The Hidden Gems of Your Local Hardware Store

In the age of online shopping, I’m guessing that we would rather just stay in the comfort of our own homes, browse through our favorite online shopping platforms and wait for the building supplies we ordered to be shipped to our address. While this is extremely convenient, and unfortunately our most sensible choice, for safety’s sake since the spread of the pandemic. People tend to miss out on exploring your local hardware stores and taking in some of the wisdom that the hardware store staff and customers have to offer.

But for those in the Cavite area, you will be delighted to know that as restrictions finally loosen up, you will be able to explore and find the many hidden gems that hardware stores in Cavite and other areas that will enter alert level 1.

This article contains a short list of the hardware supplies other than the traditional tools and building materials you may consider hidden gems to look for the next time you decide to explore your local hardware store:

House Plants.

30 Easy Houseplants - Easy to Care For Indoor Plants

Yeah, I know, I was also pretty surprised when I first found this out. While a hardware store will not have the same diversity and variety of stock as a plant nursery, you can expect two things, the plants on offer will be very affordable, and the species that are sold at hardware stores will most likely be suitable for those of us who have not been blessed with the gift of a green thumb

Clamp lamp

Amazon.com : Simple Deluxe HIWKLTCLAMPLIGHTM Clamp Lamp Light with 8.5 Inch  Aluminum Reflector Up to 150 Watt E26 Socket (No Bulb Included) 6 Feet 18/2  SPT-2 Cord, 1-Pack , Silver : Patio, Lawn & Garden

This particular fixture is something I find to be quite versatile in its applications if equipped with the proper type of light bulb, you can use it to light your desk or study space, as an affordable alternative to a ring light, or my personal favorite as lighting for an indoor garden, preferably with the same house plants you got from the same hardware store

Various Exotic Paints and Primers

Magnetic Paint by MagPaint 0.5 litre (1sqm coverage)

If you search thoroughly enough, you might find that your hardware store stocks more than just your generic can of paint or primer, there exists a plethora of different types of paint with unique properties, from paints that dry into a rubbery surface to paint that can be used as a chalk board surface upon drying, to magnetic paint, in this day and age the sky’s the limit.

Anti-Slip Spray

Rust-Oleum SuperGrip Anti-Slip Spray in 500ml Aerosol - CROP

As the name suggests, this miracle of chemical science allows for slippery surfaces to have traction, for those of you with hyperactive children, this could possibly come in handy to lessen the risk of them taking fall damage.

Glow in the Dark Duct Tape

Glow In The Dark Duct Tape

On its own, duct tape is already a marvelous invention, that you can do pretty much anything with, from quick repairs, to some creative arts and crafts, but what could possibly make it better? That/’s right, making it glow in the dark for some extra visibility especially at night.

While this is by no means an extensive list, I wish you a lot of fun exploring the many Isles of your local hardware store in search of many more hidden gems. Happy hunting

Want a Fast and Easy Shipment? Go With Air Freight!

Air freight in the Philippines is known for its high value, low volume, and flexible delivery system. This shipping method is best for time-sensitive cargo that may possibly lose value if not transported the soonest possible time. Although weather changes can highly affect airline schedule, air freight in the Philippines still holds a great advantage in terms of fast and efficient shipment.

How does air freight work? | ArcBest

Why is this so? Below are the reasons:

Reliability

Notwithstanding unpredictable weather conditions, air freight can be relied upon in terms of same-day delivery or the fastest possible shipment for your cargo. Just take into consideration the wide availability of flights and less traffic flow air freight enjoys.

Wide range of Locations

Air freight in the Philippines has a large network of destinations, so there is less to no chance your cargo won’t be shipped because of location.

High level of Security

Cargo is handled by airport security personnel and tight management controls offer protection from theft and damage. Most airlines also offer easy tracking technology, so you can be at ease and abreast with the current status of your shipment.

Air Freight vs. Air Cargo: Is there a Difference? - Customodal

Less Packaging Cost

Air shipments require less heavy packing so there are savings in terms of packaging costs.

Low Insurance Premium

Air freight in the Philippines, although relatively more expensive than other shipment methods, offer a low insurance premium because of the shorter transportation duration.

Air freight in the Philippines provides value for money in terms of efficiency, security, and reliability. Consider the urgency of your shipment and you can determine if air freight is the best way for you to go.

Your Back-To-School Makeup Kit Must-Haves

Hello, Filipino cosmetic lovers and aspiring makeup artists!

We hope that you have enrolled yourselves already as June is only a few days away! Soon, you will be hitting the school grounds, learning new lessons and making more memories with your best friends. It’s time to get out of your cozy bed and ask your family to go back-to-school shopping with you! A fun bonding sesh with your loved ones will surely boost your cheery levels. Besides, it’s also good to have some company when it comes to decision-making in shopping (whether it is about shoes, accessories or school supplies). You know, there are a lot of products in stores, yet you only need a few so make sure that you only get the best and essential ones.

Speaking of the essential ones, we expect that beauty products are on your shopping lists. After all, #MakeupIsLife! And when it comes to school, cosmetics are a yes to keep on looking prim and fresh even after 5th period Trigonometry! To give you a heads-up on what products should comprise your makeup kit, we have curated different cosmetics that will likely fit your needs.

 

Foundation

When someone asks you “who’s your newfound friend?” proudly raise this foundation! The Duo Finish Foundation by Vice Cosmetics has eight (8) shades that suit the skin tone of every Filipino. It provides a flawless look from light to full coverage. Plus, it’s multi-use! You can apply it with a wet sponge (for a sheer look), or a dry sponge (for a matte look). It’s also a guilt-free cosmetic and an exciting treat for your skin! Its price is Php245.00, and it’s available at Vice Cosmetics kiosks nationwide.

 

Eyebrow Pencil

Be more confident on your first day of school knowing that you’ve got the Liza Soberano vibe with you. That’s right, replicate the eyebrows of your favorite Filipino celebrity idols with the Brow Define and Blend retractable pencil from Maybelline! It’s a personal favorite by makeup artists as its thin angled tip draws realistic brows. It also comes with a brush at the opposite end that properly blends the strokes for a more defined but natural look. Its retail price is Php249.00, and you can avail it online or in different stores nationwide.

 

Mascara

The heat and the rain are the worst enemies of mascaras as these factors make the result clumpy and smudged. Happy Skin formulated the bristle-free At Long Lash Supercurl Waterproof Mascara. Your eyelashes can now stay long and curled amid the rain, sweat, sebum, and tears. You can get this at malls nationwide and on Happy Skin’s official website. It’s a little bit pricey at Php999.00. But according to Filipino makeup artists, it’s a pretty good investment as its results are totally worth it!

(Source: Happy Skin)

 

Lipstick

You deserve a kickass lipstick for a classy you! And for that, Human Nature got your lips! It has five (5) shades of Made to Bloom lipsticks which are very wearable. Its creamy formula is rich in organic ingredients which beautifies your lips while moisturizing it. Say chapped lips no more! You can get these at supermalls for only Php495.00.

(Source: Human Nature)

 

Kit

Of course, your back-to-school makeup kit will not be complete without a pouch! Luckily, BLK has dainty handy bags that can fit your makeup essentials. These cute bags are available in different colors and priced at Php249.00. Avail them at BLK kiosks nationwide or order through their official website.

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(Source: blk cosmetics)

 

And that’s a wrap! Now that you know what kind of makeup to look for, it’s easier to roam the malls. Prep yourselves now and wake up the Filipino makeup artist within you but not after you get all your school essentials!

Appreciation Post: The undervalued eyeglasses Wiping Cloth

 

When we talk about improved vision and clear eyesight, we tend to immediately think of eyeglasses in the Philippines. What we Filipinos often forget, and not to mention, take for granted, is that no matter how stylish our glasses are, how multicoated the lenses may be, our eyeglasses are no match to an oily smudge or thickening layer of dust on the surface.

 

Good thing we always have a wiping cloth prepared!

 

The cloth that is most acceptable to use on glasses are the ones that most eyewear come with. it is as important as it is plain: right off the bat, you will notice that regardless of design, it’s hard to miss how it feels on the hands.

 

Eyeglasses cleaning clothes may be called different names in the Philippines but it’s mostly known as microfiber towel. Microfiber is a synthetic yarn stretched very thinly; even thinner that silk. It is because of this that the microfiber can perform better at absorbing wetness, making particles and impurities stick to it, and also easy to maintain.

 

To properly clean your eyeglasses dry, never wipe it with anything else aside from the microfiber tower that it comes with. Cotton, paper, tissues, jeans and other materials might scratch the surface of the glasses. It’s going to be a waste of a very good pair of unscratched glasses.

 

If there are stubborn material on your glasses, a less popular but recommended way of cleaning it is with water. Run it through some tap water, soap it up with a mild detergent or glass cleaning soap, rinse, dry, then wipe clean with your microfiber cloth. Of course this method is a less popular way to clean eyeglasses in the Philippines but it is effective in removing facial oil and other stubborn dirt on your eyewear.

 

Next time you think about poor eyesight, remember that even though the glasses are the MVPs when it comes to correcting your vision, the support they get from miscellaneous items like the microfiber cloth helps so much in making eyeglasses wearable though it gets very little credit  for doing so!