Paint, Sip, Laugh

Yesterday, I had fun painting at Sip and Gogh. I paid for my own session, and it came with a glass of red wine and a platter of salami and cheese. 

I enjoyed it so much! I chose to paint the Eiffel Tower because Paris is always a good idea. 

I also brought my knitting work-in-progress with me. It was awesome to see my knitting work along with the cafe’s colorful painting selections. 

I will let the photos speak for themselves, as my joy can really be seen in them. I also knitted the beanie which I wore during the session, just because the yarn matches the color of red wine.  

I was so inspired that I also sketched my breakfast and bar chow on my traveler’s notebook.

Indeed, when I spark my creativity, it cascades on to my other crafts like knitting and food illustration. I can see how crafting has made me happier and more resourceful. I look forward to more handmade lifestyle moments, and I hope to witness the positive effects across the other aspects of my life. 

Burning and Praying

Yesterday, I started my day with Zumba... 

 ...and breakfast at my local park. 

I had to swing by the Pink Sisters Convent to give thanks and pray for my intercessions for the month of July.  

Later during the day, I had lunch at Happon Ramen House. 

I han their chicken ramen broth soup...

 ...sukiyaki donburi...

 ...and gyoza. 

I sketched my lunch and enjoyed my meal. 

I also explored the building. Since I have a thing for doors, I found this bar charming.  

Then, I proceeded to my usual waxing salon. I never appreciated its coziness until now. 

I was also wearing a scarf I crocheted, so I felt confident. 

I ended my day out with a visit to St. Clare. 

I enjoyed my day out and took notice of the details which I previously took for granted. Indeed, when I appreciate the fine print in life, everything will be in screaming color. I look forward to a myriad of hues as I explore possibilities in the coming days! 

Zumba and Social Good

Yesterday, I woke up early for another Zumba workout.  

Taking selfies before driving to the park keeps me motivated to burn more calories. Don’t ask me why. It just works for me.  

I followed it up with a hearty brekkie.  

It started raining by the time I arrived at Human Nature to buy my social enterprise-made toiletries and products for the month of July.  

Later during the day, I enjoyed a full meal at Cafe Shibuya. I had their weekday combo of truffle mushroom soup, truffle pasta, and salad. For dessert, I had the honey toast in baby size and a steaming hot cuppa.  

And I sketched my lunch on my Traveler’s Notebook, because a meal that delicious deserves to be documented.  

Working out and supporting social enterprises are just two of my passions. I continue to share with you my interests and inspirations because it is my hope that more people will find meaning in their lives in the same way that I find joy in my habits. I will keep you posted here on my blog, so that you can also be inspired to have better days ahead! 

Prayer, Paws and Empowerment

Yesteday, I worked out, and had chicken sopas and quick fried beef for breakfast at Tropical Hut. 

I also got four vintage saucers at my local weekend market for Php20. 

Then, I attended The Feast for the second time. 

I felt so blessed! 

I also knitted while worshipping. Talk about offering my handiwork to the Lord!

Then, I had the cheesy meaty spaghetti from Mister Donut. It was delicious! 

I spent time at the PAWS Pet Cafe to meet some puppers.  

I met Dr. Argus, Dr. Leo, and Dr. Torby, who are part of the Doctor Dogs program. They visit schools and hospitals to bring cheer and love. 

Then, a fourth Doctor Dog, Storm joined us for some cuddle time.  

I also went to the dermatologist’s for some acne care. Here I am with Melody, the fab lady who assists me whenever I’m there.  

Let me rock these pimple injection stickers! 

I dropped by the new branch of Books for Less at The Block. It’s a wasteland for all ages. They have secondhand books and stationery items!

Look at these handmade secret book boxes!

They also have a handsome shelf of vintage books. 

After buying a pre-loved book, I headed over to The Craft Central to purchase this gorgeous yarn. 

And, I was able to score this killer duo of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls books at 20% off at the Fully Booked sale!

I am always happy with new books.  

For dinner, I had my favorite toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin.  

And I ended my Sunday with a full-body massage at my nearby spa.  

I had a lovely Sunday. I spent it worshipping the Lord, hanging out with volunteer doggos, taking care of myself, and buying for soul food (read: books and yarn). I also sketched my food. 

Life should be spent well, with a balance of work, leisure, and self-care. There is nothing more empowering than the fact that I can support my favorite causes and practice my faith in one day. Here’s to better days ahead!

Saturday Finds

Yesterday, I woke up before the alarm clock was supposed to ring. I headed to my Zumba class with zest and energy which I haven’t felt in ages. 

I must say, this morning person project has really motivated me to get moving! 

I also walked around the weekend tiange or bazaar. 

I saw some colorful bags.  

And I found a stall that sells Japanese surplus ceramics. 

By the time I got home to freshen up, I was already looking forward to do some creative journaling. 

I sketched this part of our townhouse on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

Later during the day, I had this Dos Espesyal breakfast meal from Via Mare, which I also sketched.  

I had a fabulous Saturday. My finds inspired me to think of a more charmed life for myself. I also realized that food and home mean more to me now that I have been sketching them on my journal! Here’s to a more meaningful life, one that is sketched and painted in bursts of color.  

Friday at Home

Yesterday, I spent the whole day at home. I still woke up at 5am, and immediately got down to knitting. It effectively got me awake. 

Then, I finished crocheting this infinity scarf.  

I also reflected on the day’s Didicahe Youth entry.  

I got some work done, and had coffee at our pocket garden. 

I took some of my watercolors out to play.  

And I painted some of my mom’s plants.  

My mom happened to cook lunch, and I sketched my meal as well. 

After finishing my work tasks, I returned to my knitting and finished my beanie.  

I had a productive Friday at home. Just because I spent the day inside my comfort zone doesn’t mean that I slept all day. I accomplished all my tasks, and even had time for leisure. I look forward to waking up early again in the coming days and managing my time effectively along the way. 

Faith and Fitness

Yesterday, I started my day with another workout at 6am. 

I finally got the hang of waking up at 5am, so I can say that I have already adjusted to my plan to become a morning person. 

I ate breakfast again at Tropical Hut, and I had their corned beef breakfast meal.  

For lunch, I had the Salisbury steak with egg at Steak Break.  

Then, it was time for my thanksgiving church tour! A favor which I have been praying for has recently been granted. For my first stop, I dropped by St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Their giant statue of the sleeping St. Joseph always reminds me to stop worrying and lift it all up to God.  

Next, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.  

I was able to spot my lucky number, 13! I queued at that platform number, because while I believe in God, I also think that creating my own luck is important. This blog has been an opportunity that I have created for myself. All the events, conferences, and offers which I have attended and received were because of my blog, and that is why I think that luck is merely claiming the chances which I have allowed to happen. 

Then, I visited the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. 

I viewed their collection of reliquaries.  

And for last stop, I went to the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey.  

It is overwhelmingly beautiful.  

For dinner, I had the limited edition herb and bacon pizza from S&R. 

I enjoyed working out, eating well, sketching my food, and touring churches! I hope that I will continue to create more opportunities for myself in the coming days. For now, allow me to carry on with mindful living as I ease my way into the daily grind.  

Morning Person

I have been waking up at 5am for the past few days, and I should say that I am proud of my transition into being a morning person. I am still committed to my workouts, and lately, Zumba has been my secret weapon against sluggishness. 

I even wake up refreshed and more confident to face the day ahead.  

I have been eating heavy breakfasts such as this breakfast burger steak from Tropical Hut.  

I have also gone back to sketching my food!

I have also found time for crochet. My Pony bamboo hook and yarn were purchased from Gantsilyo Guru. 

So far, the bamboo hook has been kind to my hand. It is weightless and comfortable to use. 

For lunch, I had chorizo and olives pasta and an americano from Mary Grace. I also sketched my food and knitting. 

Since I had extra time, I squeezed in some yarn shopping at The Craft Central. Buying yarns in person allows me to be inspired with the possibilities I can create with my hands. It cannot replace the tactile shopping experience which online shopping can never offer. 

I am fueling my imagination by sketching, knitting, crocheting, and working out! I get to accomplish more now that I am back to being a morning person.

If you also want to finish more tasks during the day, wake up earlier than usual! Before you know it, you are already committed to becoming the morning person you never knew you could be. 

Declaration of Abundance

For my brush lettering drills yesterday, I copied The Feast Declaration of Abundance on my Traveler’s Notebook. It was a fruitful exercise as I found myself absorbing the prayer more with every stroke. 

I am claiming that God will bless me more in the coming days. For now, I am living a meaningful life as best as I could.  

Try praying the declaration of abundance too and see for yourself how God can bless you beyond your wildest dreams! 

Starting Over

I have been training myself to wake up early. While I have always been consistent with my daily workouts, I felt that the best way to practice being a mornng person was through Zumba at 6am. 

I have been coping with my 5am wake up time so far and it feels incredible! 

I also make it a point to eat a hearty breakfast after exercising. And coffee helps me adjust to the early morning lifestyle. 

I also started knitting a new scarf featuring chunky yarn and 10mm knitting needles from Dreams Yarnshoppe. 

Every new project feels like starting over. Just like my new wake up time, I am adjusting to the changes in my life. So far, Zumba and knitting have been helpful in my transition to becoming a morning person again.  

My recovery lunch was the corned beef hash at Pancake House. I knitted as well in between spoonfuls.

And I sketched my lunch on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

I embrace change with creativity and fitness. Here’s to more early mornings and sunny opportunities! 

Blood Donation # 3

Yesterday, I donated blood for the third time.  

It was my second blood donation at the Philippine Red Cross Quezon City Chapter. My first time at the said chapter was last March, while my first-ever blood donation was last December at St. Jude. 

Please consult your doctor first before donating blood. You will also be asked to undergo screening before your actual blood donation.  

Be sure to eat heavy breakfast before donating blood, and do not workout on the day of your donation.  

As usual, I received a free snack after completing my donation.  

For lunch, I indulged on the beef and onions set meal at Nord’s Bread Hub while knitting.  

I also sketched my meal on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

I had a lovely day, and donating blood always fills my heart with joy. If you are healthy, please consider donating blood as well. It will help save a life, and you will also be able to share the blessing of health. 

Pares, Prayer, and Paws

Sometimes, I have simple food cravings that just won’t go away. An example of this would be my craving for beef pares. Yesterday, I simply had to have pares, so I went to a place that serves the dish in Quezon City. 

I was greeted with a rack of condiments. This was a good sign! 

I was served delicious beef pares, which is was garlicky and a bit spicy. It was heavenly. 

I then proceeded to The Feast at Trinoma, where I was a first-time attendee. I wanted to have a Catholic worship group that I could be a part of whenever my schedule permits. Luckily, The Feast now has a Sunday session from 9:30-11:30am at the mall’s Cinema 3 theater.  

We started the session with Mass.  

I was given a leaflet for the inspirational talk.  

We prayed the Declaration of Abundance.  

Then, it was time for the inspirational talk focusing on work and faith.  

I had sizzling Salisbury steak with egg for lunch. It was another simple craving satisfied! 

After my hearty lunch, I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to have coffee with my fluffy friends.  

And I had mini-donuts for snack! 

I was able to satisfy my simple cravings, nourish my soul, and spend time with dogs on a Sunday. Indeed, there are fulfilling ways to spend the weekend without spending too much. All it takes is the determination to live a meaningful life.  

Friendship and Food Illustration

Yesterday, I started my day with Zumba at my local park. 

After a hearty breakfast, I proceeded to the Pink Sisters Convent for some quiet prayer time. 

I freshened up, and proceeded to have lunch with my good friend Jane. I ordered coffee... 

 ...and the pancake set with longganisa. It was delicious!

Jane was my art teacher at one of my workshops. We have kept in touch, and she gave me one of her nifty handmade pocket sketchbooks. 

These are some of Jane’s works!

I gave her a beanie which I knitted myself. 

And since it was recently her birthday, we celebrated it at Breakfast Bin, my favorite brunch place. 

I later had a foot massage which helped me relax. 

Then, I sketched my lunch on Jane’s gift. 

I also sketched my favorite creamy curry chicken bibimbowl. 

This looks like a great way to jumpstart my return to food illustration!

I am thankful for friends like Jane who encourage me to sketch, paint, and laugh! Here’s to more memories with people that matter, and food that nourishes the soul. 

Spaghetti, Yarn, and Yearning

Yesterday, I knitted while having lunch at Pancake House. I had their spaghetti, which is one of my favorite spaghettis of all time. It was a delight to hang out at a classic place, and it was a joy to knit while doing so. 

The repetitive stitches do help me relax. This is why I highly recommend knitting to anyone who needs a new hobby. 

I got home to the latest newsletter from the Pink Sisters Convent in Quezon City. They have also included a piece of paper for my intercessions for the month. It is indeed time to go back. 

My passions for food, knitting, and prayer are connected to each other in such a way that there is continuity between them. I am able to nourish my body, my mind, and my soul by practicing what I love. I look forward to a restful weekend ahead so that I may unwind and prepare for a productive week.  

Fitness, Food, and Friends

Yesterday, I was able to return to my Zumba workout at my local park. It was fun, and I missed burning calories outdoors. 

I also got to have my favorite breakfast burger steak from Tropical Hut. 

I got to visit Diane, and I left her a post-it, following our custom. 

I had lunch with my family at Soban. 

And I had this beef korilog. It was delicious!

I got to use my new Addi circular knitting needles for the first time. I bought mine from Dreams Yarnshoppe. 

The Addi needles were a joy to use! They’re definitely worth the premium price tag. And yes, they’re comfortable to use.  

For dinner, I had spinach tartufina carbonara and this yummy pesto pasta from Salta! with my best friend Luti. 

Yesterday was productive and relaxing at the same time. It was also valuable to spend time with my loved ones, and even try out new notions. All the food made my workout worth it. I look forward to more balanced days like this one. 

Beer and Yarn

Yesterday, I met up with my grandpa for lunch at Via Mare. While waiting for our food, I knitted and drank some beer with my original drinking buddy. 

It was a beautiful day for catching-up.  

I had coffee to complete my lovely lunch of roasted vegetable rigatoni.  

I then walked to buy some things afterwards.  

I ended up at Dreams Yarnshoppe where I stocked up on some balls of yarn and a pair of metal 6mm circular knitting needles.  

I indulged in my passions for food and knitting in one day. I was also able to spend time with the family, and it was great to knit while doing so. Every now and then, I suggest that you also make time for the things that matter, and the people who lift you up. You will definitely appreciate your life more once you have spent time with those that  give your life meaning. 

Brownie x Knitting

Last night, I visited The Craft Central Cafe to unwind after my visit to the National Museum and Luneta. I ordered their dark chocolate brownie, and it was delicious!

I relaxed by knitting and window shopping.  

And I got one of these San Mig Light glasses for my grandpa.  

I enjoy hanging out at craft stores because they spark my creativity. I don’t need to spend much in order to fill-up my heart with inspiration. Sometimes, I just need a brownie, a pair of needles, and some yarn. The rest is up to me. 

National Museum of Natural History

Yesterday, I visited the newly-opened National Museum of Natural History. I was overwhelmed with the beautiful building and informative exhibitions. I will let these photos speak for themselves, and I hope that you will also make time to visit this wonderful museum soon.  

Enjoy! 

Rizal at 157

Yesterday, I celebrated my idol Jose Rizal’s 157th birthday by visiting his final resting place at Luneta. 

It was a beautiful day for strolling at Rizal Park.  

Visiting him was my primary agenda for spending the day at Manila.  

I also crossed the street to have my photos taken with the KM 0 marker. Fans of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins will recognize the significance of this monument. This may not be in Paris, but it’s the next best thing! 

I took one last selfie with my hero before leaving Rizal Park.  

I concluded my visit by dropping by the statue of the Motherland.  

Who is your idol? I hope that you will also find time to celebrate your fandom and commemorate significant dates! It will make your heart and soul fuller and happier.  

Tribute to Van Gogh

Yesterday, I finished knitting my second beanie using chunky yarn in wheat. I am definitely in love with this color because it complements the scarf which I finished knitting over the weekend. 

The scarf and beanie have been knitted in colors inspired from the daytime paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. Consider this as my simple tribute to my favorite artist, who inspires me to be creative, no matter what!