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!

Faith and Crafting

Yesterday, I carried on with my auditing duties. I went to Pasig City Hall, and I stopped by their chapel after completing my tasks.  

It was fun to say hello to images of my patron saints, St. Clare and Padre Pio. 

They also had a beautiful image of St. Joseph.  

I also had to pose with their summery entrance! 

Then, I revived my old planner and jazzed it up with fresh kikki.K inserts, and various sticky notes, stickers, and washi tapes. 

Then, I took my paints out and sketched some food I recently had.  

I stamped the wrong date. It was supposed to be the 12th of July already. Handmade does have its imperfections! 

I was also able to finish this cowl using cotton yarn from Dreams Yarnshoppe and my Furls hook purchased from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

And just like my status quo, I ended my productive day on a high note- by beginning again, with fresh yarn in a fresh aqua green shade.  

Paint, Sip, Laugh

Yesterday, I had fun painting at Sip and Gogh. I paid for my own session, and it came with a glass of red wine and a platter of salami and cheese. 

I enjoyed it so much! I chose to paint the Eiffel Tower because Paris is always a good idea. 

I also brought my knitting work-in-progress with me. It was awesome to see my knitting work along with the cafe’s colorful painting selections. 

I will let the photos speak for themselves, as my joy can really be seen in them. I also knitted the beanie which I wore during the session, just because the yarn matches the color of red wine.  

I was so inspired that I also sketched my breakfast and bar chow on my traveler’s notebook.

Indeed, when I spark my creativity, it cascades on to my other crafts like knitting and food illustration. I can see how crafting has made me happier and more resourceful. I look forward to more handmade lifestyle moments, and I hope to witness the positive effects across the other aspects of my life. 

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.  

Friday at Home

Yesterday, I spent the whole day at home. I still woke up at 5am, and immediately got down to knitting. It effectively got me awake. 

Then, I finished crocheting this infinity scarf.  

I also reflected on the day’s Didicahe Youth entry.  

I got some work done, and had coffee at our pocket garden. 

I took some of my watercolors out to play.  

And I painted some of my mom’s plants.  

My mom happened to cook lunch, and I sketched my meal as well. 

After finishing my work tasks, I returned to my knitting and finished my beanie.  

I had a productive Friday at home. Just because I spent the day inside my comfort zone doesn’t mean that I slept all day. I accomplished all my tasks, and even had time for leisure. I look forward to waking up early again in the coming days and managing my time effectively along the way. 

Faith and Fitness

Yesterday, I started my day with another workout at 6am. 

I finally got the hang of waking up at 5am, so I can say that I have already adjusted to my plan to become a morning person. 

I ate breakfast again at Tropical Hut, and I had their corned beef breakfast meal.  

For lunch, I had the Salisbury steak with egg at Steak Break.  

Then, it was time for my thanksgiving church tour! A favor which I have been praying for has recently been granted. For my first stop, I dropped by St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Their giant statue of the sleeping St. Joseph always reminds me to stop worrying and lift it all up to God.  

Next, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.  

I was able to spot my lucky number, 13! I queued at that platform number, because while I believe in God, I also think that creating my own luck is important. This blog has been an opportunity that I have created for myself. All the events, conferences, and offers which I have attended and received were because of my blog, and that is why I think that luck is merely claiming the chances which I have allowed to happen. 

Then, I visited the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. 

I viewed their collection of reliquaries.  

And for last stop, I went to the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey.  

It is overwhelmingly beautiful.  

For dinner, I had the limited edition herb and bacon pizza from S&R. 

I enjoyed working out, eating well, sketching my food, and touring churches! I hope that I will continue to create more opportunities for myself in the coming days. For now, allow me to carry on with mindful living as I ease my way into the daily grind.  

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. 

Declaration of Abundance

For my brush lettering drills yesterday, I copied The Feast Declaration of Abundance on my Traveler’s Notebook. It was a fruitful exercise as I found myself absorbing the prayer more with every stroke. 

I am claiming that God will bless me more in the coming days. For now, I am living a meaningful life as best as I could.  

Try praying the declaration of abundance too and see for yourself how God can bless you beyond your wildest dreams! 

Blood Donation # 3

Yesterday, I donated blood for the third time.  

It was my second blood donation at the Philippine Red Cross Quezon City Chapter. My first time at the said chapter was last March, while my first-ever blood donation was last December at St. Jude. 

Please consult your doctor first before donating blood. You will also be asked to undergo screening before your actual blood donation.  

Be sure to eat heavy breakfast before donating blood, and do not workout on the day of your donation.  

As usual, I received a free snack after completing my donation.  

For lunch, I indulged on the beef and onions set meal at Nord’s Bread Hub while knitting.  

I also sketched my meal on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

I had a lovely day, and donating blood always fills my heart with joy. If you are healthy, please consider donating blood as well. It will help save a life, and you will also be able to share the blessing of health. 

How I Learned Food Illustration

A year has passed since I took my food illustration workshop with Teacher Jane Gaspar. Back then, I was still actively sketching my meals on my Traveler’s Notebook, and I wanted to hone my craft.

Enter Jane and her skills- she is one of the best food sketchers in the country today, and her Instagram account is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. 

My workshop with her last year was not only fun, it was also inspiring! I am not traditionally talented in art, but Jane somehow made me believe that I can draw my meals and post them online. Anyone who knows me well will not be surprised with this hobby of mine as I am such a foodie. I carried on with drawing, posting, and sharing my food illustrations, which I continue to do today.  

Take this meal I had a few months ago, which I haven’t shared with you yet. This was at Nord’s Bread Hub at SM The Block.  

I had this delicious salted egg and smoked fish pasta...

...and freshly brewed coffee.  

I illustrated my food as follows on my Traveler’s Notebook, using watercolor inserts from another local crafter and illustrator, AireesCreates.  

I still occasionally sketch my food, and it has given me joy. It is my hope that more people will learn this hobby and enjoy it as much as I do. Thus, I am promoting Jane’s Food Illustration workshop next month! 

I can guarantee that you will learn heaps from her, and she will guide you throughout the whole class. She will also continue giving you feedback and support online after the workshop. She has since become my friend and has been supportive of all my endeavours.  

I hope that you will consider attending the workshop. Jane is also open to private workshops and art classes. You may contact her through 09773296777 and jane.u.gaspar@gmail.com. 

Enjoy eating and sketching, friends!