Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Christmas Series: Christmas Cards!



 
Christmas Cards
 
Hey everyone! I hope all of you are doing fine! This is the second post of the Christmas Series!
And it's all about the Christmas cards I have received this year and the design of the cards I am sending to my family members and closest friends. And guys, I really love Christmas cards a lot! Who doesn't like Christmas cards right? In my opinion, they are the best gifts to receive during Christmas!
Why?
Here are 5 main reasons (there are a lot more but too many to list out):
1) They don't take up much space for storage.
2) They are uber meaningful.
3) They make you smile :D
4) You can take them out and read them years after years and never get sick of reading them.
5) They make you feel that you're loved.
 
 
Alright, cut the story short, let me show you guys the cards I have gotten this week!
Let's start!
 
1) The first one is a Christmas postcard from Moe (China) !
I love this postcard so much that I have to use three exclamation marks to show how much I love it!!!
It's simple yet adorable. There's a puppy with a Christmas tree on its head and it's carrying a tons of Christmas presents on a rod. The illustration of the postcard gives me a nostalgic feeling, just like the pictures they have in my childhood storybooks.
 
 
 The back of the postcard. I really enjoy writing in Chinese and Moe is actually my first pen pal who I communicate in Chinese with. It is definitely a good opportunity to practice my Chinese.
 
 
2) A Christmas card from Marian (USA).
Look at the lovely handmade envelope guys! The envelope just shouts out : It's Christmas time!
 
 
 And here's the card! SNOWMAN!
I have never built a snowman before as it does not snow in Singapore. Therefore, I am really envious of you guys who actually have an opportunity to build a snowman.

 
 
 3) A  B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L card from Akiyo (Japan)!
Oh my goodness, this card literally took my breath away.
Just look at it.
The vibrant colours, the sparkly glitter and that's not all !
 
 
Wait for it...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 
It's a pop-up card with so many Santas!
Cuteness overload!
I love it!!!
 
 
4) Last but not least, a Christmas card from Ga Yeon (Korea)!
Although I love every single cards I have gotten but handmade cards are always the most meaningful, isn't it?
Think about the time your friend spent to make a card for you...
It's priceless.
 
 
A simple card yet with so much love...

 
It does not have to be fancy or expensive, this is good enough (:
 
 
 
That's it guys, these are the cards I have received currently.
I will post the pictures of the cards if I receive more of them and as well as the cards I am sending out to my local friends. 
~
 
 
 
Now for the design of the cards I am sending out to my colleagues and some close friends:
 
I have spent my day off today to think of the designs and to paint them out.
After some considerations, I have finalised my card's layout.
The card has a Christmas elf on it and I painted it with watercolours. 
 
The reason I painted elves is because I am an elf, not literally (of course!).
My colleagues actually refer me as a Christmas elf as I am just helping out at the store during the Christmas period just like how Christmas elves only help Santa during the Christmas period. My duties will end after Christmas, so here's a card to send my blessings to my colleagues and a way for them to remember me.
 
What do you guys think about the design? I will appreciate some feedbacks!
 
 

 
~
Finally ,to end this post, I just want to let you guys know that
I am very grateful to all of my friends who have sent me a card and I am really glad to have every single one of you as my friend.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! ;)
(I'm getting emotional.)
I love you guys!
 
If you know anyone who's feeling down lately, send them a card to brighten up their day. It will mean a lot to them!
~

 
p.s. Here's the package for the giveaway winner (Caddi)!
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Giveaway winner!

Congrats!

I'll contact Caddi soon and send out the package ASAP!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Another update of my life~

HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
 
Hi everyone! Well... here's another update of my life and I will start doing short posts, just to update everyone about what I am up to lately.
 
 
1) Here's another photo of the mail to Mollie which I have forgotten to upload in the previous post.
I have been sending christmas gifts to my pen pals and I am not revealing what I've sent as I know that some of them actually read my blog. I do not want to wreck the surprises so I am just posting the letter/card and the envelope of the packages.
 
 
2) LOOK AT THE KITTENS!
OMG! It's a long story people. Alright, I will try and keep my story short. Since last year, a stray cat have been giving birth outside my apartment. I do not have a single idea why it chose my apartment. Last year the mummy cat gave birth to three kittens and this year, it gave birth to four! I am not a huge fan of cats before I met this mummy cat but now, I just love them. *sigh* Everytime when I come home, I see 5 cats waiting outside for me and they are just like my pets. I actually got to see all the kittens grow up, from purring to walking. Lucky me!


 
3) My mum actually came and met up with me after work yesterday and she gave me a indulging dinner treat. I love my mama <3
 
We went to a Japanese restaurant and had the famous curry and fried pork chops. While we were waiting for our food, we were given a grinder with sesame seeds in it so we could grind them for our dipping sauce. I had so much fun grinding the sesame seeds and I felt like I am such a kid.
 

 
Japanese Calamari(s) and tartar sauce.

 
Our platter of fried food with pickles and a bowl of curry next to it.
Yep, the portions of the food are so large which my mama and I could hardly finish all of them.
But we did. (wink wink)
The Pork Katsu was really good.
 
 
4) A birthday gift for my BFF, Kexin! She's turning 18! YAY!
Anyways, I am giving her a bag of Maybelline cosmetics as we both love cosmetics and are experienting with them!
And I wrote a super long message for the birthday card, very emotional and personal.
It's almost like writing an essay...I can't help it, I am just really long-winded.
(hehe)
Finally, I hope she will like them!
 
 
~
You may be wondering : Hey Gladys, where are the Christmas series posts which you have promised? Hmphf.
...
Of course I have not forgotten about them! I really want to do them but with sudden pop-ups in my life, it's a little tough to do some things which I want to do in my life but...
I will try and do them when I can!
Please forgive me.
 
And lastly, the winner of the giveaway will be announced in the next blog post!
 
Take Care eveyone!
~
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Friday, November 30, 2012

November's Outgoing Mail


Recent Updates:
Guess what everyone? I got a job! My first job ever! I'm working in a bookstore and I'm really über busy but I've met so many new friends which is the best thing about the job other than my pay! I'm really glad about it although I'm tired.

Photos:
1) Package to Marian
2) Package to Akiyo
3) Package to Louise
4) 6 Packages & 5 letters (Outgoing)
5) Package to Katie
6) A lovely christmas tree with blue ornaments! I'm in love with it!
7) Handmade Christmas cards to my teacher
8) Handmade Christmas cards to my guy friend, Vennick.

I'll try to blog whenever I can and have a great December everyone!



Monday, November 12, 2012

Christmas gift guide for your pen pals (for her) + Giveaway!

Christmas Gift Guide!
 
 
 
Hey everyone!
For this holiday season, I will be doing a series of Christmas related blog posts such as gift guides and craft ideas. For me, I am just a student. I have a really tight budget for this holiday season so I will try to use the least possible amount of money to get gifts for my pen pals, create some christmas cards and decorations for my room. I really hope that this will help everyone who also have a really tight budget but still want to give presents to your pals.
 
Alright, so this is the first post of the Christmas series posts!
It is a Christmas gift guide for your pen pals but you can use these tips while getting gifts for your family members and friends as well !
 
*For me, what I like to do when I get gifts for my pen pals is to get a slightly pricey gift which I call the "main gift " and then I will add some least expensive gifts which I call the "bonus gifts" .*
 
(Note: These ideas are just solely my own opinions.)
 
Let's start with the "Bonus Gifts"!
 
1) Teabags!
The weather is getting colder as the year is coming to an end. Thus, giving tea satchels to your pen pals could give them some warmth ! I am definitely a coffee person although I do like tea as well but I'm trying to cut down on coffee and drink tea instead.
 
 
2) Candies!
Everybody love candies!
I bought these heart shaped ones which I think my pen pals will love!
 
 
 
I don't have to explain much about why I choose candies, just look at the lovely quote on the packaging!
 
"Deliciousness, happiness, joy... I'm at the top of the world.
When taste is recognised as an expression of love...."

 
3) Pens!
If you want to write a letter, you need a good Pen! So why not send your favourite pens to your pen pals? I believe that these pens don't cost that much (:
Below are the pens and highlighters I love!

 
4) Handmade Bookmarks! 
Oh I love bookmarks and if your pen pals love to read, send them a handmade bookmark!
I always lose mine because I love to re-read my books and bookmark them...then they disappear..hmm...wonder where they went to. Probably hiding in some books...
Well, anyways, bookmarks are good.

 
This is a ribbon bookmark I made awhile ago for my teachers during Teacher's Day, you can give them ribbon bookmarks as well.

 
5) Perfume Samples
I have heard that you can get these perfume samples for free in Sephora in the USA or you can often get them in magazines for free.
I love these perfume samples as I could try them out before getting a full sized bottle.
 
( Note: If your pen pal has allergy to scents, try not to send them perfumes or else
they will just sneeze and sneeze and look like Rudolph the Reindeer.)

 
6) Ear Caps
Ear caps are little decorations which you can plug into your phones at the area which you plug your earphones. They are really adorable and they only cost around a dollar in Singapore.
My lil brother got me the blue mickey one and i love it as blue is my favourite colour!

 
7) Stationeries
Send your pen pals some practical paper clips and pegs. They are really handy and not expensive as well.
 
 
8) Coasters
I heart coasters! Your pen pal will definitely think of you whenever they have a cup of warm tea or ice cold juice. I got one for myself as I do not have one. No more water droplets on my desk! :D

 
9) Ribbons
To decorate your letters and everything else!

 
 
I got this box of ribbons at less than $6 Singapore Dollars.
And they look really neat as well!
 

 
~
You can add 3 of the "bonus gifts" and 1 "main gift" into the gift bag . It's up to you on the ratio.
 
 
 
Now to the "Main Gifts"!
 
 
1) Body Lotions/Hand Creams (Travel size)
As the weather is getting colder, it is getting drier as well ! Thus, send some body lotions/hand creams to your pen pals to keep them moisturise. I put this as a main gift as some of the lotions can be a little expensive. I got several hand creams from last Christmas and I do enjoy using them and finding out which ones suit me the best. Therefore, I think your pen pals will enjoy having them. (Note: If your pen pal has allergy to lotions, please avoid sending them.)
(Note: Put them in a zip lock bag before you send it, just in case it leaks.)

 
2)  Drugstore Cosmetics
Every girl loves cosmetics and experimenting with them so why not send them some products. Whether it is sample size or full size, it will sure brighten up their day! I started experimenting with cosmetics recently and I love them so much! Below are some of the products which I have gotten!

 
3) Fuzzy Socks!
OMG! Just look at the ones I own! They will keep your feet warm this winter! Even if your country is in summer right now, you can wear them in air-condition room. Apply some foot lotion, put them on and get ready for smooth feet the next morning!

 
Look at the lovely lace borders of the fuzzy socks!
They are like the ballet shoes but more comfy!

 
4) Scarves!
Get a beautiful scarf for your pen pal this holiday season! They keep you warm and are really fashionable!
(Note : I am not the best model, just look at the beautiful scarf. It is my favourite one!)

 
Another view of the scarf!
 
 
5) Tapes!
There is no need for explanation, almost every snail-mail addict love these tapes. There are so many kind of decorative tapes to give to your pen pals.
 
a) Paper Tapes
These are not Washi tapes but paper tapes. They are opaque and it does not have a waxy texture like Washi tapes. This is a cheaper alternative for Washi tapes. They are not too bad and I first got to know these tapes from my Japan pen pal, Akiyo. She is a really generous lady, I am really fortunate to have known her from postcrossing.

 
b) Fabric Tapes
I do love Fabric Tapes, they are not only cheaper but it gives your envelopes and cards a different texture as well.

 
c) The good old Washi Tapes!
Hands down, this is probably the best gift you can give to your pen pals. Furthermore, it is not easy to get them in European countries so maybe if it is not that expensive in your country, send some of them to your pen pals! 
 
 
6) Earrings!
If your pen pals have pierced ears, send them a pair of these cute earrings, cheap and vintage ones will be really nice!
(Note: Adjustable rings, bracelets and necklaces are lovely as well!)

 
~
 That's it for my gift guide!
If you still have no idea on what to give to your family, friends and pen pals, just follow your heart and give them anything. They will still love it, afterall, it is the sincerity that counts.
~
 
 
My grandpa always tell me that it is always the best to be able to give than to receive. Giving someone a gift that will make them smile and that smile on their faces is the best gift you can receive. Don't be mistaken, I am not a saint, I still love receiving gifts but my point is:
Giving is always better than receiving!
 
 
Thus, I am doing a giveaway!
 
 
I am giving away:
1) A vintage pin-up girl adjustable ring
2) My favourite  Uni-ball signo DX pen 0.38 (Winner can choose one colour which he/she desire.)
3) A roll of  Fabric Tape
4) A handful of  Heart-shaped candies!
5) Mystery Gift  (Something everyone could wear)
 
 
to ONE lucky winner.
(All items are brand new.)
 
It may not be a lot but these are some things which I can give away, from the bottom of my heart.
 
Details:
 
When: 12 November 2012 to 30 November 2012
 
What you have to do:
a) You have to be a follower of this blog.
b) Kindly mention about this Christmas Gift Guide + Giveaway post on your blog, comment below and give me the link to your blog + your email.
(If you do not have a blog, you can still enter, just tell me below as well!)
 
This is an international giveaway.
If you are below 18 years old, please ask for permission from your parents as I may need to get your mailing address.
Winner will be informed through email.
 
~
 
I sincerely hope that this Christmas gift guide is useful to everyone and you do not have to participate in the giveaway if you do not want to, no worries at all ! Lastly, if you have any queries, feel free to comment below! Stay tune for the next Christmas series post!
 
Warmest regards, Gladys