Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Silver Accessories Care by ICING - in CLEO Jan 2010 issue

For some great tips by ICING Accessories on how to care for your silver jewelry, go grab your copy of CLEO Magazine Jan 2010 issue.
In it, there's more tips on how to get on a great start for the new year in 2010.
We have reflected and set our business resolutions for 2010 already. Have you set some resolutions of yours too?

Let's get ready for the fantastic year ahead! =)

Thursday, December 24, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ICING Gifts wishes you & your loved ones a jolly ICING Christmas.
We hope it'll be a warm and loving season for you!
And may the coming 2010 year be a fantastic one too!
Lastly, enjoy the long holiday break that you deserve! ;)

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Interesting Cross-Cutural Gift Giving Etiquettes

Did you know that there's many nuances when it comes to gift giving? This is especially so in the business settings whereby gift giving in some cultures may be seen as a form of bribery.

Just a few to share here:
Japan
. Gift-giving is a central part of Japanese business etiquette and is deeply ingrained into Japanese business culture.
. The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on the act of gift-giving not the gift itself.
. Bring a range of gifts for your trip so if you are presented with a gift you will be able to reciprocate.
. A gift for an individual should be given in private.
. Expensive gifts are common.
. The best time to present a gift is at the end of your visit.
. If you are presenting a gift to a group of people have them all present.
. The correct etiquette is to present/receive gifts with both hands.
. Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before accepting.
. Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky. Give in pairs if possible.

France
. Gift giving are expected at social event and as a form of saying "thank you".
. Gift giving is left to the foreigner's discretion.
. Good gifts to present include books or music as they demonstrate intellectual pursuits but do ensure you are reasonably acquainted with the recipient's taste before giving these kind of gifts.
.French business etiquette dictates that you don't include your business card with a gift.
. If you're invited to a French home, consider it a rare honor and bring flowers, quality chocolate or liquors to the host. Present your gift before the entertaining proceeds.
.Don't bring the gift of wine unless it's a special French dessert wine or a high quality liquor as the host usually prefers to make the evening's selection.

China
. It is the proper etiquette for gifts to be exchanged as a way of giving thanks and even as a sweetener for future favours.
. Business gifts are always reciprocated. Not to do so is bad etiquette.
. It is however important not to give gifts in the absence of a good reason or a witness.
. When the Chinese want to buy gifts it is not uncommon for them to ask what you would like.
. It would be wise to demonstrate an appreciation of Chinese culture by asking for items such as ink paintings or tea.
. Do not give cash as gifts and do not be too frugal with your choice of gift
. Depending on the item, try to give the gift in pairs. Chinese stresses harmony and balance (think Ying & yang) so giving gifts in pairs are thought to be more auspicious.

And in general:

  • Sharp Objects
In many cultures, items with a sharp edge symbolize the severing of a friendship or relationship. In these cases, you wouldn’t select a knife,pair of scissors, or a letter opener for a gift. Because of this common symbolism, it’s better to select a gift from another category, rather than risk making a bad choice.

  • Locally Produced Product
If you’re doingbusiness in a country known for producing a particular product, local pride and quality dictate that you wouldn't offer that item as a gift, especially if it were manufactured elsewhere.

  • Electronic Gadgets and Office Accessories

Business gifts that are useful for a businessperson, whether an executive or a staff member, are electronic items such as laser pointers, PDAs, calculators, and address books.

  • Desk & Office Accessories
Good gifts include fine quality pens, or pen and pencil sets, business card holders, good leather briefcases or leather organizers for use in the
office or in a briefcase.
  • Liquor
A quality bottle of liquor or wine always makes a good gift for someone who drinks alcohol, unless the person lives in a region noted for producing the product.

  • Chocolate
Universally, this is a good choice. There are many fine quality chocolates that make exquisite gifts for a business meeting, for taking with you to someone’s home as a hostess gift, or for a thank you to a staff person who’s helped you on a project. Because it can be boxed in various sizes, it also works if you need a gift for a large group.

There’s even kosher chocolate for you to give to your Jewish business associates and clients.

  • Flowers
Flowers can be frequently used as a gift, especially if you’ve been invited to someone’s home. You may want to bring flowers with you to the house, send them prior to the dinner party, or have them sent the following day as a ‘thank you’. It’s best to advise the florist that the bouquet is to be a gift, and the reason for the occasion, so an appropriate selection can be made.

In Europe, the old European tradition of always giving an odd number of flowers is still followed today (all except 13 which is considered unlucky).

In some cultures a particular color or type of flower is associated with romance or funerals, and would not be chosen to give a hostess. Red roses are frequently considered romantic. Funeral associations frequently occur with lilies or calla lilies, chrysanthemums, Frangipani, white roses, marigolds, carnations, heather, and white or purple flowers. In some Latin countries, yellow flowers symbolize contempt.

Now that you know these "rules", you may want to take note of the art of giving before your purchase something for your business associates.

And for your friends and others, you may want to consider some of ICING gifts. ;)

Saturday, December 19, 2009

ICING Festive Recipes (Tuna Pasta Salad, Potato Salad & Gingerbread Man)

We have a handful of request for our ICING Party food recipes and I thought it is a good idea to share them here with you. These recipes are suitable for all occasions, not to mention this festive season.

Tuna Salad
Ingredients

400 g fusilli
1 pack of cherry tomato
1 green capsicum
2 cans (abt 185g per can) of tuna in brine
650g of mayonnaise
250ml of Italian salad dressing

Methods
  • Boil the fusilli until al dente and put aside to cool when done
  • Wash the capsicum and cut into small cubes
  • Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut into halves
  • In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and salad dressing together until a smooth consistency. The above proportion is just a guide, mix to taste. If you prefer the dressing to be more sour and liquid, add more Italian dressing and the reverse applies.
  • Mix chopped capsicum, cherry tomatoes and tuna in a big bowl with fusilli
  • Slowly pour in the salad dressing and mix
Place in refrigerator and you're ready to serve the guest when they arrived. You can even prepare this the day before to free up your time on the actual party day.

Potato Salad
Ingredients

1.2 kg potatoes
4-5 pcs of chicken sausages
650g mayonnaise
spring onion
paprika powder
ground black pepper

Methods
  • Boil potatoes in water until it is soft, use a fork to test whether it is ready
  • Boil chicken sausages for about 5 mins until cooked
  • Chopped spring onions and place aside
  • When cooled and ready, remove potatoes skin and cut them in small cubes
  • Allow sausages to cool and slice them into small pieces before mixing in with potatoes
  • In a separate bowl, pour in the mayonnaise and mix in paprika and pepper to taste
  • Add 2 pinches of spring onions into salad dressing and mix
  • Carefully mix salad dressing into potatoes and sausage bowl so as not to break the potatoes pieces
  • Garnish with some spring onions
Please in refrigerator to cool down. Like the tuna salad, you can prepare this salad the day before.
Tip: Try not to use USA Russet Potato as they tend to break into small pieces easily.
Tip: To cook potatoes faster, skinned them and cut them in cubes before boiling.

Ginger Bread Man
Ingredients

75 g soft brown sugar
2 tbsp golden syrup
1 tbsp black treacle/molasses
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp ginger powder
1 pinch ground cloves
zest of 1/2 an orange
95 g butter, cubed
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
225 g plain flour
Icing to decorate

Methods
  • Blend sugar, syrup, treacle, ginger, cinnamon, zest and 1 tbsp of water together in saucepan
  • Bring to boil and when bubbling, remove pan from heat and stir in butter and bicarbonate of soda
  • Mix in the flour slowly until you have a smooth manageable dough
  • Cover the dough and leave it in the refrigerator for about 30 mins until dough becomes firm
  • Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius
  • When ready, rough the doll on a slightly flour surface until it is about 3 mm thick
  • Cut out gingerbread man using cutter
  • Arrange gingerbread man on lightly grease baking sheets and bake for 10-15 mins or until they feel firm when lightly pressed
The ginger bread man was exceptionally popular and it'll be great fun to let your guest decorate their own gingerbread with icing or currents too.

We hope you'll enjoy these simple recipes and have a great time with your friends and loved ones this season!

Do feel free to leave some feedback too or share your recipes for our own Christmas Dinner. =)

Christmas Gifts Available @ FLAIR

Step into this colourful shop opposite Maxwell Market and treat yourself and your loved ones to some very nice and unique gifts ideas. It's the first shop right next to The Scarlet Hotel.

Flair
The Scarlet Hotel
33 Erskine Road #01-02
Our waterproof laptop cases and shoe/gym/toiletries bags, camera cases and lunchbag pouches are also available in store in addition to the animal pouches.
Great for last last last minute Christmas buys! It's just a 6 days to Christmas!!

Cheers!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Reflection in December

Although we still have about 2 weeks to go before end of 2009, this rainy weather has made me reflect on our ICING year. It's probably because of these well wishes that I came across while I was packing away the ICING party items (yes yes, we've been so busy and there's still quite bit a of loose things lying around. :P).

Jan & I have definitely accomplished quite a bit this year. In retrospect, 2009 has really been a hectic year for us. The results are more or less what we wanted and of course, some plans were changed and fine-tuned and some things simply did not materialized.

However, there were many pleasant surprises that we didn't even expect. And the many new friends we've made too. Oh, the joy of running your own biz and the excitement of it all!
The ICING style is very close to what we have visualized about a year back. And I'm really glad we had that little talk after our gymming session back in 2008 that got everything rolling.
To us, this is a great start. We really appreciate and are thankful of of all those who have supported us and encouraged us along the way. The journey is made sweeter with all of your well wishes!

In this post are some of the ICING Party pictures that we want to share. This party is one of the highlights of our 2009 ICING journey, made possible with all the support and help from our family and friends. And of course, our very dear customers! If you didn't join us this year, we hope you will at our next party.

Best Dressed Contestants
(Theme: Think Pastel)


Pastel Candy Best Dressed Winner


Most ICING Pastel Baby


Stylish Jul with Doggie Animal Pouch


Jul & her doggie pouch!



Our invited guest artist who is very talented. Her greeting cards are really unique!


Fun with Ginger Bread Man Decoration


First Lucky Draw Winner


Tree of Freebies

It has been said that it's hard to start a business, an even harder to grow one. And we shall look forward to a fantastic 2010 with more surprises, more ideas and more to give as we grow this baby of ours!

And if you have any idea on how to make our party an even better one, do leave a comment as we'll love to hear from you!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Last Minute Christmas Shopping

If you're like rushing and stressing because of the last minute Christmas shopping, fret not! Just drop by A'Moz Concept at China Square Central which is right in middle of the business district.


A'Moz Concept
3 Pickering Street

China Square Central #01-43

The full range of ICING Gifts are available in this store.


You'll be able to spot the shop easily with the tent outside and warm & cheerful decor inside. The owners even have their own coffee machine and a coffee table to serve customers!

And if you're lemming for our ICING Accessories, just walk a few doors down to By The Branch which is currently carrying quite a few of our latest designs.


By the way, do try the new yogurt store next to A'Moz Concept, they serve really nice icy cold yogurt. I've given it a try today and think it's perfect for the unusually hot weather this December. Enjoy! ;)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

What to get this Christmas??

Still pondering? Getting worried as you count down to Christmas? What about these cute & compact gadget/camera case recommended by ICING Gifts?

Don't be fooled by the small size, they can fit all compact cameras, making it handy and convenient to bring the camera everywhere. And other mini gadgets too.

  • Fits up to 10.5cm(b) x 7cm(h) x 3.5cm(d)

  • Shock-Proof & come Padded with
  • an Inner Pocket for extra battery, XD card and all the minis etc.
  • Waterproof &
  • Made To Last a long time
Retailing at only $18.90. Hope you find one you'll love and happy giving this festive season!

Monday, December 7, 2009

MF Accessories In FurrMUSE @ Cineleisure

Now there's one more place to get your favourite MF Genuine Leather Accessories conveniently in Orchard. Just hop by Cineleisure 3rd floor to FurrMUSE to take a look at the collection.

Furrmuse

8 Grange Road #03-07
Cineleisure Orchard


And if you appreciate Dior Homme fashion and its like, it's the ideal place to go to. And do remember to buy some accessories to go along with the clothes too!