TOPAZ HORIZON

Just before Christmas, readers were asking me advice on what gifts do I suggest or they were curious about gifts that I do give to my loved ones. Because I had such a busy schedule, I wasn't able to reply. I really wanted to write a good post because, my dear readers, I take gift-giving very seriously!

Now, this post isn't too late. After all, Valentine's Day is coming up. And lotsa birthdays, weddings and parties, too! So here's my ultra-long post on gift giving. But before that, I'll give you a peek at what Vince and I want.

For Valentine's Day, I don't have anything for Vince yet. But for his birthday, I got him a set of really cool toy lens for the Olympus E-PL1.

For me (ahem ahem), I'd love one (or both!) of these:

Baby giraffe ring holder  Vince knows I love rings but he will get why this particular animal--and not rabbits!--is so perfect for me.

Necklace with hand-stamped pendants So charming and sweet and simple! And I love hand-stamping. I made a pewter bowl and hand-stamped it with our names. My necklace would read Vince, Frances, Vito

Vince and I are very good gifters. I think regular readers know this fact! We have certain rules when it comes to giving gifts.

1. They must not be useful. 
By that we mean, they have to be fabulous! When our friends Mariel and Alvin got married, we didn't give them a rice cooker or a wall clock, we gave them a fondue set. Frivolous, I know, but fun!

We don't give socks or underwear or mouthwash. Gifts aren't supposed to be stuff your loved ones can buy for themselves.

2. If they must be useful, they must be OTT. 
That's Over The Top. This past Christmas, my sister-in-law Lizelle wanted a card holder to organize her many credit and discount cards. I searched far and wide till I found an exquisite card holder made of supple Italian cowhide. The awesome smell of leather was seeping through the gift wrapper! She loved it!

So if the newlyweds asked for cutlery, give them silver-plated heavy ones. If they asked for bedsheets, give them the high thread count. If your friend asked for a journal, give a Moleskine.

3. Add a little extra. 
Some people really know what they want so if you give them something else--no matter how fab--they might not appreciate it. My family-in-law is very specific. Vince's niece Elizabeth wanted a Sylvanian doll. Vince gave her a pair, and since Elizabeth is a musician, he added a little baby grand piano and vintage microphone for the dolls. Elizabeth was delighted!

So if your friend asked for a book, give the book and throw in personalized book plates. If she asked for a pen, have her name engraved on it. If she asked for a blender, add some fruits!

4. Personalize it.
And I don't just mean the engraving and monogramming part. My sister Jacqui, being 21, wants clothes. But I don't want to choose her clothes for her because young women that age don't like to be told what to wear! So I got gift certificates from Forever 21 and The Ramp so that she can shop for herself. It doesn't have to be GCs. Remember my new Kate Spade Sutton Place Marielly bag? Sutton Place is a New York suburb. I have a stylish friend who lives in New York City named Mariel. So I bought her that bag. She loves it!

So for your foodie friend, buy her a dinner at a nice restaurant. For your spa-holic sister, get her a massage session. For your movie buff brother, get him passes to a 3D theater.

Giving gifts is an exciting thing to do. I always enjoy the hunt for the perfect gift. I like making people happy! Gifts that are whimsical, frivolous, fun and entertaining are a joy to give and receive. Here are more suggestions for certain occasions that always befuddle people:

Scented candles Make sure the recipients aren't sensitive to scents!

Monogrammed throws Choose neutral tones like white and cream.

Picture frames A collection of simple ones looks nice. Or you can get one fantastic piece in silver or enamel.

Potted flowering plants or herbs Do not give a bouquet because then she'll have to find a vase and water them when she should be with her guests. Potted plants will be enjoyed way after the party's done.

Dessert Guests usually volunteer to bring dessert but these chocolate-covered strawberries are best because your hostess won't have to bring out plates and spoons and knives and wash up!

Wine decanter A bottle of wine is a usual hostess gift, too. Why not add a little extra? This graceful decanter set is love.

Turtle night lamp A night lamp is very useful--for parents getting up in the middle of the night to change diapers and for little ones who're afraid of the dark. Remember to add whimsy to the usefulness!

Baby bath robe Again, very useful. So make sure the robe is the softest you can find and personalize it with the little cutie's name or initials or nickname.

Matching cuffs Maybe not for the shower but for a new mommy to a little girl. This will definitely be a prized set!

Then there are truly some gifts that are useless. Figurines, for example! Try not to give those unless you are positively certain that the recipient collects them!

KT, sweetheart, I'm sure you've seen Chanel's Resort St. Tropez Collection 2011. This particular cashmere mini dress with guipure details caught my eye:

The dress is GBP 1,652 or USD 2,600

On Clemence Poesy, ES Magazine

On Emma Roberts, Marie Claire Nov 2010 issue

On Jessica Alba, Elle Dec 2010 issue

I'm sure, Kate, you know why that dress piqued my interest. In 2007, you created the most fabulous flowergirl-and-bridesmaid dresses for my wedding. Yes, it's different and yet very very similar. Chanel's base is pink while yours is brown.

Bridesmaid Mariel (second from left) and the coolest Summit Media girls!

The flower girls and junior bridesmaid

I like what you did better. Yes, I prefer yours over Chanel!

Hubby was sick last weekend, then yesterday I caught the bug, too. That's what happens when you sleep together! And in this case, I mean sleep literally.

I don't think my coughs and colds will be as bad as Vince's, though. I've fortified my system with gingery broths and lemongrass tea (make your own!). I've even gone to Murad for my skin treatment that includes Vitamin C serum for the face so that if any germs settle on my skin, the anti-oxidants will kill it. Just a silly theory--don't quote me!

Still, no rest for the weary. I have a lot of work to do, errands, events. And then there's the big baby, who is, thankfully, better. He caught the bug too but because I am breastfeeding him, he gets the antibodies my body's producing to fight this cold. And now Vito's like the Energizer bunny! He's super cute. Go to my mommy blog for more photos of this baby in red.

So there. Just an update! I got a lot of feedback in my previous post, and some have emailed me asking for recipes that have just 3 ingredients. These are from exhausted wives/moms who are looking for quick and inexpensive meals to make. Single women living in the big city have also emailed with the same request. And I will answer in my next post. For now, I will sleep!

When I was growing up, I used to go with my grandmother to the wet market and watch her haggle away for the freshest meat, fish, veggies and fruits. Up until I moved out of my parents' house in 2001, I bought our family's food from the palengke. Every morning, Mama gave me P100 and I had to buy enough food to feed Papa, Mama, myself, my younger brother and sister, my older brother, his girlfriend (eventually wife) and their then two kids.

Count that. A hundred pesos for nine people. And that's for lunch and dinner! So while there are millions of people spending millions on diet pills because they eat too much, I had to make do with very little to feed a lot! Of course this was when a kilo of chicken cost P35 (yes, I am that old).

Believe me, I made that hundred pesos feed a large family easily. Here are a few tips:

• Cook vegetable soups. If you must have meat, veggies with just 1/4 kilo of pork or beef (although pork is cheaper) can go a long way!
• Ask for the pork fat. The butchers usually trim these and throw them away so you can get them for free. Put the fat in the skillet and - tada! - instant cooking oil and chicharon!
• Tofu is an excellent meat extender. 
• Make everything extra spicy or salty. I know, I know - so unhealthy. But when food is heavily seasoned, you eat more rice and less ulam! Don't follow this salty tip, ha. It's a solution poor people resort to kasi. Kaya siguro Pinoys have kidney problems kasi mahilig tayo sa asin dahil maraming Pinoy ang mahirap.
• If all else fails, make lugaw. Just throw rice in a large cauldron of water, together with garlic, onions, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper and you have a satisfying meal.

Yesterday, I brought Vito to the palengke for the first time. He was very... quiet. I guess all the colors and smells and noise overwhelmed the little guy. But I want him to get used to the wet market because I want him to know how to cook food. When you know how to cook, you'll never go hungry.

This guy sells fish so fresh, he made salmon sashimi. Yum!

That's yellowfin tuna.

The chicken is so fresh. Yes, freshly killed. See guy at right.

I watch those documentaries of poor people lamenting over the fact that they earn just P100 a day then they buy instant noodles, which costs about P20 and can feed just 3-5 people. I get really upset. I yell at the TV, "Buy kangkong! A bundle costs just P7! Buy 3 bundles, cook it adobo style and you have ulam for the whole day. Healthy pa!"

A kilo is just P50. Throw into a pot with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and ginger. A few minutes later, a delicious and nutritious mussel dish!

I don't believe that poverty equals poor food and nutrition. My grandmother lived through the terrible war and she taught me a lot of tricks on how to eat well even if you have just three ingredients. So I may have grown up poor but I was never hungry. And I ate so well!

I think I may have found a new advocacy. Wouldn't it be great if we can teach families in poor neighborhoods really inexpensive but healthy and delicious recipes? If you know any group that does this, please tell me. I would love to help!

Power Plant is giving away a Benz. And I want it!

Yeah. But can it fly?

All you need to do is exchange your receipts for a raffle coupon. If you spent P2,000 in any shop in Power Plant, that's one coupon, P3,000 at the supermarket is also one coupon. Because Power Plant is our favorite mall, we got not a few coupons. Yey!

As you can see, there's enough receipts up there to burn out receipt printers! Now, I gather all receipts--yes, even P40 parking fees--so I can also join BIR's promo:

The prizes are phone loads (which we don't need) and cash that range from P25,000 to a million pesos!!! Now, cash I definitely want! If you have receipts lying about, here's encouraging news:


I will digress a bit. Vince doesn't like it that I'm always saying I want money. It doesn't sound nice, he says. It reflects badly on me (as a woman) and on him (as a provider). To clarify, I am not money-hungry and Vince provides more than enough for our family.

It's just that late last year, someone who has always been most selfish took a lot from Vince and me. Financially, emotionally, you name it. I never talked about it in this blog (although I dropped hints here and there) because I was so devastated by this event. My closest friends know the story and they feel very badly for me and my new family. There is impotent fury all around, but it's not something I can share publicly. That's how bad it was.

Vince and I have recovered somewhat from the catastrophe. Evidence: the shopping we enjoyed! We were resolute in the decision that we will not let this person ruin Vito's first Christmas. But, sad to say, Christmas wasn't a very happy time because of the terrible emotional strain.

But it's a New Year! While we can't turn our backs on this person, we've decided to just work super hard so that no matter what happens, Vito's future is secure. But a million pesos and a nice new car will definitely make us feel better!

Well, I am a tired woman right now. Spent all of yesterday listening to my kid's yaya talk about her daughter's disappearance (she took her three sons with her so Ate Marita's worried sick about the grandkids, too). To cheer her up, I told her to go to the mall and shop. She came back excited about--you'll never guess--LCD TVs! Samsung and a Chinese-sounding brand being her top choices. I was, like, "Ate M, an LCD TV is expensive!" Mebbe she wants a raise (again?!), you think?

So I sent her home early because she wanted to hunt down her daughter and grandsons. That left me alone with Vito, which was okay, until Vince came home feeling very much under the weather. Uh oh. We were expecting company, too. Well, everything went well last night but today, Vince felt really awful. Plus, Vito was extra fussy. I tell ya, it ain't easy to take care of a baby and a sick hubby all by my lonesome. But they're finally both asleep and I am nursing a mug of coffee. (Decaf. Sad, I know.)

I haven't had a shower. My hair is all mussed up. My body is aching all over. There are dishes to be washed, fresh laundry to be folded and put away, clutter to sort... I am exhausted. It's hard to be a homemaker!

... is I have no more friends who'll get married in the next three to five years. That means Vito won't ever get to be a ring/coin/Bible bearer. It would've been so cute to see him in a little suit or barong, walking most seriously (I imagine him to take his duties most seriously!) down that long aisle. I'd be such a proud momma!

Vince's cute nephews Kevin and Zo at our 2007 wedding

Well, I did propose to Vince that we could renew our vows when Vito's 3 or 4 or 5 years old. That way, Vito gets to be a ring bearer and I get to have new wedding jewelry! Definitely a fantastic plan! Now if only I can fit into my gown again...

Nope. I didn't diet or exercise to fit into that dress. I was really just thin. Now my birthing hips are impossible!

Readers, I hereby present Topaz Horizon's new look!

I used Blogger's Template Designer and then when I realized that a ton of stuff was disappearing from my blog (widgets, links, Nuffnang codes, the Facebook like button!!!), I stopped in sheer panic!

Vince doesn't like it ("It's mustard. And there are birds. Birds are eeeeevil."). I'm still getting used to it myself. I do like it, though. I like the oranges and browns. I also like the birds since they look like they're flying on the horizon. Get it? I do think the font size is rather huge. It looks like I write for very old people. But, hey, if it makes this blog easier to read, right?

So tell me what you think! I really don't want to mess with the html codes anymore since I am so very afraid I'd delete everything but if some stuff doesn't seem to be working, kindly alert me. Thanks!

P.S. Check out my FAQs page! I finally finished it!

I'll be gone for a while. I'm tired of this dreary black thing going on with this blog. I did that because a black screen doesn't consume as much energy as a white screen. So I like to think that you save energy while you read my blog. But if your eyes get stressed, what is the point of reading?!

Anyhoot, I will experiment for a bit. Clean up. I want to be minimalist for 2011. Life is getting really messy lately. As life tends to be. But blogs, hair and houses shouldn't be! Be back sooooon!

And right about now, it's everywhere! Remember when I was going on and on about this bag?

Kate Spade Marielly Sutton Place Cross-Body Bag

Well, blog reader Eper left a comment on my Facebook page saying she found a fabulous deal for me: Kate Spade was on sale and the Marielly was 50% off! I immediately clicked on the link she sent me and, indeed, Kate Spade was on sale! So I bought... TWO! (Thank you, blogging money!)

I woke up to the heavenly smell of leather and the sound of crinkly tissue paper!

It's such a cute bag!

And it opens up to a tote if you need more space!

One for me and one for my dear dear dearest friend Mariel! I figured she should have a bag that has the same name as hers. Besides, it was her birthday and it was Christmas, too. So Mariel and I both had a merry Christmas!

That's just-woken-up me! Good morning indeed!

I love my new bag. Soooo much! Will post an outfit photo soon!

I was bidding on this, but quickly withdrew from the heated bidding war because I just didn't have the money for it.
It's a 1900 edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. It's quite rare. I really wanted it. A few friends said I should check the authenticity of the books first (ask for a photo of the copyright page). Another one said I'd need a special viewing case and a dehumidifier because in our very humid and tropical climate, such old books will disintegrate.

Well, after all that, I lost the bid. Well, I didn't even try after the bids went way beyond what I was willing to pay for it. I was a tad disappointed because I collect all things Alice. So, to make me feel better, I'm thinking of bidding on these:

This is an exquisite collection of figurines modeled after the illustrations of Sir John Tenniel. It's a limited edition created by Kaiyodo. I love it!

This is whimsical wall clock depicting the mad tea party scene. And look at the time! It's backwards!

They're not cheap either so I'm a bit hesitant to bid. But it would be ever so nice if I added these to my collection. Big sigh!

Ahh, the holidays have officially come to an end. Tomorrow, I hit the ground running with several interviews on the radio to promote the January issue of the entertainment magazine I edit.

Then I'm off to the first class of Barre3 at Power Plant because I plan to lose this big bowl of Jell-O that's sitting around my middle since... forever. I can't diet yet since I'm breastfeeding and I have to make sure I have enough fat and nutrients in me to make healthy milk. So it's all exercise for me! I also hope Barre3 will help firm and strengthen my flabby arms and thighs because Vito is growing very fast and very heavy. Poor little me, at a measly 109 lbs., is toppling over!

But before we dive into 2011, let's take a look back at 2010...

I opened this month's Cosmo...


... and was idly reading this story...


... when one of the stories quickly started feeling strangely familiar...


My heart just melted. This is a wonderful gift. Thanks, Vince!

Being a ripe old age of 34, I noticed that my New Year's resolutions list has gotten shorter and shorter through the years. But these things have been on my list for ages:

1. Reduce clutter and mess.
2. Get fit.
3. Drink more water.
4. Wear red lipstick.
5. Be free from acne and pimple marks and have more even-toned skin!

I'm already working towards making those come true, by the way. First, I have begun purging my closets and organizing my things. Second, I have enrolled in Barre3. Third, well, I'm already drinking water. Fourth, I've enlisted the help of my friend Nicole in finding (and wearing) the perfect red lipstick for me. And last, Neutrogena gave me the complete line of their Fine Fairness collection.

Liz of Manila! And, for the benefit of those who didn't know I had a contest, this is her prize:

Estee Lauder Lip Collection with mini croc purse

This was her answer:

My favorite Topaz Horizon post is New Things from Old Things. It was very touching how you and your sister looked over your mom’s stuff. I could also relate with the sacrifices your mom made in order for you to get a good education. My mom was the same

When we were younger and Dad still had a job, she would tell me that she would give all her jewelry to me, the only daughter. However, when Dad retired early, before the three of us got to high school, and he invested and lost money in lame business partnerships, Mom had to pawn all her jewelry, even their wedding rings, and never got to redeem them, just so we could have money for tuition.

So when I started working, I promised myself that I would buy her jewelry and I would treat her out and pamper her. And I did, as much as I could. I know these were nothing compared to her sacrifices up till the time we finished college and beyond.

If ever you choose this comment, I would give one of the lipsticks to her because it’s the only make up she puts on her face, aside from Johnsons Baby loose powder. The other one I would give to my friend who has ovarian cancer.

I liked it that she's going to share the prize with two other people. Because that's what Christmas is all about. Well, that's what life is all about--giving and sharing! In fact, I envy her because she got to give back to her mom. I never had the chance. So maybe this is my way of pretending that I'm making my Mama happy, too. So Liz of Manila, congratulations. Email me at frances@topazhorizon.com for details on how to get your prize.

Thank you to all of you who wrote in. I liked each and EVERY answer! And I rediscovered posts that I'd forgotten about. Some of you remembered very old posts so I guess you've been around here for a good long while. Thanks for sticking around. I promised to keep this blog silly and shallow so it always surprises me that there are still readers. Thank you. Your readership means a lot to me.

We have new money! And I'm excited to get my hands on it!

image source

I know some of you don't like the new look but, hey, progress is progress. How is this new look progress? Well, the new money has more security features that makes it difficult to counterfeit. Plus, with distinctly Philippine landmarks on the back of the new bills, they'll make me feel proud to be a Filipino whenever I go shop for stuff. Yep, now buying anything from Vito's diapers and onesies to Vince's candy to maybe a new PS3 (!!!) will feel like a patriotic act!

The new bank notes will be out this month but I have yet to see them. I really really wish they're like Singapore money--the plastic-like paper makes the Singapore dollar smooth, silky, dirt-resistant and moisture-proof. And very very first world. Ya, I know that doesn't change the fact that we're woefully third world but maybe this new money can usher in a new era of wealth and good fortune to us Filipinos!

And with that, I wish y'all a holiday season that's showered with tons of money! Yes yes, love is good but money is a good thing, too. And I for one would love to have more. 

P.S. Don't forget to join my blog contest!