecting Seriously

I admire people who collect things. The obsession and fascination to a certain item and the choice of things to collect says a lot about a person’s character. Anyway, the reason, I am saying this is because I recently I felt this urge to collect stamps again. Yes, I actually have a small stamp collection that I started when I was in high school. I got interested in it when my eldest sister gave me her stamp collection.

Back when postal mail is still ‘in,’ I would await letters from my sisters who works abroad because I wanted to take the stamps. When sending letters through postal mail became too tiresome and long (because of the advances in technology), I kind of forgot my stamp collection too. In fact, my small stamp notebook kept in one of our cabinets hasn’t seen the light of day for years.

Out of the blue, I wanted to start and take this hobby seriously again but I don’t know where to start. In fact, as of this writing, I still have to dig that stamp notebook. Also, I think it is so hard to be a stamp collector today. Finding a person to send mail to is actually challenging.  An officemate even said that she had never sent a snail mail before.

Well I guess if I really want it, I need to exert effort so I’ll try to update my stamp collection little by little. For those like me who are passionate about stamps, I saw this group that can be of great help:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Filipinas-Stamp-Collectors-Club/174703852540858

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One Afternoon at Work

Today at work, I find myself struggling with what they call “writer’s block”. Okay maybe a bad case of laziness or boredom or maybe depression because I don’t really believe in writer’s block. Whichever way, the point is, I am finding it hard to even start that new writing task.

I have been assigned to write an e-book about overseas employment and as I stare at the almost empty piece of paper (I mean blank Word doc), I suddenly realized that my new project is actually my first in this company. I was hired to write a guidebook about overseas employment. Now I am doing another one just like it, only now it is an ebook version and this one will be much shorter and more polished. 

I start to wonder if it is some kind of premonition that it is going to be my last project here as “resignation” seems like a sweet word to me for some time now. I also find myself digging for the copy of that document I have written seven years ago.

I recognize the changes in my writing style and I am glad because I believe things have improved. The book is written like a novel and it is much too long. I am doing a shorter version now. Before, I was given six months to finish the book. Now, I have one week. 

Well, I do hope to finish this new book soon and I hope to do it well, just in case it is going to be my last project here (lol).

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Clean, Healthy Home Made Easy

My sister used to work in the Middle East so when she came home she brought beautiful carpets as pasalubong. She said carpets are very affordable in the Middle East whereas it can cost a fortune here. So I am happy to receive carpets from her because it can really transform an ordinary home from boring to classy and stylish.

The only problem with carpets is that they are hard to clean especially since my 3-year old daughter is at a stage when she loves making a mess. Almost every day, our carpet would have stains from milk, chocolates, candies and others.  Cleaning it up is quite a chore because we don’t have a vacuum cleaner. Of course keeping the house clean is  one way to ensure the health of the house dwellers.

I wish the carpet cleaning Cochrane is also available here because it would save homemakers like me a lot of time. This business based in Canada offer quality home services which include  carpet, rug, upholstery and furnace cleaning in Airdrie and Calgary, Canada. They boast that the products they use for cleaning such as cleaning agents and deodorizers are safe. Folks from Canada who want to make their homes clean and healthy can check out Alberta Pro carpet cleaning solutions.

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Solution For Water Main And Sewer Problems

Pullini Watermain & Sewer Excavators are a family owned and operated business. They provide all their services; cement, asphalt, and expediting, in house, not contracting out to others who may not give their clients the quality and prompt service they deserve.

They are ready and equipped to handle all your emergencies, any time of day, 24/7. With an experienced and professional crew, you can be assured they will provide you with the best service possible. All work adheres to the strict codes put forth by the NYC DOT, NYC DOB, NYC DEP as well as the Parks Department. 

They will be sure to procure all appropriate permits, affidavits and inspections needed for each job. Providing plumbing, water main and sewer services for Brooklyn several of the surrounding boroughs; Manhattan, Queens and the Bronxs, Pullini Watermain & Excavators will bring highly skilled and experienced workers to every job. They will be professional and punctual as they know your time is precious and emergencies need prompt attention.

The commercial services they provide are: • Leak detection • Camera line inspection • Sewer line replacement • Line detection • Water jetting.

If you have a Brooklyn water main problem or sewer issues elsewhere in Queens, the Bronx or Manhattan, contact Pullini Waterman & Sewer Excavators for more information or to schedule an appointment. Don’t wait until it’s an emergency situation, call today.

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Easter Activities for Children

Holy week is almost here and as much as it is a time for reflection, it has become the best time for vacation and relaxation. And that is what my family will be doing this year. We are again opting for a staycation because long travel is not advisable for me at this stage (33 weeks pregnant). 

For this year though, I think my daughter is ready to take part in various Easter activities so I check out some of the Easter events at the mall. 

Araneta Center’s Hop, Up, and Away Easter Fair
Easter Sunday, March 31
Venue: Smart Araneta Coliseum’s Quadrant C Activity Area will be from 3:00PM – 7:00PM

The entire Araneta Coliseum Parking just outside the Smart Araneta Coliseum will be transformed into a fairytale Easter venue complete with balloons, giant Easter eggs, and more!

Entrance is free for everyone who wants to come into the fair grounds. To take part in some of the activities and get freebies, just show a P300 single or accumulated receipt purchase from March 15-31 before entering the fair grounds.!

You and your kids can also have your photos taken at the Easter display at Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza from March 31 until April 15!

Fun in the Sun! Easter Party at Shangri-La Plaza
March 31, Sunday, 1:30 to 4 pm
Venue: Activity Center, EDSA corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City

Price: P500 (Registration is at the Shangri-La Plaza Administration Office at level 5 from Mondays to Saturdays, 11 am to 5:30 pm; inclusive of gift pack)

Activities: Egg hunt, games, shows, coloring activities, snacks

For inquiries and ticket reservations, call (02)370-2590 or (02)370-2597 or visit www.shangrila-plaza.com.

A Mega Easter Village at SM Megamall
March 31, Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
Venue: Event Center, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City

Price: To register, a single or accumulated receipt worth P800 (valid only if dated from March 24 to 31) from any SM Megamall store must be presented at the SM Event Center. The fee is inclusive of a loot bag, guest pass for two at the Mega Easter Village with the Sylvanian Families, free play at the Sylvanian Families game booths, one picture at the photo booth and more.

Activities: Egg hunt, bracelet making, meet and greet with the Sylvanian Families 

For inquiries and reservations, call (02)633-5042 or visit SM Megamall's Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/smmegamall.

Egg-citing Easter Weekend at Fun Ranch

March 31, Sunday, 2 to 5 pm
Venue: Fun Ranch Ortigas, Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue Corner C5, Pasig City

Price: P500 per child, inclusive of Ride All You Can ticket, snacks, food cart treats, loot bag, kiddie activities, Easter show and Easter egg hunt; and P250 per adult, inclusive of snacks, food cart treats, all activities and Easter show

For inquiries and reservations, call (02)706-3031.

Hoppy Hunt at the Rockwell Tent
March 31, Sunday, Time: 2 to 5 pm
Venue: Rockwell Tent, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive Corner Estrella Street Rockwell Center, Makati

Price: P550 for one child plus one adult and P200 for one adult

Activities: Egg hunt, games, program, activities and more

For inquiries and reservations, call (02)898-1702 local 2016 or visit the Power Plant Mall Concierge Desk and Mall Admin Office.

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