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Handcrafted: DMC Arts and Crafts Fair

I rarely get to invite people to do guest posting in my blog. A lot of famous bloggers in the other parts of the world consider guest posting as a good way to generate content for their own blogs. I haven’t thought about it (as you see, I have never asked someone to guest post in MommyGinger.com), but this event made me consider and do it.

I received an invite from DMC, a brand that I love so much. I grew up using products of DMC since I was (for those of you who don’t know) addicted to cross-stitching one point in my life. I would frequent their store in Megamall to buy things that I needed for my own projects. I was really disappointed that I couldn’t go to this event, but I really wanted to know more about DMC. My close encounter with them was those years of cross-stiching and that was years ago. I missed that brand so I invited one of my friends, Donna, to attend the event and do a guest post for me. Here is her experience during that event.

My son and I love crafts. This is our way of bonding with each other. I cherish our craft projects so much. My son and I have come up with a ‘tradition’ that we started and that is to create do-it-yourself gifts (our little own crafting project) which will be our Christmas giveaway to our family and friends. With this, I have built a good stash of craft materials — some have already been used and some are waiting to be used for a project.

When I got invited by Ginger to the DMC event last January 13th, I got excited. This event made me walk down the memory lane as I also got addicted to cross-stitching when I was younger. I used DMC threads on my projects. I wanted to finish cross-stitching one project that I sometimes forgot to sleep! Haha! I stopped cross-stitching, because some of my friends told me that I won’t be able to get married because I’m doing a grandmother’s hobby. Waaah!

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Recently, I tried crochet. I even bought a book about the basics of crocheting. My mom is such an expert at crocheting and she was even able to create one cellphone pouch. As for me, I was only able to create one bracelet. Haha!

Even if I suck at needlecrafts, I still love crafts in general.

At the event, it was a pleasure to see different works of people who embraced crafting so much. Upon seeing their masterpieces, I realized that one can create something if you put your mind and heart into it.

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DMC handcrafted leaflet back 55 x 85

DMC handcrafted leaflet front 55 x 85

DMC presented the stories of seven women who have incorporated crafting into their lives. They are: Alessa Lanot, Candy Reyes-Alipio, Karla Quimsing, Len Cabili, Marielle Nadal-Reyes, Mikko Sumulong, and Trey Ajusto. Their stories indeed inspired us to delve into crafts. Their main message is that anyone can do crafts.

PicMonkey Collage

Karla Quimsing, Candy Reyes-Alipio, Mikko Sumulong

DMC event 2

Trey Ajusto, Len Cabili, Marielle Nadal-Reyes

On January 30-February 1, 2015, DMC will be holding an arts and crafts fair at Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. The event aims to reach to those who want to start crafting and who are already into crafting. DMC challenges everyone to think outside the box. It aims to unleash the creative side of human beings. It hopes to make us realize that making mistakes is okay as the mistake may be the start of something new. The 3-day weekend craft also provides a venue for people to buy handmade pieces or make their own little projects. The crafters mentioned above will be holding workshops for free, just email dmc@focusglobalinc.com to confirm slots.

For more information about the event, you may visit DMC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts (dmcphilippines).

*Guest post by Donna Donor, Workshop Director from Manila Workshops

Fruits in Bloom Valentine’s Day Giveaway

Yesterday, I shared with you the story of Leah Dy, the mompreneur behind Fruits in Bloom. I mentioned that we have a surprise for MommyGinger.com’s readers. Today, we are giving out a Fruits in Bloom basket from the Valentine’s Day collection. This giveaway will run from today (January 27, 2015) to February 10, 2015. The winner must be willing to pick up the prize either from Rockwell or Robinson’s Magnolia Mall on February 12-13, 2015. This basket will be a nice gift for that special someone!

I already received mine and it’s gorgeous! The fruits are really fresh and the chocolate covered ones are just heavenly.I didn’t want to open it, but my daughter wanted to eat the grapes inside so I had no choice.

Here are some pictures of the Fruits in Bloom arrangement that I got.

Fruits in Bloom

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The fruit arrangement arrived in a very classy box. You can actually open the box so that you don’t ruin how the fruity, flower-like arrangement is made. Check out my pics of unboxing this masterpiece!

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Look at how wonderful it looks. The arrangement had pineapple, apples, grapes, oranges and strawberries in it. I really loved the chocolate covered strawberries!

Fruits in Bloom

My husband, on the other hand, loved the chocolate covered green apples.

 

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Whoever wins the special pack will surely enjoy it! So hurry and join Fruits in Bloom and MommyGinger.com’s giveaway! Just follow the steps indicated in the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Fruits in Bloom Website to order your gifts! http://www.fib.com.ph/

An Interview with Leah Dy of Fruits in Bloom

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and I have been thinking of nice gifts to give my loved ones. Have you ever experienced thinking about something and suddenly it happens? The other day, I was ‘intensely’ looking and searching for things to give my loved ones for Valentine’s Day, and I couldn’t think of anything. I stress over these kinds of things and thoughts. Then that night, I came across Fruits in Bloom. It was the perfect gift! It was such an innovative idea! Imagine, who would have thought of creating an arrangement made out of fruits in the shape of flowers? It was just a brilliant and innovative idea.

Fruits in Bloom - Valentine's Day Collection

Fruits in Bloom – Valentine’s Day Collection

I decided to contact the owner and I got to talk with Leah Dy. Mompreneur Leah is the wfe to Francis Dy, a businessman. She is also a mother to Leanne (11yo) and Yohji (8yo). Daughter to Arch and Mrs del Rosario.

I got to interview Leah about Fruits in Bloom and this is what we talked about:

Interview with Mompreneur Leah Dy of Fruits in Bloom

Ginger: Hi Leah! Can you tell us more about Fruits in Bloom?
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Fruits in Bloom 1

2_Berries And Ferrero - Fruits in Bloom

Leah: Fruits in Bloom creates Gourmet Arrangements made of fresh fruits designed artistically for any occasion. These fruit arrangements can be enjoyed in so many ways. It is a great gift for any occasion such as Birthdays, Anniversaries or Just Because. Instead of debating flowers over pastries for hospital visit, this arrangement answers both that surely cheers up the patient. Wedding centerpieces can be practical yet elegant with Fruits in Bloom arrangement that surely leaves a statement to your guest. Business Meetings or Conferences need not be dull and boring with its fruit platter served fresh for everyone’s thinking tank. Parties and Cocktails are adorned if it’s done with Fruits in Bloom. Fruits in Bloom Gourmet Arrangement cater every occasion in the calendar.

Arrangements are delivered to every recipient with much attention. Packed in food grade cartons, each arrangement is handled by its delivery specialists to maintain its freshness.

The company strives to stimulate its market continuously with its strength of Fresh, Innovative and Premium design and service, truly Fruits in Bloom.

Ginger: How did you come up with this idea? What made you decide to start this kind of business?
Leah: The idea for Fruits in Bloom was planted in our minds five years ago – unknown to one another, we have all separately explored foreign franchises for this concept but something was always amiss.
Then one lazy evening early 2011, three of us were casually talking about business ideas and boom (or should we say bloom) – Fruits in Bloom was born. We are friends and family who share a common passion for creativity, love for the finer things in life and the drive to go beyond the ordinary

Every Fruits in Bloom creation is the brainchild of our creative team headed by Pat Kierulf-Mauricio who collaborates with Ancherie Ohagen, a London based designer by profession and Malinie Nimmanwathana, based in Bangkok, Thailand to bring you our unique collection of fruit arrangements. Our creative team can design customized arrangements to fit your theme and motif as well.

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Ginger: Were there any obstacles that you faced when you decided to pursue becoming a Mompreneur? What are these?
Leah: Time. Balancing time and being productive all at the same time was a challenge. Often times my daughter would call me asking me what time I’d go home- it pains me to say I won’t be home yet since I’m still at work. The thing is, I have other businesses also and one of the other business I have is a spa (day spas situated in hotels) and my spas operate until the wee hours so there are days I’d really come home late as I visit and check my spas so hearing my daughter’s voice looking for me is really painful. I have learned to adjust my time- I have agreed not to work on weekends except for special events and occasions (Mother’s day and Valentine’s Day) so I get to spend time with them. I also explain the nature of my work to her and when possible, I bring her with me so she knows what I do. I like my work and I love my family and I need both of them right now so I make sure I give time to both.

Ginger: What are three traits that you think a Mompreneur should have when starting their own business?
Leah: Hard work, Passion and Dedication.
Hard work means knowing your business, being able to do all the things that needed to be done- you shouldn’t be afraid that a staff/employee might leave because you know the business. Plan your business strategically to keep you focus. Passion- to have the desire to be good and be the best on your field and Dedication, dedicate your time and effort on your goal in order to succeed.

Ginger: Any unforgettable moments or lessons that you learned as a Mompreneur?
Leah: Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are our all time year high. We do not sleep on these occasions. Our production is round the clock; our staffing multiplies in volume; orders are extremely high; delivery has always been a struggle (traffic- demand); we do not see our beds till the 3rd day— this has been our cycle since we had Fruits in Bloom. My husband jokes me that having Fruits in Bloom saves him from expensive dinner dates on the 14th  but at the end of the day, bringing smiles to our clients, delivering their arrangements on time and making the recipient happy is always fulfilling. It pays all the hard work.

Ginger: What advice can you give to other Mompreneurs?
Leah: Know what you want and believe you can achieve it. You have to start from somewhere to get to your goal It doesn’t matter if it takes baby steps to achieve your goal, what matters is you take steps to achieve it.

Ginger: How do you market your products?
Leah: In today’s age of social media, tweeting, posting and promoting your business online is easier. However, I believe in the old school, basic key of marketing- ‘word of mouth’- if a client is happy, they will spread the word and that word multiplies instantly. So its happy client=good sales. Fruits in Bloom does after sales and in doing so we make sure to be efficient and precise in doing this. It’s simple and efficient which our client appreciates.

Ginger: Thank you so much, Leah! I really loved hearing about your story. And stay tuned everyone! This week Fruits in Bloom and Mommy Ginger will be holding a giveaway tomorrow. Visit this site again to know more about it!

Fruits in Bloom Contact Information:

Fruits in Bloom Website: www.fib.com.ph
Email address: fibstore@fib.com.ph
Mobile Number: 09336244119
Facebook Page: fruitsinbloom philippines
Twitter account: fruitsinbloom
IG account: @fruitsinbloom

 

Setting up Investments this 2015

I can’t believe that January’s almost over. I feel that I’m running out of time, and then after stopping and taking a breath, I question myself on why am I in a rush? Who’s running after me? Do you ever get that feeling? Sometimes, I get that feeling too when I think about investments. I think that I need to rush right into it and start right away. When we talk about personal finance, saving, insurance and investing, we get pressured that we need to jump into it right away. The danger that this feeling brings is that we don’t ‘jump right into it’, because when we see the various options, we get overwhelmed.

I highly suggest that we take time out to understand all the investment options available in the market before choosing a vehicle that best matches your investment objective. One vehicle that a lot of people talk about is investing in the Stock Market.

Marvin Germo, The Stock Smarts Guy himself *source: MarvinGermo.com

Marvin Germo, The Stock Smarts Guy himself *source: MarvinGermo.com

I have been lucky enough to meet Marvin Germo, Mr. Stock Smarts Guy! I have learned so much from this energetic guy. We had coffee late last year and through our conversation, I learned more about the Stock Market. You will be amazed at how easy it is to understand the stock market and how to use it to achieve your investment goals. I used to think that everything about it will only be understood by a broker or a person that works at the Philippine Stock Exchange or those sharp looking males and females that work on Wall Street. But, you and me can have a deeper understanding about the Stock Market, too!

Check out this video:

If you want to learn more about the Stock Market, you can learn from Marvin Germo himself on January 31, 2015 at Berjaya Hotel in Makati. Click on the THIS LINK to sign up for these workshops.

Stock Smarts Basics – 8:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Stock Smarts How to Find The Perfect Timing in Buying and Selling Stocks – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Perfect Gift for Hubby for Valentine’s Day — Boudoir Pictures!

My husband and I have been married for 5 years and with all the birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions that we celebrate, I always have a hard time looking for the perfect gift for him. I wanted a gift that he would appreciate. I really thought about it and remembered one thing that I really wanted to do for him. For our 5th anniversary last October 17, I decided to muster the courage to give him boudoir pictures.

Boudoir Le Blanc
I learned about this concept of Boudoir pictures when I encountered Boudoir Le Blanc during the time I was pregnant with my daughter. This was my article during that time (Boudoir Le Blanc Review). In a country that is so traditional and conservative, even wives or moms shun the thought of giving sexy pictures to their husbands. Why are we so shy to give our partner something that they can treasure forever? Admittedly, the first time I got to know about this, I wasn’t prepared to have my photos taken “boudoir” style during that time. First of all, I was pregnant (although looking back, it would have been a good time to have the picture taken). But mostly, it was because I felt insecure. I wasn’t comfortable with the idea. I’m  uncomfortable in front of a camera with all my clothes on, so I was super uncomfortable with the idea of me having my picture taken in sexy clothes and lingerie.

But the past year has taught me to love myself more — to love all the flabs and the cellulite that go with it. I built enough confidence (although I was still scared to death during the shoot) to do this. So, fast forward to late last year, I prepared a lot for this shoot, so that I would be able to give my hot husband ‘hot and sexy’ pictures of myself.

Working with Boudoir Le Blanc team was really great! They gave me pegs for the outfit that I was supposed to bring during the shoot. After which, I had fun shopping for those things with my sister Kinney of ManilaShopaholic.com. We then finally had our shoot early December 2014.

Cute design at Boudoir Le Blanc's Studio

Cute design at Boudoir Le Blanc’s Studio

Prep time!

Prep time!

The make-up artist, Tina Joson, who I knew before this shoot (since I have worked with her for Manila Workshops), worked with her hair stylist to achieve that sexy look that I had to have for the shoot. Sisters, Heather (the stylist) and Tooney (the photographer) were there to work with us during the shoot. It was a fun shoot! I never felt so comfortable posing in a lingerie and in front of the camera! I was so surprised. They really made me feel like a model.

No Peeking!

No Peeking!

Super nice set up of Boudoir Le Blanc

Super nice set up of Boudoir Le Blanc

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End of Day Photo with the Boudoir le Blanc team and my sister, ManilaShopaholic.com

End of Day Photo with the Boudoir le Blanc team and my sister, ManilaShopaholic.com

And after a month of email exchanges from the time they sent the contact prints, here are some (Sorry, guys! I can only show you some of the pictures! :P) The sexaaaah pictures are for my husband’s eyes only!

Ginger Boudoir Le Blanc Pics 5

Ginger Boudoir Le Blanc Pics 5

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Ginger Boudoir Le Blanc Pics 3

Ginger Boudoir Le Blanc Pics 2

Ginger Boudoir Le Blanc Pics 1

Haha! That’s about it! Oh, I have good news for the other ladies out there who would love to have their boudoir pictures taken. Boudoir Le Blanc is holding a Pre-Valentines Boudoir Marathon on January 24! And guess what, it’s only for Php 5000.  This is a good deal, ladies!

Boudoir Le Blanc Pre-Valentines Day Marathon

Boudoir Le Blanc Pre-Valentines Day Marathon

If you are interested, message them on facebook. Check out https://www.facebook.com/BoudoirLeBlanc