Starbuck Planner 2012: First Look!

The only planner you'll need this coming 2012 is the most eco-friendly Starbucks Planner. This year's theme is Shared Planet that celebrates shared stewardship. I dearly hope this planner will remind everyone to think and act green.



Starbucks' 2012 planner was produced in a facility that is FSC certified. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council which is an independent, non-governmental, non- profit organization established to promote that the world’s forests are responsibly managed. The inner planner pages are made from 70% recycled paper. For every planner redeemed, a donation will be made to SparkHope- Starbucks Philippines flagship program for early childhood care and development in partnership with UNICEF.

Green Tip: Order your favorite Starbucks hot drinks in a for here mug or bring your Starbucks tumblers along daily. Only get planners as you need them (don't ruin the holiday fun by putting your extra planners up for sale!) and don't waste the pages! You can also re-use last year's planner for your to-do or grocery lists.



Your planner comes with a mesh cloth sleeve that is re-usable any time of the year.

How to earn stamps for the 2012 planner

Option 1: nine (9) Christmas beverages plus eight (8) core beverages except bottled drinks = 17 stickers

Option 2: 23 core beverages except bottled drinks = 23 stickers

You can start collecting stamps starting November 3!

Style Star: Fergie in Manila | Black Eyed Peas

Fergielicious looked ultra-chic during the press con of their Manila Tour. I know I am over fashion but her white ensemble just inspired me to blog.



Blazers like so are everywhere but I seldom see the style in white and accentuated with gold. Plus, do you know how hard it is to wear all white? Of course - she is Fergie and looks like a Barbie :)

What do you think of Fergie's outfit? I think she rocked the simple dress.

Have you heard about Nasofix?

It's been a while since I considered how I looked like, really. Then I remembered the quest to aesthetic perfection when I received a Nasofix. Naso-what? Lookie below:



I love my nose but just like anything in the world - it can be improved but I won't consider surgery nor take the time for it. So when I read how someone's nose can look even better non-surgically and for just 10 minutes a day and for just 10 days, I said I will try it.



I said I will but when I tried it without reading the instructions, excited curious me could not breathe. So, this post is a preemptive feature until I send a proper nasal photo of myself to Nasofix - then they can give the CORRECT instructions on how to use it and specifically for your nose type.

Curious? Check out http://nasofix.com.

Marriott Cafe Buffet at 50% off until October 31

P875 is the magic number and who said you have to go 4 digits for a 5 star treat?

Marriott Cafe is celebrating their anniversary with a 50% off their usual Php 1,700+ buffet from Monday to Saturday. From appetizer, soup, salad, main course, and dessert, Marriott Café satisfies discerning yet practical folks - just like me!

What I love about M Cafe is how relaxed and quiet the ambiance is. Tables are spaced generously that you can have an intimate lunch with whoever you desire and peacefully enjoy dishes like stuffed turkey, butter fried prawn on a bed of asparagus, blue marlin with tomato coulis, and Arabic chicken. All of which you can ask the renowned Chefs to prepare for you.



Everyone at this place is friendly and helpfully at your service. Don't hesitate to ask which sauce goes with what or what dish can be made out of giant lobsters and prawns. Otherwise, you'll miss much of the gastronomical adventure.



In this photo: Chef Marian shows how Mongolian rice is prepared, look for her at the Mongolian section. I also think my date fell in love with her through his stomach!



In this photo: Cooked Mongolian rice that's sweet and spicy. Perfect for a hot interesting date ;) I suggest you pair this with cooling bites of dumplings or the giant shell fish from the seafood on ice area.



Look for the live sections (seafood on ice, Filipino, Indian, Chinese, and Mongolian) to find a selection of fresh ingredients that chefs turn into masterful dishes while you watch. My date and I adored the Mongolian Rice that the chef made for us and the sinful roasted duck with it's ultra crispy thin and glistening skin...

Grab a duck at the Chinese food station shown below:



Here are more photos we personally took (in between bites) to entice our readers' palette.



In this photo: Vegetable dumplings, shu mai (siomai), hakaw, roasted duck, and prepared prawns (sugpo).



My husband and I call this dish District 9 Prawns. If you watched the movie, the aliens there are called prawns but these creatures from the Marriott Cafe are more delicious. Above, the seafood is prepared in Asian spicy sauce.



In this photo: An assortment of sushi and sashimi are available on the Japanese section. Of course, the tempura won't be missed.




I also have a knack for Indian food and tried their Shawarma, Kebabs, and so much more my brain cannot remember but my tongue does.



And before you even think that M Cafe is all about Asian, be surprised that they also serve Western selections which are actually their specialty and most requested spread during banquets.



In this photo: A generous slab of US Rib Eye steak served with grilled veggies.



In this photo: Italian pizza that you can enjoy with a wide array of pasta.

Finally, desserts come last and here are my top picks:



In this photo: Opera cake, coconut pudding (a fantastic version of the usual taho), eclair, and an exotic fruits tart. Order green tea to wash down the guilt like I always do.



You can choose from assorted petite cakes, pudding, pies, pastries, commingled with sugar-free desserts. Aside from these selections, Marriott Café also boasts its in-house made ice cream choices from sinful to guilt –free such as Maracaibo, pistachio, chocolate, vanilla, and sorbets.



Plus, there’s also a fondue station complete with assorted cookies, fruits, and pastries to fully enjoy dipping from this Belgian-made pick me upper.

Did you know...



I just discovered how Marriott Cafe donates left-overs to the Red Cross. Here's a photo of their Executive Chef and a Red Cross representative. It also makes their buffet operations greener since food is not fed to the landfill but instead, meet food safety standards and served for charity.

Saizen: Daiso in Manila

I had my share of dreaming about a trip to Japan and exploring concept stores like Daiso. Well, we can all stop dreaming because the very first authentic Daiso store has opened in Manila under the name - Saizen.

Saizen has opened several stores but their latest branch at Robinson's Place Ermita is the closest to the Daiso stores in Japan. If you step inside Saizen, it's the same as stepping in a real Daiso store. From the look, the shelves, and the items - everything is crazy Japanese.


Go loco over Japanese cosmetics. Rows and rows of affordable makeup to try.

Unlike other price point shops, the items in Saizen are always worth your 85 bucks. Beauty addicts can feast on Japanese cosmetics like pearl powders, compacts, eye shadows and wait for this - nose shadow!



Then there are the Saizen favorites, surely you've heard about their charcoal natural pack that lifts black heads and other impurities.



And when it comes to healthy snacking, trust the Japanese on that. Green tea, dried seaweeds - take your pick. No wonder local celebs love snacking on these :)



The store is huge but the thick excited crowd who want to shop Japanese during the store's opening was overwhelming. The counter was brimming with shoppers, carts in tow.

Aside from beauty and food products, there are kitchen wares, toys, cute stationery, and even gardening products.

Saizen Shopping Tips:

I suggest going by yourself so you can concentrate on each and every item.

Take time to read the labels, this way you'll find out how to use the products and discover surprising gems!

Use their mini Japanese shopping carts to free your hands and browse more conveniently.



Plan your visit and list down items you need, take note of your interior design themes - Saizen gives you interesting Japanese designs that can add pops of colors and fun to your space.

Visit Saizen at Level 1, Padre Faura Wing, Robinson's Place Manila.

This story is too oily

You've graduated high school but still have not graduated from oily skin. Welcome to the mantika club. Don't be ashamed though as even celebrities know the saying "oiliness is next to ugliness" all too well. I've seen plenty of stars together with their anti-oily skin weapon - the facial tissue.

Let your frugal conscience step in and you can get away with normal tissue paper. Previously, I buy boxes of the famous oil control film, at more than 1 peso per tiny sheet - it was not just absorbing the oil from my face but the money from my purse as well.

Drinking plenty of water also appears to blot the shine off your face, which causes breakouts too. I remembered all these tips because NIVEA emailed me about ONE product that fights FIVE skin problems: oil, dirt, dark spots, large pores, and blemishes.

I do find that using oil control facial foams work but not throughout the day. Unless you wash your face again come lunch time. I have not yet tried this product from NIVEA but want to know, how do you win the fight against oily skin? What products do you use?

Starbucks JP Laurel and the new Crème Brûlée Macchiato

I first heard about Caffè macchiato from my 7 year old niece Anya - she is an experienced Choco-coffee drinker in Australia. It is also known as espresso macchiato, a coffee drink made out of espresso with a small amount of milk.



And there is no better place to learn and taste a macchiato than in the new Starbucks JP Laurel store. It is a historical place which has been restored by Starbucks instead of doing full alteration by exposing the high ceiling, restoring the original wood moulding that wraps the soffit and keeping the wood sun breakers behind the store’s perimeter glass wall.

The building represent the distinct look of 70’s architecture. And to complement the look and feel of this heritage concept store, the following elements were used: high wainscot wrapped around columns, high backed banquette and large framed photographs of Manila during the '70s.



It's a good place to pause and reminisce about the old days. When people were unhurried and enjoyed learning. Perfectly match the experience with the warm creamy mix of crème brûlèe flavored syrup and freshly steamed milk marked with bold Starbucks® espresso - topped with velvety foam and finished with a roasty, dark caramel drizzle on top.

Crème Brûlée Macchiato is also available as iced and blended beverage, but for old time's sake - I always prefer hot drinks during down time.



If you are feeling the classic vibe of the JP Laurel store and want to let your coffee take you back in time, then try the Starbucks Anniversary Blend. This coffee is aged for three to five years prior to roasting. The aging process adds depth, smoothness and complex flavor to its already full-bodied, smooth character. Perfect with the buttery taste of French Toast (also from Starbucks). Match made in heaven.



But for the new branch, I propose a toast for one of the most memorable and Pinoy New Breakfast Items from Starbucks:



I've enjoyed this too with the Starbucks Anniversary Blend (at home) and it was a delightful feeling <3 If you don't have a French Press or Coffee Maker, you can still get Starbucks VIA Instant Brew.



But then again, nothing beats the Starbucks experience especially on a branch that is brimming with heritage. Customers can enjoy a unique Starbucks Experience at this store as early as 6:30am during weekdays and 7:30am during weekends. The store closes at 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 am during the rest of the week.

Until the next coffee break :)

Green Products at #Blogapalooza

More than 50 presenters were in attendance at the recent Blogapalooza but what got my attention are these brands who've injected green in their operations. I am a fan of free trade goods but always seek to patronize local brands made within the country. These products do not travel miles to get here, that means less carbon footprints while providing jobs for the Filipinos.



1. Human heart Nature - their products are 100% Pro-Philippines, Pro-Poor, and Pro-Environment. All their raw materials are thoroughly researched to ensure that they are naturally derived, are not processed using environmentally toxic processes and do not become toxic when released into the environment. They also use recyclable bottles in their packaging to minimize our contribution to the country’s overburdened landfills. Natural is good for you, so I am thrilled to have these Human heart Nature lip balm and sanitary spray. As always, only buy what you need.



2. Tree Hugger - Can you remember how many pens you've lost? The barrels made of plastic end up feeding the landfill and no matter how cheap these ballpens cost, the expense it tolls the environment is huge. Enter Tree Hugger pens - quality pens and highlighters out of recycled cartons and biodegradable plastic, and pencils made out of old newspapers. They are a growing trend and are available at National Bookstore.

They also partnered with the HARIBON FOUNDATION so that every pen and pencil you buy not only decreases plastic wastes and saves trees through the use of recycled paper and of biodegradable materials; you also contribute to the reforestation of our country through the GIVE A GIFT TREE DRIVE.



3. Healthy First - is a refreshments and foods manufacturer that use carrots and other local crops for their products. I personally tasted the carrot juice in four seasons flavor and it was delish! They come in plastic bottles though but are a healthier alternative to just drinking water. We need the betacarotene to ward off toxic. My husband also received a carrot loaf from Healthy First and I cannot wait to try it. Using available vegetables and incorporating them into pastries is my way to reduce food waste. I've baked dozens of banana bread and loaves to save bananas from spoilage and become healthier.



4. Oryspa - is a spa products supplier, their products are made from rice bran oil - so there's natural for you. Our swag included Oryspa natural baby powder and a balm with a minty eucalyptus scent. It's also 100% Filipino under Kutitap Aromatherapy Crafts, a reputable manufacturer of candles and a training institution of home-based alternative crafting.



5. Easy Phamax Wheat Grass - literally green, I am a wheat grass afficionado and there's no other way for me but to buy the Honey Wheat Grass powder from Easy Phamax. It makes me feel good instantly, especially after gorging up empty calories. To save the earth from sachets, buy them by the bulk. I buy a tub of Honey Wheat Grass (made of carton and tin) and send the empty tubs to the recycler.

Why don't you give these green products a try the next time you run out of beauty products, pens, and healthy drinks? :) You can also check out websites like Ethical Ocean for educating blogs about being green.

Fashion Bloggers at the Blogapalooza

I know I shouldn't be here anymore (especially I was wearing my Maria la del Barrio, peasant look) but it was great to see the new & improved breed of Manila fashion bloggers!

They're all so young, vibrant, and skinny. @diannedequina @paxieness @artsyava @anagon @thestyleandsoul @earthlingorgeous me: @lacellanora



My blogging friends, long time - no see.. And that's a full shot of my outfit.


Inspiration

On that note, I super love my fashion experiment that day. It's not what you wear but how you wear it. Perhaps I can get away with a trash bag next time? That's a joke.

Fashion Armageddon? Buy less and only what you need

Last week, Patagonia challenged other fashion retailers with their Common Threads Initiative with eBay. "This program first asks customers to not buy something if they don't need it."



"If they do need it, we ask that they buy what will last a long time -- and to repair what breaks, reuse or resell whatever they don't wear any more. And, finally, recycle whatever's truly worn out." - says Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder and owner.

I think times are changing, this is a radical campaign by Patagonia but one they can afford as they've been around for many years. We can no longer ignore how shallow it is to be killing animals, cutting trees, and polluting the environment just to wear the latest fashion.

With the financial crisis too, would you rather have your money in your closet or in your pocket?

My sister told me Marithé + Francois Girbaud once offered claiming back old jeans to exchange with new ones for customers. I am interested to know, and surely you will too - about other fashion brands who are changing the way things are.

Blogger's note: I am aware this blog is changing course and I'll just let it naturally :)