Celebrate with Shorts Gourmet + A Giveaway!

Mannix Pena of Shorts Gourmet always gives the most memorable presents that come in the form of Shorbs. Just look at what I got from him last Christmas.

 Now check out this his early Mother's Day present.

They're too pretty and precious to look at, I have a hard time breaking them open.

If not for the yummy Belgian chocolate-filled short bread cookies inside the Shorbs, I would probably end up keeping these for months (they last long, about a year)!

Unique, picture-pretty and yummy, Shorbs are the sort of presents you'd look forward to receiving year after year.

Thankfully, we can buy the short bread cookies year round.

Shorts Gourmet cookies are stocked at Rustan's Marketplace Rockwell, San Antonio, Century Mall, Shangri-la, Alabang, P. Guevara and Katipunan.

They come in three flavors, Choco Mist, Mocha Latte and Dark Divine.

While Short Gourmet's shortbread cookies make delicious presents, it's really the Shorbs that that take the cake. Each Shorb has 12 individually wrapped, handmade shortbread cookies inside, and I swear, are guaranteed to make anybody with a sweet tooth swoon. They just look special.     

Order this special edition Mother's Day Shorts at a reasonable time before Mother's Day,  and receive 10% OFF and FREE delivery within Metro Manila. Call 09178788818 to place your order.

Of course, to see and taste is to believe! As an extra treat to my readers, I am giving away some Shorts Gourmet treats for you to try!

Join by using the Rafflecopter widget below. Make sure to Like Shorts Gourmet Manila on Facebook, Follow @shortsgourmet on Instagram and comply with the contest requirements so your entries will be counted!

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FUN FACT: Shorts Gourmet is served on the presidential flight of Philippine Airlines and was served to Pope Francis during his flight back to Rome from Manila after his papal visit in the Philippines.

Shorts Gourmet Manila
Facebook: Shorts Gourmet Manila
Instagram: @shortsgourmet
Mobile: +63917 878 8818

DIY Christmas Cards with the Canon SELPHY CP910

 A mock-up of our DIY Christmas Card this year

It has become family tradition for us to have Christmas cards professionaly printed out each year, chronicling every new addition, while visually sharing how our family has grown, with family and friends.

This year was a bit of an exception. I am due to give birth by mid-December and I was thinking that if we were to give out our family Christmas card this year, it would be nice to have our newborn son to be part of the photo.

But here’s the deal, I don’t really have the luxury of time to go all fancy and go to a photo studio, and have my hair & makeup done after I give birth. More importantly, I am not risking our newborn son’s health just to have his photo taken with us, with all the studio lights, flash photography, and the mad holiday crowds outside. From a practical point of view, we also don’t have the time to wait for proofs and then have them made into cards in time for early gift giving.

So for this year, our best bet is to do it DIY style.

Late one night, while sitting on my work desk at home, I had some time on my hands, and the urge to tinker around with the Canon SELPHY CP910.

The Canon SELPHY C9P10 is a compact, ultra-portable photo printer that’s perfect for printing anywhere because it has Wi-Fi with AirPrint™ support, for easy printing from smartphones and compatible cameras 

I figured, I might as well practice making a few cards, so that when the Baby #3 pops out, we can have a quick photo taken, and I can go on to making Christmas cards to share with loved ones, as they have come to expect! 

And guess what, it’s pretty simple really, using what I already have on hand. 

1) My mobile phone with the photos and A Beautiful Mess app 

2) Canon SELPHY CP910 

3) Canon photo paper 

Using the collage function of the app, A Beautiful Mess, in minutes, I put together existing photos, holiday headers I found online, and added a bit of flair with the text and doodle functions to create some DIY holiday cards, like these.

 



 That’s it! Super simple, it’s a no brainer really!

 Now let me tell you why I love the Canon SELPHY CP910.

1. Wireless printing. 

The great thing with the Canon SELPHY CP910 is that I can wirelessly print from my iPhone (works with the iPad and iPod Touch too) using AirPrint™ over my Wi-Fi connection, without the need to install device drivers. 

I printed a card I made straight from my phone, because of Canon’s Wi-Fi with AirPrint™ support function 

2. Easy to use instructions on a wide LCD screen.

Since I am not a very gadget-savvy person, the SELPHY’s simple, straightforward on-screen guidance makes printing super easy too.

The LCD screen tilts for easy operation and convenient viewing 

3. Works with other devices 

Let me clarify that the SELPHY CP910 works for Android phones as well, and can easily be connected to other devices. For laptop/desktop users, the SELPHY CP910 allows direct printing from memory cards and USB sticks. 

4. Various printing options 

More than just printing cards, the Canon SELPHY CP910 allows us to print various sized stickers too, even ID photos, thanks to a Face Frame Guide, in a wide range of accepted sizes. We can even choose to print photos with a glossy or semi-gloss finish without changing photo paper. 

5. Print quality 

Most importantly. the vibrant, durable lab-quality prints of the photos can last up to a hundred years. 

I’ve used other portable printers before, and I have to say, the SELPHY CP910 is the easiest, most user-friendly portable photo printer I have used ever. And because the photo paper and ink casettes are readily, and easily available, and reasonably priced, you pretty much are on top of your cost per print. 

So I can go on printing even a hundred of our DIY holiday cards this year, without breaking a sweat, on top of taking care of a newborn, and entertaining visiting guests in the middle of the busy holidays!

I can print a hundred of these without worrying about the cost! 

The Canon SELPHY CP910 is available in Black or White for Php 8,998 - making it a perfect holiday gift that benefits the entire family!

Christmas 2014 Gift Guide: Rabeanco

Who says smooshy leather bags have to break the bank? Not so with Rabeanco.

If you want a good quality everyday bag, this is your go-to label. 

This makes a wonderful gift for yourself, for your sister who is just starting on her corporate career, or for your mom, especially if she's not the type splurge on a designer bag, but appreciates the quality of one.

 

Seam Satchel - Mellow leather satchel. Motif seams on both sides and base. Lined with canvas in contrasting colour. Zip closure on top. Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap. 

Geometric Hobo Bag - Smooth leather hobo bag. Adjustable and detachable handle and shoulder straps. Magnetic closure on top.

Feather Hobo Bag - Soft leather hobo bag. Zip pockets on both sides in the front. 

Luna Mini Bag - Smooth leather mini shoulder bag. Zip closures on top. Adjustable and detachable chain strap. Versatile to wear as cross body bag. 

Geo Mini Bag - Sturdy leather box shaped small shoulder bag. Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap. Zip closure on top. 

Cosmos Clutch - Saffiano leather large clutch. Interior in contrasting colour. Multiple card compartments. Pocket at front panel. 

Rabeanco Philippines has gone on to open 3 stores since they first came to Manila in 2012 - in SM Aura, Trinoma and Shangri-la East Wing, to the delight of fans of this Hong Kong leather goods label, known for the quality of their leather, and their contemporary designs that could easily be compared to luxe leather goods side by side, and not pale in comparison.

Fore more on Rabeanco, email rabeanco@istilacompanhia.com, follow @rabeanco on Instagram and Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rabeanco

Christmas 2014 Gift Guide: KOR & JOCO

You know what's a no-fail gift idea?  This.

If we ourselves cannot stop buying sippy cups for our kids, the same goes for adults I think. 

We cannot have enough water/drinking bottles. 

There's always one that's perfect to bring to pilates class, one that fits perfect inside our everyday tote, one that stays cool or hot for hours, and is perfect for long road trips. That sort of thing.

When it comes to water bottles, KOR is a favorite among my friends. 

It's stylish and ergonomically-designed yes, but it's also practical - with features such as a cushioned base, hygienic, easy to drink from spout, an easy to open hinged cap (no worries of losing it!), even an inspirational KOR Stone - for inspiration at every sip. So you really won't "lose it", if ya know what I mean.

But what if like my friends, the people in your gift list already have a KOR or two? Well this is great to have, the KOR NAVA. It turns ordinary tap water into filtered water! The filter is made from 100% pure coconut shell so it's totally natural, no worries about sediments and stuff getting into your drinking water.

In fact, wouldn't it be great to get one for every member of the family? It's perfect to have each one bring this around, especially if your family is the outdoorsy/adventurous type and frequent places where the tap water source is questionable and access to mineral or bottled water is spotty at best.

As if that's not reason enough, through KOR's Thirst for Giving™ program, each time we buy a KOR bottle, KOR donates a percentage of sales to a select group of non-profits focused on water-related causes. Nice no?

But if your friends are more the coffee/tea drinker types than the water therapy kind of peeps, then these JOCO reusable glass coffee cups will float their boat! 

Mel Ongsue-Lee, who distributes KOR and JOCO, sent me these glass coffee cups to try out as well, and I loved it - perfect size, cute to lug around, and made from sturdy glass - the same 100% BPA free, heat resistant, microwave safe borosilicate glass used in cookware, modern baby bottles, even laboratory glassware.

They're not just for adults too! In fact, my kids have co-opted our JOCO cups, and they use these when they drink their hot chocolate or warm milk.

They're great for kids because of the no-slip silicone sleeve, and the splash free lid. If my two little bosses approve, I am sure your bosses and office colleagues will too. These will help them to be kinder to the environment as well, because they get to ditch the paper cups!

At the moment, get your JOCO cups online at www.sunnysunday.com.ph

KOR hydration vessels are available at Howards Storage World, Conlins Element, Alessi, The Flat Shop, The Cutting Edge, Kitchen Pro, Seattles Best, Plana Forma, Beyond Yoga and online at www.sunnysunday.com.ph too!

Start your Christmas shopping na! To get your hands on KOR and JOCO now, click HERE: https://sunnysunday.com.ph/products.do

A Sangobion Christmas

Sangobion made Christmas a lot more special, not just for their invited guests, who were treated to another hilarious show by Giselle Sanchez as the Sangobion Salaminkera,

but most especially for the families affected by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, who were endowed with a generous donation via the Philippine National Red Cross.

Janette V. Alcaraz, Director of Fund Generation of Red Cross with Ramonito Tampos, President & Managing Director of Merck

This, on top of earlier donations they have made during the height of the typhoon relief efforts.

It was also a wonderful opportunity to see friends I've made along the way, before the holiday craziness took over!

Had fun catching up with Jenni Epperson, Rowena Wendy Lei, Jackie Go & Jane Uymatiao

Thanks so much Sangobion for hosting a fun & unique Christmas celebration, and especially for remembering our fellow Filipinos who need our help the most!

Spruce Up Your Holiday with a SPRUCE Giveaway!

Racking your brain figuring out what to give the health nut in your life?

Or maybe there's someone you care about and you want him/her to start living and eating healthy?

Well, I just have the best gift idea. The sort that keeps on giving. 

Presenting, the SPRUCE gift card. Tadaaaa!

Part of sales proceeds from the SPRUCE Gift Cards will go to "BaHaiyan" a student led initiative focused on rehabilitation for those affected by typhoon Yolanda. 

The SPRUCE Gift Cards comes in Php1500, Php1000, Php500 and Php250 denominations: (Php1500 - 6 bottles (or a one day cleanse); Php1000 - 4 bottles; Php500 - 2 bottles; Php250 - 1 bottle) includes a Christmas Greeting Card 5x8 in size w/ envelope, so you can tailor fit the amount you give based on your budget. Here's the skinny:

GIFT CARD PURCHASE:

Text 0917.897.2108 or email contact@drinkspruce.com and provide the ff details:

- Name
- Mobile
- Email
- Order Quantity
- Delivery Method (Pick-Up at select locations or Delivery by Courier (P100 fee))

Bulk / Corporate discounts are available. Gift cards have no expiry and payable via bank deposit. Cards should be ready in 2-3 days.

GIFT CARD REDEMPTION:

Recipient just needs to text 0917.897.2108 or email contact@drinkspruce.com to order preferred juices at least 2 days in advance. Juice will be delivered free of charge anywhere in Metro Manila for the Php1500 GC only. Pick-up at Plaza Cafe, Legaspi Village Makati for the Php1000, Php500, and Php200 GC's.

And now, for the GIVEAWAY!

Since it's the season of giving, SPRUCE & I are giving away 1 Php1500 GC to one lucky reader, for you to keep or give to a loved one who deserves this special treat!

Just leave a comment on this blog post, answering "Who would you like to give SPRUCE to?",  LIKE SPRUCE on Facebook, and Follow @drinkspruce on Instagram and Twitter.

Join by using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

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Contest ends on December 18, 2013 and winner will be announced on December 19, 2013. Enough time to make it to Christmas, woohoo!

SPRUCE
Mobile: 0917.897.2108
E-mail: contact@drinkspruce.com
Website: www.drinkspruce.com (Coming Soon)
Facebook: facebook.com/drinkspruce 
Instagram: @drinkspruce
Twitter: @drinkspruce

The Picture Company Promos + Our Annual Family Photo

Each year, it has become tradition to have a nice family photo taken for us to remember each holiday by. This year, our family photo was taken by Ishee Sayson of The Picture Company in Podium:

The Dychiaos, Christmas 2013 

Thanks to The Picture Company, you can start/continue your own tradition too.

They are offering a FREE photo session for you, my dear readers. Just screen cap and print out this coupon below, call your preferred branch to set an appointment and remember to bring the print out of coupon on picture taking day. This offer is valid until December 15, 2013 only, so better book that session stat!

talk to a The Picture Company staffer for more details on this promo

That said, I would have to share with you how we enjoyed having our photo taken with The Picture Company this year.

The Picture Company at the 3/F Podium Mall

Let me count the ways (parang Hallmark card heehee):

1. They're organized and very professional. Our photographer Ishee called us days before to set our appointment. She then emailed me a booking confirmation, along with it some pegs on how she'd like for us to pose, how we can color coordinate our outfits and a reminder to bring favorite toys and outfits for the kids to wear.

On the day of the shoot, we didn't have to wait too long as they had the studio set-up ready and waiting for us. They were very patient, understanding how hard it is to get kids to cooperate, and obliged Berry's need for several costume changes, haha.

2. The studio is big and very neat. We had to take off our shoes when we stepped into the white backdrop but that was ok, the studio was neat and clean and all the props were organized on shelves  and costumes were hung neatly on racks against the wall. There's a changing room where you can change outfits in privacy, and a mirrored area where you can touch up your makeup.

3.  They work fast. We were in at 1:15 and out by 3:30 pm, and that includes the time where I stepped out to do a bit of shopping while they went through all the photos and edited them so I can just choose the ones we wanted for printing. I got our prints in about a week. 

4. Our pictures turned out great. I will let these photos speak for themselves, heehee.

5. They've got Christmas cards and gift tags! We used to have our family Christmas cards made through Snapfish, but with The Picture Company offering the service, there's no need to get it done elsewhere. Talk about a one stop shop!

The personalized cards & gift tags offer is available only until December 15, 2013 too!

For more on the The Picture Company, visit their website, like them on Facebook and follow @ThePictureCoPH on Twitter!

This Christmas & All Year Round, Shop Domesticity

Last Christmas, I bought a lot of our Christmas presents from Domesticity. Throw pillows, tea towels, notepads and notebooks, that were not only pretty, but practical too. Of course, while shopping for gifts, I picked up a couple of pieces for our place, 2 sets of place mats, a napkin holder, and a cutlery tray that instantly perk up my table settings year round.

The beautiful thing about Domesticity is that is more than just a company that makes lovingly handcrafted products for our homes. It is a social enterprise that was started by Mariel San Agustin in 2002, and has gone on to support all on-going programs and the beneficiaries of the Gawad Kalinga San Agustin Legacy Village in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Watch this video to understand the impact of supporting Mariel's advocacy whenever we buy from Domesticity:

Galing no? It just makes me want to shop Domesticity all the more! Did you spy the large storage boxes? Parang I need 10  of those. So perfect for household kalat!

Here's a closer look too at the latest designs I spotted during the last Negros Trade Fair.

I couldn't leave without picking up the glass cloche (a steal at Php500 only)...

and the bird pillow (Php700) that perfectly complemented our DwellStudio Zebra throw pillow...

...plus a tray and a baguette basket, eeep!

Seriously, it's kind of hard to walk away without getting something for myself every time.

The great thing is, I can always say, "It's for a good cause!"

Shop Domesticity online at mydomesticity.com and Like Domesticity on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyDomesticityPH  to stay in the loop on the Domesticity bazaar tour, so you can follow Mariel like a die-hard Domesticity groupie.

About Domesticity:
 

Domesticity was a small cottage size business started in April of 2002, and for the 11 years that we have been in operation, we not only grew as a company specializing in export-quality products made of Philippine pandan and other indigenous materials as well as products made of faux leather materials, but we have channeled our efforts in order to be the main support to all on-going programs and the beneficiaries of the Gawad Kalinga San Agustin Legacy Village in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. As of today, the company employs 20 beneficiaries of the Gawad Kalinga Village.

The 12 Yosi Samras of Christmas: Part 6

The last two girls in my Yosi Samra gift list are friends who I am extremely proud of. They are often in the spotlight because they excel in what they do. Kristine is a jewelry artist who often gets featured in magazines and newspapers, while Gretchen hosts a TV show on GMA Bacolod called “Isyu Subong”. I am excited to share with them these equally fabulous flats from Yosi Samra’s Holiday 2012 Collection. 

Day 11: Pewter Glitter

When I think of Kristine, I think pretty, sparkly thoughts, because that’s exactly what she does. She makes gorgeous jewelry that any girl would love to have. I picked out these shiny glitter flats in pewter for her, because they are as stunning as her pieces. Which reminds me, Kristine’s jewelry comes prettily packaged in orange jewelry boxes. As with all things precious, presentation is everything. Thankfully, her Yosi Samras also come in a sturdy, elegant box that is a promising precursor to what can be found within. Fine, not exactly as awe inducing as her designs and not as expensive, but just as fun to wear!

Yosi Samras are elegantly packaged inside a pouch, which goes inside a sturdy black box. Just wrap a ribbon around it, and voila! Gift-ready! 

Day 12: Quilted Gold

Gretch is sweet, soft spoken and always looks so prim and proper that I never expected for her to work in front of the camera. Then again, she is one tough cookie, and is in fact a feisty girl inside that demure exterior. When I saw these gold quilted Yosi Samras, it made me think of her - looks delicate but packs a punch! It’s great for slipping into between shoots, and perfect for running around Bacolod in. I am also sure her kids Gabe and Ella would love to see their mommy wearing such pretty flats.

My 12 favorite girls and the 12 Yosi Samras of Christmas, they’ve all met their perfect match! Now if only it were as easy to give gifts to husbands, brothers and dads no? Happy Holidays dear readers! Make sure you’ve got your own pair of Yosi Samras as well!

About Yosi Samra’s Holiday 2012 Collection: 

Yosi Samra fold-up flats are known for their unmatched comfort. The flats are made from the softest leathers, with elastic straps to ensure a secure and snug fit. So versatile that they fold up to fit anywhere for convenient shoe changes on the go. 

The Holiday 2012 Collection features the same ultra-flexible design, but in this seasons hottest materials – from tweed and velvet to glitter and patent leather. Trendy cap toe details and studded metallics highlight the collection. 

Tweed Series from the Holiday 2012 Collection

Velvet with Glitter Cap Toe Series from the Holiday 2012 Collection

In the Philippines, Yosi Samra is available at GAS in Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, and Alabang Town Center. The first Yosi Samra concept store opened at Mall of Asia in November of 2012.