Borealis Crystals

I recently ordered a bespoke ring from local jewelry company Borealis Crystals. It is a PWD-run online jewelry boutique which I have been stalking on Instagram for quite some time now. I have been privileged to earn some money from freelance work, and I set aside some of my pay to have a custom ring made for me. 

After a month of communicating with C & J, the couple behind this homegrown brand, I finally got the pink ring of my dreams. 

I love that they added a couple of Flat Tops with my order for a touch of whimsy.  

My pink tourmaline is professionally-set in rose gold. I requested for a comfort-fit band, and I have been wearing this daily for almost a week now. I can definitely say that it lives up to its comfort-fit name, as it is really comfortable. I was able to write at work and the ring felt light on my fingers. I think it helps that C is into calligraphy, so she knows that a ring must not get in the way when one is writing. 

I love supporting social enterprises, and businesses that empower PWD’s. I am happy that I can wear something that’s both handmade and bespoke everyday. What’s more, I get to wear a ring with a story that’s more radiant than its innate sparkle.  

I highly recommend this brand, and I hope that you can check out their Instagram page for their latest on-hand designs. You may also order bespoke jewelry. Production time is from 1-2 months, depending on the design. May they help you realize the jewelry of your dreams! 

Journey to Faith

Yesterday, I rode a couple of trains to... 

...St. Clare Monastery! I gave thanks and prayed for my personal intentions.  

I had a hearty and healthful lunch. The Wild Wild West salad from Go! Salads was so delicious. The ranch dressing definitely brought a unique punch to my midday.  

I continued to do some work on my phone while cuddling with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I was welcomed by my favorite dog, Ella the chiweenie. 

Stark the pomsky was camera-shy. 

I also bonded with Ella’s son Chocnut and Happy the pug.  

It was hard to say goodbye even if I’m a frequent guest at the cafe.  

Before going to bed, I transferred these two scents into travel perfume bottles from Beabi. I was proud of myself for finding a way to transfer the DKNY perfume to the smaller bottle as it was difficult to open. Thank God for online forums, and I was able to research how to open the bottle.  

Both scents were Christmas gifts to me.  

I restore my faith by continuously praying, communing with nature (in the form of furry dogs), and surprising myself with a new skill (even if it’s as simple as transferring perfume). Life is a journey, but it can be easier with some faith and belief in oneself. 

Budget Happiness

Yesterday was all about being happy on a budget! Here are some of my money-saving ways to indulge on a weekend while helping others along the way. 

Please take note that this is not a sponsored post, and I spent my own money for everything.  

I took advantage of the last day of Elait’s opening promo at SM North Towers. I got myself a solo cup of their matcha oreo frozen yogurt for P100 (regular price is P140- still affordable!). It was delicious! And it matched my knitting project too. 

I will always be a fan of Elait’s frozen yogurt and advocacy, which is to employ deaf employees.  

Since I’ve been eyeing Muji’s P500 stationery gift sets but don’t have the budget for one of those, I selected a blue green ballpen and a light gray highlighter from National Bookstore. I threw in a slim plastic pencil case, and voila! Instant Japanese-chic stationery set. 

I was so happy with my savings, that I donated a book for National Bookstore’s Project Aral campaign. All books and school supplies will be donated to their partner public schools and libraries. 

Next, I got this Careline peach stick, which is a product that retails for Php205. It can be used on the cheeks, eyelids, and lips. 

It would be nice to have a healthy complexion this holiday season, so I picked up this affordable product to try.  

And it didn’t disappoint! It truly gives off a natural peachy glow for such an attainable price point.  

I was happy with my makeup purchase, so I moved on to salvaging an old lippie.  

I was terribly sad when my Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick in Mood broke because it was such a flattering shade on me. Instead of purchasing a new tube, I bought a 3ml container from Beabi, scooped out the remaining content from the tube using a small spatula from my Human Nature makeup remover, reheated it in the microwave for 30 seconds, and let it cool until it hardened again. 

I also got this retractable mini lip brush from Fashion 21 for Php85 to help me apply my lippie. 

I also got this 5ml atomizer bottle from Beabi and transferred some baby cologne there. 

And there you have it! These are just some of my budget tips and thrills. I will definitely share more saving hacks in the future, and I hope that this will also inspire me to conserve and properly use my resources.  

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. 

Faith, Food, and Film

Luti and I were able to go to Padre Pio Center at Libis, Quezon City yesterday. She is one of my best friends from high school, and we both had intentions to pray for. 

It was a solemn, quiet place of worship. We did not feel like we were still stuck in the city.  

We were able to do some shopping at the chapel store. I stumbled upon these cookies made of leftover bits of host from Dauis, Bohol. I had to buy a few packs to try at home. 

The center has a spacious chapel where masses are held daily. 

We then proceeded to St. Clare Monastery for more prayers. 

We were also able to have our Padre Pio souvenirs blessed by the sister at the convent.  

A hearty lunch at Breakfast Bin followed our prayerful journey.  

Of course, dessert was obligatory thanks to the scorching summer heat. We both had ice cream at Maginhawa favorite, Papa Diddi’s. I had roasted strawberry and ube this time! 

After our meal, I went to UP Cine Adarna to watch my grade school friend Ida Anita del Mundo’s film K’na the Dreamweaver. 

It was a beautiful love letter to the T’boli people and their rich culture.  

Lake Sebu was stunning onscreen! 

There were several scenes of t’nalak weaving, which was my favorite part about this movie. I love local textiles, so I’m all for promoting the art of weaving on film. 

I was fortunate to be able to spend time to pray, appreciate delicious food, and watch a friend’s film. I also had the chance to do so with my friend Luti. Life is definitely more fun with a little help from our friends- and a lot of faith.