"December Discoveries"
Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 22, 2007

It is just three days before Christmas! Are you already in panic mode? No matter how hard we try to do our Christmas shopping in advance, there are some people whom we still miss on our list.

Don’t know what to give them? Let me share to you my December discoveries!

Incredible India’s lac bangles

Lac bangles are made from hardened resin secreted by lac insects which are commonly found in India. It is said that how a woman takes care of her bangles is an indication of how she takes care of her husband and children.

The bangles also make a clinking sound which supposedly brings good luck. Wear one color or mix different designs to make a statement. Prices range from P75 to P250 per set. For orders, call (0917) 8577455 or e-mail: incredibleindia.dvo@gmail.com.

Sugar and Spice closet spray and towels

Aside from dressing up Davao’s fashionable set, Sugar and Spice offers other must-have items like its newly-launched closet spray (P150). It guarantees “the sweetness of sugar and the aroma of spice which will eliminate the stench of stale closet”. Mist it in your closet and leave a fresh and clean fragrance.

I also adored their cute towels creatively shaped like yummy cakes, ice cream cones and sundaes priced at an affordable P150.

Sugar and Spice is located at the 2nd level of Gaisano Mall, Davao City.

Yvette’s crystals

The talented Yvette Celi’s dainty customized crystal creations caught my eye when I visited the Davao Convention and Trade Center’s Christmas bazaar.

Using crystal beads, Yvette makes amazing and intricate placemats, napkin holders, baskets, lamps, vase holders, tissue holders, among others.

To place your orders, call (63)9193031355 / (082)3056477.

Handbag organizer

Mommies like me carry around a lot of stuff inside our bags. Because of this, I dislike transferring my endless things to another bag on a daily basis. So, I end up using one bag for the whole week and revolve my outfits around its color.

Recently, I found a useful accessory that would come in handy--a handbag organizer! It’s a bag within your bag. You can put your cellphone, compact powder, wallet, hand sanitizer, brush, etc. in its various compartments. And, when, it’s time to switch bags, just take out the handbag organizer and transfer your things in a snap!

Prices are pegged at P199 and P299. Call Chateau Veronica at (082)2440555 for orders.

Handbag caddy

Here’s another must-buy accessory for our beloved bags—a handbag caddy! Just place it in the table’s edge and hang your bag.

With this little tool, you don’t have to put your bags on the floor or at the back of your seat when you go to meetings, parties, restaurants and church. It is more sanitary and secure because you can see your bag all the time. No more sad stories of bag snatching when you eat out.

Each handbag caddy is P320. If you buy 6 or more, you can get it at P300 each. Email your orders to Christine Ty at cty1971@yahoo.com or call/text (0917)8470511 or (0922)3311888.

Bonsai plants

Another great find at the Christmas bazaar are these adorable bonsai plants (P500 and above) being sold by Martinez 8M Flower Garden. It is a wonderful alternative present especially for those hard-to-buy-gifts-people on your Christmas list.

For orders, call Dr. Linda Martinez at (082)2277079; 2215572; (0917)3778828. E-mail address: 8mflower@gatesway.com. Address: 81 Acacia St., Palm Village, Bo. Obrero, D.C.

“101” books

At only P250 each, these "101 Cool Science Experiments", "101 Cool Practical Jokes", etc. books are a steal!

As the science version of the book series aptly describes, “The book is full of simple science experiments to shock and amaze curious children. The equipment you need for the experiments are readily available household items. Ordinary materials like vinegar, string, eggs and paper are used to make extraordinary things. They will help you find how science works, and why things happen the way they do. Most of all, these experiments are fun!”

Call/text Betty Sur at cellphone number (0915)3125851 for orders or visit “Learning is Fun” along J.P. Laurel Ave., (infront of Central Warehouse Lanang).

The Rodriguez’s culinary creations

I’ve always loved Vincent and Donna Rodriguez’s Tiny Kitchen Creations. I like their gourmet tuyo for instant pasta meals or their pizza sticks for a filling snack.

They recently launched their Dulce Vida gourmet pastries with delicious goodies such as ice box cake at P395 and choco and plain silvanas at P220 for 7 pieces and P160 for 5 pieces.

The entrepreneurial couple also accepts orders for their home-made paella: Negra (seafood); Valencia (chicken and fish) and Mariscos (seafood) priced at P1,700, good for 10-15 persons and P2,200, for 15-20 persons.

Place paella orders a day in advance. Call (082)3059232 or (082)2348136. You may also visit their shops at Mabini cor. Araullo Sts. and Market Basket Damosa.

Red Moon Chinese Cuisine and Delicacies

And, finally, if you still don’t know what to give your loved ones this Christmas, why not treat them to a relaxing foot massage (just P150!) at K1 Spa? Afterwards, enjoy a delightful meal at the newly-opened Red Moon Chinese Cuisine and Delicacies, also located at the K1 Complex in F. Torres St.

Red Moon, with its brightly lit, red and black interior, serves Chinese old-time favorites and comfort food such as kiampung (think of it like a a Chinese paella); lomua soup (eel with herb soup); beef sate with noodles soup; owachian (oyster omelet); tongkoy-ah (duck with tongkoy); and honey spring chicken.

For take-out orders, Red Moon’s delicacies are packaged nicely and ideal as gifts for all occasions.

Each order is good for one-three persons and the prices are quite reasonable. Absolutely, value for money!

For orders and reservations, call (082)2213988.

Have a blissful and fun-filled Christmas everyone!

(I would love to receive your comments and suggestions! E-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com)