Gift packaging ideas

Today I made the first batch of presents that my boyfriend and I are giving out. Every year, I probably put more thought into the wrapper than the present itself. Selecting the packaging is a process I thoroughly enjoy, and seeing the final result is well worth the time and the work.

This year, I chose something really simple and added a personal touch. The plastic cookie containers are from a baking supply store. I just lined the bottom and sides with wrapping paper, and added the personalized stickers that I had printed out (see previous blog for instructions).

Plastic containers filled with mudslide cookies

A few years ago, I bought a few sinamay bags from Divisoria and rummaged around the house for loose decor. With the help of a gluestick and a candle, I attached balls, acorns, and ribbon to adorn the bags. No one missed those things from the tree but they sure made the bags look pretty.

Sinamay bags with a holiday theme

I hope you got some ideas from the pictures I posted. I shall be on the lookout for more wrapping ideas. Please feel free to send me links and your own pics. :D

Make your own Christmas stickers

The holidays are just around the corner, and I can't help but write blogs about all things Christmas-y. Today I am making some of my presents and they are easy as pie.

I take that back... pie isn't easy. But this is.

Christmas stickers

1. Search online for a template or any design that you can edit. I found this adorable doggy tag

from http://www.zazzle.com/.

2. Edit to add your personalized greeting. I used Photoshop and I'm not even good at that.

If I can do it, you can.

3. Print on sticker paper or save the file and ask your local printer to do it.

A place in SM Hypermart Pasig prints stickers for P90 for a big sheet

which can easily fit 25 of these.

You may also use your favorite photos and use them for these tags and stickers.

I hope you get inspired to start working on your presents early. Have a blessed

back-to-work Tuesday!

Like everyday is Sunday

Yesterday was just one of those days that I truly live for. It's highlights were a home-cooked lunch, some frozen yogurt, a picnic with some dear old friends, a long walk, a glass of wine, and coming home to spend time with family for the weekend. It was a Friday that felt more like a Sunday... and I mean that in the best (not in a Morrissey song kind of) way.

While most of us don't have the luxury of skipping work for high tea, it is possible to make everyday feel like our favorite day of the week. Let me share some things that will hopefully be as effective for you as they have been for me.

Waking up with a sense of gratitude. Oprah Winfrey has long championed having an attitude of gratitude, and recommends keeping a gratitude journal. Whether we write down or make a mental note of the positive things, it sets the mood for the day. The NLT version of Philippians 4:8 says:

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise".

There are always so much to give the Lord praise for, and I usually start my day by looking out the window and thanking Him for the weather. It doesn't matter if it's hot and bright or a damp and melancholic, I smile and take it all in. Then I begin to thank him for the birds chirping, my cup of coffee, a good night's sleep, etc. The list goes on and it makes me aware of the good things as I proceed with the day.

Having quiet time and worship. For me, time spent reading the word and in prayer and reflection is priceless. There are mornings when I don't feel the need to utter anything so I just soak in His presence and goodness and love. This is the air that my spirit breathes.

Slowing down. A rushed existence usually means confusion: things are forgotten or misplaced, bad judgement calls are made, and stress levels are quick to rise. Slowing down is less about being inefficient and more about completing tasks in a relaxed and graceful manner. We all know what it's like to be unhappy with the mismatched outfit we had to wear to work only because we didn't have time to pick out a better one. This can be prevented by getting your clothes ready the night before or waking up half an hour early to avoid the manic morning feeling. The slow life may require some discipline and foresight but the trade-off is well worth it.

The humorous site www.slowdownnow.org issued a Slow Down Manifesto, part of which states:

"We shall slow down with growing confidence when all those around us are in a shrill state of hyperactivity (signifying nothing). We shall defend our state of calm, whatever the cost may be".

Making time for things you like. By waking up early, you will find that you have the time to squeeze in activities such as breakfast in bed or reading a good novel. Surrounding ourselves with things we love can also give us a constant boost of warm fuzzy feelings, which are good for our immune system. It takes little time to pick a pretty flower and put it by your night stand, or slice some lemons for your water pitcher for a special tangy touch.

Yesterday I spent the better part of the morning listening to my favorite music, from gospel to show tunes to the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. I do this while folding my laundry or testing a recipe, and it makes doing chores a delight instead of a drudgery. So whether your thing is painting or themed karaoke, I say stop saving it for the weekend. Spread it out over the week so the feeling of satisfaction is spread out as well.

Spending time with the people you love. A lot of my favorite people are part of the family that I was born in, and for that I am truly blessed. I stayed over the family home last night and got to hang out with eight cousins who all came from watching a movie. It meant the world to me that they stopped by to say hello, and that hour or so with them was enough to make my heart glad.

If you feel that you have been too busy to reconnect with the people you love, it is time to make time. Enjoy a slow, nutritious meal share a pot of tea and catch up. Lunch break is a great time to break the monotony of a workday as you can use it to get a sandwich and maybe a pedicure with a friend who works close by. Be intentional about how you spend your time and don't whine about your boss or your work load. And give that person a big hug as you say goodbye!

I am writing this during my lunch hour at work today. And just taking a chance I checked out if the domain name everydaysunday.com was taken. It is and it's the page of a Christian rock band with a song called Gypsy Girl. Coincidence? I think not! And this discovery alone makes my working Saturday feel like a Sunday.

Gypsy Girl

Everyday Sunday www.everydaysunday.bigcartel.com | MySpace Music Videos

White Chocolate Mocha

Despite the scorching weather, I love waking up to a warm drink. Most mornings I am curled up on the couch with a book and a cup of something soothing, which fills me up until I am ready to make brunch.

Today's drink of choice is inspired by the big bar of white chocolate from the girls on the third floor... on top of the block that has been sitting in my fridge. It's good and easy and reminds me of Christmas in the middle of summer.

White Chocolate Mocha

1/2 cup chopped white chocolate (or white chocolate chips)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup heavy cream or whipping cream

1 teaspoon instant coffee

a pinch of nutmeg

In a saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate with the milk and cream. Watch that it does not boil as the dairy products tend to curdle. Remove from heat and stir in the instant coffee. If you prefer your drink frothy, give it a few pumps in a coffee press or shake in an... uhm.. shaker. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve. It's okay to let your local baristas miss you for a while.

This drink is great for nightcaps too. Omit the coffee if you are sensitive to caffeine.

Special thanks to Nino Hernandez and Julianne Tarroja for the photos.

Gifts for gracious hosts, Part 1.

Alice Blue Candles are LOVE. Wine is a classic gift.

I spend a lot of time thinking about ways to up my cool hostess factor, but today a conversation with my friend got me thinking about the importance of being a gracious guest as well.

Liz is currently travelling around the east coast of the US staying with various friends, so ahe asked me for ideas on what to give as thank you presents. After a two-second pause, I started bombarding our chat window with suggestions ranging from soap to elaborate baskets. I admit, I do get carried away.

It is always good to find out about your host's preferences and special needs before making a purchase. While bringing a jar of the most delicious jam is a sweet gesture, it might not be appropriate if the recipient is diabetic or allergic to certain fruits. One man's pleasure may be another's poison so do your homework.

(For those who can have sweets, this jam from Fruit Garden is my favorite! Available at Bacchus in Rockwell. You may also check out http://www.thefruitgarden.net/ )

As far as time-tested and generic tokens go, a few special touches such as nice wrapping tissue and a heartfelt note make a regular bottle of wine memorable. I once glued on Christmas balls to sinamay bags and to this day my friends remember the packaging more than the actual gift.

Pretty up the packaging but try to keep your gifts simple especially when purchasing non-food items such as decor. Always remember that the goal is to be thoughtful as opposed to tacky; style impositions may not be well-received. Having said that, I've always been more comfortable giving and taking exhaustible gifts such as toiletries and candles over things that I may feel obliged to display but not necessarily like.

There are a number of small, inexpensive items which remind the host of your gratitude long after your stay is over. Things such as refrigerator magnets, coasters, napkin rings, and the like come to mind. A recent guest presented me with low ball glasses after we spent two weeks drinking hard liquor from high balls at my place. Since they are so practical and often used (not always for alcohol), I am reminded of that friend's pleasant stay every time I pull them out of the cupboard.

I shall share more of my favorite products and gifts soon. Meanwhile, I wanna hear about the best host/hostess gifts you've given or received! Have a blessed weekend.

love,

Camille

Rise and shine: Crepes are easy!

There are few things I love more than breakfast food. From greasy bacon waffles to healthy fruit and yogurt cups, it's stuff that I can eat all day.

Breakfast treats are also some of the least intimidating but greatly appreciated things you can prepare. Just think muesli in parfait glasses and you get the idea. Oh, and the endless things you can top a crepe with!

Speaking of crepes, I woke up late and got a message that my friend Nino was making a batch. I love having friends as neighbors! And since there is only enough to share for this table, I will just share the recipe that we've used countless times with much success. Enjoy!

Crepes

1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1 Tbsp melted butter
1 cup of milk, plus more if needed

Whisk everything together until you get a smooth batter. The idea is to get it thin enough so it will easily be swirled in a pan. The key is trial and error. If you end up with less than perfect crepes on the first few tries, chalk it up to experience and save the trial ones for yourself. They may not look good but they will taste the same.. then your guests can enjoy the post-trial good ones.

Since crepes are thin they will cook easily. They should turn solid in front of your eyes in no time. I like to use a non-stick pan, loosen the edges with a spatula, and flip to cook the other side. Let me know how it goes!

*Our brunch crepes, stuffed with bananas. I'm generally a butter and sugar topping fan, but condensed milk and Nutella are always welcome guests!

Mary and Martha

As a single woman who loves to entertain, I am often overwhelmed by what it takes to do it all. Most days I struggle to find a balance between checking my to-do list and getting to the things that I actually enjoy. I do know that somewhere in the midst of mopping the kitchen floor and filling drinks, there is room to enjoy and rest. Which brings me to the story of Mary and Martha from the Bible:

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.

But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:38-42, New Living Translation)

If you are anything like me, you are probably thinking, "But someone has to do the work"! I don't believe Jesus was implying that we shouldn't put in the effort to be good hostesses. Another version of the last verse reads that "Mary has chosen the better thing", which was to sit at the feet of Jesus and share her heart and time with him. I am sure that our human guests would appreciate the same attention.

True hospitality, as I am learning, is about creating a healing and restful atmosphere for those who enter into our space. A place where others feel safe, where they can feel special whether it's in our homes or in our presence. It's about finding the Marys in the Marthas while developing the merry Marthas in all of us.