Gift wrapping on a budget

I've just started wrapping Christmas gifts a few days ago and it's really something that I enjoy and find therapeutic.

I started with the gifts for Miley's classmates and school staff and I love how everything turned out. I used kraft paper (P6.50 a pack) and Manila paper (P6.00 a pack) to wrap everything, then just jazzed them up using the decorative/washi tape I got from Divisoria (6 pcs for P100!). I didn't even use gift tags for most of them, since I just wrote the recipients name right on the paper using colored markers. :)

Manila and kraft paper basically costs the same, but I like the color and texture of kraft paper better.

I bought the washi tape a few months ago and didn't really have any with a Christmas design. But the beauty of using decorative tape is you can totally get creative and mix and match different colors and patterns! Here are some of the ways I decorated each gift. The possibilities are endless and each package is completely personalized! :)

Here I am practicing my scripty handwriting. What do you think? haha! :p

I was able to wrap 12 gifts using about 2 packs of kraft paper. And at P6.50 a pack, that's like P1 per gift! Add the decorative tape (which you don't really need much of per package) and I think I spent a total of less than P5 wrapping each present! Yey! See, you totally don't need to spend so much to make your gifts look cute. Anyway, you can also check out my post last year for other gift wrapping ideas. Enjoy! :)

The kids' 1st out of the country trip in Singapore!

Finally, I'm able to post about our trip to Singapore last October. As the title says, this was the very first time we were taking the kids out of the country so hubby and I were both really excited and nervous. We were travelling with hubby's family so we didn't really plan on bringing a yaya anymore (also a first!). However, I got pregnant a couple of months before the trip so I was extra anxious since I knew I couldn't really wear myself out so much with all the walking and running after the kids...

Anyway, we had a full itinerary since we were spending 4 days in Singapore and another 4 days on board a cruise ship (more on that later). Hubby and I love Singapore and have already been here many times but it was a whole new experience being with the kids. From waking up extra early everyday to make sure the kids and all our stuff were ready, lugging around 2 strollers plus our heavy baby bags everywhere we went, dealing with temper tantrums, sleepyheads, bathroom breaks, feeding, and basically keeping both kids entertained... We have never been more exhausted during a trip!

It was also a little more costly since we would always think about the convenience of the kids. Like instead of staying in a budget hotel with smaller rooms, we wanted to book in a nice hotel where the kids would be more comfortable. If before, we would always take the train or walk going somewhere, this time we mostly took taxis or booked a tour van. But we did take the MRT though, so that the kids could also experience riding the train.

the kids' 1st train ride! :)

favorite meal in SG - hainanese chicken

We also just chose to go to kid-friendly places and areas that would be easy for us to move around (so no crowded places like Chinatown or shopping at Bugis Street). We just went to Marina Bay Sands and then of course Universal Studios and Sentosa.

Marina Bay Sands

the Louis Vuitton store

inside the MBS hotel

Gardens by the Bay

Singapore at night

Manila St. in Singapore

This was also probably the only trip where hubby and I didn't go shopping at all! We only went to one mall near our hotel and basically just walked around with the kids while waiting for everyone to finish shopping and then have dinner haha! I'm glad I've already been to Singapore before because we really didn't have time to visit all the attractions tourists usually go to like the Merlion or even Orchard Road. At least I didn't feel like I was missing out while I was at the hotel with the kids instead of sightseeing. ;p

Bottomline, it was definitely a challenge travelling with young kids especially with no yaya. When we would get back to our hotel at the end of the day, all we want to do is crawl into bed and sleep. But of course, we still have to give the kids a bath, clean their bottles, and prepare stuff for the next day. And after everything's done, the kids are still up wanting to play! I don't think I've ever appreciated our yayas more after this trip haha! Although it would have definitely been easier if it was just one child or if I wasn't pregnant since I was extra tired most of the time and I was really careful to not exert myself so much in carrying the kids or our heavy things.

If we could do this all over again, would we? I think definitely YES, but not for a while though hehe. Imagine next year, we have 3 kids already! I think we definitely need to bring a yaya or we'll go insane! Although just being by yourselves definitely brings everyone closer and the memories we had on this trip are priceless. But personally, I think that if you can afford it and if you want more time to relax and enjoy, then bringing a yaya is definitely worth it. Or just wait until all your kids are grown up before travelling haha!

The all new Good Shepherd in Tagaytay

A trip to Tagaytay for us is never complete without passing by the Good Shepherd store to buy pasalubong like ube jam, peanut brittle, buko pie and so much more.

We discovered last month though that they have moved from their previous location to a new and better one at Sta. Rosa Road, near the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay junction. The store is so much bigger and with lots of parking too.

my only complain - a long flight of stairs to get to the store!

So the next time you head to Tagaytay, don't forget to pass by Good Shepherd for their delicious goodies. :)

One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites

When we attended a wedding in Tagaytay last month, we decided to book an overnight stay at one of the hotels near the reception venue so we wouldn't have to drive all the way home late at night with the kids.

The hotel the couple recommended was One Tagaytay Place. We booked online through Asiatravel and got a One Bedroom Suite with breakfast (good for 3 adults plus the 2 kids who were free). Total was P4,650.00 (including service charge and taxes).

One BR Suite Features:

31 sqm.

Receiving area

Sofa

Mini-dining area

Queen-size bed

1 extra bed (for triple occupancy)

2 LCD TVs (one in the receiving area and the other inside the bedroom)

I was happy with the room since it was clean and cozy. The kids had so much fun jumping on the beds and running around the place. I just wasn't overly satisfied with the breakfast buffet since I felt there weren't a lot of choices.

restaurant at ground floor where breakfast was served

reception area

Rowena's store right across the main entrance

Overall I was happy with our stay and felt it was a good deal for the price. There's also a 7-11 in the front area of the hotel and a Rowena's store where you can buy pasalubong. So if you're looking for a place to stay for a quick getaway, I think One Tagaytay is a good option. :)


One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites
445 Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Barrio Sungay West
Tagaytay City 4120
Hotel Front Office: (+632) 584 4111 | (+6346) 483 0111
Telefax: (+632) 584 4156 | Mobile No. +63922 8348874
Email: reservations@onetagaytayplace.com

Manila Sales Office:
Unit 2806, One Corporate Centre
Doña Julia Vargas corner Meralco Ave.
Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605
Phone Numbers: (+632) 477 7111 | (+632) 381 6041 | (+632) 497 6613
Fax Number: (+632) 656 5842
Mobile Number. +63922 8348872
E-mail: sales@onetagaytayplace.com

Sanrio Christmas at SM North EDSA

A friend of mine shared pictures of her child posing with Hello Kitty and when I found out it was at SM, I immediately searched for it online. Turns out there's currently a Hello Kitty exhibit at SM North EDSA's The Block Atrium which was launched last November 15. They also had this Hello Kitty Village last year, but being from the south, I had no idea all this was going on. I mean I think I've only been to SM North EDSA once in my entire life!

Anyway, it runs until December 31 and there's also a Hello Kitty meet & greet all weekends of December (except 28 & 29) at 4pm and 6pm at The Block Atrium.

 Here are other pictures from SM North EDSA's Facebook page:

I just wish they also had this in SM stores nearer to us! I'm still convincing hubby to drive all the way to the north so Miley can see this. I mean, this is so much cheaper than flying to Malaysia to visit Hello Kitty Town right? lol! ;p

Barbie, Hi-5, Disney on Ice in Manila!

I'm so excited because there's so many shows for kids and the whole family this December!

BARBIE LIVE!

Miley loooooves Barbie, so I was thrilled when I saw that they were having this all-new musical production on December 11 to 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena. I also saw online that they have promos where you can get 20% off if you have an SM Advantage, SM Prestige, or BDO Rewards Card. Just inquire when you go to any SM Tickets outlet, visit www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222. 

 

 

Hi-5 HOUSE PARTY

The kids are also fans of Hi-5 and they'll be here on December 13 to 15 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura. Stevie and Lauren welcome newcomers Dayen Zheng, Ainsley Melham and Mary Lascaris to the stage in this Dance Party extravaganza. Hi-5’s favourite friend DJ Chats will be the “party meister” spinning discs and keeping everyone on their toes. Tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets, visit www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222 for more details. 

 

DISNEY ON ICE TREASURE TROVE

And of course, Christmas wouldn't be complete without the usual Disney on Ice show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Would you believe they're celebrating 23 years in the Philippines already this year? It will run from December 25, 2013 to January 5, 2014. Visit Ticketnet for show times and more details.

The tickets are not cheap so we'll probably just watch 1 or 2 shows if ever. After deliberating about it, hubby and I decided to prioritize Disney on Ice since all the characters will be there (parang nag Hong Kong Disneyland na din kami haha!). We already bought tickets and we are all so excited! Can't wait! :)

4 Weddings & a Preggy Me

I think hubby and I got married quite young 5 years ago at 26, since during that time, we were one of the first out of all our friends and batchmates. It wasn't until about last year when the wedding boom started for us, with people started getting engaged and married left and right.

I attended a total of 4 weddings this year and they were all held during the last quarter of 2013. Which means a very pregnant me! It really is so much fun attending weddings, because you know for sure there'll be drinks and people are there to really let loose and get wasted (at least my friends are haha!). But since I'm preggy, I can't really par-tay so that just means more drinks for everyone! ;p

We're also one of the first to have kids in our group so what's good is that they're almost always guaranteed to be part of the entourage (yey!). But it also means we can't stay out too late since we'll be dealing with temper tantrums and sleepyheads as the night goes on (booo!).

Anyway, here's a glimpse into each of the 4 weddings we went to. :)

Wedding #1

This was the wedding of my brother-in-law which was held in Cebu. We were all part of the entourage - hubby was the best man, I was a secondary sponsor, Miley was the flowergirl, and Sabe was the ringbearer (although he refused to walk!).

ceremony was held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

reception was held at Shangri-La Mactan

super yummy everything

Wedding #2

This was the wedding of one of our college barkada and it had a Parisian theme. It was honestly one of the most beautiful receptions I had ever been to with all the gorgeous flowers and overall set-up.

I got my dress from Miss Selfridge at 70% off!

Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La

loved the photobooth set-up!

Wedding #3

Another wedding of our college kabarkada, this time held in Tagaytay. This wedding was held on November 9, the day after typhoon Yolanda hit! Everybody was really anxious the week before just reading the news about how this was the biggest storm ever (especially the poor couple since their reception was going to be outdoors!). We were all just praying that the weather wouldn't be that bad on the day itself. But lo and behold, the sun actually shone that morning and there was only some slight rainfall before the ceremony. :)

Sabe was the coin bearer, and again he refused to walk so I had to carry him down the aisle! Hope he gets the hang of this soon though, since he'll be the coin bearer again for my cousins wedding in January. ;p

got my dress at 50% off from a store called Mags in Southmall!

Reception was held in Angelfields, Tagaytay. They had the whole place tented up last minute!

silly faces for the photobooth ;p

Wedding #4

The last wedding was my high school barkada's and I was a bridesmaid and Miley was a flowergirl again. I really loved our dresses and all the colors of the entourage! And all the details down to the reception was just lovely. :)

Being able to be part of all these celebrations is just so wonderful. Especially seeing and feeling all the love in the air (naks!). I kept joking hubby that it was a good thing we already got married because it would be so much pressure for me if I had to plan a wedding now with all those gorgeous ideas to compete with haha! I think there would definitely be some things I'd change if I could get married again now (like getting an on-site video done!!! grrr, my biggest regret!). But of course, each wedding is beautiful in its own way and when I look back at the pictures from our special day, the main thing I'm reminded of is that was the start of our lives together. I can only wish the same happiness for all the couples in this new chapter in their lives... :)