By request...

My bestfriend Rachel tied the knot with Mark last 11.12.13. Yey! They've been together for 11 years, just like how long we've been friends. I have witnessed almost every sweet moment and fights they've had. I also have been a third wheel in some of our movie dates and food trips, although they never made me feel out of place when we're together. They are the type of couple you'd love to hang out with because they're just plain fun!

For their special day, Rachel requested that I make boutonnieres for the groomsmen. She wanted the details of their wedding to be special and with sentimental touches from friends and family. I had no idea how to make boutonnieres. I'm not even sure if I got the spelling of the word correctly. She gave me samples of the design she likes, but I must admit seeing those made me want to back out thinking I might not be able make her any. I already planned of making her a crocheted bouquet of roses for her wedding shower, but I was not able to finish it.

 

I got the pattern from cre8tioncrochet. Those were meant for the bridal bouquet, but  I realized it was hard. Haha! I am just a newbie in crocheting. Then, I thought I could use these to make the buotonnieres! And here's the outcome:

 

They weren't perfect, but I am grateful (and relieved) that the bride liked it. It even looked so good in that photo. Thanks to the photographer taking pictures of the details of the wedding. I am so happy my bestfriend liked it!



 

Yarn Love

I learned crochet in primary school. We were taught the chain crochet. Then, Misaki, my cousin, who was then in gradeschool had the same projects. I learned the treble crochet and started making a few crafts like cellphone cases, belts, and hats. 

I also tried out knitting and was able to make a bag I never got to finish, a scarf which I gave Karla before she left for the U.S., and a bonnet which I posted in Hobbyist. I got the patterns from knitpicks and Red Heart. 

Now I am trying out new crochet designs! I asked Misaki to be my model. 

For the crochet pattern, visit By Number 19

and this super cute Peter Pan collar from Mel P Designs' vintage inspired crochet.

I love making something out of a ball of yarn! That is why I am making a category in this blog especially for my crochets!

More to come!!!!

I just turned 24!

This has to be one of my most memorable birthday! It got me stuck at that age! And for those wondering when this was, it was not this year! Haha! This birthday was memorable because it's also the most expensive birthday ever! I'm grateful for the blessings, my friends, and this special day.

It started with a Pizza Hut treat... 

and it's not complete without the Pizza Hut crew singing you a Happy Birthday song, with a cupcake.

Che also gave me a Dora balloon. Haha!

Then, Che and Mark treated me to a tour around Tagaytay.

First, we went to Sonja's Garden where we bought some bread from the Panaderia and took lots of pictures.

... then we went for some coffee in Bag of Beans.

           

... the place was so cozy, and I love their blueberry cheesecake.

Usually the coffee shop is the last destination. In our case, it's more like the appetizer part. After enjoying the  coffee, we went to the famous Hawaiian Bar-B-Que.

We only tried their best seller, Hawaiian Baby Back rib, since we already planned to visit yet another restaurant after. We went to Pamana Restaurant. The place looked more like a typical Filipino house filled with family portraits from their downstairs reception, up to the stairs, and even in the dining area. Since we ate before we went there, we just ordered some soup. 

 

We went back to Pamana and tried out their three-way adobo with Tyler, Karla's then fiance' and now husband, and soon-to-be dad of Misha. 

I enjoyed my festive birthday!

Confirmation

God has a way of confirming His message to us; primarily through His Word, through His children, other people, our present life situations, and even in ways we never think He would use.

My last entry about Mike, the e-trainer, is not simply a reminder and encouragement. I was surprised how God reminded me of the same message about perseverance in today's preaching of His Word. Ending the series on Let Us in VCF-Alabang, the message was clear, and it hit home.

Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Despite difficulties, we should be steadfast in doing what God has called us to do. Difficulties, like the testing of our faith, are for our own good and benefit. God wants us to level up in our faith, and grow and mature in our relationship with Him, with the chief end of becoming more like Jesus Christ.

There are, and will be, a lot of things that will hinder us from reaching that goal of bearing the character of Jesus: our past, fears, anxieties, disappointments, unforgiveness, and sin. But we must "throw off" all of it. We can't run the race with all the baggages and burdens on our backs. Let go, and run light...

Run with endurance. Each of us have individual races marked out for us. I thank God that I'm not alone in this run towards the finish line. He has set me in a family who constantly encourage and support me by godly counsel, gentle rebuke, and sincere love. We may be facing different testings, but we have a common goal.

Another big hindrance is our lack of, or wrong, focus. If we let ourselves be distracted with our surroundings, discouragements, problems, and other storms in life, we will lose our focus and have a difficult race. Matthew 14: 27-31. The enemy will give his all to distract us but, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. We may have been afflicted by the enemy and made mistakes in the past, but God can use that for His glory. For when we are weak, then we are strong. He will reveal His power and amaze people. That is a powerful testimony, showing how imperfect we are, yet by the grace of God we can be mighty tools for the advancement of His kingdom.

This video was shown before the worship service ended.

It wasn't the first time I watched the video, but it I was brought to tears realizing how easily I give up and how God always is willing and able to enable me to finish the race He has marked out. If we focus on ourselves, our unmet needs, problems, and inadequacies, we will get easily discouraged and lose hope. But, as we hold on to God's Word, His promises, His will, the Perfecter, the Beginning and the End, fixing our gaze upon Jesus, we will persevere and look forward to reaching the goal.

If you never quit, you will achieve your goal. It's just a matter of time.

From Mike... the e-trainer

I opened my e-mail today and got a personal message from Mike. He's an e-trainer. I downloaded free workout apps in my iTouch, registered online, but never really used it that much (yes, I used it for a while then went looking for other apps). So I received an e-mail from Mike, which most probably is automatically sent to those who did sign up, but seemed to be discouraged by their giving in to the temptations of cupcakes and chocolates. It was encouraging, and applies not just in FITNESS, but in LIFE as well. Here are some of  it:

When life knocks you down, do you stay down or do you rise to fight again?

Success in fitness, and life is dependent on persistence, tenacity and determination.

If you never quit, you will achieve your goal. It's just a matter of time

Failure is never permanent... when you get back up.

These are not new words of advice, but it never gets old. And from time to time, we need these reminders.

P.S. Today was a "mommy-me" day.