My 2013 Starbucks Planner Story

My first attempt to have a Starbucks planner was way back 2006. It was introduced to me by a former colleague. However, I failed to get one at that time. I wasn't that tough on drinking coffee and so, I had a hard time completing the required number of stickers. My next attempt was last year (2011) and luckily it was a success. Thanks to my office mates, my hubby and friends. This year, I started off early. I've been collecting stickers since first week of November. By second week of December I redeemed my green Starbucks planner and availed of a Starbucks pen for additional cost of P195. Other available colors are white and black.

     Let me show you my 2013 Starbucks Planner Story:

     Enjoy!

  There you have it. How about you, what's your 2013 Starbucks Planner story?

Northern Magazine November 2012 Issue

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.9

Hi! I've been reading Northern Living Magazine since early last year and I just love the articles they have in there. I visited their facebook fan page and I commented on how I super like one of their issues. I was so glad when I got hold of the November issue and saw my name in the the mag's reader's corner. Thank you Northern Living Magazine.

Samsung Galaxy Y young

This is my first ever blog post using my new Samsung Galaxy y young... Wow I never thought having this phone will be this great.

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_y_s5360-4117.php

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.9

My Gorgeous Pink Cheeks Giveaway

My Gorgeous Pink Cheeks is having an exciting giveaway. Follow the instructions in Make Up Box x Sleek Make Up Giveaway blog post. You might just win a beautiful gift!

Good luck to all of us :)

How Essays.ph Saved Me

Working for Essays.ph opened doors to many possibilities. 

I started writing at an early age. During my grade school days I began scribbling words and phrases in my notebook. Interest in poetry and essay writing surfaced later on when I found myself charmed by rhyming words. 

When I was in high school, I was a shy and soft-spoken adolescent. One who scampered to catch up with everyone else and a scaredy-cat for lengthy discussion. When I stammered at almost every word I tried to say, my last resort was to do what I thought I could do best – I write. 

Time passed, writing ended up as just one of my many passions. Love for food prevailed when I had to decide for a course in college. Passion for writing remained. However, taking a backseat when I’m preoccupied with kitchen work and experiments.  Infusion of ingredients in each gastronomic encounter won my amusement. I awed those powerful tiny herbs and dishes bursting with flavor. 

Unexpectedly, my pleasant career turned sour. An overwhelming negativity shoved me to a detour. I was led to one place – job searching site. I didn’t know what to look for. There were job postings in the same line of work I’m into. A few minutes before leaving the office, I bumped into Essays.ph. I haven’t heard of Essays.ph until that rainy afternoon I was banging my fingers on the keyboard. Then, my eyes got glued to these two words: Freelance Writer. Will I pass for a...writer? 

I totally doubted myself. All I know is my job is frustrating. In the back of my mind, I have a clear picture of what’s waiting for me in the undersized room I call home. I’ll be faced with a mountain of laundry, kids waiting for mommy to help them with their homework, a hubby expecting for dinner, dishes waiting to be washed and a room that has to be cleaned. Life. How I wish life could have been simpler or at least kinder to a tired working mom like me.

After long hours of staring at the monitor, I applied for the job. Some thought Essays.ph is a spam. So, I searched for reviews about the site. I came across positive comments from writers connected to this online writing community. Those writers confessed through forums and blog sites that they are satisfied with the salary they’re getting. So, I patiently read the Essays.ph Onine Manual and prayed to pass the exam. I felt an overpowering desire to start writing again.

I failed in the final exam. The part where I have to write a 500-word essay about Forex. I researched before I wrote my piece but it wasn’t good enough. So right then, I thought, I must give it another try. 

After the second try? Yes, I made it! I became a Freelance Writer. On that day, I found my bearing again. I realized no one can make me feel inferior if I won’t allow them to. Thank you Essays.ph, you saved me.

3D/2N Pangil Beach Resort with Laoag Tour: Excited for This!

     Since last 2 weeks ago or so my office mates and I have been wondering where to spend our group Christmas Party. The activity will also give us time to plan for the coming year ahead. It's high time we do something different before the year ends. First, we thought of Baguio...the cool breeze, park, souvenirs but we can't get our minds together on how are we supposed to kinda "bond" and make the Baguio trip worthwhile. So, we needed to scratch that one off. Next choice was Tagaytay. That time we were wondering about visiting Bag of Beans (good coffee and sweets) and trying the zip line which up to now I dunno if I can do. Okay so Tagaytay, we were about to head to Tagaytay all right.

     But! There's a but. We can't figure out what exactly will we be doing in Tagaytay. Oh well, we changed out minds again. Then, here's the choice that's supposed to end our long procrastinating journey -- Puerto Galera. Yes, Puerto Galera sounds superb at that time. One of our office mates even found a place to stay. We imagine the beach and the playful sunny sky and feeling the caressing wind. In totality, we'll just be enjoying the scene, drinking by the beach at night and exhaust ourselves with the free use of the videoke. Okay. That one's settled -- Puerto Galera... Here we come!

     Wait!!! Then, yes, we changed our minds again. One of our office mates bump into this juicy, very...interesting deal: http://www.cashcashpinoy.com/#!/deal/4739-3d2n-pangil-beach-resort-with-laoag-tour  

Here's to give you a peak of what the deal is all about:

About the deal :

Take a break and head North. What better way to spend it than to try out something new with this CashCashPinoy deal—Only P1, 658 instead of P3, 350 per person for 3D/2N Deluxe Accommodation at Pangil Beach Resort! Includes daily breakfast, complimentary use of resort facilities, round trip airport or bus terminal transfers, welcome drinks, Shartea merienda, and tours to Malacanang of the North, Marcos Museum, Paoay Church, Paoay Lake, Sinking Bell Tower, and La Paz Sand Dunes.  A fun-filled 50% OFF on a jam-packed Ilocos Norte adventure for the entire family or barkada!

Located along the shores of Currimao, Pangil Beach Resort lets you enjoy the serene moments while listening to the soothing sound of the waves—be it from your Deluxe room with balcony (plus private toilet & shower, 32” LCD TV, locker) or at the beachfront.

 (copied and pasted from CashCashPinoy.com website)

     And so finally...that one's settled. We're booked! We bought the voucher and we are off to Ilocos on December 7 to 9, 2012 for a yearend planning and girl bonding activity.

     I can't wait to post the pictures of our trip and....start writing my 'vacation getaway inspired' romance novel. ☺

Dream Garden Table

I fell in love with this table when my office mates and I dined at Banapple Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City. It looks customized...maybe have to start collecting marbles. I want to have my own when our house  gets done.  

The 33rd Manila International Book Fair

Hi readers,

Sorry for my absence. My schedule at work is kinda crazy plus I'm busy with the final editing of my Tagalog romance novel.

My manuscript is actually done and I've proofread it several times. But I'm still on the look out for areas to improve and I'm still nervous of clicking the send button. :)

Anyway, let's attend the 33rd Manila International Book Fair.
I'm excited, since it will be my first ever chance to attend. See you there!

BC Bloggers Meme: Things That Make You Happy

     Congratulations Mommy Sanna of woman scribbles for getting the most number of votes for the topic: Things That Make You Happy. I used to be unaware of what blogging is and I got this frown on my face when I read about "Meme" and wondered how to do it. I'm glad that through BC Bloggers I learn about new things. Blogging also encourages me to write more. In a writing workshop I attended which I wrote about in my other blog My Romance Novels a writer said that -- to be a serious writer, one must make writing a habit. I have to devote myself to "a writing time" everyday to make the words flow in my mind. If you want to experience the joy of blogging and meeting new people, click this link: mommy diary.

Here are the: Things That Make Me Happy:
#1. My family

with my hubby

My Kids, Allen and Ian

also my parents, my only brother Kuya Gboy and his wife Ate Thelma (they said: "No pictures please...")

    

     Spending time with the family calms me and makes my heart feel so healthy. Hearing my kids' laughter and my hubby's "bolero" power lines make me feel younger. My mother's cooking is the best and my father is the kindest person I know. My Kuya's combined intelligence and down to earth attitude makes me proud to be his sister and of course his success is made possible from the inspiration he saw in Ate. Thank you to my family for making me feel happy and loved.

#2. Reading the Parent Communication Notebook and meeting with my kids' teachers. Joining my kids in their Educational tour and school activities is a great bonding experience.

#3. My Friends, Co-Specialist and former office mates I meet from time to time. I am not blessed with enough time and resources to post all their pictures here. I'd mention their names, instead:

Trichelle (her other nickname: Pat) please visit her very informative blog: baonkobento

Janette, Florence, Joseph, Randy and Abby

Che, Ma'am Edith, Ate Myra, Meo, Dennis and Gil

Fam, Arvie, Joy, Res, Faith, She, Ariane and Juvy

     I seldom mention this but bumping into former classmates in elementary, high school and college makes me happy too!

#4. Having a few minutes to stay in a place surrounded by people (often times a food court or fast food!) and scribble something on my notebook that I could use in my novel.

#5. Now, here are the small things that I guess this world has to make a person like me happy:

*Ice cream -- I am a frequent customer of Dairy Queen but I just love ice cream even if it's a Selecta Cornetto or a Soft Serve ice cream in a convenient store, eating ice cream puts a smile on my face

*Cakes --I hope I could have another Conti's Cake-after-Cake Dinner... Birthdays are not complete without a cake! In my case, even if it isn't any one's birthday I buy cakes when I want to. :)

*Cheesecakes at Cheesecakes, etc., Mc Cafe and Dome Cafe

* Milk Tea-- make that Wintermelon Milk Tea

*Iced Coffee and Frap

*Yummy cheeseburgers, onion rings and and ice cold rootbeer 

*Cold Triple Chocolate Champorado

*Halo-halo-- at Razon's and Kabigting's

*Pizza, pasta and super cold beer

 

     Whew! That was quite a list...of food! Aside from food, I also feel happy when I finish reading a romance novel. I like it when I hear cheesy lines and love quotes. Well, there's so much to be happy about. Thank you to our Almighty Father for all of our gifts. Happiness is a choice!

Diamond Candles ~ A Ring In Every Candle ~ Review & Giveaway Campaign

     Ms. Jhenz Balatico is having the Diamond Candles ~ A Ring In Every Candle ~ Review & Giveaway Campaign. It is open to the first 100 Bloggers. Follow this link and sign up!
http://jeniferbalatico.blogspot.com/2012/06/sign-up-diamond-candle-review-giveaway.html

Grilled Tomato Katipunan Branch

     Just found these pictures this evening while arranging some files in my laptop. These were taken during a quick dinner at Grilled Tomato Katipunan. Here I'll share them with you...

Strawberry Yoghurt Drink

This only costs P65

Milo Overload P60

     For our beverage, I chose the Strawberry Yoghurt Drink and my hubby had the Milo Overload. Both were great. Between the two I like the one with strawberry better. I have this fondness for strawberries. When it comes to a strawberry drink an artificial fruity taste is a big no-no. Glad this one didn't have one. 

Beef Gyro

Beef Kebab Meal

 

     I tried their Beef Gyro; a Gyro or Gyro sandwich is a thin pita bread filled with slices of tomato, onion and meat. It tasted good even if the plating is not attractive. My hubby had the Beef Kebab Meal. He didn't enjoy his meal. He was a bit disappointed with the serving portion and presentation of the dish. The cost of the meal was P100 and we paid P65 for the Gyro. Funny that the beverages turned out to be the stars of the show rather than the Kebab dishes.

      For those who want to check out the menu, just check out this link: 

http://www.munchpunch.com/6229/grilled-tomato-tomas-morato/menu

     Thank you for visiting my blog! :)

 

Café Via Mare Experience

      Are you familiar with the restaurant Café Via Mare? I made a short review of the place and their delicious Beef Caldereta Meal. Check out the full article published in notecook.com. Here's the link:

 http://notecook.com/soup/cafe-via-mare-experience/

Here are product pictures:

Thank you! ♥

How does getting rewarded through sharing sounds like to you? Join #phchurpchurp today and bring more friends to the community!

How does getting rewarded through sharing sounds like to you? Join #phchurpchurp today and bring more friends to the community!

McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2012

     It was a usual Saturday afternoon in our household. When we were done with our lunch, my kids watched their favorite cartoon on television. I glanced at their faces and realized that they looked bored. The other night, my younger son counted how many more days he has to wait before school starts on our wall calendar. I felt that I have to find a way to make this summer vacation a totally different experience for my children.

     The same night we went to McDonald's Katipunan Branch and I saw the store's announcement for McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2012. It is McDonald's annual summer activity for kids. McDonald's care so much for children and they show it through the  McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2012 program. Wherein they teach children the importance of team work, friendship and cleanliness. At an early age kids will learn how to value hard work while having fun. Registration is until April 30, 2012 in participating McDonald's stores. McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2012 is a 5-day workshop where kids will learn how to greet customers the McDonald's way, on-floor training, art work and serving the customers in the drive-thru and front counter stations. For only P550, kids will experience a meaningful vacation. Registration fee includes free bag, shirt, ID with lace and cap plus free snacks.

     At first, my hubby was hesitant of the idea of enrolling our kids. He was worried that our boys won't participate well but I convinced him eventually to give it a try. And again, it only proves that mothers know best...because our kids enjoyed the workshop so much. Our boys went through the April 20-27, 2012 schedule and trained (or I better say played) for 2 hours per day. 

L-R, my cousin Analee, my younger son Allen and his "Kuya" Ian

Hi Ronald McDonald!

Ian, posing at the front counter station

Good job, Allen!

So sweet...he smiled and said "Thank you for coming, please come again."

     Don't worry parents, before the workshop there will be an orientation. During the orientation, there will be a short tour inside the store, distribution of uniforms and of course a detailed discussion on everything our little kids will do during the workshop.

Orientation on April 21, 2012, Sunday

Distribution of shirt, cap and bag

     On the last day of the workshop is a mini graduation. Kids receive their certificates, eat their favorite McDonald's meal, sing, dance, play and receive special awards.

My sons' certificates:

Ian's special awards:

L-R Best Runner and Best Drive-thru Assembler

Allen's special awards:

L-R Best in Front Counter and Best Drive-thru Assembler

         Kids also sang the Make it Happen song and danced the Ronald McDonald dance. They ate a McChicken meal...

     That's not all! Remember, the last day of the workshop is called the Kiddie Crews' MINI graduation right? That's because McDonald's Kiddie Crew 2012 will be having a GRAND graduation. Yes, a grand graduation! All McDonald's Kiddie Crews will join in one big event where there will be more games, food, songs and dance numbers and... loads of FUN. Tickets for the grand graduation will be given at the McDonald's branch where your kid had his workshop.We're waiting for our tickets. Thank you McDonald's for the happiness you continuously bring to my children.

40% OFF Banana Leaf Asian Cafe: P500 Worth of Food and Drinks for only P300

40% OFF Banana Leaf Asian Cafe: P500 Worth of Food and Drinks for only P300

You're receiving this email because you signed up for a Deal Grocer account. If you are unable to see this email, view it in your browser instead. If you don't want to receive notices of contests and promotions from us, simply unsubscribe here so we can take you off our mailing list for these types of announcements.                                             40% OFF 200 Items P500 Worth of Food & Drinks at Banana Leaf Asian Cafe SM The Block One of the most cherished names in the local restaurant scene is making its debut on Deal Grocer this week. Since 2001, the award-winning Banana Leaf Asian Cafe has consistently delivered some of the most authentic and best quality dishes from Malayasia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, all under one roof. Allow us to take you on a rich culinary journey at this time-tested restaurant. Discover the true flavors of traditional Nasi Goreng, Pad Thai, Hainanese Chicken, Char Kway Teow, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, to name just a few. Using the finest ingredients and with a roster of highly trained expat chefs who have mastered their native cuisine, you will surely not be disappointed. Let Banana Leaf inspire you with a uniquely memorable and satisfying feast, now at 40% off! Banana Leaf Asian Cafe P 300 (Valued at P 500) OTHER EXCLUSIVE DEALS THIS WEEK P200 Worth of Qoola's Creamy Frozen Yogurt for only P100 P 100 (Valued at P 200) Buy Relaxing 3D/2N Spa Suite Package for 2 at Maribago Bluewater Resort P 13,750 (Valued at P 21,900) Buy SUMMER COLLECTION Desired 1-Bedroom Apartment Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila P 7,500 (Valued at P 11,963) Flossy Style Plimsolls Flossy P 800 (Valued at P 1,000) How to Open a Food Business Enderun Colleges P 6,825 (Valued at P 14,000) BEAUTY & WELLNESS Huiles & Baumes Gentle Dry Oil The Souq Organics P 1,800 (Valued at P 2,600) 1-Day Club Pass & Massage for 2 The Village Sports Club P 1,219 (Valued at P 2,500) 7-Hr Personal Hairstyling Course Make-Up Designory Manila P 3,900 (Valued at P 9,800) ARTISAN FOOD Luscious Red Velvet Cake The Delightful Miss Joyce P 700 (Valued at P 900) Sublime Sticky Toffee Pudding Sinful Sweets P 560 (Valued at P 700) Assorted Trail Mix (6 Packs) Lifestyle Gourmet P 250 (Valued at P 500) Enjoy your shopping! Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Like us on You are receiving this email because you opted-in at our website www.dealgrocer.com view email in browser   |   unsubscribe   |   forward to a friend   |   add us to your address book Questions or feedback? Email us at team@dealgrocer.com or call us: +63917 5GROCER (PH) or +852 94356390 (HK) Please add offers@dealgrocer.com to your address book or safe sender list so you receive Deal Grocer updates. This message was sent by Deal Grocer 4304, 43F China Resources Building 26 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong © 2010 Deal Grocer Ltd.