Why I love IKEA!

I knew about IKEA when I studied in Beijing but I never really got to visit an IKEA store while I was there. The first and only IKEA store that I have been to was the one in Guangzhou. I love the IKEA store there because the place was huge. If I'm not mistaken, I think it was an entire building and it was designed in such a way that once you enter, you would have to go through the entire store to reach the exit. There were so many items to browse through that by the time I reached the exit, I had spent over 2 hours inside the store. I loved going to the IKEA store so much that I went there every weekend while I was there.

These are just some of the IKEA items that I was able to buy from the IKEA store in Guangzhou:

• clock with magnet that has multiple functions (day, date & time; countdown timer; temperature; another timer).


• 3 shower curtains.


• 2 storage totes.


• plastic bag holder.

I had so many more items that I wanted to buy but I had to think about my luggage. I only bought stuff that I can easily pack in my suitcase. =)

After learning about the IKEA products, I knew that their products would sell well here (IKEA products are both stylish and functional) and it would only be a matter of time before someone franchises it and opens an IKEA store here in the Philippines. It's good to hear that there are people starting to buy stuff from IKEA stores abroad and reselling them here.

I believe there are more than one IKEA resellers here. I know one in Makati (I saw it in one of those bazaars) and one in QC (IKEAPH). Hopefully this year, an IKEA store similar to that of Guangzhou will open here in Manila. I'm pretty sure it will be an instant hit!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Shakey's NEW Tropical Bacon Pizza!

I've been craving for the new Shakey's Tropical Bacon pizza for the past few days and I was finally able to get a taste of it. I ended my craving last night when Tet, Trisha and I went out at around 10PM to try the new pizza. We went to Shakey's Makati Ave branch which was open for 24 hours. The crew was very friendly and accomodating. They even gave Trisha an ice cream and a toy.

Anyway, my verdict on the pizza - it was ok. It was visually more enticing than the actual taste. The reason I wanted to try this new pizza in the first place was because of the way it was advertised. It looked so delicious. However, the pizza lacked flavor, the bacon was not crispy enough, and it was too oily. BUT... I wouldn't mind trying it again (especially if it's free). =)

Thanks to Acee and Jay for the toy and ice cream.

Maclaren and Cogy

Trisha with her favorite toy dog named Cogy. She has a total of 3 dogs now all named Cogy. But one is actually named Ashley. =) This toy dog that she's holding in the picture was given by her Ninong Wa and Tita Kat last Christmas. It's a rescue pet (breed: chocolate Lab) that barks and whimpers.

She's also sitting in her favorite stroller which we bought recently. It's a Maclaren Volo. It's lightweight, compact and really easy to handle. We highly recommend it!

She loves staying in the Maclaren stroller as compared to the Graco stroller which we no longer use. We don't understand though why she prefers the Maclaren to the Graco.

Are you..

Are

you

feeling..

Sad?

Happy?

Serious?

Playful?

First Run in 2008

The PSE Bull Run: Takbo Para sa Ekonomiya which happened last January 27 was my first run for the year 2008. As always, I wasn't prepared. I haven't really been running regularly which I've vowed to do but haven't really been able to. Anyway, I initially wanted to run the 10K but Jon and I agreed that it was best for us to run the 5K instead. Come race day, Jon did not show up. His excuse? He did not hear the alarm that he had set to wake him up. And so I went there alone..

It was still dark when I got to the FORT but there were already alot of runners present. The run did not start on time and it was a bit disorganized. The race course started from NBC tent going towards Lawton Ave. For 5K runners, the U-turn was before the Bonifacio Heights entrance. I started off with a good pace but quickly got tired. I was already gasping for air even before I reached the U-turn. My body was telling me to walk it out but my mind won't allow that. I eventually had to slow down because I would rather finish the race than pass out on the road. I'm not sure of my time but I'm hoping it was under 30 minutes.

I thought running the 5K would be a breeze even if I don't run regularly. I was mistaken! Without enough preparation and exercise, running the 5K was a struggle. And worse is, I got sick 2 days after that run. I now vow not to run unless I am prepared for it. I want to enjoy running and not feel the pain afterwards simply because of lack of training.

I am hoping this experience will provide me the discipline to prepare me for my future runs.

Work-Life Balance?

I was browsing through CNN.com about the China weather situation when I chanced upon an article about work-life balance. It has an interesting perspective about the topic and you have to read it and let me know what you think.

Here's the link - Busting the work-life myth.

Work-life balance, is there really such a thing?