Landmark Discoveries: Orlina-inspired Candleholders

It is Signal #2 here in Metro Manila because of Typhoon Hagupit/Ruby, and my mom and I were worried because we weren't prepared to deal with a black-out. We had about 3 candles and no candle holders.

We decided to brave the weather to drive to Trinoma, with my sister, so that we can buy candleholders and candles, just in case the strong winds of the typhoons cause some electric wires and poles to topple over.

As usual, Metro Manila is probably not ready to deal with this, because I'm sure the preparation that this current administration did in order to take action against this storm is to offer eggs in Sta. Clara church - I digress.

We went to Landmark Department Store in Trinoma, where we discovered candleholders that took inspiration from the glass sculptures of Ramon Orlina. And they were quite affordable to boot.

Couldn't decide which picture looked better, the one with the flash or without. 

We found these candleholders in the Home Decor section of Landmark, on the 3rd floor. They were only PhP 89.75 each, so we ended up buying all remaining 6 candleholders there. The stand was included in the candleholder. 

They are very heavy, they weigh more than my Macbook. So it was really such a steal. 

So we're ready just in case there's a black-out tonight, what with our Orlina-esque candleholders. 

Mason Jars as Christmas Gifts

This idea actually came from my mother. In one of our Dapitan trips a few weekends ago, she purchased several Mason jars from a stall we frequent for gifts for her secretaries and assistants.

When I had started bringing Christmas gifts to the office this week for my co-managers, I noticed my assistants waiting eagerly for presents. Realising that I forgot to buy something for them, I intended to drag Kim to Dapitan to purchase Mason jars and, basically, steal my mother's concept.

A Mason jar is a molded glass jar used for storing preserves for storage or selling. You normally see these used for home-made jams and jellies that are being sold. They were invented and patented by John Landis Mason, a tinsmith from Philadelphia, back in 1858.

The ones being sold in Dapitan come with the tin lid. They, however, lack the rubber seals, which are needed if you intend to use these for sealing preserves. These would suffice, however, if you're to use them for storage. Mason jars are also used, now, in lieu of mugs. Some hip coffee shops use Mason jars, those designed with handles, for their drinks. Some Mason jar lids already come with holes punched in the centre for straws to go through - these types were actually available for sale in Dapitan.

The ones I purchased had handles and an embossed design on the side. A quick search online, and I saw the exact same Mason jar I had.

borrowed from homewetbar.com

Was able to purchase this at a price lower than Landmark's retail price, which is sweet, especially if you're buying 20 pieces,

My source had an option for gold tin lids, though.

Borrowing from my mom's concept, I filled the Mason jars to the brim with candy from the grocery.

I'll be tying gold and silver ribbons, and these are all ready to be given to the assistants, Finance staff, and Housekeeping supervisors of One Serendra.

I really hope that they start using it in lieu of the mugs that they have in the office.

Mason jars are so the rage right now. And several people will be giving these as gifts this holiday season, which would be a fresh alternative to the usual gift staples given as gifts.

Hope my mom and I gave you a cute Christmas gift idea. Try placing something else instead of candy. Toys, shells, pebbles, jawbreakers, loom bands, scented beads - play around with the things you'll put inside, and the receiver will be in for a surprise. There's really no need to wrap it up, because the vintage look of the Mason jar will jazz up the bottom of the tree perfectly.

A lot of people also collect vintage Mason jars, so visiting Dapitan might be a good idea, since they have so many options there.