New Year with CBTL's The Giving Journal

It's the 1st day of the year and I'm going to start it with my 2015 The Giving Journal from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I got this from a blog giveaway I've won last month. Just in time, because 2015 will be a promising year for me and my family. And there will be some big changes that will happen for the better, of course! So this journal will be my buddy for this year!

Happy New Year!!! 

My DIY 2014 Planner Cover

Filofax.

Sounds familiar right?! I never thought that planners can be so expensive that it almost cost as much as cellphone! 

This is the cutest trend that I've seen lately; a planner with color-filled pages and with eye-popping decorative layouts, that will make your heart melt with cuteness! Especially those washi!!!

I'm a lover of planners, or organizers as to how we used to call it back then, since high school (15-17 years ago. However, never did I use, or perhaps didn't know how to use the daily, weekly, and monthly sections in it. Instead, most of the stuff written on it were songs, poems, short stories, my artworks, messages or "dedications" from my classmates and friends. 

It was only in college where I got to explore each section of the planner. I even started using post-its, colorful gel pens, and highlighters. 

It's just nice to know that until now there are others who are still in this type of hobby or practice. I even enjoyed checking out different designs of planners on Pinterest. 

And did I already mentioned washi? Imagine how cute they'd get with washi tapes! 

So, Filofax?! 

Would I want one? Yes, of course! 

Would I get one? No, because I can still have a planner that doesn't cost as much. Besides, I still have my trusty old college planner. 

Am I planning to get one in the future? Yes, the Filofax Original Patent Nude.

It's a wish list. But for now, I'm planning to print my own planner refills. It's going to be personalized that suits my own needs. I need to incorporate the layout to planning my business, blogging, home-making, and mommyhood all in one. So that's going to be a tough job that I'll be working on for my 2015 planner.

Right now, here's what I did for my planner - 2014 Planner Cover. 

I made the design using Photoshop and printed it on a matte photo paper.

Cut it, and punched the holes on the side.

And, here it is!

I know it's just a cover, but I was like, "I never knew that my planner would look like this ever!"

Now I'm excited for my 2015 planner! 

Loving My Starbucks Coffee Planner 2010

I used to treat myself to Starbucks Coffee after a grueling day at work. My favorites are Java Chip and Caramel Frappuccino (Oh how I missed them!) I’m not really a coffee drinker, so this was my first time that I got a planner from them. As I remember, I want this planner to be a gift for myself and promised to claim this on Christmas Eve. I was so excited when I finally got this and was happy that I came home having this with me. 

This is the first time that I used a ring less planner and I'm a bit skeptical if I can keep up with this system. You see, ever since high school, I'm already a ring bound planner user. I love jotting down anything that I could think of, I keep my important lists in there, put my wallet-sized pictures of me and my friends. So having this type of planner now is something new for me.

Luckily, I fell in love with this planner. It's bigger than the usual personal-sized I used, but I'm really loving the space to write on.

Starbucks released 3 different cover designs for this year and I chose Espresso. Why? Just because! Kidding aside, I love how the design of the cover resembled the homey ambiance of their coffee shop, reminds me of the aroma that I always smell by the time I opened their door. Right then and there, you know that you're up for a relaxing and quiet moment.

And the bookmark, it's really one-of-a-kind that has a touch of Starbucks - the famous Coffee Bean. Very rustic and made of metal, this is probably one of the best bookmark charms I've ever seen.

The pages are visually unique in simplicity which I totally adore. The pages only come with weekly spread, which is I prefer the most when I'm listing my to-dos and happenings for a specific day. Though there are no several "notes" pages, it's still fine for me because the space for each day is already big enough for me to list down notes.

Of course, never forget the coupons! This planner has coupons included in it which gave discounts to all the coffee lovers.

Now, it’s been 3 weeks since Starbucks launched their 2011 Planner. I’m pregnant, and I’ve been staying away from caffeine for months already. So I know I won’t be getting this anymore. 

But, it’s ok! I’ve got more important things to look forward to in my life, more than just a planner and a coffee. But if there’s someone who’s kind enough to send me this as a gift, I will surely be happy to accept it. LOL!