ONLINE WINDOW SHOPPING....my retail therapy

I've only started watching Gossip Girl this season (2) because, like a lot of people, their OMFG promo materials just intrigued me.  Plus, I bought a copy of Lucky magazine with Leighton Meester as the cover girl.  The magazine says she's TV's new best dressed actress.  Honestly, I think her Blair Waldorf character is much more exciting to watch than Blake Lively's Serena van der Woodsen.  Then again, I watch the show's clothes and accessories more than the actors (or their so-so acting).

Whenever I encounter the title Gossip Girl, one thing comes to mind - HEADBANDS.  And I just found the perfect Multiply site to shop for this accessory.  The Royalty Shop offers headbands that could make any girl, of any age, take off her ponytail.    

Just visit their site http://theroyaltyshop.multiply.com and you'll know what I'm talking about.  The headbands are just so pretty that you'd want to own at least one of each style. 

Blair Waldorf can be a witch but, because of her, the headband is hotter than ever.  Even the ones with flowers!

(Photo courtesy of http://theroyaltyshop.multiply.com)

Yeah.  They sell bags.   But unlike other bag-selling sites I've visited, Buffet Bags present buyers with, aside from bag designs, a variety of color and material swatches to choose from.  Bags are made-to-order and are reasonable priced.

One of the bag designs that caught my eye is their Natalie bag; part of the July 2008 Collection.  I've been gift-hunting for a family member and I'm thinking if I should get her a bag. Natalie is perfect for her because it looks like it's big enough to bring to the office and the style is not so flashy for my simple loved one. 

Now if I do decide to give her this, I just have to choose the color and material for the bag.  There's Croc, Iguana and Banig. 

For more information about Buffet Bags and to see their latest designs, visit http://buffetbags.multiply.com.

(Photos courtesy of http://buffetbags.multiply.com)

Bath & Body Desserts is offering a 25% discount on all retail items until September 17, 2008!

Visit their website http://bathandbodydesserts.multiply.com to see their yummy products and to know more about their sale event  

I can never have enough clothes...for my little girl. 

A lot of mommies can probably relate to what I just said.  It's just so hard to resist the temptation of buying my little girl something every time we're in the department store.  Somehow I always find myself in the children's wear area; in the midst of ruffles, ribbons, laces, pinks and yellows, yellows and whites, reds and purples, hello kitties and doras, etc.

Online, I find myself browsing through numerous children's clothing Multiply sites.  One of these sites is Brussel Sprouts Clothing. 

Brussel Sprouts offer imported apparel for little boys and girls as well as shoes and socks for their little feet. Kids will be young fashionistas in Baby Diors and Ralph Laurens - some of the brands you can find at http://brusselsprouts.multiply.com.  And If you frequent their site, you might even find fun toys and helpful mommy products!

(Photo courtesy of http://brusselsprouts.multiply.com)

I know people who wonder about the difference between regular make-up products and mineral make-up.  Believe it or not, I know people who have never even heard of mineral make-up. 

Those who are new to mineral make-up may be interested to visit http://barenaturals.multiply.com.  This Multiply site not only sell mineral make-up but it also gives helpful information regarding mineral make-up.  Info like:

• Mineral make-up powders are humidity, water, and sweat resistance up to 8 hours everyday wear
• Minerals are anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory so are ideal for acned, irritated or sensitive skin.
• Mineral make-up contain no moisture, bacteria do not grow and no preservatives are needed.

Bare Naturals promises a flawlessly airbrushed look; a look that's not cakey and overly dolled-up.  What's more is that Bare Naturals, according to the website, evens out the skin tone and it has Vitamin E that nourishes the skin. 

(Photo courtesy of http://barenaturals.multiply.com)

After months of not blogging about multiply e-stores, here I am again!  Ready to window shop, ready to check out new treasures online.  No doubt, there have been a lot of new Multiply entrepreneurs who have opened their online stores and I'm excited to visit each one of them.

So where do I go first....   

Patent bags – it’s a current fashion obsession.  Everywhere we go we see women (and some men) lugging their glossy totes, almost wanting to compete with the sparkling lights of Christmas.  If it was shoes last year, it’s bags this year and all of us may agree that we need to have at least one patent bag in our collection….maybe at least one of each color!     

However, this time we’re not content with little patent leather handbags.  We want oversized patent bags that are enormous yet functional and still sexy.

To be en vogue this season, visit http://bagsonmymind3.multiply.com.  This isn’t a full-pledged online store because the site’s owner technically doesn’t accept online orders, but it’s a great site for window shopping until you decide to drop by their shop in Cubao. 

As you browse through http://bagsonmymind3.multiply.com, allow yourself to drool at the M Barretto Bag Collection.  There are 4 styles to choose from: ALEXANDER, ALLAN, ALVIN & ANTHONY --- all made of patent leather, are excitingly massive and command all the right attention.  Each bag is at least 10 inches high and 15.5 inches wide.  These carryalls are very flexible.  You can use it with almost any outfit and, despite the size, in any event.  These will make you look chic even if when you’re wearing basic t-shirt, jeans and flip flops.  The M Barretto Bags are stocky enough to put in all your things but they’re definitely hotter than your average bag.    

If you don’t own a patent bag yet, you better hurry.  Although this patent bag trend is unlikely to fade soon, it would be nice to have one on hand this party season.

(Photo courtesy of http://bagsonmymind3.multiply.com and The Reading Room)

Hello Kitty is cute but there's always room in our hearts for My Melody.

Check out these adorable coin banks from http://adollhouse.multiply.com.

Sanrio characters are so timeless.  Their cuteness will last forever! 

Don't you wonder when you'll see Little Twin Stars again?

(Photo courtesy of http://adollhouse.multiply.com)

Indulge in luscious desserts that will leave you asking for more.  Treat yourself to yummy flavors of vanilla, chocolate or apple-cinnamon.   There’s no room for guilt here because these desserts are very good for your body.    

Step into the shower with your delectable Vanilla Bath Syrup.  Glow with scrumptious Mocha Mousse Body Scrub.  Relax in luxury with Chocolate Whipped Body Soufflé.  Bath and Body Desserts offers more than a few choices to pamper yourself.

As you visit http://bathandbodydesserts.multiply.com, your eyes will feast on skincare that you can nourish your skin with.  Aside from the Bath Syrups, Body Scrubs and Body Souffles, the site also offers Massage Oils, Cologne Mists and Hand Sanitizers as well as the oh-so-popular Cherry Lip & Cheek Tint.  Except for the Lip & Cheek Tint, all other products are offered in various flavors/aromas that will truly make the skin tingle.  Judging with all the replies that the site has been getting, you will agree that their products are indeed worth trying.   

This is the season of joy and giving.  This is also the season of stress and tension for the modern woman – at home and at work.  With Bath and Body Desserts, she will definitely be able to spoil herself just as she deserves and be delicious all over, everyday.     

The excitement starts with smelling the products.  The pleasure starts when it touches your skin. 

Are you now ready for dessert?

(Photo courtesy of http://bathandbodydesserts.multiply.com)

UNIQUE.  This is the best word that describes http://adollhouse.multiply.com.

This online shopping store has one-of-a-kind, adorable items that will make you want to shop and shop and shop…especially if you’re a parent, grandparent, godparent, aunt, uncle, etc.  Basically, this site is for you if you have a kid to shop for or if you are a kid at heart. 

The site’s primary products are story dolls which will make storytelling a stimulating experience especially for the young listeners.   Some of the story dolls being sold are: Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks & the Three Bears.   These story dolls are not your average dolls, though.  How do I explain it?  Let me try….Each story has only one doll.  But each doll has 2 , 3 or 4 characters - depending on how many characters there are in the story.  Cinderella, for example – is a 4-in-1 story doll.  Cinderella is in front, the Stepmother is at the back.  When you turn the doll over, you’ll see Prince Charming and, behind him, the Fairy Godmother.  Fun, isn’t it?  Imagine, telling a story with a story doll! 

Aside from the fabulous dolls, http://adollhouse.multiply.com offers other exceptional items that sell like hot cakes!  Check out the site’s photo albums and you’re sure to leave a comment…even for the sold out items. 

(Photo courtesy of http://adollhouse.multiply.com)

Fashion is not exclusive to us grown-ups. 

 

Let everyone know who your “Little Rockstar” is or show them that your precious princess is indeed her “Royal Highness”.  Make your baby a star with Bruce Lee or Marilyn Monroe.  Express your baby’s artsy side with Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.              

If you’re one fearless mommy, be adventurous and visit http://agoobebe.multiply.com.  This site has the funkiest onesies for babies aged 0 to 9 months.  The designs are awesome and the colors, striking.  It’s an alternative to the usual pastel colored outfits that we see babies wear.  Even I smile at the thought of my baby wearing red onesies, declaring that “My Mom Rocks”.  How cool is that? 

What’s cooler is that the onesies are tagless!  This means our babies are assured of comfort while wearing their stylish outfits.  Plus, there are only two snaps – for easy diapering when required.  Aaaaahhhhhh!!!!!  For a mom like me, this is just so exciting!  

Aside from the onesies, it was recently announced that toddlers can now enjoy the awesome designs from Agoo Bebe.  They are now offering toddler shirts!  Let your little angels say that Milk is Cool by letting their shirts do the talking.  

Babies, Rock on!

(Photo courtesy of http://agoobebe.multiply.com)

Even when I was younger, I was never the type to ask for specific gifts.  I enjoy surprises.  The thrill of unwrapping a gift is much more satisfying to me than seeing what’s inside the package.

However,   I sang a different tune during my last birthday.   I knew exactly what I wanted and I had no qualms asking for it.  I wanted Suesh brushes.  My husband, I’m sure, was so grateful to Suesh because they relieved him of every man’s agony – thinking of what to give their wife/girlfriend.  I was even so helpful in giving him the necessary information.  I simply told him to visit http://suesh.multiply.com.

So, you ask, what’s with Suesh?

If you're a make-up artist or simply someone who loves make-up, you’d know that brushes are very important tools in make-up application.  Aside from inborn skill, a good set of brushes is the secret to flawless results. 

Brushes don’t come cheap, though.  You have to invest in it and take care of it.  MAC and Shu Uemura brushes are wonderful but purchasing these can scar your wallet.  Honestly, I’m not ready for poverty due to cosmetics and its tools.

Like the other online stores, I discovered Suesh through my contacts and I found myself returning to their site time and again.  The brushes looked nice on photo but I wasn’t sure about the quality.  They were reasonably priced too.  What convinced me, though, was the number of positive replies and comments on the site.  Apparently, customers were satisfied and they were raving about it.

Imagine a child opening a gift on Christmas morning.  That was me during my birthday.  I knew what was inside yet I couldn’t wait to see it.  And when I opened it, I’m pretty sure that one could see absolute glee on my face.  The brushes were what I exactly envisioned it to be – soft bristles, gentle to the skin, perfect for make-up application, perfect for my make-up kit.     

Yes, I got my Suesh brushes for my birthday AND I was not deprived of the excitement of unwrapping my gift.  It still came in a beautiful box wrapped in exquisite gift wrapping paper!

(Photo courtesy of http://suesh.multiply.com)

If you were born during the 70s, 80s or 90s, you were most likely bottle-fed as a baby.   And if you were born during the said decades, you probably had your fill of Cerelac and Gerber.      

Contrary to what past moms have been doing, mothers of our generation are becoming extra conscious about their children’s well-being.   Most of the young mothers I know, including myself, are breastfeeding advocates.  When they’re ready to eat solids, we prepare homemade/organic food for our kids (that’s why some of the brands now offer ready-made “organic” baby food).  We’re even mindful of the ingredients in our babies’ bath and body products. 

If you happen to visit www.babycenter.com, you’ll find so many products for babies.  As an advocate of breastfeeding, I naturally look at products that will make life easier for me – not that I’m really having a hard time feeding my daughter.  I look at breast pumps, nursing bottles, nursing pillows, nursing accessories, etc. 

Speaking of accessories, one accessory that I think every breastfeeding mommy should own is a nursing bib.  Do you know what a nursing bib is?  If you know, good for you!  If you don’t, oh well, I feel sorry for you.  Kidding!  It’s a gigantic version of a baby’s bib.  The purpose, of course is different.  A baby’s bib is used to get rid of drool, a nursing bib is used to cover mommy’s breast and baby while breastfeeding in public.  As far as I know, it’s almost impossible to find a nursing bib here in the Philippines….until now. 

Breastfeeding moms of the metro, let’s thank our stars that INDIGO is here!  Born out of love by two moms, Indigo offers bibs we can use to “nurse in peace” minus the US dollar signs.  Furthermore, moms will not only be able to nurse in peace but she/they/we will be able to nurse in style – the designs are fantastic!         

If you visit their site, http://indigomanila.multiply.com, you’ll see that they do not only sell nursing bibs.  You can also find adorable nappy clutches and all-natural bath & body baby products which I can’t wait to try on my baby. 

Visit their site and be ready to become an Indigo mommy!      

(Photos of the pretty mom and nursing bibs are courtesy of http://indigomanila.multiply.com)

I guess I spoke too soon!  There IS a foreign Multiply online store!  Ha ha ha!  Check-out http://shoemaniack.multiply.com. 

The owner's from Indonesia and she sells assorted things.  There are about an average of 100 replies per photo album posted.  This person's selling her stuff like hotcakes. 

I don't know how he/she does business though since text is mostly in their local language/dialect.  She/he probably does it like the rest of the online store owners here in the Philippines.

How in the world did I find it?  I guess I just have too much time in my hands right now.  Crazy!

Let's see if I can find a Caucasian store owner! 

If you’re like me who brings her entire home and office in her bag, then you’ll enjoy these Casual Maries bags from http://styleandcarry.multiply.com.  They’re absolutely roomy!   

It was just a couple of weeks ago when they asked me to be their contact.  I’m a semi-bag person.  Okay, I’m definitely a bag person.  However, my friends and family always tease me for being so frugal when it comes to shopping.  They call me kuripot; I call myself practical.  Over-practical.  Anyway, back to the bag…

So I browsed through http://styleandcarry.multiply.com with my Christmas list beside me just wondering if I could find some stuff I could buy for my friends.  I didn’t read the welcome message first and overlooked that they specialized bags.  Why?  Because I was too busy was staring at the adorable Happy Bins!  After pulling myself out of the Happy Bin hypnotic state, I finally browsed through the site’s photos and “found” the Casual Maries.  Either that or the bags found me.

It’s a necessity for me to carry big bags.  Aside from my home and office, I also bring my husband’s suitcase whenever we’re out.  I’m kidding.  My bags are just home to his car keys, wallet and cellphone.  Since his wallet’s in there, I’m not complaining.  Ha ha ha!  =)  Moreover, ever since I gave birth, the camera’s always in my bag – just to make sure I’m ready to capture my baby’s precious moments.  Can you imagine how much my bag weighs?  It’s really a miracle that I don’t have scoliosis. 

Generally, I require a bag that’s roomy and light-weight.  Light-weight because, when it’s full, it will weigh a ton.  The Casual Maries bag I got was perfect.  Light-weight, roomy and stylish – the zebra stripe print will definitely bring life to my usually monochromatic outfit.      

Oh!  Little over-practical me forgot to mention that the bag price isn’t bad too!  Hmm…now I might just order a few of those Happy Bins…      

(Photo courtesy of http://styleandcarry.multiply.com)