"Martha Stewart's Cooking School" Book

WISH MONSTER UPDATE 03-04-11: Post-birthday gift from hubby! I love love love it.

What's This: "Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook" will surely come in handy in MY kitchen. It describes several techniques in cooking; from the most basic to the highly advanced that's sure to impress even the most discerning tongue. So far, my husband has been enjoying my cooking very much. Today, mi esposo. Tomorrow, zi world!!!

Wallet Damage: Not more than P1,800 (anywhere between US$27-45 online).

Where To Buy: National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Powerbooks, Amazon, etc.

Nintendo Wii

What's This: This one doesn't need any introduction. I've only played a few video games in my life (Mario on the Family Comuputer included) and next to RockBand and Guitar Hero, I think Wii Sports and Wii Fit are on top of the list.

Wallet Damage: From what I've been reading online, it says it costs around $300 (P12,000-P15,000) and it comes with the starter games such as Wii Sports. Additional accessories cost extra.

Where To Buy: Gadget stores and online.

Christmas '10 Monster Wish

Has it already been a year?! Wow. 22 days 'til Christmas 2010. You know what that means. It's time to make new (and updated) wishes again.

And...here we go.

WISH MONSTER UPDATE Dec '10: Pre-Christmas present from hubby!

What's This: If you don't know what this is, then I think it's time to crawl out from under that rock you're living in. OK, here's the deal. I HAD a NEW laptop. An MSI X600 X-Slim laptop that's super light, has that number pad on the side, and a battery life that lasted longer than my old laptop, and that made me very happy with it. I received it in the mail some time in August of this year. But it met its untimely death on my wedding day barely 2 months later. How? One of the guys from the photographer/videographer team we hired yanked on this chord that ran under this cocktail table where my laptop was, then BOOM, it fell. Screen's majorly f-ed up, the side of it chipped off; it looks like someone sat on it after which a dinosaur bit off the edge just for kicks. I remember my heart jumping up my esophagus when I heard it crash. So, yeah, we haven't really agreed on anything definite yet with the photography company who "accidentally" destroyed my laptop, but I'm hoping they replace it or at least waive our balance, which is far less than what the laptop's worth. This is definitely on top of my wish list this Christmas. The same laptop or something like it -- slim and lightweight, loooooong battery life (that means NO SONY VAIOs cuz their batteries suck), user-friendly, good video/audio quality, built-in webcam, huge RAM, and all the other good stuff. I don't mind getting a Mac either. I'm just saying.

Wallet Damage: Around P30,000-P45,000 (around US$700-$1,000).

Where To Buy: MSi, Lenovo, Toshiba, Apple Store, and tech stores.


What's This: Digital Single-lens Reflex camera (DSLR). I'm no Annie Leibovitz, but I don't mind learning more about photography to become good like her. I love taking pictures with my digital camera and I know I can do more, err, stuff with a digital SLR. I'd be more than happy to get an entry-level camera. Not a whole lot of features, but they'd do the job, I think. The Canon Rebel XSi (450D) and Canon Rebel T1i (EOS 500D) are looking pretty good. That last one's perfect, actually.

Wallet Damage: P25,800-P38,000 (around $600-$900)

Where To Buy: Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and tech stores.


What's This: Accessories GALORE. Bags, shoes, necklaces, earrings, hats, bags, bracelets, watches, sunglasses, scarves, BAGS. And SHOES. A woman will never get tired of getting these things. NEVERRRRR!!!

Wallet Damage: P200-P30,000 range (as low as $4 for fancy jewelry and up to $700 for designer bags).

Where To Buy: Aldo, H&M, SM Department Stores, Promod, Charlotte Russe, Mango, Terranova, Topshop, Forever 21, etc. etc.

This sub-list is sure to grow, but this will do for now. :)

Christmas '09 Monster Wish

'Tis the season once again. 35 days before Christmas '09! How time flies...

Here are some things I'd like to get for myself this holiday season (if you get them for me first, I won't be mad, I promise lol).


What's This: Ankle Booties. In all shapes, colors, and designs. I already have a couple, but you know me, can't get enough of anything. That explains why I have this stupid wish list! lol Oh, and I'm a size 8. ;)

Wallet Damage: $20-$100 give or take (around P1,000-P5,000).

Where To Buy: Zara, Debenhams, Aldo, Steve Madden, Janilyn, CMG, Payless, SM Department Stores.


WISH MONSTER UPDATE Dec '09: Got it as an early Christmas present. Thanks, baby!

What's This: Touch Screen Smartphone. I know, I know, I said I didn't need one. But I sure as hell WANT one! Nokia N97, iPhone 3GS, Sony Ericsson Satio, BlackBerry Storm, Samsung Omnia 2, MotoSURF A3100, Nokia 5530, Nokia 5800 -- any one of these would make me very, very, VERY happy.

Wallet Damage: $280-$700 range (around P14,000-P35,000).

Where To Buy: Tech stores and online.


WISH MONSTER UPDATE 12-22-09: Got it!

What's This: Twilight Official Illustrated Movie Companion. I saw it a few months back, picked it up, and put it back on the shelf. WHY I did that? I'm not sure. I can't find it anywhere near where I live, but I'm sure it's still out there somewhere. I got the New Moon companion though, that should keep me distracted for a while.

Wallet Damage: Around $15 (P800).

Where To Buy: Bookstores and online.

What's This: Everything Aldo. Bags, shoes, necklaces, earrings, hats, bags, bracelets, watches, scarves, BAGS, you name it. My friend got me hooked on their stuff, and when their stores opened locally, I went every chance I got, but ended up buying stuff for OTHER people every time (I'm all about giving, too, you know). What about me?!?

Wallet Damage: $15-$140 range (around P800-P7,000).

Where To Buy: Aldo, Aldo Accessories, and online.

Twilight DVD

WISH MONSTER UPDATE 06-19-09: Arrived in the mail today. Finally!


What's This: Twilight movie on DVD released on March 21st.

Wallet Damage: Anywhere between $17.99 to $99.99, depending on where you buy it.

Where To Buy: Costco is selling an exclusive ultimate fan gift set which includes a 2-disc special edition DVD, the original soundtrack, a commemorative box, a charm bracelet, and other Twilight goodies that the young-at-heart would vastly enjoy. Target has the 3-disc DVD. I'm good with either.

Twilight OST

WISH MONSTER UPDATE 01-08-09: Got it, too! Woohoo!

What's This: I did ask for the books so I thought, why not ask for the Twilight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack while I'm at it. Don't confuse the score (instrumental) from the soundtrack (various artists) though; those are two entirely different albums. Obviously, I like the latter better (Bella's Lullaby is in it, too, anyway). I already bought "Decode" by Paramore on iTunes. I want to get the whole album, but I want the real thing, you know, the CD. Nothing beats hardware, baby.

Wallet Damage: Around P500 (more or less $12).

Where To Buy: CD stores and online.

Velour Tracksuit

What's This: 2-piece (hoodie & pants) velour tracksuit. I have a few pairs, some of them *mumbles* just got too small. Asking for a new Juicy Couture tracksuit would be pushing it, but I'd be more than happy with the generic/plain ones. Forget about baggy hoodies and waist-high pants; think comfortably snug and low/mid-rise. Colors I like: black, brown, nude, green, hot pink, plum, turquoise. Strictly NO metal studs or sparkly gems, please. Minimal designs are acceptable. What's my size? Well, how about you let me know if you're getting me a pair THEN I'll tell you my size. Fairnuff? ;)

Wallet Damage: The ones I already own range from P800-P5,000 ($15-$100) a pair. Juicy Couture tracksuits range from $100-$200. I just saw some really cute plain ones at Kohl's though; the hoodie's reduced price is $11 and the pants are $13. $23 + tax...not bad, no?

Where To Buy: Erm, Juicy Couture stores, boutiques, and website. :D The cheaper ones are all over the place this time of year.

Twilight Saga

WISH MONSTER UPDATE 01-09-09: Got the last one, too!

WISH MONSTER UPDATE: Already got "New Moon" in paperback and "Eclipse" in hardbound. ;) "Breaking Dawn" was out of stock, so I wasn't able to get that one.

What's This: The Twilight Saga is made up of 4 books [so far] by bestselling author Stephanie Meyer. I already have the first book "Twilight" and I've seen the movie, too. The movie was so-so, but I thought the book was good. Might as well read the rest, right? Besides, I have this thing about sagas and series and trilogies...I gotta have them all. "New Moon," "Eclipse," and "Breaking Dawn" would sure look nice up on my bookshelf ("Midnight Sun" is still in the works, but I'd like to have it, too, when it comes out) .

Wallet Damage: The paperback edition costs around P600 ($10.99) each.

Where To Buy: Powerbooks, Fully Booked, A Different Bookstore, your local bookstore, and online.

Staple Make-up

These are my kikay kit staples...now pay attention! ;)

The Essentials

Pressed Powder
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation - C4
Wallet Damage: $25 or P1,100 +/-

Pressed Powder Alternative
L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder - W4 Natural Beige
Wallet Damage: $10 or P800 +/-
Liquid Foundation
MaxFactor Age Renew Foundation - 70 Natural
Wallet Damage: $15 or P695 +/-
Lip Tint
The Body Shop Liquid Lip Colour Gloss Fluide - 04 Blush Pink
Wallet Damage: $15 or P500 +/-











Blush
L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Blush - W3-4 Barely Blushing
Wallet Damage: $10 or P500 +/-

Eye Shadow
Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow - any combo
Wallet Damage: 2 for $7 at CVS. $8 or P500 +/- each elsewhere.
Eye Liner
Revlon Luxurious Color Eyeliner - Black Velvet, Sueded Brown & Antiqued Gold
Wallet Damage: 2 for $7 at CVS. $10 or P500 +/- each elsewhere.











Mascara
Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition - Blackened Brown
Wallet Damage: $9 or P600 +/-
Eyelash Curler
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Wallet Damage: $17 or P800 +/-

Icing On The Cake

Bronzer
MAC Bronzing Powder - Refined Golden
Wallet Damage: $22 or P1,000 +/-
Shimmer
MaxFactor Sheer Radiance Foundation - 110 Shimmering Natural
Wallet Damage: $10 or P600 +/-
Take your pick. Everything is available in stores and online. TIP: Some are cheaper when bought in the States than in Manila and vice versa.

Philosophy Amazing Grace Fragrance For Women

What's This: Ever wondered what it would be like to bottle up that fresh-from-the-shower smell? Philosophy did just that and came up with Amazing Grace. I love it, I love it, I love it.

Wallet Damage: The 2-fl. oz. fragrance bottle costs $40 while the 4-fl. oz. bottle costs $60. The 8-fl. oz. body spritz costs only $25, but the fragrance version lasts longer. Throw in the rest of the Amazing Grace Collection and I'll be the happiest girl in the room.

Where To Buy: Sephora, Macy's, QVC, The Beauty Bar (Philippines), other department stores, and online.

PS3 + RockBand 1& 2

What's This: It's the best looking piece of technological art yet; a black beauty indeed. Paired with the best game ever, then I'm in total gaming heaven.

Wallet Damage: I'm afraid to even ask/look.

Where To Buy: Oh, it's out there.

Sex And The City Movie Special Edition DVD

What's This: It's the much-awaited release of the cult movie on DVD. It includes extended features and commentaries. I cannot be more excited. I was going to buy it the other day when I saw it on the shelf, but I thought if I waited a little longer, the price would probably go down a little. I waited this long; I could wait for another week or so. And who knows, maybe someone else might just get it for me (you should be so used to my overtness by now LOL).

Wallet Damage: $25 more or less.

Where To Buy: Available virtually everywhere. They're selling the not-as-special edition in Fry's Stores for just $19.99 -- but that should be your last resort. Special Edition. SPECIAL edition. Keep that in mind.

Webcam For Laptop

This Or Something Like It: I've seen the QuickCam® Pro for Notebooks in action and I think it'll go well with my laptop (my laptop is HUUUGE, so a microscopic webcam would only make it look bigger).

Wallet Damage: I'd be quite happy with the ones that cost less than US$100.

Where To Buy: Cyberzone, computer specialty shops, and online.

Apple iPod Earphones

WISH MONSTER UPDATE 01-08-09: Got it! And a new compact power adaptor, too. Sweet!

What's This: The [relatively] new Apple iPod Earphones are sleeker and more comfortable than the older models. I have a pair, and, true enough, they don't hurt my ears like the older model. But for some reason the gray circumference part on both pieces, how do I say this, were peeling off. So, the smart gal that I am, I peeled them off completely. Now they look -- naked. I hate it. Needless to say, I want new ones.

Wallet Damage: US$29. That's more or less (depends on the exchange rate really) P1,200.

Where To Buy: Power Mac Centers, Apple Store, and virtually anywhere they sell iPods.

The Sandman Series

What's This: The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman is a graphic novel collector's dream. I had the 4th volume (Season Of Mists), but someone borrowed it and never gave it back. Grrr. So, now I want, nay, neeeed to have them all. Here's a little rundown of Gaiman's most coveted works:

The Absolute Sandman Vol. 1
The Absolute Sandman Vol. 2
The Absolute Sandman Vol. 3

The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes
The Sandman Vol. 2: The Doll's House
The Sandman Vol. 3: Dream Country
The Sandman Vol. 4: Season Of Mists
The Sandman Vol. 5: A Game Of You
The Sandman Vol. 6: Fables & Reflections
The Sandman Vol. 7: Brief Lives
The Sandman Vol. 8: World's End
The Sandman Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones
The Sandman Vol. 10: The Wake

The Sandman: Endless Nights

Wallet Damage: I'd say each graphic novel costs P900 (US$20), more or less.

Where To Buy: Powerbooks, Fully Booked, A Different Bookstore, your local bookstore, and online.

US Tourist Visa

WISH MONSTER UPDATE 08-21-08: My visa (the real one haha) was delivered this morning. Woohoo!!!

WISH MONSTER UPDATE: Had my interview at the US Embassy on the 19th, and my visa application was APPROVED. Hurrah! Praise the good Lord indeed. Now, if only they'd deliver it to my house already...

What's This: A 10-year multiple entry U.S. non-immigrant visa.

Wallet Damage: Understandable.

Emotional Damage: For application denial? Abysmal.

Where To Buy: If it was for sale (and that easy to get), I would've worked the streets and bought one already. So, unless you're a U.S. consul/ambassador or an absurdly powerful person, then this is just beyond your reach, I'm afraid. I'd appreciate your prayers though. My interview's coming up and I need all the prayers I can get.

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Everyday Wrist Watch

Right now, I have like 7 or 8 watches, but I almost always use the one that I've had since high school. If it could talk though, I'm pretty sure it's screaming "retirement!" The only way that's gonna happen is if I get a new one that looks like it, feels like it.

I don't care for super expensive; for as long as it tells the time and doesn't break easily, I'm good. I'd still love a classic two-tone watch though, just like the one I have now.

This Or Something Like It: A Tag Heuer Women's Aquaracer or something from their Link Series -- they're timeless. Ideal, but again, not necessary. I'd settle for something like the Guess Women's Waterpro. When it comes to watches, I'm not all that picky, I don't think.

Wallet Damage: Anywhere between P3,000 to P100,000 -- depends on how generous you are.

Where To Buy: Watch specialty store, department stores, and online.

Luggage Set

I've had my share of travels, and I don't intend to stop anytime soon. I bought a 3-piece set of black luggage a few years back, but they just look like everybody else's. I want them to stand out in the airport baggage carousel. And I like to pack my fabulous fashions into equally fashionable bags. So, I thought, they aren't cheap and I don't think my friends or relatives are gonna fight over who's gonna buy them first. But, who knows, anything can happen. ;)

This Or Something Like It: JanSport luggage sets aren't just pretty, but they've got good warranty. Who wouldn't want warranty on their bags?!? Their rolling travel bags are available in Black/White Henna Outline, Choc Chip/Pink Daiquiri, and Buffalo Plaid. The first design tickles my fancy more than the others, but who am I to be picky. Just not predominantly light-colored fabrics -- airport handling can be a pain.

Wallet Damage: I have no idea. If I had to guess, it should cost around P6,000 to [put ridiculous amount here], depends on how many pieces you're gonna get. I'm not saying you have to get me the exact brand/design of what I just mentioned above. I'm all for generic, baby. Generic, high-quality, AND cute. But I wouldn't say no to JanSport, that's all I'm saying.

Where To Buy: The Travel Club, Bratpack, Rustan's Department Store, Active Travel, and online.

101 Things To Buy Before You Die

What's This: "10 Things To Buy Before You Die" by Charlotte Williamson and Maggie Davis with a foreword by Manolo Blahnik. Available in paperback and hardbound.

Wallet Damage: The hardbound copy I saw the other day costs P999, so if you find the paperback it should be cheaper. And if you get it during sale season, then better!

Where To Buy: Fully Booked, other bookstores, and online.

Wi-Fi Internet Router**

WISH MONSTER UPDATE: Obie bought it for me last night. Yay! Thanks, babe. ;*

I've always wanted one. Since Obie bought one and put it in his home, since the room where our desktop is smell of cigarette smoke. Ever since I got my laptop, let's just put it at that. Linksys or D-Link are good models, or so I hear. I could settle for those. Or...

What's This: The Netgear Super-G Wireless Router has 4 times the coverage of the standard wireless G protocol plus twice the speed. It also has a double firewall. I have no idea what I just typed in here lol but it sounds nifty. And I think it's pretty. ;)

Wallet Damage: The one I saw costs P3,514 (that's around US$80). There's one online, 25% off. Not bad, eh?

Where To Buy: SM Appliance Stores, computer shops, you know. ;)