PH | Modern Shanghai

It's been an exciting time for the country's culinary scene.  A lot of new restaurants are popping up which has opened up our taste buds to more than the usual fare.  From local dining options (hey, Filipino food will always delight my senses) to Western and Asian concoctions; yes, folks, it's definitely a smorgasbord of eats!

Fairly recent, was the entrant of more sophisticated (or, I think, slightly more unusual in our parts) Chinese fare in the Metro.  The most talked about?  Xiao Long Baos (Php208.00).

Xiao Long Baos

Sure, they're pork dumplings.  We've surely had them before; but they're dumplings with soup (more specifically tasty broth)!  Bite a bit off the top, add some ginger slices, dip into a little Zhenjiang vinegar, and enjoy the warm, silky, chewy (from the skin) texture.  Ahhh....

But I'm getting ahead of myself.  I forgot to mention I had this particular piece at Modern Shanghai, a fairly new restaurant serving local Shanghai cuisine.

PH | STYLE FOR LESS: Harvey's Large Seatbelt Tote VS Jovanni Weave Bags

THE SPLURGE: Harveys Large Seatbelt Tote ($118.00 / Php5,310.00*)

SOURCE: Harveys website

The start of Harveys Seatbelt Bags was simple enough.  Having completed work on his automobile, Dana Harvey had the brilliant idea of creating his wife a bag made from leftover seatbelt material.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Now 20 years into the business, the Harveys are still going strong.  From the original tote, they have prepared and developed other designs and accessories to match, too.  And did I mention, they come with a lifetime durability guarantee.  Definitely worth the $118.00 (approximately Php5,310.00) price tag for the large size (if you have cash enough to spare.)  Also available in smaller sizes, too.

*$1.00 = Php45.00

***

Couponing 101

Searching the net for the term coupon, Google came up with this description:

“a voucher entitling the holder to a discount off a particular product.”

Indeed, used wisely, it can save you money in the long run by cutting a piece off the total price of an item you want to buy or even forgo shipping expenses altogether (as in the case when shopping online).

But how exactly do coupons work?  And are you ripping off stores when you use them?

© 2012 Chris Potter, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

Save Money While Shopping Online

With today's technological advances, it's not surprising that more and more people are flocking to the internet to satisfy their shopping needs. It's convenient, easily accessible, and at times (if done right), can save you a bit of money.  Options are also endless as you get to enjoy everything that the web has to offer.

© 2012 401(K) 2012, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

PH | A (Slightly) Rainy Outing at The Watercamp Resort

What to do when you have your birthday during one of the rainy season months (as is the case with the Little One and the Favorite Nephew?  Go swimming, of course!

The Watercamp Resort

PH | Ready To Be Rich's Family Finances Seminar

I was a yuppie a few years back.  And doing pretty well, if I do say so myself.  I was earning good money in a career and company I really enjoyed being a part of.  Family and personal relationships were fantastic.  Plus I was on my way to completing another degree.  Everything was right were I envisioned myself to be years past.

That was, until I had to move (the initial transition) to Singapore to follow the Husband there.  The plan was to look for work and pick up from there.  Most probably starting from the bottom again but at least, we were complete and could be able to start our married life together.  I was content.

© 2012 401(K) 2012, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

PH | STYLE FOR LESS: LV's Zippy Wallet Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity VS BENCH's wallet

THE SPLURGE: Louis Vuitton's Zippy Wallet Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity ($1,050.00 / Php47,250.00*)

An iconic brand decked out in polka dots.  A collaboration with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.  Selling for a hefty $1,050.00 (approximately Php47,250.00*).

SOURCE: Bagaholicboy website

*$1.00 = Php45