Sewing: Drawstring bag/pouch

The holiday season is here.. So that means gift giving. From the time I learned how to sew, I became fond of giving handmade gifts. My current project is to make several batches of drawstring pouch. Instead of using paper wrappers that are thrown straight to the trash bins, I plan on placing my gifts in a drawstring pouch that can be re-used. 

I chanced upon Crafty Gemini's tutorial and tried it right away. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5A82qJnhPN0 

Here's my version. :)

I have the blue version of the same fabric pattern and cut some strips using pinking shears. I tied them up and thought, the pouch can be a gift itself. 😊

I hope I can make several of these. 😊 

Food review: Crab n' Crew in Visayas Avenue

My husband is a fan of seafood. So, when I learned from my former boss that Crab n' Crew exists in Visayas Avenue and told about it to my husband, he didn't pause for a second and dragged me to the place. Off we went!

The place is located right along Visaya Avenue which is accessible, not only by provate vehicles, but to PUVs as well (jeepneys, FXs). 

When we came, 2 groups were already there, taking up 2 tables per group. The place looks small but, just right in the morning. I wonder how it can fit many at night, though.

The tables are wooden. First every diner-ins, they cover the tables with plastic and white paper on top (can't recall if they're cartolinas).

We ordered unlimited crabs (for him since sharing is not allowed for unli) and 500 grams of shrimps with salted egg sauce (for sharing).

Six big crabs were "loaded" on our table. Yes, you read it right... It's literally on our tables. You get the feeling of eating at the seashore, or sime kind of boodle fight! :) the shrimps were in a thick plastic bag. We were alao offered plastic aprons and plastic gloves. We didn't use the gloves cause it was easier to eat by hands alone. And as for opening up and getting the meat crabs, they gave wooden boards and stones! I really loved the concept. You will feel primitive or some sort of a participant in Survivors program! We irdered unlimited rice. These are the ones in paper cups.

So there... We splurged and splurged and splurged until we can't take it anymore! The food was just yummy and I so love my hubby during eating out! So, shall we return? It's a YES! You may have a date there or bring lots of friends. Such setting will be enjoyable with a big group.

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Mom's challenge: Childproofing

With a toddler as active and curious as mine, I would definitely recommend this...

It's a refrigerator lock! You may use this in your washer, microwave, etc. I definitely recommend this. 👍

My Sewn Projects

I haven't updated my blog yet on my sewn projects. Well, here they are... some of my sewn projects.

1. Pillow
 I didn't use any pattern for this. I just cut freely, stitch wrong sides together, turned right side out, filled with polyfiber filling, topstitched. This was a gift I gave to my grandma.

2. Reusable face mask
I am a medical sales representative so I frequent hospitals. With that, I need to use face mask to protect myself from airborne diseases. Good thing I chanced upon this site from craftpassion. :) By the way, this is reversible. I will take a photo of the other side and update this post some time.

 3. Reversible pinafore dress
I will try to search where I got the pattern. This is for my young lady who is a year old. :)

4. Hair scrunchie
In a tropical country like ours, tying our hair is the best option. Again, I will search for the link where I got the pattern.

5. Bucket hat
I made this reversible bucket hat. They are of the exact pattern but comes in blue and pink. Here is the link where I got the pattern and followed the tutorial. It is from sew much ado. They have lots of other free patterns to follow and download. So, read along and be inspired from her pattern giveaways.












So, far, those are the projects that I have done and there are more to come. :)

Food Review: Urban Street, World's Best Street Food

One rainy morning, I was early for work and rode by Lilac Street in Marikina. I passed by Urban Street, was curious, and of course, tried it.

Here's the view inside.

Menu was simple yet attractive. Isaw, Kwek kwek, Pork BBW, Thai Pok Pok Chicken Wings, to name a few. Since it is rainy, I tried Churros with Chocolate Sauce and had their Thai Iced Tea converted to a hot one. Okay, I admit I have a sweet tooth, thus, choosing Churros. :)

Here's what I got:

These churros are yummy. Unlike others that I have tried before, they are thick. They served it on the hot side, too, and I loved it. The chocolate sauce just have the right consistency. Not too thick, not too thin. I hate when the dips are so thin that it falls off from the churros.
Price: P90

The Thai Milk Tea tasted just right as well. Not too sweet. I wished they served it hotter, though. But, still good. :)

Price: P75









While writing this blog, I needed more energy booster. I then ordered the House Iced Tea.

House Iced Tea priced at P75.











The ambiance is cozy. Soft music is playing in the background. The staff are friendly, smiles at you when your eyes meet, and are very courteous, too. And they are not those types who goof around with each other which is sometimes very annoying to customers. They are very good in suggesting orders, too. I was initially looking for a hot drink, so they offered a Lipton Iced Tea or their Thai Iced Tea, but will be served hot, instead. Presentation of the food is nice, too. They used small wooden chopping board as trays, which I find unique.

Overall, I give this place two thumbs up. I will definitely be coming back if I want some quiet time. I will also bring hubby and kids since they love street food. Isaw, kwek kwek and the likes being offered here will surely be appealing to them.

Well, once people discovers this place, too, it will definitely be a different story. I hope those who will hang out here won't be the rowdy or noisy type.

My Very First DIY Baby Clothes

Being a mom opens new windows of arts, crafts, cooking and other DIY-ing. One of which I recently became interested was sewing, influenced with my love of cloth diapers. I came across a facebook group on cloth diaper sewing. Last December, I wanted a sewing machine a Christmas gift. A second hand one will do for ne since I am just beginning. So, hubby became my santa and bought me this!

Now, I am proud to present my very first cloth diaper and an upcycled pajamas from hubby's old shirt. 

For the pajamas, credits to http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/09/super-simple-leggings-only-2-fabric-pieces.html for the inspiration. Thanks fellow, mom! :)

So, that's it. I am loking forward to putting my brother sewing machine into more uses. :)