8.24.2014

A Craft Gathering

I met Mansy at Alessa's craft soiree two years ago. She was already running her online store Hey Kessy for maybe about a year then. Fast forward to today, her online store has its brick-and-mortar version along E. Abada in Katipunan. She gave me and Mikko a sneak peek a few weeks ago and I already knew how amazing it would look after all the finishing touches have been made. Apart from the store, she also opened her studio—open for craft workshops and exhibits.

Last week, she invited some friends to celebrate the shop's opening. Couldn't have been happier to spend my Sunday with like-minded peeps.


Check out the washi wall art! Super easy to do, but looks super cute, too! I want to do this on my bedroom door.


Mikko and Ninna picked me up early in the morning for Mikko's pressed flowers workshop (she's having another one next weekend, so head to her website to find out more details and register). I sat in the back with Mansy and did my own thing.


After a quick lunch break with Mikko and Ninna, we walked back to the studio and it was already set up for the craft gathering. Check out the papercut nameplates handpainted by Mansy. She also gave us rosemary to take home. Super in love with that jellyfish-flowerpot papercut piece in the background. Crazy detail on it!


Each of us had this on our side of the table. Tea from Tea Tox, hand sanitizer and mosquito repellant from A Vanilla Story, and the cutest "I'd Rather Be Crafting" stickers. There was also a paper bag with...


...clay plates ready to be decorated! Was really excited for this because I've been wanting to paint my own plates after buying a few pieces from Mansy's collection.


Used watered down acrylic paint and letter stamps on my plates. The smallest one was for swapping at the end of the afternoon.


My beautiful mess. Scroll down to see how ultra talented the rest of the guests were! 






All in all a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We had some refreshments after before we called it a day.


Thanks for having us, Mansy. And congratulations again on opening your lovely store. Till our next craft date!

Hey Kessy is located at 71B E. Abada St., Loyola Heights, QC. Store hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 1pm, 2pm - 7pm.

8.10.2014

Snapshot: What I've Been Up To Lately


My niece is growing faster and faster, and I'm just grateful for the few moments we get to spend with her. We took her to Ocean Park on a holiday and while it was actually my dad who got a kick out of the Oceanarium, I was so happy to see this munchkin giggling and walking around the place. I still can't believe she's already walking! Next thing you know, she's talking.

Got to attend the #DesignHerStory conference, where Marla was a speaker. Absolutely loved being able to spend an afternoon with such inspiring women. These gatherings need to happen more often!

Currently in love with my hand embroidered Bensimon sneakers. Thinking of still adding a few more details to it in the future, but for now, I'm quite happy with how my favorite French phrase of the moment (LOL) turned out. Love looking down at my feet and being reminded that "it's always the right time."

One of my favorite things to make is Chocolate Turtle Pie. It's so simple: a graham crust, chocolate caramel cream, and pecans, and yet tastes so rich. Love making it for family and friends!

What about you? What have you been up to lately? Let's catch up.

8.03.2014

Same but different


There are billions of people in the world and no two are the same. Isn't that amazing? You are made from the same cloth: flesh, skin, bone, but you couldn't be more different from each other. And every day, you meet people who challenge you, make you think, keep you on your toes, and sometimes, inspire you to become an even better you.