Handmade Gems

I dropped by the Destash Bash at The Craft Central Cafe yesterday. I was looking for new stud earrings, and I was not disappointed!

Maria Ceramika had accessories that spoke to me. I love handmade earrings because they perfectly complement my pixie cut. The brand is run by emerging ceramicist Aileen Viñas from UP College of Fine Arts. I’m a fan of her work and I’ll surely watch out for her brand’s growth. 

I also dropped by my friend Jensen’s booth. She sold some cute trinkets at her booth. She’s my favorite Craft Central employee, and she knows all the cool handmade brands to watch out for. 

There were other booths in the Destash Bash offering affordable art and home supplies.  

I ended up buying a couple of ceramic studs from Maria Ceramika. 

Then, I proceeded to the bazaar outside Vertis North to buy a handmade crystal necklace from local brand Made by KCA. 

I already got a pair of dangling earrings from the brand at the now-defunct Wanderspace Cafe last year. This time, I selected a trio of pendants for everyday wear: aquamarine, peridot, and rose quartz.  

I love my new accessories! I always choose stainless steel pieces because I have acidic skin. 

Here’s the handpainted pencil case I got from Jensen and my new necklace. I love how the colors match- and how handmade continues to make me happy. 

I’ll forever be a handmade fan! Do check out these brands and keep on following my blog for more local discoveries in the future. 

Staying Crafty

Yesterday, I claimed my blood test results from the hospital. I was surprised with their festive holiday setup, which added cheer to my day. 

Thankfully, my thyroid test results were good!

I celebrated with a stuffed crinkle from The Craft Central Cafe.  

It was the best crinkle I’ve ever had outside of ADB!

Then, it was time for me to buy Christmas presents at Human Nature. I also got a bag of garlic banana chips, which is a guiltless snack of mine!

After paying for my gifts, I sipped some coffee while listening to Christmas songs in-store. 

Human Nature still accepts usable toys to be donated to GK kids! Please donate your old toys at any Human Nature store. 

You may also support me and my family by making a purchase from my Human Nature online store. Thank you and God bless you! 

I went to Papemelroti to check-out their new stationery. 

I ended up buying this pocket calendar, which I need to plan my events and obligations on the go. 

It is perfect with my analog planning style. 

I took a Grab ride and knitted to my destination. 

Finally, it was time for dinner at Bonchon. 

And I was able to squeeze in some shopping at Daiso before calling it a day. 

I am managing my tasks one day at a time. I use tools like my handy analog planner, rewards like stuffed crinkles, and to keep myself afloat, I spend my earnings from my Human Nature online store. Please continue to support my business, so that I can carry on with life knowing that I am also helping GK communities with every product sold. 

The Active Foodie

Yesterday was all about simple joys such as food, fitness, and crafts. 

I had Potdog crab egg with garlic rice and sweet garlic sauce for lunch. Definitely worth the calories as this is one of my favorite supermarket fast food finds! 

After lunch, I walked to the newly-built SM North Towers to visit the newest Starbucks Reserve cafe. 

I was stunned! It honestly didn’t look like I was still in Quezon City.  

I had my coffee while knitting, and I was able to unwind.  

Then, I was able to buy these handmade polymer clay earrings from local brand The Baby Blue Bunny at The Craft Central.  

I ended my day with a sunset walk at UP and a simple dinner of cheese corn and Rodic’s tapsilog. 

Who says that I’m too complicated? I like food, coffee, crafting, buying handmade, and while it’s not pictured today, going to church. I burn everything I eat through fitness. And I keep the world updated through my blog. 

Here’s to balancing my life with each spoonful and step that I take! 

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. 

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. 

Breakfast and Lemonade

Yesterday’s brunch was this happy plate of bratwurst, beans, eggs, and mashed potatoes from Pancake House. It was called the My Breakfast Medley. It reminded me of an English breakkie, and it was delicious! 

I also had lemonade with Yakult later during the day, and it is already my favorite variant of the drink.  

I got to walk around the mall after mass and I got to spend some time inside The Craft Central. I enjoyed looking around the store, appreciating their planner wall, taking note of their handmade finds, and purchasing some yarn. 

I found this sign on their floor, and I could not resist taking a photo of it. If I could tell a story of how my day went, I would say that I powered through with brunch, some KFC for dinner, a killer lemonade, mass, and some handmade inspo. That should get me through the week with good vibes!

The Craft Central Cafe

I have been sharing my craft journey here on my blog, whether it is through knitting, journaling, or brush lettering. I have been fond of working in cafes and restaurants, but sometimes, people tend to stare or blurt out unkind remarks when I stay at a place that is not necessarily for crafters. 

This is why I am ecstatic that The Craft Central finally opened their cafe at Vertis North. It is close to home, packed with craft supplies and handmade goods, and is a safe space for crafters! 

Their menu features light food, which is perfect for crafters to munch on during an hour or two of working. 

I was happy to discover that they also carry yarns and notions! 

I ordered the parmesan chicken picatta open sandwich, and it was delicious!  

I simply feel giddy whenever I am surrounded by handmade love.  

The cafe has a balcony with succulents! 

For dessert, I had a brownie and their delicious americano.  

It was difficult not to feel happy as I was eating beside these jars of calligraphy ink... 

...and locally-made pins! 

The cafe also has decent WiFi connection, so I was able to watch the ADB Meeting via livestream.  

I had a yummy meal, a productive seminar via the interwebs, and a new hangout! I will surely be back!