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.