Giving and Receiving

So, what did you get this Christmas? Well, for the most part, I would like to say I gave a whole lot of quirky gifts.

For my closest friends, I love shopping unique gifts for them. I would "tune in" to things they particularly like... or need.

for one friend, who was going on a Europe trip, I bought two travel guide books. One for each city she was going to- London and Paris.

Others, I just went with unique gifts.. I gave my blog partner this... its a long pillow shaped like a PRINGLES can. It says... TO FIND A PRINCE, YOU'VE GOT TO KISS A LOT OF FROGS.... mwahahahahaha (see bottom part)

I gave my friend who has a teenage daughter this... (and some banana cupcakes- her favorite)-- it's says... I'M A PRINCESS-- SO DO WHAT I SAY!!!  --- in the bottom, -- DO IT NOW!!!
-- it's so funny and cute.

I also bought other designs, like this one shaped like a soda can. The original is called ROYAL TRU ORANGE... (ORANGE FLAVORED SODA).. they played around with the words.

I also have this LAYS look alike pillow---the kids loved this one... I never got a chance to give it. It got kidnapped.... (way too lazy... to get out of bed)

I also gave a lot of notepads... one is shaped like a camera, one is a NOTELLA.... and the other is a BLAHBERRY..... (most of those who got these were bank employees I usually do business with)

What I got---

my blog partner gave me a cute apron and some salt and pepper shakers. (I am starting a collection)

I also got some books from two friends. One is an inspirational book, and the other a travel book.-- I love checking off all the places I have been to.-- see all the markers... (the other places just give me ideas on where to go to next!)

I also got a mini bunt pan from my friend... love it too... just got so cooked out this season. not sure when I'll be able to use it.. It also came with an apron. (very useful)

These are my amazon wishlist... and some of the items I am eyeing (wishing for) are:

ink, nibs, sealer....

this whole calligraphy set... although, I still have to learn to write calligraphy.... or if not the whole set, maybe just a pen....

this murano glass pen is so exquisite. I have illusions of being in the 1800s and writing letters.... hahahaha. (Jane Austen)

ok... I would be happy with this... it matches perfectly with my froggy stapler and froggy tape dispenser

froggy timer

Well, maybe next year!!!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!!

Unusual things

One of the stores I always love to visit whenever I am in HK is PYLONES. It's located in Gateway mall in Tsim Tsa Tsui, kowloon. I only recently learned that it is actiually founded in France and has a whole bunch of stores in the US.. for their website click here

One of the things I like about their products is that when you see it, you don't actually know what it is just by looking at it. something looking like frog might actually be a stapler

my froggy stapler... a very nice addition to my desk

I have given some friends over the years some quirky items... which they all loved. like "cars" themed tape measure (tape measure being very fundamental to my line of work)

I particularly liked the "lady bug" one... although my daughter kind of broke it when she kept pulling at it...
. if you are wondering how the tape goes back, you push a button in the middle and it goes inside the box automatically.

I saw this "robot" one on the website. I think it is not available in the HK store when I last visited but I would love to get it.

 Just this week, I got to visit the store again. I was actually under the weather when I got to HK. I started to have colds but work was calling. So again, I just found time to visit the store I loved. (you can't keep a girl from shopping!) Since I also am writing for our food blog (see here) - I need some items for the kitchen. I bought this Russian Doll peppermill

ain't she just so cute? you twist the head to get crushed peppers.hahaha. that's something to vent out your frustrations.....I also bought this electric kettle.

The design is kind of oriental but I like it. And the good thing about it is I can put it in my bedroom and have hot water for my tea any time. It was a good thing too since I fell really sick when I got back from my trip. The hot water and tea did a lot of good. (the kitchen was really far).

The website is ok but I think seeing the products up close is better. so if you have a chance to visit one of their stores, I'm sure you'll love it!