Holiday Shopping at Nordstrom.

As we enter October, I begin working on my holiday shopping list and jot down all the things I need to buy for Christmas - new clothes for my little man, new shoes for my husband, toys for my nieces and nephews, gifts for family and friends, and of course, a little something for myself, in the form of a new purse, new makeup items, or perhaps a new pair of Onitsuka Tiger.

I usually start my Christmas shopping as early as the second week of October, because I hate being in the middle of the holiday rush. I try to avoid it as much as I can. By the time people flock to the malls to do their Christmas shopping, I'd be crossing off the last item on my list, and most of my gifts would be sitting pretty underneath the Christmas tree.

October is actually a good month for bargains, and early-bird shoppers like me often find good deals on gift items and home decorations. If you're lucky, you'll even chance upon Nordstrom coupons for an even sweeter shopping experience. Often found online, these Nordstrom promo codes offer free shipping on items, huge discounts, freebies, and much, much more.

Take for instance this Michael Kors Colorblock Herringbone Print Dress, which originally retails for around Php 7200. With a Nordstrom promo code, you get 60% off the original price. That's around Php 4000 off the price tag!

Michael Kors Colorblock Herringbone Print Dress.

If designer bags are your thing, you'd be glad to know that there's also a great deal waiting for you. This Jimmy Choo Becka Biker leather shoulder bag comes with a 40% discount when used with Nordstrom discount code.

Jimmy Choo Becka Biker-Large.

While this Kate Spade Grove Court - Fabric Maise Satchel, a personal favorite, sells at 33% off the original price. From Php 15,000, you can get this highly-coveted satchel for just a little over Php 10,000. That's a whopping Php 5000 off!

Kate Spade Grove Court - Fabric Maise Satchel. 

Nordstrom also has something for the men, with clothing brands such as Armani, Burberry London, Just Cavalli, and Jack Spade - to name a few. By using a Nordstrom coupon code, you can enjoy up to 30% discount on men's designer clothing and accessories.

Burberry London Dress Shirt.

Children's items are marked down, too. From shirts to shoes, to bags, socks, and watches, and even pullovers and sleepwear, you can get up to 60% off, plus enjoy free shipping on selected items.

Mighty Fine 'Turtley Awesome' Graphic Tee.

Beauty junkies like me are also in for a treat as makeup and grooming purchases entitle you to three free samples. Some of these samples include the Estee Lauder 'Perfectionist' Youth Infusing Makeup Broad Spectrum, Smashbox Photo Finish Foudation Primer, Yves Saint Laurent Y-Shape Cream, and Versace Bright Crystal Absolu Eau de Parfum.

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup. 

Finally, we have the gift items. Nordstrom has an array of bed and bath products that would make great gifts for friends and relatives. With their eye-catching colors and stylish designs, not to mention the marked-down prices, you'd want to purchase an item or two for your own home. I know I would!

Levtex Cray Cray Pillow.

Clean Linen Mason Jar Candle.

They say the early bird catches the worm, I'd say the early shopper gets the best deals online.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Foodie Goodie | FunBites + a Giveaway!

My son isn't a picky eater. Well, at least now he no longer is. There was a time, however, when feeding time used to be a pain for both of us. Back in his toddler days, there were instances when he simply would not eat anything, all the more if the dish contained vegetables.

While I'm glad that he no longer has eccentric eating habits, I still look back to those days and think how nice it could have been had I discovered FunBites earlier in life. This fun tool would have been very useful during those trying times. Haha!

'Better late than never' so they say. I've been hearing a lot of good things about this product (especially from my mommy blogger friends in the US), and I finally had the chance to try it for myself after Bobbie Rhoads, founder and CEO of the brand, sent me my very own FunBites.

FunBites make food fun!

An award-winning product, FunBites cuts through food by creating cute and fun bite-sized shapes, making them more appealing even to the pickiest of eaters. FunBites has a super sturdy and durable curved blade cutter that works on kid-friendly food such as pancakes, sandwiches, fruits, cheese, ham, and the like.

Unboxing my FunBites.

Here's the popper top.

And here's the cutter.

Here's how the product works.

1) Separate the popper top from the cutter. Place the cutter on top of the food.

2) Hold cutter handles, press down firmly and rock back and forth to cut food.

3) Insert popper top. Lift the cutter up while pushing the popper down to pop out the food.

Fun shapes in just three steps.

Now here's my FunBites in action.

Plain white bread...

With FunBites, my little man's favorite peanut butter sandwich is now easier to pack in a small container. No more complaints of making him bring a big and bulky food container to school. Haha!

... turn into cute triangles!

Cleaning is also a breeze with FunBites. Wash with a bit of dishwashing soap, rinse it water, and that's it. There may be instances when food would stick in the little crevices, so I suggest soaking them in water for a few minutes then use a bottle brush or a small brush for cleaning. 

FunBites is available in six different colors, with three different shapes to choose from - Hearts, Squares, and Triangles. The one I have cuts triangles, and his name is Peter. Yes, they have names, too. :)

Meet Peter the Picky Eater.

FunBites sell for $12.99 each, or you can bundle two or three and save as much as 25% on your purchase. Buy two FunBites for only $22 or three FunBites for only $29. If you're purchasing from the FunBites website, you can use my coupon code BTSFun upon checkout to enjoy 20% off on all products.

The FunBites gang!

Now here's the fun part. One of my readers will have the chance to receive their own FunBites in the shape and color of his/her choice! Enter the giveaway for a chance to win! You know the drill! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway runs from August 23 to September 23, 2014. Open worldwide!

Fashion Pulse | Lily of the Valley Period Panty.

Oh hai, July! I can't believe we're already halfway through 2014. Before we know it, the 'ber months are here and it's Christmas time once again, haha!

Anyway, today I'll be sharing with you my latest discovery. But mind you, this isn't makeup, skincare, or food. They're panties, actually. Lily of the Valley (LOV) Period Panties, to be exact.

Lily of the Valley Period Panties.

The Lily of the Valley Period Panty (Lilies, as they are fondly called) is a pioneering panty that aims to address the most common period woes. These include napkins bunching, sudden leakage, and staining on clothes.

Photo credit: Lily of the Valley.

As such, Lilies are designed to help keep napkins in place, prevent it from twisting or shifting, and reduce the probability of clothing stains. In addition, Lilies provide relief by minimizing the itchiness, irritation, and skin darkening caused by the rubbing of napkin wings against your skin.

The inside scoop on Lilies. :)

And because the Lily of the Valley Period Panty is a product made by Filipinas for Filipinas, they are designed in a special and unique way. Here are the distinct features that come with each and every Lily.

Click to enlarge! :)

1) Made with sweat-resistant, breathable material.
2) Its multi-directional stretch fabric gives the body a shapely contour.
3) Has a reinforced front panel for 'tummy control'.
4) Its fitted shirring hugs the buttocks, enhances the form, and keeps the pad in place.
5) Double-crotch lining folds in the napkin wings and keeps them from coming into contact with your skin.
6) Leak-proof interlining helps prevent clothing stains.
7) Central core stabilizes the napkin, prevents it from twisting and shifting, and minimizes the bunching.

Mid-rise Brief.

The Lily of the Valley Period Panty comes in two colors - black and nude. They also have two styles available - the Low-Rise Bikini, and the Mid-Rise Brief. As for the sizes, there are three to choose from: Small (24-27 in), Medium (28-31 in), Large (32-35 in). I believe their Extra Large panties are currently in the works.

Mid-Rise Brief.

I own both colors of the Mid-Rise Brief, and I love how this style sits comfortably around my hips. It's made with soft, stretchy material (90% polyamide, 10 % elastane) that doesn't feel itchy on the skin. Plus points for its reinforced front panel, which keeps my tummy from bulging especially when I'm wearing leggings or soft pants. 

I first wore my Lilies as soon as I got my period, and true enough, they were more comfortable to wear than my regular panties. My napkin stayed in place, no twisting or bunching at the back, and no itching from the napkin wings, too. I was able to go about my daily activities - taking my son to and from school, running errands, doing the groceries, etc. - without worrying about my behind.

The best part? I can wear my Lilies even if it's not my period!

Discount Coupon for you!

Lily of the Valley Period Panties are available online, and sell for Php 380 each. But for a limited time, they are being sold at discounted prices. Buy 2 Lilies for only Php 700 (that's Php 60 off), or buy 3 Lilies for only Php 900 (that's a huge Php 240 discount). 

Get to know more about Lily of the Valley!

Visit their website, like their Facebook page, follow them on Twitter and Instagram!

Four Eyes | Nerd Glasses, KPop, and my Frozen Yoghurt.

If you're a fan of Korean pop music, Korean dramas, or just about anything that has to do with Korea (like me, lol), then you're probably aware that eyeglasses are big in Korea. Not big in terms of size, mind you. Rather, they've become part and parcel of Korean fashion. It's a trend that will remain huge, and stay for years to come.

I know right? :)

I must admit, I have a penchant for eyewear. But that has nothing to do with my Kpop fangirling or addiction to Korean dramas. You see, I wear prescriptive contact lenses and I need to have some sort of protection for my eyes (sunglasses, nerd glasses, or whatever) whenever I go out. Why not just wear my prescriptive glasses, you ask? Well, I have really bad eyesight, and my eye grade is -8.00. So you can just imagine how inconveniently thick those lenses are even if they're already of the 'air wear' kind.

Now let me show the latest addition to my growing collection of eyeglasses. It's a simple yet stylish pair from Four Eyes - the first online optical store in the Philippines. Launched in May 2013, Four Eyes aims to revolutionize eyewear in the country - by making it more affordable and accessible to every Filipino.

When shopping for glasses from the Four Eyes website, buyers will simply need to choose their desired frame, (they have an array of styles that I'm sure KPop fans will love) upload the doctor’s prescription (for prescriptive glasses) and pick the lens type (multi-coated, bifocal, polycarbonate, or transitions).  Four Eyes even allows buyers to try the glasses at home because they understand that 'people like to touch, feel and wear the product before purchasing'.

The best part? They don't charge shipping fees at all - even for their Home Try-On service.

Frozen Yoghurt!

Going back to my eyeglasses... Dubbed as 'Frozen Yoghurt', this style features a square shape with a saddle bridge. It's a full rim frame that looks half-rimmed from afar, and is made of sturdy plastic material.

Zooming in for the view.

It features the Four Eyes logo on the temple, with designs on the hinges that remind me of Ray-Ban's RX Eyeglasses.

Four Eyes!

This style can be worn both by men and women, and suits those with oval and round faces best. I have an oval face, and I love how this pair accentuates my cheekbones. :)

Half-rimmed? Not. :)

This pair comes with a protective carrying case and a cleaning cloth inside it. A 'Care Card' also comes along with the package.

Instructions written on the 'Care Card'.

'Frozen Yoghurt' reminds me of Yoochun's eyeglasses in the drama 'The Rooftop Prince.'

Yoochun as Lee Tae Yong.

And this pair worn by Bae Yong Joon, who - as far as I'm concerned - made nerd glasses look cool in Hallyu.

Bae Yong Joon aka Yon-sama. :)

Now here's how 'Frozen Yoghurt' looks like on me.

Well-proportioned shape that accentuates my cheek bones. :)

Channeling Yoochun. :)

Wanna get this pair, too? 

They sell for only Php 1495, but you can get Php 300 off if you use my Special Discount Voucher when you purchase from Four Eyes.

Simply key in the code 'REBELSWEETHEART' prior to check-out so you can enjoy the special discounted price of Php 1195! This code is valid until November 2013, so enjoy it as much as you can!

Get to know more about Four Eyes!
Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and on Instagram.

The Top 5 Online Coupon Sites to Help You Save Money.

While always popular in the US, it seems like Australia has been a little slower in catching on to the incredible phenomenon that is buying via coupons. Fortunately, there are now a great range of sites that offer coupons to cater for every taste and budget, whether you want to experience some fine dining or scoop up a bargain on clothes. Here are a few of the best online coupon sites to help you save money.

Photo credit: Christine's Coupons

Scoopon
Scoopon is one of the biggest coupon sites available, and is a highly popular way of getting amazing experiences and hot items for less. Its huge popularity can be attributed to the fantastic range of coupons on offer from leading brands and service providers. The site is well presented and easy to navigate, which is a problem on some of the other bargain coupon sites. You can choose to view nationwide deals, or focus on each state or region to find the deals that best relate to you. It’s easy to subscribe, which will send you all of the top coupons of the day straight to your email inbox.

There are amazing deals on cafes, bistros and fine dining restaurants which allow you to enjoy a lavish meal at a fraction of the price. Fashionistas will be impressed by the range of clothes, shoes and accessories that are routinely on offer. If you’re looking for home improvement, there are always amazing bargains to be had on cleaning appliances, hardware kits and even top quality linens for the bedroom. Where Scoopon really stands apart from the competition is with its incredible travel deals. You can find trips to exotic destinations worldwide that are inclusive of flights, meals and accommodation for up to 70% off! If you’re looking for the best deals on Australian coupons, make sure you stop by the Scoopon website and check out what is on offer in your area.

Living Social
This is another great coupon site with high online appeal thanks to great presentation and ease of use. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the night life and restaurants in your area, make sure you subscribe to Living Social. They always have amazing deals on meals to truly make an evening out something special, whether you’re looking for romance or just want to catch up with some friends.They also offer a great range of quality health and beauty services at highly discounted prices.

Red Balloon
Red Balloon is the perfect place to pick up an experience with a difference. Red Balloon specialise in deals that will get the heart racing, adrenaline pumping and help you to experience the best of the Australian outdoors. From the thrill of sky diving to a romantic hot air balloon adventure, you are bound to find an experience to suit every occasion on Red Balloon.

Take Control of Your Finances
Saving money can be hard, and sometimes even with the help of sites such as these you might still be struggling with your finances. If this is the case, consider speaking to a professional debt solutions specialist. Whether you’re looking for a debt consolidation loan or simply some help to get your budget sorted, there is quality help available.

When searching for a bargain, make sure you check out these top Australian coupon sites. Whether you want to take an exotic tropical holiday, spend a day unwinding in a health spa, experiencing the outdoors with some rock-climbing or going out for a sumptuous dinner, there’s a coupon for everyone. Discover this fun and simple way to save money, and enjoy the incredible experiences that your coupons can bring!

Pretty Peepers with Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara!

When I saw the Majolica Majorca deal reincarnated in the Deal Dozen website some two or three weeks ago, I didn't have to think twice about purchasing it. I mean, where else can you get one of the best mascaras in town for almost half of its original price? Not in the malls, of course.

The MM Lash King for only Php 499! 

And besides, this was an opportunity that I missed last year. Now that the deal is back due to popular demand, I'd be a fool if I'd miss this chance again.

Majolica Majorca!

Majolica Majorca, just so you know, is a product of the Shiseido Company - the leading Japanese cosmetics producer, and the oldest cosmetics company in the world. The Lash King, one of the most popular products from the Majolica Majorca line, is a luxurious mascara that contains 5mm of super long fibers which cling to your lashes, giving your eyes added definition.

No English text found in the back, so it pays if you can read Katakana/Hiragana.

The Lash King's acrobat brush guarantees to lengthen your lashes, while giving it fullness, curl, and volume at the same time. This makes the Lash King the grand daddy of all Majolica Majorca mascaras, and perhaps even all the mascaras in the market today.

The acrobat brush + 5mm super long fibers.

This mascara is waterproof and smudge-proof, by the way, so expect it to be a little difficult to remove with just soap and water. (Comparing it with Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara, the Lash King comes off a bit easier, though.) You'll need a cleansing oil or a makeup remover to get the gunk out without causing your lashes to break or fall.

Its elegant packaging is a winner. :)

See how the product looks like in my peepers! :)

What I love: 

Elegant packaging.

Lengthens and volumizes the lashes.

Creamy formulation - not runny nor clumpy.

Lightweight.

Quick-drying.

Waterproof, smudge-proof, tear-proof.

Non-irritating, no allergic reactions to it.

What you might not like:

It's a bit difficult to remove, but nothing a good cleansing oil or makeup remover can handle.

Php 795 may be a price too steep for some, but this product is such a great investment. :)

Now for a quick FOTD. :)

FACE: The Face Shop Velvet Skin Primer, Benefit Erase Paste in Medium,
Missha  Signature Real Complete BB Cream #21,
Human Heart Nature Perfect Coverage Mineral Foundation in Honey.
EYES:  Ever Bilena Eyebrow Pencil in Brown, BYS Smudgeproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black,
Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara in Black.
CHEEKS: Tony Moly Lip and Cheek Tint in Cherry Pink.
LIPS: EOS Lip Balm in Vanilla Nonsense, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan.

In case you'd like to try the Lash King, the deal is still available at Deal Dozen. From its original price of Php 795, it now costs only Php 499. Now that's what I call a real deal. :)