Yesterday, I got to explore BGC. I tried the famous banana pudding of M Bakery for the first time, and loved it! I also had a hearty convenience store lunch and some satisfying private reading at Fully Booked.
They say that our city does not have enough parks. I beg to disagree. We just have to maximize the open spaces that we’ve got, and enjoy what our city has to offer.
Can’t wait for the next weekend!
Now that I am working full-time, I ensure that my weekends are spent well. I always begin my days with a workout, whether it’s a weekday or the weekend.
Last Saturday, I was reminded to count my blessings and be myself as I dropped by my usual waxing salon.
Then, I went to Human Nature to shop for my needs this August. I stocked up on moringa chocolate chip cookies...
...had some brewed coffee in the store...
...tried the new bath jelly (which was fun to use!)...
...and treated myself to a bar of Theo and Filo 70% dark chocolate!
I am also a fan of Human Nature’s new initiative to encourage shoppers to bring their own eco bags.
After shopping, I went to Breakfast Bin for even more coffee and pancakes.
And then, it was back to Human Nature for me as we celebrated our get-together with my fellow core advocates.
It was a fun night of potluck eats, karaoke, and friendship!
My Saturday was a relaxing one, because I got to eat, shop, and party for a good cause. I am glad that by supporting Human Nature, I also help Gawad Kalinga communities and provide jobs. I look forward to the rest of my workweek knowing that my weekends are spent with my advocacy. It makes all the hard work worth it.
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!
I am thankful to have crochet in my life. Right now, I am on my last ball of yarn for this scarf I am working on in shell stitch. I have learned to do it through Youtube, and I couldn't be happier with the ability to learn new skills for free online.
I am adjusting to work like a pro! I have always made myself busy by working on this blog and assisting my dad with his tasks during my break from the corporate world. However, the office setting is still different, and any new job entails an adjustment period.
Unwinding after a busy Friday with beer and crochet 🍺
Here are some hacks I am implementing into my system to ensure a seamless adjustment into the daily grind:
I am stitching my story, one scarf and workday at a time. Looking forward to hustling in the office and making a difference in my own little way!
We had Mother’s Day lunch at a nice restaurant inside a five star hotel. While we were enjoying the sumptuous food, we also had the chance to view our city from this vantage point.
It is quite humbling to note that while our urban sprawl is not the most striking of cityscapes, there is still beauty amidst the chaos. There are pockets of greenery and quiet places. I am reminded that there is hope in a city where you see the negative on the foreground.
Because when you focus on the bigger picture, you will see the potential of your life in a place that is worth stepping back for anyway.
May you also find your new perspective today, as we begin another week of hustling in this place we call home.
Yesterday, I was fortunate to have the time to give blood for the second time. I felt awesome during my first blood donation last Christmas season. Blood donation is a fulfilling way to share one’s blessings, especially now that I am euthyroid.
Please consult your physician first before donating blood and do know that each donation has a screening process beforehand. It is a case-to-case basis, so be sure to be healthy before going through the process. If you cannot donate blood, there are definitely other ways to share your blessings, like volunteering and buying from social enterprises.
I knitted while waiting for my turn at the Red Cross.
I was led to a recliner when it was my turn to donate.
After reading the guidelines provided by the medical technologist, it was showtime!
The process was quick and comfortable. Just like last time, I received a free snack afterwards.
It is a privilege to be a blood donor. I look forward to donating again. If you are healthy and cleared by your doctor from any ailments, please consider donating blood! It is one of the most rewarding acts of kindness you can do in your life.
Yesterday, I watched a movie starring Pia Wurtzbach. My Perfect You was funny and entertaining. It was also memorable because it’s the first movie that I knitted along to.
Yes, I brought my needles and yarn with me and I knitted inside the cinema!
I continued knitting while eating dinner at Breakfast Bin.
Before I knew it, I already finished this snood for my mom. She has an upcoming trip to a cold destination, so the bulky yarn I used for this snood will keep her warm.
The snood can be used as a cowl wrap and a hood for rainy days.
It can also jazz up any outfit!
Knitting this for my mom was fun. It was also a treat to knit inside the movie house, but I wouldn’t do that with finer yarn.
My knitting memories are piling up, and I like it that way! Here’s to more knitting memories with yummy yarn and delicious food.
I am enjoying freestyle knitting. I realized that my initial yarn and needle stash was not enough, so I bought more yarns and a new pair of 5mm needles from Gantsilyo Guru.
I immediately tried knitting one of my new yarns, and I brought it with me to the spa. I knitted while waiting for my turn...
...and I continued knitting while having my Thai foot massage! I chose the recliner beside the lamp, so I was able to knit.
This tabletop yarn is a joy to work with. I simply cannot get enough of the color transition.
Here’s to more relaxing moments while knitting!
I have been knitting an infinity scarf for the past few days. I brought my needles and yarn with me to coffee, lunch, dinner, the mall, and even to bed.
Knitting has been a relaxing process, and I prefer freestyle knitting because I do not want to depend on patterns. I want knitting to be a fluid and zen experience to clear my mind and encourage thought processing.
I finished my infinity scarf this morning, and I can say that it was a rewarding experience. I used yarn which is ideal for our tropical climate. I intend to use it while hanging out in air-conditioned locations.
True to form, I chose a neutral color combination which will work with any outfit. I am happy to finish something tangible using the skill I acquired from my Banaue Knitting Adventure.
I intend to continue knitting because it makes me happy! Scarves will always be in style, so I think I will make more in my free time. For now, I look forward to casting on new yarn on my needles and beginning again.
I learned how to knit during my recent Knitting Adventure at Uhaj, Banaue. I learned the basics and I prefer to work without a pattern.
By working as I go, knitting has become a meditative experience. It has done wonders to clear my mind and process the right thoughts. It is totally aligned with my goal to live life with mindfulness!
I purchased new yarns and a smaller set of knitting needles which are perfect for my small hands. I then proceeded to knit, and I enjoyed it! I ended up knitting for almost twelve hours yesterday.
I am happy with my new hobby this year. I hope you will also discover a new craft that will bring you joy!
