It’s going to be a great week!
My officemates and I are going to Beijing! I’m so excited. Beijing’s temperature freaks me out a bit though, -8 deg. Celsius. Our Manila weather is at 25 deg. Celsius. I haven’t packed for the trip yet. I have yet to find a good hat. Does anyone have any Beijing tips or tips for dealing with such cold weather? I’d appreciate good advice! I revel in the tropical climate of the Philippines and can live wearing flip-flops everyday. Cold weather scares me.
We have finally moved out of our old home and into the new home. My body ached the whole weekend but I’m just glad the move is done. I’m excited to make our new place homey. The quest is on for the perfect welcome door mat.
Any Sims fans out there? I recently got the Seasons Expansion Pack. It friggin’ rocks. In one word, it’s magical. Here are some highlights from each season in my neighborhood:
— Winter: Snow angels. Snowmen. Snowball fights. A penguin visited our lot and we got to pet it. It returned the favor by peeing on our driveway. Family stayed too long in the cold and shivered badly. Trooped into the home and warmed up with hot chocolate. Heavy Snow Day, so school was called off. Snow falling from the sky was magical.
— Spring: Spring showers. Thunder sound was realistic. Lightning struck my fountain and put it on fire. Plants bloomed. I wish the Sims had umbrellas when they’d walk in the rain.
— Summer: Kids played Marco Polo in the pool. Tried catching fireflies in the evening. Had water balloon fights in the garden.
— Fall: Harvested fruits and vegetables from the greenhouse. Played catch in the yard.
Reviews mention that building relationships can be affected by the season. I haven’t noticed how it differs per season yet, but I’m very much willing to ahem, play some more and observe.
Finally, thank you to the kind soul who nominated my blog at the Philippine Blog Awards. Wifely Steps was placed under the Home and Living category. Awesome. Even if I don’t make it as a finalist, having been nominated was a great honor. Salamat!
So it’s going to be a great week! Whatever negativity comes your way this week, choose to deal with it positively. It’s alright to feel bummed about it but choose to be happy, choose to be peaceful. Good vibes will follow. Happy Monday!
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
Chateau
March 5, 2007 at 9:11 am (17 years ago)Hi Wifely! My hubby is on his way back from China today, not from Beijing though (Chongqing, where it’s about 10deg warmer than Beijing). Bring thermal pants and shirt that you can wear underneath your outerwear, it will greatly help to keep you warm outdoors! My hubby forgot opted to leave his, so he ended up staying in the hotel the whole day yesterday (his free day) because it was too cold to go out. Gloves, caps/bonnets, mufflers -bring them too… Have a great trip! Bring back wonderful photos. 😀
Oh, and congrats for being nominated
Tina
March 5, 2007 at 9:42 am (17 years ago)Congrats on the nomination! I hope you will be included in the finalists; I’ll be helping out in the Awards Night. 😉 Meanwhile, I, together with a hundred other blogs, are nominated in the Personal Blog category. Wohoo. =))
I want to play The Sims again! My computer at home can’t handle Sims 2.
Sad. I seriously need an upgrade. Or go back to the first version and at least have a play.
Have fun in Beijing! I have no tips up my sleeve right now since I’ve never been there. ^^; But enjoy your trip!
jher
March 5, 2007 at 10:22 am (17 years ago)Bringing winter clothes is the best tip anyone can give you my dear. Thermal underwear is a must. You must have a winter cap, gloves (not the knitted kind, leather is best) and ear muffs (your ears will fall off if you allow it to be exposed to extreme temps. I was in Beijing last November and its +8 but it was still difficult for us tropical dudes. If it’s windy it will be extra cold. But don’t be scared! Rarely you will experience that weather (as in zero if you will stay forever in the Philippines). It’s fun to dress up for the winter. Extra baggage nga lang. Hahahah. Enjoy dear! Try the hole-in-the wall restaurants, the best chinese food ever!
JMom
March 5, 2007 at 10:35 am (17 years ago)Congratulations! You have great things happening all around you. For your winter travel, just make sure you stay warm. Layers is key, a nice warm hat and a pretty scarf. My ears and back of my neck are always the first to get stung by the cold. Don’t forget the gloves
and don’t forget to have fun!! you can always warm up with some great soup 
leo
March 5, 2007 at 12:25 pm (17 years ago)Was there last spring, About china itself, people are allover just waiting to seperate you from your money.The moment you arrived at the airport to every tourist spot people will swarm over you offering and selling almost anything. If you are not in a tour group, dont take the taxi from the airport to the city-would cost you a fortune instead take the bus from the airport to Beijing train central station and from there take the taxi to your hotel.Make sure you have the hotel name in chinese character-few locals there speaks or understand english. If you have time take the sleeper train from Beijing to Shanghai(an overnight trip).The Train is a high speed one and the interior is like a hotel. buy round trip ticket at the Beijing central station. Leave early evening and arrive in shanghai early the next morning. on the return trip take the opposite timetable. Go to Virtualtourist.com and tcg.Com(you can download the train schedule here) for more first hand information.
Meeyagirl
March 5, 2007 at 1:26 pm (17 years ago)congrats!!! pwede bang mag-vote ang hindi judge? like a texters choice or something? iboboto kitaaaa!!! for all the happy thoughts and bright sunshine you bring to us with your every post, you deserve that award!!
congrats ulit!!! and you’ve finally finished with your move! kakapagod no? hopefully you’ll stay longer there naman para sulit ang pagod.
as for beijing, naku our friend just got back from there three days ago. it’s really really really cold nga daw. so far, everyone here has given you good advice to keep warm. i’ll just add lip balm (blistex), tubs of moisturizers and moisturizing lotion, conditioner for your hair, and eye drops (especially if you wear contacts). also, if you can find thick wool socks and calf-length boots the better. yun muna, i’ll talk to my friend and ask him for addtl tips, tapos i’ll let you know.
have fun!!!!
Toni
March 5, 2007 at 3:35 pm (17 years ago)Oh my gosh! Thank you for the tips. Please please please keep them coming. I’ll go to SM tomorrow and see if they’ve got it all nga. Salamat, salamat.
Daphne
March 5, 2007 at 8:09 pm (17 years ago)Oh wow that’s frigging cold! Try Marks & Spencer’s for thermal underwear and Terranova for winter clothes like gloves, woolen hats and scarves.
The trick is to always keep your ears and hands covered at all times. Wear thick tights with woolen socks preferably with boots. As for clothes, always wear thermal (both top and bottom) underneath your layered clothing then walk walk and walk to keep the circulation going.
Have a great trip, Toni
Jing
March 5, 2007 at 8:34 pm (17 years ago)thick Turtlenecks plus undershirt and baguio wool, a cashmere jacket will do. Layering is important. Thick maong pants will do, but to be sure wear thinck stockings underneath. Minus 8 is not a joke. Wear a hat, bonnet to cover your ears and a woolen gloves will also do. All these thing I have said there is also a statement at the end of each sentence ” WITHOUT LOOKING DOWDY”
Have a pleasant trip.
rach
March 5, 2007 at 9:08 pm (17 years ago)Hi Toni! Have a safe and pleasant trip. Haven’t been anywhere that cold before so I couldn’t give any advice. Hope you find warm clothes to take with you. Happy shopping.
Congratulations on your nomination. You deserve it! I’ll go and check out the link.
Have a wonderful week ahead. Take care!
eye
March 5, 2007 at 9:19 pm (17 years ago)Hi Toni, kaka-excite naman ang trip ninyo!
Clothing tips ko on freezing weather aside from the mandatory thermals:
1) Lots of layering rather than one or two thick wool jackets. (Besides, it’s more practical) Also, when you arrive inside a building coming from outside, always remove the othermost layer to condition your body. So that when it’s time to go outside again, you won’t be thermal-shocked.
2) The snow creeps up your feet! So wear comfy and well-padded shoes + knee-length socks to prevent the chill climbing up your thighs and legs. Mahirap gumala ng nanginginig ang legs. Break muna sa pag-japorms hehe!
3) Stay away from maong pants, kalaban ng winter yan. Choose thick jogging pants instead, esp. those with linings.
4) Extermities should be well-covered since they are the most sensitive — ear muffs, hand gloves (leather is effective), bonnet and (neck) shawl.
Check out Surplus Shop @ SM outlets, usually they have loads of cheap winter stuff.
And yes, congrats on the well-deserved nomination and the move to your new home 😉
Junnie
March 6, 2007 at 2:40 am (17 years ago)If you time today, visit this store SM Mall of Asia for great fashionable thick jackets – in front of the Skating Rink – its called – uhm – Calliope. Invest in something you can also use in other countries and Toronto when you visit us
Buy the best thermal underwears from Mark’s and Spencers (you won’t regret it) not the ones from Divisoria.
With all the layering, buy Nutraderm from Mercury Drug. The sudden change in temperature will create an itchiness you wont bear…makati siya. Buy the blue one.
O ayan, you’re ready to visit us here in Mississauga. How was your sister’s trip here?
Junnie
March 6, 2007 at 2:43 am (17 years ago)oh wow, Daphne and I had the same tips. Calliope carries Terranova.
Lastly, bring your camera pala!
Emer
March 6, 2007 at 8:32 am (17 years ago)Winter tips? Layers and layers of clothing! Cover your fingers, ears, and nose always. Because of wind chill, sometimes the temperature is even COLDER than the published one. And if it is not that necessary, always stay indoors.
God bless, Toni. Ingat. Abangan ko sa Berks’ Cafe mga pictures mo when you get back.
Von voyage!
ganns
March 6, 2007 at 9:14 am (17 years ago)Whee! Congrats to you on the trip AND the nomination! Bring me back some products with weird-out Chinese English directions – they’re a trip and a half!
BatJay, Ang Dating Hippopotamus
March 6, 2007 at 1:11 pm (17 years ago)here’s my one tip… bring a thick sweater just enough to get you by the first day without freezing to death. then buy all your warm clothes in beijing – socks, jacket, overcoat, gloves, bonnet, thermal underwear, etc. it is much cheaper to buy in china if you don’t have winter clothes yet.
get someone who can speak mandarin and bring him/her to silk street. this is a big outside tiangge very near the forbidden city. bring lot’s of cash and practice your bargaining skills.
if you don’t have any guide to take you out, send me an email and i can arrange someone to help you.
jeanny
March 6, 2007 at 2:40 pm (17 years ago)HI tones…Congrats ha. plenty of nice things are happening to your life. 😀
Kewp it up and do relax sometime ha, mashado ka yatang bc lately. 😀
Zita
March 6, 2007 at 6:57 pm (17 years ago)Hey. Just have a look at my gear from my NY trip, you’ll get the idea what to wear. Thermals is a must though.
spanx
March 6, 2007 at 9:50 pm (17 years ago)toni,
whatever you do, don’t miss WANG FUNG JING, Beijing’s premiere area for street food!!!
wonderful photo ops too; they serve the best lamb bbqs i’ve ever had.
and if you’re adventurous, the grilled scorpion is surprisingly edible.
Joan
March 7, 2007 at 12:12 am (17 years ago)Hi Toni,
I live in Minnesota, the arctic North of the US. So I know cold. Right now it is -11C or 23F. I suggest you to bring some fleece shirts. I don’t like wearing my winter coat, but it really helps. I just put on a nice cable sweater, plus a a warm coat like the one’s from NorthFace and Columbia) Bring some thick socks, leather boots, ear muffs, mittens and some cozy scarf. You’d be just fine! Try to layer your clothes so you can take one off if you go inside a building. Mostly I put on a long sleeve T shirt, a sweater and just cable scarf..buut the mittens are a must.
kat
March 7, 2007 at 12:19 am (17 years ago)toni! congrats on the nod! I’m sure you are a shoo-in!
and i’m so excited for your trip to beijing! never been there (closest i came to is HK) so you of course i’ll have to live vicariously through you! layer-up if you’re not used to the cold –and i agree with batjay, buy your winter jacket there since it’ll be cheaper. all you really need is a down jacket (very warm, even if you’re just wearing a shirt underneath).
i don’t know what -8 celsius translates to, but it was 12 degrees farenheit this morning in NYC! bbbrrrr!
(p.s. i haven’t played SIMS in ages! i sooo miss it!)
Stacey
March 7, 2007 at 9:48 am (17 years ago)Hi Toni! Long time, no talk, I know:( I do frequent your blog though, and it’s a pleasure to read as always! I’m so excited you’re going to Beijing! I went to China about two years ago, and Beijing was my most favourite city out of the whole trip (lots more history compared to Shanghai!) To see and do: the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven in my opinion are musts! Just enjoy all of the sights and sounds…it may feel overwhelming at times, but just soak it all in:) Try some dumplings too, and don’t forget the Peking duck (a Beijing specialty!) As for staying warm, I agree with all of the recommendations of warm coats and mittens (I swear by mittens here, near Toronto!) Layering is best…tights or long underwear under your pants, and long sleeved shirts under a sweater will do the trick! AND don’t forget the warm, comfy socks. As I always say, if your feet ain’t happy, you ain’t happy! Bon voyage! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
vina
March 7, 2007 at 2:44 pm (17 years ago)hi tons! first of all, congratulations on the nomination! you deserve it!
re beijing…wow, that’s pretty tough. the coldest i’ve been in was in shanghai, a little below 10 deg lang. layering is the key. also, one tip that’s often given (but i haven’t tried yet) is to use petroleum jelly ala lotion, concentrating on your hands and feet. these will keep them moisturized.
beijing is kinda polluted too, and the people are not as hygienic as we are…and the toilets! aaargh. hehe. i wrote a post when i came back, april of last year.
anyways, enjoy pa rin!
p.s. if you’ll be having a hard time finding jackets and scarves, i have a couple i could lend you if you like
Leah
March 7, 2007 at 10:21 pm (17 years ago)Wow, you’ve got lots of great tips here already. Ako medyo sanay na sa cold weather and I dont wear thermal undergarments anymore. I just wear cords or jeans for pants and always layered ang tops. A nice long sleeves shirt and a sweater. So you can take one off when it gets too hot. A hat is a must. Preferably knitted or wool. something really comfy to keep your head warm. Have a great trip.
abby
March 7, 2007 at 11:04 pm (17 years ago)haha, natawa naman ako sa comment mo about SM. “Here at SM, we’ve got it all for you!”
have fun in Beijing! don’t let the cold stop you from exploring the sites!
Pao
March 8, 2007 at 2:31 am (17 years ago)wow! enjoy beijing and take lots of pics. share mo dito sa amin ha!
btw, thanks sa iyong papuri sa aking makatang tula. hwehehe!
take care!
mare
March 8, 2007 at 8:05 am (17 years ago)Wear layers, at least that works for unpredictable micro-climates. Have safe travels Toni!
Lette
March 8, 2007 at 11:17 am (17 years ago)hi, Toni! Bon Voyage! It is 18 F but feels like 3 F here in Rochester right now. Kagabi, nag 2F kami. Ang secret to keeping warm –layered clothing. Right now, we dress up with long sleeved shirt or sweater then a thicker sweater then the coat . Don’t forget the hat (you lose heat through your head), scarf & gloves. Make sure you wear decent closed shoes & thick socks. Don’t forget your lip balm kasi tyak magchachap ang lips mo sa lamig and lotion too. I was a flip-flop person jan sa atin but nung makatuntong ako dito sa US–natuto akong magsapatos–malamig eh! Advantage ng layers -kung mainitan ka, you can just remove one/some of them. As long as you are dressed warmly/properly–you can enjoy the outdoors despite the cold weather. Have fun.
Lette
Mita
March 9, 2007 at 12:15 pm (17 years ago)Congratulations! that is a great honor indeed…
my suggestion for cold weather is layer, layer, layer -best guard against the cold. also keep a warm hat on cause a lot of heat escapes from the top of your head. when you wear double socks, make sure you put on wool socks first and not cotton…cotton absorbs moisture and wool will allow your feet to “breathe”
you may have to sleep with socks on too – oh how i hated that!
elapot
March 9, 2007 at 1:03 pm (17 years ago)congrats congrats sa new home and sa nomination!
namimiss ko na yung paglalaro ng Sims2!!! … makapaglaro nga ulet…
fruityoaty
March 9, 2007 at 1:26 pm (17 years ago)25 deg. Celsius? Oh, man, rub it in, eh? Haha… how I envy you… Here I am, in snowy cold Toronto, freezing my ass off.
Wear a warm winter coat and boots. Thick warm socks. Knitted hat. Knitted gloves. You’re good to go. Damn you, I need a vacation too. LOL. Have fun!
jojo
March 9, 2007 at 5:48 pm (17 years ago)dami mo talaga fans sis!
congratulations on everything–the trip, the new place and the nomination
i hope the rest of the week went as well as your monday.
have a lovely weekend!
tintin
March 9, 2007 at 8:43 pm (17 years ago)hi toni! i just got back online and yours is one of the first blogs i visited! i missed reading your posts! it’s so nice to hear that you’ve been nominated to the phil. blogs award. i definitely think u should win! anyway, hope you’re having fun at beijing!
Rachel
March 12, 2007 at 7:10 pm (17 years ago)Hi Ate Toni. Wow sarap naman ng trip nio o enjoy ka ate ha. hmm nakakatuwa naman nominated ka sa PWA nakuh karapatdapat ka naman talaga mapasali doon you deserved that! your post are nice and interesting… mananalo ka nyan Ate sa dami naming mga fans mo hehe! Goodluck and Happy Trip. (pasalubong!)
rowie
March 19, 2007 at 12:01 am (17 years ago)My advice is too late but for future reference, the secret to choosing clothes for cold weather is to choose the right fabric. Cotton–no! Wool–yes! A thin woolen sweater will protect you more than a thick cotton one.