Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Why March was a good green month

March is known for St. Patrick's Day (March 17), an Irish holiday that calls for green outfits and a lot of beer and festivities. On this day, we made sure to reserve a table at our neighborhood Pub, St. Patrick's Kapitolyo. It helped that we were in green as we were given free beer and wine, plus great service.


Meet my "Green Minded" friends: Punky Taguines, my Husband Jigger San Juan,
Carcar Lamson, my sister Angel de Rivera, and Lyka Alarilla (from left to right)

My Husband was as green as his Ice cold Green Beer.
But St. Patrick's day isn't the only reason why I'm saying "it's good to be green" on this third month of the year. There are other holidays that made us want to be green and eat green. 


MARCH 12: PLANT A FLOWER DAY
This day basically promotes gardening as it's now the season for blooms and sunshine. Learn more about this day here.

Photo from Nutrients for Life


MARCH 26: SPINACH DAY
Admit it, It was really Popeye who convinced you to eat Spinach, haha! 
Learn more about this day from CNN Eatocracy. 


Body in Balance proves the green leafy vegetables
 have so much to offer.


MARCH 28: EARTH HOUR
From 8:30-9:30 pm, we are all encouraged to turn off our lights to raise valuable awareness about the global climate changes. 


A Fund raising project has also been launched to provide solar lamps to far-flung communities with no source of electricity.  Log on to their website for more information


MARCH 30: TAKE A WALK ON THE PARK DAY
This unusual day falls on a Holy Monday which is just a perfect day for reflection. Take time to go out, walk in the park, and clear your head from stress and worry. 

This article on how to Simplify your life in 30 days might just be a good read before celebrating this holiday. 

Photo from Listen-Hard.com
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Enjoy the rest of March!  :)

Thursday, March 12, 2015

THE ICE HOTEL: Christmasworld 2015 Special Showcase



Winter when linked with Christmas evokes that feeling of whimsy and excitement. The cold breeze and first snowfall signals the beginning of the merriest, glitziest, and brightest season of the year. 

Last year, winter and ice, snowflakes and snowmen, Elsa and Anna were all best sellers thanks to Disney's  Frozen . It was such a hit that so many people were keen on having it as their Holiday and party Inspiration. People can't seem to let go of all shades of blue, white, and silver when it came to shopping for Christmas decorations and gift packaging.  So I was particularly excited to learn that Christmasworld's 2015 special showcase was called the "Ice Hotel." Dutch designer duo Rudi Tuniman and Pascal Koeleman from 2dezign  agency created this massive and magical display. Like its name, the showcase was very fresh, trendy, stylish, and luxurious. 


The Grand Entrance:
Bright blue door, plants shaped as snowballs, and the cutest
 animated Penguins welcome you as you enter.





Messe's Galleria staircase was so cool and calming.
Moving Polar bears and fresh arrangements adorned the way. 
source: Messe FrankfurtPietro Sutera

The Sun shone brightly on our furry winter friend.
source: Messe FrankfurtPietro Sutera

The bears looked so real, the design team had to put
 caution signs, just in case :)

It felt like and smelled like a dream. White candles, 
dinnerware, and decor with fresh white flowers.
source: Messe FrankfurtPietro Sutera


Cheers to one big Birthday or Wedding Cake!

Imagine a hotel lobby display with assorted fresh flowers
 illuminated by the festive white LED decor at the back.

A Beautiful Crystal Chandelier over fresh white roses.
This reminds me of a Grand Hotel lobby.

Just the right amount of Blue. 

Loved the surprise splashes of color to Ice Hotel's
 blue and white color palette

I loved these Hanging Christmas trees! 
White Artificial pine with fresh white flowers.
Modern Metal and glass pieces were also added 

to give that surprise twist! 

If only Cinderella had options back then.
Source: Carabesque

This Giant Flower duck was a showstopper!
source: Messe FrankfurtPietro Sutera

The Ice Hotel was divided into chambers. 
The White drapes made it seem as if you are entering different 
"hotel rooms." The Blue carpeted flooring tied everything together. 
Its bright and soft hue made it seem as if you are walking on air. 

From Day...

to night...

The Ice hotel was amazing during the day and 
breathtaking at night. 



Living in a tropical country like the Philippines makes you only dream of having a winter wonderland Christmas. I really enjoyed this Christmas showcase. It's non traditional yet it still embodies the Holiday vibe. Every area had an interesting concept. You can get inspirations for life sized displays, indoor and outdoor setups, shop windows, and retail presentations. I really enjoyed taking notes on how to make everyday pieces as holiday decor. 

I was also charmed by all the lifelike animals used in the showcase: the fury polar bears, the adorable penguins, those wide eyed owls. Having these pieces certainly added to the Christmas whimsy. 


Happy Feet!


Hello Hedwig and friends :)


There really is something about the cold that makes you feel blissful and warm during Christmastime. Congratulations Messe Frankfurt for the fantastic and successful Ice Hotel display and Christmasworld exhibition. For 5 days, you have transported us to a dreamy holiday wonderland. Now I can't wait for Christmas!