30 For Fabella

I dispatched 30 earsavers to the Department of Pediatrics of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital Department of Pediatrics today. It was heartwarming to receive this assignment because according to contact person Dr. Jillian Santiago, they have some recovered pediatric covid patients already. It is my hope that my simple earsavers will help them do their work with ease and comfort.

For this batch, I used hand-dyed cotton yarn from Dreams Yarnshoppe. I am drawn to the blue and white hues of these earsavers, as it calming and pleasing to the eye.

I am still volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit committed to connecting crafters with frontliners who need earsavers during the pandemic. I find joy in staying at home and helping our brave frontliners heal the sick. The Covid-19 virus may be deadly, but our healthcare workers have proven to the world that there is a sense of humanity in this crisis. It is up to us backliners to support them in any way we can.

Pattern used for the earsavers I make is by AmiEriCrafts.

To volunteer as a crafter, delivery angel, or materials sponsor, please reach out to Earsavers for Lifesavers PH today! And let us continue to stay home and help our frontliners from a distance.

God bless us all!

Valentine’s Clutch

I’m single and happy on Valentine’s Day. While I’m looking for a partner, I’m also happy with myself. I think that’s the perfect foundation for a relationship, because I’m already fulfilled on my own. 

Having said that, I finished crocheting this clutch using cotton yarn from my favorite local notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

To celebrate, I got myself some ensaimada and iced coffee from my neighborhood cafe.  

I also got a pixie trim and I feel fabulous! 

Self-love is the best foundation for a relationship. I am fortunate to have found fulfillment with my own talents, such as crochet! I know that whoever will date me in the future will be a lucky man because I’m already comfortable in my own skin. 

Infinite Fan

Yesterday, I finished crocheting this möbius shawl using chunky yarns from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I am excited to use this in my future job, and also during possible travels! It’s warm and cozy. 

All that crocheting made me hungry, so I ordered the Chicken Chizu Curry from Tori Chizu. 

It was a delicious baked rice meal which combined cheese and curry! I’ll definitely order from this place again. 

Then, it was time for me to book a ride to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. 

The church is notorious for road closures during fiesta, so I opted to book a ride for a worry-free journey. 

Before the fiesta procession, I fueled up first with some food. 

I bought myself a Jolly hotdog and a choco float from Jollibee. Still so good!

I also prayed for my intentions, such as my dream to land a job very soon, and healing for my dad. 

Before I knew it, it was time for the procession!

It was a spectacular procession, just like the one last year. I am a Lourdes devotee because of the miracles I have received from Our Lady. I continue to pray for good health for myself so that I can still be a blessing to others. I also prayed hard for a job that will enable me to support myself and my family. 

Life is still a beautiful journey, and my faith keeps me going. For now, I will continue crafting, eating yummy food, and praying for more blessings! 

Sunday Paws

Yesterday, I crocheted while waiting for my lunch at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I had the Bonnie Burger and a wintermelon milk tea. I missed this combo so much because food and milk tea are only available at the Sta. Lucia branch (I frequent the SM North Towers branch more because it’s closer to my house).  

I also missed the bigger doggos who are mainstays at Sta. Lucia. 

I also met Shadow, a rescued black Labrador who was abandoned at the vet. She was left behind after her original owners broke up. Now, she has a happy disposition at her new home.  

Another rescued dog is Potchi the pug, who has only one eye.  

All of their dogs are still so sweet and caring.  

I had some tokneneng (deep fried quail eggs) for snack...

...and some calamansi juice to perk me up.  

I ended my day with Sunday mass at St. Clare Monastery.  

Before driving home, I enjoyed a large cup of sour cheese fries from Potato Corner.  

Life is too short. We should make time to be with beings that cheer us up, for worship, and for cheat meals. Treat yourself within your means on weekends, and watch yourself take on the world during the workweek. 

Monday Prayer

Yesterday, I visited St. Clare Monastery to pray for a good job (and a kind boss) this 2019. I also gave thanks for all the blessings that come my way, despite my dad’s illness and the current challenges that my family is facing. 

As I crocheted a new scarf, I realized that my priorities are on point. It’s just that I have to be more thankful in order to welcome more blessings into my life.  

I will also continue sharing my journey on this blog as I go along. I hope that with intentional prayer and action, I will be able to reach my goals this 2019! 

Sunday Slowdown

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family.  

We later had Chinese brunch as my dad wanted comfort food.  

Then, I packed all these stuff for my crafternoon at Makers Cafe. 

I went there to buy my minimalist stainless steel Catriona earrings. 

But I also went there to hang and knit!

I had carbonara and a long black to energize me as I craft. 

Then, I took out my copy of Always Be Creating by Abbey Sy and my journal to answer some journaling prompts from the book.  

I realized that I wanted a daily reminder of my late friend Diane, so I bought this side moon gold-filled necklace from Pulseras by Kim. 

Feeling inspired, I continued journaling using Abbey’s book. I also finished reading it in the cafe, and I no longer felt overwhelmed with my life. I realized that there is a process to pursuing my purpose and achieving my goals. And it pays to be creative in order to find beauty and meaning as I go along. 

I finished knitting my scarf. As I began crocheting a new one, I was privileged to witness the procession of the Black Nazarene. 

I packed my art bag and proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Rainbow’s Sunset. It was touching and heartwarming. 

I later had dinner at Get Greens. 

It was my first time there. Their green pesto pasta did not disappoint!

Then, I stitched my scarf together to turn it I tom an infinity one. 

I enjoyed my day at Maginhawa, and I got to do a lot!

Here’s to more crafternoons and warm memories. 

Homework

Yesterday, I stayed home to knit while listening to podcasts. 

I later whipped out my copy of Abbey Sy’s Always Be Creating because I was craving for some inspo to jumpstart the new year. 

I was inspired to get my new journal to answer some journaling prompts in the book. 

This pretty notebook was a surprise present from the kindhearted ladies behind my favorite local yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

I went back to Abbey’s book and answered the prompts on passion points. 

Turns out, my passion points have not changed at all since childhood, and the same things still make me happy as an adult. 

Given my limited resources and packed schedule, I am able to pursue my usual habits with ease because I know myself well after all. 

I am still in the middle of the book, but I can say that it’s worth purchasing! It’s helpful especially if you are feeling the need to infuse creativity into your life. Also, it pays to have a journal on hand so that you can answer journaling prompts not just in this book, but from other influencers as well (you may search for prompts on the internet). The possibilities are endless once you commit to a creative life- and the best part is finding yourself in the process. 

Hospital Life

My dad is in the hospital again, and I was on-call to help with errands and tasks for my family. 

I crocheted in the hospital room. 

I ate my packed lunch, which was chicken pot pie (a Christmas gift from a family friend). 

I bought some washable cotton face masks as I’ll need to wear them whenever I’m with my dad moving forward.  

I finished crocheting the cowl! 

Then, I visited Cinema Centenario to watch Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus. The film’s lead actress, Iana Bernardez, was amazing!

Whenever I am sad, I always go to Maginhawa for a film or some comfort food. I’m glad I finished my cowl, watched a film, and got home feeling better.

Here’s to staying strong amidst struggles!

Budget Happiness

Yesterday was all about being happy on a budget! Here are some of my money-saving ways to indulge on a weekend while helping others along the way. 

Please take note that this is not a sponsored post, and I spent my own money for everything.  

I took advantage of the last day of Elait’s opening promo at SM North Towers. I got myself a solo cup of their matcha oreo frozen yogurt for P100 (regular price is P140- still affordable!). It was delicious! And it matched my knitting project too. 

I will always be a fan of Elait’s frozen yogurt and advocacy, which is to employ deaf employees.  

Since I’ve been eyeing Muji’s P500 stationery gift sets but don’t have the budget for one of those, I selected a blue green ballpen and a light gray highlighter from National Bookstore. I threw in a slim plastic pencil case, and voila! Instant Japanese-chic stationery set. 

I was so happy with my savings, that I donated a book for National Bookstore’s Project Aral campaign. All books and school supplies will be donated to their partner public schools and libraries. 

Next, I got this Careline peach stick, which is a product that retails for Php205. It can be used on the cheeks, eyelids, and lips. 

It would be nice to have a healthy complexion this holiday season, so I picked up this affordable product to try.  

And it didn’t disappoint! It truly gives off a natural peachy glow for such an attainable price point.  

I was happy with my makeup purchase, so I moved on to salvaging an old lippie.  

I was terribly sad when my Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick in Mood broke because it was such a flattering shade on me. Instead of purchasing a new tube, I bought a 3ml container from Beabi, scooped out the remaining content from the tube using a small spatula from my Human Nature makeup remover, reheated it in the microwave for 30 seconds, and let it cool until it hardened again. 

I also got this retractable mini lip brush from Fashion 21 for Php85 to help me apply my lippie. 

I also got this 5ml atomizer bottle from Beabi and transferred some baby cologne there. 

And there you have it! These are just some of my budget tips and thrills. I will definitely share more saving hacks in the future, and I hope that this will also inspire me to conserve and properly use my resources.  

Birthday Scarf

I received a ball of Lion Brand Mandala yarn from my favorite yarns and notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery during my birthday. I finally finished knitting an infinity scarf out of it, and it turned out to be quite lovely. 

I enjoyed knitting this piece in between my busy schedule, like before meetings, at the P2P, and at my go-to cafe. Knitting has become a fundamental part of my life, and I like keeping my hands busy especially when times are tough. 

I have already started knitting a new scarf, using yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s in-house brand. I can’t wait to keep going with life, and I know that with yarn and needles in my hands, I will be alright.  

Keeping Afloat

I used to meet my late friend Diane at Starbucks Gateway back in uni. We would meet here as this was halfway between my school, UA&P, and hers, the Ateneo. We used to sit by the window and admire the leather shoes and bags at PabDer. And our conversation flowed as our coffees got colder. We didn’t really mind, as we were there for each other. 

I miss her still. She passed away in 2008, but I still commemorate her life whenever I can. Yesterday, I knitted at our Starbucks (by the way, happy 21st anniversary, Starbucks Philippines!), while admiring the shoes and bags at PabDer from afar. It’s Christmas, and carols are being played on the speakers. My coffee has gone cold. But the memory of Diane continues to warm my heart. 

To cheer myself up, I bought a large mango float from popular chain Maxi Mango. It was delicious, as always!

Then, I lifted up my intentions at St. Clare Monastery. 

Adulting may be messy and unpredictable, so I keep my constants close because they help me stay afloat. I know that Diane is watching over me and our other friends, and that St. Clare is praying for my intentions.

I believe that good things will come my way very soon!

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! 

Dancing to Life’s Beat

Yesterday, I got to join an Aerosports Dance-Off at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was from 6-9am. I had fun!

My friend Cyndi was also there to dance.  

I rewarded myself with some knitting...

 ...and a bowl of yummy toasted naked longganisa with talangka brown rice for breakfast. 

I also got to see the first game of the Battle of Katipunan between UP and Ateneo. 

I was sad that UP lost, so I walked around the oval to comfort myself. 

I got home to a package of yarns that I ordered from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

I’m glad that I was able to combine my passions for fitness and crafting in my life! Here’s to more fit weekends and crafternoons!

Mayown Workshop

I attended the crochet workshop hosted by Leen Van Dyck of Mayown, a social enterprise based in Manila. She has taught a team of poor moms to crochet, and the impact has been tremendous. They are able to make high-quality stuffed toys, and they are paid fairly for their crochet work. They are able to provide food for their families, and their confidence is also boosted by their skills trainings. 

I am down for some training in intermediate crochet. As Leen is a certified teacher in an international school in Makati, she’s very patient. I was assured that I will learn how to read patterns and improve my stitches.  

My three classmates were learning basic crochet, while I got a kit enough for two palm-sized stuffed animals- an owl and a snail.  

I had a fun five-hour class while sipping coffee and chatting with Leen. It was enjoyable and humbling at the same time to read a pattern and correctly form a stuffed animal. 

I finished my owl and snail at home. It was so fulfilling! 

I am more confident about my crochet skills after the workshop, and I am determined to continue crocheting- not necessarily make amigurumi stuffed toys, but to apply the skills when I crochet. I am thankful to have met Leen too as she is now a friend that I have gained during the class. I can’t wait to continue making!

Film and Sense

I have been taking care of a sick family member for the time being. It can be stressful, so I make sure that I take breaks every now and then. 

I frequent the hospital chapel for some silence in the middle of the day.  

I also knit to keep myself calm and cheerful.  

I also continue to watch films! The other night, I caught the showing of Tanabata’s Wife at UP Film. 

It was beautifully shot and acted. Mai Fanglayan, who won Best Actress at the Tofarm Film Festival for the title role, was there for a short Q&A session. 

Everyone in the audience receives button pins. It was a fun screening at UP, as always.  

I bought vanilla milk tea from Moonleaf Maginhawa after the screening. I was preparing for two more movies that night. 

I love the Christmas vibe at the cafe! 

I continued my movie marathon at Cinema Centenario. My second film for that night was On Your Wedding Day. It was a funny, light feature.  

My third and last film for the night was Liway. Glaiza de Castro was amazing as a rebel mom. She also sang Pagbabalik well. Overall, it was heartbreaking film with a wonderful ending. I ended up crying while enjoying my dinner. 

I ate mt Tornado Peri-Peri chicken to-go. It was delicious! It was the perfect companion to Liway. 

If you also love films, go for a marathon at your local micro cinemas!  Support your local restaurants and cafes too. And don’t forget to clean as you go, especially since micro cinemas are usually kept clean by the owners themselves. Be a good cinephile and do yourself a favor by watching the latest features today. 

Craftoween

I spent my Wednesday fulfilling some family obligations at home. In between my tasks, I knitted and crocheted these works in progress. 

I also received my package from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. These yarns and my new Furls crochet hook are already my Christmas presents to myself. I am living in challenging times, so I have to be frugal. I also have to plan my expenses with prudence. 

My Halloween was not so bad! I spent it with my family, with my fiber arts, and some new yarns and notions. I hope to have more simple crafternoon moments and productive days ahead!

Making It

Recently, I had the chance to visit Conrad Manila. I was there for the Million Meal Marathon, and I got to relax after my volunteer shift. 

It was a gorgeous day! 

I chose to crochet by the bay.  

And I also knitted by the bay! 

Lately, things have not been good. I am facing challenges, but I still remain positive. I am making it through each day with some knitting, crocheting, and strength.

Here’s to better days ahead!

Colourfully Hooked

I finally finished the colorful cowl I was crocheting in shell stitch! It was fun to work with this variegated yarn I got from VC Trading. Of course, I couldn’t resist crocheting with my handmade plushies, Tubbs and Ella!

I worked through this cowl during my birthday, as I was resigning from my previous job, and as I was transitioning back to freelance life. It was quite a journey. 

I look forward to giving this as a present to someone who’s celebrating her birthday soon. 

It is also noteworthy that I now crochet with ease as I have recenly had glasses made for my astigmatism. I hope that the condition will be corrected by next year. In the meantime, I will crochet, knit, and blog as I wear my stylish specs- and live a purposeful life!

Thankful

Yesterday, I began my day with a workout. 

Then, I had a hearty brekkie.  

I proceeded to a meeting which was so productive, I was moved to go to St. Clare to give thanks.  

I am thankful for the opportunities that are pouring into my life right now. 

I celebrated with bopis at Rodic’s.  

And I continued crocheting with this cool turquoise yarn.  

I took a couple of selfies through the power of self-timer.  

I purchased new kicks from local leather sandal brand Renegade Folk. 

Finally, I had Sunnies funfetti and a flat white at a Sunnies Cafe.  

I carried on with my crocheting.  

And I ended my day with some neon selfies at the cafe’s infamous selfie powder room. Hahahahaha  

I am overwhelmed with all the blessings in my life right now. I realized that the best way to celebrate is by continuing my regular routine of prayer, crafting, and selfies. There is empowerment in being able to take one’s own selfies without a man’s help. If I can be my own Instagram husband, then I can surely power through life. 

I can hardly wait! 

Crocheting Inspo

Yesterday, I took my Furls handmade crochet hook for a spin. I was delighted with the lack of drag and its comfortable grip. The wood was warm on my hand, and my yarn just seemed to flow along with each stitch. 

I am definitely a Furls fan and I am glad that I finally bought one of their crochet hooks. Their cult following is definitely telling the truth about these babies.  

I finished this short cowl in a day using my new hook. I hold my Furls with a pen grip, and my hand never felt any strain or discomfort. I am floored! And I can’t wait to crochet again. 

Investing in quality tools will get you far. Read reviews first if you are unsure before investing on notions and materials. I make it a point to choose quality over quantity whether it’s for my knitting needles, crochet hooks, or watercolors. Choose tools that inspire you and craft what’s in your heart. You will definitely be motivated to create more!