On Wrapping Gifts

I started later than my usual schedule. I swear, this year has been so busy for me. I barely had time wrapping gifts for Christmas. But I did it. I finished two days before Christmas -- I know, I know. Cramming.

I'd like to share with you though some of the wrapped gifts I did. I used kraft paper, twine, stickers, rubber stamps and printed paper bows I got off the web.

How did you do yours?

Everyday Hello Kitty

When I was a kid, I was super obsessed with Sanrio, especially Hello Kitty. You name it, I got it. I actually remember playing make believe Hello Kitty museum inside my bedroom. Haha. I even get my dad to buy me loads of Sanrio stuff from Japan whenever he went. Oh well, those were the days.

My fascination with Hello Kitty lessened now that I'm all grown up. I know, though, that one of these days, Allie would come to love "cat"or "Chichi" -- yes, that's what she calls Hello Kitty now. Her first Hello Kitty was this cute purse that she received as a gift and she fills it with snacks.

So when I got this news that SM Kids' Fashion has this Hello Kitty planner giveaway, I got so excited. The year is about to end, and it's so timely. I get to buy Allie some Hello Kitty apparel, and when I fill the stamp cards, I get the planner. Yes, it's going to be mine! (insert evil laugh here)

If you want your own too, read on how to get it. Hello Kitty lovers, unite!

SM Kids’ Fashion and Hello Kitty Welcome the New Year 
Retail megastore launches contest for 2014 limited edition toon-themed planners 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Imagine spending 365 days with the world’s favorite cat. Now, little girls can enjoy precious moments with Hello Kitty thanks to SM Kids’ Fashion. This 2014, young fans of the famous feline can grab an exclusive planner featuring three bold-colored covers, red, pink, and white, with a gold stamped Hello Kitty logo. 

By completing exclusive stamp cards available at all SM Kids’ Fashion outlets, kids can get their very own limited edition notebook organizer. A Php. 300 single-receipt purchase of regular-priced Hello Kitty apparel from the SM Kids’ Fashion department entitles bearers to a stamp card and free first stamp. BDO Sapphire and Diamond Rewards cardholders, as well as, SM Prestige members can get their stamp cards and first stamp with no need for a minimum purchase.

Young fashionistas can complete their cards by collecting stamps through Php 300 single-receipt purchases of regular-priced Hello Kitty and SM Kids’ Fashion apparel. A total of five Hello Kitty stamps and five SM Kids’ Fashion stamps is equivalent to one complete stamp card. Included apparel is available in the Children’s Wear, Girl’s Teens Wear, and Character Shop section of The SM Store.

Get the purr-fect item to plan your fantastic year with The Limited Edition Hello Kitty Planner Giveaway only with SM Kids’ Fashion. Promo runs from November 15, 2013 to January 15, 2014.

Fashion Shopping for the Tot This Holiday Season

Having a baby girl is so much fun. Not only do I get to play pretend afternoon tea but I also get to shop adorable clothes for her! I love getting her cute outfits, and this Christmas is definitely no exception. Most of the time, I buy toddler clothes at the department store because everything is there na and as for the price, they're cheaper. It makes more sense to get clothes at the department store because after a few months, those clothes won't fit anymore.

Well, SM Kids' Fashion just launched their Holiday Collection, and it's something exciting. I will most probably go and get something for Allie this weekend because I really can't help it. They're so cute! See for yourself.

Black and White 

Perfect for any occasion, this mix of eye-catching prints emphasizes sophisticated black and white tones for young boys and girls. From houndstooth minis to tribal-print dresses and striped trousers and jackets, the set works well for morning play dates or a grown-up dinner with Mom and Dad.

Tromp ‘O Leil 

Everyone loves a good illusion and the boy’s are taking it home this year. Printed bowties, jackets, and checkered vests stand out against soft cotton tees, along with comfy raglans featuring fun athletic prints for afternoons of rough and tumble activity. 

Party Princess 

Whether its afternoon tea or a mini-disco party, there’s always something in the closet with this collection. Multi-colored lace dresses come with hints of tulle, huge polka dots, as well as built in belts and maxi lengths for the girl who loves dressing to impress. 

Baby’s Big Day

Tiny tots aren’t about to get left out of the high fashion loop. This season, it’s all about mini decorative get-ups ala Great Gatsby, roomy, sporty rompers, decked out pantaloons, and a generous helping of frilly tutus, for the most stylish babies out there.


The SM Kids’ Fashion Holiday Collection is currently available at all SM Stores, nationwide.

Crafted: Stamp Carving 101 Workshop

It was a sunny Saturday, and I had a workshop on the basics of stamp carving in Quezon City. The participants got this cute kraft suitcase filled with tons of stamp making goodies and loads of freebies.

I showed them how to make their own stamps using their handwriting.

They used mine instead. Haha.

Some of them took it to the next level. Talk about master carvers!

Instagram @sasadomingo

Instagram @sofiabiancasia

Proud facilitator moment! You guys are awesome. :)

Follow crafted on facebook: /craftedforyou

Awesome Ads Worth Sharing

I rarely share these kinds of things. But here are a few advertisements that caught my attention.

This first one is by Pantene Philippines. It focuses on the double standards that are present in society, most especially in the workplace. Although not all women face these kinds of labeling, I found it somehow true.

Video from Pantene Philippines, Labels Against Women.

This next one made me laugh so hard I almost cried. It's about parenthood and it really hit close to home -- the good news, the new messy normal, the sleepless nights, the "H" position -- well, I guess almost everything except the second baby. Haha. At least not yet. Oh, and to those who are avid Coke drinkers, yup, this Coke product is green! It is naturally sweetened with stevia -- go stevia! Please bring it to the Philippines.

Video from Coca-Cola Life Argentina, Ser Padres.

Finally, here's the bringer of Christmas cheer. Enjoy!

Video from West Jet, West Jet Christmas Miracle: Real-Time Giving.

Event: Carnivale for the Foodie

The group of Mercato Centrale is at it again. They are bringing the night food market called "Carnivale" to McKinley Hill, and I am so excited about it because it is very near our house. I've been to Levante and I thoroughly enjoyed it despite the heat then. I'm looking forward to this one because it's much cooler now. Okay, and they're giving away Mochiko ice cream balls to the early birds on December 12. Haha. So you'll probably see me there.

If you'd like to know more about Carnivale, read on.

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THE MERCATO CENTRALE FOOD MARKET SCENE COMES TO MCKINLEY HILL, TAGUIG STARTING DECEMBER 12!

Great foodie news to everyone who works and lives in Mckinely Hill, Taguig! The Venice Piazza Mall at McKinley Hill is home to CARNIVALE - the newest night food market by the Mercato Centrale group! CARNIVALE will be open every Thursday and Friday starting December 12(Thursday) 6pm to 3am starting December 12 (Thursday)!

The newest Mercato Centrale market will be celebrating its grand opening with live circus acts and acoustic bands. On top of that, CARNIVALE will be giving away 25 FREE Mochiko ice cream balls to first set of customers who come at 7pm and another set of 25 FREE Mochiko balls to those who come at 8pm.

“We look forward to sharing great food finds with the McKinley community!“ shared Anton Diaz, co-founder of Mercato Centrale and the blogger behind the popular food and travel blog www.OurAwesomePlanet.  “Aside from your enjoying the best-selling dishes of your favorite Mercato food vendors, we’ve also got some awesome new food vendors that you should definitely try out.”

Venice Piazza is located inside McKinley Hill in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. McKinley Hill is bounded by C5 to the East, the American War Memorial to the North, Lawton Road to the West (which leads to the airport) and the Philippine Army Headquarters to the South. 

The Mercato Centrale group, which also runs the Levante food market in Eastwood, has been the birthplace of many fast-growing Manila-based food businesses like Manang’s Chicken, Mochiko, Merry Moo Premium Ice Cream, Spring by Ha-Yuan, Kristina’s Inutak, Chuck’s Grubberie Fish and Chips and many more.

For interested food vendors who want to join CARNIVALE, please contact (+63 917) 840-1152or (+632) 812-0102, email admin@mercatocentrale.ph or visit www.facebook.com/elsur.