Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

October 13, 2026

Pasalubong from Indonesia: What to Buy in Batam

Since it was my first time visiting Indonesia, I did a quick search for must-buy pasalubong to bring home. Based on my research, some popular choices in Batam included Kue Lapis, Luti Gendang, Otak-Otak Batam, Bingka Bakar, kerupuk (crackers), local chips, packaged snacks, and Batam-themed souvenirs.

However, Batam was not our last destination, and we still had a five-day Disney Adventure Cruise ahead of us. Because we had limited luggage space and wanted to pack light, we decided to buy only a few pasalubong that we could bring home and enjoy during our trip.

Pasalubong Shopping at Rumah Kue Wiweka

During our Private Batam Tour, we stopped by Rumah Kue Wiweka, where we bought some pasalubong, including lapis, banana puff, chips, and magnets.

One of the things I bought was lapis, a popular Indonesian layered cake. I got a few pieces, one as a thank-you gift for the hotel staff who kindly gave us a room upgrade, and the rest for us to enjoy as snacks during our hotel stay.

I really liked the taste of the lapis we bought. It was different from the Indonesian pasalubong my husband had brought home before. If Indonesia had been our last destination, I would have bought more to share with our family and friends.






Indonesian Grocery Items and Snacks to Buy

Aside from traditional cakes and souvenirs, Indonesia also has plenty of packaged snacks, chocolates, instant noodles, coffee, and local grocery products worth checking out.

Here are some items on my must-buy list based on my research:

· Instant noodles: Indomie
· Wafers and biscuits: Tango wafers and Roma Kelapa biscuits
· Chocolates: SilverQueen, Beng-Beng chocolate bars, and other local chocolate treats
· Chili seasoning: BonCabe chili seasoning
· Cooking essentials: Indonesian cooking spices, ABC sauces, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
· Chips and crackers: Qtela, kerupuk, and other local chips
· Snacks: Garuda peanuts and Indonesian candies
· Coffee and tea: Kapal Api coffee and Tehbotol Sosro

Of course, these were just some of the products I found during my research. I didn't get to buy everything on the list because we had to consider our luggage space and upcoming cruise.

Trying Indonesian Instant Noodles and Coffee

During our visit, I bought instant coffee and Indomie instant noodles even though I knew these products were already available in the Philippines.

I was curious to find out if they tasted any different from the ones we usually buy at home. Hehehe! Sometimes, even familiar grocery items become part of the fun of shopping in another country.




We also had to consider our breakfast budget because our Singapore hotel did not include breakfast. Having instant noodles and coffee on hand was a convenient option during our stay.

The Snacks and Chocolates We Bought

Aside from the lapis, banana puff, and chips we bought at Rumah Kue Wiweka, I also picked up some Indonesian snacks and chocolates to enjoy during our trip.

Our purchases included peanut rolls, SilverQueen chocolates, Oatmaltinez nougat with almonds and peanuts, TESME fruit chips in jackfruit, mango, and salacca flavors, and Beng-Beng chocolate bars.






I always enjoy checking out the snacks available in local supermarkets whenever we travel. It's a fun way to discover local products and try something different from the usual snacks we buy back home. Of course, I couldn't resist bringing home a few treats to enjoy during our trip and share with family.

A Batik Skirt as a Souvenir


Aside from food and snacks, we also came across a clothing store called Batik Sinten.

My husband convinced me to buy a batik skirt when he saw the store. Since batik is closely associated with Indonesian textile traditions, I thought it would be a nice souvenir to remember our trip to Batam.

It was also a good change from our usual pasalubong shopping, which mostly involved food.

Final Thoughts on Buying Pasalubong in Batam

Our pasalubong shopping in Batam was simple because we had to save space for our next adventure. We didn't get to buy everything on my original must-buy list, but we still brought home a few Indonesian treats and souvenirs to remember our visit.


If Batam had been our last stop, I would have bought more lapis, local snacks, chocolates, and other Indonesian grocery items for our family and friends.

For first-time visitors, I recommend doing a little research before your trip so you can make a list of the local specialties and souvenirs you want to try. Just remember to leave enough room in your luggage, especially if you still have another destination or cruise ahead!

For us, the best part was discovering new treats, trying familiar products from another country, and bringing home a few souvenirs from our first visit to Indonesia.
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October 09, 2026

Cricut EasyPress 3 12x10: E05 Error, Replacement Delays & Refund

What started as an exciting 9.9 Sale purchase turned into an almost month-long customer service journey.

I bought the Cricut EasyPress 3 12x10 as another birthday treat for myself, thrilled to find it at an incredible price. Originally priced at PHP 17,500, it was on sale for PHP 6,599. After combining Shop and Shopee vouchers with a credit card promotion, I paid just PHP 3,891, approximately 78% off the original price!

It felt like a deal too good to pass up. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.


From an Exciting Purchase to a Defective Product

I placed my order through the Bee Happy Crafts Shopee Store on September 8, and the machine arrived the following day.

When I tested it on September 10, I successfully paired it with the Cricut Heat app. However, when I tried to send the temperature settings, an E05 error appeared. The machine would beep, display the error, show a solid red power button, and shut down automatically.


After trying basic troubleshooting without success, I contacted Bee Happy Crafts, an authorized Cricut seller. I submitted my proof of purchase, serial number, and a video demonstrating the problem.

The Replacement That Never Came

On September 15, I was informed that a replacement would be delivered and the defective unit picked up. I completed the 7 Days Guarantee Form, packed the machine and accessories, and sent photos to the store.



But the replacement never arrived.

The following day, I learned that the EasyPress 3 12x10 was out of stock, with no confirmed restock date. I was told that the replacement would proceed once the item became available again.

Hoping for another solution, I contacted Cricut Support directly on September 16 to begin the warranty process.

On September 17, Cricut Support responded that the E05 error couldn't be resolved through standard troubleshooting. I was advised to contact their phone or chat support to check my warranty and discuss the next steps.

On September 18, a Cricut representative reassured me, saying, “No worries about the stock.” This gave me hope that a replacement could still be arranged.

I provided the requested documents and video evidence, and my replacement request was placed under review.

September 22 to October 2: Waiting for Shipping Details

On September 22, Cricut asked for my consent to share my contact and shipping details with its third-party distributor to fulfill the replacement request.

More than a week passed without any updates or a replacement from the distributor. After my second follow-up, I received another disappointing update from Cricut Support on October 2: the replacement was on hold because of a regional stock shortage. My options were to wait for restocking or consider a refund.

After weeks of waiting, I had to decide whether to keep hoping for a replacement or move on.

Choosing a Refund

I didn't want to risk missing the 30-day return window stated in Bee Happy Crafts' return policy, so on October 3, I contacted the store to request a refund rather than continue waiting for an uncertain restock date.

It wasn't an easy decision because I genuinely wanted the larger heat press, especially at such an incredible price. However, I felt it was more practical to get my money back than to wait indefinitely.

On October 6, I received my refund via bank transfer. Finally, the purchase was resolved!

Interestingly, on October 7, Philippine time, I received an email from a Cricut supervisor explaining that they were still coordinating with the local distributor.

The distributor expected new inventory of the EasyPress 3 9x9, but there was no confirmed delivery date. Cricut also offered to discuss alternatives, including a refund.

I informed the agent that I had already received my refund through Bee Happy Crafts because a replacement for my original model 12x10 wasn't available and there was no confirmed restock date.

And with that, my customer service journey came to an end.
 
What I Learned

Looking back, receiving a defective product wasn't necessarily the biggest problem. What I found most difficult was the uncertainty; not knowing when a replacement would arrive or whether it would be available at all.

Anyway, I appreciate the assistance I received from both Bee Happy Crafts and Cricut Support throughout the process. I'm also glad I eventually got my refund.

This experience reminded me to keep purchase documents and evidence, understand return and warranty policies, and follow up when necessary.

Most importantly, it's okay to reconsider your options when things don't go as planned. Sometimes, the best decision isn't the one you initially hoped for, but the one that allows you to move forward.

Would I Still Buy from Cricut and Bee Happy Crafts?

Yes, I would!

This experience hasn't changed my interest in Cricut products or my willingness to support Bee Happy Crafts. In fact, after receiving my refund, I purchased another item from Bee Happy Crafts and another Cricut product to replace the birthday gift I had originally planned for myself.

One disappointing purchase doesn't erase my previous positive experiences.

A Final Thought

What began as an exciting 9.9 Sale bargain on September 8 ended with a refund on October 6.

I was disappointed that I never got to enjoy the EasyPress 3 12x10, but still, I'm glad I was able to resolve the issue.

I'm sharing my experience not to discourage anyone from buying, but to document what happened and what I learned along the way.

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. We can acknowledge our disappointment, choose the best option available, and move forward.

Now, I'm getting back to what I love most: creating, crafting, and enjoying the products that inspire me.
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September 14, 2026

DIY Scratch Pad Using We R Makers Cinch Stack Cutter

My husband gave me birthday cash last month, and I didn't spend it right away. 

I actually spent quite a bit of time thinking about what to buy. I had a few crafting tools in my shopping cart, and one of the things that had been sitting there for the longest time was the We R Makers Cinch Stack Cutter.
 
I had been wanting one for quite a while, but I kept asking myself: Do I really need it? After all, I already have a We R Makers Guillotine.
 
But you know how it is when you're into crafting. Sometimes there's a tool that you don't necessarily need, but you know it would make your crafting life easier. That was exactly how I felt about the Cinch Stack Cutter.

 
Finally Buying the Cinch Stack Cutter
 
When September came, I noticed that there were vouchers available from Bee Happy Crafts and Shopee. That got my attention.
 
The Cinch Stack Cutter was originally listed at PHP 9,450 in the Bee Happy Crafts Shopee store. With Shopee vouchers, the price went down to PHP 7,450.
 
I also checked the Bee Happy Crafts website, where the price was around PHP 9,000, and it was discounted to PHP 7,499.
 
I was able to get mine for PHP 6,785 after using Bee Happy Crafts and Shopee vouchers. That was the final push I needed.
 
So I decided to use the birthday cash gift my husband gave me and finally buy the We R Makers Cinch Stack Cutter. After keeping it in my cart for so long, I finally checked out! And honestly, I'm glad I did.
 
I Didn't Let It Sit in the Box
 
When my Cinch Stack Cutter arrived, I wanted to use it right away. I actually used it within the first week.
 
Aside from being excited to try it, I also wanted to make sure that everything was working properly. Since it was an expensive crafting tool, I didn't want to wait too long before checking it. If there was a problem, I wanted to be able to report it immediately.

Thankfully, my Cinch Stack Cutter was working properly.
 
And what better first project than something I make regularly: scratch pads?
 
Why I Make DIY Scratch Pads
 
If you've been reading my blog, you probably know that I've been making scratch pads since my son started preschool. It started as a simple way to save paper. You can also read about my previous DIY scratch pad project here.
 
Instead of throwing away papers that are printed on only one side, I keep them in a pile. I save my son's old test papers and worksheets, my husband's office papers, and even some of my own printouts.
 
These include things like flight tickets, hotel confirmations, travel insurance documents, travel itineraries, and other papers that I no longer need but can still use as scratch paper. I just keep collecting them.
 
Then, whenever I have extra time, I turn them into DIY scratch pads or notebooks. It's a small thing, but I like knowing that I'm giving these papers another use before they eventually get recycled.
 
Making Scratch Pads with the Cinch Stack Cutter
 
For my first project with the Cinch Stack Cutter, I decided to make several scratch pads from my stash of saved papers.
 
I used:
· We R Makers Cinch Stack Cutter
· Binding C-Clamp Pad Press
· Padding glue
· Recycled paper that had been used on one side




I was able to make eight 1/4-size scratch pads and four 1/2-size scratch pads. And the best part? I didn't have to spend so much time cutting. That's probably the biggest difference I've noticed.
 
Before, I started with a regular cutter. Eventually, I got a guillotine. Now I have a stack cutter. Little by little, my scratch-pad-making tools have evolved.
 
What I Like About the Cinch Stack Cutter
 
The biggest thing I appreciate about the Cinch Stack Cutter is how much easier it makes cutting multiple sheets of paper.
 
Since I usually save a lot of paper before making my scratch pads, cutting them individually can take quite a bit of time. With the stack cutter, I can work with a stack instead. That means less repetitive cutting and more time actually enjoying the crafting part.

It's also nice knowing that I can use it for more than just scratch pads. I can see myself using it for future DIY notebooks, paper projects, and other crafts.
 
Is the Cinch Stack Cutter Worth It?
 
Now for the question I kept asking myself before buying it:
 
Was it worth it?
 
Honestly, it depends on what you plan to use it for.
 
If you're only planning to make an occasional scratch pad, I don't think you need a Cinch Stack Cutter. It is definitely more expensive than simply buying a ready-made scratch pad.
 
For me, though, I think it was worth buying because I already make scratch pads regularly, and I have plenty of paper waiting to be turned into something useful.

I also enjoy making my own notebooks and other paper projects, so I know I'll be using the tool beyond this first project.
 
It's one of those purchases that isn't necessarily a need, but it makes a hobby that I already enjoy much easier.
 
And let's be honest, sometimes it's okay to use our birthday money for something that simply makes us happy.
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April 06, 2026

Exploring Ximending in the Afternoon: A Foodie & Shopping Adventure

After wrapping up our Taipei Free Walking Tour – Historic Route, we headed straight to Ximending, excited to see what the area had to offer. The moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a completely different scene, music playing from every direction, and crowds of people filling the streets with energy.

Since we were all hungry, we didn’t waste any time and started looking for a restaurant. Everywhere we looked, stalls and shops were offering all kinds of mouthwatering street food. The aroma alone was enough to make us stop at almost every corner. But craving a heavier meal, we eventually ended up in a Korean restaurant.




We ordered a Korean Beef and Tofu Pot (NTD 260) and Bulgogi Bibimbap (NTD 260), with a Coke (NTD 35). You can choose the level of spiciness—Not Spicy, Mild, Medium, Hot, or Extra Hot. We went with Not Spicy and Mild Bulgogi Bibimbap, and the portions were so generous that even though we only ordered three meals, we couldn’t finish everything.

After lunch, we still had room for something sweet. We didn’t want to leave without trying the famous Xing Fu Tang Milk Tea, so we ordered the Taiwan No.1 Signature Brown Sugar Boba Milk (NTD 120). Even though we’re not usually milk tea fans, we absolutely enjoyed this one.


Of course, a trip to Ximending wouldn’t be complete without shopping. The area was packed with trendy stores, quirky finds, and souvenir shops that made it hard to leave empty-handed. We spent hours walking around, browsing, and picking up items that caught our attention. Some sellers were even giving out food samples, and we couldn’t resist trying them. Naturally, that led to us buying a lot more food than we expected!




I knew that Ximending is even livelier at night, but we were all tired, so we decided to head back to our hotel before nightfall. Even though we didn’t stay until evening, our afternoon in Ximending was packed with flavors, fun, and unforgettable discoveries. It was the perfect way to experience one of Taipei’s most vibrant districts, an afternoon filled with good food, great shopping, and the lively spirit of the city.

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March 31, 2026

Day 2 in Taipei: Free Walking Tour, Longshan Temple & Ximending Experience

If you're planning a Taipei itinerary, our Day 2 in Taipei was all about culture, history, and food, from Longshan Temple to a free walking tour and a fun Ximending food trip. The cool weather made everything even more enjoyable!
 
A week before our trip, I checked the forecast and expected 25 to 28°C weather. But when we arrived, it felt much cooler, and on our second day, it dropped to 14°C. Perfect for a full day of walking around Taipei!
 
Breakfast Near Longshan Temple Taipei
 
Since CityInn Hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, we left early to find breakfast before our tour.
From the hotel, we reached Longshan Temple Taipei in less than 30 minutes. We arrived around 8:00 AM, giving us plenty of time before our 10:00 AM walking tour.

 
We found a small local restaurant nearby (I don’t know the name since it was in Chinese characters, but thankfully with English translations on the menu). Cash only. 


What we ordered:
 
Radish Meatball Soup Set (NTD 160) – comes with cabbage fried rice and cold tea
Radish Meatball Soup (NTD 75)



It was a simple and comforting meal, though not super filling, perfect for a light start before a long walking tour.
 
Longshan Temple Taipei Travel Guide
 
Before the tour started, we explored Longshan Temple, one of the most famous tourist spots in Taipei. The temple is rich in history and beautifully detailed, making it a must-visit in any DIY Taipei itinerary.



The peaceful atmosphere in the morning made the experience even more special.


 
Taipei Free Walking Tour (Klook + Like It Formosa Review)

We joined the Taipei Free Walking Tour – Historic Route, which we booked via Klook. It’s a tip-based tour organized by Like It Formosa, highly recommended if you want to learn more about Taipei’s history and culture.
 
We were a group of 44 travelers from different countries, so we were divided into two smaller groups.
 
Tour Details:
 
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Duration: 3 hours
Meeting Point: MRT Longshan Temple Station, Exit 1
 
Places Covered in the Taipei Walking Tour
 
This is a great route if you're looking for things to do in Taipei in one morning:
 
Longshan Temple
Bopiliao Ancient Street
The Red House
Presidential Office Building
2/28 Peace Memorial Park






 
We also stopped by Yongfu Ice Cream and tried handmade ice cream for NTD 55—perfect quick snack during the tour.

 
The tour ended at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall at around 1:20 PM. It was long but very informative, definitely one of the highlights of our Taipei travel experience.
 
Ximending Food Trip & Shopping Guide

 
After the tour, we were super hungry, so we headed straight to Ximending, one of the most popular food and shopping districts in Taipei. If you're into Taipei street food and trendy spots, Ximending is a must-visit.
 
What we did in Ximending:
 
Ate lunch at a Korean restaurant
Tried the famous Xing Fu Tang milk tea
Bought pasalubong (souvenirs)
 
I’ll be sharing a more detailed Ximending food trip guide in a separate post!
 
Taipei Main Station Food Options
 
After a long day, we decided to head back to the hotel to rest. We rode the train from Ximending to Taipei Main Station. Taipei Main Station has a wide variety of food kiosks and shops. If you're doing Taipei budget travel, this is a great place to grab affordable meals.




We bought meal boxes for dinner, simple, convenient, and perfect after a tiring day.
 
Final Thoughts: Taipei Day 2 Itinerary
 
Our Day 2 Taipei itinerary was packed but very fulfilling. From cultural landmarks to local food experiences, it gave us a deeper appreciation of the city.
 
If you're planning your own DIY Taipei itinerary, I highly recommend:
 
Starting your day early
Joining a free walking tour
Exploring Ximending for food and shopping

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