Chasing Dreams

Since that day I discovered (apologies for making it sound like I found cure to cancer) that typewriters still exist, and that people not only collect them for decorative purposes but still use them these days, I have not stopped surfing, searching, subscribing to feeds, and drooling over typewriters online.

This new hobby/interest/addiction of mine is starting to make me crazy, I even dream about it sometimes. But I shall not stop until I find a typewriter that has my name on it. I need just one, and then I’ll shut up.

Some of the typewriter shops online that I frequent recently:

Poetictypewriters.com

Poetictypewriters.com is actually kind of new, I just found out about it today through Uppercase. I’ve been eye-ing one of their typewriters already (the 1950s Hermes 3000), have found my way to their etsy store, and have messaged the owner to know if they ship to the Philippines. That’s my main problem, actually. Most online shops that sell typewriters ship only to the United States and Canada, I have yet to see a local site selling typewriters.

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Last Thursday, I went to the mall to look for an extra rack for my clothes because my stuff won’t fit in my closet anymore. The intention was pure, I needed to de-clutter before snakes would start nesting on clothes that were scattered on the floor and in the corners of my room. Clothes rack, check.

What I failed to do, however, was to resist looking around and buying a few more things that I don’t really need.

And it all started with this wall clock. (Isn’t it the prettiest thing?)

I don’t know how it started, but this crazy obsession with typewriters and anything vintage (-looking) came to me with this sudden fondness of wall clocks. (Not too long, I also took home an old Coca Cola Wall Clock from Vintage Pop’s clearance sale.) So yep, this vintage-inspired clock found its way to my shopping cart in no time, as if I needed more reminders that time is ticking away.

This was shortly followed by the floral printed curtains, which were on sale. The huge floral pattern look like something my grandmother will appreciate, which is exactly what I love about it. And I like how I didn’t have to take down my old red curtains because as it seems, the printed pattern looks perfect against the two-toned red anyway. Surely, red and olive green look lovely together, Christmas or no Christmas.

And then there were just a few more things: fake flowers on a porcelain pot, scented candle contained in a jadeite metal pail, and a cheapo table cloth with orange and red stitches. Voila, instant living room overhaul.

I got home from the mall yesterday feeling a bit guilty for splurging (again) on things that were not in my budget to begin with. Tonight, however, as I spend time in that little corner of this place I’ve come to know as “home”, I knew that I could justify my impulse buying again and win in court.

I needed this change.

For freelancers like me, who spend most of our days confined in such a small space, little changes like this spell a lot of difference. Work places affect productivity, after all.

Old items: (1) Love seat/two-seater couch from SM Departmen Store; (2) Red throw pillows from Our Home; (3) Red two-toned curtains from some supermarket, I can’t remember which one; (4) Lamp from Ikea; (5) Red adjustable round table from Dimensione; (6) Vintage make-up kit and coffeeholics mug from Vintage Pop; (7) Accounstic guitar from Rico.

Recent additions, all from SM Department Store: (1) Floral printed curtains (P375 each x2); (2) Vintage-inspired wall clock (P299); (3) Red table cloth (P35); (4) Scented candle on a pail (P239); (5) Fake flowers in a porcelain pot (P149).

P.S. Daily doses of Decor8, plus the habitual bloghopping through her blogroll, did this to me. Thanks, Holly. :)

I’ve never been good at spontaneity, I’ve always been the type to stick to a schedule, and do things at my own pace. I’ve proven many times, however, that something beautiful always comes out of unscheduled trips, and plans that materialized out of sheer impulsiveness, for which reason I’ve been little-by-little learning the art of grabbing opportunities as they come.

I don’t want to sound as if I’m justifying my *unnecessary* shopping sprees, but you see, sometimes, even my impulse buying leads me to stuff that are worth every dime.

So there we were, R and I, off to Cubao-X because we felt like it’s time. I’ve always wanted to go, but never got around to scheduling it. And you know how the best way to deal with being obsessed with having plans laid out first is to just go on a whim — that’s what we did.

Apparently, Vintage Pop is closing, and last night was their last — how fortunate of us to be there. Bong Salaviera, the owner of that awesome store that embodied what Cubao-X is all about in every way, gave us discounts on whatever’s left there.

If it isn’t destiny that lead me to this lovely vintage make-up kit, I don’t know what is. (I haven’t stopped smiling since last night.) Also, the Coffeeholics mug and the miniature videoman doll are just the perfect Vintage Pop souvenirs.

I’m pretty ashamed to admit that I’ve only been in Cubao-X once my whole life, prior to last night’s trip. I remember falling in love with the place (and burning a good amount of money over the street bazaars, and the fashion and furniture boutiques and shoe stores that are just to-die-for), but Cubao-X is really just out of my way. (Lame excuse, I know.) That, however, will change soon. Cubao-X, that place that someone once called our  ”local version of Soho”, will now be part of my map.

Xai and I invite you to visit our little project, a result of some late-night brainstorming sessions on stuff that we both love and can do together. It’s a soft opening, and a lot of things are still being conceptualized.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested to be a part of this project, drop me a note and we’ll see. :)

VISIT CUBAO-X.COM

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

You know how I’ve been raving about vintage stuff lately? Apparently, my friend Sheila has been collecting vintage clothing herself! And now, her closet is open for business!

This is what it says on her Facebook event page.

Does the thought of digging through piles and piles of clothes intimidate you? Do you like ukay clothes but never had the time to hit the stores? Or maybe just being there triggers an allergic reaction and you’ve been prescribed to stay away from your suking ukay-ukay. Well, then we are sooo excited to share this site with you! Because here at Finders Keppers, WE FIND IT – YOU KEEP IT! And here, we do ukay-ukay with a passion. We’re here to share those great finds that makes ukay so special – from basic classics and dainty pastels, to fun, funky, interesting and unique pieces to add a splash of personality to your wardrobe.

And here are some of the stuff in Finders Keepers multiply site that caught my attention:

I placed an order on the last one, I hope I get it. :)

So if you’re like me who often doesn’t have time to go thrift-ing, you just might find a keeper at Finders Keepers. (Trust me, I know a great collection when I see one.)

A little backgrounder on Sheila and her In The Fishbowl biznezz, she used to make awesome handcrafted jewelries, but now, she’s focused mainly on photography and *ehem* motherhood. I’m glad she’s back doing fashion again. And I’ll definitely look forward to seeing more of her pretty accessories soon.

So go ahead, add In The Fishbowl to your multiply accounts! Knowing Sheila, I can already see more surprises looming in the horizon. ;)