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December is looming so near it’s giving me mini-panic attacks.

I’m not much of a Christmas fan (yes, i can hear you gasping all the way here), but i do enjoy the so-called “art of gift giving”. Well, in theory anyway. It’s always fun to shop (even if it’s mostly window shopping) and with the emergence of online shopping, well, let’s just say i’m glad i don’t have a credit card yet.

So anyway, here’s an informal list of things i’m loving to give and be given this Christmas.

Who wouldn’t want a book? Everybody (well, the people i know anyway) LOVES a book gift, especially if it’s by one of his/her favourite writers! This graphic novel from Bill Willingham (the guy who brought us FABLES) is a continuing story of some of the Fables characters. I’m super excited!This would probably be one book i would be reading over and over again (a testament to Bill’s amazing writing and the fab illustrations he and his team always concoct). It’s good enough to be included in the list of 2009 holiday wishlist for graphic novels

These beautiful leather tote bags from Crate&Barrel are both stylish and large enough to accommodate shopping goods, aside from stowing away the usual arsenal of items one usually brings around. Its durability+beauty combo with the design and the material makes this a winning mix and a perfect gift for any gal who loves her bags. I will definitely have a lot more fun grocery shopping (and probably spend more time crawling down the aisles than needed) with these! I just love how these make a green lifestyle so much easier and lovelier to do

I’m a sucker for cutesy items (kawaii!!!), especially cutesy undergarments! These pair of 3’s from Old Navy are oh-so-girly! They come in a pretty cute package too, so gift giving will definitely be a cinch. Too pink or colorful? Not at all. Those splashes of color adds that much-needed fun — it’s practically making a statement on its own.

These travel charging stations from Crate&Barrel makes organizing chargers and other electronic items a snap. I remember once while traveling, i lost my charger and had no idea where i placed them. There were those other times that i had all my wires tangled. Needless to say,i was pissed. With this, everything will be stashed neatly and nicely into my bag. While I’m not much into electronics (i’m one of those people who kinda expect these things to “magically” do stuff and appear before my eyes), knowing that all my “goods” are in one safe and convenient place makes me appreciate them more. Besides, the “OC” in me is happily rejoicing — no more tangled wires!

Ooh, Gelaskins! I got one for my ipod, but these are just TOO lovely to resist! I’m a Tim Burton fan, and these gelaskins from his Tragic Toys characters, are just awesome! Recently released in conjunction with an exhibit at the MoMA in his honor, these are a perfect accessory to those who are avid fans of his amazing works. (note to self: MUST get an iPhone to replace crappy-@ss cellphone!) Ok, if i can’t have that, then this may suffice

I’m sure there are tons more to add to this list in the next few days, but i’ll leave it to these for now. My faves and must-haves will be for another list, another post (if i ever get the chance to compile one). But here’s to the Christmas season — hope this gets you thinking: What’s your wishlist?

An Hermes leica-m7 limited edition camera!?!?? OMFG.

“Leica Camera AG has today announced a very special limited edition of its classic 35mm rangefinder system camera: the LEICA M7 Edition ‘Hermes’. As the successor to the ‘LEICA MP Edition Hermes’ launched in 2003, this is the second series of cameras created in co-operation with Hermes, the Paris-based company renowned throughout the world for its exclusive products.
The strictly limited LEICA M7 Edition ‘Hermes’ comes in silver chrome with a choice of two striking calfskin leather finishes – orange and etoupe – supplied by Hermes. Just 100 of each colour will be made available, and each individual camera will have a special sequential serial number between 001/200 and 200/200.

To complement the design of the camera, the special LEICA M7 Edition ‘Hermes’ set includes a silver anodised LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. wide-angle lens, a matching classic round lens hood in silver anodised metal – manufactured specifically for these models – and a LEICAVIT M rapid winder in silver chrome. A real leather carrying strap, handcrafted by Atelier Hermes to match the colour of each camera, provides the finishing touch. Each set is delivered in a linen-covered, silk-lined box.”

I think i will pretty much sell most of my stuff (including live in a cardboard box for a few years) just to get this baby into my hands. Then again, with the suggested retail price of GBP8,55, i don’t think all my possessions will even amount to half of that amount! :-p Where is a wealthy benefactor when you need one?

These are the days when i feel it’s so unfair to NOT have enough money to buy the stuff you want – nay, DESIRE – about.

Ivan Puig’s installation artworks leave behind questions after the initial shock. I find his work very inventive, and judging from the various media he’s used over the years, he is relentlessly testing and experimenting in every way he can.

I am really loving his site, which carries a collection of some of his most prolific and at times disturbingly mesmerizing images. Here are some of my favourites:

Pompoms are the new confetti/decors for any party! I simply adore these from PomLove’s Violets are Blue collection. Her amazing pompoms are truly lovely (check out the orange ones as well, perfect for a spring/summer get-together!)

The Pacman training for the big fight.

The aftermath

This day’s amazing fight left everybody breathless, jumping off their seats and excitedly glued to the screen. Wherever you may be in the world, i’m sure you have seen or heard even a glimpse of the fantastic fight that just happened.

Mabuhay ka, Manny! \m/

*picture courtesy of TIME.com and ESPN.

pictures courtesy of Stylecaster.com

SATC’s Sarah Jessica Parker will grace the next cover of ELLE magazine! I am soo thrilled! Of course, i am looking forward to the next installment of the SATC movie, and next year can’t get here fast enough indeed! Thank goodness for magazine features like these to ease that waiting pain. She looks awesome from the photos and i’m glad that the feature will cover not just her movie and her fashion, but also her new life as a mom of twins (yes, she IS a mom of twins by adoption). Good call on your next cover girl, ELLE!