Assam Milk Tea Vibes

Last Sunday, I started my day with some handmade accessories: my ceramic earrings from Maria Ceramika and my stainless steel and crystal necklace from Made by KCA.  

I was happy to spot some pretty tiles while ordering milk tea.

I was feeling festive, so I got myself some Assam Milk Tea with Pudding and Pannacotta. This drink simply reminds me of good vibes and simpler times. 

Then, I got myself a bracelet spelled g-r-i-t from Bedazzled Accessories at The Craft Central. It should remind me to keep going during tough times because I’m resilient and resourceful. 

It was day two of the Destash Bash at The Craft Central Cafe! My favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery had a booth there, where they sold affordable yarns and makes.   

I got myself this lovely cup cozy crocheted with love by Ceryl, one of the women behind this brand. I am thankful to have found this brand, and I look forward to more years of friendship with them.  

I also returned to Made by KCA’s booth at the bazaar outside Vertis North. I got myself a moonstone ring inspired by my undying love for Bella Swan of the Twilight books. 

I will forever support handmade because it inspires me to be a better person! I may not have much, but because I have grit and a good eye for local treasures, I know that I will survive anything that life throws at me. 

And at the end of the day, there’s always milk tea.  

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. 

Gotta Stitch

Yesterday, I spent the whole day caring for my sick father in the hospital. I brought my crochet project with me, and started to stitch with this lovely yarn in 2019’s Color of the Year, Living Coral.  

I ended up finishing the cowl before bedtime. I am quite pleased with this scarf because it features the shell stitch, which is a dream to crochet during stressful times.  

I love crocheting scarves because it keeps my hands and mind focused even if I am in a precarious setting such as the hospital. It is my wish that you will also find a hobby that will enrich your life and keep you going during the worst times. I found joy in crochet (and knitting!), and this is just the beginning of my maker life this 2019. 

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! 

Staying Strong

Yesterday, I decided to frog my crochet stitches and begin again with a knitted shawl. I was unhappy with the uneven edges, so I decided that it was best to knit it instead. 

I also joined in some Halloween festivities at the mall. 

I relaxed with a coffee float. 

And had hairbrushes made for me and my mom! 

Before going home, I had a quick dinner at Yoshinoya.  

And upon going home, I instantly brushed my hair.  

I may rock a pixie, but I still brush my hair! It helps me unwind from all the challenges in life. I stay strong with fiber arts, food, and simple joys.

I hope that you also find ways to be stronger each day!

Saturday with Kate and Cousins

Yesterday, I spent time with my goddaughter Kate, and my cousins Bianca and Choi. We had a relaxing lunch to celebrate our uncle’s sacerdotal anniversary, and for dessert, we had cookies at Scout’s Honor. 

I even got to swing by the Art Exchange, The Craft Central’s annual bazaar featuring some of the best local handmade merchants. It was fun to meet the ladies behind The Attic Yarn and Craftery, which is where I get most of my yarn for knitting and crocheting. Also, I got a pair of decoupage airplane earrings from Marita De Lemonade. 

I had a lovely Saturday and it was fun to catch-up with family. I hope that I could spend more time with them in the future, and that I will continue to see Kate grow. 

Loving QC

The other night, I decided to have mushroom bibimbap from O! Kitchen for dinner. It was delicious!

I burned it yesterday with Zumba. 

I recovered with breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

I pedaled on the stationary bike at the park.  

And I took a brisk walk around the gardens.  

I crossed Elliptical Road and found myself at the QC Public Library.  

I enjoyed reading and working on yesterday’s blog entry via the high-speed WiFi connection.  

I enjoyed my time with books and knowledge around me! 

For lunch, I had the 100 tomato pasta... 

...and the guiltless strawberry cake from Icing’s. 

I had a check-up at the hospital and I loved their groovy staircase.  

Later during the day, I dropped by the newly-opened Human Nature store at SM The Block. 

I got myself a couple of pairs of cute scissors from Books for Less.  

And I got a meaningful mirror from The Craft Central to remind me of that being happy is a choice.  

I ended my day with anticipated mass and this mango and chocolate crepe.  

I love Quezon City and I am proud of my hometown! I hope that you will also find yourself in any of the places I’ve been to, because they’re worth visiting. I am happy that there are so many affordable ways to enjoy myself in QC. I will surely miss being here everyday as I will work soon in Ortigas. But that doesn’t mean that my life will stop, just like that. I would just have to blog on the side, and maximize my weekends in order to speakoutsam! 

Scheduling Joy

I dealt with errands yesterday morning, and I must say that I adulted with only good vibes in mind. 

I crocheted again in between my meetings. I am beginning to understand why so many people are hooked on crocheting, pun intended! It is a time warp, and it feels good to hold the yarn in my hands while stitching this scarf.  

Then, I had lunch at Yoshinoya. Their Go Solo meal was a delicious combo consisting of their beef bowl, coffee jelly, and iced tea. 

After accomplishing another round of errands, I went crazy at the stationery section of Landmark Department Store. They have so many cute and affordable stuff for planner girls like me!

They have washi tapes and sticky notes! 

Van Gogh notebooks were available in various prints and sizes.  

Thankfully, I exercised some restraint and just bought three washi tapes and three books of sticky notes.  

Then, I went to The Craft Central.  

I bought more planner essentials: two washi tape holders, one frosted divider, and a ruler divider.  

I am so excited to fill my planner with new schedules! For now, I am buying the basics. 

I am reviving my planner journey with washi tape!

I wrapped-up my day with dinner at Ok Street, the new Korean food court at Vertis North. 

I ordered their kimchi fried rice. It was tasty and filling! I’ll definitely go back.  

I am building my planner because even if I am constantly blogging on the go, I still prefer using pen and paper to organize my life. By buying these bits and pieces, I am giving myself room to customize my agenda. Having a planner lets me enjoy a tangible experience of “fixing” my day. In the next few weeks and months, I will be going through changes which will surely make me learn, improve, and grow. For now, I am planning, hooking, and scheduling things. 

There will always be room for happiness, one day at a time.  

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. 

Crafting Potential

Yesterday, I bought yarns from one of my go-to handmade shops, The Craft Central. I did not have any particular project in mind. I simply wanted the colors I got and filled my basket. 

I do believe in surrounding myself with things that fill my heart with joy. Knitting using yarns in colors that I like makes me giddy, and it helps clear my mind. 

I also believe in shopping small and independent, that is why I frequent craft shops, indie businesses, and local brands. The yarns I bought yesterday were from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and just like The Craft Central, it fulfills all three aforementioned qualities. 

Simply put, having a handmade lifestyle makes me smile!

If you would like to learn a craft of two, here are the upcoming workshops at The Craft Central SM North Edsa:

I hope that you will also find your craft, and enjoy shopping for supplies every now and then! It is good for your soul. 

Brush Lettering and Dinner with Friends

I finally got to update my brush lettering supplies with this haul from The Craft Central. I got a journal insert for my TN, a pack of black brush pens, and a practice workbook. 

I tried them all at The Craft Central Cafe and it was worth every penny! 

I had the good tapa from the cafe and it was good! My friend also told me that the chicken picatta was also delicious. 

Their latte was also to die for. 

It was a happy night with my friends in a crafty cafe! I hope to enjoy this again soon. 

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!

Beer and Knitting

I recently took up freestyle knitting, and yesterday, I brought my yarn and needles to Cibo. I ordered beer and truffle pasta. While waiting for my lunch, I knitted mindlessly, as I mindfully processed my thoughts. 

I was lost in my thoughts when my pasta was brought to my table. Knitting has become my therapy because I get to think, reflect, and relax. It is also a convenient craft to take with me wherever I need to be.  

My truffle pasta and beer lunch was superb!

After lunch, I went to The Craft Central to purchase a couple more yarns and a pack of stitch markers. 

They also had this crafting nook that they use for workshops. Since the shop did not have anything planned for that day, I knitted on their table while listening to their Ed Sheeran playlist. 

That was a quietly fun day. I look forward to knitting in more places.