Intensive Watercolor Workshop by Valerie Chua

The first time I saw Valerie Chua's work was in an episode in ETC's show, Etcetera: Capsules for the Stylish Youth. Instantly, I was smitten by her works (I mean, who wouldn't be?) and my interest in dabbling watercolor as a medium grew after that. I got lucky that I was able to snag a cozy spot in one of her workshops this July and yes, the price is worth it! Really!

I got the early morning schedule for the workshop which took place in Valle Verde, Pasig. The Intensive Watercolor Workshop is a 4-hour crash course on watercolor. There are other workshops available with longer sessions so if you have the extra time, I suggest you take it.

The tables were already set up and each chair had one of these plastic envelopes with the materials that were used for the class. These are included in the package as well as the snacks.

The inner fan girl in me squealed with delight when I examined and saw the contents inside the envelope. It contained two postcards from Valerie's work!

 *internally jumps for joy*

It also contained the artist's Watercolor Starter Manual which is just as pretty.

The rest of the materials in the envelope were two round brushes, one wash brush, and Prang's semi moist watercolor.

I wouldn't go into detail about everything that took place in the workshop but to give you an idea, it consisted of Valerie teaching the different basic techniques of watercolor and where it is usually applied.

She also had us practice applying watercolor where the light was hitting different areas.

The last task we did before the workshop wrapped up was to paint a still life image. She provided the reference as well as the paper with the trace of the image. What we had to do was to apply what she taught us in the session, and give it a go.

After correcting and altering the colors for the 214th time. Ta-da!

Valerie made sure to assist each and every one of us throughout the session as she made the rounds in the room. You can really tell that this amazing artist is doing what she loves, and loves sharing what she knows. She even took time to sign our postcards while answering our queries! I  would definitely book myself in another session in a heartbeat!

 You can follow her at her facebook page to see her artworks and workshops.

Change

I mean, I knew I would be altering it eventually. Out of the deep cool blue there's a new title, which is somewhat symbolic in a way--I am entering a new chapter in my life after all.

But I still don't have the heart to delete my negative, old posts. Oh well. Baby steps.

The Multiple Restaurant Review: Hokkaido Ramen:Santouka, Poco Deli, and Maru

Bonjour once again! I know this post is way overdue so i'm going to put all the blog-worthy restaurants I've been to in the past month in this one post. I (really) love eating a lot and i think it's a luxury that one should not restrict him/herself to (unless you prefer dieting). These restaurants are in the Makati area so make sure you try at least one of these when you're near!

Hokkaido Ramen: Santouka @ Glorietta

The authentic ramen hunt started when me and my family when to Tokyo last year. I made 3 blog posts about it and if you read one or two of those, you know I made a special mention of the ramen joint that my taste buds fell in love with: Ichiran. I swear if I had the money, I would franchise that business and eat there everyday! So much for wishful thinking.-__- Fast forward to now and I am still looking; the good news is, there has been a boom in the ramen business here in the country so i have had my fair share of almost-there-but-not-quite-authentic-tasting ramen. Santouka is one of these. The restaurant can be found in Glorietta right beside Outback Steakhouse.

The Medium Ramen and Chicken Gyoza and Small Rice Bowl Set

I arrived with my boyfriend before 7pm on a Friday and thankfully, we just waited a short time to be seated. The place was packed! In a few minutes there was already a line of people outside the restaurant waiting for their turn. I strongly suggest you go there early to avoid the human traffic. Anyway, on to the food. The restaurant might seem a bit pricey, but one order of food is already good for 2 people. The restaurant offers Santouka Set Menu which is kinda like your normal bento plus the ramen. The picture above is the Small Ramen and Chicken Gyoza and Small Rice Bowl Set which we had that dinner. It costs Php430, but i had my ramen up-sized to medium which is about Php60-70. Their bestseller is the Shio Ramen so it's a good try for first timers.

The Shio Ramen, Santouka's besteller

What i like: The Santouka Set Menu is value for money and gives the customer something to choose from other than the usual single orders. I liked the tofu and the ramen because both were tasty and the serving of the ramen is enough to make one full.

What i didn't like: The oiliness of the ramen, for me is a bit too much. Also, they charge extra for the Ocha (rice tea). I don't understand why it can't be a service tea instead. lol.

Poco Deli @ Ayala Triangle

Poco Deli is a popular choice for artisan sausage lovers, comfort food lovers, and comfort drink lovers. I mean, who doesn't love comfort food/drinks?? They also serve desserts, and wine, and imported beer. It's like a stressed person's food haven!

THE Bacon Slab

What i love: THE Bacon Slab. THE BACON SLAB. I don't know how i have to emphasize this. My gosh this is a meal made by the gods! Fat gods i suppose, but nevertheless! This is a MUST TRY.

What i didn't like: Actually, nothing. The service was good too. Will definitely go back to this place.

Maru @ A-venue Makati

Maru is one of those authentic Korean restaurants where you can get full just by their appetizers. When my mom and me ordered our food, they gave us 7 plates just for the appetizers. I am a big kimchi fan so imagine my glee when i ate kimchi to my heart's content.

 Told you i wasn't kidding about the appetizers

We had the Samgyupsal and Bulgogi, both of which did not disappoint. The price ranges from Php200 (Lunch Specials) to Php800 which is affordable given that they serve appetizers with refill for free.

 Cookin' Samgyupsal 

And oh, don't forget the beer. Korean food ain't complete without it.

That kimchi goodness o__o

What i love: The appetizers, the Samgyupsal, and the Bulgogi! Wait... That's all of it.o__o

What i didn't like: No comment here either. I have yet to comment on their service because there were no people there so the food came in fast. Lucky us!

Well, that's about it! Maybe i'll share more of my food hunting next time. Au revoir for now!:)

Wishful Wednesdays: Home Edition - Living Room

Bonjour and welcome to another Wishful Wednesdays post!

A little over 2 years ago i have been thinking about what it would feel like owning a place for yourself. Fast forward to now, and i am counting the few months to my 2-bedroom condominium's RFO. I think it's just proper dedicating a few of my Wishful Wednesdays to what i wish the unit would look like once it's done with my few adjustments. Enjoy!

1. Striped curtains. The colors of the fabric pop especially against white walls. Effortlessly chic.

2. White and wood will be the theme for the whole unit. It is advisable to steer clear of overpowering colors when the space is small because it will make the place look cramped. This sofa will go well with the white and wood theme, and the pillows are a beautiful touch to the furniture.

3. A built-in bookcase. A home for all the books i have been collecting over the years.♥

4. Any living room has a focal point, for me it's either the bookcase or a big painting much like the one below.

5. One important note to remember: lighting is everything in a room. Yellow or warm white lighting bathes the room in a soft glow while white lighting gives that office or corporate feeling. In short: do NOT use white lighting except for task lighting (ie workspace area, kitchen and so on).

6. What living room doesn't have a quaint coffee table? This one right here is simple but pretty enough! The candles add a romantic vibe to the table.

Seeing all these wonderful pictures on Pinterest is making me all giddy and excited! i can't wait for September! Happy Wednesday everyone!

December Playlist

It's that time of year étrangers: the sweaters, hot chocolates, and cold weather are here to stay. And what more is there to do than whip up that hot drink and chill with your favorite book with some awesome tracks in the background. Enjoy and Happy Holidays everyone!

A Team - Ed Sheeran

Skinny Love - Birdy

Cold December - Matt Costa
Rivers And Roads - The Head and the Heart

Breathe Me - Sia

Lullaby - Mantra Feat. Linda Oliveri
Baby It's Cold Outside - Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel
Your Cloud - Tori Amos
Blood - The Middle East