Workout Essentials

So I went for yoga this morning and it was great!? I couldn’t remember the name of the poses except for the “cobra”, but all in all it was great.? The instructor, Maggie, paid attention to newbies like me and corrected my poses because as she said: the main emphasize of Iyengar yoga is correct poses so the yoga can be beneficial to our health.? And the cool thing is, unlike my body balance class where we really seldom use props, on my first day of yoga, I was already introduced to the wall ropes, the yoga belt, blocks and bolsters.? How fun!

And these are the contents of my Anuschka Travel Tote today:

Sigg Water Bottle, Body Shop Vanilla Hairspray, Paper Soap and Paper Shampoo, old t-shirt and shorts (well, actually I brought spare undies as well, but… naaah I won’t display it here!)

I rarely bring too much on exercise day, because at my gym they provide towels and all sorts of amenities a girl might need like lotions and spray deodorants.? It is a swanky gym (Mr. BF got a corporate rate… tee heee!) so you expect those kind of things anyway. So I was kinda surprised when I found the similarly equipped locker room and showers at the seemingly simple yoga studio.? Cool, ain’t it?

Tomorrow is another day of yoga and I am looking very much forward to it! Yay!

What To Bring When Babysitting

My sister’s kids are in town.? They are Jacob who’s 5 years old and Daisy who’s 3.? I promised my sister to take the small ones to the park for a picnic.? This reminds me of my babysitting days, and I couldn’t be more excited!? Here are a few stuff I never forget to pack when babysitting.

1.? First Aid Kit
You never know when these kids are going to bump into something or fall, even when you have the eagle eye mode going on.? So a first aid kit is a must have in your bag.

2.? Personal Medicines
Not for you, but for the toddlers.? Ask their parents what their allergies are, and whether they are under any sort of medications.? With babysitter-friendly parents, you don’t even have to ask.? They’ll give you some notes and all you have to do is follow the instructions.? As simple as that!

3.? Important Numbers
Make sure you have the list of their doctor, immediate relative and of course, parents.

4.? Snacks!
Kids love to snack.? My nephew and niece love fruits so I’ll have to take some peeled oranges and fresh apples with me.? Consult the parents before providing snacks for the toddlers.

5.? Activity games
I used to keep non-toxic crayons and a small drawing pad in my bag whenever I go babysitting.? These sort of activity will make the children less cranky, and easier to manage when they’re getting bored.? Because today is an outdoor day, I’m bringing frisbee and a ball.

6.? Bug Repellent
For an outdoorsy activity, I’m bringing a bug repellent cream.? You never know what summer might bring!

7.? Sunscreen
This isn’t only for them, this is very important for you too.

8.? Story books
Reading stories is also fun to do without having to carry too much stuff.? Just make sure you’re updated with the latest in the children literature world!

And with those 8 babysitting essentials, I am now off to the park with Jacob and Daisy!? See yaaaa!

Avoiding Pickpockets 101

As somebody who cares a lot about the contents of her bag and of course, her fabulous bags, I would like to share some tips on avoiding pickpockets should you have to visit a tourist spot wherever.? You know these tourist spots are usually crammed with people (especially on holidays like last weekend), and you have to be alert at all times.

1.? Avoid carrying tote bags with short handles.
Sure it looks trendy wearing your bag on your arm like all those cool celebs, but do realize that this way, your bag will easily slide off your arm.? Instead, choose a shoulder bag where you can place the whole compartment under your arm pit.? Like to carry lots of stuff?? Opt for a postman bag that’s wearable across your body.? But remember, keep the bag on your side or slightly in front to make sure you always know what’s going down.

2.? Separate, separate.
Mom said, “Never keep your eggs in one basket.”? Now that might sound only applicable for investments, savings and bank accounts… but seriously, apply this rule whenever you go traveling.? Keep some cash in your wallet, along with some of your credit cards… but also keep a spare credit card and some cash on a different compartment inside your bag.? This way, should your wallet be stolen, at least you can get a cab or ride a bus home or to a nearest safe place without worry.

3.? Dress fabulously, but not too much.
What attracts pickpockets is mainly how you carry yourself.? It’s ok to be stylish and such, but it’s just not ok to flaunt your blings in a touristy spot.? Bear in mind that less is always more.? It’s not just a fashion saying, it actually said by the local police nowadays.

4.? Never ever forget to zip and click.
Forgetting to zip up your bag or clicking down the flap of your fabulous messenger bag is a terrible mistake.? Take your time after paying for your stuff, or leaving the ATM machine.? People who are waiting in line behind you might be grumbling because they think you’re being slow, but hey, do they help you replace your cash and credit cards after they get stolen?? Yeah,? I don’t think so either.? So have a thicker ear and let them grumble.? All you have to care about is that your stuff are tucked in safely.

5.? Be alert at all times.
Not trying to make you look like a paranoid person, but being alert means being aware of your stuff and your surroundings.? It is possible to still enjoy whatever it is you are enjoying while being alert at the same time.? Be extra alert when queuing, or surrounded by many people at a time.

6.? Scream it out.
No matter how alert we try to be, we never know what might come before us.? So should somebody grabs your bag and tries to run away with it, scream out loud to get attention because in this individualistic world, there are still prince charmings everywhere, ready to save a damsel in distress.

There you go, some safety tips from the Anuschka girl

Writing: My Hows And Whys

For somebody who’s not too into writing at first, I’m amazed with how many writings I came up with in just two months.? Seriously, I’ve never written anything this much before, until I started blogging.? Now I’m no professional writer who’s credible enough to give out tips and do’s and dont’s, but really… here are some? stuff I’ve dealt with? until I started, well, writing!? So if you’re a bloghopper and not yet a blogger, read on

1.? What should I write about?
I bet that’s the question asked by many aspiring writers and bloggers.? I’m no pretentious girl who likes to write about stuff I don’t know.? So I write about stuff I do know.
Lesson learned:? Write about the stuff you know most about.? Follow your passion.

2.? How should I write it?
I write my thoughts, I have fun editing images, putting up links and such. So I write my blog any way I like because hey, it’s my own blog.? Where else can I do that?
Lesson learned: Be carefree and take your time to have fun with what you write.

3.? How long should a post be?
Well it’s my thoughts, so whenever I see something interesting and have a lot of thoughts about it, I write long posts and when I don’t feel like writing too much I just put short posts.?
Lesson learned:? The key is following your heart.? And mood!

4.? What if people don’t like what I write?
People of different interests might not too crazy about reading tons of articles about handbags, but those who shares the same passion will stay.? And that is why I always thank God for blog directories that always point out the similar sites to me so that I can find those who shares my interests
Lesson learned:? You can’t please everybody.? This is actually a life lesson

5.? So I published a blog.? Now what?
Well after I published my blog, I started bloghopping and making friends.? In fact, there are some people who became good friends with me as we share informations and tips on what we like.
Lesson learned:? There are nice people on the internet and making friends with them is as fun as making friends off-line!

Writing is fun and in this internet era, it’s even funner because not only you get an outlet to scream your passions out loud, you get great friends too!? So what are you waiting for?? Just WRITE!

The Handbag And A Date

I’ve been meaning to share this with my readers because it is such a dilemma choosing the right outfit to wear on a date and the handbag to match it.? However, we often forget the importance of the contents in the handbag when we go on a date because we concentrate more on our appearance.? Let me tell you something: your handbag completes your whole look, and what you bring inside of it has to complete your every need too!

First thing’s first:? Pick a bag that’s not too big but not too small so it can accommodate your every need without looking bulky.? Let me give my choice for this example, is the Anuschka Multi-Compartment Satchel (which I finally got from Magda! Yaayy!).

What to bring:

-? Your cell phone.? This is very important should you come across a boring date, as you can text your friend to call you in an ‘emergency’.
-? Your wallet (with cash inside), in case he forgets to bring his.? But please take this hint: if he forgets his wallet, like, all the time, maybe he’s not worth your attention.
-? Pepper spray.? Would be useful for a blind date gone wrong.
-? A mini pack of tissue, just in case.
-? Your compact powder for touch ups.
-? Lipstick to reapply after dinner.? Try to go for a lighter texture, because believe it or not, men hate the lipstick-y taste when they kiss you good night.
-? Mints so that you can still enjoy that garlic-y Chinese food without worry.
-? Mini perfume to make sure you smell wonderfull all night long.
-? A condom.? It’s better be safe than sorry, but still, it’s better not to use on the first date. LOL.
-? Personal medications. If you have to get insulin shots, for instance, do tell your date in advance so he would not be suspicious of that syringe.? And it is better to keep these things inside a separate pouch.

There you go, the top 10 things to bring on a date. Have fun and be good!

Best Deals On Handbags: How To Get Them

For handbag lovers, getting the best deals on the merchandise is quite tricky. Especially if you have a tight budget that doesn’t always go well with your tasteful eyes. Take it from me, I know. So what’s the real deal in shopping for handbags? I’ve got the 411.

Know Yourself
This is the first and foremost thing to do when you are thinking of purchasing an expensive handbag. Reflect on your daily activities and how a handbag will fit your routines. If this is still a blur, let me give you an example: if your work requires you to do long commutes, a medium to large handbag with a shoulder strap is your best bet. I like this Anuschka V-top Hobo. Practicality must always be on top of your list. Examine what you bring to work on a daily basis very carefully as well, as this will determine whether you need a single compartment handbag, or a multi-compartment bag to accommodate your belongings.

Check Your Wardrobe
You might not realize it, but there’s always a majority of colors inside your wardrobe no matter how colorful a person you are. Sort the clothes that you wear most, as this will help you determine what color of handbag you really need. And I’ll tell you what you really need: you’ll need a handbag that complements your overall attire. Matching colors work wonders, but it’s okay to splurge on contrast once in a while. Just make sure it goes with most of your clothings.

Assess Your Previously Owned Bags
This is also an important part before you shop for handbags. You don’t want to get a new handbag that goes unnoticed or worse, makes people go, “What? A new bag? Really? Don’t you already have that?”. This is why you should always check by asking yourself this kind of question: “Do I need another structured bag, like this Anuschka Shopper? Or should I try a hobo, like this Anuschka Medium Hobo for a change?”.

Browse The Internet
Do research on the bag you’re eying, because sometimes the best deals are there in front of your very eyes! I checked around today and found that this gorgeous Anuschka Hobo With Side Pockets is 20% off on eBags, and the deal is only good until midnight 6/18 MDT

Check out the review I made about this Anuschka Hobo With Side Pockets.

So those are some tricks to get the best deals when shopping for handbags. Now if you will excuse me, I’m off to eBags and check the Anuschka section real quick!

My First Official Review :)

I’ve been eying the Anuschka Large Work Tote for a few days now… so I decided to put all my thoughts into a review. Check it out!

Gum In My Bag And Some Tips

I always keep a pack of gum in my bag. No big deal, it keeps my breath fresh and I like chewing gums.

What I don’t like are the catastrophic accidents caused by the teeny tiny chewy thing. It’s very traumatizing to have your beautiful long hair cut because a gum is stuck near the root on top of your head. Thank God that neighbor’s kid grew up to be a pretty model and is jet-setting the world right this minute as she’s now safe from that gum-chewing (ex) friend of hers.

Anyway, I guess I paid my karma because just this morning I found a gum stuck beneath one of my gorgeous Anuschka, as I was waiting in line for my morning paper. Didn’t know how it got there, but it was enough to make me sweat for 2 blocks.

Yep, the Anuschka Kelly Tote.

I wanted to pull the gum out but was way too scared to ruin the leather. Besides it wasn’t a pretty sight anyway. So I handled the bag carefully, ran home, and called Trish. She calmed me down and told me to get some ice into a plastic bag. And she told me to rub the plastic bag over the gum so it hardens. When it did, I pulled the gum out carefully and yes it was easier to do so. Trish told me just to wipe the spot with wet cloth. It worked. Thank God it didn’t leave any stain. Darn gum.

While we’re at it, I guess it’s just appropriate to share some tips on cleaning your leather bag.

1. Never ever leave your leather bags out where can be reached by direct sunlight. Trust me, the sun rays will change the color of the bag.

2. Always use cloth to cover your leather bags, or any porous covers. Putting them inside plastic bags or non-porous materials isn’t a great idea as it will encourage mildew and bacteria growth. And they will ruin the bags for sure.

3. Wipe the leather bag with a fresh damp cloth and dry it up with a dry towel before storing. This will get rid of the dirt that probably contain those bag-ruining bacterias.

4. Trish’s simple tip worked for me and there are plenty of stain-removing tips online, but take it from me, the more stain you get on your leather bag, the more risk you’re taking if you decide to attempt removing them yourself. Get professional help.

Oh and um… maybe you don’t really need to take a bag when you’re getting the morning paper anyway. You never know what danger the streets have in store for your beautiful leather bag.