2012 Planner

The year 2011 is about to take its final bow and tomorrow is the first day of the last month of this year. When you're caught up with a lot of errands, you'd probably not notice that the first year of a new decade is about to finish. Busy Christmas shoppers are everywhere most specially during weekends. You may be one of those who's sick searching for that free spot in the parking area, irritated because cabs are nowhere seen and malls take forever to pay in the cashier's area. No doubt, Christmas and New Year is just around the corner.

When we open a brand new year, this also means that a change of calendar is needed at home. And if you're one of those holistic followers of several coffee shops, a new planner is one thing that you most look forward to. You may even hear friends or colleagues asking you this: "How many stickers do you have?". 

The first planner I had was in 2008 courtesy of Starbucks. 

photo credits to: ourawesomeplanet

I wasn't really much in to collecting this stuff before. In fact, I only got interested getting this planner because one day this unknown generous guy gave his 6 stickers and I just continued filling the remaining ones. I realized my Mom collects planners from her friends who work in banks so why not giving it a try. Looking back on those old planners given to her, most of them were probably designed for CEO and Managers. Imagine a heavy, dark blue, metal edged, hard bound planners with a gold ribbon used as a bookmark - too formal and stiff.

Nowadays, isn't it nice to see that people are becoming more challenged to innovate? The trend, the market, the lifestyle - they carefully study all these aspects before they launch their brand. They know exactly where to hit you. They can make you a "convert" and eventually carry something you previously disregard. This of course has its pros and cons, but for me, I'm a "convert" and I would like to start a new year with my new planner. I'll be getting one for Mother dear, too. If you ask me why I'd like to have one, that is certainly because writing in paper is still incomparable.  

So far, here are my top picks.

www.belledejourpowerplanner.com/bdj/

www.coffeebean.com.ph

http://papemelroti.com

They're all beautiful and I can't wait to have one! Hope I can pick something that really suits me. *wink*

Our Comfort Food

My blog is flooded with food spotting entries and this is probably the primary reason why I'm having a hard time to go on diet. The upcoming holidays are adding more pressure on me. Sometimes, I just really wanna get a time off from too much chewing. Ha ha! But seriously, I really should focus and stop delaying my self-planned health activities. Check!

Comfort (as a noun) is defined as a condition or feeling of pleasurable ease, well-being, and contentment. True enough. I'm this perfect definition of comfort whenever I end up ordering my food in Mc Donald's counter, regardless if the store is jam-packed or not. If I don't feel like preparing for dinner back when I used to live alone, 8MCDO is listed under my speed dial list. One press and they have my details, ready to serve my crispy fries, yummy burger and caramel sundae in 20-30 minutes.

When I feel too exhausted with work and somebody screams for comfort food, most of us would then think of Mc Donald's. Why is that? Well, I don't know either.. Did we have this sort of connection because of their infamous tagline "Love ko to.." ? Ha ha! Really, I can't think of a perfect reason.

One thing is for sure, I'm happy (say that word again with a BIG smile) to scatter my fries on those unique tray liners, cut those sachet ketchup (which I don't bother asking for additional two or three) using my teeth and sip my not-so-healthy Mc float to the last drop without feeling that smallest amount of guilt.

P.S. Guys, that is not a recommendation, ok? I'm just telling the absolute truth.

See. I haven't even started my food yet! LOL

How about you? Tell me what's your comfort food?

Foodspotting: Yabu The House of Katsu

Yesterday was a date night for me and hubby. We first went out to order some home furniture which will all be delivered on Tuesday. I'm so happy that we are now halfway through with our two "major" projects before the year ends. We then rushed to the cinema to watch Breaking Dawn and we made it just in time. I was amazed with how Bella's make up was done, it looked so real! She probably intended to lose weight. I was just expecting more scenes though in Brazil, but of course, we should leave the credits to the books. Can't wait to see the second part. 

Our next hop is to visit the newest authentic Katsu house in the Metro. I was hoping to take decent photos but since cameras are not allowed in cinemas, I decided to leave it at home. *sigh* Photos were taken using our BBs. It was past 7pm when we got there so we waited for a few minutes to be seated. No biggie. I love the casual minimalist theme inside.

Bottomless Iced tea

We were asked to pound these fresh sesame seeds before pouring the sauce for a better katsu experience.

I ordered Chicken katsu (admittedly a chicken lover) while he chose Hire (pork tenderloin, pronounced as hee-reh). The meat strips were soft and tender. No dramas if you wear braces. It's not oily either. I'm sure I'll go back one of these days with my friends. Considering our bill, boy it's affordable! I suggest you pay a visit. I wish to be seated inside next time. More stuff to take snapshots.

{ Chiken Katsu 90g Php275 }

{ Hire 90g Php295 }

Serious mode. Ready to dig in! LOL

Yabu: House of Katsu

2/F, SM Megamall, Julia Vargas Ave

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 576-3900

Yakimix Trinoma

It was my first time to dine at Yakimix when the Esteban's (Kuya Rick, Ate Hazel - Diony's sister and baby Enzo) came home from the US for a month long vacation. Christmas just passed at that time and I've seen a lot of friends who had their reunions at Yakimix Mall of Asia. It was nearly my due date and I'm pretty sure I can't endure going there so I was really happy when I saw their branch in Trinoma. Like I said, my tummy is about to pop that time so I'm closely monitoring my food intake but when Ate Haze asked where we want to eat, I don't know why I gave it as an option, considering that it is a buffet. LOL

I must say that they have a spacious dining area, more of a hotel-like experience, and offers a feast for Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Their grilled meat choices, vast sushi selection and neat smokeless table grills makes their place more enjoyable for all occasions.

One thing though, they have a company policy which do not allow to take close up photos of the buffet. But once you've taken your food to your table, you can then do all you want. I asked hubby to take photos for me. Carrying a DSLR is burdensome with my prenatal weight, and perhaps, I just want to fully enjoy my food. Ha ha! 

As far as I can remember, I took a lot of desserts but forgot to take photos. 

It was a "cheat" day for me!

I felt so bloated and I just keep laughing looking at my empty plate. I can't even finish my drink. And of course, what makes the experience more special is a time well spent with the family. We can't tell when will be the next although it's something to look forward to because we will soon enjoy it with the kids. It is such a blessing to become a part of a growing family. Thank you, Lord.

Yakimix, Trinoma Mall

4/F Trinoma Mall, EDSA cor. North Ave.

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 861-1718

B for Beads and Baby

This looks so cute! I'm planning to do something similar for my little daughter before her 1st birthday. Of course, materials should be carefully picked considering her baby skin. She's a lot playful too these days so dangling designs must be limited too. Can't wait to visit the nearest bead shop. Hand made with love for my princess.

Check out Beadiful Baby for other styles that may suit your little one's personality.

photo by: http://www.beadifulbaby.com/

Photo Diary: Survivor Trip in Caramoan Islands

The pristine islands of Caramoan is the best beach I've been yet so far. It was a disastrous experience though booking our trip with an unreliable organizer (food, accommodations and itinerary were not followed). Add that 15 hour van ride going to Camarines Sur due to an unfinished road project somewhere in Bicol and not making it on our flight going back to Manila. These traumatic travel experiences however do not stop me from going back to Caramoan. Hidden paradise is there, waiting to be found and explored. Let the sun and sand spoil you with that much needed relaxation.

Here are some photos taken by yours truly using my Nikon D40. May it help you give an idea of what is guaranteed in the place. We had a quick stop at CWC (CamSur Watersports Complex). How I wish to try wake-boarding but didn't have enough guts to do so.

On our way to Caramoan. So clean and green! I must warn though that Sabang port area isn't as clean as this.

 

One of the islands where the Survivor series was held.

 

 

Wild jeepney ride! Ride at your own risk for more adventure. Even girls prefer to ride on top because transportation is limited.

 

Some artsy-fartsy shots taken during our island hopping.

In Matukad Island

   

 

In Lahuy Island.

  

 

500 steps to the Marian Shrine of Mt. Caglago. 

It poured really hard when we climbed so I had to leave my camera. The slippery stairs made us feel we had 1000 steps instead but the view up there was magnificent!

 

 

The Mayon Volcano, our our way back to the airport. Our driver was hitting 120 km per hour but we still didn't make it on our flight. Pfffffttt!

Nevertheless, it was one heck of a travel experience! We only visited 4-5 islands out of 10 principal islands. According to the boatman, the LGU's had to put time restrictions on several islands.