Friday, July 29, 2016

Venting my Disappointment with Takatack.com

My blog consists of money saving tips, earn money online gigs and and online shopping sites that offers savings and deals. I always share my experiences and transactions with online shops that I made orders with. Sometimes it became a series of blog post because I was satisfied, from the minute I chose the products up to the time I placed the orders. 

I always link my Paypal account to my shopping online transactions for payments. My Paypal earnings were from my earn money online sites. Basically, I'm getting goods online for FREE but those earn money online sites took me time to work on. Blogging, sponsored posts, pr posts and surveys etc. 

Exactly two weeks ago Takatack.com launched a promo where members can get 40% off with a promo code to be placed upon check-out. I initially filled-up my cart with the items I wanted to purchase. I did not hesitate in placing orders with this site because this is not the only time I made transaction with them... made several already in the past months and all were good. Items were delivered in good condition and on the exact date of delivery as stated, but not this one.

Placed my order last July 15,2016 and as stated in the delivery period 7 days would be the maxed date they can provide the items. The items were food items I needed for this weekend birthday party of my son. For a total of Php2k +  worth of goods they promo gave promo gave me Php800+ discount, which I was very happy about. 

After a week, I checked on my Takatack account for my order update, it was still on "checking stocks" status. I emailed the support team and asked. Reply came in asking for apology. According to their concessionaire "Spice Island Trading" who will be providing the goods, one item is not available anymore making the batch on delay status. 
They are asking me to go through my orders again and replace the out of stock item. I replied back asking them if they can still push through with the time I'd be needing the products. And, since the order was paid already how they can refund the money. 

A phone call from their team was received last Friday, verifying to me if I wanted to push with one item, and they will refund the money through bank deposit. Since, bank deposit was not an option to me I asked them if they can refund it back to my Paypal. After clarification to their superior it is possible. The next question I asked them was if the goods can be received before Friday which is today. They affirm and confirm it to me that I will received the items BEFORE today.

Until yesterday before I went home, the package that they promise did not arrive. 
And, yes they did ask for apology...but I need those today! 
Their reason now was Spice Island Trading had bulk of orders from the promo... which is not my fault and so as the other customers who still and had the same disappointment I have right now
Though you assured me of prioritizing my shipment still you did not fulfill your promise. 
I am not closing my doors to this online site, but I will be very aware next time. 
As of this writing, I still don't have the items with me... which I need today! 

*** update: the delivery arrived Friday afternoon, I went back to the office just to pick it up and bring it home. 





Thursday, July 28, 2016

Money Saved while Shopping for Goods using Groupon

***This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.

As a frugal Mom shopping for goods while saving some cash will really come in handy. Saving money while enjoying items I can purchase going online the two most favorite things I love today!
It can ease up my time to go to the mall or the supermarket or even in hardware stores to purchase items we need at home. 

Those trendy and easy to use kitchen aids are my favorite, it makes my love for cooking so fun and easy. I always believe cooking can be good therapy and it will enhance your creativity with flavors and excite your palate. It also is a way for me to bond with the kids. Imagine using kitchen aids that are fun and easy to use? 

One site that makes me go back over and over again is my Groupon site. I love that the site offers a variety of items and stuff not for a single member of the family can benefit but the household too.


All the items you can find in a physical store you can find it on one page and in a single click you can hover easily to locate what you need. It's like a one-stop-shop! 





I am eyeing for that Groupon exclusive Emeril Forged Knife Block Set (15-piece) on my next purchase. I can carve, slice, dice, and fillet using a specific knife from that set.  
Almost all of the items from their pages are positively rated and reviewed by online customers who made purchases making new customers who visit feels secure. 


Fashion accessories and perfume section is my next favorite link to visit. You can find authentic brand perfumes and accessories that you can pair with your favorite OOTD.
With Groupon site, you don't have to worry about any registration or annual membership fee because the site is Free! 
Free site with an awesome and promising list of items a website sell items is a total thumbs-up! 

Here are a screen grab photos of what to expect on Groupon Goods section... aren't you stoked!
Any pick on what goods you will be getting on your next Groupon purchase? 
For more information about Groupon, you can follow and like their social media in
- Facebook - Groupon 

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/groupon



Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Two Maybelline Rebel Bouquet Shade Comparison

Girls can have enough of lipstick tubes and shades!
We love opening a tube of lipstick from our favorite brands in the market. Weeks ago I was tempted to open not just one tube but two from my make-up stockpile. 
These Maybelline Rebel tubes were from an online prize which I won months ago (find it here)
I won a total of 11 shades in one prize, some shades were sent in double so I decided to give them away to family and friends. And I was left with several more tubes.
Swatched single coat of the two shade
Double shade color



REB04 above and REB09 below.
Maybelline Bouquet REB04 is a little orangey-pink shade, it has a dark-pigmented color, a little striking too. It can be worn at daytime since it can be matched in any daywear outfit.

Maybelline Bouquet REB09 below shade is a little darker than REB04, It is in the shade of red which can be very striking and best worn at night time. I prefer darker shades when going out at night. It gives that warmer and sophisticated look when worn at night. It is so pigmented that the color stays for hours.

I love both of the shades... it's playful and dramatic at the same Between the two, which shade would you prefer? 


***photos are the property of bitsenpieces.com, unauthorized use is punishable by law.



Tuesday, July 26, 2016

What Do You Think Of Underfloor Heating?

Stepping inside an office or house floor during the cold and wet season can be very unpleasant. How I wish that my floors in the house have underfloor heating and enjoy walking bare in comfort. 


Having this option we also need to consider the pros and cons of installing underfloor heating. We need to consider the amount for installation, is it environmentally friendly or even can add up the value to our property in the years to come.

I would like to ask for a small favor in helping out a company with their short survey (find it here) about underfloor heating supplies and installation.
You can visit their website and know more about their products and services here 

Underfloor Heating Trade Supplies

Friday, July 22, 2016

Home Cooking: High Protein and Low Carb Beef Zucchini and Pea Dish


Home cooking takes only a few minutes of your time whether it's for lunch or dinner. Plus you will benefit a lot like: it saves you money, very economical, clean, healthy and you can add and twist the flavor according to your taste.
During my weekend market, I was able to stock up some ingredients for tonight's healthy dinner.

Here is the simple recipe you can make in less than 40 minutes.







All you need:
  • 2-whole zucchini cut into bite-size (Php25/$0.55)
  • 1/4-kilo pea (Php45/$1.00)
  • 4-cloves garlic minced (Php3/$0.06)
  • 1-whole white onion chopped (Php5/$0.11)
  • 1/2-can Hunt's diced tomatoes (Php40/$0.85)
  • 1/2-Monterey ground beef (Php111/$2.37)
  • 1-tsp black ground pepper 
  • 2- tbsp cooking oil
  • laurel leaf
  • salt or fish sauce to taste
  • pinch of cumin powder or any spies you like to add
Total cost: Php250/$5.35
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

How to cook:
1. Brown ground beef in a stir fry pan with oil, garlic, onion. 
2.  Add 1/2 Hunts diced tomatoes, stir
3.  After 5 minutes season the ground beef with bay leaf, crushed ground pepper, and fish sauce to taste, stir and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Add zucchini slices then the peas, stir fry and cook until tender.


Here is the finished dish for tonight's dinner.
You can have it as it is or some crackers or a bowl of cooked white rice. But, since tonight is a low carb dinner for me I had it as is.

Any zucchini recipe you have and can share?
Scroll down at the comment section below and I'm excited to try the recipe! :)

***all photos are the property of bitsenpieces.com, use with no permission is prohibited by law.




Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Hotel Review of Jupiter Suites Hotel Makati


Months ago I received this email from Jupiter Suite management inviting me to visit the place for an overnight accommodation stay for a hotel review. Since I am a bit far from Makati the area of the hotel, I did not commit right away. When I saw the chance and a perfect date we confirmed the stay. 

With our overnight backpack, we traveled by bus on a Saturday morning for a 3 hour trip to Manila, just in time for the check-in time around 2pm. What to pack for an overnight journey? An extra shirt, clean underwear, a travel-size towel, a pair of flipflops and of course travel-size toiletries. What are your overnight essentials in your travel backpack?
Headed to the mall for some pampering and proceeded to Jupiter Suites.

I will walk you through photos of the hotel; the facade, reception area, the stairs, and the room we stayed for the night.





                facade/ front door of Jupiter Suites




left side facing Jupiter Suites Hotel

below the pizza house




The hallway leading to the front desk area, after entering the main door.

The inside of the building smells so nice! A plus point for me in a hotel.

The inside of the hotel is not that big, and by the time we reached the hotel a guest couple with a child was in the reception area waiting for their room. It was not a busy day that day.
I asked Ate Amy for this picture while Mr. Henry contacts the staff for the room we will be staying.

After I field up to the guest form the room key was handed to me, Mr.Henry mentioned to me the breakfast is available on the 2nd floor starting at 6:30 am the following day also the Wi-fi password was given to us. And, directed us on the elevator just behind us in the photo. 

Time for some photo snaps of the hotel lobby.

View from the front desk facing the main door entrance. On the right side was the elevator that can accommodate up to 5 people. The hotel is a 4-story building but the elevator can only bring you up to the 3rd floor. Take the next plight up through the stairs. 
If you wish to take the stairs it is just beside the elevator side.
Newspapers, magazines and restaurants, and fast-food fliers were available too.

While we wait for our room we stayed and took a snap at the lounge area, below the stairs going up to the rooms.

The room that was given to us was located on the 4th floor, on the other side of the building.

I'm surprised how huge and spacious the room that was given to us for the night.
This one is the family suite room. This room can accommodate four and it is perfect for "barkada " traveler or a family of four.
The room lighting was cozy and homey. 
A 32 in television with cable, an extra dresser which we placed our backpacks can be found inside the room. 
Also, a mini-ref below a built-in cabinet drawer which is located on the right side is available. No mini-bar or any supplies inside the ref. 

Clean sheets, comfy mattress and it was properly fixed for the next guest to enjoy. A telephone with the bedside table with a lamp divides the two double-queen size beds. 
The bed runner, tube pillow cover, and curtains had this matchy-matchy design which complements with the wood headboard and white-colored concrete walls. This room is equipped with wi-fi access too, no worries for guests who need to go online 24/7, giving the wi-fi speed a thumbs-up! 

Double curtain window, a window type air condition unit, a working desk with drawer, some printed guidelines for tourist that can come handy, a lamp, a wall mirror, trash can, a comfy chair and the hair drier.


Let's go to the one of the most important parts of a hotel room... the bath and comfort room.

The bathroom is huge!
The towels are not that new but it smells nice.  

They have hot and cold lavatory faucet and in a shower. 
Though there were some issues I had with the bathroom like there's no bidet faucet and the shower holder lost a screw that made the shower holder unstable when it was in use.
The things the hotel management can work on for some improvements. 

We left the hotel to grab some late afternoon lunch and we took the stairs on our way down.

The hotel is situated where everything is accessible. From transportation of public and private vehicles to fast-food chains, malls and even a jazz club just a few steps away from Jupiter Suites in which we spend the night away and got back to our room around 1am. 

The next morning, we got up before 7am to get breakfast which was included in the room package.
Just before we left our room, a couple set of local newspapers greeted us in front of our doorstep which we brought along. 
We went to the 2nd floor where the kitchen cafeteria was located.



A plated breakfast of garlic rice, eggs, and coffee in a combination of bacon and sardines were our choices.
The breakfast was tummy-filling. It will serve you well before you head outside for another busy business day.

To sum up our Jupiter Suites hotel stay. After a busy and tiring day, we had the hours we stayed inside our room was relaxing. I had a good 6 hours of sleep away from my house, which we all look for and want in a hotel room.
The staff and security are nice and friendly. 
Though, the building of the hotel is not that new and amenities are limited this one can be included in the list if you are looking for a place to stay consider Jupiter Suites, the budget hotel in Makati! 
Visit their Facebook page at Jupiter Suites Hotel 
www.jupitersuites.com.ph/
Thank you Jupiter Suites... until next time! :)

***all photos are the property of bitsenpieces.com, unlawful use without permission is prohibited.






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Thursday, July 14, 2016

Roof Top Pool + Mongolian Dinner Buffet Weekend

A few weeks ago before summer season ended here in the Philippines, we took the chance to spend our weekend with sun, water and food.

We were given a free passes to use the roof top pool at Best Western Plus Hotel Subic. The pool is open to walk-in customers and free of use to hotel guests. 
For Php300 ($6.40) you can avail the use of the pool and half of the amount can be use as food and drink consumable over at their snack bar.
We went there Saturday afternoon, it took us less than  10-minute taxi ride coming from SM City Olongapo to Best Western Hotel, the taxi cost Php80 ($1.75).
We arrived there around 4:30 in the afternoon with a few guests of kids and adults using the pool, kids were enjoying the cool breeze and sun covered by dusky cloud ready to set in the bay. 
You can find one big pool and a kiddie pool plus a jacuzzi for their pool amenities. Customers can find two open shower area with shower curtains and three toilet cubicles. They also have a bar and a bartender to prepare your drinks. The pool has a life guard too. Customers can ask for pool towels which they provide for each swimmers.

Since the hotel restaurant offer everyday buffet merienda for Php149 ($3.17) and Mongolian dinner buffet for Php349 ($7.43) we decided to take the dinner.

It was Mongolian buffet that night and we are somehow pleased. 


Make your own taco corner. Taco shells and beef taco filling. 

Burritos and Quesedillas

Taco sauces and lettuce shreds and diced tomatoes, also some prepared pasta plates which diners can request. A choice of red and white sauce pasta are available.

Choices of pork and chicken kebab

Cooked noodles and white rice

Assorted vegetables to choose for your Mongolian mix

Choices of pork cutlets, tofu, chicken breast slices, beef strips, shrimp and squid.



Variety of sauces to mix in to your Mongolian bowl. I chose the seafood with sweet and spicy combination.

Chef in charge with your Mongolian rice and one who is in charge with the kebabs beside him


Seafood soup and unlimited iced tea and water for drinks 


The dessert was not the appetizing to look at and yep even the taste too. It was dull and everything is cake base dessert. No fruit offered that time which is a little disappointing. The salad corner offered a limited option of shredded iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, bell pepper and a couple of salad dressings. The most unexciting corner of the buffet area.

To start up, I had a bowl of hot seafood soup which was very tasty. And for the main course two bowls of Mongolian mix, one seafood and one beef and chicken.
I love the taste and how it was cooked nicely specially the meat in it. They kept it tender and juicy.
I also had quesadillas and burritos and unlimited of the pork and chicken kebab.

The kids enjoyed their buffet meal excluding some of the food they did not prefer to eat. The boy had three bowls of different meat, sauces and spices. Kebab, tacos and burritos. The girl had a little less than what her Kuya (older brother) had. 


To compare with the Mongolian buffet I had a couple of years ago this one is a little better, the only downside of this was the salad and dessert station. I hope the restaurant can make improvements and adjustments for this station in their buffet. I would visit and dine here again if this happen.

We paid for our meal with additional 5% for service charge. Thank you Best Western Hotel Subic for the free use of the pool! :)

Would also love to make a review of the accommodation and other amenities of the hotel... maybe next time! :)

***all photos are property of bitsenpieces.com, unlawful use without permission is prohibited.