Tuesday, 31 December 2013

7 Wonders of Yuletide : Sleep Care, Sleep Well

Posted by clapalisoc | Tuesday, 31 December 2013 | Category: , , , , , , | 2 comments

Six years have passed since the first day I saw these expensive pillows from Gourdo in Gateway Mall. I have been commuting to and from work back then and I always pass by Gourdo's as I make my way out of the mall, coming from LRT Line 2. You see, buying 4 pieces of fluffy looking pillows for about 2000php wasn't very practical back in 2007 when I was still single. Even if they had a promo of buy 4 take 2 free, it wasn't justifiable. Each day I see the pillows, I had to convince myself that I didn't need that much. But each year, they present themselves to me when the yuletide season kicks in. Even when I got married, I still can't take them off my mind. I would tell myself that we have comfortable pillows at home and would not need more. Hubby even got me this long, very fluffy and huggable pillow - I couldn't ask for more. 
Sleep Care by Gourdo's
This year, I remembered the pillows again. But since it's very very seldom that we get to visit Gateway Mall, I wasn't sure if they still had the promo. Nevertheless, I told hubby about it. He asked me to call every Gourdo store near us until I learned that the pillows were now only available in their Sleep Care Branches - Trinoma, G4, Magnolia, Shangri-La, ATC. I didn't really put too much effort in hunting them. I left everything to chance. If they were meant for me, they will be mine.
Buy 4 Take 2 for 2240php 
Until this one fine day when the hubby brought us to Glorietta 4 for lunch. I wasn't really thinking about the Sleep Care branch there until we luckily passed by the store with the pillow promo greeting us! Hubby didn't forget about how much I've been wanting to have them so he tugged me to the store and got all 6 for me!!! Wooohooooo!

Six vacuum sealed, queen-sized pillows - they were so soft and fluffy! They had this clean scent since they were treated to kill dust mites and bacteria. The anti-mite and anti-bacterial properties were to last for about three years. They're also hypoallergenic! Whiw! The little girl and I can't help but hug and squeeze the pillows each time possible. They were just so comfy and so huggable! They made us want to stay on the bed and sleep more!

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

7 Wonders of Yuletide : Pretty Little Surprise

Posted by clapalisoc | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 | Category: , , , , , , | 0 comments

Sometime in October, as I was "busy" Facebook-ing on a laid back weekday night, I came across one item in my news feed - my friend liked a post of Starbucks Philippines about a survey. I clicked and it was about writing an essay with the topic "Why do you love Starbucks?" Since I was bored, I answered the survey and wrote a short essay. Honestly, I didn't even save a copy of what I wrote and I remember that it was a really short one. I think I just showcased Starbucks being more than just about coffee and all. They were to choose hundreds of winners anyway, who will each receive a set of Starbucks Card, so I thought it will just be a raffle and the content will not matter too much. 

Weeks passed from the day that I answered the survey and I have to say that I have totally forgotten about it. Besides, I already have a Starbucks card. Then, towards the end of October, a friend asked me if I joined the contest since she saw my name on the list. Could be me or someone with the same name. I searched my news feed and didn't see the post. Then I realized that I did not even LIKE the page of Starbucks Philippines in FB. LOL!!! I checked out their page, liked it, checked on the list of winners and saw my name! Indeed, I won! Wow!

Pretty little box of surprise was delivered to my home address via LBC.

Letter from Starbucks that was included in the box.

See, I'm not one lucky gal when it comes to raffle promos. I NEVER won, ever. This was the first time! Such an early Christmas gift. Might be petty for some but for me, this is no wonder a blessing and an opportunity to bless other people as well.

A card for me and for two dear friends.
One box, 3 Starbucks cards...Since it's the season of giving, Starbucks was generous enough to hand over three cards for each winner. They were meant to be shared and meant to spread the love. One came in with a card holder and was pre-loaded with 500php while the other two were pre-loaded with 300php. It just feels so good to be able to share even the simplest blessings!

Limited edition card holder that was given for free during the first days of the launch of the planner if you avail of the Christmas Edition Card, pre-loaded with 1500php, with free 300php load. It came in some other colors like the festive red!

Thank you Starbucks! Thank you Starbucks Philippines! It's indeed the start of a happy happy Christmas!


--- Starbucks Card Page : https://starbuckscard.ph/SBCard.aspx

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

7 Wonders of Yuletide : Making Them Smile

Posted by clapalisoc | Wednesday, 6 November 2013 | Category: , , , , , , | 0 comments

Have you ever taken a moment to stop and appreciate or even observe those people working in parking areas? Could be in malls or in any other parking space? Most times, we hurry up as soon as we get the ticket or as soon as we have paid our parking bill. Always looking forward to the place we're about to go to or in a hurry to go home. Since I do not drive and always on the passenger side of the car, I have a lot of time to observe them. Most times they are alone in their booths, with no one to talk to. They seldom smile, except if their day has just started which usually coincides with the opening of a mall or the place that we are about to go to. They seem like robots with no reaction at all or when the day gets old, you'll see them frowning. 

What about those people in toll gates? I bet you only see the toll fees - then curse the government every time due to the high price. I believe that both group of workers are under appreciated. We just pass them by which is very normal since we can't really stop and talk to them for a long time. That's just it - that's their job and it should be done as quickly as possible, as many cars as possible.

Whenever Cherienne joins trick or treats, we would go home with tons of candies and other sweet loots that we would never be able to consume even after several months. About three years ago, while in Serendra for dinner on a Halloween night, we decided to give out candies to parking attendants. We only had one simple goal - to dispose as much candies as we can! Then the day after, we still had a lot so we decided to extend the act until the 2nd of November. We were hesitant at first since we have never seen anyone do such thing before and we were afraid that the loots will get rejected. But then something heart warming came about. As we give out treats, we've seen them smile. At first they looked all grumpy and tired but as soon as we hand them the sweet treats and greet them "Happy Halloween" (not really sure if our greeting is legit), their faces would light up and they would smile followed by sincere thank yous. Since then, this has become our yearly tradition not only because of Halloween but most importantly, it signals the start of the gift giving season that is Christmas. 

NLEX and SCTEX - Northbound
This year, after Cherienne's trick or treat party in her school, she went on a vacation in my home town - Tarlac City. We were practically home on a Halloween night and we didn't have loots to give out since she took all the treats with her. I thought there'll be no opportunity to carry on the tradition. But on that night, we were set to travel north to fetch the little girl. You see,  there was a 3 day bazaar in hubby's office days before the 31st and I joined in to fill my time while the little girl was away. We sold some baked goods and had some ingredients left. To put them into good use, I baked some goodies -packed them and had them ready to be given to Toll Plaza people.

NLEX  and SCTEX - Southbound
One toll gate at a time. I've got some candies, biscuits, cookies and brownie bites prepared. I've got more than enough to last even on our way back to Manila. Each personnel from each stop had this tired look in their face. Everything changed as soon as we handed over the treats - they smiled, that kind of smile that's just so natural. Some would get confused at first but as soon as we said "Happy Halloween", they got what we were trying to do. Each smile, each thank you was just so uplifting. Knowing that you have touched the life of someone who's a complete stranger to you, in even the simplest way, gives a priceless joy. 

I believe everyone needs to be appreciated at one point. Knowing that someone remembered you especially in your most tiring day gives a positive vibe that will surely be remembered for a long time.

Sunday, 3 November 2013

Yuletide Blessings

Posted by clapalisoc | Sunday, 3 November 2013 | Category: , , | 0 comments

Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year for me (and maybe for the majority of the people I know), aside from the summer season (which means triple celebration  for my family - my birthday, Cherienne's birthday and our anniversary). The cool breeze, the carols, the Christmas decors, the gifts, the shopping, the joyful and loving spirit embracing the whole world are just so heart warming. Honestly, I get overly excited when the "ber" months kick in. Each year as the month of June approaches, I tell my husband that I could almost feel Christmas. Too early, you think? Not for me. June is the start of the school year here in our country and from then on, each day and each month becomes so busy that you will not notice how fast time has passed you by. Then you'll just realize that September has kicked in and Christmas countdown has begun, yet again.

 Each year I make it appoint to write about things that make my Yuletide season special. People I love, gifts that I have received, places, food and surprises. I wasn't able to carry on last year due to a busy schedule that's beyond imaginable. This year, as I lead a relaxed and housewife mode kind of life, I vow to continue with this simple tradition of mine. 

7 Wonders of Yuletide - Simple Blessings, Simple Joys. 7 of the most special gifts and happenings in my life as we approach the jolly season. No fuzz, no frills, no extravagance - those simplest things that light up the season even more. 

Join me as each day, each moment and each blessing takes me closer to Christmas and the new year!

Wednesday, 11 September 2013

One Day - David Nicholls

Posted by clapalisoc | Wednesday, 11 September 2013 | Category: , , , , | 0 comments

I haven't really formally reviewed a book through a blog. I usually read and tell my husband what I think of the book - the story, the characters and the overall feel of the plot as I go along. Then I thought, why not put my opinions into writing? It will not hurt anyone anyway and it'll give me a break from my usual food blogging.

See, I love to read and write. These take up my free time. Every Yuletide Season, I horde books - from wish lists and from my hubby! I love books! I was first adamant to get ebooks. I think they kill the fun of flipping pages. But then as soon as I run out of books to read and had no time to go to the bookstore to sort through and find the titles I wanted, I resorted to ebooks.


One Day is the most recent one that I got the chance to finish. I wasn't really rooting for this book, unlike the other titles I bought online. When I was browsing, it kind of popped out and got me curious. The cover looked like Anne Hathaway. I was not sure and did not even bother to research if it has been made into film - just being lazy, you know.

And so the story goes...

Dex and Em, Em and Dex .... never really friends in college but had some common ones. They got to know each other after graduation. They had this special night that was shared - just having fun, nothing serious. It was more like a one night stand that turned out into a life long friendship, tested by time. They talked and talked until they felt comfortable with each other. It was obvious that they liked each other but they both denied their feelings, too shy to give in. They exchanged numbers and addresses, promised to call and write letters. That was the start of a friendship built on strong foundations.

Em obviously liked Dex - too much in my opinion. They constantly exchanged mails. Em writing about her life, her thoughts and the books she has read. Dex, on the other hand, sent in post cards and letters but with very limited details. He was so consumed with the world, with fun and with girls. But at the back of his mind and deep inside his heart, he always longed for Em. He felt empty and knew that Em will somehow complete him. But he was too busy to take the feeling seriously. He wanted to explore, to go places and meet all the girls he can.

Em has been reserving herself. All she wanted to be was with Dex. Events that almost led the way to a happy ending - once, twice or even more. But Dex will always get into something that will distract him and let the chances fly. Years passed and they seemed to have grown apart from each other. Dex got so involved with fame, money, alcohol, drugs and girls. He lost himself. Em got busy changing careers, looking for that one job that'll make her happy as she tried to write and complete a book. As Dex wanders, she got herself into a relationship that she never wanted to be in the first place. But she trapped herself. 

Wanting to pour her heart out, she went on a dinner with Dex, one of the many that they've shared all though out their friendship. But Dex was too distracted with the people around him, with the chemical and alcohol running into his blood. He has changed big time and that made Em pull the trigger. The emotions involved were too strong. I felt the pain that Em felt - your best friend and the only one you wanted to be was drifting away from you. She was confused and hurt and decided to end the friendship. That scene played so strongly into my imagination. Hurt and loneliness....

Then she gave up Ian, her partner. She declined the engagement offered. She didn't want to get married to someone she didn't love. Em has been keeping her feelings for Dex, not wanting to ruin the friendship. But they made a promise - when they're both in their forties and still unmarried, they have promised to get on together. Marry each other - the last resort. I felt that Em was really holding on to that promise. She moved on with life, yes, but deep inside her heart Dex was the one.

Some more years passed and Dex fell in love with Sylvie. She was the Audrey Hepburn type and Dex liked her so much, loved her if I can say that. In this wedding that Dex and Em both attended, I felt all the feelings being restrained by Em for Dex. He is happy in love. She is single and on her 30s. They re-united. They weren't able to deny the connection that lingered between them - Dex most specially. As Em took her shot to remind Dex of the promise made about resorting to each other when they turn forty, Dex announced that he was getting married and that Sylvie was pregnant. Em played it so well in hiding the pain. I knew it, I just knew it --- she really loved Dex. 

Dex went on with life as a husband and a dad even when he has been struggling financially. Sylvie, on the other hand cheated on him. They were never a happy couple. They never go out or have fun or just laugh together. They were together because of Jasmine. Finally, they got divorced and Sylvie went with her lover. Dex was devastated. He has been through a lot in life. Such a grief, such a waste if you ask me. He could have  been phenomenal and successful had he given up show business early on. He had potentials that he did not use. From a boy next door to a TV presenter and host that's being booed. No other projects came as he became old. Lost his TV career, went into hard manual work, got divorced and then...nothing...He sold properties after properties in an attempt to start a decent life. 

After the divorce, he got re-united with Em. The successful Em - a popular writer with best selling books, a series actually. She got where she wanted to be career wise. But then there was always something missing - she was never complete. It was Dex. She left her boyfriend of some months and took the love risk with Dex. FINALLY!!! After more than a decade of chasing and waiting and contained feelings, they allowed themselves to be care free and just be in each other's arms. It was the best reunion. They were perfect together -- Dex & Em, Em & Dex... They started a new life together, put up a business for Dex and decided to move in together. They got married finally. They were perfect for each other - happy and content. They can talk about anything, can laugh endlessly and just be together dong nothing yet feel the love overflow. They have waited too long for this. Nothing can stop them now. Having a baby of their own was the next goal - the cherry on top. But it was not working. They were having a hard time but never giving up. They loved each other too much. 

The day came when they were about to check on the house Dex was eyeing to get for Em. It started to rain as Em made her way through the streets in her bike. Turns and short cuts, worried since she's running late. But something was wrong. As she tried to move to the side walk, people around her looked her way with so much concern. And then just like that .......... Em was gone. Hit by a truck, Em didn't get to her destination. She didn't get to see Dex for the last time. It all happened so fast. In just a blink of an eye.... Em was gone...

Imagine hoe Dex felt... He was lost, yet again. Drunk and unsure, yet again. How can life be so cruel and unfair to him? Life took the one that he has been wanting to be with for years and years. He wanted more, more than what they were able to share but Em was gone... never to return again...He moved on with his life. But never will his heart be as happy as when he was with Em.

Dex and Em, Em and Dex.... sad story. Made my heart cry. So beautifully written that you almost feel like watching a movie while you read. It'll take you to places in London and Paris. It will make you want to push Em to risk it and tell Dex early on about her feelings. Each details needed for you to feel how they felt was there. It was as if I was there with them as I read through. 

Dex and Em, Em and Dex...friendship built overtime that turned into the perfect foundation of a love that is unconditional and giving...

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