Why do people often comment “Are your shoes licensed?” whenever they see pointed high heels and stilettos? Other comments you would hear would be “those shoes are killers”. I am not sure if its killer to the feet wearing them or killer to the toes they step on.

Many women are also hesitant to wear them. They complain about the leg pain, the calluses, the difficulty of having to survive through a whole day walking in these killer shoes.

I know all about the leg pains and the calluses but I will not be fazed. I love high heels. I love stilettos. I simply love wearing them.

So what are the benefits? Let me share them with you.

• You get an extra inch or more taller. This was my original reason for wanting to wear heels. Standing 5 feet flat is a challenge and especially painful to the neck for always having to look up to the people you’re talking to.
• Your posture improves when you wear heels. Because you constantly have to maintain your balance or risk falling flat on your face, you are forced to improve your alignment and posture.
• Wearing high heels exercises your leg muscles and can actually tone them.
• They make your legs look longer, your body slimmer, and your calves sexier.

What the heck, stilettos are way stylish. Like the shoes that I got for Christmas. They are 3 inches high with intricate detail that I love. Surprisingly, it is comfortable to wear and to walk in because it is very stable despite its height. It looks great on my feet and it makes my feet look great, hehe.

You can only get them online at D&C Trends though and would have to be patient as it gets shipped from the U.S. so it takes about 2 months or so to get to you. But I think its all worth it.

Wouldn’t you say so? See for yourself.

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Our house has been officially named… “ang bahay na patawad” (a.k.a the house that does not entertain carolers). I laughed when I heard my yaya tell us about how she heard some street kids talk about our house to other street kids.

It has always been the tradition in the Philippines, for kids and adults alike, to set out and go from house to house in the neighborhood singing carols and asking for money for their efforts. They often shout - “Namamasko po” at the top of their lungs hoping someone would come out and give them money.

Many, would be street kids or neighborhood kids. Others would even come from far away places. Most of the time, they would just sing out of the blue, without prior notice. Some organized groups visit houses early on and give out letters advising the residents that they will be caroling at a certain date and time. I think that way is more polite and considerate than just dropping by unannounced at any house of their choice.

You see I am not by nature, a scrooge. Far from it, actually. But if there is one thing I hate, it is when people take advantage of special days like Christmas. I really do not know what is in these carolers minds but they must assume that just because its Christmas, people will naturally be fooled into giving out money.

It is not as if I have not done my share of Christmas caroling. I have. But I have always joined groups that practice for weeks and send out letters to the houses that will be visited. We also do not use the money we receive to divide amongst ourselves for our own personal use. We use the money to fund a cause or activity and this is always stated specifically in our letters.

Another thing I hate is when the carolers gripe loudly about not being given money. I am sure there is some cursing that is done too. It saddens me that these kids do not understand what Christmas is really all about.

This year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that they will be rounding up the street kids who will be found caroling. This will be done to prevent them from harm or presenting harm to others especially motorists. The kids will then be turned over to DSWD or to their families.

I say cheers to MMDA for this move… but it did not stop many, many, many street kids from knocking at our gate and screaming their throats out - “Namamasko po!!!!!!”. Sheesh!

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Its a Merry Christmas indeed for me today as I finally got my Google Adsense earnings at Western Union.

I reached the $100 limit before the end of November so I was actually expecting a payout from Google. But when I reviewed the Adsense payout schedule, I calculated that I would be getting my money around the middle of January. That would be if I opted to be paid via standard check.

Good thing that Google has offered an alternative payout method via Western Union quick cash. With quick cash, you can get your money the day after the payment has been processed. All you have to do is go to the nearest Western Union branch that offers quick cash services to claim your Adsense earnings. And that is what I did.

It all went without a hitch for me. One factor maybe is that I was the only customer during that time so the guy at the counter could focus on my transaction. I just presented my IDs, filled out the appropriate forms and ta-da I got my money. It took all of 15 minutes.

I am so excited. I now monitor my adsense earnings quite frequently and study ways on how to optimize the ads on my 3 sites. It took me almost a year to get to $100. Now, I am hopeful to have another payout in the next two months. I am crossing my fingers.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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Here are some of the stuff that has been in my wish list. Since it is the season for giving, maybe someone will be generous enough to give.. hehe.

1. 2008 Belle De Jour Planner
2. New mobile phone
3. Apple Macbook
4. New digital camera
5. Coffee grinder
6. Technomarine watch
7. LASIK surgery

Continue reading…

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I have been a regular reader of the shopping weblog, ShopCrazy ever since I was led there from the femalenetwork.com. It is where I check out news on the latest in fashion, trends, accessories and makeup. Their articles have provided me with great tips on fab finds and the hottest sales.

So this holiday season, ShopCrazy has decided to shower its readers with awesome gifts. Goodie bags filled with items from the hippest brands like Paul and Joe, Phyto and Skin Food. All you have to do to grab the chance to get this loot bag is to answer the question: What’s at the top of your Christmas Wish List?

25 lucky readers who answer that question will be chosen. Detailed instructions to join the promo can be found at the ShopCrazy site so join now! You might just get lucky (like me I hope!).

Merry Christmas!

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