Monday, June 29, 2009

Online Shops and Business Web Directories

Online shop owners should be able to get more exposure by using business web directories. Yes, aside from making sure that your online store is indexed by leading search engines like Yahoo and Google, it’s a good idea to submit your website to business web directories.

What’s the difference between Search Engines and Business Web Directories?

While a search engine scans through all types of web pages, a business web directory exclusively scans business-related pages. Thus, it returns more specific results. If you’re someone looking for a supplier, a sponsor or a business-to-business partner, you can surely get a more precise list of business web sites using a web directory for business.

Yahoo! Directory and The Open Directory Project or DMOZ are two of the most popular directories for businesses in the World Wide Web. Another huge directory is business.com.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure that your business website will be included in the larger directory listings. But take note that getting approved at Yahoo! Directory, The Open Directory Project or business.com wouldn’t be that easy. Every day thousands of businesses submit their own sites to these directories so you may need to wait for a few months before getting an approval. For this reason, submitting to smaller scale directories for business can be a smart move.

Jasmine Directory and Max Directory are examples of human edited directories that are worth checking out. Both offer a free listing service for small businesses and even larger businesses alike. And because these directories are human edited, nuisance sites are blocked from the listing.

Before enlisting your website URL to these directories, be sure to choose a category that is closest to your line of business. This way, when prospective customers do their search, your website will surely be included in the appropriate listing. Add to this, doing so will ensure that your submission will get approved more easily.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Shop of the Week: You Are What You Love

Finally, this is what I've been looking forward to since the idea of turning the Shop of the Month segment into the Shop of the Week. This segment will be posted every Sunday but since the 1st day of July starts on Wednesday, we will start the Shop the Week series today=)


Our very first shop to be featured is You Are What You Love. The shop is owned by Aprile Elcich and she makes beautiful collages out of vintages books and paper. I sent Aprile a bunch of questions for the Q&A and I enjoyed her candid answers. For such a young age, I admire her sense of creativity and boldness in launching her own home business. Let's get to know Aprile a little bit more:

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?
You Are What You Love is actually a song by Jenny Lewis, one of my favourite musicians. I just think it's an amazing quote and it makes you think about what you love the most. I love collage and making art, and so it seemed to me like a natural match. It might not be the most catchy, but I still like it!

How old is your shop?
Hmm, Etsy says I joined in 2007 but I think there was a lot of procrastinating along the way. It was probably late in 2008 that I actually started selling my work, which was also the same time I started to concentrate on my collages more seriously.

aprile's work station

What inspired you to start your own home business?
I've always been inspired to start my own business, I don't even know where it came from! I was always that kid who had a lemonade stand, or sold jewelry or whatever I could find. While other kids dreamed of being veterinarians or ballet dancers, I had dreams of opening art galleries, restaurants, or retail stores. It helps that I feel more comfortable being in charge, haha.

sweet Aprile dry and warm
beneath her boothe's umbrella

for Toronto's Big on Bloor street festival

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?
Luckily, I haven't had any major challenges. The most challenging thing is to keep yourself working towards a goal every time. The thing with artist-types sometimes is that we get into these lulls, where we lack inspiration and feel like everything we make isn't good enough. It's a challenge to get over this and continue doing what you love to do.

How did you get over it?
I stopped making excuses and thinking about what I would "rather be doing." The bottom line is always that when I get into making my collages, I love every minute of it! Voila, no more road blocks.

paper collage and nature

Please Name. . .

the things you do when you're not busy in your shop:
I'm really boring, haha: Reading my RSS feeds, "window shopping" online, reading (non-fiction usually), going to the market, relaxing at home...

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without:
Believe it or not my bag is always nearly empty. My wallet, business cards, a pen and my day planner.

your favorite shops:

Online shops? There are too many!
These are shops I visit often:

somethingshidinghere.etsy.com
fieldguided.etsy.com
enhabiten.etsy.com
BROOKLYNrehab.etsy.com
funiscool.etsy.com
forestbound.etsy.com

your top 3 favorite picks from your shop:

Naturally my brand new mini-book:


My favourite collage right now:

My favourite from the Language of Flowers series:


What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?
Don't ever get discouraged, and make sure you are always surrounding yourself with inspiring people and ideas. And of course, never run out of ideas.

Wasn't that a great interview? Don't forget to visit Aprile's Etsy shop and her website to see more of her work. You can also check out her Etsy window to the right. And here are my personal favorites from her shop:

My faves from You Are What You Love

Because I'm not familiar with the artist, I looked up the song You Are What You Love by Jenny Lewis and here is the video:


wait there's more:
Aprile is having a shop sale this week and she's giving away one set of these lovely plant markers. Hop over her blog today to know more:


**if you want to be featured
as Shop of the Week,
send me an email at
theshopbug@yahoo.com

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Make Believe Shopping: Laptop Bags from She-Tech

I'm loving these laptop bags and briefcases from She-Tech.
Check out these stylish laptop totes in navy blue and pink.





These laptop briefcase doubles as an organizer for women on the go.
A chic and comfy way to carry around your laptop or notebook.



I like the simplicity of these briefcases.
Check out that wide space inside.
Organize your stuff like cell phones and pens with built in pockets.



I looove these laptop cases in print!
My favorite one is the white with flower print:)
(so girly, hehehe)




I thought these accessories are so fun:)
L-R: USB hub man with adaptor ; strawberry USB drive;
laptop table desk with pockets




And these heart-shaped cookies MIMO USB drives are sooo cute and sweet:)
I think they would make a perfect gift!

caution: do not eat!

I can't choose which color for me. The chocolate and cream looks too yummy but the green and pink looks tempting. I want them all!

Visit She-Tech for more choices of digital accessories!

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Make Believe Shopping: Cottage Collection

I'd love to take home these floral pastel bedding and home decor pieces by Cottage Collection via Home Shopping Network



floral crochet throw
Love this one!!!


crochet pillow cases



floral & checkers breakfast set
Imagine breakfast in bed on a Sunday morning:)




Support My Sponsor Code Of Ethics

Friday, June 26, 2009

If they had a friend like Ben. . .



Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
I'll never be alone
And you, my friend, will see
You've got a friend in me
(you've got a friend in me)

Ben, you're always running here and there
You feel you're not wanted anywhere
If you ever look behind
And don't like what you find
There's one thing you should know
You've got a place to go
(you've got a place to go)

I used to say "I" and "me"
Now it's "us", now it's "we"
I used to say "I" and "me"
Now it's "us", now it's "we"
Ben, most people would turn you away
I don't listen to a word they say
They don't see you as I do
I wish they would try to
I'm sure they'd think again
If they had a friend like Ben
(a friend) Like Ben
(like Ben) Like Ben

- MJ with Jackson 5

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Voice Biometrics Solutions for Business

Voice Biometrics Solutions is the type of technology used to improve a business's customer support service. By analyzing the voice biometric of an individual through telephone or microphone, identification and verification can be done without the need to ask for confidential details such as SNN, PIN or passwords.


Voice biometrics solutions is said to be as secure and as reliable as using fingerprints for identification or verification. It is interesting to note that a fingerprint has approximately 40 unique characteristics whereas a voice print has over 100 separate characteristics.

Through IVR speech recognition solutions, the risk of identity theft and fraud is greatly reduced and even eliminated. More importantly, it is an unobtrusive method of providing a convenient and secure telephone support to customers.

For more information about voice biometrics solutions, check out this website.

Inspirations from My Blog List: Flowers and Nature

Here are some inspiring photos of flowers and nature from my blog list:


flowers in vintage tins via High Street Market


polaroid series via Abstract the Day


sky; grass; birds; flowers via Moxie Photo & Design

Make Believe Shopping: Lovesac

LoveSac is not a Dirty Site

Today, we're visiting the Lovesac - an alternative furniture online shop that offers comfortable seating pieces and accessories.



This is called the BigOne Eskimo Phur. It is the largest from Lovesac's Bean Bag Collection. This massive bean bag chair is famous for its size, durability and comfort. I would love to have one in our living room:)

LoveSac® - our Bean Bags are Bigger!


Their bedding collection sounds tempting. The mattresses, pillows, comforters and blankets seem to be the softest there is!


For accessories, I'd like to get the Dawg Pad for our pooch, George!


I thought their actual shop looks cool and if I live anywhere in the US or Australia, I would surely drop by:)

Make Believe Shopping: Indies In

I came across this shop calledIndiesin and found some items that I would've liked to buy.



I love dresses and I thought these dresses are cute for hanging out!



Some accessories that caught my eye. I especially love the cookie mirror!
Yup, those cookies are actual handy mirrors you can take in your beauty kit:)


Visit http://www.indiesin.com and don't forget to check out stuff from the shop's Sale collection!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Day Dream Destination: CIty of Paris

We would stay at Hotel Baltimore Paris. It's a 4-star hotel located at the heart of Paris near the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

We'll start our day with breakfast in bed and enjoy the fabulous view from the suite's window.


Take a stroll along the city's famous roads and admire the old architectural structures.


More sightseeing through Seine River Cruise


Enjoy vintage finds at Clignancourt flea market



Be awed by the "City of Lights" illuminated at night

the Arc de Triomphe


Champs Elysees


the Eiffel Tower

Take pleasure in fine dining


Lounge and sip good wine


Enjoy a goodnight's rest in a luxurious room for another day in beautiful Paris!


Tour Paris and grab the Accor Hotels City Super Sale to enjoy 60% discount. The offer applies for online booking made from June 23-29 for travels starting July 10 to September 30, 2009.

Room rates will start from as low as US$25 per night. Choose from more than 163 hotels in 27 cities including Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hanoi, Manila, Mumbai, Sydney, Auckland and Paris.

additional photo sources:
Champs Elysees: http://upload.wikimedia.org/; clignancourt : http://www.paris-ttractions.com, http://travel.webshots.com/; Arc_de_Triomphe: http://www.weblo.com/; Eiffel Tower at Night: http://www.earthinpictures.com/world/france/paris/eiffel_tower_at_night.html; Seine River Cruise: http://www.photography-edu.com/

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A Photo by Philip Newton

Isn't this fabulous?


Photography: Philip Newton

I saw this photo from a blog this week and totally love it! Yet now I couldn't remember which blog I saw it from. I checked my blog list but I couldn't find the same photo again. I'm pretty I sure subscribed but somehow that blog isn't appearing on my list. Does anyone know from where this was posted?

Friday, June 19, 2009

Make Believe Shopping: Fabulous & Sexy Shoes


This luscious Giuseppe Zanotti heels is one of Vogue's most wanted summer wardrobe essentials for their July issue. No, I'm not really the high-heeled-shoe girl type but I can't help but be tempted! Isn't it so sexy?

Oh, and here's more . . .










Which one caught your eye?

Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Jonathan Adler Gift Card Contest at Decor8

You may already be familiar with the works of Jonathan Adler. This morning, I visited Decor8 and found out about the giveaway contest. 2 winners will win a $100 gift card and $150 gift card to spend at Jonathan's shop.

I had fun looking for my favorite items from the store. oh my, there were so many pretty things all over the shop. Here are some of my picks:


Dachshund Decor

Owl Napkin Holder


Utopia Pitcher


Utopia Box


Utopia Tea Pot


Utopia Puzzle Box


Turtle Box


Mary Jane Box


Medicine Chest



Tangiers Pillow


Concentric Pillow



Bargello Pillow


Acapulco Pillows


You have until Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:00 PM EST to enter so go over Decor8 now to find out how you can win. Have fun picking out your favorite items:)

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Kindred Summer Edition Wallpapers


Holly Becker of Decor8 and Ez Pudewa of Creature Comforts has launched the Kindred Summer Edition. The site has lovely wall papers and printable note cards from independent artists and photographers that you can download and use for free. How cool is that?


the Kindred Summer Edition

With Holly and Ez are eight other artists and designers who participated and they include: Alicia Bock, Bernadette Sipkes, Blanca Gómez, Caitlin Shearer, Jessica Gonacha, Sarah Ahearn, Susannah Conway and Traci French.

Today is another gloomy day because of the clouds and drizzles here and there so I've chosen this colorful wallpaper for my desktop. *nice*


by Sarah Ahearn

If you haven't visited Kindred, take a moment to visit now and see what delightful things you can find:)

Indoor and Outdoor Planters from Planterixchange

Planterixchange is an online provider of high end planters for both residential and commercial uses. I was impressed by their wide selection of decorative planters for all kinds of purposes and budget ranges. Take a look at these:


from their Window Box Planters collection

I would love to have a home with a window box planter blooming with flowers. Would you?



the umbrella rope planter by H. Potter

This planter is a perfect centerpiece for an outdoor patio.



Square Stainless Steel Planter

Round Stainless Steel Planter

These understated rust-free planters in spheres and squares will lend elegance to a room.





Terrariums by H. Potter

I never knew that terrariums can be so beautiful. Did you know that you can grow a small garden inside your home? Terrariums can go for weeks without watering so it's great for busy people.

These indoor planters may contain ferns and small plants that create a miniature landscape. The plants transpire moisture through the leaves, the moisture condenses on the glass, and water flows back to the soil. This is known as the 'rain effect'.



Thimble Pots by H. Potter

I love these thimble pots! They are stainless steel with a beautiful metallic finish and a whimsical thimble design. Drainage holes have been pre-drilled for watering.




Clay Potters by Deroma

These planters have a minimalist appeal, carefully handmade from fine clay and patented with Italian design.



Outdoor Planters by Crescent Ware

Garden Ware by Crescent Gardens


These beautiful garden planters are best known for their durability (backed up with 10-year warranty). These pieces were created with the use of "rotational molding" or "roto molding" which results to a consistent, even wall thickness.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Make Believe Shopping: Free People

Heard about Free People?
I love the design and presentation of their online shop!

"We Are Free!"

I love their tagline!
I love the simplicity and the classic lines of their pieces.
Earth tones are abundant with a splash of color here and there!

Pick Me Ups
scarf; recycle bag
beach towel; sunglasses; necklace



Bohemian Pieces

Ring + Owl Necklace


Head Piece

Dresses

Blazers and Jackets

white short-sleeved tunic blouse



Anyone who wants to send a gift card is most welcome =) Gift cards will ship for free via USPS First Class Mail. If you need it in a hurry, expedited shipping is available at $10 (2-day) to $20 (overnight) cost. Will surely be visiting Free People a lot, even for just the make-believe shopping!

Beautify Your Garden with These Cuties from Wrapables!

Mary: Can I have a bit of earth?
Lord Craven: A bit of earth?
Mary: To plant seeds in. To make things grow.
- The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Growing plants in pots has always been on my list of Things to Do (which has long been overdue.) Seeing these beautiful garden accessories from Wrapables.com makes me want to start gardening today. I just had to blog about these! They're so adorable and they would make perfect gifts for anyone who loves plants and flowers.







Visit Wrapables.com's Garden & Patio section to see these lovelies!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

I Wish We Were at Oceanfront Hotel Myrtle Beach

Summer is about to be over.
I wish we spent summer somewhere far and exciting, like here:

Myrtle Beach Resort

I have never ever experienced staying in a first-class hotel.
Have you?
To have a view from your room like this.


And to have breakfast served in bed.

Oceanfront Hotel Myrtle Beach

I'm in the middle of work
and
my daydreams are made of these....




The Grande Shores Resort is a popular resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina . Bedroom condominiums and hotel rooms are available for families and groups with different packages to suit your budget. Enjoy swimming in the luxurious pools by the beach, be amazed by the largest collection of sharks at Ripley's Aquarium, become a wine expert at La Belle Amie Vineyard or try out your golfing skills at one of its 100 golf courses.

For reservations, call their toll-free number in US and Canada at 1-877-798-4074 or check out their website.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Make Believe Shopping: Urban Outfitters

I've been hearing a lot about Urban Outfitters lately that I had to check it out.

via: Decor8
"Take Me As I Am"
a snapshot from their 2009 Fall Preview Book

I like the versatility of its collection- clothing and accessories for women and men; furniture; home decor; and even vintage collectibles.

Here are my personal favorites from the shop:


"The Photographer's Eye"
photography manual

Hanging Glass Bottle


Bedouin Embroidered Rug


Rabbit Scissors

Grey Stripe Dress


Romantic Floral Dress



Ruffled Bag


Blu Dot Bendzo Sofa



Forest Pillow by Lisa de John


Owls Applique Pillow


white embroidered dress

vintage tee


vintage head band

Friday, June 12, 2009

Beautiful Lighting Fixtures for Your Home

Been looking through home lighting fixtures and found these beautiful pieces from Farreys.com:

Inspiration Design Photo via: gustavsberg


Crystal Scones and Lanterns for the Bathroom Vanity




Bath Light Fixtures with a Nature Theme


Tiffany Style Bathroom Light Fixtures

That Tiffany Style Turtle table lamp is soooo cute!


Inspiration Design Photo via: Rusty


Contemporary Style Bathroom Lighting Fixtures



Inspiration Design Photo via: Suzanne Duda


Vintage Glass Chandeliers

I love the light blue Vintage Style glass chandelier!



Inspiration Design Photo via: mcqueengirl


Traditional and Transitional Ceiling Light Fixtures



Tiffany Style Kitchen Light Fixtures



Contemporary Style Home Lighting


Which one of these pieces do you like best?

Make Believe Shopping: Makool Loves You

I love this summer dress from Makool Loves You.



And this blue feather earrings, too!
Makool Loves You

$30 Gift Card from Whoogaboots

Ugg Boot
A boot made of sheepskin with the wool as the lining and the leather as the outside.-

Ugg boots may not be the most flattering footwear but they certainly look comfy even celebrities wear them. Yup, even the most fashionable people in Hollywood wear them… Demi Moore, Paris Hilton, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston, Mandy Moore, Sienna Miller, Kirsten Dunst, Eva Longoria, Jessika Simpson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and the list goes on.

Sienna Miller in Uggs

Personally, I think Uggs can look cute with the right outfit- like a pair of fitted jeans or skinny jeans and a cute tee-shirt. I certainly wouldn’t mind wearing them, would you?

Whoogaboots, a reknowned manufacturer of genuine Ugg Boots is offering a $30 USD (£19 GBP) gift card for the readers of The Shop Bug. All you have to do is enter the code THESHOPBUG on your checkout! Their Uggs are hand crafted and made of the highest quality sheepskin to ensure great fit, comfort and durability. Visit Whoogaboots for more styles and colors!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

On Buying Video Games

The last time I got addicted playing video games was way back with the Nintendo Family Computer. The video games that I remember playing was Super Mario Brothers, Mountain Climber, Donkey Kong, Pac Man, Popeye, Bomber Man, i'm having trouble remembering the others. We were using Joystick game controllers then. Can you imagine how long ago that was?

Then there came Playstation, PSP, Xbox, Wii and other gaming consoles that I never got my hands on. Not that they were out of my reach cause my nephews and nieces played them, but I guess my heart is not really into gaming. So when I was asked to come up with some tips on how to buy video games, I did research and here's what I came up with:

Check the rating. Parents, especially must pay attention to what their kids are playing. Personally, I think that some of games are too bloody (literally) violent for kids or even teenagers to play.

Below are the ESRB ratings you'll find printed on the package.

* AO - adults only
* M - for those who are 17 or older and considered as mature audiences
* T - Teens in the age-group 13 years or older
* E10+ - for children or others who are older than 10 years
* E - Everyone
* EC - Early childhood

Try the game. Don't buy a game just because it's what your kids want. The best way to decide whether a game's content is suitable for your child is to try it yourself. What kind of characters will they meet? Do you think it would be worth your kids' time to play the game? Will the game affect their good values? Parents must be very careful about making a choice.

Check for compatibility. Take note that a gaming console designed by Nintendo may not be compatible with Sony or Microsoft game consoles. You want to make sure that you can play the game with the platform you have before purchasing.

For more technical tips, you can check this guide on buying game consoles and handheld gaming devices

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Practical Guide for Nurses

Nurses are some of the busiest and most hard-working people I know. Today, I came across Scrubs- an online magazine that offers practical advice for nurses. The topics discussed are beauty, health, mind, love, style, money, entertainment and of course, work.

I particularly enjoyed reading these articles: "Waking Up Looking Younger", "Dry Hands Makeover", and "The 60 Seconds Stress Buster". Here are some of the tips I learned from the site:

Cleanse, tone and moisturize. Never ever sleep with your make up on. Unclog your pores and wash off dirt using a mild facial cleanser. Use a gentle toner to clean excess dirt. Don’t forget to use a moisturizer afterwards.

Get enough rest. The best way to fight wrinkles and stress is to get enough sleep and rest.

Eat right and exercise. Yeah, we hear it a lot but it’s true and there’s no other way around it.

Eat a lot fresh veggies & fruits. Eat balance meals each day and practice regular exercise.

Use what’s in the kitchen. Why buy an expensive exfoliating scrub when you can use olive oil and sugar? Combine the two in a bowl and use it as a hand or body scrub.

Tweeze your brows. Well-groomed eyebrows can make you look younger. Tweeze your brows at night to give your skin more time to rest ‘til morning.

Moisturize your lips. When brushing, brush your lips gently and apply a lip moisturizer afterwards.

If you're a nurse or know someone who is, let them know about Scrubs for other useful information that they can use with their chosen profession.

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Biometric Fingerprint Technology - What’s All the Hype

I must be technologically naïve but I’m not so familiar with Biometric Fingerprint Technology. I thought that such devices are only used in big companies. I only see them in James Bond movies and sci-fi flicks and I never thought that it’s now being used in a lot of homes.

Have you thought about switching to a keyless lock for your home? As the name suggest, these devices analyze fingerprint codes to open doors. There’s no need to worry about losing your keys or forgetting the password. There’s also no need to worry about possible sharing or duplication. But what about the quirks?

Before purchasing, there are important factors that must be considered such as the number of users, temperature, and the product specifications. You need to be sure that the fingerprint sensor would recognize your fingerprint consistently. Also, be sure that the seller provides reliable customer support.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Join the Massive Letterpress Giveaway!

Today, I dropped over at Heart Fish and learned about the Massive Letterpress Giveaway. Kelly, the shop owner of Paper Stories came up with the Letterpress Swap idea. There were 38 participants and each printer shared an original creation. Everyone who participated received the complete package of 38 letterpress art print via post mail. Wasn't that fun?! All 38 prints were lovely and here are a few of my faves:




Teapots & Loops by Paper Stories; With Each Tiny Step by Roll & Tumble Press



Sometimes You Just Gotta Twirl by Enjoy Design



Iris by Hijirk Studio; Pink Peony by Sara Parrott



Cobalt Print by Sycamore Street Press; Ligatures by A. Favorite


All 38 printers were generous enough to sponsor a giveaway to not just one, but 3 lucky winners. The 1st Prize winner will receive the COMPLETE set of all 38 prints from the swap (-with a value of over $800-) while the 2nd & 3rd Prize winners will each get 1/2 a complete set - 19 prints each (the half-sets will be evenly divided for a good mix) (-with a value of about $400 each-)

You have until the end of Thursday to enter so hop over at Poppytalk now to be part of this wonderful letterpress giveaway. I just did=)

Monday, June 8, 2009

The Beatiful Art of Recycling Paper

Paper is one of the most widely used materials all over the world. We use it at home, in schools, offices, businesses, etc. Practically everywhere we go, we use paper in one way or another.


Recycled Paper Vase via Tree Hugger

But did you know that:
“154,574 tons of paper wastes were disposed of at the landfill in 2006”? (your.kingcounty.gov)
“Recycling one ton of recyclable paper saves 3,700 pounds of lumber and 24,000 gallons of water." (your.kingcounty.gov)
"Every ton of paper recycled saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space" (paperrecycles.org)

"About one fifth of the contents of household dustbins consist of paper and card, of which half is newspapers and magazines. This is equivalent to over 4kg of waste paper per household in the UK each week." (wasteonline.org)
"The American Forest & Paper Association has set a goal of 60 percent recovery by the year 2012." (earth911.c0m)
“It almost always takes less energy to make a product from recycled materials than it does to make it from new materials. – Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Recycled Paper Vase from Wishing Fish

Why Recycle Paper?

The great news is, paper is a recyclable material and we can all take part to help reduce paper wastes. Creating new things from recycled materials helps us:

  • conserve energy
  • conserve our natural resources
  • prevent the emission of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants
  • reduce the need for new landfills
  • create more jobs
Consumers can make a big difference. www.conservatree.org enlists the steps you can do in your local community to promote the use of environmental papers. Also, check out these practical ways on how you can do your share to reduce paper wastes.

Here's a timely guide from the Natural Resources Defence Council (NDRC) on buying home tissue products from manufacturers that support the environment through 100% recycling. The next time I shop from the grocery, I'll make sure to look for the right brand. I just hope there are local manufacturers in the Philippines that support 100% recycling. I was surprised to learn that Kleenex is one brand to avoid.

I found these items online sold over at Ten Thousand Villages. They were made by women artisans at the Women's Multipurpose Cooperative, Philippines.

Justify FullRecycled Paper Craft from Ten Thousand Villages


I searched for recycled paper products at Target and found these - bottle vases, paper bowls, picture frame and a magazine holder.
Recycled Paper Products from Target

And of course, I searched Etsy for handmade products made out of recycled paper and I am amazed at the all the beautiful creations of these artistic Etsy sellers.

mini journal, mini postage stamp books and paper bowls by White Dragon Paper

Craft Art Journal Tutorial and Kit by Evalicious
journal; buttons stitched on paper

Poetry Jewellery by Jane Alexandra Cormack
earrings and necklace made from re-cycled business cards


eco-friendly paper jewelry by squishi sushi




Beautiful Recycled Paper by Artspell
papier mache bowl; paper bead bracelet; papier mache jar, paper pear earrings; paper bead necklace; scissor bowl; recycled cardl paper machie art jar


I am inspired to do my own recycled paper project. Aren't You?




More Links on Paper Recycling:

  • a step by step video on how to recycle old paper and turn them into new
  • the how-to's on creating Origami (Japanese art of paper folding) out of old magazines
  • a Phillippine shop that sells handmade paper recycling kit
  • Visit www.recyclenow.com and enter your zip code to find out the nearest recycling bank near you.
  • Call The Yellow Pages Directory Recycling Scheme freephone recycling helpline at 0800 671 444 for advice on where and how to recycle old Yellow Pages directories.

The Beatiful Art of Recycling Paper

Recycled Paper Vase via Tree Hugger


Recycled Paper Vase from Wishing Fish



Recycled Paper Craft from Ten Thousand Villages

These were made by women artisans at the Women's Multipurpose Cooperative, Philippines.




Recycled Paper Products from Target

I searched for recycled paper products at Target and found these - bottle vases, paper bowls, picture frame and a magazine holder.


And of course, I searched Etsy for recycled paper products and I am amazed at the all the beautiful creations of these artistic Etsy sellers.

Mini Journal and Mini Postage Stamp Books by White Dragon Paper

Craft Art Journal Tutorial and Kit by Evalicious



Beautiful Recycled Paper by Artspell

papier mache bowl; paper bead bracelet; papier mache jar, paper pear earrings; paper bead necklace; scissor bowl; recycled cardl paper machie art jar


More Links on Paper Recycling:

a step by step video on how to recycle old paper and turn them into new
the how-to on creating Origami (Japanese art of paper folding) out of old magazines

a timely guide from the Natural Resources Defence Council (NDRC) on buying home tissue products from manufacturers that support the environment through 100% recycling.

The next time I shop from the grocery, I'll make sure to look for the right brand. I just hope there are local manufacturers in the Philippines that support 100% recycling. I was surprised to learn that Kleenex is one brand to avoid.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

ShopBug's Shop of the Week

Hopefully, by July I can start posting the new Shop of the Week segment. I had featured a few shops for Shop of the Month on this blog but each day, I'm discovering so many interesting shops that are worth featuring so I thought it would be great to feature one shop each week and give more sellers a chance to be highlighted. What do you think?

Also, I figured that instead of just talking about my personal picks from the shop, I would include a short interview with the shop owner. I know that other bloggers had been doing this and it's really great because it gives the seller the opportunity to reach out and readers- like me , get a glimpse of the seller's personality.

For shop owners, would you be willing to answer a few questions from your email if you were to be chosen as Shop of the Week? I really would love to get feedback on this one as I'm sure that most of you have very busy schedules. Would you prefer to have an interview included or not?

Sent out a couple of emails to some of my favorite shops and I'm also taking this chance to invite sellers who would like to be featured as Shop of the Week to leave a comment or send email to theshopbug@yahoo.com. I would be excitedly waiting. Thanks =)

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

How Much Time Do You Spend Creating One Blog Post?

It seems like the longest time since I posted or visited any blog after the Lemonade Award . Our vacation took longer than expected but we had fun and it was great to spend time with my family in Manila.

Back in our little home, it's been raining every day the whole day since we got here. Outside it's wet and windy and during moments when the rain stops, the sky is still filled with gray clouds. There has been lots of cleaning to do because we left the house by itself for a month so you can imagine the mold and dusts it collected. Half of our laundry have been washed but couldn't hang out to dry because of the rain.

We have started a project which I'm very excited about but I'm not yet going to talk about it now, hehehe. I still have to do my rounds as promised. But for now, I'd like to thank my 3 new followers (last time I checked, there were 19) - evrydiki, Rachel B., and Miss Aimee.

I also got 2 comments from Lillie and she was asking me about the average time I spend on creating posts. I tried clicking on her name but it did not lead me to her blog or profile. Since I couldn't get back to her, I'm just going to respond to her question here.

This was her comment:
how sweet! i've been trying to improve my own blog lately--but i started wondering if i was crazy because i could spend forever creating each post. i'd be so interested to know: what do you think your average time is for writing/editing/formatting a post? - Lillie

My old posts on this blog were purely shopping articles. I used to spend an hour at most, researching about the topic, writing, editing and posting. I'm sometimes guilty of not editing my posts especially when I'm swamped with work.

Lately, my posts have been more specific and personal. I've been featuring my favorite shops and products with links to the sources so I usually spend 2 to three hours putting together one post. The part that takes me longest to do is uploading the photos to the blog because I don't have a high speed internet connection. I also spend hours linking back to the sources, editing the HTML code so that the links would open to another window and making sure that the links are properly working.

There were posts where I spent half my day making. I get so engrossed looking for items to complete the theme that I was putting together that I don't even notice time. It turns out, these were my most favorite posts as well. And also the most well-received posts judging from the comments :)

I certainly hope Lillie drops by again so I could visit her blog too. If you happen to know her, I hope you could lead her back here, :) How about you? How long does it usually take you to put up a post?

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Cosmetic Foundation by Dermablend


I came across this brand of cosmetic foundation called Vichy Dermablend. Is anyone familiar with it? Vichy Cosmetics offer a complete selection of products but their Foundation and Concealer seem to be raving great reviews.

The products are said to be formulated to provide expert coverage of mild to severe skin flaws such as age spots, bruises, birthmarks, eye-circles, freckles, even scars, stretch marks, tattoos, varicose veins, etc. I haven’t tried it and I’m not sure if it’s available locally.


Dermablend products are said to be dermatologist test, allergy tested, non-comedogenic , non-acnegenic, fragrance free, and provides long lasting coverage. However, I don’t think it’s equipped with a sun protection factor which is very important for day-to-day use. Have you used this product and would you recommend it?

Monday, June 1, 2009

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