Deck the Halls Safely

I've mentioned from my other blog that I'd be decorating the house today. Things I need to purchase later are the Christmas lights, because the old ones we have here are not working anymore. replacement bulbs are costly, so must buy new sets. With that said, I won't buy cheap ones at K****n stores, or along the sidewalk because most of the lights they're selling are not safe. I'm a bargain shopper, but I won't risk my home's safety with that. So if you guys want to purchase Christmas lights, buy and use the ones that are approved by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and are certified by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS). You'll also see a sticker of the Philippine Standard (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) placed on the package, indicating that it is approved and safe to use.

So to safely decking the halls, and keep yourself and home safe, I'm giving you quick tips.

• Check your lights. If you will be reusing your old Christmas lights, and other electrical decor, better check the cords. Because some may tend to wear out after a few years of keeping and using. Always have them checked before you use or purchase new sets, and or experiment with other ways of decorating.
• Unplug. Christmas lights are pretty at night, right? But if they overheat while you're away or asleep, you will not be near to prevent a fire from happening.
  
• Use the right type of light. Indoor lights and extension cords are not made to withstand the elements. The rain for example, may ruin your decor or short circuit and might start the fire. Use only lights and extension cords specified for the outdoors.
• Less is safer. Make sure you connect no more than three (3) strands of Christmas lights together. Do not overload extension cords, power strips and wall outlets.
• Keep them dry. Make sure outdoor lights and decor are kept dry.
• Keep them away from heat. They can burst into flames when exposed to other sources of high temperatures.
  

It's December Already

Oh I can't believe it's December already. Time really flies so fast! This year has been the fastest, though I cannot say it's the best since my bf left to work for Pampanga. It has been a year that we're not together. Anyway, I just got an SMS from him this morning that he's going home for Christmas, but I don't think he can make it on our friend's wedding day, which is on December 28, 2009. I just so hope he's staying and spend the new year here. Oh hey I'm not complaining that this isn't the best year for me, what I'm really trying to say is.. the year 2009 has been good to me.

So, right now.. I'm making a list for Christmas presents. Oh what to give, what to give? :D

Present Perfect!

Yesterday, I went shopping again. This time, i bought presents for our labandera and helpers, extra presents for my parents, and sibling. Geez, they have lots from me already hahaha. Also, bought some stuff for my room, for my Aunts, 2nd degree cousins, and some friends. lol. I sound like I have lots of money hehehe but nope, I only spent P1,300 and some change just for today. I am really good at budgeting and getting stuffs that are cheap, yet classy.

I spent just an hour and a half shopping because I already know what they like. So, this time I have avoided some holiday faux pas.

Here's how:

• I pay attention to the people I am shopping gifts for. I really focus on what they want and like and not what I want for them.

• Always remove price tags. So, I just said I shop cheap gifts (except for my parents and siblings) for them, so I make sure they won't have any idea how much the gifts are. hehehe. It's reallt tacky to leave them on gifts.

• Wrap the gifts. I nicely wrap them with care. Presentation is everything. Nicely wrapped gifts will make even the simplest presents stand out.

• I don't give gifts to everyone I know. unless I am rich and powerful, but even so.. I will still not give gifts to everyone I know. This is how it works for me, if somebody who is not on my list gives me a gift, I don't really panic. I just smile and thank that person. Do you also do the same? We are not obligated to give a gift in return, are we? Although it might be a good idea to have a few extra tokens handy for moments like these.

And also, I always show my appreciation by sending thank you notes, or sms for the gifts I received. They don't have to be incredibly formal. As long as you put thought into it, right? It's really the thought that counts!

Happy Christmas!

Are You Stuck on a Budget This Christmas?

I almost forgot that i still have this blog hehehe. apologies. Anyway, since Christmas is near, I think I will have to post something all about Christmas for this month only. Hmm.. So today, I am done wrapping gifts for my family, friends, and god-kids. My friend and I went to the mall to help her get some stuffs for his family and friends too. She's quite stuck on a budget, but i helped her manage the available cash that she had. Good thing we bought stuffs that fits her budget.

Anyways, if you too are stuck on a budget, just don't turn your back on the holidays just yet. here are little tips that I'd like to share which will surely work for you too:

• Handmade gifts: You don't have to get them expensive gifts, ya know. the key is to utilize your talents (i know all of us have unique talents) and put extra time and thoughts into your Christmas presents. If you're good on cooking, cook good food for your loved ones or for the gathering. How about baking? Well, make some batches of tasty cookies, nicely wrap them, and distribute! If you're artsy person, make some beaded accessories for friends. Just like this:

• 

( i made them :) sorry the image is quite blurry, i just used my webcam :p)

• Gifts of self: The best gift to give other is your time, sometimes. I haven't been spending time with my family lately. So i promised my siblings that I will treat them a movie and go malling, play arcade games with them. treat mom and dad for dinner, spa and massage.

Well, that's all i can think of for now. I think this will also help you save some money, as i have saved a lot. And, you will be able to make those people happy and special.

Other Gift Ideas for Christmas

I am currently thinking of little stuffs that I could give to my friends this Christmas.

So i would like to share my ideas to you:

• for the sports fanatic - a towel or a pair of socks
• for my kikay friends - gum case with mirror (available at Watsons)
• for the music buff - a blank CD's in a spindle
• for workaholics - coloring books and a box of crayons (believe me, this worked for me)
• for my forgetful friends - a calendar with birthdays of all the people they know
  

But always remember, it's the thought that always counts!