The Concept of Giving redefined with ConcepStore

     The season provides the perfect setting as ConcepStore opens its lifestyle hub with an array of modern and thoughtfully-designed home appliances perfect for this season of giving. Introduced in 2020, ConcepStore elevates one’s home experiences by giving its customers a wealth of product options to choose from, whether needs are influenced by health, safety, security, and hygiene concerns or by the simple need to automate time-consuming chores, ConcepStore is sure to offer just what the customers need.

     With the opening of the lifestyle hub, ConcepStore brings a whole new meaning to the concept of giving. This season, aside from the personalized shopping experience customers get to enjoy for every visit at the lifestyle hub, customers may also avail of exclusive gifting services in time for the Holiday season.

The Concept of Giving redefined with ConcepStore

PLDT Home Holideals

     2020 has proven itself to be a year unlike any other. Amidst this challenging year, leading digital services provider, PLDT continues to provide meaningful connections this Christmas with the return of Holideals – PLDT Home’s biggest holiday sale! “Christmas remains to be the most important celebration for many Filipino families. Now more than ever, we need to uplift each other and bring light to others by staying connected and celebrating with our loved ones on this special season,” says Butch Jimenez, Senior Vice-President and Head Consumer Business-Home Group. 

     “PLDT Home gives the gift of meaningful connections to its customers through a seamless digital experience at home with our exciting Holideal offers.” Holideals features big discounts and exclusive offers which are perfect home upgrades in this new normal.

PLDT Home Holideals

Hallmark x 7-Eleven Holiday Collaboration

     It's indeed the most wonderful time of the year! Bring love and joy this Christmas through Hallmark x 7-Eleven’s holiday collaboration. The air is chilly, the mood is merry, and the lights are out and sparkling. What a joy it is to have the holidays upon us once again. This is the time to give back and share the love and blessings we have received this year, as it is what the true spirit of Christmas is.

     This Christmas, Hallmark is inviting you to celebrate the season with the gift of love and care. In hopes to bring holiday cheer to street children, Hallmark is partnering with PhilSeven Foundation, convenience store 7-Eleven’s charity arm, through ‘Gulong ng Karunungan’ (GNK) project. 

Hallmark x 7-Eleven Holiday Collaboration

Hallmark for L.I.F.E. this Christmas

     Hallmark has been part of spreading the most precious messages of love and cheer in every celebration- may it be a birthday, an anniversary, or a wedding. I'm a fan of their well-loved cards that have connected and brought smiles throughout people all over the world and this year’s holiday season is no exception.

     Can't imagine that it has been 23 years, over two decades that Filstar Distributors Corporation (FDC), the country’s exclusive licensee of Hallmark USA together with the Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E.) Foundation created a charitable project called “Hallmark for L.I.F.E.” to help alleviate the condition of indigent children with Leukemia. Sharing a brief story of this advocacy below :)

Hallmark for L.I.F.E. this Christmas
Wrapped my gifts in one of Hallmark's easy to use gift bags :)

Amp Up Your Christmas Faves with Danes Cheese Ball

     Christmas is almost here! We are looking forward to the festive dishes that will be served during family gatherings, especially on Noche Buena. The more people and food, the merrier! The hu by is the one who will prepare the dishes this year, I told him to cook his specialties and give it a twist.

     Every family has their own recipes served on Noche Buena that they have mastered and improved over decades. After all Christmas is all about traditions, and it’s a wonderful thing to share traditions with the people closest to you. But it’s also the perfect time to start your own traditions. Where better to start than with the food you’re serving on Noche Buena! It might be time to revamp your Christmas cookbook with cheesy twists to those traditional dishes.

Amp Up Your Christmas Faves with Danes Cheese Ball

Feature: SM Gift Card

      This holiday season, shopping for gifts can be so stressful. You'll make a list and check it twice like Santa, right? From jotting down names to choosing what to give, it's always an exciting but challenging task at the same time.

     I've been sending gifts to my loved ones for years now and every year I want to give them useful things but as years gone by, I've realized that not all the things I gave to them are still useful for them. I have a relative who almost have everything that's why I had a hard time thinking of what to give him this Christmas not until I saw SM Gift Cards on display in one of the counters at SM Fairview. I think I've found the perfect gift and I'm sharing my thoughts below :)

Feature: SM Gift Card 

Jollibee Talk & Blush Doll

     Hello mommies! I presume some of you are so ready for Christmas. Prolly you have already displayed your gifts under the Christmas Tree. Yours truly is still busy as a bee and can't squeeze in time to do some Christmas shopping.

     Are you still clueless on what to give this Christmas to your inaanaks and pamangkins? Here's one great news from Jollibee- hear Jollibee talk and see Jollibee blush! It's the season to be extra jolly with the Jollibee Talk & Blush Doll! See this limited edition novelty item from Jollibee below :)

Jollibee Talk & Blush Doll 

Tickles SM Megamall Haul

     There's a place where once you enter inside, you'll experience eureka moment. Only positive and happy vibes because everything you'll see inside that place will make you smile and giggle with laughter. This place is where all your unique, cute, imported, fun, and functional lemmings can be found- Tickles!

     Tickles is not new to me. I've been visiting their Fairview Terraces branch once every month to see what's new in their shelves. I always find myself smiling whenever I'm inside the store because of super cute and unique finds that caters to all gender and ages. Great news! They've opened their flagship store at SM Megamall two weeks ago with a circus-themed shop that is so inviting, it's like fun never stops once you're inside the store. Of course, I visited them last week and did a little shopping. See more of Tickles SM Megamall and my haul below :)

Tickles SM Megamall Haul

Jollibee Fun Catcher: Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids!

     Christmas is the time of giving and sharing. It's the day where kids receive special gifts from their parents, relatives, and loved ones. I'm sure that some of you already have their gifts under the Christmas tree and waiting to be given on Christmas Eve.

     For those who are busy and still have no idea what to give to their kids, inaanaks, pamangkins, and their friends and relatives who have kids, fret not because Jollibee has something special to offer. Presenting this limited edition premium toy- The Jollibee Fun Catcher! More details of this amazing toy below :)

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher

     For kids, Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. with the excitement and anticipation of family feasts and the numerous presents they will receive. This holiday season, Jollibee is helping moms and dads get the perfect gift for the kids with the limited edition Fun Catcher.

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher

     The battery-operated Fun-Catcher is Jollibee's version of a favorite arcade game-where kids and kids-at-heart are challenged to grab a sweet treat using a joystick-controlled mechanical claw.

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher
Inside the box

Instructions on how operate Jollibee Fun Catcher and to start the game:

1. Unscrew the cover and insert three (3) AA batteries.

2. Open the lid to put the treats.

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher
Put the sweet treats inside Jollibee Fun Catcher

3. Insert the coin to activate the Fun Catcher. Accepted coins are:

• P 0.25
• P 0.50
• P 1.00
• P 5.00
• P 10.00

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher
Insert a coin to activate the Jollibee Fun Catcher

4. Use the joystick to control the claw and drop the prize into the hole:

• Left joystick to move the claw forward and backward.
• Middle joystick to move the claw left and right.
• Right joystick to move the claw up and down.

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher
Operating and playing instructions of Jollibee Fun Catcher

5. Get the prize!

6. Keep activating the Fun Catcher whenever you're craving for sweet treats!

7. After some time, open the lid at the bottom and get your savings

Perfect Christmas Gift for Kids: Jollibee Fun Catcher

     Jollibee Fun Catcher is offered for a limited time only. Price is P 425 with every purchase of any Jollibee value meal. This premium toy is available at any Jollibee store nationwide from December 5 to January 31, 2016 only. So hurry moms and dads, go to the nearest branch of Jollibee and get this perfect gift for your kids this holiday season.

     Thank you so much Jollibee for Kenzo's early Christmas gift. He's so surprised and happy when he received this gift weeks ago. He activates his Jollibee Fun Catcher toy everyday. I was watching him yesterday while playing this toy and noticed three things: this toy teaches him how to save money, there are three (3) joysticks, operating the toy can help develop his cognitive development, and he will also learn the art of "try and try until you succeed" virtue- patience!

For more information, visit Jollibee's website 

http://www.jollibee.com.ph/

Good Times!~

7 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

     The holiday season is the busiest time of the year; you’re likely running around to find the right Christmas presents, heading to overcrowded grocery stores to make your holiday feasts, and working long hours to make sure you have the budget to use. Take a moment to breathe and consider the reason for the season. If you’d like ways to give back, peruse this compilation of ideas and be the difference in others’ lives this year.

7 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

1. Tip With a Smile

     You likely have regular services taken care of, like hair, nails, or gardeners. Make sure you let these people know just how much you appreciate their care by tipping generously during the holiday season. Those who work during the holiday season are missing out on time with their family and friends, so make their efforts worth it by giving a tip that will bring some joy into their busy days.

2. Participate in a Toy Drive

     There are many children who go without gifts during the holiday season, and you can make a huge difference in their lives by donating a few toys. A few dollars from your pocket in exchange for a lifelong happy memory for a deserving child? I think that’s a fair investment.

3. Foster a Pet for the Holidays

     Fostering a pet might not have been the first charitable act to come to mind, but it’s a worthy way to spend your energy and time during Christmas season. Animal shelters and rescues are usually short-staffed during the holidays, and you can take a bit of the burden off by opening your home to a needy pup or cat. This also frees up room for any other animal who may need shelter during the cold winter months. You can help socialize the animal as well, making it more likely for them to be adopted later on. You never know, you might just fall in love with the animal and adopt it into your family!

4. A Hospital Delivery

     Spending the holidays in the hospital is an exhausting and miserable experience. Give them something that they likely wouldn’t otherwise receive by heading over to your local children’s hospital with a cookie arrangement to bring smiles to the faces of the kids and their families. You can drop it off with the nurses or go around yourself with the delivery. Everyone will appreciate the sweet treat and the festive thoughts, and you’ll feel amazing being able to give back to your community. 

5. Cards for Soldiers

     Troops spend huge amounts of time away from their families, and many of them miss out on celebrating the holidays with those that mean the most to them Help them get through their holiday season away with heartfelt cards to thank them for all they do. If you have kids, this is a great way to get them involved and teach them a lesson about the spirit of generosity this holiday season. You can send along small care packages with items they might be missing from home, and spread cheer to those that sacrifice so much for the good of everyone else. You can send along your items through Red Cross or Operationwearehere.com to make sure deserving soldiers receive your gift.

6. Donate Warm Clothing

     The weather is getting colder, and with talk that this could be one of the wettest winters in recent history, warm, protective clothing is a must. If you have any old coats lying around, or if you have items your kids have grown out of, consider donating them to a homeless shelter. There are many who sadly will be on the streets during this holiday season without the right protection from inclement weather. You can change a life with a jacket, so simple and so true. If you don’t have any old items lying around that you can part with, consider purchasing one and making the difference in someone’s life this Christmas.

7. Random Acts of Kindness

     If you’re a Starbucks fanatic, the next time you’re in the drive thru pay for the order of the person in line behind you. Throw some quarters in a parking meter that’s about to expire. Shovel a neighbor’s driveway after a big snowstorm. Small things like this can make the biggest difference in someone’s day, which is especially important for those who have a hard time during the holidays. With any luck, your generosity will make an impression and see them repeating the behavior throughout their day. Paying it forward never felt so good.

5 Gift Ideas for Men this Christmas

     And it's thirty days to go before Christmas, I'm still narrowing down the list of things that men, including my brothers, brother-in-laws, father, and my husband would love to receive this Christmas. Since I only have a month left, I need to look for alternatives that will make shopping for gifts hassle-free this yuletide season.

     The most convenient way of shopping for me now is online shopping. I can sit back, relax, and enjoy while shopping at the comforts of our home. So before I go online shopping for the remaining days and weeks, I want to share with you the gift ideas that I have in mind so that you will not worry and have second thoughts on what to buy online. Scroll down, please!

5 Gift Ideas for Men this Christmas

     There are so many online stores that offer huge discounts and other promotions. I've been visiting several online shops last week and found five items that I'm sure will make the receiver happy and special once you give him one of these on the 25th!

1. Watch

     I think it's a no brainer that men's most favorite accessories of all time are watches. This kind of accessory makes their outfit complete. Whatever kind of outfit they wear, a watch is an important part of it. I was looking for a unique and trendy style of watches online and found one in my favorite online shop- ZALORA.

5 Gift Ideas for Men this Christmas

     Zalora's been a favorite online shopping destination. I've bought a few items from them in the past and I love the smooth transaction and fast shipping. Check out this gorgeous watch collection from Valentino at ZALORA. I was amazed that they're offering this brand now. Lots of styles and collection especially for men plus some of the items have discounts too. The photos above are my favorites from the collection. These are affordable watches that have unique and elegant designs.

2. Perfume

     Another gift item that men would love to receive based on my experience with the males in the family. They were excited when a random family friend gave them colognes and perfumes when they arrived from overseas last year. There are so many perfume brands in the market today so finding the right scent will be a little tricky but easy. Most guys prefer aquatic and musky scent. To make sure that you'll be giving the right scent for him, you can ask them a random question about perfumes and what they like. For sue they'll e surprised to receive a bottle on Christmas day. Hubby's current fave are Burberry Brit Splash and Issey Miyake L'eau d'Issey Pour Homme

5 Gift Ideas for Men this Christmas
images from fragrantica.com 

3. Sling Bag

     This fashion item is becoming a favorite and a must-have for men these days. If my memory serves me right, some men prefer not to bring a small bag when strolling at the mall or grocery shopping with the family. They just want to keep their wallet inside their pocket and hold their mobile phones. But today, I've seen men sporting sling bags in different sizes and shapes. Hubby received a sling bag last year that's been used and abused already. 

5 Gift Ideas for Men this Christmas
image from amazon.co.uk

4. Shoes

     This gift item can be a bit expensive from the rest on the list but once received, a big smile on their faces will be seen. Who doesn't want to have a new pair of kicks this Christmas, right? Give them a new pair of Jordan shoes to add to their collection or let them change their style a bit and an Adidas Stan Smith will do the trick.

5 Gift Ideas for Men this Christmas
images from nike.com and adidas.com

5. Wallet

     This prolly one of the basics but giving him a wallet will instill a habit of saving money. One of my bothers don't own a decent wallet before and he is complaining that there were times he forgot where he put his bills. I discovered that he only owns a small coin purse and don't mind having a wallet. He insisted that as long there's a coin purse, there's a place for paper bills. Fast forward today, he realized that a foldable wallet is important. It's not only for money, some of his important identification cards can be placed inside too. He was able to save money too because once he placed a paper bill inside, he's thinking twice whether to spend it or not especially if the paper bills are new.

5 Gift Ideas for Men this Christmas
image from amazon.com

     That's it, hope you find inspiration on my list. It's not difficult to find these items on line and I'm sure you'll find one of the products I've mentioned above. Always remember that it's not the price tag that matters, what's important is the joy that you give in giving. The thought always counts! Happy shopping, dearies!

Will you consider one item that I listed above? Comment your thoughts below :)

Good Times!~