Each year since 2003, Starbucks Philippines bring their ever loyal and even new customers a delightful Christmas treat with their limited edition planners. Few years back, I didn’t even know what a planner or even Starbucks was. I was naive back then honestly. Last year, when I started working did I just know about this Starbucks promo but I did not patronize it just yet. I was just curious back then on why people spend much buying the overpriced coffee just to get the planner. However this year, I decided to join the bandwagon (whew I’ve been joining the bandwagon much lately) and tried collecting the stickers needed to redeem the said planner. So why the sudden change of heart?

If you have read my previous post, you’ll have the idea. If the situation was different now, most probably my life would be more spontaneous. But no, everything becomes a little more different when you’re already trying to build your own family at a young age. Sheen and I have to plan everything out for our future. We have a LOT to think about, consider, and prioritize. Zayn and his future, engagement, wedding, house, marriage… ugh. So yeah, I decided to grab a planner so I can write down everything we want to achieve for next year and even the next few years. But why the Starbucks planner of all when I can directly buy one from a bookstore at a cheaper price?

If you’re a Starbucks fan or consumer you’ll understand the words, “Starbucks experience“. No offense intended but let’s be honest here. Some people don’t just (or really) buy their overpriced coffee, they buy the experience. Maybe some of you won’t understand but I don’t care. Starbucks fanatics don’t care. Haha! However, I care about spending my money. So how did I get the planner? Well, I’ve got friends who treat themselves with a Starbucks coffee every once in while so I let them bring my sticker card for the stickers to add up. Huzzah it wasn’t me who filled all the stickers (well I had a share of at least 5 stickers). It was them! Haha! I got my planner, they got their coffee and experience. It was a win-win situation. Hahahaha!

This is the first ever planner that I have and I’m itching to write my dreams and goals already. But before that, let me share to you what’s something special about the 2015 Starbucks Philippines Planners.
First – there are four available planners in colors red, green, black, and brown with water-resistant covers;Second – the planner is placed inside an easy seal bag with a cute design and can be reused in many ways;Third – a chalk marker and a highlighter comes with the planner for free;Fourth – you can write your name on the name tag plate using the marker;Fifth – a metallic bookmark also comes with the planner for free;Lastly – there are 15 coupons with Starbucks treats available which you can share with your family, friends, and loved ones.

The pages are so cute and customized as well so who wouldn’t want to write on it? And plus points for the highlighter which amazingly smells like coffee!!!
So, are you planning to grab one as well? You can still collect stickers until January 8, 2015 and redemption of planners are until March 8, 2015. More details on how to get one of the limited edition planners on their website and Facebook page.

What Am I Thankful For

We are now down to the last three days of the year 2014 and I thought, before embracing the new year I would like to look back to all the things and people who have been a great part of my life through the rocky roads and the smooth sailings. Thank you, by the way, Kei of Keileidoscopic for tagging me in this series.

1. Family

It’s a given that our family is our everything. They are the only ones who could love us more than we could ever love them. I know we’ve gone through the hardest times, we’ve had several misunderstandings and fights, but I am still grateful for everything they’ve done and given to me, to us. 

2. Lifetime Partner

No words can fully express how much I’m thankful to this wonderful, loving man. I may not be a perfect partner, I nag, I yell, I get jealous, I demand, and neither is he. But our imperfections make us perfect for each other. Six years and counting with my man!

3. Amazing Friends

To be honest, I’ve had issues about friendship since grade school which started when I lost my bestfriend to another person. I was deeply and silently hurt that time I felt I was not worth the friendship. I carried this for years even until college. I’ve had circle of friends but I never felt I belonged. But one thing I realized was I’d rather have a few real friends then a lot of them who I can’t even rely on. I’m grateful for my friends in high schooland my newly-found friends at work for making me feel important and loved. If you’re reading this, you know who you are guys. Thank you for being there for me through my tough times. I will forever cherish the friendship we have.

4. Good Health

I’m no superwoman. I get tired and I get sick. But thank goodness I haven’t had major illness yet but I’m not praying to have one either. I’m very much thankful that I still have an able and healthy body for me to be able to get through each day to work and to fulfill my responsibilities as a mother.

5. Good Job

I may not be doing my dream job but I am so much thankful for it still. I got to buy groceries, pay my bills, share a portion for my sister’s college fees, allowances, and miscellaneous spending.

6. Good Food

Of course, I am more than thankful that we are able to eat three (sometimes more) times a day.

7. Blogger Friends and Readers

For the past year that I got into serious blogging, I’m so much grateful to those lovely people I met on Tumblr and here on Blogger. We may be strangers to each other but thank you for always leaving me kind and sweet comments on every post. I really really appreciate them. I’ve made some friends, though virtually, but I know I can count on you still. I will also forever cherish the bond we’ve made and I hope we keep it stronger. You guys are one of the main reasons why I keep on blogging. You all inspire and motivate me.

8. Laughter

For all the ups and downs in my life, I’m thankful that I’m still able to laugh things out. Most of the time, it’s the only way to cheer me up and forget that I am burdened.

9. Sorrows

I’m thankful that sorrows and pain are fundamental parts of life. Those heartaches, failures, frustrations, and disappointments, may have hurt me so bad but these are what made me stronger and more experienced in life. Those mistakes that caused my great sorrows only helped me grow, learn, and understand even better.

10. A New Day

I am thankful for each day I wake up. Each new day is chance to start afresh and learn from the mistakes I’ve made yesterday.
Big or small, good or bad, it’s good to look back and be grateful for these things. Because if they have not come into our lives, we wouldn’t be a better, wiser, and stronger person that we are now. How about you? What are the things that you are grateful for?

Though this challenge can be done by everyone, I’ll be tagging specifically ten lovely people to do their part too.

Tin of Poetic Isolation
Rica of Sweet Baby Doll
Alyssa of Alyssa Diaries
Patricia of Sartorial Paranoia
Jenina of A Dose of Nina
Audrey of Brunch at Audrey’s
Jong of Jong’s Journey
Louise of Louisechelle
Bilzy of Styles of Bilzy
Mimi of The Foxy Heroine

The rules of doing this challenge is just so easy.First, thank the person who tagged you and leave a link for them.
Second, write about 10 things you are grateful for. Think about what’s important and why.
Lastly, tag 10 bloggers and comment on their blog. Let them know they’ve been tagged.

Wishing you all the best and hope you start the new year right! Appreciate all the little and big things!

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

xo