the best things in life are free (and can be won, too!)

We all know there's a recession so I'm sure all of us are finding more ways to cut down our expenses and save. But not spending or not spending as much shouldn't keep us from enjoying our lives or doing the things that make us happy.

This article from Oprah inspired me to think of the cheap/free things that make me happiest. Here is my top ten:

1. When my husband does something unexpected. Like folding the laundry without me telling him. Or buying fruit or chocolate because he knows I love them. In a marriage, the littlest stuff like these matter so when Reden remembers, I feel happy and grateful.

Cost: free

2. When a stranger holds the door for me. We're all busy and sometimes we forget to be kind to the people around us. We probably are too wound up in our lives that we don't really expect others to be kind to us as well. So when someone takes his/her time to show a small act of kindness like holding the door for me, I smile, and my heart does too.

Cost: free

3. Checking out design, photography and fashion blogs. There are incredibly beautiful things and people in this world. We just have to  be patient and present to find and see them.

Cost: free (well, Internet connection costs about SGD 30 per month at home)

4. Hearing from a friend. I rarely receive e-mails or messages from friends (ehem!) so when someone remembers to update me about what's going on in his/her life or to just say  "hi", I feel ecstatic.

Cost: free

5. Being in the library or the bookstore. Books energize me. And I love the smell of new books! (Who doesn't?)

Cost: free

6. Window shopping. Seeing beautiful clothes, bags and shoes is inspiring to me. Sometimes I give in and actually buy them, but not all the time. (Last night I checked out the newly renovated Nine West store at the mall. Pretty shoes galore!)

Cost: free

7. Cooking. I've said this before. The kitchen makes me happy. So when it's time for us to buy a our own house, I prefer to have a completely outfitted modular kitchen over a walk-in closet. Husband, take note! Hahaha.

Cost: free

8. Listening to other people's stories. Whether good or bad.

Cost: free

9. Listening to music.

Cost: free (thanks Launchcast!)

10. Watching movies! I can live in a cinema. Seriously. Pwede bang movie reviewer na lang ako?

Cost: free if I watch online and SGD 12 if we go to the cinema

Hosting silly contests make me happy too!

Share with me one thing that make you happiest--that is free or doesn't involve a huge amount of money. You can comment on this post or send me a PM if you're shy (hehe). If I like your cheap thrill best, I'll send something special your way.

Contest starts now and ends on Friday, June 19. I'll announce the winner on Monday.

Make me happy dear Multiply friends! Mwah!

Oh, and family can join for fun!

win something now!

Hi dear Multiply contacts! It's time for the first contest! But first the rules:

1. Only my Multiply friends can join this contest. As I said, family members are not qualified.
2. Each person is only allowed one entry per round.
3. All correct entries will be qualified for the raffle draw, which I'll do 48 24 hours after posting the contest.
4. The winner will be announced here immediately after the draw.

Simple, noh? I hope a lot of you will join para fun! Hehehe.

Here's the riddle. Can you guess which US city this is?

A moving monument runs through me
From a market to the edge of the sea
A vermilion link bonds me to another
And I’ve been home to many a freedom lover
Notorious men once lived on my rock
I guess they had nothing but bad luck
You’ll enjoy driving through my zigzag block
While my shaking ground might leave you in shock!

Leave your answers as comments! Think hard and good luck! I'll be posting the winner's name on Thursday Wednesday evening.

contests here and now!!! (yes, you can win!!!)

Hi friends!

Since we've received so much blessings, I feel it's right to share them with you! I will be running a couple of contests (yeah, contests. where's the fun in handing out pasalubongs???) here for a couple of weeks and whoever wins will get a special something from us. Wherever you are in the world, I'll make sure your prize gets to you.

Sorry, but our family members are disqualified from joining. Alam niyo naman lahat eh! Hehehe.

Will be posting the first contest soon!