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!  :)

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 Frankfurt/ Pietro Sutera

The Sun shone brightly on our furry winter friend.
source: Messe Frankfurt/ Pietro 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 Frankfurt/ Pietro 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 Frankfurt/ Pietro 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!

Christmasworld 2015: A Merry trade show like no other!

A lot of people think that Christmas only starts towards the “BER” months however in reality, Christmas starts right after New Year! If you look into the business side of this festive season, it does take the entire year to prepare for this most celebrated and most commercial holiday in the world.

The last week of January marks the start of Christmasworld: the world’s biggest trade fair for seasonal and festive inspirations held at the Messe Frankfurt, Germany. People all around the world visit and join this remarkable event that features creative ideas and breathtaking displays. 

Hey Holiday is nothing but lucky to be able to visit this grand showcase! Here are some my snapshots taken during the 5-day Show (January 30- February 3). 

Baubles, baubles, and more baubles
Source: Christmasworld

Add whimsy and personalized charm with these quirky ornaments

Source: Christmasworld

There are no rules in Christmas decorating. You can combine all you favorite
Christmas elements and then some. (I just love the red car!!!!)
Source: Christmasworld

Paper bags and trimmings galore!
Source: Christmasworld

Funky Christmas

Go green and teal this Christmas

Something cute and comfy, I got so excited seeing all these Christmas pillows

A buffet a Christmas knickknacks 

Starry, starry night!

Speaking of stars... we had our own share of becoming our own shooting stars, hahaha! Awesome Photo Booth Experience!

Hello from me and my mom :)

They made this large light Santa seat that could fit 2 people.
Now all you have to do is to step on the button on the floor.
Voila, instant photo!

Aside from the charming displays which I so envied, I was certainly mesmerized with the fantastic display of lights and the animated figures!

Taken from Csokoladevilag

Visual Lights display; indeed a feast to the eyes and the spirit

Super Awesome!!! Giant Mushroom lights!!!

Frosty and his flying friends

Christmas can't be complete without a tree full of lights

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Want more updates from our awesome trip in Frankfurt? Watch out for my next posts and our Christmasworld Video :)

What else aside from Valentines Day and Chinese New Year?

.

Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year are over but that doesn't mean that the festivities are done for February. Here are some Holidays worth knowing and celebrating; several of them might come as a surprise but you know.... everyday is a holiday! :)

(1) February 17: WORLD HUMAN SPIRIT DAY

As a day of reflection, World Human Spirit day encourages people to reflect and connect with their spirituality. According to Giftypedia, "this holiday was started by Michael Levy of Point of Life in 2003 to promote a human spirit that lives the creative, peaceful, loving life that it was meant to live. People all over the world are encouraged to take 2 minutes of silence at 3pm Eastern Time to meditate to find the true spirit of freedom and peace that lives within each of us." 


(2) February 18: DRINK WINE DAY

NOW THIS IS MY KIND OF HOLIDAY! 

It may not have a concrete history or origin but there is no need to investigate. This is one fun holiday worth spending with friends, yey!


(3) February 19: CHINESE NEW YEAR

Kung Hei Fat Choy!!! 
Enjoy this day since it's declared a Special Non-working Holiday in the Philippines. 


(4) February 20: HANDCUFF DAY

Before you think of anything naughty (geee thanks Fifty Shades of Gray, haha!), Handcuff day is really a legitimate day celebrated in the States. It dates back 1912 when George A. Carney gained patent to his revolutionary design for the handcuff. As an important tool for law enforcement, people deemed it necessary to have a National Day in America. 



(5) February 22: WORLD THINKING DAY

Thank you Girls scouts for this day! "World Thinking Day is a day of friendship, advocacy and fundraising for 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world." Though this may not be as significant to others compared to those who have been and are Girl scouts, we can learn a thing or two from why this came about. Generally, it is a day of giving thanks and giving back to the community. Click here to learn more about this day. 


(6) February 25: PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION

This day is the anniversary of that bloodless revolution that united the Filipino people.During this time, the true power of Democracy was demonstrated. 

This may not be a non-working holiday like in some years but this day is worth observing and remembering. 


(7) February 26: TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY

This day is all about revisiting our childhood:  reading, sharing, and telling a fairy tale. It may not have a historical account for its origins but it certainly is one magical day to just have fun and spread fairy dust all around. 

Read more about Tell a Fairy Tale Day :)

(8) February 28: TOOTH FAIRY DAY

For those who had too much sweets from Valentines, pencil in this day as you might get a cool visit or surprise from the tooth fairy. 

Read more about the tooth fairy day :)