12 Gifts of Christmas

It's that time of the year again! It is December and we all know what that means.. it's almost Christmas!

from lovethispic.com

Since we're just some days away from that 'most wonderful time of the year', I made a list of my Gift Ideas for Christmas. This list is specifically for young adults like me, who may want to give presents to their family and friends. These are just some items that might be present in your loved-ones' Christmas wishlist.

#1. BOOKS

I remember during my college days that every time we had our Kris Kringle (Manita/Manito), the number one my gift wishlist would always be a book I wanted to read. This may not be true to other girls like me, because they might prefer a beauty or style magazine. Some guys would also specifically want a comic book as their reading material gift. Get to know his/her interests so you may know what genre of book or reading material you have to get.

#2. 2015 DIARY / YEAR PLANNER

This is something everybody needs. It just somehow fell into place that after Christmas, we will be celebrating New Year’s Day. And that very holiday marks the start of another year – another year of planning activities and organizing events. This 2015 Year Planner is the perfect gift for just anyone, both those who are in school or at work. Just make sure he/she doesn't get too many of them, because actually each person only needs one of this.

You can get one from drinking Starbucks coffee (well, a lot of them) or just purchase one from the bookstore.

#3. BEAUTY ITEMS for Her

Some people would probably consider giving beauty items being too mainstream, but I personally think they’re still one of the best presents a lady receives on Christmas Day. For one, you do not have to consider any body size while you’re happily shopping. When a male (lover, friend, family member) gives a lady a makeup item, this would actually show that he exerted effort just by doing that. Looking at lipsticks and eyeliners isn’t really a guy’s thing. So this really begs appreciation, ladies. And once we find out we got a makeup item, we light up with excitement because, well, you know why.

A lovely online store that sells authentic makeup, which I got these photos from, is Ladybelle. Follow @ladybelleph on Instagram, check their items because they just might have the perfect Christmas gift you wanted to give to your girlfriend, girl bestfriend, sister, or mother.

#4. TIES for Him

Some men aren’t tie-people, I get that. Regardless, I would still count the ties in as good Christmas gifts. Whether for formal black suits party or for funky events, this neck accessory wouldn’t go out of style. You’d just have to know him well so you can get the tie he would most likely use. And if ties aren’t really his thing, you might consider giving him a HANDKERCHIEF instead. And well, that is every guy’s thing!

#5. WATCH

If only you can give ‘time’ as your present. Well, you can’t. However, you can give him/her a watch.

What’s good about giving somebody a watch is the fact that when they wear it, every time they look at it to check the time, they remember you. Cheesy but true.

#6. SHOES

Good shoes take you to good places. The only downside with this holiday gift is the risk of having a ‘fit’ mismatch. So if you’re going to give this as a present, make sure you get the feet size right. And yep, feet, as in both feet, left and right. Nevertheless, opening a a box with shoes inside just brings cheer to men and women alike.

#7. PERFUME

Most of the good and known scents come with high prices. But, they are actually very good Holiday gifts. Plus, every holiday season, there are always sale promos coming. So, you might consider getting a Burberry, Calvin Klein or a Chanel for your loved one.

#8. BODY MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATE

Who said Christmas presents should only be those put in boxes and wrapped in glittery papers? Well, I myself would be very happy to receive a Body Massage GC! This is perfect for children wanting to give their busy hardworking parents a ‘break’.

#9. NAME NECKLACE

If you wanted to really give something special to your loved one, one thing to go for is giving something personalized. A name necklace is one example. Some of you may think name necklaces are just for girls, but I personally think, they can be worn by both girls and boys. Avoiding the ‘girly’ feel of it would be up to the design that comes with the name or the necklace chain perhaps.

An online shop, which I featured last year in this blog (*click Here to read*), also sells name necklaces for very affordable prices! Remember Nyce Finds? You definitely have to check their store out. ;)

#10. CUSTOMIZED MAGNETS

Being sentimental often means having something done personal or customized. Aside from name necklaces, you can also give your loved ones customized fridge accessories. Just like this very cute one on the photo.

An online shop which sells really cute customized clay magnets is Personalized Accessories (@itsPAofficial). I got the photo from them, too.

#11. POLAROID CAMERA

I have intentionally spared gadgets and electronic devices from my list. But this should be an exception. Polaroid camera is in every person’s wishlist (well not for those who already have it and for those who prefer the big lenses). If not Polaroid, then let me just say a CAMERA. A camera is a truly wonderful Christmas gift. What else is it for? Of course, they are for capturing moments!

#12. CHRISTMAS CARD / NOTE

Last but definitely the best, nothing beats the classic tradition of giving a Christmas card or even just a Christmas note. All these gifts would always, always be more meaningful when you get a note with it. You feel happy when you receive gifts, but the Christmas message of love and thoughts will warm your heart. <3

Cards by La Be

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! :)

Wear Your Taste w/ Delicious Papot

Who wants to wear a very cool t-shirt with unique designs printed on it? Well I guess everybody does. So here's an online clothing shop which, from the looks of the tees, caters to your "cool shirts" needs!

You may have already heard of the shop's name, as this is not the first time for it to be featured. And what does it have? It has t-shirts with cool designs and prints. I myself do not even directly understand what the designs mean, but hey, they really look cool! Plus, some of those shirts feature the trending characters we know of, such as Mickey Mouse and Mojo Jojo. Oh, and I haven't mentioned the shop's name yet! It's Delicious Papot Clothing!

And these images might give you a hint of what the shop's all about:

And being the blogger that I am, I do not just feature the shop products or items, I also take time to learn the story of how the shop came to be. So in an online interview with Sir Papot, the man behind the Delicious Papot Clothing, I learned a few things from him.

Delicious Papot, before it came to be a clothing line, was actually a band's name. And they got the band's name from one of their friends' nickname, Papot. Unfortunately however, Delicious Papot got disbanded when their drummer passed away. Eventually, one of his (Papot's) friends motivated him to try going into the clothing business. And this gave an idea for Papot to just use the same name that was used with the band before. Thus December 2010, the cyberworld gave birth to DPC or Delicious Papot Clothing.

It has been about 2 years now since the shop has been established. And for that span of time, DPC has had various customers and fans, not just from Cebu (its birthplace), but all over the Philippines. And because the business has just been a sideline for Papot, he is aware that there are still a lot of things to improve. That is why he hopes that, by the grace of God,  DPC will be a huge and successful business in the future. He also adds that he loves business because he somehow came from a Chinese lineage. Business-minded, huh? :)

But what I admire most about this clothing line/shop is the effort they put in reaching their buyers and/or fans from different places. In fact, they are having a Manila Invasion this weekend! Here's the event poster:

And the ASTIG shirts, which are up for grabs:

Ans since it's the season of Christmas, you might include shirts from DPC on your Christmas wishlist or give one as a gift! Interested, aren't you? So why not give their FB fanpage a visit? Just click HERE and like their page. Also, don't forget to like the blog's FANPAGE too! Thankyouverymuch! :)

The ongoing giveaway, if you haven't joined yet, can be found HERE.

Wear your taste, sweeties! Have an ASTIG day! Rock on \m/

Disclaimer: All photos on this blog post are from Delicious Papot Clothing, grabbed with permission from the owner.

Through the Lens: Shopaholic Ties the Knot

Let's talk about books.

I love reading. I really do. But I'm too lazy. Haha!

Ok, here's a little confession... I actually like to read books. And whenever a new book comes out (which I know is a good one), I will say "I would really read that book" or "I will surely buy that one". But actually, I don't really get to even finish the book on time! :(

So right now, what I can see through my eyeglass lenses is text from the book, Shopaholic Ties the Knot. Of course, by my idol author, Sophie Kinsella. I've been a fan since Confessions of a Shopaholic, around year 2009. *winks* Well, I'm not done yet. I'm halfway. And hoping to finish the book before Sunday. So I can read another one next week. To tell you the truth, it has been more than a year since I've read Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (the prequel of the book I am reading right now). But things happened... the bookstores nearby ran out of stock, and blah. And I think they just had a restock only by the beginning of this year. But eventually I became a little disappointed already, and I've got no extra money to be spent on novels.

Luckily, and maybe it was destiny (charot!*) that my cousin, Ate Joanne had this collection of books. I asked her if she had the Shopaholic series, and her answer was "YES". And it was just in time that I went South with my mom, and had the chance to visit their place, too. When I got out of her house, there were already 2 books on my hand. Weeeeeeh! And brought the books here in Bohol. She didn't give them to me though (like, give talaga), I just borrowed them. But I totally understand. What's a collection for, di ba? :)

So the book's story is about a shopaholic girl (obviously) named Becky Bloomwood and her adventures in life, in shopping, in living in America, and in getting married. It's the 3rd book already. The first one was Confessions of a Shopaholic, next was the Shopaholic takes Manhattan, and then this one.

By this time, Becky already settled with Luke, her multi-millionaire boyfriend. They got engaged, and they made wedding plans. The problem is, two other people are planning their wedding: Becky's mum, who wants a simple wedding at the backyard, and; Luke's high-class mother who wants a very glamorous wedding in some prestigious place known as the Plaza.

From the very first book, I actually find the story funny. But just last night, as I was reading this book, I found myself teary-eyed. At some point, I felt how hurt Becky was when what happened, which I won't tell you what it was. If you haven't read the book, you should! And for those who already enjoyed the book, or books for that matter (as it's a series), then "high five!"

I really admire how such a fictional character seemed to be so alive to me. Plus, the setting, the brands of every coat, dress or shoe the different characters are using... and everything! For me, it's just what girl should read. :)

By the way, if you haven't joined my giveaway with White Poppy Wishes yet, you can join HERE.

Ok, enough with the chitchat. I should continue reading now. Have some wonderful reading sweeties!

Victoria's Secret Lotions & Creams

Note: Please do not read this if you haven't read my previous post yet, PocketBacs for your Bags & Backpacks. This is somewhatlikea continuation of that post. *grins*

Aside from having those PocketBacs for handy disinfection purposes, we, especially the girls, tend not just to  mind our hygiene. We also want to have that smooth and young looking skin as ever. The boxes (as what I was talking about here) did not just come with the PocketBacs inside. Together with those cute gels are some items I know ladies would surely love. Here they are:

And oh yes, they're lotions and creams! Lotions/creams are actually a basic and integral part of every girls' closet or dresser. Well, maybe some girls do not really consider putting on lotions everyday, but I know most of us do. And I don't see it as vanity or kaartehan. I see it as a desire in a good way. Who wouldn't want to have smooth, soft and moisturized skin?

And what I have here with me are actually products of a truly trusted brand known worldwide. What girl wouldn't know what Victoria's Secret is?

As they are presented individually, please take a look at the different "flavors" (Haha! I still fondly call them flavors, though I know we're not talking about food here). Perhaps, you might as well consider the labels, because they're kinda funny, but very interesting! :) And if you are into colors, then take a look at what colors they have.

PART 1: The Ultra-Moisturizing Hand and Body Cream

200mL/ 6.7 Fl oz.

Lost in Fantasy - blue
Mama's pick! :)

True Escape - green

Passionate Kisses - pink

Be Seduced - purple

Secret Charm - indigo

Secret Craving - Redviolet

PART 2: Hydrating Body Lotion

250 mL/ 8.4 Fl oz.

Be Seduced - purple

Romantic Wish - pink

Midnight Mimosa - green

Berry Kiss - lilac

Before you can say anything, I again admit that I am not good at photography. Neither am I any better at photoshop or photo editing. So, bear with the pictures please. *smiles*

These babies aside from being skin moisturizers, are also scent providers (sorry for the terms used. lol)! Talk about being skin-friendly plus nose-friendly at the same time. So, again if you are in any way interested to buy and to bring home some of these babies, just contact me thru my Facebook accounts, send me an SMS, or simply leave a comment below.

Visits are still welcome. Stocks are limited. Prices are given upon inquiry. Thank you sweeties! :)

PocketBacs for your Bags & Backpacks

AntiBac is a short term for anti-bacterial hand gel, and for any anti-bacterial stuff. Also, PocketBac has been the label for anti-bacterial hand gel made handy and convenient, to the point of having it hung on your very own bags and backpacks. Because of their cuteness (small size), they are considered to be pocket-friendly, as the name suggests.

I did some photoshoot with the PocketBacs! Weeeee! :)

It was last year, 2011, when the PocketBac craze went wild here in the Philippines. And those selling the stuffs can really say that the PocketBacs sell like hotcakes on the street! And because Bath&BodyWorks PocketBacs are a bit expensive (prices range from 80php above), those who couldn't afford just resort to buying the "imit" (imitations, not the original) ones priced at around 30php or less each, already with holders. Very affordable, aren't they?

However, even with the price difference and accessibility which really favors the cheap ones, I still go for the original and expensive (ouch!) PocketBacs. Yes, you can save about 50php or more when you buy the cheap ones but you can't really be sure of its quality. My point here is, you are buying the PocketBac because you want to use an ANTI-BACTERIAL hand gel. You do not just want to have a scented gel or a bag accessory, but one that can clean your hands even at times when water and soap aren't around.

So much for the intro (haha! Intro pa pala yun? lol), I made this post because my Sissy from the U.S. sent PocketBacs for me. The boxes, containing my Mama's shopping stuffs when she was in the U.S. plus my Sissy's padalas, arrived here last Friday. And because there are lots of PocketBacs, which I know for sure are just too many for me, Mama and I decided to sell some of them to you, my friends!

I can guarantee you that these PocketBacs are 100% authentic Bath&BodyWorks products. They are bought in California, United States. They're fresh and clean. And most of all, they are on-hand. So, here are the photos.

They come in different scents. The one in the middle is just too cute! It's the Pink Bloom PB.

Funny how they (the manufacturers) can also think of turning food flavors into hand gel scents! lol

Sorry for the not-so-good quality of the other photos... poor lighting and unprof photographer took them (referring to yours truly. hihi).

These are perfect not just for your personal use. PocketBacs are also perfect gifts for Christmas or for any occasion. They are suitable for both boys and girls, and for all ages! If you are interested in buying one or some of these, you can come by and have a "smell test" for the PB scents. And if you really are sure in buying PBs from me, then please leave a comment or try to reach me (thru FB, SMS, etc).

PBs with holders

Bath&BodyWorks products

Me and my PB.The colors! Hehe.

Peace and Love! <3

Christmas-themed PB!

As for the selling price, contact me first so I can advise you about it. Happy viewing, smelling and shopping! :)