Meet My Pens!

When technology was born, my creativity took a rest. The free time I spent creatively, was changed into time spent in front of the computer checking on Friendster, MySpace, and Multiply. I almost forgot that I love to scribble, doodle, and write. I almost forgot that I'm fond of pens and papers, stationeries and stickers, and planners and notebooks. I almost forgot that I love to create!

 But that was almost 2-decades ago. I guess, when you get old balancing life and get tired of all the dramas you're seeing on your newsfeed, you look for some ways to unwind - at home! 

That's when I took my pens out again.

I never thought that I still had my pens for almost 15 years, hidden. But of course, I have to throw some of them away because they don't work anymore (I'm not sure if I get to take pics of them.) 

It was bitter-sweet, but I have to let go.

Why?

 SO I COULD HAVE SPACE FOR THE NEW ONES! ^_^

Anyway, most of the pens I had before were Pilot, Dong-A gel pens (colored and the black ones), and some other pens I hoarded from my father's stash. Lol! The Parker and the Rotring pens I had to keep because they're my dad's so it has sentimental value. Mechanical pencils were kept too, and the leads as well not to mention the Mongol pencils from years ago.

Now that my "collection" has been downsized, I discovered affordable pens and decided to get them for myself. Insert happy face here! Lol! So there, check out the new addition to my pen-family!

Titus Fine

They are totally my favorite now. These ballpens are oil-based and come in different colors. Plus, they're so affordable that each pen only cost Php 7.75! I bought them at National Bookstore, except for the green and brown which was given to my by a friend. Here's a tip, you have to go and check the bookstore every now and then because they don't have all the colors in stock all at once. I get to complete the set with 3 separate trips to NBS.

Bic and Monami

I got the Bic because I've been searching for a lime-colored ballpen, which I think Titus doesn't carry. I'm a bit surprised, actually, because I never thought Bic already had colored pens. Ballpoint size though is .7mm, I like fine point so I prefer .5 and smaller. The color is nice, it's just that the ink is lighter than expected. But hey, I only paid Php 9.75 for the pen, so it's good.

Now, the Monami Love Pet gel pen was unplanned but I so like the color that's why I bought it. Ballpoint is .38mm which I loved! Price is Php 21.75. 

Dong-A My Color 2

 These rocks! They have so many colors. The pen has twin tip, one of which was smaller than the other. I always use them on my planner, the fine tip especially! I just love the colors and I really wanted to have more. But I think, I'm good with what I have now. Each pen is at Php 22.75 only!

Faber-Castell 12 Classic Colour Pencils

This has 2 purpose - 1) for my planner and 2) so my little girl could play with it. Besides it's nice to have colored pencils around the house, you could use them anytime and anyway you want. Bought the set for Php 124.75 and thinking of buying the set with 36 or 48 colors.

So there you go! I'm planning to have brush pens and water brush as well, but I'm still in search of an online shop who carries the brands that I want. So, better watch out for that blog post! *wink*

My First Solo-Made Fabric Bouquet

My little girl with the fabric bouquet. Someone's got to hold it while I take a picture of it, right?! ^_^

It's been a while since I've made fabric flowers due to my very busy schedule. If it's not for my friend's sister's wedding, I won't be making a new one. And if it's not about her wedding, I won't be REALLY inspired to make a fabric bouquet!

Last April, I helped my friend on her sister's fabric bouquet. I did the flowers and she did the assembling. That's where my high school friend saw my work. Until she requested me to make one for her.

It was a big challenge for me because this time, I'll be doing it alone - from the fabric flowers, down to the assembling of the bouquet. Not to mention my extremely little time, since I've been packing as mad because we're relocating!

But then, everything went so well. I so loved the outcome, and I still can't believe that I was able to create a very stunning piece - especially for a first timer! *wink*

Hopefully, and I'm really crossing my fingers, that this will be the start of my long-lived dream.

Cheers and enjoy the pics! :)

Materials used ranges from chiffon, satin, lace, faux pearls, and some blings!

These are the flowers I used on the bouquet - they're actually four different types of shade/design.

The bouquet's handle wrapped with jute string.

My June bride specifically requested for a Rustic inspired theme with less bling.

Here's my very first fabric bouquet - another milestone for Nia&Bella. And I must say, that I am one happy crafty mom here, and definitely there is one happy bride who is currently getting married today!

Best wishes Azel! Cheers to a blissful married life with your Knight!

Nia&Bella

Facebook | Instagram

MUJI Corner Punch for that Perfect Rounded Corners

This is probably one of the best paper craft partner I ever had!

I just love how elegant a paper looked like when the corners are rounded, but let's admit it, it's hard to achieve that perfect rounded corner by only using a pair of scissors. Here's another fact, it's also hard to look for corner-rounder punchers in our local bookstore and only online shops offer this type of puncher and mostly the one that I found were BRANDED and EXPENSIVE.

Luckily, I came across a post which has this MUJI Corner Punch, and I was like 'I need to ko to MUJI now!' Lol!

But it's true, I really looked forward on going to the nearest MUJI store as soon as I had my free time.

Gladly, the one that's on BGC area has it! So there, my very own MUJI Corner Punch!

Time to get some punching... papers that is!

Price: Php395

Store: MUJI Bonifacio High Street Central

Melon Juice: My Summer Thirst Quencher!

Summer is indeed really just around the corner. And summer does remind me of my favorite thirst quenchers! One of them is Melon Juice.
This summer thirst quencher is so easy to prepare. You just need to add water and sugar to a pitcher of shredded melon and you're good to go! Just a quick tip though, do not add milk if you're not planning to consume it right away. Refrigerating the juice with a milk for a few hours turns the melon bitter. So drink it right away if you want your melon juice with milk in it.
And aside from mangoes, melons are good for making fruit shakes too.

Dolci Coffee Jelly: A Nata & Coffee Fusion

I love coffee, but I'm not a jelly type of person. Which explains why I haven't tasted any coffee jelly in my entire life!
But then, a very generous friend gave me one a few weeks ago and it was only today that I finally opened it. I'm a bit surprised because it tastes just right, not bitter and not too sweet either. If you prefer mild tasting coffee, Dolci Coffee Jelly is the one for you! And surprisingly, it's not jelly, instead they used Nata de Coco as a substitute to the usual gelatin. Nice!

Try one for yourself! You can buy Dolci Coffee Jelly (300g) at Landmark Supermarket for Php49.00 only. Very affordable, isn't it?! 

Oh, don't forget to try them with your favorite Vanilla ice cream, they're really good! *wink*

Discovering Titus Pens

I've been dreading for the past couple of weeks to buy some new pens; and I only want one specific brand - TITUS.

My friend introduced me to Titus when she gave me pens in green and brown. Since then I've been using those on my CBTL planner. And because I'm starting to love them (they right so well AND they're budget friendly!) I want MORE colors!!!

However, there were only a few of them in NBS Market! Market! when I first bought my Titus pens and got only the red, blue and purple colors. So, I have to constantly check if they have new ones whenever I had a chance to go to the mall.

And so after a month, I finally got yellow, pink and orange pens!

Oh the joy!!! ^_^

I wish they have MOOOORE colors! Lol!

A Merry Postcard

It's been ages since I got a mail like this. I'm glad I got this Christmas Card from one of my online friends. Thank you! *smile*