Sunday, September 22, 2013

Festive Washi Tape Cake Topper

My dad celebrated his birthday last Friday so I made him a red velvet cake. I was not in the mood to bring out the pastry tips so here's what I came up with, an idea from Pinterest.


I cut some washi tape, looped them into a yarn, and then taped the ends of the yarn onto bamboo skewers.


To be able to do both baking and crafting for one project was fun!

That's Write

I mentioned recently that bought an unruled notebook from Landmark for my doodles, lettering, notes and lists.

When I got home, I immediately decorated the cover with washi tape.



Here are some of the content so far:


I dunno about most people but doodling kind of relieves stress for me and I also like writing certain things down because that make me remember things better. Hoping to fill this notebook with pretty things and pretty words.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Photo Collage Wall Project

I've had this project in my head for some months now but it was only yesterday that I was able to execute it.

I have a bare wall panel in my room that I wanted to fill with photos. For some time, I've been picking out my favorite photos in my computer and had 3R copies printed yesterday.


I also debated with myself whether to use tack-its or washi tape as both adhesives are said not to leave residue on surfaces. I have an unopened pack of Faber-Castell's Tack-Its (I discovered it from a friend who owned some and I thought it was amazing so I also bought a pack without any particular use in mind.) I also have a bunch of washi tape. In the end, I settled for the Tack-Its so that I can finally use them and so that I don't have to waste the prettiness of washi tape lol.

Turns out it was not a good idea because after just sticking a couple of photos, my fingertips were already numb from kneading the Tack-Its haha but I didn't stop because I was so excited to see my finish product. 

Anyway, in the end, I think it turned out well. Now I have something lovely to stare at.

Pretty much how I spent my Saturday afternoon.

Ramen-Searching in Metro Manila

Ramen is something I really consider to be comfort food. During my previous trips to Japan, I've eaten ramen quite a number of times

Recently, ramen shops seem to be getting popular around Metro Manila. Years before, I couldn't even find any. However, the seemingly-authentic places are always inaccessible and/or faraway from where I live.

Now, the question is where to find not-so-expensive but authentic-tasting ramen that's not too far away?

Yesterday, I found my answer.

I was in SM North, on my way home and was thinking of a place to have lunch. I was craving for noodles. I thought ramen or Chinese wonton noodles with lots of chili sauce would be nice. Good thing I saw that Moshi Koshi ad and remembered that I needed to try that restaurant! One of my co-workers has been raving about how good it is.

I went there and ordered miso ramen (my fave!) While waiting for my order, I busied myself by reading the paper placemats. They're so informative and I love it!




My order arrived and on my first sip of the soup, I thought, "OMG THIS IS SO GOOD IT TASTES LIKE JAPAN. THIS SOUP TASTES LIKE THE TSUKEMEN SAUCE I HAD IN THAT RAMEN SHOP NEAR TODAI KOMABA (The University of Tokyo Komaba Campus)." Yes, I was screaming inside haha.


Miso ramen: it has a slice of pork, bamboo shoots, greens, a piece of nori and a slice of naruto. It was really good.

I cannot wait to go back and try shoyu ramen and the other things on their menu.


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Kitchen, Lately

A couple of weekends ago, I attempted to make chicken katsu, which became a hit at home. We also had miso soup and cabbage with sesame dressing. (I brought home miso paste and sesame dressing from Japan.) Staying for almost three weeks in Japan (where I ate A LOT of food) kind of grew on me that even though I thought I'd be sick of Japanese food once I came back to Manila, the opposite happened instead!! I've also been eating in Japanese restaurants a lot more compared to before.


After this meal, I felt the need to try harder at food presentation and maybe some Japanese-style tableware.

I also made some coconut macaroons and banana cake last weekend because I miss baking. (Okay, now I'm hungry.)


Breakfast from two weekends ago: wheat bread, eggs with tomato/shallot/cheese, miso soup, hot cocoa with marshmallows and a banana.


Breakfast last weekend: toast, cheese omelette with Japanese mayo, hotdogs, miso soup, coffee, grapes and a banana.


As I mentioned before, I take my weekend breakfasts a bit seriously and even more nowadays because I only stay at my parents' house during weekends.

And yes, I have gotten addicted to miso soup.

Next time maybe I'll do pancakes.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Stamps, Postcards and Deco/Washi Tape

Being a newbie at the programming industry, I have been spending a lot of time working. Recently, however, I've been trying to manage my time and my work better so I was happy to be able to do a couple of things not related to work.

I carved stamps from the erasers that I bought months ago. 


I carved them on the dates indicated. Unfortunately, I ran out of erasers so I was not able to carry on.

What's wrong with this?
Yep, this is the first attempt for the August28 stamp. I did this while taking a short break from work. I was too excited to carve something (and perhaps a bit absent-minded too) that I forgot to reverse my design haha. I only realized the big mistake when I was about to reach for the stamp pad to test the stamp out. Anyway, it was good practice.

Now, snail mail. For a couple of months, I haven't been able to send mail! I had taken a break from Postcrossing. However, I cannot totally dismiss the whole snail mail hobby. It's not just about collecting postcards from all over. I really just love the whole idea of snail mail whether incoming or outgoing. Last week and this week, I was able to send postcards again.

Postcards from Kamakura and Tokyo

And here's my modest deco tape collection so far. I should make a separate post for these. They deserve such. Anyway, today I made a little craft project-- the washi tape-covered notebook at the left of this photo where I plan to put super random thoughts, lists and random lettering/calligraphy. Watch out for them!