Forever Young

As I face many challenges with my dad being terminally-ill and my jobhunting journey, I felt that I needed a break. I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to unwind with their friendly doggos.  

I missed my favorite dog Ella’s kisses! She’s a tiny chiweenie with a big heart.  

With Bonita, a tiny poodle. 

Chocnut and Stitch!

With Stitch. 

With Martha. 

And Happy the Pug!

I had lunch with my family at Conti’s. Their chicken roulade was delicious! 

For dessert, I had the Oreo matcha frozen yogurt from Elait.  

Then, I dropped by the Barbie birthday event at The Block. 

I’m a shameless Barbie fan. I got dolls for me and my goddaughter Kate.  

I could hardly contain my excitement with my new doll. 

My Grab car yesterday was cute! It had Doraemon seatcovers. 

Then, I dressed my new doll in her new Hello Kitty outfit.  

She’s a Made to Move Barbie, and I had fun posing her. 

There’s nothing wrong with playing with toys as an adult. Being forever young helps me manage with life’s stresses with positivity and good vibes.  

Here’s to more happy days ahead!

Thankfully Caffeinated

I have been helping my family recently with errands at home as one of our members has fallen ill with a debilitating condition. It has been stressful, but manageable. One of the ways that I unwind (pun intended) is by knitting at coffee shops. I find a bright, cozy nook and stitch away.

I prefer my coffee strong, and my background music to be upbeat! I also listen to podcasts when Top 40 music tends to be cloying. 

Knitting has helped me mend my broken heart and stay alert at conferences. I look forward to seeing how my knitting journey will help me power through this challenge that my family is currently facing. 

Flat White Purls

Yesterday, I got to knit while on a lunch meeting. As always, it has helped me focus on the matter at hand. It also helped that my Figaro flat white was brewed strongly, just as I prefer it to be. 

My go-to lunch at Figaro is their adobo flakes kare-kare, which never disappoints. It is filling, comforting, and flavorful- truly, it is the quintessential Filipino meal. 

Never underestimate the power of a handmade hobby and a power lunch. You will nourish your body and your soul, as you go along with your day. May you always find a way to make work better, one meal and stitch at a time.

Pasta and Yarn

Yesterday, I was able to enjoy knitting while eating delicious Italian food at one of my usual restaurants, Cibo. This time, I tried something I’ve never had before- the penne al’amado with burrata. 

The braised beef beautifully complemented the cheese, resulting in a flavorful meal that brightened up my Monday. 

My red grape shake and coffee made lunch- and knitting- relaxing.  

After finishing my meal, I proceeded to a store I have never been to before: Dreams Yarnshoppe. I was looking forward to it, and I was not disappointed.  

The store had a killer inventory for such a small space! 

Prices were reasonable for the thrifty crafter.  

I ended up with a variegated ball of yarn and a pair of oversized needles to go with it. I also got some extra point protectors.

I was definitely happy, and I carried on with my shopping. I got a 90’s pair of sunnies to update my look.  

It was similar to my old pairs of sunnies during my childhood. I am happy that skinny frames are back because I can be my 90’s self again somehow! 

I am lucky to have been able to enjoy my Monday with delicious food, a memorable retail experience, and some crafting along the way. I hope to discover more stores to inspire me create, write, and explore!