Your Feelings are Valid

Recently, I have been writing on my Your Feelings are Valid journal by Sincerely, Kristine.

It has helped me solve my worries and fears.

I was able to navigate through my emotions and deepest traumas.

I was also able to understand myself better.

I highly recommend this journal, especially now that we are facing many uncertainties. While I am not facing any mental struggle in my life, I must say that psychological first aid has been a valuable resource.

You may buy this journal here. Stay safe, everyone!

Brewing Home Life

The Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for all of us. Personally, I struggled during the first few weeks of staying at home because I was so used to going out almost everyday. One of my pastimes before was having a cup or two of coffee. I enjoyed crocheting while enjoying a cuppa at a cafe.

When the quarantine was imposed, I found myself at home with my stash of instant coffee. While I also have my own instant favorites, I craved for freshly brewed coffee as I was accustomed to. Luckily, I found Coffee Buddy online.

I initially purchased their Kalinga Dark Roast, Sagada Dark Roast, and french press. I learned to brew my own coffee, and it was definitely a game changer! It enhanced my quarantine experience as it brought back my coffee shop vibes. I also drastically cut down on my sugar intake, as I prefer enjoying my brewed coffee black.

I love Coffee Buddy’s local coffee selection so much, that I restocked from their shop yesterday. This time, I got Benguet Dark Roast and Espresso Dark Roast.

This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a fan of Coffee Buddy’s dark roast flavors. Learning to brew my own coffee has improved my home life, and has enabled me to enjoy my favorite beverage while on lockdown.

I hope that you will also find your perfect brew soon!

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.

Knit, Nom, Now

I am a firm believer in rising above challenges through action. Lately, I have been dealing with some personal matters which I have already resolved. To celebrate these small wins, I went to Human Nature to transact orders and to have a cup of coffee. 

I am a Human Nature dealer, so if you would like to buy affordable yet high quality natural products, you may order from my online shop!

I used my Knitting Expedition tiyargo bag  to carry all my purchases. I also took another photo because it amuses me how much the social enterprise brands I support complement each other with ease and style.  The coffee beside me in the photo is from Cafe Lugud, my Ifugao bangles are from Natalya Lagdameo, my T’boli bangles are from Nawa, and the location was of course the Human Nature flagship store! All of these brands are social enterprises, so they do not just look good- they also commit to doing good as well 

After shopping, I went to the new Rodic’s branch along Maginhawa with air conditioning! I had tapsilog while knitting. 

After wrapping up all my errands, I bought my dad his favorite yema cake. 

And later that night, I finally finished knitting my first beanie. I knitted it using the magic loop technique. It was also my first time to knit in the round! This is definitely proof that I am willing to learn- and from YouTube, at that!

I am overjoyed with my small wins, and I also feel accomplished to have knitted a beanie! I am truly determined to overcome each challenge with positivity, optimism, and action. Here’s to more small wins and lessons learned along the way!