Wrap It!

Few days from now and its Christmas!

15 days to be exact...

Every Christmas season I have a "wrapping cramming dilemma" Maybe dahil na rin sa daming activities pag pasok pa lang ng Decembe. I remember one Christmas dumating na ang inaanak ko di ko pa nababalot ang gift ko for him..and siguro naman this year hindi na mangyayari yon kasi di uso ang pumupunta ang mga inaanak sa bahay ng mga ninong at ninang dito, instead sina ninang at ninong ang bumibisita sa mga inaanak :) 

Here are some ideas to try this year:

Make it colorful!

Wrap candies, pastries or other sweets using cleared plastic with designs and tie with ribbon, put gift tags as shown. If the candies that you'll put inside are wrapped already in a colorful wrapper, you can just use a plain transparent plastic.

 

 I love the idea of this one, and guess what's inside of these? its not a candy or any other sweets - coins / money. Ok na ok ito for carolers :) Instead to giving the money directly to them by hand put it into a candy style wrapper as shown.

What you have to do is to cut colorful or Christmas wrapper, place the coins or paper money inside of it, close both end or tape it. After get your clear cellophane wrapper and wrapped it. Isn't it a good twist for holiday? ^_^

Kids really enjoy chocolates and they will surely love to receive it in a cutie packaging. You can pack different kinds of chocolates or candies of your choice. Put it into clear cellophane plastic and tie it with ribbon. Make a big gift tag almost bigger than the plastic packed. Get some designs or poems that will match on whatever kind of chocolates or candies you put inside. Make the gift tag as colorful as you want. The more color you put the more kids will enjoy it!

 

More creativity! 

Wrap your gift in plain white paper, you can used bond paper depending on the motif that you want. Tie the wrapped gifts with abaca twig and put candy cane as shown. You can use ribbons also instead of twig.

 

Make it personalized!

This a good idea if the gift is for your family and closed friends :)

Wrap your gift in a plain paper - you can use newsprint or brown paper. Print a picture of the person kung kanino mo ibibigay ang gift. No gift tag needed. If you will not hand it personally to them, you can put your name below the picture or in any space that is visible to them, so they will not confuse who gave them the gift. Instead of picture you can also use their favorite bible verse, quotations or even lines in their favorite movie or books.

 

Cheap yet Chic!

 Planning to give kikay stuffs for your girl friends this holidays. Well this is a chic yet not that costly idea. Choose cosmetics or accessories tie a ribbon on it and put "tagline" that will fit on the gift itself. I'm sure they will love your simple yet kikay idea!

We don't need to spend much money for our gift to be presentable, we just need to be creative! And being creative is within us, if we will do things happily surely it will come even more beautiful than we expect.

This Christmas season may we be reminded the true essence of gift giving. As the old saying goes "its the though that counts" and its the love within the gift that matters.

Happy Wrapping!

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Parties are already part of the Christmas season. And since we have a lot of circle of friends, we have also different set of party to attend. Admit it or not we always wanted to be at our best in every party. One of the hardest thing to do aside from choosing gifts this holidays is choosing what to wear especially if the party required some dress code or theme.

This year I have few party to attend - BS Cellgroup party, Church party, Party with friends, Family party, and some are to be confirmed :)

And since I already left some of my dresses in Philippines the last time I went back for vacation, I need to find ways on how to achieve the dress code required on each party. Lucky me because most of the dress code required is smart casual.

The first time I heard "smart casual" I was also confused. I asked myself "is that same as semi-formal?". And since its "casual" some people think that they can wear anything they want as long as its decent.

Well guys and most especially party goers here are some suggestions to be at your best on dress code: smart casual.

FOR WOMEN

DO's : 
mid length dress, skirt, jewelry, accessories, blazer or cardigan, clutch bag,hobo bag, shoes, ballerina flats

Blazer + mid length skirt that compromise to the color of blazer + white inner top + wedge shoes added by stud catchy earrings and small sling casual bag

long sleeved cardigan + slim fit trouser + ballerina shoes added by dangling earrings and watch to accessories and small chain bag for kikay stuffs

mid length dress (light fabric) + shoes + accessories and clutch bag

DO NOT's :

flip flops, tshirt, slogan or logos top, large tote bag, evening gown, sportswear

Tips:

You can use shawl to cover especially if night party and the venue is besides pool or outside.

Do not over accessorize yourself, you might look Christmas tree full of decors. If your dress is embellished with stones or detailed by ribbons, do not use necklace anymore. If you are wearing printed top avoid colorful necklace too, or if you think necklace is not necessary much better.  Avoid using sporty watches especially if you are wearing dress or skirt. 

Bags & shoes doesn't necessarily have same in color but be sure the color of each other will compliments. Black is still the safest color for shoes and even for bag.

For make ups, use light shades only for day and bit dark in the evening , still it depends on your complexion.

FOR MEN

DO's:

 jacket or blazer, cardigan or jumper, dark trouser, long sleeved shirt, tie (optional) , closed shoes, dark socks

long sleeved with tie coated by cardigan while you can use closed neck shirt on blazer

DO NOT's :

jeans, denim jacket, shorts, flip flops or sandals, trainers, t shirts, caps, sports wear, logos or slogans on the top.

When dressing a smart casual make sure that you look smart but not overly formal and make sure that your clothes are clean, neat and your shoes are polished.

Smart casual dress code craves for balanced, simple yet elegant, and pull together looked. You're attired must say "I've tried" and not "I've tried to hard" in short hindi mukhang nagpilit lang.

Smart casual code for me is the best dress code to have, its versatile - you can wear it in the party, work, even in watching movies or in a dinner dates. Whenever you choose smart casual you choose delicacy, charm, and sophistication.

Party doesn't always need a new dress or new pair of shoes, its just a matter of mix and match and following some tips on how to dress up in the required codes.

If you're not sure on what to wear in the party, don't hesitate to ask the host. Never ever out-dress the host, remember you're just a visitor and not the celebrant or the host of the event.

No need to spend much money just for one time party. Just follow the above tips and etiquette and I'm sure you'll make it on the party.

So what are you waiting for, buksan na si closet and mag-mix and match na :)

Happy dressing!

All I want for Christmas

Christmas is for giving and I guess its for wishing too :)

Wish is only a wish and will be remain wish until someone grants it for us.

This Christmas season let me tell you about my Christmas wishlist, so that you will not be having a hard time to think what presence you'll give (if you are planning to give me) hahaha

JUST FOR FUN but if you will really insist, who am I to refuse :)

Pillows 

I really love pillows i mean throw pillows but aside from Mickey mouse design which I already have, i want something new, decorative design or prints or statement throw pillows.

 I super heart these pillows from ARQ Curtains distributed in all SM OUR HOME outlets nationwide (Philippines).

But if you're here in Doha and thinking to give me decorative or statement pillows you can check Home Center, Home Are Us, or MAXX.

Fashion + Food

If possible I really don't like to receive food as a Christmas present, what I want is something to keep and treasure. And since I'm pretty sure you will not guess my size and even my frame so it will be difficult with you to give me clothes, so instead of giving me those, this book of Jenni Epperson  would be best.

 I guess its a part of growing up or rather growing old? hehehe that I've getting interested on books that tackles lifestyle, crafting and decorating especially houses.

This book is available in National Bookstore (Philippines), but if you can't get one any decorating books will do, here in Doha you can find it in Jarrir Bookstore or Virgin Megastore in Landmark / Villagio mall.

Painting Materials

I don't have any formal training in painting, I never tried it even once but I really want to give it a try. I always told to myself that I will try it and I will buy materials to start but until now still not yet. When I met Xen mas nainspire ako to paint especially when I saw all her paintings displayed all over her house - living room, dining, rooms of her kids and mostly she used it for a caused like when she donated her paintings to help.

I always reason out to myself that I don't have time for this one but 2013 I will really make sure that I will try it or to be more sure give me materials as your Christmas present :) All I need are canvass (of any size), set of brushes, acrylic paints. Available in Jarrir Bookstore, City Centre (i just forgot the name of the store), Al Rawnaq or National Bookstore if you're in Philippines :)

Memorabilia's Keeper

I am a sentimental kind of person, I am keeping old letter giver to me even decade ago, and the oldest stuff stored in my present memorabilia's box is a stationery pad given to me by my elementary friend Maricris Rivera when we were on our 5th grade. I love stationery that's why I have a lot of it I'm keeping since my school days. 

You can find the exact design as above in Regalong Pambahay at 1,000.00 PHP but here in Doha you can find it in many stores such as City Lifestyle in Centrepoint mall or in City Centre branch, Al Shaheen Department Store, Al Rawnaq, much cheaper here in Doha and there are a lot of designs and styles to choose from, you can buy it aroung 75QR here.

Decorative Boxes / Drawers

I have a lot things and "abubots" but I make it sure that I properly put my things into places. I have few storage plastic boxes for my accessories but I think its not yet enough (not only for my accessories) for my other things. I remember Daddy told me na dapat daw ang magiging asawa ko tanggap na marami akong gamit from bags, magazines, shoes, accessories and willing sya na ipagpagawa ako ng mga cabinets or to have a part in a room that's only for my things...hahaha, well guys its a hint,hahaha..

.

The colorful and uniqueness of designs and styles, the better. It comes on different sizes too :) Available in City Lifestyle, Centrepoint and to Al Rawnaq Trading Complex, Airport Road. In Philippines you can check to leading bookstores, craft stores or in Papemelrotti :)

Used clothes and other stuffs, foods, your time

Its my 5th year this coming December 20, 2012 to join in reaching out our Filipino distressed kababayans here in Qatar. I strongly believed that we don't need to be rich in order to help what we need is a cheerful giving heart - isang pusong may galak magbigay. I consider myself  na super bless, not only for having ,material things that I have but having people who are dear to me, I am bless because I can sleep peacefully every night, I can eat on time, I have my freedom. And one way to thank God for all the blessings He showered and continue showering on me is to share my blessings, give my love and time and reach out others.

If you have used clothes, shoes or bags or any other stuffs in good condition you can just donate it, mapapakinabangan na may napasaya ka pa :) We are also accepting toiletries such as sanitary napkin, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc. as well as foods like noodles, canned goods or any food that you may bring.

I am also knocking on your heart to help and support as well other good deeds project of my friends. Lets share, give, reach out: give love on Christmas day!

Its the love that sealed with those gifts matters - its still the thought that counts.Gifts doesn't need to be expensive to be appreciated, sometimes little things are much appreciated because of the sincerity and the effort of finding it. If you know the person to whom you will give the gift, it will be easier for you to find because you know even the little things that makes his/her happy. We have different likes and personality, in giving gifts we must consider the receiver not ourselves.

All I want for Christmas is you...

I am grateful and really thankful for the people I have in my life; people who surrounds me; people who comforts me; people who let me feel that I am loved and cared. I can have those listed things even on my own pocket but the I cannot buy all the love, care, comfort and friendship you gave to me. I am not perfect, I have my own weaknesses and faults, I hope you will continually to have patience in me and you'll remain who you are to me. And if there will be time that you think I am not acting nor doing right things, remind me on what right should I do. The year is not yet on its last day but I am looking forward to share, spend with you not only Christmas but a whole year round of happiness, love, and friendship. Yes, all I want for Christmas is you - yes its you :)

Share-Give-Reach Out, Give LOVE on Christmas Day

"People making lists,  buying special gifts
It's a time to be kind to one and all
It's that time of year when good friends are dear
And you wish you could give more
Than just presents from a store"

Christmas I think is one of the best day of the year. For us Filipinos we celebrate it not only for one day, we start to celebrate it as soon as "ber" months enter into the scenario. Almost every house are filled with red, silver and gold decorations, and even the streets were lightened by colorful lights and lanterns. But more than that Christmas is the time of the year to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And since GOD is LOVE and we're celebrating His birth, Christmas is the time to spread love as well as hope not only to our family and friends but mostly to our fellow who really needs to feel that they are loved.

"Why don't you give love on Christmas day
Even the man who has everything would be so happy
If you would bring Him love on Christmas day
No greater gift is there than love"

This Christmas season may our heart desires to  SHARE, GIVE, and REACH OUT our fellow who are in need. We don't need to buy and wrap expensive gifts to make them happy, all we need to do is to let them feel that we care and love them even in the simplest way we can.

Paskuhan sa OWWA 2012

 

Hindi lahat ng nasa abroad mayaman at hindi lahat madali ang buhay na kinakaharap sa araw-araw. Maaring may mga ngiti sa kanilang labi everytime na makikita natin ang mga pictures nila, parang ang dali ng buhay pero sa kabila ng mga ngiti ay mga luha ng pasakit at mga pasa ng pahirap sa kamay ng mga amo nila.

I consider myself blessed. I didn't experience those things. I have a good job and enough salary to sustain my needs and even my family. I can sleep at peace without minding that they might someone hurt me when I am asleep, I can eat on time and eat the right food that my body needs, if there were times that I don't feel good I can rest and take medicines if sicked. I can go to Church and even to places I want to go with my family and friends. I am very bless and I'm truly thankful to the Lord for the life I have.

But not all OFW have the same life I have.

Its really sad that we have fellow Filipinos who are despite of good intention to earn and to work hard for their family suffers a lot - physically abuse, emotionally tortured and some of them are brutally molest.

Nakakalungkot isipin dahil ilan sa kanila ay nangutang at iba ay nagbili ng mga ari-arian sa pag-asa na magkakaroon sila ng mas magandang buhay sa pagtratrabaho dito sa ibang bansa. Ang iba naman ay iniwan ang kanilang mararangal na trabaho sa Pilipinas sa pagnanasang magkaroon ng mas malaking sweldo at mas mabigyan ng mas magandang buhay ang pamilya.

Hindi lang po yan haka-haka or napanuod ko na kwento sa t.v., all those stories are from the lips of our distressed kababayans who are under the custody of OWWA, Qatar.

It will be my 5th year this coming December 20, 2012 to spend Christmastime with them. 

 

I personally heard their stories and witnessed their battles. I am witnessed of the bruises and scars on their body, the fear they have in their heart and the troubles, pain, agony and problems they are facing. We are bless - very bless as our lives are normal if we will compare to them. Maybe at this time we already plan how we will celebrate our Christmas, some may even wrapped gifts and planned the parties that they'll be going to attend. But how about them?

Be with us in sharing, giving, and reaching out our distressed kababayans in OWWA, Qatar. As of today, I don't have the exact numbers of persons who are in the OWWA but we're praying that before the year ends they will be lessened.

You may donate the following:

Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sanitary napkin, deodorant, etc.)

Used clothes, shoes or bags in good condition

Baby clothes are needed as well as I received an information that there are 4 babies of months old who are also now in OWWA custody.

Food (canned goods, noodles, etc.) or foods to be served during the event (sandwich, pizza, pansit, etc.)

Time is the best expression of love. If you are free on the said date, I am personally encouraging you to be with us physically. I am very sure you'll be bless :)

For your donations and other inquiry, kindly drop me a line or call me at 55003586 for more details.

A GYA Christmas Feast : Care, Share, Donate

Christmas are for everyone most especially for children. I was really happy when I found out this Christmas Feast for children that my friend Kcat organized. 

They started GYA Christmas Party since 1994, party on the street with all the family, relatives, friends and "kalaro" . 

The celebration is whole day full of games and a party at night of 24th of December.

Here is from Kcat:

A GYA Christmas Feast will be a whole day event full of games, foods, party, gifts and whole lot of fun. This time, we are planning to start the day by holding a feeding program in the morning and treat the kids with a hearty breakfast so that they will have energy to enjoy the day’s activity. In the evening will be a Christmas party for the kids with lots of foods, gifts for everyone and more games to play.

I strongly believed that “It is through giving that we receive.” We may not be materially rich, but in our hearts we have a lot of HAPPINESS to share,  I may not that perfectly well  again, I could no longer stand on my own to lead the event again, I could not hear their loud laugh anymore, but  my heart could still feel  their happiness. Likewise, this is my little way of showing them that any disability is never a hindrance to share love and happiness. Because I AM AN ABLE DISABLED.

Click here for more:

GYA CHRISTMAS FEAST: Care.Share. Donate 

After GYA peeps announced the upcoming Christmas Feast 100+  excited kids were registered.

Lets make these children happy on December 24!

You can donate candies, toys, cookies or cupcakes, juices in tetra packed or any goodies that can be packed and distributed for the kids. 

If you wish to share & donate, feel free to contact Kcat Yarza, at 09063360757 / 09235219600. You can also email her at kcatyarza@yahoo.com

If you are in abroad and you want to extend your gift to the kids, you can send your pledges:

Banco De Oro (BDO)

Account name: MARIA KATHRINA LOPEZ YARZA

Savings Acct. Number: 02 809 824 88

Banco De Oro SM Megamall Branch, Mandaluyong City

Please do not hesitate to ask me if you want to know more details :)

Heart to heart for Baby Yvan

Yvan was born on April 12, 2012. Like his two older siblings, he was born premature but was stricken with Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (neonatal pneumonia), a breathing disorder which occurs in newborn premature infants whose lungs have not yet fully developed. He was also diagnosed to have sepsis, blood poisoning that is life-threatening.

Click this for more:

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

This Christmas season lets extend our heart to Baby Yvan. Lets give him hope and help him to survive. Baby Ivan's family also come up to a fundraising of shirt in order to help in the daily expense of Baby Ivan. You may visit his mom's Facebook site : HELP FOR BABY YVAN 

For your donations / pledges you may contact his mom Heart Calimlim at 0933 329 6118 and visit http://www.facebook.com/helpforbabyyvancalimlim.

For cash donations:

Ma Yvette Heart Calimlim
BDO Acct# 1280917405
SM City Bacoor Branch 

Lets be with Baby Yvan in fighting the battle. He and his family needs our prayer and support. May the cold breeze of December bring them warm and comfort full of love.

People you don't know smiling out hello
Everywhere there's an air of Christmas joy
It's that once a year when the world's sincere
And you'd like to find a way
To show the things that words can't say

We don't know them personally, some of them not even by their names but it doesn't matter when we give and help; we just need a cheerful giving heart.

Simple things from us, small amount from our pocket really means a lot for them.

Why don't you give love on Christmas day
The man on the street and the couple upstairs
All need to know that there's one cares
Give love on Christmas day
No greater gift is there than love
What the world needs is love
Yes, the world needs your love

All we need is love!

Lets spread the light of hope and the stars of love to all.

Let's live this Christmas season with true essence of it - LOVE.

There's no greater gift we can give to others aside from our love like what did Jesus Christ gave us - His unconditional love.

I always believe that we don't need to be rich materially nor financially in order to give anything - what we need is a heart full of love.

May we bring out the true meaning of the Christmas season : LOVE
Merry CHRISTmas!
God Bless us all