We were kind of upgrading the things that we already own.  We have a pair of JM Lab- Focal floor-standing speakers and we wanted the surround system. We bought the center speaker, subwoofer and back speakers, same brand for all to maximize the sound effect.

My husband had always wanted to buy a bigger TV but we kept  putting it off because of space issue. What we had before was a 32-inch Samsung TV. Now that we have the space, we bought a 55-inch Samsung Smart TV 3D and LED. The purchase also came with a pair of 3D glasses, Skype Chat camera and headset and a complete set of Shrek blu-ray discs in 3D.   I am really amazed at how so many things can  be done with just a TV nowadays. The future is promising.

The reclining navigator sofa from Ashley has been with us  for more than two years.  If you look at it, you can tell that it is obviously old but it is still in near perfect condition. We paid the same store a visit and we added love seat, center table and corner table from the same series. We also got a few accessories for our  living room.  Our living room now looks very welcoming and cozy.

Shopping for appliances and furniture can be a headache, what with the limited budget and endless options.  As for us, we just had to upgrade. We were already satisfied with what we already have so going with it was a smart choice.

Summer has officially started and there are so many outdoor activities we want to do. We want to go camping, biking, fishing, etc.  There are so many things we need to buy for us to make those activities happen and mind you, they are very expensive. This is our first summer together in Canada so we have yet to buy a tent, bicycles, fishing poles, to name a few. We buy these things for keeps so we have to make sure we get the best quality at the price we can afford.

We got lucky when we did our grocery shopping last Friday. It was a no tax shopping day at the superstore. I only intended to pick up a few food items since our fridge was still well-stocked but my husband wanted to make the most of the no tax shopping. We picked up items for summer like the two folding outdoor chairs in a bag, a tower fan with remote control and a small blizzard fan. It’s not really that hot in our apartment but we bought the fans just in case we need them.

I paid 348.50 dollars with my shopping and with no tax and I got a gift card worth $25 dollars because I paid more than $250. That was a surprise bonus. This will help me save for the major summer items that I have yet to buy. It is so true that buying wisely will help you live better.

The media is partly to be blamed for our obsession to try to look like the models in magazines and television. Although we are well aware that technology makes it possible to edit pictures, we still take pictures in the magazines as it is. We also forget that make-up, lighting and other factors help make pictures look perfect. We would like to believe that models are really perfect in the truest sense even if they too, have flaws just like everyone else.

While technology advancement makes us want to try to look like the models in the commercials and advertisements, it is also the exact same thing that provides us with the tools and products to help us look and live better. An excellent example of this is body wraps. This product has become so popular around the world because of its proven efficacy. When your cellulite is smoothed out, you actually lose some inches off which makes it even better. Most BODY WRAPS are done in spas before but now, there is a wide selection of products which you can use in the privacy of your own home with the same results.

Summer is just around the corner and this means a possible trip to the beach. This is the time when we need our bodies to be fit and our skin smooth. A nice website to check out for products that I’m quite sure everybody especially women, would love is shimmerfx.com. There you can find products that can dramatically improve your well-being without your having to go through the knife. Everybody needs to be pampered once in awhile. When you work hard, you have to treat yourself with good things that make you look great. We are not born perfect but I’m glad that there are products that help us look great. When we look good in the mirror, we feel good. When we feel good, we feel like we can do everything and we project that good feeling with everything around us.

Before I arrived in Canada, my husband rented a one-bedroom apartment and was just using a queen sized sofa bed for sleeping. The sofa bed was quite comfortable. He chose to use the sofa bed instead of a real bed because his job requires him to move in wherever the next contract would take him. The sofa bed is so convenient for this purpose because it can be folded.

When I joined him last year, we moved in to a new two-bedroom apartment. We had a deal before that we would only choose our proper bed when we’re together but I procrastinated. We’re still using his old sofa bed. Yesterday, I noticed that the sofa bed is starting to make a noise with sudden movements. I took it as a signal for us to consider buying our proper bed as soon as possible.

I found  some  Bedroom Sets  to choose from and they’re absolutely gorgeous. They can be ordered online at spacify.com and shipping can be free. If  I were living alone, I would definitely go for something feminine but since we’re a couple, our bedroom should  reflect who we are as a couple. I would also like our bedroom to be balanced on both sides like having a nightstand and lamp on each side. The headboard should be very sturdy and there should be space under the bed to let the air go through it. This is required in feng shui and for very good reasons. The bedroom is the couple’s ultimate sanctuary and should not be taken lightly.

Suddenly I miss our life in the Philippines. We only had a motorcycle as our service vehicle because we could not afford to buy a car. That’s not the only reason though. Traffic was so bad in Cebu city, where we lived and riding a motorcycle is a great advantage. Traffic does not hinder a motorcycle from going to places. A motorcycle driver can just work his way to the road sides to beat the traffic and best of all, it is so economical.

My husband misses his motorcycle too. We did a lot of joy riding with the motorcycle. He was even considering buying a motorcycle at one time. If we want to push through we know where to go. For those lovers of motorcycles out there, now is a good time to check out the site that sells honda motorcycle parts. Every motorcycle can have a unique personality with their range of products and not just for the motorcycle but for the rider as well.

We went there the other day and I was hoping I could find some fresh young coconut (we call it buko or butong in the Philippines) and some Thai sweet basil. There was no fresh coconut but there was basil. We love eating at Thai restaurants and we especially like their noodle soups. It is always served with fresh sweet basil and the aroma is so soothing. That’s how I learned to love this herb.

The last time I prepared my first seaweed salad, I promised myself that seaweed will be a staple in my pantry from then on. I bought several packs of wakame and kelp in different brands. Some are dried and the others are instant salads. I also bought toasted nori and sesame seeds and some Japanese rice seasonings.

We experience this once in awhile but then it’s still good to have an Oriental store here. I just hope someone else will open another store or who knows, I could be that someone?