Surprise your feet with a Lucky Backpack this holiday season! Grab 3 Suelas footwear for only P1,500!

In the spirit of giving, Suelas has created the Lucky Backpack! They got the idea from the Japanese New Year Tradition of Fukuburoko where merchants sell mystery bags filled with unknown random contents at a substantial discount. Suelas' Lucky Backpacks are labeled according to size. Each backpack contains 3 mystery pairs of Suelas footwear! The bag itself is also a goodie! Check out their signature "World at my feet" drawstring bag:

Sample Lucky Backpack in Size 7. [From: Suelas website]

You're getting 4 Suelas items (and 1 bonus item. Read on to find out what it is!) for the price of 1,500 PHP! Suelas says it could be worth 3,200 to  5,000 PHP a bag!

I ordered mine last Dec 15th and it arrived yesterday (23rd). Before anything else, I'd like to share a lesson I learned: If you're using your browser's auto-fill, always double check before you hit send!

The address I provided didn't have the city and zipcode. Fortunately for me Cristina Cervantes of Suelas emailed me to ask my full shipping address. If not for her, my Lucky Backpack would have been shipped to the province instead of in Metro Manila! Fastrack called me last 22nd too. I informed them that the address is an office and the holiday break starts on the 23rd. There would be no one to receive the item. So they asked for my house address and promised to deliver it the next day. Aaand here it is:

Fastrack

The bagtag is the bonus item! Mine doesn't have a size labeling on it, but all the pairs I received are in the correct size.

World at my feet from Suelas

I usually ask for an OR when I purchase online. Some online sellers forget or simply cannot provide an official receipt. I wasn't able to ask for it when I ordered, but Suelas sent it with my package anyway! Suelas is totally legit guys!

Official Receipt

Lucky Backpack from Suelas

Please excuse my dog! She didn't want to get out of the way! ;)

What I got from left to right:
Monet 1,050 PHP
Cavi 950 PHP (currently on sale for 700) 
Manejo Print 1,000 PHP (currently on sale for 700)

All pairs are from the 2014 collections. 2 out of 3 pairs are currently on sale. All of them are love! The value is already around 2,450 PHP which doesn't include the drawstring bag and the free bag tag! I was charged a shipping fee of 100 PHP.

Full disclosure: This isn't the first time I ordered from Suelas. But I'll have to admit it's been too long since the last one. My first few orders were: a Brogue Grey, and the second one was for a Python Patches! This was waaay back in 2010!

What I liked about it
+Free Bagtag
+Suelas footwear are foldable! Check it out:

 

Folded Monet [Pic from Suelas]

Folded Cavi [Pic from Suelas]

Folded Manejo Print [Pic from Suelas]

+Reusable Bag 
+Philippine-made product.

That said, here's my only feedback about this order and it's about the World at my feet bag. It would have been awesome if the map actually had the Philippines on it right? Regardless, I am happy that I now have cute drawstring bag! Other than that, all the women in my family are 100% happy with this order! This promo is simply purrrfect since there's 3 of us and we all have the same shoe size! ^____^ Only limited Lucky Backpacks are available though! You can order it online at www.suealasonline.com, or buy one at the Suelas HQ in Jupiter.

Before I go, here's a tip:

If you need, you can apply for a Size Exchange:

Only the following conditions will be accommodated for size exchanges:
1. We are notified on the same day you receive the item
2. Additional shipping charges in connection to the exchange will be on the customer’s account
3. Exchange requests for colors will NOT be accepted

To avoid that, please refer to their Size Guide. If you need help with measuring your feet, here's a WikiHow Guide: How to Find Your Shoe Size.


Suelas

204 Dona Consolacion Bldg, 122 Jupiter Street,

Salcedo Village Makati

Facebook

Website

Shopee PH Review - How to Order

I've been using Shopee PH for a while now. Found out about the app through one of the Fb pages I follow: GWYSHOP. This post would be a general "How To" guide on how to use the service. If you want to just dive in and try out the app yourself, download the app: HERE.
How to Shop:

Browse the Shopee Mall and choose an item for sale

Info about the seller and the item are provided on the item's page.

You can also see comments posted by other buyers and the seller's replies.

Shopee also lists similar items on the bottom of the page which are not necessarily from the same seller.

View all comments

When you click "Buy Now" you only choose the quantity of the item.

Checkout page. Here is also where you should apply discount codes.

Finalize chekout: Address, Shipping, Payment, Confirmation

Shipping

If the seller doesn't offer free shipping, this is where you choose the shipping method you prefer.

Payment method.

If you're familiar with Dragonpay. Buying from Shopee is similar. I personally used the BPI app to pay for my orders. Take note that it takes 1-2 days to process and confirm your payment. For me it almost always took 2 days.

Here's a sample from one of my orders. If you pay through the BPI or Metrobank app, you can send a screenshot instead.

Once you pay for your order, the seller has a set number of days to ship your item. This will vary per order and will be indicated in the order details. When you receive your order you will have to go to the "To Receive" tab and confirm the receipt of your item so that Shopee can release your payment to the seller.

Under the Me tab, if you click on My Purchases you can track your orders which are conveniently categorized into To Pay, To Ship, To Receive, Completed, Cancelled, and Return / Refund.

Here's what my Completed tab looks

 

 

Shopee keeps detailed info on every single order. You can see when I ordered, payment time, delivery time and completion times.

Aaand that's all there is to it!

PROs and CONs

+Since I registered a couple of months ago, more and more of the local Fb shops I follow are registering on Shopee.

Use all the codes! (jk you obvs just use one at a time)

+Because Shopee is generous when it comes to giving out discount codes. Most of the shops I follow post their items on Shopee for around 10-20% less compared to their prices on their Fb shops! WHAT SAVINGS!


+That, coupled with the Shopee Guarantee is a win-win for both buyers and sellers. What is the Shopee Guarantee?

Shopee protects you by holding your payment until you confirm that you have received your goods. The payment is then released to the seller. 

That's definitely something that Fb shops cannot offer. For more details, please read the FAQ HERE.

+Like most e-shopping apps, Shopee has a website. As a buyer, you can browse the Shopee Mall. As a seller, you can go to the Seller Centre. I haven't tried using the website version of Shoppe so I can't give you feedback about it. If you try it though, please share your experience in the comments section below!

-Faulty Notifications
It seems that the app doesn't have push notifications. You only receive a notification about unread messages when you open the app. After several updates since I ordered, it's still broken!

I didn't receive the notification until I opened up the app!

-If you noticed above, when you click Buy Now, you can only choose the quantity of the item. There's still no system for the buyer to choose what color/design/size to buy.

TIP: While the app indicates how many items the seller has in stock, you should make it a habit to confirm with the seller first before ordering.

-No Categories available when viewing individual shops. The only sorting used is that the Out of Stock items are at the end of the page. Other than that, there's no way to filter or sort the seller's items.

The seller's page lists all items without categories.

Compared to when you browse the Shopee Mall:

Basic Categories

Extended categories page

Shopee replies to some reviews posted on it's Play Store page. They are claiming they're working on these issues. I hope so, but I'm not holding my breath. At least I can confirm that it works on Android's Marshmallow update! Unlike other apps... *cough

Overall, Shopee is a solid app and all of my Fb stores should be on it! ;p The Shopee Guarantee saves me the trouble of setting up a meetup, and/or the anxiety of wondering if I'll ever receive my items or if the seller ran away with my hard-earned money!

This might be first of my Shopee entries. I have a few purchases that I could post a review of. 'Til next time!

Have you tried Shopee yet? What's your favorite shop? Post your comments and suggestions below!

How to Enter Negative Values on the eBIRforms v5.0 [Tutorial]

Update 09/15/2015: eBIRforms version 5.1 is live! Download it here: http://ftp.pregi.net/bir/ebirforms_package_v5.1.zip

I've spent the better part of last weekend finding a way to enter negative values on BIR's eBIRforms and found no solutions posted online. Trying to input a number with the - minus sign, or the ( ) parentheses is simply not possible! I tried calling the BIR Hotline, but concerns regarding eFPS and eBIRforms can only be answered during regular business hours. I had no choice but to wait until then to call. I wasn't surprised that I was put on hold for almost half an hour before my call was even answered. To save you all that trouble, I'm writing this tutorial on how to input negative numbers on the eBIRforms v5.0.

Before we proceed, the disclaimers: I am not affiliated with the BIR nor am I a CPA. So I'm afraid I won't be of any help should you have other questions about eBIRforms. You are however still welcome to post in the comment section below, and let's hope someone would be able to provide an answer to your inquiry.

Moving on, first you need latest version of eBIRforms as of writing, that would be version 5.0. Download it HERE! 

Always make sure you're using the latest version of eBIRforms

STEPS:

1. Open a word processor program. (Doesn't matter what program you use, you just need to be able to type the negative value you want to insert into the form).
2. Enter the value with the - minus sign. (Do not use commas!)
3. Copy the text. (Cut will work too, but with copy you don't have to retype the entire thing if something goes awry.)
4. Paste the text onto the cell. Use CTRL+V. (Right clicking will not work!)

Below is a visual tutorial. Click photos to embiggen.

NOTE: I'll be using Item 35 of the 1701Q form. Since that's the form and the cell that I needed to input negative values in.

Here are samples of word processor programs that I tested this method on:

Google Docs

Notepad

Sticky Notes

This is how it would look like when you copy the negative value into the form:

Remember to use CTRL+V

Once you click outside of the cell, eBIRforms would automatically add the comma (if applicable) and perform proper the computations.

Negative value entered!

!!REMINDER!!

BIR Form 1701Q is due on the 15th of August!

Now you know how to enter negative values on the eBIRforms! That's all there is to it! It's a damn shame that I had to wait days before I was able to find out the solution to this issue. I hope the next version of the eBIRforms would enable taxpayers to input negative values without needing to resort to any workarounds. 

Please feel free to share this post. Please leave a comment below if it this post helped you. Thank you!

BIR CONTACT CENTER

Telephone: (02) 981 8888

Email: contact_us@cctr.bir.gov.ph 

How to get "Reversible" Haircolor PART II - Manic Panic Review + Fading Updates

#nofilter #kareispaandwellness #manicpanic #lifeistooshortforboringhair #purplehaze #hothotpink #catnippy

A photo posted by Acar B (@catnippyblog) on Jul 10, 2015 at 5:40am PDT

FINAL PHASE: Coloring

Since Karei Spa didn't have pink available (at the time), I bought my own vegan hair dye. My temporary dye of choice for this coloring session is Manic Panic:

Manic Panic Hot Hot Pink and Purple Haze

This came with my Johnny Air Package from almost year ago. I've opened it when I got them and since they're vegan and contain no chemicals, they're still good to use!

Patch Test

Patch Test - Result

Vegan hair dye is generally safe for everyone, even pets. That said, always do a patch test. You'll be sorry if you don't and you end up reacting to it! Speaking of pets, tried it on my furbaby:

Misha with Manic Panic dipped tail

At Karei Spa - Half and Half color + Underlayer = Tricolor Reversible Haircolor!

FADING REPORT

Before anything else, there is currently no true reversible haircolor (sorry!) My haircolor is actually an underlayer. It's business on the outside; party on the inside! The trick to having reversible haircolor is in the parting of the hair. See:

#nofilter #kareispaandwellness #manicpanic #lifeistooshortforboringhair #purplehaze #hothotpink #catnippy

A photo posted by Acar B (@catnippyblog) on Jul 10, 2015 at 5:40am PDT

OK, now here are pics of how the color has faded:

#nofilter #kareispaandwellness #manicpanic #lifeistooshortforboringhair #purplehaze #hothotpink #catnippy

A photo posted by Acar B (@catnippyblog) on Jul 1, 2015 at 12:08am PDT

#nofilter #kareispaandwellness #manicpanic #lifeistooshortforboringhair #purplehaze

A photo posted by Acar B (@catnippyblog) on Jul 1, 2015 at 1:27am PDT

#nofilter #kareispaandwellness #manicpanic #lifeistooshortforboringhair #hothotpink

A photo posted by Acar B (@catnippyblog) on Jul 1, 2015 at 1:28am PDT

For tips on how to make your color last, check out my post HERE.

Aveeno Active Naturals

I'm currently using Aveeno Active Naturals Pure Renewal sulfate-free shampoo,

Kerasys Perfumed Rinse

and Kerasys Elegance & Sensual Perfumed Rinse. The Kerasys conditioner smells amazing and has no SLS!


Have you tried Manic Panic? How long did your color last? Do you have your own Reversible Haircolor? Post your pic below!

Karei Spa and Wellness Hub
Park Avenue, cor. Harrison St., Vermont Park Subd., Marcos Highway
Brgy. Mayamot, Antipolo City
Store Hours: TUE to SUN from 10 AM - 10 PM
Tel No.: (02) 754 4638
Mobile No.: (+63) 920 920 4713

For a copy of their brochure, please out my first review HERE.

How to get "Reversible" Haircolor c/o Karei Spa PART I - How to Remove Temporary Hair Dye and Bleaching (Review)

So me and my sister went back to Karei Spa and Wellness Hub to have our hair bleached a second time. We waited around a month before going in for a second treatment. This time we brought color toners, and I brought my own veggie dye. Thanks to Karei I went from this:

#nofilter #kareispaandwellness #lifeistooshortforboringhair #catnippy

A photo posted by Acar B (@catnippyblog) on Apr 19, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT

To this:

#nofilter #kareispaandwellness #manicpanic #lifeistooshortforboringhair #tricolor #purplehaze #hothotpink #catnippy

A photo posted by Acar B (@catnippyblog) on Jun 22, 2015 at 10:44pm PDT

Interested? Read on!

FIRST PHASE: Removing Temporary Haircolor

HOW TO REMOVE TEMPORARY HAIR DYE?

If you have a previous haircolor, it would be best to wait for it to fade out or use a haircolor remover to lighten it before bleaching. Since I didn't have a haircolor remover I used a known DIY technique:

DANDRUFF SHAMPOO + VITAMIN C = DIY (TEMPORARY) HAIRCOLOR REMOVER!

It works! I used one sachet of dandruff shampoo and 6 tablets of 500mg vitamin C tablets.

1. Crush the Vitamin C tablets and add shampoo. It should make a gooey paste that you can apply to damp hair. I don't suggest applying it to dripping wet hair so it won't drip down to your shoulders.

2. Carefully apply and massage the paste onto your hair.

!!IMPORTANT!! Please take care not to massage the formula onto your scalp!

3. Wrap your hair or wear a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour. Make sure to rinse it off if itching occurs!

4. Use conditioner. This is important. This process isn't as damaging as bleaching, but it does dry up your hair. So please remember to use a conditioner or a hair treatment to get some moisture back in your locks.

I used this DIY haircolor remover 3x and my color turned from mint green (faded from regular washing) to a medium brown in a few days! I waited a day before I repeated the process. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture since my the flash drive where I saved my pictures got corrupted. Apologies! Here's a pic of my hair where you can see the result of this concoction:

No trace of green!

SECOND PHASE: Bleaching

Mirror Shot

It's important to take care of your hair in between bleaching session for tips on how to get your hair bleach-ready, please head on over to my first review of Karei Spa HERE. They used their cream bleach on my hair while they used a Lightener for my sister's hair. The colorist didn't really explain why she made this decision though.

Underlayer - Before

The issue with underlayer coloring is that it'll be difficult to section the underlayer off perfectly. I had to relent with a few strands of black hair being getting included in the bleaching. These strands are the dark browns in the picture below:

After Bleaching

Well Color Charm in T14 and T18

Bought at Four Strings at Cubao X

I bought Wella Color Charm toner from Four Strings at Cubao Expo. I would have ordered it directly from Rainbowhead, but my sister wanted to go to the salon in 2 days and we weren't sure when the order would arrive. Take note that the Rainbowhead products would be priced higher if you buy it at Four Strings/Mad Kahuna. I also asked for an OR and got a petty cash voucher instead.

Since my sister's hair turned out lighter after the bleach, I had her use the Wella Color Charm T18 while I used the T14.

T14 in action

It may look like the toner is actually making my hair darker, but the longer you leave it on the lighter the color will be. I left mine in for a little over 30 minutes.

T18 in action

T18 is a little purplish as you can see in the above pic. My sister also used the DIY haircolor remover but she wasn't able to get some of the red out from her fringe. You can actually see it in this picture.

The color toner removed the orange-red tones from our hair!

Goodbye Blorange thanks to T14

Bleached Hair - Ashy color thanks to T18

After bleaching the next phase would be coloring. Watch out for PART II of this post!

For a copy of their brochure, please out my first review HERE.

Karei Spa and Wellness Hub
Park Avenue, cor. Harrison St., Vermont Park Subd., Marcos Highway
Brgy. Mayamot, Antipolo City
Store Hours: TUE to SUN from 10 AM - 10 PM
Tel No.: (02) 754 4638
Mobile No.: (+63) 920 920 4713