CRISTY IN THE CITY: crafts

crafts

Sunday, April 5, 2026

A quiet collection of books to return to—soft, thoughtful, and made for moments when the world feels too loud.

Lately, I’ve been falling in love with the charming titles published by Apop Books, known for translating bestselling Korean inspirational books into English. Their books have a very comforting vibe—thoughtful essays, adorable illustrations, and beautifully designed pages that make reading feel like a quiet little ritual.

The first Apop title I owned was I Decided to Live as Me. I honestly can’t remember where I bought it—maybe at a book bazaar or at National Book Store—but I clearly remember that Jungkook from BTS mentioned reading it during Bon Voyage. That tiny detail made me curious enough to look for a copy.

The book turned out to be such a delightful find. It’s filled with gentle reflections about living authentically and learning to embrace who you are. The layout is light and airy, with plenty of white space and little illustrations scattered throughout. It’s the kind of book you’d love to bring to a quiet café, sip a cup of coffee, and slowly read during your me-time.

The second Apop title I discovered is You Can Wind Down from Time to Time. This book feels like it was written for anyone who occasionally struggles with adulting—which, honestly, is most of us. What makes it especially fascinating is how it draws inspiration from classic fairy tales and connects them to the realities of modern life. Whenever things start to feel a bit overwhelming, I find myself flipping through the pages and revisiting my favorite chapters for a little comfort and perspective.

Since I’m not entirely sure where I bought my earlier copies, I recently discovered that Apop has its own online shop where readers can order their books directly. It makes browsing their newer titles much easier.

Right now, a few books are already on my wishlist:

1cm by Kim Eun-Ju, It’s Ok I’ll Be Happy First by Hadahada, and the workbook-style The Art of Living in Records by Shim Da-eum.

There’s something special about these Korean inspirational books. They’re gentle, reflective, and beautifully made—perfect companions for slow mornings, quiet café afternoons, or peaceful evenings at home.

Sometimes, all we really need is a good book that reminds us to slow down and simply live as ourselves.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Common Room Philippines: A Soft Girl Haven for Handmade Finds

Step into Common Room PH and you’ll instantly understand the allure—it’s a space that effortlessly radiates soft girl energy, creativity, and a deep love for all things handmade and beautiful.

Whenever I’m in Manila, a visit to Common Room is non-negotiable. It’s where I stock up on thoughtful, handcrafted pieces and charming gifts I simply won’t find in novelty stores back home in Iloilo City. More than just a shop, it feels like a carefully curated world—one that celebrates individuality, artistry, and the joy of small, meaningful objects.

The aesthetic leans into that millennial, cozy charm: clean yet playful, curated yet delightfully eclectic. It’s a haven for crafters, dreamers, and anyone drawn to pieces with personality. Whether you’re a bohemian at heart, a kawaii enthusiast, an eco-conscious shopper, a fashion lover, or a tita fully embracing her soft girl era—there’s something here waiting to be discovered.

Personally, I always find myself lingering by the feline-inspired shelves. There’s something irresistible about the hand-drawn stickers, enamel pins, tote bags, and stationery—each piece feeling like a tiny work of art. These one-of-a-kind finds have a way of turning everyday items into little moments of joy.

As someone who dabbles in crafts and creative hobbies, I also appreciate their thoughtfully stocked selection of materials. From knitting and sewing supplies to paper arts and decorative elements, Common Room offers a treasure trove for makers of all kinds. Whatever your craft, chances are, you’ll find inspiration—and the tools to bring it to life—right here.

And the best part? You don’t need to book a flight to Manila to experience it. Common Room PH is also available online, making it easier than ever to support handmade, local creativity—no matter where you are.

Yay for handmade, indeed.

Friday, September 26, 2025

Make: Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats homemade cookies! Take your home baked cookie a notch higher with this delicious Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. I've baked many types of cookies but this recipe remains to be my all-time favorite.

Check out the recipe below:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 large egg
2 tsps vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1-1/2 tsp instant coffee granules

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar.

3. Add egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients--flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

5. Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture until well combined. Add coffee granules.

6. Stir in chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.

7. Form into a ball and wrap in a plastic wrap to chill dough (2-3 hours).

8. Make 1-1/2-inch balls (bigger if you desire) and arrange in baking tray. Do not crowd cookie because the dough will expand once baked.

9. Bake until golden brown. Let cool in a baking rack.

10. Enjoy with coffee!

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

ArtWorkout: Learning to draw the fun way

I've always wanted to learn drawing but don't have time to commit to an art class. I also find online art classes too complicated for my skill level. Then I found out about ArtWorkout mobile application, a fun online trainer that mixes learning and gaming. I tried a 3-month subscription and surprisingly, this is the first time I found an online subscription to be worth every penny.

I started with wobbly drawings but with daily drawing prompts, my hand got steadier! I find real joy in cute drawings and I think simple but whimsical illustration techniques are something I can easily learn and master. I look forward to making illustrated entries on my journal soon!

Thank you ArtWorkout! You've added fun and creativity to my life.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

My fave holiday cookie recipe

I have many favorite cookie recipes but the crunchy chocolate chip cookie from Solenn Heussaf-Bolzico stands out as one of my must-bake items every Christmas. She shared her Cookies by Solenn recipe in her now defunct blog but thank goodness I was able to save her recipe. You can check out Solenn's recipe in my recipe and craft blog if you're interested.

You can also try these other cookie recipes from my blog such Honey Ginger Snaps, Sparkling Chewy Molasses Cookies, and Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. Merry Christmas and sweet holiday tidings!

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Pet Express at SM City Iloilo

When I'm in Manila, I usually drop by Pet Express for hard to find cat food brands or accessories. I've been hoping the store would open a branch in Iloilo City to cater to the needs of a growing furparent market. For people with pets that are fussy eaters or need special dietary regimen or pampering, Pet Express offers all kinds of local and mostly imported pet food and supplements as well as pet carriers and cute furniture.

Compared to your neighborhood veterinary supplies store, Pet Express offers an extensive array of vitamins, food toppers and pet food brands that you will only find online. Cheers to that kind of convenience!

Visit Pet Express at the 2nd level of SM City Department Store (near the cooking and bakeware section) to explore products your precious fur babies might enjoy.