cristy picks
Saturday, May 2, 2026
A slow, glowing escape into scent, craft, and quiet creativity
There are some things in life that quietly wait for you to return to them.
A few years ago, I found myself drawn into the world of scent at La Luz Essence, learning the art of perfume making—blending notes, chasing memories, and trying to bottle a feeling. It was one of those experiences that lingered long after the class ended. And somehow, I always knew I would come back.
This time, it wasn’t for perfume. It was for candles.
I’ve always had a soft spot for them. Growing up, I was fascinated by their glow—the way a simple flame could transform a space into something warm and alive. My mother, understandably, didn’t share the same enthusiasm. She worried I might leave candles unattended and accidentally burn the house down. Still, that didn’t stop me from collecting wax drippings, melting them together, and making my own imperfect, wriggly creations. Even then, there was joy in the process—quiet, simple, and entirely my own.
As the years passed, candles became small luxuries. I loved receiving them as gifts, each one adding to a growing collection of scents and memories. My sister, who shares the same love for candles, eventually gave me a candle lamp burner—a thoughtful gesture that made the ritual feel safer, but no less magical.
Returning to La Luz felt like coming full circle. After Eva’s long travel hiatus, her workshop has come back to life—now reimagined as a cozy café-meets-creative space. It’s the kind of place where time slows down a little. Candles, coffee, and scent all come together, and you’re reminded that creating something with your hands can be just as fulfilling as dreaming it.
We were her first students back, which made the experience feel even more special—like being part of a quiet new beginning.
For my first candle-making project, I wanted to create something personal. Something that felt like Cristy in the City—soft, light, and quietly beautiful. I called it Cloud Dancer.
It’s a blend of wild frangipani and clean cotton—fresh, airy, and delicate. The kind of scent that reminds you of sun-dried linens swaying under an open sky, or a slow afternoon where everything feels gentle and unhurried. It doesn’t try too hard. It simply exists, softly filling the space.
And maybe that’s what I love most about it.
In a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming, there’s something comforting about returning to simple things—the glow of a candle, the familiarity of a scent, the act of creating something with your own hands. Sometimes, inspiration doesn’t come from grand gestures, but from these quiet moments we choose to revisit.
Some dreams don’t fade. They just wait patiently for you to come back—and this time, to see them in a different light.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Turning treasured trips into glossy, story-filled keepsakes — one beautifully designed memory at a time.
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to take as many photographs as I can. I lean toward a POV (point of view) style when it comes to travel snaps—just a few selfies for posterity, and the rest are scenic landscapes, macro details, and architectural highlights. I shoot with purpose, knowing that these photos will later live on in photobooks, scrapbooks, handmade postcards, desktop wallpapers, or even a travel magazine of my own.
I’ve learned that you don’t need to be in every shot to prove you were there. A handful of selfies is enough to validate your presence. That way, the rest of your shots—uncluttered and wide—become versatile material for creative projects like a DIY travel book.
For detailed instructions on how to make a soft or hardbound travel book, visit the how-to article on my arts and crafts blog.
Beyond the Hardcover: Try a Custom Travel Magazine
Unknown to many, Photobook offers a custom magazine or booklet option—an exciting alternative to the traditional hardcover or softcover formats. This format is not only significantly more affordable, but also ships faster from Malaysia where it is printed. You can upgrade to thicker paper and enhanced color printing for a more premium feel.
Their A4 or A5 size travel magazines feature saddle-stitch binding, so they require a gentler touch when flipping through pages—but the payoff is a sleek, modern aesthetic. You can either build your magazine from scratch or use one of their pre-designed templates, like the Travel Explorer theme.
Creative Inspiration: Think SMILE Magazine
One of my biggest inspirations is SMILE, the in-flight magazine of Cebu Pacific. While the current issues are more ad-heavy and less photo-centric, the early editions had a strong visual identity—especially in their cover layouts.
Here’s how to channel that look:
Foreground: The traveler
You (or your subject) should be in the frame—but not dominate it.
Image quality matters:
The higher the resolution, the sharper and more print-ready your layout will be.
The higher the resolution, the sharper and more print-ready your layout will be.
Background: the story
The scenery should always tell a larger story. The bridge or mountain behind you should be more prominent than your face.
Photography tip:
Use wide-angle shots to create a sense of place. These work especially well across two-page centerfold spreads.
Bonus Content: Make It Magazine-Worthy
To take your DIY magazine from pretty to professional, weave in the following:
Anecdotes from your travels
Local recipes you picked up or tried
Brief historical or cultural notes about the place
Travel tips or packing lists tailored to each destination
The result? A stunning personal keepsake that feels just like a real travel mag—only better, because it’s entirely yours.
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