STYLE FOR LESS: Havaianas' Brasil Flip-Flops vs. the Havanas' Brand

THE SPLURGE: Havaianas' Brasil flip-flops (Php895)

Living in a tropical country like the Philippines, flipflops have become a must-have fashion staple.  You see them everywhere!  And one of the most well-known brands would, of course, be Havaianas.

Source: Havaianas website

At Php895 a pair, you too can own one from their trendy Brasil line as you go about your everyday travels.

The Wonders of Gcash Wallets

I know, I know.  This is most probably one of the most pathetic late posts regarding a very old technological concept ever!  As I've mentioned before, I'm really not a very techie person and as such, am only able to appreciate the ease that these new ideas bring when I am faced with no other option but to finally use them.

I've been a member of Ebay.ph since 2005, both in a buyer and seller capacity purchasing and selling anything from books to clothes to women's accesories.  As a seller, I used to offer payment options through cash deposits made to my personal bank account.  As a buyer, I'd personally go to a Globe center and cash in as required by the buyer.  However, since becoming more aware of scammers and the huge number of bogus buyers I've been encountering in the web today, I shifted gears and decided to use Globe's Gcash service instead.  At least I won't be crying buckets in case my account gets hacked (knock on wood...)


Photo retrieved from the Globe Gcash site



Get Rewards Simply by Exercising! The S2H Reply Watch

Whoever said that losing and maintaining a normal weight was all fun and games sure isn't right in the head.  Having battled with weight issues my whole life, I know firsthand how hard it is trying to eat healthy and living an active lifestyle, what with everything else that requires your constant attention as well.

All experts agree that one important trick in achieving one's weight loss goals is to have the right motivation.  Whether it be for health concerns or for vanity reasons, having the proper motivation will ensure that your drive won't wane and you continue on regardless of the hardships.

But what if there's a product that not only monitors your daily exercise but rewards you for pushing yourself further?  I present the Step2Health (S2H) Replay watch!


Photo courtesy of http://www.cnbc.com/



STYLE FOR LESS: Liz Claiborne's Heritage Mosaic Mini Satchel vs. a Secosana Bag

THE SPLURGE: Liz Claiborne's Heritage Mosaic Mini Satchel (Php4,500)

Liz Claiborne, a well-known U.S.-based fashion company since the 1970s, designs and sells a wide variety of men and women's appareal and accesories.  Known for their interesting patterns and laidback designs, one finds a Liz Claiborne creation very appealing and extremely versatile for any occasion.

For those in the market for a chic everyday bag, might I suggest their Heritage Mosaic Mini Satchel selling for Php4,500?

Source: Liz Claiborne website

Teriyaki Boy Munchies

Teriyaki Boy has been around for so many years already, but I just realized I've yet to post an entry about them.  I think it's high time I did anyway.

Owned by the same company that brought us Pancake House, Dencio's and Sizzlin Pepper Steak, among others, Teriyaki Boy aims to deliver high-quality Japanese cuisine at an affordable price.  It's one of our family's go-to restaurants when we crave for some Japanese fare.

I do, however, have sort of a love-hate relationship with them.

Dusit Thani Manila Views (3 of 3)

One thing I really regret was that I wasn't able to bring my DLSR camera during our stay in Dusit Thani Manila.  But since I was gonna have a hard time lugging it around, what with the heavy bag and netbook I was already bringing, I had no other choice but to leave my baby at home. 

Woe is me!  For when hubby and I went around the hotel grounds the following morning, we were met with a quite a few amazing sights that could have made perfect portraits!  And so working with what I did have on hand (a point-and-shoot Sony digicam), here's just a few pictures of the hotel gardens and their pool area:

Orchids are everywhere!  Placed in teeny, tiny glass vases.  So cute!

Food Tripping at Dusit Thani Manila (2 of 3)

Eating is a favorite past time of both Hubby and I.  We just love trying out new places to chow down.  And our staycation at Dusit Thani Manila provided us with another opportunity to loosen up our belts and hanker down for some well-deserved treats!

Our Grand Stay-cation at Dusit Thani Manila (1 of 3)

While the rest of the Metro population flocked to the provinces to spend their Holy Week away from the polluted metropolis, Hubby and I took the opposite route and decided to spend our vacation staying at Dusit Thani Manila for 3 glorious days.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt

I just recently discovered Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt, and boy, was it different yogurt experience.

Rediscovering Sizzlers!

To say that Sizzler Grill Cafe fueled my fondness for barbecued chicken is an understatement.  Our family, having been loyal patrons of this nondescript resto in Glorietta since waaayy back, carry such happy, delicious memories of this place that when the infamous mall blast episode happened, this fave resto of ours, along with a number of establishments, closed shop with neither a word as to their new location.

However, with the renovation of Cash n Carry Mall in Makati, came with them a rebirth and reintroduction of the Sizzler Grill Cafe line that we have come to enjoy and love!  Oh happy days!  =)

Finding my Inner Singaporean at Nasi Lemak Food Republic

Having been to Singapore a number of times, I have come to develop a fondness for chicken rice.  As avid viewers of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain are aware of, this simple no-frills chicken dish is technically considered one of the well-known dishes of Singapore, a definite must-try when visiting the Lion City.

Feeling a little lonely for hubby, it was with great joy that mom and I came across Nasi Lemak Food Republic in Robinson's Galleria, serving authentic Singaporean cuisine.

The First "The Average Jane" Blog Anniversary Giveaway!

I can't believe I've been blogging for a year already!  What started out as a means to break my everyday routine and as a much-needed stress reliever has eventually fueled my desire to share information that I hope others may also find just as useful. 

It has definitely been a long process of figuring out what works and the direction I wanted it to go.  It hasn't been perfect, but I stand by the earlier choices.  =)
 
And so to commemorate this occasion, I'll be raffling off these 2 fab finds, to be won by one of my blog followers!

And the Yogurt Wars Continue: fruttiYogurt

Yogurt is a healthy alternative to those heavy cream-ladened ice cream concoctions in the market.  And with our society tilting towards a more healthier way of living, it's no wonder that yogurt places are popping out of nowhere, invading our senses even as we speak (I personally compare them to alien mutations that just appear like magic out of thin air.  Hehehe!)

But I digress.  Regardless of my maniacal theories, I will be the first to admit that I love yogurt and all of it's frutty goodness.  It's the family's go-to dessert when eating out.

And so I present another contender in the yogurt wars -- fruttiYogurt!

Get your Gourmet Meal Fix at Almon Marina

Almon Marina isn't exactly new in the resto scene.  In fact, it's been servicing their loyal customers for more than a decade now. 

Serving one of the best gourmet pastas and sandwiches (in my opinion anyway) in the Metro, mom and I would never have guessed that eating dinner at their branch in Megamall one dreary Friday night, would have us be turned into firm believers of this classy establishment.

Step Into Poh's Kitchen for a Delighful Take on Recipes New and Old

If you're like me, then you probably can't live without lifestyle channels like TLC.  With their vast array of cooking, crafts and other similar shows, I could easy send hours upon hours just watching through their offerings.  Once in a while a new show comes in bringing a new twist on old family recipes and new culinary innovations. 

Step into the culinary world of Poh's Kitchen!

STYLE FOR LESS: Lacoste’s Classic Horizontal Shopping Bag vs. SM’s MS bag

THE SPLURGE: Lacoste’s Classic Horizontal shopping bag (USD126)

Here again with another great bag from Lacoste! 

The classic horizontal shopping bag (USD126) is a perfect fit for all your stuff.  Big enough space for everything you may need while out shopping, plus your purchases as well.  Got USD126 (or around PHP5,600*) to spend?  Then it's yours!

Source: Lacoste website

*Conversion rate used: 1USD = PHP45