If you're planning an intimate party with a few friends, and you want to spice it up with a simple theme, then this blog from Martha's Craft Department just might give you the boost you need. It's simple and it's relatively cheap! I love it, since I'm a wishful traveler myself. Maybe, it can even spark a travel adventure for you and your buddies.

Party in Paris

La Tour Effiel *sigh*

Yeah, and the first month of the year is almost over (how time flies!). I've been on a blog slump last year and you can tell as my last entry is half-a-year old. I don't know how many times I've tried to restart my blogging pursuit, but here I am starting - AGAIN. Maybe, I'm just not a blogger kind of person. Or maybe I just want to do a lot of things that I can't really fit into my days no matter how hard I try (could be I wasn't trying hard enough, or I'm a hopeless case in time management).

Anyhoo, I'm planning to at least post 2-3 short blogs of anything and everything a week. I'm starting slow, really slow. I think it's more realistic.

With that, I'm ending my first short post for the year with a "Kung Hei Fat Choi!" or "Gong Xi Fa Cai!"

Happy Chinese New Year! May we all have good luck this year of the water dragon.

It's really not a surprise that the traveler in me is lusting over these brightly colored Moleskine luggage tags even if I know I won't be able to put them on any of my travel luggage (no way!). They're way too chic! Plus, they look like mini-notebooks that every time I see them I just want to write something.

I remember buying a tub of shortbread cookies dipped in milk chocolate at Costco whenever I visit my relatives in California. For a time, I was also able to purchase the same shortbread cookies at a local membership warehouse S&R here in the Philippines. Sadly, I can't find them here anymore. =(

However, there are a few other stores where I can get my chocolate shortbread cookie fix. But sometimes, I'd like to be able to try other variations of this delicate biscuit, like this Meyer Lemon Shortbread Cookie from Tiny Urban Kitchen.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I'm seeing red - literally. Red balloons, red banners, red posters, red shirts, and red stuffed toys. The commercialism of February 14 is at an all-time high, and I know next year it will be even more over the top.

While I'm not the type to celebrate this day, single or not, I'm all for the good things stores bring out just for this occasion.

All the budget airlines Cebupacific, Zestair, and Airphilexpress are offering discounted fares to all domestic destinations. Now, who wouldn't want a romantic (or not) getaway to some idyllic resort or province to celebrate, right?

Bo's Coffee has come out with a cake that's perfect for this Valentine's Day. Their Red Velvet Cake now comes in a mini heart-shaped version for only P150. Get it from your favorite Bo's Coffee branch until February 19.

Starbucks is offering a different kind of treat, a special e-card to your loved one that they can also use to claim their cup of java. Sadly, it's only available in the US.

Astoria Plaza, my family's favorite getaway in the city, presents its guests with an overnight stay that comes with a buffet breakfast for 2, a bottle of wine, and a relaxing massage.

And there are countless sales out there, from expensive labels to department store items, all just waiting for us to empty our pockets and wallets. I say, it's a good time to practice your self control. As many would like to say, take everything in moderation.

I'm steering clear of those red hearts, red posters that scream SALE, and the mall in general. Me and my wallet are not ready.