Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.

photo from Pinterest

October. 

"The sweet calm sunshine of October, now Warms the low spot; upon its grassy mold 
The purple oak-leaf falls; the birchen bough drops its bright spoil like arrow-heads of gold." 
- William Cullen Bryant

It’s couple of months to go before Christmas and I already started my eBay holiday shopping spree to avoid my parcels getting stuck at the post office. I realized I don’t want to spend so much time thinking what to give people for Christmas so this time around I’ll just get the rest from the nearest Japan Home store lol. Honestly, Japan Home really have tons of useful and quirky items on hand if you need a last minute gift. I remember back in the days, people clamor to Gift Gate or Blue Magic to purchase Christmas prezzies because everyone just love stuft toys, ceramic angel decors, snow balls, pillows etcetera. Nowadays, the last quarter of the year is the busiest for online shops because people would rather buy stuff online (like myself) than hog Divi or the malls since it’s safer and more convenient that way. In addition to that, you also elude pickpockets and possible unfortunate events that may happen in crowded places. 

Moving on, time for DIY projects. If you want a personalized gift and is feeling crafty, go ahead and make one. 

🌺  DIY Project #1 

Cat Throw Pillow 

Materials:

• crocheting yarn 
• old sweater
• big needle
• sewing thread
• old pillow
• tailor’s chalk (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut off the sweater sleeves and sew the open hemlines. Stuff your diy sweater pillow case first with an old pillow before completely stitching everything together.
2. Draw a cat face on your pillow using a tailor’s chalk (optional). I made my running stitch directly onto the pillow without any guide and I found it much more difficult that way.
3. Stitch the tassels to your pillow. You may just stitch them on the edges or adorn the rest of your pillow with tassels whichever you prefer, be creative. 

🌺  DIY Project #2

Rustic Hanging Decor 

This is a very free flowing project. You may create your hanging decor as you please. I initially thought of making a triangular hanging decor but changed my mind last minute because I don’t want to use glue gun for this project. 

Materials:

• jute twine
• sea shells
• 3 pieces of twigs (same length)

Steps:

1. Position your twigs the way you want them to look before you start knotting your jute twine. 
2. Start knotting your twine in such a way it would hold the shells. 
3. Make multiple knots if needed to make your hanging decor as sturdy and wind resistant as possible. I decided to use couple of twigs on the second layer because the shells are quite heavy for a single twig to hold. 

🌺  DIY Project #3

the puddytat and his new diy collar 

Pet Tag

Materials:

• plastic key tags id label
• scissors
• sewing thread
• bond paper
• printer

Steps:

1. On Microsoft Word, insert a 1.73 cm x 3.51 cm text box. Make sure there's a solid line on the outer corners of your text box as this will serve as a guide in cutting out the label. (double click your text box to show options > under 'shape options', click the 'solid line' radio button > select your solid line color).
2. Inside the text box just type in the following:

line 1: your pet's name

line 2: your home address (optional)

line 3: your contact number.  

 bought the key tags from National
Bookstore which was 15pcs./pack

3. Print the label you just made on a short bond paper and cut it out following the text box's border line as guide.

4. Insert the cut out in the plastic key tag id label. Make sure to remove the keyring. 

5. Sew both ends of the plastic key id label to the collar and you're done. 

Pros: 

• The pet tag stays even if your pet move a lot since it's stitched to the collar and it doesn't dangle. 
• No risk of losing the tag. 

Cons: 

• You have to take the collar off come bath time to avoid it from getting soaked since it's made from paper. 
• In case you need to replace/update the details on the tag, you have to remove the stitches and sew it back again. 

* * *

Take me away.

I feel like I disappear every time I read a book because I get too caught up reading them that’s why I prefer to read during wee hours in the morning or late in the evening to avoid distractions. I’m currently stoked reading Sophia Amoruso’s #GIRLBOSS because first off it’s addicting since it’s very straightforward and entertaining. Second, you will learn a lot from Sophia herself money management wise if you’re looking to become an entrepreneur someday. Anyways, i’ll blog about it once finished. I’m actually more than halfway. 

Freak Shakes..

I kind of noticed that "freak shakes" or  those quirky milk shakes topped with rainbow sprinkles, chocolate syrup, ice cream etc. is becoming more and more famous these days. I remember having seen them first on BuzzFeed and thought what a clever idea to infuse the idea of milkshake and dollops of ice cream on top then dazzle it like there's some kind of party going on. I thought it was rather unique at first until it has turned into a fad and finding a cafeteria that serves them is now as easy as 1,2,3. Yeah they're totally cute and Instagram worthy. Careful on the sugar though, a jar contains roughly 2,000-2,500 calories. 😜

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