My son turns 3 today. I wish to share a lot of new things today about my son but one day won’t be enough. I have a number of posts on draft already but I have no idea when I’ll be able to finish them.
I just want to enjoy this day with my son and husband. No big party this year…just a small one at Jollibee with family next week.
Planning a “small party” is more challenging than planning a big one. I could still remember Noah’s 1st Birthday party when I went all out. I promise to feature his Rockstar Themed Party preparations but I can’t find the time yet. But here’s a video to give you an idea:
Music was by 13Needles–my husband’s old emo-rock band- where he was the bassist. Video by my friend Richard Samellano.
That’s only the video invitation. Hee. 😀
And here is 13 Needle’s Cab One video:
Spot my husband. 😀
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1
If one is not grateful and thankful for what blessings life has already bestowed upon them, how can you have room for more blessings? Embrace the goodness around you. – Janeane WilburÂ
A few weeks into this “being positive”, I can say that life is more pleasant. This includes being more grateful to even the smallest or simplest things I experience every single day. I have always believed in the Power of Thank You so I try to say ‘thanks’ as much as possible. It’s a habit that I want my son to have too. When he does say ‘Thank you’, my heart melts. Continue reading On Being Grateful→
I first learned about UNIQLO when I went to Bangkok, Thailand earlier this year. It was the opening weekend of Mega Bangna and I saw a lot of people lining up outside a store. I easily figured out from the paper bags that it’s a Japanese store. And when I got back to Manila, people.. at least the bloggers, were raving about a UNIQLO opening in Manila the following month of June. Ben Chan’s group was bringing the Japanese brand to SM Mall of Asia first on June 15 and other stores would follow around the metro.
I checked out the brand’s official website and found out the store just sells “basic” and “functional” clothes. I thought UNIQLO was the MUJI of clothes for everyone who doesn’t like wearing flashy clothes.
People say the clothes are cheap but if you are a regular bargain-hunter and thrift-shopper like me, you would disagree. For me, any item out in the market that costs more than the ‘Average Daily Cost of Living per Family’ in the Philippines is expensive.
So UNIQLO Manila opened months ago but I only got to visit the SM Mall of Asia Branch last month. I bought nothing because I liked nothing. (Flannel shirts? Knit wear?? In the tropics??) I know though that the quality of clothes there are very good as I recently got a Uniqlo shirt as a gift from TheBeautyBlogMD. It was a plain, pink shirt which I liked because of the fabric and the fit. I was checking out the statement and cartoon character shirts but I didn’t want to spend that amount for a cutesy T-shirt when I don’t often wear such cotton shirts.
Recently though, I got to check out the store items more closely at the newly opened UNIQLO store in Siam Paragon here in Bangkok. If I’m not mistaken, it’s the second branch in the country to open. I wasn’t really in the mood because the toddler was already making a scene. Glad my husband offered to look after our son so I could have explore the store. I wasn’t planning on buying anything as this trip to Bangkok isn’t a “business travel”. By business travel I meant a shopping expedition. We are here to spend time with the family and mainly see the new baby.
But it’s opening weekend so the prices were lower. I think even lower than the opening prices in Manila. Regular price of UNIQLO T-shirts in the Philippines is P790 but during launch, they sold for P590. Here in Bangkok though, the character UNIQLO T-shirts are priced at 290 Baht which is around P388. Pwede. I bought only one. I didn’t bother checking out shirts for my husband because I know he wouldn’t approve of the printed shirts available there.
I got this iconic Campbell Soup by Andy Warhol Graphic Print T-shirt:
UNIQLO’S Andy Warhol Graphic Print T-shirt for Women
I also wanted to buy a Barbie T-shirt but I didn’t like the fit. It was getting late too so paid for the shirt right away. The UNIQLO in Siam Paragon is smaller than MOA’s, I think only half the size. We went on a Tuesday night so there weren’t so many people. In fact, there were only a handful of us inside.
Mommy Mundo Bazaar 2012: The Christmas Bazaar for Chic Shopping Mamas!
You can never strip mamas off their shopping duties. More often than not, shopaholic single women graduate to become shopaholic mamas. One perfect example is me! (Don’t ask how.) I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet but I know I have to be more practical this year. Unlike many of the couples I know, my husband and I do not have 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses. I used to look forward to December because of such. My husband before even had up to 14th month pay. Oh how I’d love to receive an extra month pay! The only way we could receive such bonus is through some sort of miracle.
I need to be smart and practical because times are changing. Can one still be a shopaholic and save money? Yes, if you will choose what to buy and learn to be wise. You don’t need to splurge on Christmas gifts this year, you just have to be wise.
And so I suggest you go to bazaars such as the Mommy Mundo Christmas Bazaar because you will find great deals. I am a supporter of local products, especially by the mompreneurs (mom entrepreneurs), so I highly recommend this one.
I cringe on going to crowded malls during Christmas seasons but the Mommy Mundo Christmas Bazaar 2012 will be held at the Rockwell Tent so you know shopping will be more efficient and more comfy. (The AC inside the tent really works!)
I’m a regular goer of bazaars held at the Rockwell Tent because it’s near our place. I remember going to one Christmas bazaar there a few weeks after I gave birth. Obviously, I scored really great deals.
So who wants to go shopping with me, mommas?
“In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6
Infographic on the Cost of Starbucks 2013 Planner Philippine Edition by myManila
And so the Starbucks 2013 Planner was launched. I know only one in my circle who has received his Starbucks journal. I gave in to the challenge and have three stickers so far. I don’t know when I’ll be able to add and complete the sticker album because I still find the Starbucks coffee expensive.
I also mentioned the Cost of the Starbucks 2012 Planner but I had no idea who made the infographic. Just recently though, Peter Tongco, the guy behind myManila.net informed me that he made another infographic on The Cost of Starbucks 2013 Planner. I salute this guy for his work. (Told ya, I’m loving infographics right now.) Peter, an employee at Trend Micro in Libis and an amateur photographer, said that his post was so popular he decided to update it for this year’s Starbucks planner.
Nine (9) Holiday Featured Beverages plus Eight (8) Starbucks Core Beverage of your choice (EXCEPT bottled drinks, fruit juices, and bottled water)
If you are to buy only the cheapest drinks (P85 for the Short Brewed Coffee and P140 for the Toffee Nut Latte), the 2013 Starbucks Planner will cost you P1,940. If you want all three, you’d be spending P5,820. (But why would you collect all three anyway?!)
This is pricey but I know regular Starbucks drinkers aren’t complaining. I have friends who expressed they like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s 2013 Giving Journal more because it only requires 12 drinks. As for Seattle’s Best Coffee, I learned you need 17 drinks to get the planner although I haven’t seen what this cafe has to offer.
I’m already thinking of the calories. This promo is definitely not good for my 500-calorie per day diet. But then again my husband is willing to down all the brewed coffee. Hehe. 😀
Feel free to share or repost the Starbucks 2013 Planner Cost Infographic on your website or social media networks but PLEASE do not forget to give credit to its creator, Peter Tongco of myManila. Better yet, use the following code:
<a href=”http://www.mymanila.net/”><img src=”http://www.mymanila.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Slide1.png” alt=”The Cost of Starbucks 2013 Planner Philippine Edition” width=”800″ height=”600″ /></a> <strong><a href=”http://www.mymanila.net/archives/004127.html” target=”_blank”>The Cost of Starbucks 2013 Planner Philippine Edition</a> by Peter Tongco of <a href=”http://www.mymanila.net/” target=”_blank”>myManila</a></strong><strong><a href=”http://www.mymanila.net/” target=”_blank”></a></strong>
Cheers!
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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
This is the iPhone 5. I got my hands on this Apple phone not in the Philippines but in Bangkok, Thailand. It’ s looks exactly like the iPhone 4 / iPhone 4S, only the iPhone 5 is thinner, lighter, and taller by about a half-inch.
The iPhone 5 looks fragile in my hand I was afraid I’d drop it. I wasn’t able to take much photos because the assistant at iStudio in Gateway Ekamai in Bangkok has been watching me.
I haven’t heard when the iPhone 5 Philippines launch will happen but I’m guessing Smart will have a super lavish one like last year. As for Globe, I’m expecting more affordable postpaid plans for the iPhone 5 albeit a simpler media launch.
I’m not really keen on getting the iPhone 5 because it doesn’t look much different. I know it’s faster but really, I’m not in a hurry to change my iPhone 4. However, my 2-year contract is about to expire so I’ll check the offers first. This or the iPad Mini. 😛
Life seems better when you try to look at the positive side of things. This I’m learning every single day and it’s been great. The joy of the Lord is my strength!
I’m starting to live in the moment too. Not thinking so much of tomorrow, the future, and yesterday but just trying to enjoy whatever is in store for me today. This attitude has made me become more grateful of even the small things God has blessed me with. 🙂
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
I only got to see the actual Starbucks Planner today while at the North Luzon Expressway branch in Pampanga. Ang layo naman?? We were on our way to the Clark Airport and we stopped over for lunch at Lutong Bahay and dessert at Starbucks.
You know Christmas is just around the corner when people around you have started collecting stickers for their Limited Edition Starbucks Planner. It’s an annual tradition for the coffee addicts. I never understood why would people spend so much just to get that coveted planner when you can buy one from the bookstore. But since by husband became a coffee drinker last year, I thought I would try. I did collect last year and unlike others who could complete the sticker album in less than a week. It took me two months. That’s because we would only buy one or two every week. Last year, my husband consumed majority of the cups. Every Saturday, he would drink a cup for me. After the Starbucks Planner was claimed, I said I’d never do it again. Continue reading Starbucks 2013 Planner launched→
