Entrepremom's Journey

Preparation for Lana

2011-08-12T07:23:00.000+08:00

Come September 8, 2011 I'll be giving birth to Irina Mirabella or simply Lana via Caesarian operation. Until now we're not yet ready *sigh*. We still don't have the exact amount of cash needed for the operation, I still have not prepared the baby necessities like soap, alcohol etc. All I have now are the clothes and other accessories given to me by my friends during my two surprise baby showers. There are enough toys for the nursery decoration though :)

If given the chance to win a nursery makeover, I would prefer a modern nursery for Lana. Her older sister already has much pink on almost everything so I am thinking of creating a lime green room for Lana. The website http://www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com has a lot of wonderful ideas to offer and this is were I got the idea of choosing a modern lime green room for Lana.

The color lime green is not gender-biased and it gives a spell of fresh vibe all around. Thanks to Robyn of Chadds Ford, PA, USA for sharing her wonderful ideas for a Sublime Modern Lime Green and Nursery.

...and so the bazaar season planning starts!

2011-06-16T07:14:00.000+08:00

It's mid-June, mid-year already and in the Philippines, this is the perfect time to plan for bazaars should you have plans in joining one or two come Christmas season. Shopping for Christmas starts around October because unlike many other countries who celebrate Christmas only on the 25th of December, the season starts in September 1st here. It's a common tradition passed on from one generation to another :)

I've heard of friends working on some serious plans in joining bazaars this year. In as much as I want to, I couldn't as I'll be giving birth 3rd quarter this year. Anyhow, one of my friends have asked for my advise and tips on how to set-up good trade show booths, because as we all know, an attractive bazaar could rake in more sales compared to just so-so bazaars. It needs a lot of planning and the right strategy for a successful bazaar experience.

I told them that they should purchase attractive table skirts. Bold designs in contrasting colors often hit it big in bazaars. In a cramped places like that, you wouldn't want to blend in, do you? When joining bazaars, you want be noticed and get sales. If your items are new in the market, it's better to invest in large banner stands, maximize the sizes required in the bazaar. It's the first thing that most customers will see so ensure that it's attractive and professionaly made.

One last thing, don't forget aesthetics, nobody wants to enter a booth cramped with stocks right? Planning to beautify a small space can be quite challenging but it's better to do so than end up with no sales. Invest in a beautiful pipe and drape and make sure that everything's well coordinated.

Excited for our House Renovation

2011-05-29T18:52:00.000+08:00

Come June 8, our house renovation will finally start :) What makes it more exciting is that our room is will be renovated too!

Room renovation simply means that I can buy new curtains and linens and we'll have the new air conditioner installed --- finally! After months of being stuck on its original box. With the new air conditioner working, I am required to buy new oversized king quilts, something that I've been dying to buy since time immemorial. Too bad we didn't own an air conditioner then :(

I am fascinated with quilts because of the blast of colors that somehow jives when sewed together. Awesome, aren't they?

Another thing that makes me want to buy quilts is Bella's T-shirt Quilt the Twilight saga. It was a high school graduation gift from her mom, a "compilation" of Bella's shirts :) Quite amazing.

I can sew quilts myself but the thought of doing a king sized one is overwhelming and a bit scary for newbies like me. Hmmm...

Moving on, we're hoping that we won't be spending that much on our house renovation because we still have a new baby coming and for sure we will be needing extra cash for our new baby. We'll have the rooms renovated and the front yard turn into a mini-office for me and our business, Posh Baby Philippines and PH Bakehouse.

God will help us with this right? I know that He will. We've been waiting for the right time to renovate our house and I guess THIS IS IT. This is really is it, LOL!!!

Hello Nursing Scrubs!

2011-03-20T11:10:00.000+08:00

After spending the last 4 years in DLSU-Health and Sciences campus and after going through rigorous training in the said nursing school, my dear sister is finally graduating! And by graduation, I mean no more boring white student-nurse uniform and hello to nursing scrubs! Like her, we're very excited too!

Now, we're searching high and low for the most comfortable and inexpensive scrub tops because she's on the heavy side so she prefers comfortable clothing for her to work efficiently. We've found a lot online and thanks God it perfectly fits our budget! Hurray for online shopping!

Seriously, this batch went through a lot and I must say that those who will graduate this year is indeed worthy of being called a nurse because their years of training was no joke. The nurses coming from this prestigious school are well-trained, disciplined and knows what they are doing.

Congratulations, Saydie! we're so proud of you!

Planning and Planning Still

2011-03-20T10:07:00.000+08:00

Now that we're really serious in acquiring that lot in Tagaytay, we're now thinking on what to do with it. Hubby and I are getting a 250 square meter lot somewhere in Pasong Langka, Tagaytay City, Silang Cavite.

It's within a subdivision but we're not planning to put up a huge house on it, just a rest house made of bamboo and other native eklavu. My dream is really to have a place where my kids can run around and rest at the same time and I guess this lot is very perfect - affordable and huge enough for us. We are not after a farm lot because it's too expensive and we would still be needing caretakers, right? But for sure we'll be planting fruit-bearing trees and all :)

During weekends, the whole family will travel all the way from Bacoor to spend Saturdays and Sundays there. And hmmm....the idea of stargazing under the tent attic is very, very tempting. Barbecue on the weekends, perhaps?

Oh, I can't wait to get hold of that lot LOL!

I'm in need of a financial advisor! HELP!

2011-03-05T08:27:00.001+08:00

Ever heard of a financial advisor? I haven't until my financial life went crazy and here I am looking for one. If you are an investor who needs good qualification financial professionals then you need a good company with financial advisors complete with credentials, business practices, services and most importantly professional ethics.

Don't just jump into anyone and ask for financial advice. You need a reliable company if you want that close to perfect transaction. Find the best company like Paladin Registry - they have well trained professionals from financial planners, investment advisors and money managers.

Crazy it may sound but I am in dire need of a financial advisor. Our financial status is indescribable since I stopped baking last January so the money coming in each month was lesser that I have expected. We have pending loans to pay and months of unpaid mortgages. I hate to jot down each one of them because I would go crazy - that's a fact. Now all I need are resources, more resources where I can get enough moolah to cover our overdrafts :( I know that this isn't the best solution but it's the only one I know :((

Should I apply for a loan with Social Security Services?, get a multi-purpose loan from Pag-ibig? jump into loans from individuals? I don't really know. I have not settled any of our bills yet for this month and for sure I'd go crazy again mid-month on where should I get enough money to pay for it. Sad life, isn't it? I feel like I'm Becky Bloomwood-Brandon now with neck-deep overdrafts and a dire need to SHOP.

ahetchushopping. youruinedmylife.

Babae Kapuso ka ng Bayan Entrepreneurship Summit 2011

2011-03-05T07:39:00.000+08:00

Yesterday we went to the Babae Kapuso ka ng Bayan Entrepreneurship Summit in World Trade Center in Pasay. I love attending trade shows like these because we always get a lot of freebies from various exhibitors, apart from the things we learn from speakers. I am a business-minded person, remember? So every little detail I get from them is considered a treasure.

It was quite late already but there were still a lot of open trade show booths. My eyes feasted on the 1,001 wonderful items around me but too sad I was out of the budget already hahaha :)) There were toys, lots of it! Food, kitchen items like knives, hand towels of all kinds of materials, table skirts and many others! The 1 hour was not enough to go around the booths and appreciate all the products for sale!

I saw banner stands of various relaxations parlors offering a lot of to-die-for FREE spa services like hand and back massages, foot massages, head massages, facials and FREE products! Some even have installed Pipe and Drape for privacy of those having whole body massages.

It was one amazing event and I wish I could go back there again but at this rate, I could probably not :(

Taming a Sports-minded Husband

2011-01-03T05:54:00.000+08:00

I have no problems with my husband. In fact he's the most vice-less person I know unless the topic is Manny Pacquiao and boxing. It's as if the world stops when Manny Pacquiao enters the picture. He would drop every thing that he's doing whenever Manny is shown on TV, he is an active contributor in Manny's website, he would watch Manny's every game Live in someplace with his fellow fans and I guess he would watch it on the ring side if we can afford it. That is how crazy he is.

On the other hand, my friends say that this is better instead of having a husband who plays basketball or any other sport for that matter. It holds true because she wouldn't find her husband home every day because he's usually out playing or practicing basketball! We'll I guess Manny's game of every 6 months is indeed something to be happy about, right? The husband of my cousin is at the peak of his youth so she would always find him betting on baseball, football and basketball game online so his main vices are getting the best sports picks and game predictions!

Oh well, if you have husbands like ours, well, first of all remember that your husband is still an individual and has certain habits and relationships like what you have with your make-up, shoes and bags. It is best to respect it like he respect yours. But if things are really going crazy and he becomes forgetful of his responsibilities, mind these tips on how you can tame him:

Find a task, work or hobby that you can do together - that you can do as a family. This way you will get hold of his time. Why not do some gardening and set schedules and responsibilities so at least he would do something worthwhile before he plays? Remember the saying, "If you can't beat them, join them!"
Show him what you do with your schedule, too. If you husband sees you in the salon or out drinking coffee with friends then of course he'd do the same! So show him that you devote your time to him and to your kids so he would be dead-guilty if he choses sports over you.
Don't force it. Don't make him feel that you are pulling him away from his vices - do one taming thing at a time so he doesn't get pressured.
If nothing else works, Let him be. I guess being addicted to sports is one fair game than being addicted to some woman, right?

How Business Cards Helped my Business

2011-01-02T21:39:00.001+08:00

I can still remember the first time I ventured into online selling back in 2004. I was still naive back then because no one taught me how to do business. Wherever I am now in this field are all fruits of my trial and error :) I started selling in eBay and one of the ways to get connected to the eBay community was to attend JAVAs, an informal get-together of sellers and buyers. During those gatherings, I would normally see co-sellers giving away business cards and I wondered why. Back then I thought business cards were only for businessmen and women - I never thought I was already one!

6 years later, I have grown from a naive girl into an established businesswoman and in those years I made sure that I always have my business cards with me. Here are the benefits of having one:

Business cards does the marketing for you for it keeps you in the mind of prospective customers. And with small business people like me who simply couldn't afford traditional marketing like in radio stations and mainstream media, a business card is the key so prospective customers won't forget about me.
These cards make you look like a reliable business person and you all know that first impressions last, right? People around the world thinks it's a professional thing to exchange business cards during certain gatherings. On my case, I prepared a bunch so I was ready on the second gathering that I attended.
It will increase your sales bigtime. It a practical investment considering the sales it will give your business.

One simple tip though, in designing your business cards, ensure that they're coordinated with your business - from the colors, font and theme. This way people will recognize your company the moment they see your businesscard.

Dreaming for my Mall Stall

2010-10-29T07:06:00.000+08:00

I saw a new Chocolate stall yesterday in SM and I secretly wished I could build the same for my online bakehouse. The hubby and I planned to build one using the small space we have in front but he told me that I should build a better website first.

Why is a website important?

Websites work as your company's dress. This is why power dressing is important because it's how you sell yourself and how people will perceive the quality of your work. Remember, first impressions last. This is why businesses need a partner like web design company nyc, they are an authority when it comes to website building and their years of expertise will prove that they already know what your customers think.

Having an e-commerce website is very important nowadays because people prefer to look for establishments on their laptops. Gone are the days when people spend precious hours and gas roaming around town to look for establishments. And business owners nowadays ALWAYS THINK GLOBAL.

So if you are in the United States, much better because ecommerce partners new york is just within your reach.

Trust NMEDA and it's Dealers

2010-10-07T06:15:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hiring the best caregiver can be tough as it requires going through the background of the person and of course, through experience but we can not just live it up to them, right? We need to ensure that our loved ones are in good hands everywhere. This is why we need the help of an association that caters to every need our physically challenged loved ones.
NMEDA is an association of Mobility Dealers, Manufacturers and Rehabilitation Professionals with an advocacy to provide safe, reliable vehicles and modifications to enhance accessibility for all people. Let me clarify that NMEDA does not sell anything, in fact, they are non-profit but requires all their members to follow and adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The ones who sell are the NMEDA DEALERS, members who sell handicap vans and vehicle modifications.

Why is it important to purchase the "RIGHT" vehicle for our disabled loved ones? Because no two disabled persons are the same and have the same needs. NMEDA provides "in-person" evaluation to assure you that you are getting the right driving solution fully customized to your specific lifestyle and needs. If you, however, need further training and or product refinements, your nearest NMEDA dealer is willing to help you with it.

NMEDA has two types of dealers, their members as dealers and the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) dealers. The latter is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality. Dealers who wish to be a QAP dealer are held to extremely high standards.

NMEDA professionals are highly trained and capable to assist your caregiver. They can work together to ensure that your handicapped loved ones are in good hands. On the other hand, having the right vehicle and or customized modifications to your vehicle will give them back the independence and confidence that were once lost.

NMEDA dealers are available nationwide, our nearest dealer is:

C & C Mobility, LLC
9577 Fletchers Chapel Rd.
King George, VA 22485
Phone: (877) 325-7733
Web Site: http://www.candcmobility.net

Check your nearest dealer by visiting the NMEDA website today!

Pacquiao vs. Margarito Live Streaming

2010-10-07T05:37:00.000+08:00

Pacquiao vs. Margarito's fight of the decade is just around the corner. Check updates and watch it via live streaming on Pacquiao vs. Margarito Live Streaming!

"Bright Beginnings" are now available in Diapers.com!

2010-07-30T11:18:00.002+08:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Finding the right formula can be such a pain especially with newborns.

When Yona was a baby she refused to take my milk so we opted to give her formula. It was a blessing that she wasn't lactose intolerant so she takes formula with ease. I've shifted from Nan1 to the Enfa series but there were a few months when she took "Bright Beginnings" (the old packaging...I like the new one better!).

At first I was hesitant but my aunt who lives in the States assured me that it's safe and my daughter will like it. True enough, she did ^_^ If only Bright Beginnings were available locally then, she'd take it until she was about 12 months. But I find it hard to look for someone who comes home often to bring me cans of the milk so I shifted to another milk. Good thing now Bright Beginnings available at diapers.com!

If you are looking for a formula with nutrition same as breast milk yet at a very affordable price, then Bright Beginnings DHA Milk Based Organic Infant Formula is the best one for you.

Since IT IS ORGANIC, it means that it's packed without using pesticides, added growth hormones, and antibiotics! Each can is packed with organic-quality milk, all from natural vegetarian sources bearing the DHA and ARA nutrients commonly found in breast milk. These two nutrients are the ones supporting the eye and brain development.

Getting the premium nutrition at a very low price is possible with Bright Beginnings.

Mom, I Pooped :(

2010-07-30T05:16:00.001+08:00

Perhaps the saddest word I heard today.

I know the act is normal but it becomes not when you do it at the wrong place...and yes, in your undies and school uniform.

I was thankful that my daughter's classmates are still young and they still think it's 'normal'. No laughing and teasing happened much to my delight.

I felt sad but she told me that she was fine and didn't feel embarrassed at all.

I love you hun :)

Mom, I Pooped :(

2010-07-30T00:26:00.000+08:00

On Car Accessories

2010-07-29T13:19:00.000+08:00

I've always wanted to own a car of our own but learning how to drive and at least learn the basic "how to's" on vehicles should be on my priority list before I decided to buy one.

I don't have the slightest idea except for the things I've learned when I did General Motor paperworks two years ago. I learn a thing or two about vehicle make, vehicle body, parts, mechanisms and more but I want to know the details on car accessories, typical things to in case it halts in the middle of nowhere, far from our friendly neighborhood mechanic.

However, I know that I have little knowledge about body kits. In fact I've sold a Xenon Full Body Kit back then. The body kit I've sold was custom made, ready to prep up and paint. It was easy to install and came with lifetime warranty from the store.

One good thing about custom made body kits is that it offers a kind of style shifting eyes from the road to your vehicle. And since it's a complete kit, it comes complete with prepping, priming and painting instructions to make the works easier for you.

Now my next task is to learn how to drive, I'll search for an affordable driving school nearby ^_^

Ciao!

Learning Trading Options with OEX Options

2010-07-23T14:20:00.001+08:00

I have been thinking about earning something more because we are planning a huge purchase 1st quarter of 2011. My friends have been prodding my decision to try my luck in stock trading but I haven't got the faintest idea on how to start it. Told then I'd rather sew, make clippies and bake till my heart's content but NOT stock trading. I am no good in money, in fact, I suck at it.

Stock options is a new word to me and since I have the slightest interest on it, I'll be starting from the bottom. Right, definition of terms. I checked out their site and read about confessions of an OEX Options Trader, how cool is that? It's just like reading a whole lot of shopping novels but way different - because I learned a lot from it.

The website is specifically for traders are do not only want daily doses of option trading signals but also for those who wants to learn how to trade a stock index. Simply deep, huh? But really, as I was browsing, I saw a lot of helpful reading materials, such as articles and yeah, confessions. All of them are personally written, meaning they're all easy to understand.

Each subscription to OEX Options will get you to learn things about how to trade and not just what to trade, stock options site awards, who to deal with and more. The best part? Subscribers will get awards for stock option training so every subscription is really a win-win situation!

So let's learn about Trading Options together!

Hello "ber" months, the Bazaar Season is here again!

2010-07-21T17:51:00.000+08:00

The Bazaar season is here again. Every bazaarista I know is busy finding the right tools to make their bazaar selling experience successful.

As for me I am not yet sure if I'll get the chance to join bazaars because I work alone as a mom, a home baker and an online writer. My schedule's pretty hectic, crazy is the right word! But if given the chance to join one before Christmas, I'd get my inspiration from the trade show exhibits I've been to.

Here are some of the things a bazaarista should consider when joining bazaars:

Table Covers - you should consider an eye-catching table cover for your space to attract more customers and a cover that blends in with the colors of your merchandise. It should be kept clean, neat and free from eye-sores. Printing companies offer table covers in various shapes and sizes. They come in bold colors, prints and can also be customized.
Table Top Displays - If you can afford it, invest in a well designed table top display that best represents your merchandise. In bazaars, table top displays represent your company best. It comes in panel systems, pop-up designs, banners, standees and more.
Directors Chairs - of course do not ever forget to bring a chair where you can rest! Nothing beats an energized bazaarista. Directors chairs are usually made of hardwood and you can even customize it so your customers could see your logo! What a way to promote your product!

I am hoping that I'd be given a chance to join at least 5 bazaars this year. It would be a great help to us and our tiny online bakehouse.

Donate Your Car for Vietnam Veterans

2010-05-30T22:26:00.001+08:00

My grandfather is a veteran. He has fought for his country and risked his life for its welfare. It's painful to hear from him how he despise the way people of today have forgotten about veterans, the same people who are enjoying the freedom that these veterans have fought for during the war.

Now is the right time to pay them back. To thank them for everything they did for the country and for us. Our veterans need our support and we can do this by providing them critical support services through car donations. Car donation proceeds benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America and you all know too well how each donation could make a difference.

Worried? Don't be. Vietnam Veterans of America is charted by Congress and has been helping these veterans and their families for over 30 years now. If you are interested to donate car, simply call the toll free number today 1-800-Help-Vets or use our easy online car donation form to schedule your free towing.

Like all of the thousands satisfied car donors who were able to lend their help to our veterans, you will also receive a car donation tax deduction.

A car maybe a necessity to all of us but there are more people out there who needs it better than we do, people like our veterans. While we may have the option to buy another car, most of these people and their families don't.

Let's all make a move now while we still can.

Entrepremom's Journey is Back!

2010-05-30T21:59:00.000+08:00

I don't know why a lot of advertisers want me to blog about them on this site haha so here I am again, bringing this blog to life!

Now I'm wondering what to post on this site as I am already maintaining 5 (actually there's 7 of them!) websites to date :)

Oh, if you have an extra space on your blogroll, hope you can add the following sites:

Entrepremom
Bespectacled
Camera Princess
Work at Home Philippines
Color Kids Unlimited

Thank you so much :)

Buy Gold Bullion for Investment

2010-05-30T21:43:00.004+08:00

My husband and I are thinking of ways on how we can invest our savings. We've thought of time-deposit savings, buying shares of stocks, buying gold, invest it into a profitable business and more. We've weighed the pros and cons of each and realized that buying gold is one step that we should take. With the rise of oil prices and static economic outlook opts to gold as the traditional, and yes, the safest haven for our savings.

One way to invest in gold is to buy gold bullion coins from reputable sellers. I say 'reputable' because there are so many crooks out there these days that it is no longer safe to buy high-value items just anywhere. It is recommended that you purchase gold from trusted sellers ONLY so you are ensured that you get what you've paid for.

Trusted gold sellers include Regal Assets - a company with over 50 years of precious metals expertise. I, for one has no knowledge of gold so I only rely on research. And as a seller I tend to choose (and trust in the process) companies who have websites and customer service that I can rely on.

This company has very excellent customer service for you can directly throw-in your questions via their live chat feature, and you will get the response you need pronto! The website is also professionally done and very user-friendly so you won't find yourself lost in the site. All topics are fully-detailed so the website alone can already answer your questions about IRA Gold, how you can invest on it, how you can turn your retirement plan into gold and more!

I guess I need to know more about price gold, have to visit the site first as I would learn a lot from it so ta ta for now!

Er...car show for me?

2010-04-20T07:58:00.000+08:00

I got invited to a car show event so I am sharing it with you guys. I am not a car owner nor a car enthusiast so I was surprised to receive an invite from a friend. I am the type who only attends the usual trade show exhibits especially about FOOD. yum!

I always get so full during food exhibits because I easily get hungry just by the site of their colorful table covers! Truly delectable indeed! Of course, presentation especially in the food industry is very important that's why these people invest so much in the design of their packaging up to the littlest detail on their paper bags.

Among exhibitors, my favorites are the ones who put "free taste" food as their table top display. It's a major turn-off if they put it in glass cases that consumers who wants to try the product would still ASK for free taste. Exhibitors should put in more efforts in showcasing their products especially if it's food.

Another major turn-off are exhibitors manning the stall who just sits comfortably on director chairs who doesn't budge when you try asking about the product!

How to Draw Traffic to Your Exhibit Booth Part II

2010-03-06T09:28:00.002+08:00

Selling in craft shows, trade show exhibits and bazaars is one good way to augment a personal or family income. Grab that chance to introduce your product to the market with very little capital. Through this, you are able to get feedback from your target market and find ways on how to improve your product.

Selling in these trade fairs is not just displaying your products and wait for customers to drop by and buy. Of the many competitors you have, you need to do something to attract possible customers. Here are some tips on how you can maximize your profits and make the most out of your bazaar experience.

1. Trade shows organizers usually forwards a floor plan to possible sellers. Study this and imagine the traffic flow on your area. You can invest on good striking table covers to attract more customers. Remember, more customers = more profits!

2. Design your booth in a way that it can easily be seen. Bring along a durable table and design your table top display elegantly. The way a table is design makes a good impression on your products.

3. Let your exhibit booth stand out with a unique way of dealing with customers. Be sincere and courteous on how you greet them. Be mindful of your customer's needs for they know if the sellers are sincere or not.

4. Know your products well and expect questions from customers as most of them would want to know all the details first before they put their hard-earned money into it.

5. Be mindful of your customers and avoid sitting down when they flock to your area. Even if you have bought the most expensive chair among all directors chairs, you are still required to attend to your customers if you want to make sales.

These are just the basic ways on how you can draw traffic to your area of the many exhibitors in the whole trade fair. Know more about this by researching and of course, nothing beats the lessons learned by experience.

Goodbye!

2009-12-23T16:39:00.002+08:00

Hello!

Thank you so much for following this blog for more than a year.

I won't be updating this site anymore but instead all my works will be posted in its new home:

HTTP://ENTREPREMOM.INFO

Please visit me there!