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! 

Breakfast and Barks

Yesterday was my last day of “freedom” before returning to the corporate world. I started it with Zumba and a hearty breakfast at my local park.  

Then, I had went to my favorite dog cafe, Barkin Blends!  

I braved the storm to visit my furry friends.  

They now sell pastries and burgers to-go for dogs. 

I got the royal milk tea and Bonnie burger.  

It was delicious! 

I cuddled with Ella and the rest of the buddies after my meal.  

My heart and soul are full of love. I am excited to work again, as I have maximized my break from the workforce. I will bring wih me positivity and optimism as I encounter my tasks in my new role. Everything will be alright, and I will surely return to the dog cafe once the weekend rolls by!

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! 

Waterproof Willpower

Yesterday, I worked out again despite the rain. I realized that I am determined to burn calories even if there’s a storm. 

Indeed, my willpower is waterproof.

I manage to motivate myself even in difficult circumstances like storms. In fact, I even watched a movie and rewarded myself with a delicious shawarma rice bowl from Persian Avenue. 

I later joined my family to attend the wake of one of my grand aunts at Pampanga. I got to bond with my cousin Lauren’s dog Rogue, who was such a sweetheart.

And I also got to catch-up with cousins Lauren and Jean. 

The church at Minalin, Pampanga had these beautiful doors. I couldn’t resist having my photo taken with them. 

Having waterproof willpower helps in keeping myself going, no matter the circumstances. I am excited to apply this to my career, and I look forward over seeing the blessings pour into my life in the process!

Burning Through the Rain

Yesterday, I was determined to workout despite the stormy weather. I drove to my local park and powered through Zumba. 

Guess what? It was even more fun to workout in this cool weather! The breeze was refreshing.  

And we all know that rainy weather calls for good eats. My brekkie was this quick friend beef and macaroni soup from Tropical Hut. 

As for lunch, I ate this delicious asparagus mayo spaghetti from Kimono Ken. 

I always find creative ways to enjoy my day, no matter what the weather is. I am thankful for opportunities to maximize my day, such as affordable workouts and yummy grub. Here’s to more blessings and chances to shine!

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! 

Sunday Priorities

On Sundays, I spend time doing the things I love. 

Yesterday was no exception. I worked out, despite the rainy weather. 

I had barako coffee.  

And a delicious bowl of kimchi rice for brekkie.  

I visited Diane.  

And I told her about my upcoming adventures.  

I had a dozen mini-donuts.  

And I visited Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. 

I ended my day with crochet and beef noodle soup.  

Sunday is my favorite day because it is when I can rest and pursue my simple joys. I can’t wait to start work so that I can appreciate Sundays better. Here’s to more Sundays with fitness, food, fiberarts, and dogs! 

Pixie with a Purpose

Yesterday, I worked out at 6am. 

I ate my favorite toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice at Breakfast Bin. 

Then, I bought some office essentials from Human Nature. I am especially excited to use my Mori Notes gadget case in a cheery pineapple print. It is designed to smaller gadget essentials like cords and plugs. 

It is sewn by underprivileged artisan moms, allowing them to earn as they work from home.  

I also had coffee... 

...and I finished crocheting this gray cowl for my friend Bernadette, who’s celebrating her birthday this week. 

I also started crocheting a cowl in sky blue and pink hand-dyed yarn.  

I do like investing in quality items, but occasionally purchase trendy things too. I bought the Adeline sling bag from local vegan leather goods store, The Satchel Diva. Their bags are lightweight and on-trend, which are two factors I look for in an everyday handbag. 

Then, I went to the dermatologist... 

...and had my pixie trimmed at the salon next door. 

I offered eggs and prayed for my intercessions at St. Clare.  

And I had a lovely late lunch at Barkin Blends Dog Cafe.  

They have doggo burgers as take-away treats for puppers at home. 

I had their delicious carbonara... 

...and latte! 

And I had the best time with their doggo buddies.  

I couldn’t resist my favorite dog Ella!  

Finally, I ended my day with a 90-minute massage at our neighborhood spa.  

I enjoy self-care and crafting because I feel centered after doing the things I love. I can’t wait to go back to work after unwinding with some fiberarts, dogs, and retail therapy. That’s how I live balanced life, with a little pixie dust for good measure.  

Crafting My Love Story

Yesterday, I started my Saturday with a workout...

...pancit and lumpia for breakfast...

 ...and coffeenut (coffee brewed in coconut water and served with coconut milk and coco sugar) and crocheting. 

Then, I bought a new project bag from the weekend bazaar at my local park. The smallest pouch bag for my crochet projects costs only P35. 

I got one in this cheery pineapple print. 

I strolled around the tropical garden inside the park. 

After lunch, I proceeded to the Singles Recollection hosted by The Feast Quezon City community. 

I enjoyed worshipping...

 ...and knitting!

I was impressed with the effort and love that went into the food prep. I mean, look at those handwritten post-its!

I got this one, because it is so me. I believe that each day is a new opportunity!

I discovered my love for crocheting and knitting while I became single a few months ago. I have also been doing creative journaling through food illustration.

My handmade lifestyle has cultivated self-love, and I have never looked back. Crafting my love story starts in affirming and validating myself, one creative output at a time. I know I am ready to love again because I know how to make myself happy in the first place. For now, I am focusing on being myself, and sharing my story to you all. 

Saturday Finds

Yesterday, I woke up before the alarm clock was supposed to ring. I headed to my Zumba class with zest and energy which I haven’t felt in ages. 

I must say, this morning person project has really motivated me to get moving! 

I also walked around the weekend tiange or bazaar. 

I saw some colorful bags.  

And I found a stall that sells Japanese surplus ceramics. 

By the time I got home to freshen up, I was already looking forward to do some creative journaling. 

I sketched this part of our townhouse on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

Later during the day, I had this Dos Espesyal breakfast meal from Via Mare, which I also sketched.  

I had a fabulous Saturday. My finds inspired me to think of a more charmed life for myself. I also realized that food and home mean more to me now that I have been sketching them on my journal! Here’s to a more meaningful life, one that is sketched and painted in bursts of color.  

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. 

Black Saturday 2018

I began my Black Saturday with a workout and a hearty breakfast. 

I posed by the townhouses near our hotel which resemble the San Francisco houses in Lola and the Boy Next Door.  

On our way home, we passed by the Calamba Rizal Shrine. I am a Rizal fan, so this felt like a homecoming. 

The Php1 coin I was holding was a tribute to my idol, as he is featured on the currency. 

Rizal had a dog!

We also dropped by the church where Rizal was baptized. 

It was located right next to his house. 

That was a fun visit!

My family and I had late lunch at Mom and Tina’s. Their Shepherd’s Pie is still so good after all these years!

I enjoyed reconnecting with my idol and eating delicious food. What a way to celebrate the Holy Week break. I look forward to more memorable moments in sentimental places.