A Positive Impact

I went shopping the other day for purposeful items which will benefit our heroic frontliners. I want to help in my own small way during the enhanced community quarantine. Fortunately, two of my favorite brands have offered to make it easier for me to pay it forward.

Rags 2 Riches has recently released their summer collection aptly named Sol. It is a joyful collection of bags and clothes made of upcycled materials. As always, each item is made by Filipino artisans.

Proceeds will go to frontliners and families affected by the pandemic. This was enough for me to support this worthy cause.

Image from Pulseras by Kim

Another local brand that I continue supporting is Pulseras by Kim. The jewelry brand has recently dropped a fundraiser collection to benefit frontliners as well. I bought this locket, which featured a free photo printing service with each purchase. Of course, this made the decision to purchase easier.

Shopping for a cause is one of my favorite things to do. I hope that you will also support brands that pay it forward, because we can all make a difference even while at home.

Cheats and Coffee

I decided to do something different. Since I’ve been listening to the podcast Wake Up With Jim and Saab for a couple of months now, I realized that it’s about time for me to watch them live. Or rather, watch their band Cheats play in person!

It was also my first time to test drive my new Rags 2 Riches fanny pack.  

While waiting for the show to start, I stayed at Satchmi’s listening room to soak up some Beatles music (yes, I’m a fan).  

I grabbed a flat white.  

And I had my Cheats cd’s signed!

They were just as fun to be with in person!  

And the highlight of my afternoon was meeting new friends in the audience.  

More time meant more selfies with the band. 

By the time Cheats went onstage, we were all caffeinated and ready to sing along to their hits.  

It was such a lovely gig, I got another coffee- this time, an iced americano.  

The gig left me energized, so I proceeded to Barkin Blends Dog Cafe to have an after party of sorts with my favorite dogs Robin and Ella. 

I unwinded with what else- a listening session consisting of Cheats songs in my room. I can’t  believe I watched a gig in the afternoon with coffee (anything with coffee is heaven for me), and got my albums signed. Oh, and my fanny pack was the perfect bag for dancing!  

Here’s to more music, coffee, new friends, and cuddles with dogs! 

Faith and Charity

If there is one thing that remains steadfast in these uncertain times, it is my faith. I have faith that has moved mountains, at least in my own life. Thus, I continue to offer every endeavor to the Lord, and give thanks for all the blessings that continue pouring into my life. 

As I visited the Pink Sisters Convent yesterday, I lifted up all my intentions to the Lord and asked Him for better days ahead. 

After my church visit, I dropped by the Rags 2 Riches HQ to purchase a bag. 

Their HQ in Tomas Morato can be searched through navigation apps! Also, it is the best way to experience the social enterprise impact first-hand.  

I was in luck as they had complete stocks for their Noah Fanny Pack! 

All colors were adorable! But I still preferred the black one. I bought it after a five-minute decision making process.  

Each R2R bag is handmade by artisans whose lives are dignified by skills training and fair wages. 

Also, it is a sustainable business as they use scrap fabrics from local garments factories  

I am delighted with my purchase, and I know that I will rock this bag with pride. I can’t wait to talk about this piece and share the goodness of charity in action! 

On Baths and History

I love taking indulging in eco-friendly bath products from my online Human Nature store.  (If you want natural toiletries benefitting Gawad Kalinga residents, please click on the link in the previous sentence and support my small business!)  Another thing I love is crocheting. Thus, I have combined my passions for natural toiletries and crochet by making my own scrubbie!

I followed a video tutorial on YouTube, so if you are also interested to crochet one, look for a video that suits you. Also, use 100% cotton yarn. 

As I have already finished my scrubbie, I returned to knitting and began another colorful cowl.  

I had lunch at Breakfast Bin, where I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice. 

For dessert, I had this glorious matcha and toasted oatmeal ice cream scoops.  

I did some brisk walking at UP Diliman.  

Then, I dropped by St. Clare to give thanks and offer my intentions.  

I also visited Rags 2 Riches at UP Town Center to buy a metal straw. It already comes with a pouch sewn by R2R artisans. As always, I had fun looking around the shop as it features social enterprise brands! 

Then, it was back to UP for me.  

I watched Curiosity, Adventure and Love. 

It is a beautiful documentary about an American centenarian, Nana Jessie, who has called the Philippines her home for most of her life.  

While waiting for the film to begin, I knitted. 

The film’s co-director, Sunshine De Leon, was there to personally introduce her documentary. She is also Nana Jessie’s granddaughter. 

I learned so much about Philippine history just by watching the film. It is a gem of a film, and I highly recommend it!

If you enjoy something, go take it further, like in my case! I made my won scrubbie, ate soul food, prayed, bought from a social enterprise, and watched an independent film. Life is too short to wait for happiness to come your way. Make your own happiness your priority!

Hope in a Necklace

I bought a new necklace for myself. My love for jewelry is quite obvious based on my frequent purchases, but I am now a conscious consumer. I focus on bling that is handmade, bought from a social enterprise, and is local. 

Good thing Tayo Collective has a minimalist necklace collection that suits all of the above criteria. Their gold-filled necklaces are classy, barely-there, and ideal for layering with other jewelry. Each piece is crafted by a woman rescued from the sex trade. 

As a woman and a fan of handmade jewelry, I find this cause amazing and transformative. And since their necklaces are sold through social enterprise collective Things That Matter, it was easy and convenient for me to make that purchase. 

I received my necklace via same-day delivery, and I was thrilled with how pretty and minimalist it is. I feel strongest after a workout, so here I was wearing it after an hour of cardio. It is empowering to wear the creation of another empowered woman. This will definitely be a conversation starter, and a wardrobe staple that will remind me that beautiful things happen if I will yearn for those that matter.