12 Days of Christmas

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. - by Norman Vincent Peale 

Photo by Weliton Slima

Spice up your Holiday Season! 

Surprise your special someone with a 12-Day Christmas Celebration. You may do something special on each day or you may give him gifts each day. You may start your surprise,  twelve days before Christmas.

Want to take a peek on my 12 Days of Christmas?

On the first day  of Christmas my true love sent to me, 

A black watch in a black box.

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me, 

Two frappuccino 

And a black watch in a black box

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Three Belgian waffles, 

Two frappuccino, 

And a black watch in a black box

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Four red apples, 

Three Belgian waffles, 

Two frappucino, 

And a black watch in a black box

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Five ferrero, 

Four red apples, 

Three Belgian waffles, 

Two frappucino, 

And a black watch in a black box

So can you continue it for me? 

Hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas! 

Perfect Gift: Snow Globe

“Love can sometimes be magic. But magic can sometimes... just be an illusion.” - By Javan

Why do movies always depict that Snow Globes are the perfect gift every girl can have? What makes it special other than seeing those snows or glitters floating in the water as you shake the snow globes? Answer: Magic!

Magic lives in the heart of many girls in the world. The magic that emerges as they shake and see the glitters float with the water inside the snow globe. It’s the magic that many people do not understand; the magic that brings patience, hope, faith, and love. That as you shake this globe brings a frown into smile, a tear into laughter, and dreams into reality. Sounds fancy isn't it?! Yes, because magic is fancy, it is a state-of-mind that brings positivity to whoever believes in it. And snow globe brings magic!

Likewise, the floating glitters give magic and satisfaction to someone who intensely desires of snow. I live in a country that never snows and seeing this snow globe made me feel like there is a real snow around me. It gives me satisfaction to experience snow even with this little glass. And it also, gives hope to my dream, that someday I will experience a real one.

Go snow globes and sprinkle the magic!


Hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas!

Books for Gifts! Books for Teens!

I consider myself a bookworm. I can stay hours scanning a bookstore than a department store.

I love books.

I love reading. 

I love every part of it. 

I love receiving books too! 

Yes, books can be given as gift to someone, but most people do not know about it; they thought that it’s just some old boring gift. 

Also, these people do not know that teens nowadays are showing keen interest to books, especially for the books turned movies. So, the advantage of living with my teenage nieces is that, I was able to familiarize and adapt to their preferences. 

So, now, I created a list of books perfect for your “teenage” daughters, nieces, cousins, friends, etc. 

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

It is an inspirational novel of finding your dreams. It is a story about a boy named Santiago who left his old life to find his dream. The Alchemist is one of the best-selling books of Paolo Coelho. It is perfect to all ages.

2. Quick and Easy Yoga by Christina Brown

Quick and Easy Yoga by Christina Brown

Teens are aggressive; they want to try this and that. They are also conscious of how others would see them, they want to be sexy, fit, and flawless; that’s why “Quick and Easy Yoga” or any other fitness book is just perfect for them.

3. Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Stargazer is a story of a vampire who fell in love with a vampire hunter. Vampires are currently fashionable for teenagers nowadays; that’s the reason why Twilight Saga and Vampire Diaries series are in. This is also the reason why Stargazer became one of New York’s Bestseller for Teens. 

4. Cool Beans by Erynn Mangum

Cool Beans by Erynn Mangum

Cool Beans is a story of faith, friendship, and love. This isn’t just a typical love story; this book opens the mind of the readers about God and His providence. This book teaches the readers how to be open and become closer to God. 

5. Diary ng Panget by HaveYouSeenThisGirl

Diary ng Panget by HaveYouSeenThisGirl

Diary ng Panget is one of the Bestseller Books for Teens in the Philippines. This novel became a Wattpad sensation having more than 12 Million reads, before reaching the papers. The novel is about the story of a typical college girl who believes that she is ugly, yet found love with the most unexpected person. 

So books for gifts?

Books for teens?

Hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas!

Emoti-cake (Cake it don't text it!)

Just like all of you, I am also having a hard time looking for that perfect gift I can give my hubby on his special day. Of course, I wanted it to be unique and special. That's why I am very thankful to my friend, who introduced me Emoti-cake!

Emoti-Cake "when words are not enough"

At midnight, I woke up my hubby and surprised him with his Emoti-Birthday-Cake. He was so delighted when he saw his cake, he blew the candle, then immediately sliced it and had a big bite. And he loved it! It taste awesome, you'll crave for more.

Emoti-cake is really one-of-a-kind! It is really one great, luxurious, and adorable cake I ever saw. You'll surely drool not only with its lovely designs but also with its scrumptious flavors (cheese and chocolate), you'll surely forget your name! 

Emoti-cake is a product of Circles Event Cafe by Makati Shangri-la Hotel. For other designs, just visit Circles at G/F Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Ayala Avenue Corner Makati Avenue, Makati City.

Cake it don't text it!

Hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas! :) 

Memory Slideshow

If it's the thought that really counts, what's the best gift to give? --- Memories :) 

I love exploring gift ideas. I make it a point to make simple things into a lovely, surprising, and treasured gifts. Like this simple slideshow presentation I made for my hubby on our monthsary. A full effort, less expensive  gift.

What to do?

1. Choose memorable, fun pictures of you together.
2. Choose a memorable song that you think would match the slideshow presentation.
3. Get a movie maker software (some of these are Microsoft Movie Maker, Wondershare, Muvee, etc.)
4. Explore. Create. Enjoy. 

What are you waiting for, go pick some of your beautiful memories and turn into a heart melting slideshow! 

I hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas.

FLOWERS --- They Never Fail

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we'll see again bunch of flower deliveries everywhere. Though,
it is really difficult to understand why girls love flowers. But if you would check Yahoo! Answers, you will see so many reasons. But whatever their reasons are there, there is still one thing that proves to be correct --- that flowers never fail. :)

Now let me list the top five flowers women love to receive. 

1. Roses 

Image by Adri Rory

They are always on top of the list, because of its beauty and scent. These are the most common flowers men give to their special someone. Men usually give Red Roses to the girl they admire, because it is the easiest way of saying "i love you". While White Roses are usually given to their parents because it signifies purity.

2. Tulips

Image by Zelle

They are very common nowadays because of its amazing beauty. Tulips beauty is really one of a kind but they don't last very long. Just like Roses, Red Tulips are usually given as a sign of their love to the girl they admire, while White Tulips still means purity. Yellow Roses are also common and I think one of the best Tulips I ever saw. They mean "hopeless love" but are now used as to say "thanks for the friendship" or to say "cheer up".

3. Carnations

Image by Kevin Brandon

Some believes that carnation has a great religious meaning, because they associate it with Mother Mary. While some says it is nationalistic because it is commonly used as a decor by the ancient Greek. But for me, carnation is the "flower of love," because just like love, Carnation has a deeper beauty  that last long (uhmmm i think more than a week without water). Carnation are commonly used to express love and fascination to someone or the easiest way of saying "I admire you."

4. Lilies

Image by Zsuzsanna Kilian

Certainly one of the most lovely flowers I ever saw. Other than Lilies being the symbol of purity and everlasting love, they say that when you dreamed of Lilies, it mean you are  hoping for a marriage or a baby. This is mainly because they associate it with Venus, the Roman Goddess of beauty, love, and fertility. That's why Lilies are usually given to brides-to-be and mothers-to-be, because they believe that it is a sign of good luck.

5. Orchids

Image by Aneta Blaszcyk

One of the most popular flowers in the world, because of its elegant beauty and different varieties. This is also known as one of the most pricey flower. And just like its appearance, Orchids, symbolizes love, elegance, and luxury.

Just a friendly reminder:

Whatever flower you give, no matter what the meaning is, and no matter how much it cost, as long as it comes from the heart, it will still not fail you.

Good luck!

Hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas! :)

You & Me Drawing

I love surprises and I love surprising someone. Today I would like to share one of my simple yet a very sweet surprise. 

Go get a paper and draw a stick girl and a stick boy using crayons. Draw a cute simple one, that would look like a child from kindergarten drew it. Write your names under the stick girl and stick boy and put a heart in the middle or you may also put your names inside a heart instead. 

Put your drawing in a big brown envelop, print a notice and his mailing address on a paper (that would look like that it is a work-related document) and paste it on the brown envelop.

NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION OF:

Mr. Miguel Fernando

7th Floor XYZ Building, Orange St. 

Manila

Then send it to his office via air mail or courier.

Your guy/girl will surely be surprised with this and will surely love such a sweet act.

Hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas!

Notice: This is not my original idea and I am not claiming any. I blog it to share to others who are looking for surprises and unique ideas to be given for their special someone.

Sweet Blooms

This lovely little flowers caught my attention. These are actually not ordinary flowers, these are milk-tasting flowers! 

They are called pastillas flowers. Pastillas is a soft chewy milk-flavored candies, it is made from fresh carabao milk and originated in the Philippines. 

With its uniqueness and beauty, everybody will surely have a second look. It can be given as favors for weddings, christenings, baby showers, and birthdays. 

As Wedding Souvenir

As Birthday Souvenir

It can also be given as gifts to your special someone on their special days. 

For Valentines Day

For Birthdays and Anniversaries

"The Sweetest Flower Ever"  by Sweet Blooms  

Hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas! 

----

For more flower pastillas designs, you may visit http://sweetblooms.multiply.com or go to the nearest Sweet Bloom Branch near you!

Images are from sweetblooms.multiply.com

Old-Fashioned yet Sweet

"Life is not how many breathes you take, but about the moments that take your breathe away." - from Hitch the Movie

Scrapbook is something you can give your partner as a gift, wherein you can preserve simple yet breath taking memories. I once did a scrapbook for my partner on our 1st Anniversary and he loved it! He even asked me to continue the scrapbook so we can reminisce our times together for the next years. 

As we enter the digital year, Scrapbooking seemed to be so old fashion. But the essence, though, and the memories it depicts is sweeter than any other gifts. 

Now, let me share you some Scrapbooking Tips:

1. Flowers and leaves create dirty marks on your pages. So instead of including dried flowers or leaves, why don't you take a picture and put the picture of your first flower into your scrapbook. At least it won't mess your scrapbook as time goes by.
2. Regular adhesives may leave dirty marks and destroy your photos. So always use acid-free and photo-safe adhesive, stickers, and decors to maintain the beauty of your hard work. 
3. You may write, cut from magazines, or use computer to add captions and narration on your images. It would be fun if you would include the story behind the picture. 
4. Be yourself! Enjoy what you are doing, do not think what others will say, just do what you want to do. ;)

I hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas! :) 

Her Top 5 Wishes

After the guys, we let the girls speak!

I took a survey about Top 10 gifts women wanted to receive from their boyfriend or husband. But I'll only name the top 5. 

1. Jewelries. This tops our survey, which testify that the saying "Diamonds are girls best friend" is correct. Women love jewelries, whatever kind of jewelry is surely a treasure for them. 

Image by Daniel L

2. Perfume. Women always wanted to smell good and impress the man they like, that's why women love perfumes. They love it more when it came from the man they like, seems like saying "this smells good on you". 

Image by Louise Docker

3. Chocolates. Women are known to have a "sweet tooth." And just like its sweetness, chocolate is one of the sweetest gifts women love to receive. Chocolates has the capability of letting every women's sweet, soft, childish quality show up.

Image by Ann-Kathrin Rehse

4. Romantic Getaway. Some women maybe a homebody, but a trip with someone special is really one-of-a-kind, surprising, and lovely gift. Going to different places together, doing adventure together, and spending time together is a dream come true.

Image by Zelle

5. Flowers. Just like in my previous blog, I told you that Flowers never fail. Whatever the celebration is, flower is one of the best gifts women love to receive. They may wither and mess up but the thought that "I received a flower" will always be a memory --- one of the best memories. 

Image by Makio Kusahara

Hope you enjoyed my Versatile Gift Ideas!

Stuff Toys as Farewell Gifts---Why not?!

What do you usually give your friends or special someone when they need to go out-of-town or maybe out of the country?  We usually give them something they can use during their vacation or stay out-of-town. 

How about giving him/her something common with a little twist of sweetness? Go buy a stuff toy and put a sweet dedication like "let him accompany you when you get there," "I brought you a pal so you won't be alone," etc.

Our Little Wuf Wuf

I once gave this to my hubby when he went out-of-the-country. I gave him a stuff dog with a little tag on it "he'll watch over you while I'm away." He was really touched and he loved it. He brought the toy wherever he go and they took pictures together. When he came back he was so excited to show me their adventure together. :) 

How about you? What dedication would you put with your stuff toy?! :) 

I hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas! 

Customized Awards/Plaques

When giving gifts, we always hear "it's the thought that counts." Well, for me, it is the thought that really counts. Like this next gift we are about to introduce --- The Customized Awards/Plaque!

Customized Award/Plaque is one of the best way to express your feelings for that person. Maybe you can include your own poem, your favorite poem, favorite quote, or even your vows. Isn't it amazing! You have a gift and a letter in one! :) 

create your own award/plaque (customized award from Papemelroti)

Gifts does not only mean something that can be used or something in-demand. But it can be something that says how you really feel for that person, how can you describe that person, or something you think he/she will love. It doesn't matter how much it cost you or where did you buy it. As long as it comes from the heart, it will always be treasured.

I hope you enjoyed another set of versatile gift ideas! See you on my next post! :)


Featured customized plaque is a product of Papemelroti. For more customized plaque designs, visit Papemelroti

Handmade Sliding Card

Yesterday I saw my niece checking on her graduation gifts and a certain card caught my attention. This is one of the most wonderful card I've ever seen (not only that --- this is handmade!) 

I am really impressed on the way her friend did this card, just then I realized they must be really close, because her friend alloted time, effort, and love doing this card. And the concept is really nice, would you even think of doing a sliding card? --- and with her name on it! Really creative huh?

Honestly, I love receiving handmade and customized gifts like this, which makes me feel I'm important and special. Just thinking on the time and effort he/she spent doing this makes me more touched. 

So what are you waiting for? Go get your stuff and start your handmade card for that special someone! And I'm sure they'll love it!

Hope you enjoyed my Versatile Gift Ideas! 

I would like to thank my niece, Mary Grace Mauricio, for sharing this wonderful card. Handmade card was made by Ms. Khai Bacani. 

Unique Photo Gifts

A friend came, asking me what gift she can give to her parents on their 25^thanniversary. After some research, here are  my recommendations.

A customized gift would be very touching for partners especially when this signifies their love. For anniversaries, it would be better if you'd choose their pictures on the first couple of years of their relationship, this will help them reminisce how their relationship started and continued to bloom.

Then after choosing the right picture, you may now look for a good artist who can draw their portrait and then put it in a frame like this:

Or you may also, have the picture puzzle and then arrange the puzzle before framing it. 

This makes common gifts personalized and one-of-a-kind. They will surely love your gift.

Hope you enjoyed my versatile gift ideas! Till my next post! 

Oh-Some! Layered Chocolates

This next gift is very common, but what makes this unique is the way it is presented. An item that has the combination of a wish, uniqueness, and elegance. 

Chocolate is one of the most common gifts  ladies and children wanted to receive. They’ll surely love the presentation and especially the taste of a combination of different types of chocolates that are made of real quality ingredients. 

What makes this idea more special is that you can make it on your own! What are you waiting for?! Go get your set of chocolates now and see how far can you go! :) 

I hope you enjoyed my Versatile Gift Idea! 

Featured chocolate & pictures are from Cassie's Sweet Tooth.

Love Coupon

Looking for a gift idea for your special someone? Looking for a personalized gift with a twist? Maybe this is what you are looking for!

I am about to introduce Versatile Gift Ideas’ first item. These items below are called the Love Coupon. You may give these to your special someone on any special day. This is how it works:

1. You may play a game with your special someone. The game maybe the following:
   • Do something good game – All you have to do is encourage him to do something sweet or something nice to you. And for every nice deed, he/she shall receive one love coupon.
   • Question and Answer – All you have to do is ask him/her questions (questions maybe any memories of you together such as first movie together, how did you two meet, etc).
   • Other games may also apply depending on your creativity. 
2. After the game, the recipient may now choose which coupon he/she would like to redeem first.
3. Please don’t forget to tell him/her that the coupon is valid forever. 
4. After redeeming all love coupons, you may put it in a scrapbook so that you’ll remember your sweet memories together.

Hope you enjoyed my first Versatile Gift Idea!