What's Inside the 2011 Starbucks Planner?

Yes, I got mine already! It was a hard work (or should I say an addiction) in nine days. Well technically, I completed the 17 stickers with the help of my siblings and friends. Ten of the stickers are from my own consumption; the rest theirs. My friends joke about caffeine flowing through my veins (more than blood). Haha!

"As in previous years, every redemption of a Limited Edition Starbucks 2011 Planner comes with a donation to SparkHope--Starbucks' flagship program for early childhood care and development in partnership with UNICEF."

I chose the planner in Metal (silver) because it looks more contemporary, young and clean. The Wood (brown) is nice too but I had a Starbucks planner with brown leather cover in 2008 so I opted for another look. It was just a choice between the Metal and Wood. I didn't go for the Velvet (Red) because I don't like the velvet feel.

I think that the 2011 cover is the best so far since it captures the essence of a rich and relaxing coffee moment. It is simple yet direct. And for OC persons like me, the neat surface finish definitely gets a thumbs-up.

"The 2011 Planner features 14 Starbucks stores, giving customers a feel of Starbucks as their "third place"--a spot they go to frequently next to their homes and workplace."

I am excited to start writing this December. Yes, the 2011 planner starts with December 2010 and ends with January 2012. That's the reason why I wanted the planner as soon as possible.

At the start of each month is a page for 'Things to Do'. This is particularly useful in managing monthly tasks such as paying bills. A 'Notes' section can be found at the end of each month. These are helpful tools to get myself organized (as always).

The planner comes with 8 discount and promo coupons which you can use on specific months only. Last year, I totally forgot about the coupons. They all just went to the garbage can. Too bad. This year I'll make sure I will use the coupons or if I can't, I'll give it out to my friends.

For those who are collecting stickers, how's your race so far? Hope you can get your planner soon. :) 

Boracay Nostalgia

It's a common feeling to miss something so wonderful and pleasurable.  How I wish I can go back there.  I MISS BORACAY.  It's a breath-taking paradise. The beach with its white sand is truly unforgettable.

Goodbye Manila!

I am always in awe whenever I see the sky. The clouds are so beautiful.

There it is! Boracay, my love!

We arrived at the Kalibo International Airport after a 45-minute plan ride.

Kalibo is known for the Ati-Atihan Festival which is held annually in January  in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus).  The festival consists of street and ritual dances, parades and processions.  People wear colorful face paints and outstanding costumes during the event.

After an almost two-hour road trip and a five-minute boat ride we set foot in the island itself.  That was really tiring but I totally forgot about my exhaustion when I saw these.

A friend and former officemates lives in one of the houses up there. Yes, it's UP there. We climbed hundred steps or so (I am not exaggerating.) to get to his house. But I tell you, once you're up there the view is awesome!  The place is in Station 1 but it's secluded. It's like having the beach front all to yourself. Imagine the feeling of waking up to a beautiful sunrise  and then having a hearty breakfast and sipping on fruit juice by the veranda. Aaahhhh, I want that life!

My J and I took a morning walk from Station 1 to Station 2 (where most of the decent restaurants and shops are).

There's a Starbucks store...

and of course, I had my favorite mocha frappuccino. It's 20-pesos more expensive here than in Manila, though.

I can stare at these FOREVER.

Low tide=quiet time.

More people go out and chill by the beach in the late afternoon.

What can be more relaxing than having a bottle of cold beer while watching the beach smile back?

Even dark clouds don't stop people from hanging out and enjoying the scenery.

Oh Boracay, I'm longing for you.

Because I Need Stickers for My Planner..

November 3 marked the start of Starbucks Christmas- the time of the year when coffee lovers collect stickers  to avail of the Starbucks Planner. I am one of the many who visited Starbucks that day to see how the planner looks like and to officially start my 'battle' for the planner. Fortunately the first 150 customers of each branch automatically get one sticker on the promo card. Lucky me!

Last Saturday my sister L and I bought a pair of Adidas shoes for our younger brother B. After strolling around the mall we went to Starbucks for snacks. I was giddy because I knew I would be getting three stickers on my card. The catch is I would have to pay for our drinks. Oh well, that was fair enough since I wanted to redeem my planner as soon as possible.

My sister doesn't like coffee-based drinks because she palpitates so I got her a Chocolate Cream Chip Frappuccino. B had Java Chip Frappuccino. My favorite is Praline Mocha Frappuccino. It's my favorite among the Holiday Featured Beverages. I had the Toffee Nut on the first day. I don't want to order the Peppermint Mocha anymore.  I tried it last year and it was like drinking Mentos shake. (Sorry for the comparison!)

I was surprised to see that my favorite Hungarian Sausage sandwich is now P105. It was just P95 the last time I had it. Anyhow, L and B loved it to pieces too.

B asked me to buy this Glazed Doughnut (P40) for him. I suggested to get the Chocolate-Dipped Doughnut instead but he said he likes the simpler one. (Ok, I won't argue.) I didn't taste it because it looks too plain. B said it's soft and tastes really good with coffee.

I ordered Cookie Dough Cheescake (P110/slice) when I got my promo card. This is my second serving in a week. I like it because it's so soft and creamy. It has the right sweetness and it tastes like homemade cakes. This is one the new pastries that Starbucks released for the holiday season. Looking equally decadent is Almond Roca Cheescake which I'll try on my next visit. I'll make a review about it too.

I already have eight stickers on my card. Nine more stickers to go! I hope to complete this soon.

Do you look forward to the Starbucks Planner 2011? Are you also collecting stickers? How is it so far?

Peanut Butter Loves Grape Jam

My ultimate sandwich spread since I was a kid is Smucker's Goober Grape! Every time Mama bought a jar from Duty Free in Clark, I was so giddy to have it for snack at school. Remember comparing sandwiches in kindergarten until elementary years? Ah, my sandwich was the best one! My classmates would ask for a part because they liked Goober too.

I woke up last Saturday and found this on the dining table. Wow! My eyes and stomach went wild. I had three servings that morning. :) The peanut butter is so creamy (I don't like the chunky ones.), although it tends to overpower the grape jelly when you spread it on the bread. Nevertheless, it is so delicious and awesome as you get two spreads in one jar. How cool is that?

How about you, what's your favorite sandwich spread?