Human Nature Fan

I recently went to the Human Nature Flagship Store to purchase some orders. My client lives in an area inaccessible by the courier, so I did the shipping myself. These small gestures of kindness go a long way during the quarantine. A bag of natural toiletries really makes a difference in making someone’s day. If you need anything for your personal and home care needs, please support my Human Nature Online Shop by clicking here!

My bestsellers include our shampoo bar, which I personally love. It makes my hair smooth and shiny! Another bestseller is our strengthening conditioner, and of course, our cleansing bars.

Do support my store! Together, let us make each day under quarantine count, naturally.

Carrying On

I just finished crocheting a batch of fifty earsavers for World Citi Medical Center. I volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit focused on bringing crocheters and knitters together to craft earsavers for frontliners. Just like my first batch of donations, I used the pattern by the talented AmiEriCrafts.

I learned through crocheting several earsavers that establishing good habits has prepared me for the pandemic. Even before the lockdown, I was used to crocheting while in a meeting, commuting, or watching movies. I was never idle. Now that I am under quarantine, I am still crocheting both to help our frontliners and to decompress in between completed batches of earsavers.

I am also used to multitasking. I am still able to squeeze in some work in between crocheting for my Human Nature online shop (please support by clicking here!) and freelance writing job. I am also an avid listener of podcasts while working and crafting. Indeed, I am trained for the quarantine.

I do look forward to the day that this lockdown will be lifted. For now, I am enjoying the privilege to serve our frontliners from home.

May we all thrive during this difficult but educational time!

Battle Crafter

I decided to make more earsavers. I do not know for sure how many I can finish with my limited yarn supply, but I am trying to make more. Our frontliners need them to prevent their ears from becoming irritated by the garters in medical-grade masks. I am amazed that something so small works wonders to boost the morale of our tired doctors and nurses. If I can make more earsavers to cheer up our heroic frontliners, then i will do so.

It is interesting that crocheting and knitting for our frontliners in the age of Covid-19 is similar to Knitting for Victory during World War !!. We are battling an unseen virus now, so we must all do our share to ease the burden that our frontliners are carrying. We can all do more good if we will work together.

Now is not the time to stay negative and fight amongst each other. Instead, let us all help our frontliners win the war against Covid-19. To be a delivery sponsor or crafter of earsavers, please message Earsavers for Lifesavers.

God bless us all!

Earsavers for Easter

I finished crocheting 113 earsavers last Easter Sunday. I dispatched them through Earsavers for Lifesavers, a nonprofit that aims to pool crocheters and knitters together to make earsavers for frontliners.

I received this photo from Nurse JC of Chinese Gen, who was one of the recipients of my creations. It warmed my heart to see my handmade earsaver in action. It is very fulfilling to crochet for our frontliners, and I feel honored to be able to help out from home.

Please consider donating as a delivery sponsor or volunteering as a crocheter or knitter for Earsavers for Lifesavers. We can all work together to provide ease and comfort to our frontliners, one earsaver at a time.

Hooking for Frontliners

Yesterday, I delivered 113 earsavers to frontliners. I crocheted these bands to prevent ears from being irritated by the garter of medical-grade face masks. Our health care workers on the frontline are already overburdened as it is. Little things such as these earsavers can go a long way in providing comfort and cheer during this pandemic.

I am working with Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit that aims to pool together crocheters and knitters to make earsavers for our frontline heroes. There are knit and crochet patterns written by the talented fiber artist Amiericrafts on her Facebook page. She also has a pattern for buttons to close the loop on these bands.

Please help us make more earsavers for our modern-day heroes as they fight Covid-19! Visit Earsavers for Lifesavers PH today to volunteer as a crocheter/knitter, delivery angel, or to request for earsavers if you work at a hospital.

God bless us all!

Heart for Healing

The locket that I ordered from Pulseras by Kim’s fundraising sale has finally reached my hands! My heart-shaped locket is made of stainless steel and gold-filled chain, which are premium materials that can withstand the test of time. As always, Kim has packed my purchase with love, and a note was even included to thank me for my support.

The locket came with a photo-printing service. I sent Kim a picture of me with Piolo, the cuddly lab who always hangs out with me at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. This will serve as a reminder that this quarantine situation is only temporary, and that I will see Piolo again when the time comes.

I am so glad that I supported this fundraiser to help fight Covid-19. I am praying that a cure and a vaccine will be developed very soon. For now, let us all stay at home and do our share to support our brave frontliners!

Frontline Hero Bear

I finished crocheting this Frontline Hero bear the other day. The pattern is by Aixan Legasto, a Filipina crochet pattern writer who is better known as Yarn It, Darn It. The design has since gone viral around the world, and crocheters are enjoying this amigurumi while under quarantine.

I personally loved the challenge of stitching this bear together in a span of two days. Like all crocheters at the moment, I made do with what I had at home. I used some leftover yarn from previous projects. Luckily, it was enough for me to finish this project.

I am rooting for all frontliners who bravely put their lives at risk to keep us all safe! To crochet your own Frontline Hero bear, please download the free pattern here and tag Yarn it, Darn It when posting photos of your finished dolls online. Stay safe, everyone!

Blue for A Cause

I got to support another fundraising effort for those in need during the pandemic. I ordered this lotus ring from handmade jewelry instructor and artist Thingamabobs Art Jewelry. I chose blue chalcedony as its center stone, and it will be set in brass. Because of its bespoke nature, it will be made after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine. I really do not mind this, because I have a weakness for handmade anything.

This was part of Soulflower, Co.’s Lingap Fund Sale, wherein proceeds will be donated to Lingap Pangkabataan. The NGO is in need of funding during the pandemic. It is still ongoing, so do check out this fundraising endeavor. You will be able to get first dibs on the best local handmade leather craft and jewelry, and help a nonprofit rise above the pandemic.

I hope that you will also support our frontliners and those in need while we are all under quarantine. Being separated does not mean that we are not united in helping others. Together, we can make a bigger impact. Someday, all our efforts will pay off and we will be able to rise again.

Let us help others while we wait for a cure or a vaccine for Covid-19!

Quarantine Shopper

Staying at home during the enhanced community quarantine can get tiresome. Fortunately, I have errands to run outside which allows me to catch some sunshine.

Traffic-free roads, sunshine, and beautiful trees were all easy on the eyes. I drove to my first destination in leisurely manner.

I was pleasantly surprised to have my car disinfected by this station located beside Quezon City Hall. Next to it was a P2P bus which serviced health workers and frontliners. Seeing these elements brought a smile to my face as it showed the collective efforts of both the public and private sectors to fight Covid-19.

I was able to purchase bread from Pan De Manila, which enforced social distancing and a no-mask, no-entry policy. I am all for these safety measures to protect both their staff and customers during the pandemic.

I can honestly live without rice but I cannot live without bread! This is simply a must during my time at home.

I was also able to catch some vegetable vendors in front of the Department of Agriculture. I bought some much-needed vegetables before going home.

It is a privilege to be able to shop for necessities during this health crisis. I am committed to staying at home because I want to be safe from the corona virus. By doing my part, I am helping our frontliners treat their patients better because I am one less patient to attend to. I am hoping and praying that we will see the end of this situation soon, so that we can all get back to our lives.

For now, I am living life one day at a time.

A Positive Impact

I went shopping the other day for purposeful items which will benefit our heroic frontliners. I want to help in my own small way during the enhanced community quarantine. Fortunately, two of my favorite brands have offered to make it easier for me to pay it forward.

Rags 2 Riches has recently released their summer collection aptly named Sol. It is a joyful collection of bags and clothes made of upcycled materials. As always, each item is made by Filipino artisans.

Proceeds will go to frontliners and families affected by the pandemic. This was enough for me to support this worthy cause.

Image from Pulseras by Kim

Another local brand that I continue supporting is Pulseras by Kim. The jewelry brand has recently dropped a fundraiser collection to benefit frontliners as well. I bought this locket, which featured a free photo printing service with each purchase. Of course, this made the decision to purchase easier.

Shopping for a cause is one of my favorite things to do. I hope that you will also support brands that pay it forward, because we can all make a difference even while at home.

Stitching Home

I have been knitting scarves again since the community quarantine has been extended to April 30th. My yarn supply is running low, and I crochet fast. Knitting has regulated my crafting pace and also, helped me conserve my yarn.

Knitting at home has helped me process my feelings during this quarantine. I felt grief for the recent death of my loved ones, especially now that I am unable to visit their graves. I thought things through as far as relationships and friendships are concerned. I felt blessed that I am healthy and safe at home. And I felt thankful to have hobbies to keep my mind alert and preoccupied.

Stitching these scarves together has also helped me realized that home is a feeling, rather than a place. Someday, when this quarantine is already lifted, I will still continue knitting and crocheting. This is home for me.

Palm Sunday at Home

Celebrating Palm Sunday at home is a novelty for me. I am used to hearing mass on Sundays with my family, but for the meantime, it’s online mass while the city is on lockdown. I am thankful that the internet allows me to still be in communion with the church during this difficult time. It may not be ideal, but I feel close to the Lord when I am using technology to pray and be healed.

As I heard mass through Quiapo Church’s Facebook page, I realized that God has the power to use empty churches to bring people together while they are at home. It is through this unity with an unseen God that we can strengthen our faith. We can use the quarantine period to reflect on our lives and also look for ways to improve ourselves and our spiritual lives when things go back to normal.

We can also help others get back on their feet when the quarantine is over. Not everyone has the luxury of enjoying their hobbies at home. Many people are hungry and have insufficient resources. They need our help during and after the quarantine.

Our faith is only as good as the lives we live. We are not perfect, but if we try hard enough, then we can be good people in a very unkind world. It is up to us to be kind, and to pass on that grace to others. We could all use some light in these dark times.

Basket of Happiness

I just finished crocheting this basket made out of fabric yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I used a 9mm hook, and I hooked this together in a span of two days.

Being under quarantine can have its ups and downs. The highlight of my day is crocheting, because it is honestly relaxing and soothing. The low point of being at home the whole day is the solitude. I am an only child with a few real friends, so I really miss seeing other people. I have also come to realize that I am an outdoor person after all. I love commuting and walking around the busy streets of Manila.

I simply miss the outside world.

Since I finished this basket, I realized that I am lucky to be safe at home. I am fortunate to be able to work on four different knit and crochet projects while in my room. This basket was not exactly kind to my hands, as the fabric yarn and metal hook caused my hands to ache. Thus, this is a one-off project. I am using it to hold the other works-in-progress that I have on my needles and hooks.

There is something magical about finishing a project and setting a hook or a pair of needles free. Now that I am done with this basket, I can live in the moment and appreciate the projects that I can make at home. This may be a lockdown, but I have every reason to be happy where I am safe and sound.

Crocheting Mood

I just finished crocheting this infinity scarf using yarns from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. It was satisfying to work on this while I am on quarantine.

I watched movies and listened to podcasts while working on it. It was uplifting to get information while I am stuck at home. Or rather, safe at home.

Crochet has helped me maintain a cheerful mood while being alone in my room. Having a scarf to hook together kept me optimistic. I have a new project to work on next, and I know that I will approach it with the same fervor. Until this quarantine period is over, you will find me making scarves that make me happy.

Quarantine Business

I am using this quarantine period to spend time by myself. Being mindful about my hobbies and tasks is key to maximizing this time. I am doing a good job so far in doing everything I need to do and also running errands whenever I am needed.

One of the things that keeps me busy is my online shop. Most supermarkets now have incomplete stocks, and many e-commerce sites are not delivering anymore. My Human Nature online store is still delivering natural toiletries right at your doorstep! There is enough hand soap and hand sanitizer in stock so now is the time to support my small business.

Shop now! Click here to buy from my online store. God bless you!

Knitting Warmth

I started knitting again yesterday. It’s been quite a while since I busted out my knitting needles as I have been hooked on crochet for months now. Anyway, the cabin fever has caused me to return to knitting.

I love using these Furls knitting needles because they are handsomely crafted and they do feel good to touch. They make my Attic Yarn and Craftery yarn glide seamlessly with every stitch. The knitting experience with these tools is absolutely meditative.

Instead of feeling helpless with the extent of the corona virus, I am continuing my hobbies at home. There is joy in these simple crafts. Someday, I will look back on this quarantine as a time of enjoyment and self-assurance.

Bread and Coffee

It’s already the middle of week three under enhanced community quarantine. I am the family tribute so to speak. I am the one buying food for the household. This is not a problem for me as I am naturally a foodie. And I’ve been missing the outside world a lot.

I am lucky to have a bakery and coffee shop inside our neighborhood. The cafe is run by a charity that employs people with special needs, so this makes me really happy.

I bought bread for the week and also got myself a coffee jelly. It was lovely to have barista-made coffee after three weeks at home. It was simply amazing.

I will never take food and coffee for granted again.

Quarantine Shawl

I just finished crocheting this shaw using Crocheted by Carisse ombré yarn. The hook used for this project was a 4mm Susan Bates one from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The pattern followed for the shawl was the Snowy Sky Shawl by Highland Hickory Designs.

The quarantine period was the ideal time to crochet this shawl. It took me two months to finish it, but the past fortnight at home made me focus on my stitches. I usually watched movies while making it, so I was still productive while indulging in my passion for film.

I will forever keep this shawl as it will always remind me of how I kept going while on quarantine. May it inspire me to continue crafting and stitching along, no matter what life may bring!

Breathing At Home

Being under quarantine does not have to be boring. I have recently started playing my flute again, and it has been fun so far.

I post my flute performances on my Instagram page. I hope you can check them out!

I have also been working out everyday, because being at home does not mean being complacent. I do mostly cardio, which has been effective in passing the time.

I know that this quarantine is a little breather from life. I will do everything I can to make this a season of growth and self-improvement. Things will get better. I just know it.

First 10 Days

I’ve been stuck at home for ten days now as the Covid-19 virus continues to spread. I consider myself fortunate to have the privilege to stay home. This does not mean that I miss the outside world though. Some of the things I miss are:

1. Working out at the park

2. Street food

3. Reading at a coffee shop

4. Watching movies at a microcinema

5. Commuting via river taxi

I am cooperating with the government’s instructions to stay at home and observe social distancing. For now, I am maximizing my time by doing what I love and appreciating the little things.

Someday, we will all look back on this period as a time for growth and self-awareness.