Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Merry Christmas to my lovely readers!

Last week, I posted my wish list. What's on yours? I'm sure it has anything from a vacation to luxe items like designer bags, new phones and maybe even an HDTV (get one! It's totally changed the way Vince and I watch TV!). Anyway, if you're also looking to add a nice designer purse and some pretty lipsticks to your list, let Santa Frances make your wish come true.

I'm giving away this exclusive Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection Lipstick Set. Estee Lauder gave it to me a few weeks ago. It's a special edition set for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (that'll be October). A portion of each sale will be donated to breast cancer research in the hopes of finding a cure. Since it's not available locally, this was just given to me as a token. And what a pretty token it is!

The lipstick shades are all pink (Candy, Rubellite, Tiramisu) and they all come packaged in a mini croc-print  purse. The shades are really pretty. Honestly, I find it so lovely that I want to keep it! But I'm not a lipstick person so I'm giving it to one gorgeous fantabulous wonderful Topaz Horizon reader!

Here's what you have to do:
1. Leave a comment on this post by finishing this phrase: "My favorite Topaz Horizon post is..." and say why.
2. No Gmail or Blogger or OpenID account? Then you can leave your comment on this Facebook post.

That's it! I will be pick the winner on December 20 (yes, I am the one and only judge. This isn't a raffle! I'll read each and every comment and choose my favorite. Wheee!). Then I'll send the prize just before Christmas so that my lucky reader will have a very pretty pink holiday!

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Memories of Meralco

I mentioned in this blog somewhere that my Mama used to work for Meralco. All her life! So part of my childhood was spent growing up on the vast grounds where the main office stands. Mama was always loyal to Meralco because the company really took care of its employees. The benefits they enjoyed were beyond amazing--comprehensive healthcare, financial help, free theater tickets...

I know that Meralco took a beating this year from irate consumers but I can never feel angry towards the company that put food in my tummy, sent me to school, put clothes on my back and, because of the healthcare, saved my life more than a few times. Besides, like I mentioned in this post, because Vince and I are very smart with our electricity consumption, our electric bill is a lot lower than most people's bills.  

So when I was invited to Meralco's Christmas party at the Ortigas compound, I just had to go. Last Thursday, Meralco turned on the lights of its giant Christmas tree to usher in the Yuletide Season. This year, they're offering the public more attractions: a life-sized electric toy train and a candy-colored Toy Town. I've always loved the giant manger scene made out of copper wire, though, so seeing it again was enough for me.



Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Gift shopping hasn't really started

Aside from three gifts, that is. My husband's family members have exchanged lists of what we all want for the holidays. Yes, we're practical that way. We just email each other "So-and-so wants these, and so-and-so wants those, and I want these..." and we just pick what we give. That way, everyone gets what they want. It's not a surprise but it definitely makes gift shopping easier. Plus, everyone anticipates opening their gifts because everyone gets exactly what they want.

But my parents-in-law... They want nothing because they already have everything. What do you give people who have everything? Chuvaness suggested flowers. I have always believed beautifully framed photos make a great gift. Photos of the recipient, not the giver!

What's on my list? Well... I want a lot. Here are a few:
Haagen Dazs
Kate Spade Sutton Place Marielly
Mulberry Bayswater

Lanvin Eclat d'Arpege
A weekend at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Creme de la Mer 
Jewelmer pearls
Karen's Kitchen Red Velvet Cake

Hmmm. My wish list is a bit pricey. Well, that's why I work hard! These are the things I want to buy for myself. I don't really want to ask others to get them for me (Yes. Really, Vince!). I like it that I can buy myself stuff. Used to be a time I couldn't even buy anything.

What's on your list?