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!

Thriving Locally

I had a fantastic weekend!

I started my Saturday and Sunday mornings with Zumba. I must say that I am glad to see progress on my abs. 

I also took brisk walks around my local park and took breaks on interesting nooks such as this grotto. 

I enjoyed freshly-baked bread from my neighborhood bakery. 

And yesterday, I rode a P2P to visit Common Room Alabang. 

I donated some old paper bags on-site to support their ‘no new paper bags’ campaign, which I think is really cool. 

But the main reason why I went there was to buy a handmade Tubbs the Cat doll from Pop Junk Love. They had selected dolls at 50% off for the benefit of Cribs Foundation. It was a win-win because I have always wanted to purchase a doll from them, and I love supporting charities!

I also browsed through the store and found old handmade favorites such as Knitting Expedition.

In the end, I refused to have Tubbs packed in a paper bag. He went home with me inside my spacious Knitting Expedition Tiyargo bag.  

Every visit to Common Room motivates me to continue supporting local and handmade! My heart is full now that I have a new stuffed toy, and it’s all for a good cause. Fitness and my handmade lifestyle are not just weekend norms, as I do practice them everyday. They only seem to get magnified on weekends because I have more time to explore places that define them. 

I look forward to more weekend adventures and handmade stories! 

From Alabang to Manila

I went to Alabang after my breakfast forum at the AIM the other day. I took the P2P to Alabang Town Center, and I took sips of coffee in my tumbler during my trip. 

I visited Common Room ATC because my visit to their Katipunan branch earlier this week was not enough! 

I bought the necklace and wood chips for my mom, who bought me so many goodies from her recent trip to Osaka, Japan. I got myself cord ties from Punch Crafts and a skinny brass ring from Blue Flame. 

I recently misplaced one of my Nawa rings, and I was eager to replace it with another locally-made ring. Luckily, Common Room has a handmade brass ring in my size. Blue Flame is also a brand close to my heart as I have previously bought a sterling silver necklace from this maker. 

I also spent some time at the seesaw outside the store. 

I took the P2P back to Makati. I checked out this Pia minaudiare from my friend Rafe’s brand. 

I was hungry, so I had a couple of silvanas from Dumaguete-born bakeshop Sans Rival. I had the butter and choco silvanas. Both were so good! However, I was partial to the butter variant. It was perfection. 

I then took a sidetrip to St. Jude to pray for my personal intentions. 

On my way home, I saw these K9 poodles! 

Here’s to more adventures in search of handmade, good food, and blessings from up above!

Common Room Katipunan Trip

I went to Common Room Katipunan after my event at the Ateneo Art Gallery to buy some handmade trinkets. I have always advocated  conscious consumerism by buying handmade and supporting local. So whenever I feel like shopping, I prioritize those that fall under these categories. 

Common Room is a shrine for those who love the handmaid lifestyle. 

They have a swing! 

Feast your eyes with all the handmade goodies inside the shop. 

I even saw some Knitting Expedition plushies!

The store also has a respectable leather goods section. 

I ended up with a coin purse, monogrammed cord ties, and a couple of pairs of basic stainless steel earrings. 

The store has an ongoing recycling campaign, so I donated the labels that came with my goodies. 

Buying handmade always makes me happy. There is a sense of fulfillment in buying from small, independent brands. I hope Common Room will have more successful years in business. And I look forward to going back to shop for more handmade goodness someday!

For the Love of Handmade

Last Thursday, I decided to take a P2P to Alabang to visit the Common Room & Co Pop-up and Common Room Store at Alabang Town Center.

I felt spiffy as I came from a conference at AIM so I had to take a selfie in the bus.

The trip was quick and I was there in half an hour. 

Finally, I was able to catch the pop-up before it closes on 31 January! 

I was giddy to be there as I am a huge fan/believer of handmade. 

I also had to pose by their most photographed spot.

Note to self: what if I fly? 

 Every spot is filled wih beautiful murals and quotes.

See how dreamy it was? This was why I made the trip to the south! 

I was there to look for a necklace and some Valentines gifts for my parents. 

They even painted on the floor and I was ecstatic to find this hopscotch setup. 

As a fan of indie sellers and locally-made goods, I stand tall for small shops! Also, handmade is better. Always. 

How cute was this tic tac toe setup? 

They had everything for every budget and style. These flowers look dreamy. 

I had to have my photo taken by this massive wall filled with Christmas wishes! Yes, these were actual wishes posted by customers and handmade fans. 

It was difficult to ignore the writings on the wall. 

Every time I purchase handmade, I feel as if my dreams are coming true because I have always wanted to transition to a buy local/handmade lifestyle! Supporting shops and pop-ups like Common Room keeps the dream alive and lets me buy from makers as well. 

After touring the pop-up, it was time to drop by the Common Room ATC shop. This one is a permanent location.

Like their Katipunan store, this also sports a dreamy yet edgy ambience.

I found Blue Flame Jewelry’s gorgeous display. I wanted to buy everything! But I decided to look around first.

This was Blue Flame’s sterling silver display. All her pieces are handmade. 

This was her brass and copper display.

Everything was beautiful and created with so much love. 

It was delightful to see Knitting Expedition’s shelf!  I already own their black dachshund plushie and I named it Ella after my favourite dog from Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

These handmade flowers are giving me life. 

I eventually decided on this delicate silver necklace from Blue Flame. I am partial to onyx, stars, and oxidized metal.

Isn’t it lovely? 

This sign is everything. 

I had my purchases wrapped and I looked around some more. 

This was my mini-haul: a Habil terrarium bulb for my dad, a pair of handmade earrings for my mom from Piesa, and my dainty necklace.

Of corse, I had to try the earrings on!

And then, I wore my new necklace inside P2P. It felt like a new beginning.

If you like handmade as much as I do, check out Common Room and support makers who create pieces with passion!