Achieving the Dream: Take Me Back to Michael's

Since med school days, I've always wanted to be able to visit this store.  I came to know about it since grade school days, I've watched American craft shows and this store is always mentioned to where you can get your materials and supplies.

As a kid, I've always wished there's something like this one in the Philippines, actually there was one before, I think the name was Craft World, I would go to Robinson's Galleria and SM Megamall just to go to that store.  Sadly it closed down already.

Actually I did not dream of going to Michael's until med school days.  I mean, in gradeschool and high school days, I never fully posted or put into words that I wanted to visit Michael's store.  My desire to visit the place started 2012, med school days.  I posted in social media that I wanted to visit it someday and I wanted something like this in the Philippines.

So last May 2018, when I visited San Francisco, I made it a point to include this in my itinerary.  We checked in a hotel in Union Square, and the branch closest was in Emeryville.  So using Moovit app and uber, we were able to reach this place.

I was really happy and with a feeling of accomplishment when I reached the storefront.  And when I entered the store, OMG! I was in Craft Heaven!!!!  I never thought there were so much types of crafts in the world.  Everything is just there! It's "THE ONE"-stop shop for your craft needs.

There's just this overwhelming joy I can't fully explain.  I bought lots of paper crafts there.  I would have bought some needle-felting also if only I did not restrain myself.  If only I was not worried of having our luggages overweight, I would have bought some craft tools as well.

Below is a picture of my Michael's Haul:

I loved that there were soccer-related stuffs there, I just hoarded!!!  Right now, I haven't used all of it, little by little, tinitipid since it was a really long way there and my 1st time shopping there.

Bucket list checked.

Hope I can achieve more of my dreams.  Dreams are not just for the your younger self, not just in the Disney movies and cartoons.  Even if you're already in Med school you can still dream and even if it took me 6 years I was able to achieve it nevertheless.  And this feeling of achievement is just irreplaceable.

Never stop dreaming, never stop believing.

Althea Unboxing

Althea is in the Philippines! Actually this is the first time I've heard of it, I saw the advertisements in social media.  So what is Althea? It's an online shop that ships directly from S Korea and they carry Korean makeup at reasonable price.

So I decided to give it a try.  They're claiming that they have the best price though I think otherwise, was able to buy preorder from individual Instagram accounts at a lesser price than posted in the site. What I love about it is that it offers a wide range of brands, which is ideal since you'd love to get the best seller of different brands.  And they offer also products not typically seen in instagram accounts.

So how's my experience?

Upon 1st order, I think I had problems with my connection.  Because at first I thought I was able to check out the shopping cart and only to find out the next day through my email, from althea that it seemed that I haven't checked out yet, and I salute them for doing that! I would have a horrible experience if they didn't do what they did.

They offer excellent customer service! I was having troubles with finalizing my order and they were patient to help me out, through email.

I received confirmation of my orders last March 14, 2016 and I was able to receive the package at my doorstep at March 18, 2016.

I was so happy to get these products!!!!

Overall, I like my Althea Experience!

Hot Air Balloon Lantern

My mom & I went to Divisoria, to buy some fabric for my dad's coat & tie.  Always a lot of people in Divisoria regardless whether weekdays or weekends.  But more people on weekends.  We went into a store selling party goodies, then I saw this:

I couldn't resist buying one for myself! =D When I got home, I showed it to my dad, he was very happy with it in fact, he asked that when we get back to Divisoria to buy a few more.  I think he'll use it to decorate around the house this christmas.

The drawback on this lantern is that it's made of paper, Paper lanterns don't last that long & you can use it on covered rooms/areas since it wouldn't be able to withstand the rain. I wish I know some electronics or something, i sure would want to have a light bulb inside this lantern.

Rockwell The Next Big Thing Bazaar

I went to powerplant mall rockwell bazaar today.  Break from my studying for the board exams.  This year's next big thing has less participants than last year.  Well maybe it's because this year, there are other conventions also like toycons, & other bazaars held.  So the sellers are dispersed.  Second, I think last year was around august, near christmas, so more sellers & buyers.

Anyways, going to rockwell, first time I commuted to powerplant mall.  It was exciting actually, feeling of a little adventure.  What happened though, I realized how kind Filipinos are.  We asked the police officer for directions, we asked to jeepney driver to tell us when to drop off, my seatmate on jeep was also so kind, asking the driver to stop when we're near powerplant rockwell already (I didn't even ask for his help.  He was so KIND!!)

I was armed with um... like P2500 charging through this bazaar.  I know... I should bring more money.. haha, but I'm saving, & to prevent me from spending all of my savings.  Anyways here are the things I bought.

I'm a really big fan of style on air! Everytime I visit bazaars I always ended up buying from her (the owner is korean).  The kokeshi doll brooch on the lower left end by the way was from Shmily. I'm supposed to buy more from Shmily but I kind of forgot what I was looking for before when I visited  her online shop.

I also bought Rose Salve for my mom

I remembered that my mom loves this, so I bought one for her. Time to finish my craft projects. Til next time =D

Quiapo candy

Look what i got from quiapo! Will match perfectly for my forever 21 feather earrings