Le Fleur Coffee Holder

I recently purchased my second cup holder from local small business Le Fleur. Their vegan cup holders have made my coffee or juice experience more delightful and aesthetically pleasing. It also warms my heart that their cup holders are all locally made by hand. I am all for small businesses that champion local craftsmanship and style.

Buy your own Le Fleur cup holder here! Enjoy your coffee!

Traviel Bags

In 2020, I received a DOST Coursera scholarship which allowed me to explore my creative skills through writing and personality development classes. As I was posting my certificates online, I met Pao Manalang of Traviel, who was also taking Coursera courses under the same scholarship. We shared the same values, and this is evident in her brand’s vision of enriching and uplifting local craftsmanship. Meanwhile, I wanted to enrich and uplift blogging as a craft which can be written about in a book. So that’s what I did. When I launched my book (Buy it in the link above this post! 📕), I finally purchased my first Traviel bag. It is made of plant-based leather and textile. I am very happy to support a local brand whose values align with mine ❤️

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!

Auric and Ice

I am happy with my latest jewelry purchase. I got Auric and Ice’s crescent flatback for my conch and I am really impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, and sparkle! They used G+ colored diamonds for this piece, and it is internally-threaded. It is the perfect piece for downsizing my conch piercing.

For genuine gold and diamond local piercing jewelry, follow Auric and Ice on Instagram! This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a satisfied customer.

I’m Journaling!

After joining the journaling workshop last Saturday, I am happy to share that I am still journaling! This is a big deal for me because I never remained consistent with a journaling habit for more than two days. I have since reflected in self-compassion, grief, and self-reliance during the past few days.

Everyday is an opportunity for me to explore my hopes, dreams, fears, worries, and feelings through this new journey. So far, I feel lighter after writing down my thoughts, and this has led me to better sleep and emotional support.

If you also want to start your journaling journey, visit Noted Journal PH to buy locally-handmade vegan leather journals and watch their videos on how to jumpstart this hobby on their YouTube channel.

I hope that the pandemic will give us all enough time for reflection and growth. Take care, everyone!

Journaling Workshop

I am a firm believer in paid workshops because it is human nature to consistently practice something that has been bought with hard-earned money. I joined a paid journaling and memory keeping workshop by local journal maker and YouTuber V of Noted Journal PH. I wanted to restart my journaling journey but I needed some help, so I enrolled in this afternoon webinar for some inspiration.

I received the journal kit prior to the workshop day itself, so I was able to get acquainted with the journal and its vegan leather cover that will be my emotional dumpsite in the coming months. During the workshop, I discovered that I am more of an essay-type diarist. I express myself better with words rather than photos. I may have this blog to document my everyday life, but there is something magical about putting words on to paper. The art of letting go with a pen and notebook is therapeutic, and I am happy to rekindle this habit during the pandemic.

To be honest, the past few weeks have been challenging. I was getting cabin fever, and my partner who lives in another city had the dreaded Covid-19 virus. While he did not need to be hospitalized, it was still a tiring ordeal. We had to keep our relationship alive through video calls and chats. While we were able to lean on each other during these difficult times, I wanted to strengthen my emotional ability through journaling. I noticed a positive change already in the two days that I have been journaling, as I realized that I can control my emotions through daily journaling.

Let me end this blog entry with the output I made during our journaling workshop. I do not normally use photos and stickers on my spreads. It was refreshing to change my journaling style for a day and meet fellow diarists. It is also nice to meet V virtually and interact with her! I am really grateful for this experience and I hope that similar opportunities will be available in the future to develop my passion for journaling.

This post is not sponsored. I am just a happy Noted Journal PH customer! To support V and her brand, visit her website, and learn how to journal via her YouTube channel.

What I Love About R2R

Rags 2 Riches has recently emailed its subscribers a set of questions to probe what they love about their brand. I have been a longtime fan of this brand, so this is an interesting exercise for me. Here’s what I have to say about R2R.

My first R2R piece was purchased from Firma in 2008. It was a clutch designed by local fashion icon Rajo Laurel. I used it during my first job at a bank, and it held my makeup and toiletries. It was neon pink, and it was woven by a mom at Payatas. It was one of the first local brands that included a hand-signed card by the artisan who made the item. It touched my heart, and as a fresh college graduate, it helped pave the way for my career choices and eventual foray as an online distributor for another social enterprise, a position that I hold to this day. It also gave me a tangible link to the impact of my buying power to a community, however small that purchase may be.

My favorite R2R purchase is the Noah Fanny Pack because it was the bag that I wore to conferences at ADB and while my terminally-ill father was confined at the hospital. I brought it with me from meetings to fora, and from my father’s chemotherapy sessions to my trips to buy his necessities at the pharmacy. It was also special because I purchased this bag at the R2R HQ, which I documented in this post.

R2R launched a clothing line, and I bought a couple of pairs of shorts from them last year. I enjoyed these pairs because they went well with my cropped tops, and even my favorite t-shirts.

I think their clothing line deserves to be praised for their efforts to use upcycled fabrics and include indigenous weaves in their designs. However, as someone who does not like ruffles and ribbons, perhaps a more edgy collection would attract a new set of customers to try their clothes.

My favorite R2R memory would be that time when I bought a pair of flats made of the signature R2R basahan (rags) weave and indigenous textile. I felt so stylish during that day! Those shoes are still wearable to this day after five solid years of wear.

My dream is for R2R to continue growing despite the challenges of the global pandemic. I may have stopped purchasing from them due to some budget constraints of late, but my R2R face masks and filters remind me everyday that this brand may have started from rags, but I watched them grow to riches. I have grown up since their humble beginnings, and I hope that God will bless me with work and opportunities so that I can continue buying from brands such as R2R and support communities in the process.

God bless you, R2R!

Noted Journal Workshop Kit

I recently registered for an Online Memory-Keeping Journal Workshop with local maker Noted Journal PH. The webinar will be held on the 22nd of May, and I can’t wait! The fee comes with a kit that contains Noted Journal’s famous handmade vegan leather journal, sleeve, washi tapes, stickers, and ephemera.

I love journaling, especially bullet journaling. I have been a Noted Journal client since October 2020.

I must admit that the pandemic has been tough to deal with at times, so a little spice to my everyday journaling would help. Also, I look forward to meeting new friends.

If you are interested to join the workshop, you may visit Noted Journal PH’s website.

Happy journaling!

Covo 24K Colored Piyao

Yesterday, I returned to Covo 24K Jewelry at Chinatown Gold Center for some retail therapy. I purchased an enamel piyao charm which I matched with pearl beads on-site.

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I was going for a feminine vibe here, and I think it has been achieved. Gold, pearls, and rose quartz make a lovely combination for all occasions.

What is your go-to jewelry combo? I hope that you can also find yours!

For Ginny

My good friend Ginny Sonico has been battling breast cancer, and I am truly devastated with the news. However, I am optimistic that she will overcome this disease. So when I heard that a group of her friends have set up Notre Amie to support her medical expenses, I quickly placed an order of dried flowers to spruce up my space.

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I am pleased with my order as it matches my personality. Those close to me will know that I am not into flowers or frills, but this arrangement of dried hydrangeas, berries, and eucalyptus is right up my alley. It is simple yet chic.

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I hope that you will also help my friend Ginny kick cancer’s butt by purchasing from Notre Amie! You surely won’t regret it.

God bless us all!

Noted Journal

I recently treated myself to the slim notebook bundle from local brand Noted Journal PH. I chose this shop because of the following:

  • It is a woman-led small business that sells handmade vegan leather notebooks and journals.

  • They have a reputation for delivering quality notebooks among the local planner scene.

  • They have a slim notebook bundle with a vegan leather cover which is perfect for customization.

I was not disappointed with the journal. On top of that, I also won a passport journal and two vegan leather desk bins from their recent giveaway. I am truly lucky to have chosen this shop!

I wasted no time in customizing this within the day of receiving it. I used my Crafts Delight stickers (another local, woman-led small business!) to turn the grid notebook into a 2021 planner. It was an easy and relaxing process. I am happy because the notebook lies completely flat, and the gel ink I use does not bleed through its pages.

This is not a sponsored post, I am just genuinely happy with the slim notebook bundle and handmade goodies that I won. I hope that you will consider Noted Journal on your next journal purchase. You surely won’t regret it!

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Birthday Vibe

I recenly purchased a Love, Susie crescent ring in gold vermeil. I chose it because it is a) adjustable, b) locally handmade, and c) made to last as the base metal is sterling silver. Since Love, Susie is the sister brand of local handmade jewelry brand Pulseras by Kim, I am sure of the quality and craftsmanship behind this piece.

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This is not a sponsored post. I am just a fan and happy customer! My ring came with free stud earrings as Pulseras by Kim is moving to a new physical store soon. I am happy that I was able to visit their Maginhawa space one last time. It was a special location for me, as it was right beside my alma mater, Holy Family School.

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I am grateful to still have the luxury to enjoy handmade jewelry this pandemic. We are all struggling with the Covid-19 crisis, so it helps to have some sparkle in our lives right now.

I hope that you will also find a piece or two from Love, Susie to inspire you to stay positive during trying times.

Blue for A Cause

I got to support another fundraising effort for those in need during the pandemic. I ordered this lotus ring from handmade jewelry instructor and artist Thingamabobs Art Jewelry. I chose blue chalcedony as its center stone, and it will be set in brass. Because of its bespoke nature, it will be made after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine. I really do not mind this, because I have a weakness for handmade anything.

This was part of Soulflower, Co.’s Lingap Fund Sale, wherein proceeds will be donated to Lingap Pangkabataan. The NGO is in need of funding during the pandemic. It is still ongoing, so do check out this fundraising endeavor. You will be able to get first dibs on the best local handmade leather craft and jewelry, and help a nonprofit rise above the pandemic.

I hope that you will also support our frontliners and those in need while we are all under quarantine. Being separated does not mean that we are not united in helping others. Together, we can make a bigger impact. Someday, all our efforts will pay off and we will be able to rise again.

Let us help others while we wait for a cure or a vaccine for Covid-19!

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Borealis Heart

Borealis Crystals is a homegrown jewelry brand that I love. Here are a few reasons why this shop keeps me coming back for more:

  • It is PWD-owned and managed

  • Most of their jewelry, especially the bespoke ones, are locally handmade using quality materials

  • Their online platform allows them to price their bling fairly

  • They offer bespoke orders which may take time to make, but will definitely be worth your money

  • Every purchase helps a PWD family and their artisans continue their craft and business

I am so into this garnet and sterling silver ring which I purchased from Borealis Crystals. It is not my first purchase, and once again, I am one happy customer. The ring looks and feels more expensive than it really is. They used materials to give it a premium vibe, which also works with my vintage aesthetic.

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This is not a sponsored post, and I am simply a satisfied customer and fan. Please check out Borealis Crystals’ Instagram page and order a bauble or two soon! You won’t regret it.

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. 

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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. 

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There were other booths in the Destash Bash offering affordable art and home supplies.  

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I ended up buying a couple of ceramic studs from Maria Ceramika. 

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Then, I proceeded to the bazaar outside Vertis North to buy a handmade crystal necklace from local brand Made by KCA. 

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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.  

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I love my new accessories! I always choose stainless steel pieces because I have acidic skin. 

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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. 

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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.