Create your own festive floral decorations

The Christmas season is almost upon us once again. Present buying, gift wrapping, menu planning, decorating – with so much to do and to organise it’s no wonder we start our Christmas planning early.

To make your home and table look beautiful, festive and unique this year, why not make your own Christmas Flower arrangements as part of your seasonal decorations?

Whether as a centrepiece for the table or simply to brighten up a room in the house, floral arrangements add colour and vivaciousness wherever they are.

 Interflora Poinsettia plants have been a traditional Christmas flower for centuries are commonly featured on a lot of tables during the Christmas season.

Legend has it that in 16th century Mexico a young girl couldn’t afford gifts to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. Instead, she gathered weeds from the roadside, yet in the midst of these weeds sprang beautiful red flowers, borne of the girl’s love for Jesus, which became poinsettia.

Simple arrangements work best for these vibrant plants – either three or five stems in a wicker basket surrounded by ivy or moss is all you need to make an ideal Christmas decoration.

To give your living room a festive aroma, try using cinnamon sticks in a flower arrangement. Combine them with eucalyptus, holly (including berries), mini pears and pine stems to create a Christmas bouquet that not only looks spectacular but smells deliciously spicy too.

For an additional touch, arrange them in a see-through glass vase and line it with more cinnamon sticks, berries and leaves.

A wreath is a traditional Christmas door decoration and a home-made version will wow your friends and neighbours.

You can combine supple willow branches with wire and jute to create a base, then thread through any combination of flowers, berries, pods and leaves that you wish.

Alternatively, you can purchase a florist’s ring and start from there, but remember to decorate the sides as well as the front.

It's Christmas time in the city

Oh Christmas Day!  We attended a Christmas eve mass last night  at UST  grandstand where thousands of people flocked together with their  families.  After  the mass, we went  home for our simple Noche Buena.  Today,  before heading to the  mall for a movie,  we  made a quick visit to   some  friends  nearby   for  a Christmas get together.

Our next  plan was supposed to be a   movie  date.   Okay,  maybe they're not  much  Vice  Ganda  fans  to give up a movie date  or maybe  Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)  movies  are not theirs  this  year.    Mom was the happiest,  that's me.  It  saved a lot  in my  pocket.   I  headed them to houseware section  and bought  a  new table cloth, place mats and other kitchen wares.  I didn't buy anything for myself because I  think  I've  had enough for Christmas day already.  Happy and contended,  it's overflowing!

By the way, the picture was taken on Christmas eve when we went to Robinson's.

Merry Christmas everyone!

What are you having tonight for Noche Buena? Are you done preparing or  will busy yourself  in the kitchen later?  I'm almost done with my menu as I  only  prepare a simple Noche Buena  for  us.  We earlier planned to  visit  my  sisters  and  spend our Christmas  in our home province but our  plan changed and will just celebrate Christmas at  home.  So here's  wishing you all  a very  Merry Christmas.

Picture was taken yesterday at Robinson's for our last minute shopping. So very Christmassy! I hope Santa brings everything you want tonight!  Merry Christmas everyone!

YUMMY magazine kicks off December with Yummy Cooking Demo!

Last December 1, food lovers trooped to Robinsons Supermarket, Galleria for the Yummy Cooking Demo with Lady’s Choice and Yummy magazine. This was a Noche Buena themed cooking demo to start off the Christmas month with a delicious headstart!

Loyal YUMMY readers and shoppers alike were able to learn easy-to-do, mouth-watering dishes that the family would truly enjoy. Aside from the exciting cooking demonstrations, the participants also had a chance to win awesome prizes courtesy of YUMMY magazine, Lady’s Choice, Masflex Cookware and Fujidenzo!

YUMMY’s contributing chef and food artist Chef Katherine Jao demonstrated three sumptuous recipes from the December issue’s “A Holiday Feast” spread—sure-fire mainstays at Christmas gatherings this month. Two special recipes from Lady’s Choice were also demonstrated by Chef Dianne dela Cruz. Among the dishes prepared were Baked Lapu Lapu, Clam Capellini Pasta and Christmas Fried Rice.

Yummy Cooking Demo was made possible thanks to Lady’s Choice, YUMMY magazine and the venue, Robinsons Supermarket.

YUMMY magazine is a publication of Summit Media and is available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide for only P125. Be part of YUMMY magazine’s growing online community by visiting www.YUMMY.ph, liking us on Facebook via Facebook.com/yummymagazine, and following us on Twitter via Twitter.com/yummyph.

Press Release

Creating a brighter Christmas for a brighter tomorrow

This season of giving, Belgian bag brand Kipling joined  forces   with   World Vision  today held   at Society Lounge,  Atrium  Makati,  to  bring   “A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow,”  a program that aims to provide additional funds for the education of children under the care of the world renowned Christian development and advocacy organization.   TV Film Actress and  former  beauty queen,  Miriam Quiambao hosted the said  event which  was  attended  by different groups of media and bloggers.

According to the Benjamin Go, President of Greyhound Marketing Corporation, exclusive distributor of Kipling in the Philippines, the partnership is a timely effort to spread the fun and happiness that’s instilled in every Kipling bag. “There is no greater joy this Christmas than knowing we have brought smiles to others, especially children. Through “A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow” program, we can make not only the holidays, but also the future, brighter for the children of World Vision.”

“We are very delighted to have this partnership with Kipling, which is known globally for bringing fun and joy through its fashionable bags. Were happy that this time, Kipling has decided to reach out and bring the same kind of goodwill to ensure the education of children sponsored by World Vision,” says National Resource Development Associate Director Jun Godornes.

Joining Kipling and World Vision in celebrating the launch of this meaningful endeavor are some of the country’s biggest celebrities who are also extending their support to the program. These include Miriam Quiambao, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kylie Padilla and Jessica Connelly.

Fashionable ladies on-the-go can also share in giving children a brighter tomorrow by shopping for a cause. For every Kipling bag or luggage purchased from December 1 to 31, 2012, Kipling will donate Php 500 to World Vision.

For its Holiday Collection, Kipling offers sporty and glam bags called Basic Elevated. These perfect everyday adventure companions come in stylish quilted exteriors, patent details, stunning linings, and 3 Christmas-themed colors red, white and black.

The Basic Elevated Collection includes New Elise that has a tablet-ready interior and can be worn 3 ways; Teagan S, a travel-savvy trolley with 2 compartments that are accessible from the topside; Weekend bag that can accommodate all your travel tidbits with its expandable bottom; and Creativity X a totally essential-ready cross-over bag.

“Kipling’s Holiday Collection is a line eagerly awaited by our loyal customers, but this time, we’d like to enjoin them to share the blessings of the season by participating in this program. This is because with every purchase of any Kipling bag, our customers get to enjoy cutting-edge designs and fashion- forward pieces as well as help build a brighter tomorrow for the less privileged children,” adds Millet Antonio, brand manager of Kipling in the Philippines.

Also helping raise awareness about Kipling’s A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow With World Vision program are our ad agency The Sven Group and talent agency Vidanes Marketing.

Kipling is available online at zalora.com.ph and at SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA The Block, SM Megamall, SM Bacolod, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, Robinsons Place Ermita, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Makati, Landmark Makati, Landmark TriNoma and soon-to-open Centrio Mall in Cagayan De Oro. To know more, visit Kipling Philippines on Facebook and get to find out more exciting news and promos from the lovable monkey.

My Christmas Tree is up

Our Christmas Tree is up,  not the photo  posted here.  The image above is a Christmas Tree from Precious Moment Restaurant.  I  don't  have any available photos of  our tree yet. It's the same  Christmas   tree that  we  put  every season  for  four  years now.  I lighted the tree  last night  and I felt like the season is already here.  We only have 40 days left before Christmas,  so do your shopping now and avoid the rush! Precious Moments Restaurant offers different Christmas items too.   I will post  more about  Christmas soon. Stay tuned!

Merry Christmas!

Nostalgia: Christmas Tree

Today is the last week for Nostalgia. I felt sad of course that this meme, where my blog has been a part of, will finally end this week. Anyways, I do believe that more windows will open after this. Anyways, the host will end it with a big blast. One entry will win as her way of thanking all the participants of Nostalgia. Today, I am sharing my Nostalgic Christmas, my childhood years without Christmas Tree.


I grew up in the province. My parents worked on a farm, and we lived a hand-to-mouth existence. Although we weren’t rich, my father and mother always made sure we had enough food on the table. However, unnecessary decorations were often out of the budget. Every Christmas, I would wish for a Christmas tree, thinking that only the wealthy could afford one. As a child, I envied my classmates who had Christmas decorations in their homes. One year, my sisters and I decided to build our own tree using branches of wood. To make a long story short, we ended up feeling happy with our creation, even though it wasn’t as glamorous as those bought in stores. We were even delighted to realize how we made it out of scraps. Today, the Christmas tree reminds me of that time. Christmas Day will always be special, with or without a tree. 

 Do you have any Christmas stories to share? Why not join Nostalgia this week and have a chance to win a prize! Do you have any Christmas story to share? Why don't you share it with us. Join Nostalgia this week and have a chance to win a prize.

I am linking this to Nostalgia. The host of this weekly meme is Beautiful Rose of Nostalgic Marveling.

This is my official entry for last meme post for Nostalgia. Please support my entry. You may vote for this post by simply leaving a comment on the link above or the badge below. Thank you very much.

Merry Christmas 2011!

I should say this is a Biggie Meal like post. I go extra large this time. I can't afford to miss a single photo of the party we had last night. It was a big blast. I'm afraid I'll tire you out with too many photos and words. I warned you, this isn't an Ala Carte. Not only the mommies enjoyed the party but our children as well.

The party was held at Legend Villas. Joy called it their second home. They usually hold their parties, anniversaries and other occasions there. Thank you Mendiolables especially Rafael Mendiola Jr., Joy's better half for sponsoring the venue. I've been here many times as well covering event and I feel at home too. We earlier planned to have our party at Dad's Megamall but then changed the venue to Honey's home but few days before the party, Joy settled at the The Legend Villas. Hooray for this! Almost a perfect attendance. We came with our family and the venue was just perfect to accommodate us.

The early bird and the late comer.. :)

Jingke always comes early even at the many events we have attended together. She's my early bird buddy. Before we were complete we had already picture taking minus Jen who came late so we had to repeat the shooting process when she arrived. I love you Jen. Haha. Repeat the process. "picture taking."

Now you know, what binds us all? Half kidding.


For the Award.
Drum roll please..

The Best Costume Award goes to Jing! And the prize you will get is a big exposure and compliments here in my blog. Haha.
Have you ever seen a lovely Santa Claus in your life? My first time actually. She totally amazed me with her charm and how gamely she played in her Santa outfit!

While the moms were away, (just downstairs actually) the children play..

They're not playing actually. They're having their own game, playing hide and seek and a dance exhibition. What else could you expect when all the mommies were busy at the moment.

and here's more..
Warning: The photos above need PG. Only professionals can do that!
Playing and enjoying and picture all the way. Are they playing hide and seek? Where's Juan? I can't see him.. My little daughter who took this picture is always quick in getting picture such as this.

This is supposed to be for kids only. I wonder why the pretty lady in white stole the scene. Peace! haha

Kids have their exchange gift too. I cannot put the names into a detailed story, let my photos speak for my post. Just imagine the toddlers, tweens and teens exchanging gift.


The Swapping moment..

Part of the party was actually swapping of our old items like bags, shoes, accessories, etc. I forgot to bring mine so I just took photos of them. I wanted to swap my camera with Joy's new DSLR. :)


Chow time..

Children comfortably seated in bed while dining.

I ate a big chunks of Jingke's dessert and later had sumptuous plate of Bicol Express from Lyn. I thought it's a perfect meal as dessert always comes first for me.



And now for mommies' exchange gift..

Grabbed this from Jenny's album. Thank you so much Jen for this photo.

Jing started the exchange gift. I featured her again because her gift caught me as she matched it with her outfit :)

I received a bag from Honey. I so love it! Thank you so much Honey!

Now to start again, during the picking names few weeks ago for exchange gift, I actually picked Joy's name three times. Because I knew I will have a hard time to shop for this fashionista mommy, I returned her name in a bowl and picked another but no matter how I raffled off, I still picked her name three times. Do you believe in destiny? Now I do! Disclaimer: I am not teaching nor encouraging my readers to do the same. It was just for fun. Haha.

I captured the moment.. all the time spent with Lyn's help looking for the red cardigan paid off..

Now, we're complete in red outfit..

I grabbed this photo above from Jen's album. Joy, Honey, Jing, Jen, Jingke, Lyn and Beds minus the one in Arkansas, Momi Jes. Still looking for her photo with Santa hat to photoshop picture before even Google crawlers find this post. :)

We just couldn't get over with the fun we had. Too bad we had to leave the place early second after the early bird Jingke left the place. Early birds catched worm. Late comer washed the dishes.. *lol*

Thanks for the gifts that I received, a bag from Honey, and other gifts that are still wrapped waiting for Christmas day surprise to come. Ah wait, the brownies that Jing gave me didn't actually last long. We consumed it the moment we arrived home. Oh so sweet of you Mrs. Santa.

I am thankful for the friendship that we have. May we all be blessed this Christmas and the coming year 2012. Merry Christmas to all!

Nostalgia 43: A gift

I received these two items, scarf and bracelet last Christmas from Jes. Jes will be leaving soon but these will remind me of the friendship and good times we shared together.


I am linking this to Nostalgia. Please visit other entries for more nostalgic moment. The host of this weekly meme is Beautiful Rose of Nostalgic Marveling.

Nostalgia: Box of Goodies

My PILs never failed to send us box of goodies every year. They may not be present every Christmas but my two lovelies contented themselves by talking for hours with their grandparents via Skype. Thanks to Skype. I am linking this to Nostalgia as my way of thanking them for everything that they send us, big or small stuff. Sure my kids love receiving goodies especially the chocolates. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness!

My entry for Nostalgia. Please visit other entries for more nostalgic moment. The host of this weekly meme is Beautiful Rose of Nostalgic Marveling.

Nostalgia 33: Christmas Nostalgia

Our original plan was to go EK. But since everyone disagreed because of the bad traffic and long lines for the rides, we decided to just have a picnic at Tagaytay. That day turned nostalgic when I thought about our parents who have never seen or witnessed our children growing up. I longed for their presence even if I knew that it was impossible to turn back the hands of time and spend even a single moment with us. Maybe in our heart and spirit.

They surely would be happy seeing their grandchildren now. How nostalgic!

My entry for Nostalgia. Please visit other entries for more nostalgic moment. The host of this weekly meme is Beautiful Rose of Nostalgic Marveling.

Christmas Weekend

Saturday. Manila-Laguna-Batangas-Tagaytay-Manila. In twenty hours we were able to make the best of our Christmas weekend. On Sunday morning, we left Batangas and headed Tagaytay before lunch time. The traffic was so bad that day but we enjoyed the moment left for us to wander at the park.

At the Zipline area.

Posed before the hanging bridge. It was not their first time to see the place but they were all very excited again as if it were the first.
Did you see the Zipline at the back? I was wondering if anyone wanted to try, so I asked, but none volunteered. The Zipline is 300 meters offground with a speed of 60km/hour and 250 meters long of scenic views.

For 200 pesos, one can experience a one way Zipline. A combination ride is available at P300/person for weekday rates.

Weekend rates are available at 300/person way ride and 400/person for a combination ride.


Jump before steep side valley. We just couldn't let that moment pass without having a jump shot. I told them to be very careful with their jumps for they might fall in a deep ravine.
Do not try! They're actually few meters away from ravine.
I was not able to take a panoramic view so I took two separate shots. Just in case you're wondering why everyone was looking up in the clouds. They sat down in the kite area and took a rest after few hours of strolling at the park.

Can you figure out what is this picture above? Our last stop over. Horseback Riding. The sun was already bidding goodbye. They did not enjoy the horse back riding anymore. Everybody seemed so tired after a long walk and wanted to rest. Horses looked overly tired too and hardly respond. But each one had their own moment for an hour rent. My camera battery turned red too, an indication that all of us need to rest.

Tired that day? We arrived home in Manila around 10pm already. I was dead tired and my home chores just added to my already tiring day but I was happy anyway! Instead of starting my pending tasks on Monday, I slept the whole day to recharge myself and only started my chores on Tuesday. Blogging hiatus resumes today, Wednesday. I'll be busy again for our Media Noche but I will blog in between. I want to welcome 2011 with a clean dashboard. Thanks guys for visiting my blog. Promise, I'll blog hop in between too. :)

-o-

Family, love, nature, home, friends, memories, and time are some of the best things in life that are free!