I’ve always been a fan and follower of my good friend and sister in law, Martine, way before she became known as “Dainty Mom.” Her hunger for knowledge, attention to detail, passion for life and ability to make anything pretty are things I’ve always admired about her. And what’s even more admiring is how she uses all these strengths to touch and make significant change in people’s lives.
On December 6, I had the privilege of meeting and being in the same room as these lovely ladies she has impacted with her pursuit of meaningful and blissful living. It was a thanksgiving get together and holiday party Martine put together for her clients, collaborators and friends at Scarsdale in Shaw Blvd. She called it the Make it Blissful Make-rie 2014.
I only have a few photos and how I wish I had taken more! I had baby Jo slung to me the entire time so it was a bit tricky to take photos, however, I will try my very best to describe the lovely afternoon we had.
The theme was rustic holiday chic and it was captured beautifully beyond words by Constance Styling! Everything looked perfect! I could not handle how gorgeous everything looked – the fresh flowers; the fancy crystal vases and candle holders; the burlap, lace and delicate fabric hanging from the ceiling; the paper flowers in glass jars, the gold pinecones and the handmade ornaments which served as place cards – everything, just gorgeous!
Even the guests blended in well to their surroundings as everyone came garbed in rustic chic holiday fashion: fuzzy sweaters, frills, lace and muted tones of pink, grey and brown.
The food was quite delicious and they looked so pretty too. It took some time for me to dig in and eat because I really wanted to take photos of the delicious set up! But eventually, I did eat and it did not disappoint at all!
The festivities began with a raffle where everyone won something! Martine pre-picked winners and gave away fabulous items from some of her favorite brands. There were clothing from Elin and Brown Belly; magnet boards from Sitting Pretty; notebooks from Sunday Paper Co, eye liner pencil sets from Happy Skin and gift certificates from Cudsly of which, I’m thrilled to share, I won a set!
And it wouldn’t be a make-rie if we didn’t get to make and create. In the middle of the feasting, Martine announced a fun contest where each guest gets to decorate her own croughnut. The one who puts together the best looking vignette of her creation wins an overnight stay at Taal Vista Hotel! Naturally, everybody did the best they could to come up with the most delicious looking croughnut. It was a lot of fun! In the end, after taking photos of our vignettes from all possible angles, AJ of Sunday Paper Co was announced winner and we all happily devoured our yummy concoctions. (Congrats AJ! Enjoy your Tagaytay getaway! :D)
The lovely and talented Acie Romero-Salas‘ delightful creation. Looks so yummy with the caramelized bananas!
My own croughnut which I realize I did not get to name! 😛
Towards the end of the party, Martine thanked all of us, her guests, for the opportunities she was given to work with us and be part of our lives at one time or another. With misty eyes, she showed her heartfelt gratitude for the trust that is given her and the meaningful relationships she has gained within the past several years. It was such a beautiful moment. Every single one of us in the room were obviously just as thankful for her and how she has enriched our lives.
As the event came to a close, Martine surprised everyone and gifted each of us with a box of bliss, which, basically, is a selection of Martine’s favorite things in one box. Thanks to the following brands for sharing with us their wonderful products:
Heima
The Vanilla Co | A Vanilla Story
Craftsmith Living
Hurraw PH | Cutieverse
Philosophy PH
Yosi Samra PH
Print Cafe
Zoya PH
Casa La Armonia | Jean Perry PH
(I should also mention that Martine included our Blooms postcards to the gift boxes!)
I’m so happy and grateful to have been part of this event. It was refreshing and inspiring to be surrounded by all those talented women. Being there also made me even more proud of Martine, not only for the excellent work she puts out but also for the way she fully and deliberately lives her life, which makes so many people, such as those of us who were there, want to follow her lead.
Photo with the blissful Martine by Shutterpanda (A proof that I was really there…with Jo :P)
And so I wish you, Martine, my Ate Marts, continued success in all you do. May your life, as you pursue simplicity and bliss, continue to inspire, give hope and spark creativity in the lives of many others! I’m so very proud of you! <3
For more blissful insights, products and events, visit www.makeitblissful.com.
Leave a Reply