TOPAZ HORIZON

Liz of Manila! And, for the benefit of those who didn't know I had a contest, this is her prize:

Estee Lauder Lip Collection with mini croc purse

This was her answer:

My favorite Topaz Horizon post is New Things from Old Things. It was very touching how you and your sister looked over your mom’s stuff. I could also relate with the sacrifices your mom made in order for you to get a good education. My mom was the same

When we were younger and Dad still had a job, she would tell me that she would give all her jewelry to me, the only daughter. However, when Dad retired early, before the three of us got to high school, and he invested and lost money in lame business partnerships, Mom had to pawn all her jewelry, even their wedding rings, and never got to redeem them, just so we could have money for tuition.

So when I started working, I promised myself that I would buy her jewelry and I would treat her out and pamper her. And I did, as much as I could. I know these were nothing compared to her sacrifices up till the time we finished college and beyond.

If ever you choose this comment, I would give one of the lipsticks to her because it’s the only make up she puts on her face, aside from Johnsons Baby loose powder. The other one I would give to my friend who has ovarian cancer.

I liked it that she's going to share the prize with two other people. Because that's what Christmas is all about. Well, that's what life is all about--giving and sharing! In fact, I envy her because she got to give back to her mom. I never had the chance. So maybe this is my way of pretending that I'm making my Mama happy, too. So Liz of Manila, congratulations. Email me at frances@topazhorizon.com for details on how to get your prize.

Thank you to all of you who wrote in. I liked each and EVERY answer! And I rediscovered posts that I'd forgotten about. Some of you remembered very old posts so I guess you've been around here for a good long while. Thanks for sticking around. I promised to keep this blog silly and shallow so it always surprises me that there are still readers. Thank you. Your readership means a lot to me.

We have new money! And I'm excited to get my hands on it!

image source

I know some of you don't like the new look but, hey, progress is progress. How is this new look progress? Well, the new money has more security features that makes it difficult to counterfeit. Plus, with distinctly Philippine landmarks on the back of the new bills, they'll make me feel proud to be a Filipino whenever I go shop for stuff. Yep, now buying anything from Vito's diapers and onesies to Vince's candy to maybe a new PS3 (!!!) will feel like a patriotic act!

The new bank notes will be out this month but I have yet to see them. I really really wish they're like Singapore money--the plastic-like paper makes the Singapore dollar smooth, silky, dirt-resistant and moisture-proof. And very very first world. Ya, I know that doesn't change the fact that we're woefully third world but maybe this new money can usher in a new era of wealth and good fortune to us Filipinos!

And with that, I wish y'all a holiday season that's showered with tons of money! Yes yes, love is good but money is a good thing, too. And I for one would love to have more. 

P.S. Don't forget to join my blog contest!

1. The Golden Globes announced their nominees. Box office bomb and totally unfunny and unmusical film The Tourist got a nom for Best Comedy/Musical. Why?!

2. Hollywood is Splitsville! First, Dexter stars Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter. Then Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. Then the Sexiest Couple Alive is no more! Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds just split?! Who's next?!

Got this from Chuvaness.

3. You can now reach God through cell phones. What's His number? Is He with Globe, Smart, Sun?

4. Gwyneth Paltrow. When I grow up, I wanna be Gwyneth Paltrow. Seriously.

And last, but most certainly not the least...

5. The two men in my life. What a treasure!

Last week, I posted my wish list. What's on yours? I'm sure it has anything from a vacation to luxe items like designer bags, new phones and maybe even an HDTV (get one! It's totally changed the way Vince and I watch TV!). Anyway, if you're also looking to add a nice designer purse and some pretty lipsticks to your list, let Santa Frances make your wish come true.

I'm giving away this exclusive Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection Lipstick Set. Estee Lauder gave it to me a few weeks ago. It's a special edition set for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (that'll be October). A portion of each sale will be donated to breast cancer research in the hopes of finding a cure. Since it's not available locally, this was just given to me as a token. And what a pretty token it is!

The lipstick shades are all pink (Candy, Rubellite, Tiramisu) and they all come packaged in a mini croc-print  purse. The shades are really pretty. Honestly, I find it so lovely that I want to keep it! But I'm not a lipstick person so I'm giving it to one gorgeous fantabulous wonderful Topaz Horizon reader!

Here's what you have to do:
1. Leave a comment on this post by finishing this phrase: "My favorite Topaz Horizon post is..." and say why.
2. No Gmail or Blogger or OpenID account? Then you can leave your comment on this Facebook post.

That's it! I will be pick the winner on December 20 (yes, I am the one and only judge. This isn't a raffle! I'll read each and every comment and choose my favorite. Wheee!). Then I'll send the prize just before Christmas so that my lucky reader will have a very pretty pink holiday!

I mentioned in this blog somewhere that my Mama used to work for Meralco. All her life! So part of my childhood was spent growing up on the vast grounds where the main office stands. Mama was always loyal to Meralco because the company really took care of its employees. The benefits they enjoyed were beyond amazing--comprehensive healthcare, financial help, free theater tickets...

I know that Meralco took a beating this year from irate consumers but I can never feel angry towards the company that put food in my tummy, sent me to school, put clothes on my back and, because of the healthcare, saved my life more than a few times. Besides, like I mentioned in this post, because Vince and I are very smart with our electricity consumption, our electric bill is a lot lower than most people's bills.  

So when I was invited to Meralco's Christmas party at the Ortigas compound, I just had to go. Last Thursday, Meralco turned on the lights of its giant Christmas tree to usher in the Yuletide Season. This year, they're offering the public more attractions: a life-sized electric toy train and a candy-colored Toy Town. I've always loved the giant manger scene made out of copper wire, though, so seeing it again was enough for me.