Author: living.gifts.by.lola

Hope Springs

Hope Springs

Posted on by living.gifts.by.lola

Hope Springs Anew with Growing

Spring, a new season that denotes hope.  Some would say, from the dreary cold of winter to something that reflects clearer skies, fresher air and the stirring of new life. 

An anonymous author got it right with, 

“Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.”

Picture change in the form of hibernation to springing up.  From catatonic to a burst of activity.  That is what spring is like.  A myriad of rousings and outpourings.

Embrace change with a touch of care and wisdom.

Though the pandemic is still a dark cloud looming over us, we need to embrace change with a touch of care and wisdom.  Spring has come, continue to hold on because it will only get warmer and better for us.

The pleasure of giving and the joy and liberty of choosing.

Living Gifts by Lola also embraced, not so much change as adding up on some new sub-categories under Gift Ideas for all Occasions.  We are offering choices with “A Buddy for a Gift“, “Gift Vouchers” and “Starter Kit Gift Set“.  Catering not only for the givers but also for the giftees.  And we’ve also added some uncommon to rare plants to spice things up.

Hope is free.  

It does not take anything from us but does plenty of good for us.  Optimism for something good gives us a sense of lightness to the burdens of life.  Allowing us to look forward to the future with renewed vigor and motivation to achieve those we hope for.

“Nature and art, a united balm for my well-being.”

In one of my friend’s posts, she said: “Aloe for my health (as an air purifier) and paper poppy for my soul.  Nature and art, a united balm for my well-being.”  My thoughts exactly. That is how I see Living Gifts by Lola.  The process of taking care of these living gifts allows me benefits derived from nature.  At the same time it also allows me the creativity my nature yearns for.  

Do something and allow the hope within us to spring us into action.

Hope is free but we need to follow that up with action.  We need to “do”.  Do something and allow the hope within us to spring us into action.  Nature is telling us that after the cold there is warmth.  After growing your gifts there is life and after that, living continues with giving. 

Growing, A Silver Lining

Growing, A Silver Lining

Posted on by living.gifts.by.lola

2020 marks the year that would go down in history as the time when the world stood still for months.  Who would have thought that reality would mimic apocalyptic virus themed movies?  Life imitates film, imitates life in a confusing cycle.  Rendering viewers at a loss, for which is reality and which is art.  

The sad reality being, the death toll reaching in the millions worldwide.  With fear, anxiety, and paranoia spreading like a wildfire in a dry forest.  Even self-proclaimed recluses, introverts, and homebodies felt cabin fever after being cooped up for months. There’s something about not having a say whether you can go out or not.  The choice was taken out of our hands.  

We can be thankful that New Zealand is one of the few countries that handled the pandemic well.  Still everyone was affected.  Lockdowns were implemented to stop the spread of the disease.  Many lost their jobs, companies closed after decades of operation and economies suffered.

More than a year later, many things are still unclear but one.  Everything has a purpose.  We may not know exactly what it is but we need to believe that something good will come out of this.

“Every cloud has a silver lining”

So, when I look back at everything that happened in the past year, I see that:

When some family members complained about lack of quality time, ample time was given to us, even to the point of complaint by some.

When we lacked time to do some long forgotten hobbies or even time to clean the house or do some overdue repair works.  Time was there.

In other countries, when smog would smother residents and commuters due to pollution from industry and vehicles, reprieve was given.  Study shows that, during lockdown air quality improved.  There was also a reduction in GHG emission, water, and noise pollution.  All of which may assist in the restoration of our ecological system.

Humans, resilient as we are, adapt and adjust to situations.  No matter the level of difficulty, we find a way to cope.  

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”

The sudden increase in demand for disposable masks prompted many in some areas to make fabric masks, generating income in the process.  Small business grew in numbers from buying and selling of household items, food to DIY of almost anything under the sun.

Then people started planting.  All over the world, people began to plant, to trade and to buy and sell plants at an astronomical level.  

Some may have planted to occupy their time.  Others, to liven up their space, which they suddenly realize needed sprucing up.  Still some, for the extra income.  While others, to make it their livelihood after losing their jobs.  Several, to be a part of the crowd.  Why not join the rest of the world and be part of the hype?  Whatever the reason behind the upsurge of people getting into plants we cannot deny the benefits it has given us and our environment.

It has also given some an outlet to release the stress brought on by whatever situation they are in.  Personally, I have drawn some calm in the process of growing my plant babies.  Our last blog mentioned that outward order and air quality could greatly affect our moods and outlooks.  Now, we urge you to continue to surround yourselves with those that contribute to your strength, peace and joy.  Planting, repotting, propagating and creating gifts may be mine but it could be yours too.  Taking small steps to add to the positivity around us could make a great difference.

True wellness

People nowadays are extra mindful of their physical health.  Indoor fitness programs are accessible in different social medias.  Coupled with proper diet recommendations to go with it.  But we should not forget that our bodies and minds need to be in sync for us to achieve true wellness.  

Everything shall come to pass and even though most things are beyond our control we need to look past those and try to be positive.

And if growing gives you joy, allows you the tranquility that you need, then continue to do so.  Because for me, in growing, we may have found a silver lining.

The Beauty in Growing

The Beauty in Growing

Posted on by living.gifts.by.lola

Most often than not, the things that we see affect our moods and perspectives.  When our surroundings are pleasantly in order there is a sense of calmness but if it is in disarray there’s a feeling of confusion and agitation.  Although, admittedly, each of us has different viewpoints of the words, pleasant, order and disarray, still the concept applies.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness;“

John Keats

My opinion of his idea is, no matter what happens, no matter what darkness or gloomy days we encounter, if we behold our perception of beauty then it will give us joy.  Having experienced that joy in the midst of the reality of, say a pandemic, like we are experiencing right now, increases the value of that loveliness we encounter.  It will always hold something of value for us and will never fade into nothingness.

Good medicine

So what does it matter if we are surrounded with something that gives us joy?  There is a saying that goes: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Surrounding ourselves with something that gives us joy will likely keep us healthy, may the source be physical or a chemical reaction to something good in the air, the outcome is positive and beneficial to us.

Nowadays, I find myself always surrounded by something that gives me joy.  My visually pleasing plants are some of the things of beauty that I consider a joy forever.  Tending them challenges me yet gives off a sense of calmness.  They most certainly provide a type of “good medicine” since studies say that they have great benefits for us.

Here are some of the natural air purifier plants that can filter carbon dioxide, others carbon monoxide, some even release oxygen during the night and the volatile organic pollutants that they can remove.

Being physically healthy could certainly contribute to our moods and overall well being.  One way of having it is by breathing clean air.  And during this pandemic, we know that you can never be too clean.

Now, this is only a  few of the many reasons and benefits of having healthy plants in our homes.  You probably know more and I would like to encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences on this.

Beauty, our perception of it, could give us joy and joy in turn could help us healthwise.  

Growing these beauties, our living gifts for you surely gives us joy and I hope it’s the same with you!

The Love Language of Giving Gifts

The Love Language of Giving Gifts

Posted on by living.gifts.by.lola

The amount of the gift does not matter

To cherish someone or show kindness by giving and receiving gifts is my love language. I’ve always enjoyed being on the lookout for something special for those who are dear to me.  It’s fun to embellish cards, write sweet, meaningful quotes and do quirky things to pretty up the simple.  I used to do that a lot when I was a student.  The amount of the gift does not matter.  What matters is the time, thought and the effort exerted in putting together something for someone special to me.

You’re always on my mind

I read in a commentary, “Whether that item is a tiny trinket from a thrift store, or a 50-foot sailboat is inconsequential.  Either convey the same message: I was thinking about you when I saw this. You’re always on my mind.”  That is precisely what I feel when I receive gifts and what I try to express every time I give one.  And that is probably why I’ve always kept more of them than I should.  I could unearth a couple of those gifts from way back my high school days and probably more at my mom’s place.  It’s a treasure of some sort, evoking nostalgic feelings at times.

I love what I do

My passion for growing complimenting my love of giving may have been inevitable but not without some hurdles.  I love what I do, but sometimes my tired muscles cry out to give up.  I just crave to sit, relax and enjoy a shot of caffeine now and then.  So that’s what I do when I need to and when I want to. 

When all your concerns focus on your likes and what your loved ones fancy, it’s not that difficult.  Since you generally know those likes and dislikes.  It takes a whole new perspective on things when you need to project what other people like.  How they want things to be set and styled.  Will they like this color?  Is the arrangement fancy enough?  Are these items cool enough?  In managing a small business, is it practical to buy too much of this stuff?  Is it worth it in the long run?

Those things are important enough, but if you allow it, overthinking and micromanaging could drive the fun out of what you’re doing.  Then you’ll end up being sorry for yourself because you’re too tired to do other fun stuff.  When in fact you are doing something you enjoy, or used to enjoy.

It is why I am thankful that I am constantly reminded, when I hang out with my family, surrounded by my plants, that I love where I am right now.  I love the challenges of extra work, the novelty of some areas of my work.  The pleasure I get out of simply doing what I think and feel is best and not overanalyzing things.

Because at the end of it all, to be able to share a tangible proof of love and appreciation to our loved ones, is a reward in itself.

Giving is always better than receiving and I enjoy both.  I hope you do too as Living Gifts offers a variety of those gifts from small, medium and large plants, pots and other accessories, to help you in your plant growing journey, for your enjoyment and your  loved ones.

I hope one day soon you’ll share your thoughts and experiences with growing your own plants, how you care for those you bought and what you feel when you share your gifts with your friends and loved ones.

Happy giving gifts everyone!

Winter is Coming...

Winter is Coming…

Posted on by living.gifts.by.lola

I am sure there are no “undead” coming our way.  Nevertheless, the frost may just come and take over our plants if we don’t watch out!

Cozy, snuggles and hot coffee are all part of winter for me. The fact that I’ve always been a homebody is just a cherry on top of the cake.  Now, cozying with my family gets even more comfortable surrounded by our lovely plants.

cozying with my family gets even more comfortable

They’re all vibrant and verdant, in contrast with the somewhat dreary atmosphere outside.  Enjoying their presence allows us to remember to adjust a little on our caring routine. 

Let’s check out first what’s in store for us this coming season.

While you might encounter more rain in the North Island, the South Island might be colder and drier.  In Porirua and all of Wellington, the weather could range from 7°C to 12°C, from June to August.  For the rest of New Zealand, winter temperatures usually range from 1.5°C – 15.5°C.

It is said that plants native to subtropics are in danger with temperatures below 4.44°C and could be killed at 0°C, when frost heaving occurs.  While plants native to the tropics could be damaged with temperature below 10°C and could die at 4.44°C.  Checking the origin of our plants could avoid any damages and untimely death.  

Personally, I find mulching beneficial for my outdoor plants.  It preserves moisture and also improves the quality of the soil.  When properly done, mulching could protect root vegetables against hard frost (for those areas that experience frost) and cushion roots against soil movements.  Still, don’t overdo things since it could cause rotting if plants have too much moisture in the soil.  There are different types of mulch for indoor plants as there are for outdoor plants.  Taking the time to search and learn the right type for a specific plant would be helpful. 

During the winter common problems we encounter for our indoor plants are:  too much water or moisture, not the right temperature and not enough sunlight for some plants.  

Sometimes we forget that as the weather changes our plants’ needs for the amount of water also changes.  Cacti like rhipsalis baccifera and succulents like calico kittens and burro’s tail may need watering two times less often.  Still, you need to check and be careful not to dehydrate.  

Cold drafts

Cold drafts could be a culprit during these cold months, that’s why we need to move those plants from window sills to warmer areas inside.  Or we could use blinds and thick curtains as barriers against cold drafty windows.  Others use bubble wrap as an alternative insulation for windows not double glazed.

But as much as cold drafts are damaging, so is too much heat.  Cranking up heaters, radiators and fireplaces during the winter is good.  However, plants should not be exposed directly to the heat to avoid getting burned.  Heaters also tend to dry the air inside a room.  When this happens, plants close their stomata to prevent excessive loss of moisture, making it difficult for them to capture carbon dioxide.  We know that this is not good for plants.  So we need to find the right temperature for them.  Some use humidifiers to balance out the dry air from heaters or you could use misters on some plants so they get the moisture they need without overwatering them.   

With shorter days and colder temperature, indoor plants don’t get enough ambient light.  Make sure that your windows are clear and free of dust so more light could get in.  Leaves should also be clean and dust-free to be able to absorb more nutrients and not block the light.

Winter Blues

Some people experience seasonal affective disorder or some call it “winter blues”.  We need to address this properly.  Do not brush it off as moodiness caused by the change in season and weather.  In the same way, we should care for our plants as some go through dormancy during winter.  Knowing the benefits of plants beyond the aesthetic could help in improving physical and mental health.  Helping remove indoor air toxins decreases the risk of illness.  Also, studies show that tending plants could decrease cortisol levels.  This could relieve stress and anxiety, thereby restoring a positive mood.   

Over-all, plants are just too good for us.  Taking extra care of them this coming season will benefit us more.  Each plant and variety has different needs and conditions where they thrive.  Knowing those will guide us in our daily care for them.

Sure, winter is coming and we are ready!

The Ripple Effect in Growing...

The Ripple Effect in Growing…

Posted on by living.gifts.by.lola

It takes a village to raise a child.

-African proverb

Thoughts and ideas just flood my mind while I do mundane things around the house.  I was thinking that all big things begin small.  Then I see my son and remember the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”.  While knowing that parents have the main responsibility to raise their children, it is an undeniable fact that many aspects influence their growth.  And that it takes an entire community to interact with, for them to  experience and grow in a safe and fit environment. 

And while that is true, I say: 

“It takes a village to make a small business thrive”

Just like in raising a child, starting and sustaining a small business takes a lot of something from a lot of someone. 

A supportive husband…

It takes my husband to support me in my ventures.  To always have an open mind and ear for every idea I juggle or throw at him (let me tell you, I’ve got more ideas flowing through my head than I could actually verbalize, bless him!).  It takes for him to actually do the household chores every time I’m too busy packing away orders and preparing for an event sale promo or such.  Importantly, it takes for him to devote his time and share his skills by capturing the essence of our goods through his lens.  Seeing the outcomes of his photography in our sites truly warms my heart.

A generous son…

It takes my son’s generosity to actually share a bit of his play space for our plants and accessories.  It takes for him to eventually appreciate and say “mom, that plant is so beautiful, you can have more space for your business.”

A loyal family and friends…

It takes my family and friends’ loyalty and patronage to choose our gift items over those from mega stores even though there’s a price difference.  Adding strength to my resolve to enhance the outcomes of my passion.  It also deepens my delight, knowing that their support in us and our business has a greater effect on the community.

A trusting supplier…

It takes our suppliers’ decision to somehow trust us even though our purchases cannot compete with big distributors.  

It just takes a lot of people, the whole village even, to start, maintain and make a small business thrive.

Supporting small business…

Supporting a small business means supporting your local community as a whole.  Because small businesses almost always hire locals, buy local products and raw materials, have local banks and service providers.  It is also environmentally friendly since small businesses have a smaller carbon footprint.

Looking at the bigger picture makes me see the ripple effect in having a small business.  For us, we essentially have gifts that grow and otherwise.   For others, it may be freelance jobs in marketing or graphic design or something in trade.  Whatever the items or services are, may they be personally handmade gift products or sourced from other suppliers.  Whatever our motivations are on why we do them, one thing is definite, as our small businesses gain, so does the community. 

That is how I see the effect of our growing.  Our growing of plants and the growing of a single seed of an idea to start a small business.  Becoming something that creates a ripple effect.  Your support of our small business, as well as other small businesses, means you are also supporting our community.  The more we pitch in, the more the community gains.

Creating more ripples…

On that note, we would like to say that we appreciate each of you who has extended any support, our way.  Every time you check out an item, every time you like our post or page, add a comment and share a positive experience with Living Gifts by Lola, every repeat order, every single thing has a ripple effect on us and we simply can’t thank you enough.

So help us create more ripples as we grow more, because the bigger the ripple, the better the outcome.

The Joy in Growing...

The Joy in Growing…

Posted on by living.gifts.by.lola

I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.

– David Hobson

What started as my search for some aesthetically pleasing plants for our home became a journey of discovery, fascination then passion.  Now, nothing gives me more joy about my plants than to see them thrive.  

I posted a few weeks back that I never thought damaged leaves could bring such sadness, but it does.  It is an investment of not only your time, money, mind (as we need to be creative in the arrangement and what accessories to use), but most of all, of emotions. 

A joy-giving experience

To nurture and patiently wait for them to grow is a real challenge.  There were many oops moments for me especially at the beginning, that is why I encourage those who are interested in having plants, indoor or otherwise, to take the time to read some do’s and don’ts or to ask those who know their way around plants.  Learning the basics like the proper time and amount of water to use for a specific variety of plants, proper drainage, the exposure to sunlight and proper humidity would help prevent the premature demise of our plants.  It may be too much for those who only want to see them healthy and pretty around the house but for me, the whole process is truly rewarding.  In a nutshell, it is a joy-giving experience.

Ready, Set, Grow!

That is why Living Gifts by Lola would like to share this joyous journey with you all, both young and adults with our: Ready, Set, Grow! Sprouting kit.  The kit includes instructional materials and the necessary items to start a plant project.  In my last blog I shared a couple of ideal vegetables to plant during this season and so we’ve included some of those in our variety of seeds.  A bucket-filled planting treats for your young ones.

We also have different arrays of potted plants from hanging to climbing and trailing and from small in size, medium to large, for your indoor plant-pleasure.  Still we offer garden accessories like kid’s gardening tool sets, plant misters, nursery pots and water sensors, if you already have the sprouting kit or available plants.

Living gifts that we grow…

As I said, having plants is an investment but the payoff is assured.  Looking around our place, I sometimes find myself just staring at them, they’re so visually pleasant and  vibrant yet calming, I think even our pet, Beau, feels so.  It’s good to enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded with purified air by the living gifts that we grow.

I hope some of you could share your experiences with your own plants, I’d sure be happy to join in your joy and even moments of nostalgia.

Hope to hear from you!

Let’s all get ready, set and grow!   

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn!

Posted on by living.gifts.by.lola

I slept in the summer and woke up to autumn. For those who grew up in New Zealand it’s just another day of summer then autumn comes March.  But growing up in the Philippines with generally two seasons, dry and rainy/wet, it was a new experience for me more than a decade ago. Having winter, spring, summer and autumn was a welcome change. Before I got my hands “dirty” with plants I wasn’t really concerned with weather change unless it’s about the types of clothes to put in storage or which clothes to wear or where to go for a family getaway.  Now, I think about which plants to put outside, which to put near the windows so they could get a bit of sunlight, which plants need watering or which to put away from windows to protect from draught.

The day before autumn, as the season changes, should there also be changes in our plant caring routine?

For those plant lovers who put them outside during the summer to bask and grow under the sun this is the time to start putting them inside before it starts to dip below 12 degrees Celsius at night.

Autumn’s temperature generally ranges from  7 – 21 degrees Celsius (45 – 70F) but Wellington didn’t get the memo yet since the average temperature today until March 1 is still 23 degrees Celsius.  We’ll mostly experience a bit of summer in autumn as the weather hasn’t transitioned yet, but it usually does around the end of March then April.  

Some may be anticipating the actual change in weather temperature and want to start a gardening project, Tui Garden says that autumn is an ideal time to plant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beetroot, spinach and Chinese cabbages, just saying 🙂

Here in Porirua, locals are known as early birds.  Saturday markets actually start at 4am and since we’re nearing the time of the year when days are shorter, then we can take advantage of our routine by checking and grouping out plants that need more sunlight and those that need less watering.

Succulents, cacti, ponytail palms, jade plants and aloes are some of the plants that need continuous daily sunlight but with cooler temperatures we need to put these plants indoors. Group them on the windowsill and try to rotate them once a week so all sides get the same amount of sunlight. If your place doesn’t get enough sunlight then you can use fluorescent tubes as an alternative.

We can always share these plant activities with our children, seeing as it’s their school holiday in April.  It’s never too early to show them the joys of gardening.  You could give them a starter box with a little bit of everything for planting  or you may check out our cactus in adorable animal pots for practice since cacti are virtually unkillable plants .  Try to  coax your loved ones to join in the fun of growing or simply sprucing things up using plant accessories.  You could repot plants that grew during the summer, put up more shelves and hang potted plants using cool macrames which happens to be one of our handmade gift products– macrame hangers and macrame hangers with pots.  And so, whatever the activity may be, it is always gratifying to do things with family and loved ones. Remember, those who plant together get to see their living gifts grow together!

Happy Autumn planting!