Happy Holidays With Willy Wonka

          Christmas has passed once again but still we are on a holiday vacation mode. After getting hooked with the cartoon character SpongeBob now I am back as a fan of Willy Wonka. Wonka's character and the story was memorable for me because I remember seeing the classic film on tv, the one starring Gene Wilder. It's really very hard to get Willy Wonka's themed items now.  I'm fortunate because Converse launched their limited edition bag and shoes. I was able to grab a Willy Wonka bag and I matched it also with my new Keds shoes that is similar with its color. December is the best month for me not only its Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus, St. Nicholas as Santa Claus and of course its I and my husband birth month. So December is always favorite month.

This December I was able to buy Wonka related items online from toy figures like Funko Pop and Soda, books and chocolate related things. Why chocolate? Because Willy Wonka is the best chocolate maker out there! So burgundy will be my new favorite color. The movie Wonka which was shown this December starring Timothee Chalamet's costume is in that color. But of course Johnny Depp's Wonka and Gene Wilder's portrayal is also close to my heart. I once cosplayed as Wonka in our office 2011, imitating Depp's Willy Wonka version. I think really this time I have found the character that I will like constantly and no more obsession with other tv or cartoon character. Is just Willy Wonka will be my happy pill for a long time! Cheers!

The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!

                   I enjoy watching musicals. During my highschool years, our school let us watch a musical about popular Filipino folktales. During my college days for our English project our class produced a musical, Joseph the Dreamer, I played as the Pharaoh here. I still remember a few of my lines. As an adult I had the chance to watch a real play at Solaire Resort, The Phantom of the Opera which I really enjoyed. 

I just finished watching The SpongeBob Musical (tv special) today. When I started watching it last week, I find it not that interesting because SpongeBob was a human here and not a sponge. The actor who played SpongeBob is Ethan Slayer. Danny Skinner played the role of Patrick Star, Lilli Cooper played the role of Sandy Cheeks, Nick Blemire played the role of Plankton, Stephanie Hsu played the role of Karen Plankton,  Carlos Lopez played the role of Eugene Krabs,  Emmy Raver-Lampman played the role of Mr. Krabs daughter, Pearl, Jason Michael Snow as Patchy the Pirate, Gaelen Gilliland as The Mayor, Kelvin Moon Loh as the reporter Perch Perkins, Abby Smith as Mrs. Puff,  Mark Ledbetter as Old Man Jenkins, Allan Washington as Larry the Lobster, Curtis Holbrook, L'ogan J'ones and JC Schuste as the rock band The Electric Skates, Oneika Philips, John Rua, Lauralun McClelland, Robert Taylor Jr. as the Sardine Corps and of course, my most favorite character in SpongeBob SquarePants cartoons and also here in this musical is Squidward Tentacles, played by Gavin Lee. His costume here is amazing as a human he has an extra set of legs. He also has a nice hair color sort of blue green. Tom Kenny voiced (pre-recorded) Gary the Snail. 

Spoilers here, I just want to say better watch out for the performance of Squidward here. It is one of the highlights of the musical for a fan like me. I so love his costumes. I really can see myself in his character that's why I like Squidward. So on point! I included in this post a screen shot of his performance. You better see this tv musical special if you are really a true SpongeBobians/SquarePantisan. I also like one of the songs from the musical, entitled Bikini Bottom day. So if you have not seen this, you better watch it now! 

Mcdonald's Happy Meal Malaysia SpongeBob SquarePants

           Now, I am going loco over SpongeBob SquarePants. Oh! Pardon me! I am so late in appreciating this cartoon that is aired by Nickelodeon. 

This week I received my Mcdonald's SpongeBob SquarePants toy that I ordered online and it came from Malaysia. The selling price is also expensive. I posted it on my Tik Tok account and YouTube. The toy was well crafted. My toy is Squidward and his Tiki house. There are stickers included and cardboard with design that you can put on the toy. Instructions are of course included. The toy costs approximately around $5. It is already expensive. Anyway, since this was launched already in 2021 and it is hard to find nowadays. 

Why do I like Squidward Tentacles? Because I can see part of my personality in his character shown in the cartoons. He is interested in arts and music like me. He plays the clarinet and paints. He is also serious and grumpy like me! So I was really amused when I find out about his personality. I plan to collect all the 10 character sets even if its a pricey. Life is short we should be happy in any way as long as we are not hurting or taking advantage of someone. There are many ways to be happy just like what SpongeBob says, "Use your imagination!"

SpongeBob SquarePants SpongeBobian/SquarePantisan

          Hi y'all! It has been a hectic week! I am still here at the office waiting for my hubby to wrap up his work. I'm done for the day we processed a lot of new cases today! Thank God we finished a bit on time. Anyway, this month of October is really special for me, I mean for my husband and I, since this is the month that we got married in one of the oldest and grandest church in Manila, Manila Cathedral (Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception). 

Anyway, this month I have decided that this will be dedicated to SpongeBob SquarePants. Yes! After going loco over Peanuts and Snoopy in 2017 now in the year 2023 maybe this will also be my last obsession over a cartoon character. 

I admit when I saw SpongeBob showing on TV before I was not hooked immediately. I am not a lover of water because I do not know how to swim. But when I re-watched SpongeBob: Out of Water movie I really appreciated it. Watching SpongeBob is a stress reliever for me and a way to escape the life's harsh reality. You can see from the photo that I shared here, this is just a bit of all the SpongeBob related things that I bought this month. My most favorite is the collaboration between Vans and SpongeBob. They launched the collaboration in 2021. I already have a cartoon themed sneakers before. In 2017, I also bought Vans sneakers because they featured Peanuts by Charles Schulz. I also love the customized t-shirts, pajamas, tote bag, comics (according to the seller, the comics is rare here in the Philippines) etc. I cannot find a nice flask with a SpongeBob design so I just customized my 14oz AquaFlask with a waterproof sticker of SpongeBob peeking. But the best ever aside from the sneakers is the collaboration of Careline, a local cosmetic brand. They launched SpongeBob collection of blushes with the corresponding SpongeBob characters. 

I love all the characters in SpongeBob, but I like Squidward Tentacles (because our personality is alike) the best and Patrick is also funny! Why do I like SpongeBob the best? Because he has a sunshiny personality and he is full of optimism. Even if he fails, he does not easily give up. Even if he has the most menial job, he put his 100% on it. He is the best fry cook at Krusty Krab Burger, that's why they always have a lot of patrons. 

SpongeBob SquarePants Movies

           So this September, I had another obsession with this long-time cartoon character. Who doesn't know SpongeBob SquarePants? I got interested with this cartoon when I saw a local make-up brand launched their SpongeBob themed products. I confess that I was not that hooked with this cartoon when I saw it on tv. I actually thought that SpongeBob is a living cheese because he has holes o his body like a Swiss cheese. So these past few days I binged watch the SpongeBob movies. There are 3 movies that came out. One in 2004, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, 2015 The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water and in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run in 2020. 

Before I go on discussing these movies, every SpongeBob SquarePants lovers should know who is the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. Just like we all know that Peanuts gang was created by the late Charles M. Schulz. I also got addicted with Peanuts before and I bought a few Peanuts themed items, from Vans shoes to bags and toy figures etc. The creator of SpongeBob SquarePants was the late Stephen McDannell Hillenburg he was an American animator. As a child he was already fascinated with the ocean. He studied at the California Institute of Arts to pursue a career in animation. According to Wikipedia in 1994, he began developong The Intertidal Zone character and concepts for what became SpongeBob SquarePants. He also directed The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie in 2004. Sadly, he died in November 26, 2018 due to ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Many fans missed the old SpongeBob SquarePants and they cannot avoid commenting and comparing SpongeBob SquarePants back then and the SpongeBob SquarePants now. 

Back to my commentary with regard to the 3 SpongeBob SquarePants movies. The movie in 2004 has a nice story plot wherein SpongeBob is aiming to be promoted as a manager in the new branch of Krusty Krab. I will not spoil the rest of the plot but what I like about this movie is to never give up on your dreams and true friends will  be there to help you. The next movie was released in 2015. I already saw this movie before. I was not that enthusiastic before, as I am right now in watching it. I actually enjoyed the movie. The plot of the story is about his frenemy Plankton and the rest of the SpongeBob gang unite to get the secret formula of Krabby patty from the pirate, Burger Beard. The last SpongeBob SquarePants movie was released on 2020. Another daring adventure for SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick as they embark on a journey to Poseidon's turf called Atlantic kingdom to rescue his beloved pet snail, named Gary. I like the special participation of the popular Hollywood actor Keannu Reeves in this movie, he plays the character of sage. In 2004 another popular actor from Baywatch tv series, David Hasselhoff plays a cameo role in the movie. All of the three movies were all enjoyable to watch. If you are SpongeBob SquarePants lover like me or a starting fan also like me, then you better watch these movies. I am very sure you will fall in love with the cuteness and coolness of this movie. 

Careline x Spongebob

 Last month, I found out that Careline collaborated with Spongebob and they came up with Spongebob make-up collection. Who doesn't love this square thing with googly eyes and lives in a pineapple house located at the Bikini bottom. I am already an adult but I still love to watch the show. Spongebob runs on Netflix today. When I saw that they have a pr kit of their product which is the liquid blush, I told myself that I will buy my own soon! I admit that the pr kit is quite expensive. So I waited for their sale. Finally, I have it! 

The Careline x Spongebob pr kit comes in a really nice box that has Spongebob's image and of course it is yellow. The collections comes with 4 blushes, a highlighter and a contour. Each items is packaged beautifully. The regular price of the kit is 2,549 Philippine Pesos. Currently it is on sale on Shopee and Lazada. Careline is under the Ever Bilena family. 

I love the packaging! The blush, highlighter and contour has a character image on the packaging box. Spongebob's shade is called Girly girl, Patrick's is Pink Patricia, Gary's shade is called Shell Pink and Mr. Crab's shade is called Red Ahoy. The contour box has a character of Sandy and for the highlighter, Pearl it is! The blushes are very pigmented, as they say a little goes a long way. These products are also infused with Vitamin E which we all know is an antioxidant and also Hyaluronic acid which reduces wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid also helps wound to heal faster and reduces scarring. Not only you get to enhance your beauty with these products but you also benefit from the added skincare ingredients. You're hitting two birds with one stone!

From all the reviews that I have seen online, everyone really loves this collection. Aside from the products that I mentioned, they also have Spongebob blush, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and eyebrow soap and setting spray.  If you are a fan of Spongebob you got to have this collection! Buy, try and unlock your imagination! 

Ever Bilena and Ever Bilena Serum Tinted Lip Balm

            I admit it, when it comes to Philippine brand cosmetics there are a few names that I trust. I am familiar with Ever Bilena brand because it has been a household name in the 80's and during that time I think it is the only local make-up that exists. I am also familiar with Avon cosmetics which is also popular but this is not a Filipino brand. I admit that whenever I hear the brand Ever Bilena before I am not that enthusiastic since it is locally made. We are more impressed by foreign cosmetics and we tend to look down on local made ones. But nowadays local cosmetics is close and at par with foreign brands. The brand name according to "Filipinknow", "bile" the Chinese term for beautiful and "na", the world for lady. so Ever Bilena means, ever beautiful lady.

Ever Bilena was founded by Mr. Dioceldo Sy. Watching his interview on Chinoy tv made me admire the man more. He is dubbed as the "father of Philippine make-up". His grandfather started selling pomade during the Japanese occupation. Anyway, fast-forward to now, Ever Bilena has 1,203 retails stores nationwide. We have a stigma on local make-up brand that maybe it is of poor quality. But here I am, I have tested and used local brand cosmetics and I can say some of them are good! 

Ever Bilena has also a few sister brands (ranging from cosmetics, detergents, cosmetics and skin-care) namely Ara Colours, Blackwater, Blustar, Careline, Ever Organics, Hello Glow, Hyaloo and Spotlight. 

This time I have tried Ever Bilena's Serum Tinted Lip Balm with EXO's Chanyeol as their ambassador. Personally, this is the first ever tintep lip balm. I bought two out of their 4 shades. I chose Naked which is more natural looking for everyday wear and Toast of New York, a little darker shade that Naked. I like this shade out of the two. I have also tried other cosmetic products from their sister brands like Careline and Spotlight. I love their Eyeliner Duo Stamp from Careline and Spotlight Marble Blush in Premiere Shade. 

If you have not tried any of their make-up, I say you should! They produce good and affordable cosmetics without hurting your pockets. Give it a try and you won't be disappointed! 

My Paulo Coelho Collection

          None of us can know what tomorrow will hold, because each day has its good and its bad moments.” — Paulo Coelho

      I'm back in this blog. It's been almost a year since I last posted on this blog. I have been busy with my Indian themed blog, that I did not post anything here. Well, my fascination with Indian culture has stopped. I moved on to my next theme and that is my Paulo Coelho books. I started reading Paulo Coelho books when I was in my 20's. Now I am already in my 40's and it is only now that I hurried to collect all of his books available here in the Philippines.

Yesterday, I was able to get hold of his first novel, "The Pilgrimage". I got it from an online seller, it was pre-loved but even if it's so, it is still in very good condition.  His latest novel is "The Archer", and if I am not mistaken it was released on 2020. The other collection that I got was a daily planner 2018 and Love (selected quotations). I also got my dream graphic novel, "The Alchemist". 

I just finished reading, The Devil and Ms. Prym. It was a challenge for me that after a long time, I finally finished a novel. I still have lots of books by the author for me to finish. For the moment I don't have a fascination for something. 

A lot of us have been inspired and encouraged by his book, "The Alchemist". I don't know but I have stopped pursuing my dreams... maybe it has something to do with age, and because I am busy now with my own family. Just had a baby last year. Anyway, I still enjoy reading Coelho's books for they are inspirational and we always have something to learn from it.

Beatrix Potter The Creator of Peter Rabbit

            This pandemic, I have immersed myself in arts. Mostly drawing, coloring with colored pencils and watercolor. I recently re-watched Miss Potter (2006) movie starring Renee Zellweger, and I have seen a classic movie about her life, "Beatrix: The Early Life of Beatrix Potter", starring Helena Bonham Carter as Beatrix Potter. I am also enjoying watching the old classic cartoon, "The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends". I also bought a few Beatrix Potter/Peter Rabbit memorabilias online. But I did not splurge much, because my husband is telling me to be careful in spending money especially during this time of pandemic. I am presently enjoying re-creating Beatrix Potter's characters like Peter Rabbit and the mice from the "Tailor of Gloucester". 

Though Beatrix Potter's stories are written mainly for children, it is also entertaining for us adults. Her stories are not boring, and the message from her stories is not really shallow. I also love her artworks. From her book by Elizabeth Buchan. We can see at an early age she showed her potential, she draws animals like insects, caterpillars etc. in a detailed way and she draws them very well. 

The book that I bought is only the lone one available. I was blessed because its price was already marked down. The book is hardcover, and the pages were all very good, it is glossy and it contains photos. So its not boring at all to read. I was able to finish it for 2 days.

Beatrix and her brother Bertram loved to draw and paint, they have many sketches of their pets ranging from rabbits, mice, frogs lizards and bats. What I like about her is that she followed her heart, and not anyone when it comes to pursuing what she wants in her life. The first artwork that I did was Peter Rabbit which Beatrix Potter was really known for. She is considered as a mycologist (someone who works with fungi), in her young adult years she met and collaborated with Charles Macintosh, a musician and also known as a "Pertshire Naturalist". You can see Beatrix Potter's beautiful and detailed works as per the advice of Sir Macintosh who encouraged her to  make her drawings even more detailed. Thus, she began using watercolors. Her work was rejected by the Linnean society (which was obviously a sexist). In those days, women didn't go to school, Beatrix was tutored by a governess. During her time formal education was inaccessible for women. Perth museum and art gallery has a collection of her works. If she wasn't rejected, we wouldn't have "Peter Rabbit" today. So look for the silver lining in everything. 

The man who helped her and was instrumental for her success, Norman Warren was also her first love, and became engaged but unfortunately no wedding happened because Norman got sick and died. She later on got married to a lawyer named William Heelis. Beatrix has no children. She lived on happily in her old age together with her husband in a farm she bought. 

Her best known books for the children's were tales of "The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends", are 23 all in all. Her unpublished book, "The Tale of Kitty in Boots", with illustrations by Quentin Blake was a bestseller again, and was published on September 1, 2016, to mark her 150th anniversary of her birth. She wrote 10 other books which includes a coloring book, painting books and an almanac. In 1936, Beatrix flatly declined Walt Disney's offer to make an animation of Peter Rabbit. So critics were saying that the modern adaptation by Sony of her character Peter Rabbit wouldn't make Beatrix happy, and she would disagree with it. It is not because she was possessive of her works but because she has a clear idea in her head what her characters should be like. I have seen the latest Peter Rabbit film from Sony, and I can see that Peter was portrayed as a somewhat notorious bad rabbit there, which shouldn't be.

I like to imitate and copy her artworks, it is a sort of relaxation therapy for me, especially this pandemic and as my date of delivery nears (expecting my little angel to come out of this world in November!) I bought a few of her books so I can tell my baby about her and her stories. If you want a very good documentary about Beatrix Potter, I suggest you watch, Timeline World Histories Documentaries - Who Was the Real Beatrix Potter hosted by Dame Patricia Routledge. I also bought Beatrix Potter memorabilias (book and cd, plush toys Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle duck, cellphone case and mug). I also have an old dvd movie of Miss Potter starring Renee Zellweger.

The British people are really artistic and talented. Once I was hooked with the works of Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien. I also like Paddington, very brilliant creator Michael Bond. What about you, who is the artist that you look up to? Let's do art, and make our world more colorful and lovable!

Joywish Coloured Pencils (oil-based)

               It has been raining these past few days. So, that made me love being indoors even more. I was counting my watercolors collection, and all in all, I have already collected 7 sets of watercolors (one in set of watercolor paint in tubes, and the others in dry pans). I also counted my colored pencils collection, and I did not realized that they aren't equal in number with my watercolor collection, so I ordered another oil based colored pencils. I bought it from shopee online, from seller lirose03 for around Php291(around $5.78), in 48 colors. I was just a bit disappointed when I unboxed the item because, some of the leads were broken, maybe because due to the handling in delivery. I have already 3 wax-based colored pencils so I bought another oil based colored pencils to break-even with my collection. I also have one watercolor colored pencils which is the Faber-Castell.

Anyway, I did color swatching. You can check out my vlogs on YouTube, my channel's name is Leah's ARTventure. You will get to know me through my vlogs, and my artworks. 

Joywish colored pencils is made in Guangzhou, China, and they also have the watercolor pencils. This colored pencils comes also in canister type tube packaging  but I prefer the box type. The 48 color set comes with a cardboard separator. As you can see from the photo, the colors are very vibrant. They are also smooth in application. I am satisfied with my purchase. I got a bit of discount with this purchase of mine because I timed my purchase when it is on sale. So if you want quality colored pencils that's affordable you can try this brand. 

Deli Color Emotion Colour Pencils

            I bought another set of colored pencils. This is again a wax based colored pencil. I bought this from shopee online, the seller is deliph (probably their official online shop in the Philippines). Deli company, according to my research is from Ningbo, Zhejiang in China. It is a well-known brand. 

Like the Mont Marte colored pencils, the name of the color of the color pencils are printed or embossed on the pencils. Unlike the other colored pencils that I own, which is only named or coded through a number. Deli Color Emotion comes in 12/24/36. This set is 36 colors. Deli colored pencils boasts of rich pigment colors,and triangular shape ergonomic design. This is my first time to see  colored pencils with a  very cute and lovely design. They're so cute to look at, that's why I am hesitating to use them. The name of the colors are very unique like "Angelic White." Aside, from the unique and catchy color names, you will notice that the design for each colored pencils are different. So the pencils are really lovely to look at. I was just not that impressed with the box, because the colored pencils were just encased in a carton. I was expecting that there is a plastic tray just like what is shown in the photos online. But I guess, the packaging varies from every country.

When it comes to swatching, I just love how the colors pop out. They were really nice! Noting that, these pencils are only 36 colors. I have no problem with the colored pencils. The quality and there was no damaged at all. Unlike with my previous experience from another brand, which i am sure was also a good inexpensive brand of colored pencils. If you want to try and work on with funky pencils, try Deli Color Emotion Colored Pencils. Believe me, you will be delighted as much as I am. Color expressions has never been this cute! 

Mont Marte Colour Pencils Signature

           This week I bought 2 new sets of wax-based colored pencils. This is the Mont Marte brand. This is a popular art brand that originated from Australia. Most of the colour pencils that I have got are color coded by numbers. Mont Marte is not. The pencils have their real color name embossed on the pencil itself. I bought the 36 colors. 

Mont Marte Colour Pencils Signature are just the same with their Essential Colour Pencils. They just updated the packaging. I bought this 36 color set from shopee online. I was just disappointed because the pencils that I got, one has a damage, the color Peach, and I got 2 double colors of Coral Blue, so I have one of the colors missing and that is the Aquamarine Blue. So the color swatches that I made lacks the Aquamarine Blue color. The seller said he did not check the colored pencils, he just got this from his supplier. Anyway, that's just one color missing. I know I can still make a beautiful artwork even if I lack one color. This set comes in a carton box with a cardboard separator for the colored pencils. 

This set comes in 12/24/36 colors. The colors were vibrant. The pencils are hexagonal in shape, and according to the specifications, thay have break resistant leads. The pencils were also smooth with regard to application. I am satisfied so far with this brand. I can say this is one of the good wax-based brand of colored pencils that we have in the market. Try for yourself! 

Brutfuner Oily Pencils (72 colors) and Colleen (Wax-Based, 60 colors) Colored Pencils

          Just recently, I bought 2 new sets of colored pencils. I just feel like buying a few more, so they will be added to my art material collections. I'm supposed to give birth around last week of October, or first week of November. So while, I am on-leave from work, because my pregnancy is considered high-risk. Doing artwork, either by drawing, watercolor and using colored pencils, relieves my stress, and it relaxes me. In short, it makes me happy. I know when our baby arrives, my love for arts will be on-hold again so, I'm making the most of my free time now. 

I have been wanting for a long-time to buy this popular and budget friendly colored pencils, Brutfuner (made in China). They come in sets of 48/72/120/180. I bought the 72 set. I bought this on sale at Lazada online for around Php406 ($8.08). I am very satisfied with my purchase it also came with a free adult coloring book, Secret Garden by Johanna Brasford. 

Brutfuner Oily Colored Pencils comes in an envelope-like plastic case, the carton cover design was really nice, so colorful. The colored pencils comes in 3 trays. I have swatched all of the colors, and I am glad that they have vibrant colors, very pigmented, and not chalky. Also, the colored pencils were designed simply, round shape, and sharpened already. They have a somewhat odor like very mild paint, but it is tolerable. The pencils also feels smooth when applied to the paper (sketch pad).The brand name is embossed on each pencil with their color coded number. 

I would like to inform you that for every set of Brutfuner colored pencils, the colored coded number will not be the same. (For example, in my 72 set, colored pencil number 002 is white, but for another Brutfuner 72 set it can be different. I just compared through videos that I have watched online, together with my colored pencil set. Over-all I am very safisfied with my purchase. Aside from Giorgione, this brand is my next favorite.

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Next review that I will do is about Colleen colored pencils. These are wax based. This set, has 60 colors and they are wax-based. I bought this brand for 2 reasons, one is they are wax-based, I have never owned a wax colored pencils. Next is that they have special neon colors included. I like happy, pastel colors. What can I say? They don't give off a strong paint odor. Their colors are nice, bright, pastel and lively colors. They are hexagonal in shape, and also sharpened but not that much. I bought this from shopee online for around Php625 ($12.44)

You can watch the swatching and review on my YouTube channel. Just visit: Ukelei's World.

Colleen colored pencils brand originated from Japan. But now, I read that they have already closed the business in Japan, and Colleen colored pencils are now manufactured in Thailand. Colleen colored pencils was also popular before, and well-loved by a number of art enthusiasts. 

All the art materials that I wrote about were the ones that I like. I don't buy and I don't have  really expensive art materials. I just patronize the art products that I think that are budget-friendly and good. Until the next blog. Happy ARTventure! 👩‍🎨

My Latest Art Materials Haul

          Last week, the art materials that I have bought online was delivered. I bought 3 watercolor brands, namely, Giorgione G-800 Bird's Song Series Professional Watercolor Set (48 colors), Berkeley For Studio Watercolour (in 12 tubes), and Pretty Excellent Watercolor (36 colors), and Giorgione Classic Coloured Pencils (48 colors). I bought all of these from shopee.ph. 

All of these art materials that I have mentioned were I approved of, and I like them. I have watched a lot of reviews about these art materials, not all were positive but since I have tried these watercolors, and colored pencils. They are okay for me. Also, like what I have said before, if an artist is professional, they can make the most out of cheap art materials, turn it into a really good artwork! 

I love all the colors of these watercolors. I have swatched them, and tried them. I also did a few artworks in watercolor using the different brand of watercolors that I bought. You can see from the photo that I have included in this blog of mine. I used my Giorgione G-800 series Bird's Song Professional Watercolor Set in this artwork, I followed the instructions at the back cover of the Giorgione watercolor pad. Watercolor painting, or painting using any medium like acrylic or gouache, drawing, sketching this quarantine is really something worthwhile to do.

About is Love (大约是爱) Cdrama Review

                I just finished watching a Cdrama also known as: 大約是愛 , Da Yue Shi Ai. I started watching dramas that involves art. I first started watching the Cdrama Art in Love. The story is about college classmates who developed feelings for each other, but were separated along the way, and they crossed paths again in the future. Not that impressed with this drama.

So I decided to try and watch another drama entitled, About is Love. This is about a poor art student, who got involved with a rich guy who runs an Art museum, and who has an OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder with regard to cleanliness.

I really enjoyed the story line the lead actor and actress (Yan Xing who played Wei Qing and Xu Xiao Nuo as Zhou Shi) are really good looking, I also like the supporting role cast. My favorite is the character Fei Fei, and Xiao Ran. 

I also like the message of this Cdrama. That you should put your heart in the artwork that you are doing. Aesthetic beauty is not enough, the emotions of the Artist should also be seen and felt in the portrait or painting. This drama has 30 episodes. If you have not seen this drama I suggest you should. This is for the romantic at heart, and art lovers around. 

My Watercolor Collection

           I just started my watercolor online class yesterday taught by Broderick Wong at Udemy. I paid around $13 plus. (When it was still discounted). Before enrolling in this art class online, I did a few color swatching to the watercolors that I own. I started to be interested in watercolor painting 5 years ago. Wayback, I own a  Faber-Castell Connector Paint watercolor, and Zig Kuretake Pearlescent Jewel Box watercolor. Now, I recently purchased two watercolors, Watercolour Artis Decor (Php 470), and Simbalion Watercolor Cakes (Php200) in 36 colors, both of which I bought from an online store, here at shopee.com. 

Faber-Castell, is good for watercolor enthusiasts who are beginners like me, and for kids. They have a rich and vibrant colors as you can see in the photo. It is priced fairly, and is not that expensive. The brand known for pencil and pens, originated from Stein, Germany. Most of my art materials are from the same brand, as I have mentioned in my previous post.

Zig Kuretake, is from Japan. The Pearlescent Jewel Box watercolor is tiny, and I think it is a bit expensive. Now in shopee.com this is priced at around P800 plus pesos. The colors are not that bright, they are pale. Obviously the color has that glittery, and shimmery effect. I will not use this often, maybe for highlights only.

Artis Decor Watercolour. I love the design on the box, the instructions are in Spanish. There is not enough information online about this watercolor. This brand reminds me of Superior watercolor which is very affordable, and yet is very good in quality. The pans are small, and I am very careful in getting the colors in every pan. The colors are also rich and bright. The kit comes with two sponges, and two brushes, one round and one flat.

Simbalion Watercolor Cakes, this is the most affordable of all the watercolor that I've got. This one is from Taiwan. Brand is named after the famous cartoon character Simba, from the Lion King movie. I am aware that most comments with regard to this brand of watercolor is not that good, they say that it is chalky. I have also swatched the colors, and they're good for me. They also have a color chart in their website, and information about their products. I like the bright pastel like colors of Simbalion watercolor Cakes, also they are pigmented. It is not chalky to me when I tested it. There are also people who patronize this watercolor. I personally like it, and I am happy with this brand. 

Do you have your favorite brand of watercolor?Like what I have said in my vlogs. A person who is good in playing a musical instrument can create beautiful music whether it is through a cheap or expensive musical instrument. Same with the art materials. In whatever you do, just be passionate. Art is cool! 

Rekindling My Love For Art 🎨

           I started buying art stuff, and my interest in watercolor painting started in 2016. My first watercolor set was Faber-Castell connector paint watercolor. Almost all of my art materials came from that popular art brand, which started in Stein, Germany. They are know for their quality pens, and pencils.

I am in my 5th month of pregnancy, and while I am on-leave fron work (pregnant women during this quarantine period are not advised to go out of the house often, risky to catch covid) I did a vlog of my collections -- my art books, drawing, and sketch book. I noticed I didn't have a watercolor book, so I purchased 3 ebooks (The Art of Creative Watercolor by Danielle Donaldson, Everyday Watercolor by Jenna Rainey, and Your Year in Art Watercolor by Kristin Van Leuven) from an online store. 

I also did a few watercolor swatching, with my two old watercolors, Faber-Castell connector paint, and Zig Kuretake pearlescent watercolor. I posted this on my YouTube channel. I am waiting for my latest watercolor to arrive which is the Simbalion watercolor cake. I bought the 36 colors. I saw a lot of reviews about this watercolor online, and most commented that it is chalky. I even watch a lot of vlogs about this watercolor brand. Well, as a beginner watercolor enthusiast, I think this just suits me. I also like its bright, and pastels colors. Plus, what I learned in the arts. It is not how expensive your instrument is, it is how the musician plays it. For me, its just the same in art, it is the artist that makes the art beautiful. Sure, you will see a difference in the quality of watercolors, but it is the artist who makes the outcome sketch, drawing, or painting impressive. I noticed artists who used cheaper watercolor, and painted something, the outcome is still stunning!  

I also bought a Van Gogh sketchbook, and a few att stuff this week. I am also happy with my new Artis Decor watercolor in 36 shades. I have already swatched it. I love the outcome. Would love to share with you my future artworks. Stay tuned!

(P.S. I also enrolled today in an online watercolor course at Udemy. Will share my artworks with you all soon!) 

Getting Busy this Quarantine

          My OB doctor advised me to be on bed rest because my pregnancy is considered high-risk. These past few days, I like watching religious films. My husband and I recently watched Ben-Hur, and I found spiritual gems online like The Catholic Talk Show, and I also started to watch the popular series The Chosen. 

I also finished a course and recently got my certificate from the Liturgical Institute. I am so happy because finally I have a Roman Catholic course that I have finished. I did a few Protestant Bible and theology studies before at Ligonier Connect. 

I also bought another book, Understanding the Scriptures, a textbook by Scott Hahn, and by another author. (I am sorry I forgot the name). It is a bit expensive, and I spent the money from the books that I sold online. This is a very good book, companion to the Bible. If you are having a hard time understanding the Bible, you should get a copy of this. I am currently selling books that I have, mostly Protestant and non-fiction books which are all still in good condition, and others are unopened and still good as new. 

I hope to make this quarantine season from pandemic worthwhile, and I hope the growing baby in my tummy will also have similar hobbies like his/her mom.

Unexpected Gift!

           Last March 6, we received the best ever news that we've got! I'm pregnant. During that time, I was 5 weeks pregnant already and I did not know it. The previous month has been hard for me because my workmate has been absent for quite awhile due to pregnancy also. It has been very stressful at work and being the lone person in the frontline services is really hard, especially during this pandemic. My co-worker, and friend at the office would sometimes help me in the afternoon wherein many people would come and file their pleadings or cases. 

I never thought that I would get pregnant so easily, we just got married last year in October and now I am on my 10th week! Also, its not that easy to get pregnant that fast, since there are many factors to consider. I am not that young anymore, and at my age I am already considered as a high-risk. The day before I found out I was pregnant I was feeling really tired, and I've had a very bad stomach cramps, feels like you are going to have your monthly period. I contacted my OB gyne doctor and she said to take a pregnancy test. I was not that hopeful because I have had negative results before. My husband and I prayed. I noticed my husband was anxious, and then he showed me the test, it has 2 lines, positive. I cried because I never thought that I am pregnant. We thank God from our hearts, this is indeed one milestone in our marriage that we will never forget. It is not easy being pregnant, but I will bear it all for love, and with our Lord God's blessing, and guidance. 

Can you guess if its a boy or a girl. Comment down below, and I will update you soon, wait for our gender online party reveal! 

Weekend Movies: Alfred Hitchcock

          Hello dear readers! Happy weekend to all of you! These past few days I have become so interested in reading thriller/mystery novels, starting with Agatha Christie, and now I just seem to remember Alfred Hitchcock. I think I used to watch his series when I was still a kid. Reading and watching mystery novels, movies and series just pumps up my monotonous life.

This week, I saw a classic movie remake of Hitchcock's, "Dial M for Murder." It is not the 1945 movie. It is about a scorned husband's diabolical plot to get rid of his unfaithful wife. I am not pleased with the ending, because I suddenly had sympathy for the husband. I have yet to see the 1945 version. The movie that I have seen is the 1981 remake, starring the late Christopher Plummer, and Angie Dickinson. 

Then after that movie, I have watched Strangers on a Train. This movie is about a popular tennis player crossing paths with a psycho stranger, suggesting how to get rid of someone they don't want in their life. I enjoyed watching this movie, same with Spellbound, which stars Ingrid Bergman. I came to know and like Ingrid Bergman when I first saw the movie Anastasia. This was also a good movie, it deals with psychoanalysis as explained in the first part of the movie. You should also see the very artistic dream sequence part in this movie. This is about a female doctor, named Constance who falls in love with a young doctor, who is not what he seems to be, turns out to be an impostor. 

The last movie for this weekend that I have seen, and truly recommend is the,  "The Lady Vanishes," I really enjoyed this movie, and I have liked the character of the little old Englishwoman, played by the late Dame May Whitty. There has been several remakes of this movie, but I was not that impressed. Of course, nothing beats the original one. This movie, is about a young English lady travelling on a traim, and then she lost her old lady companion. None of the passengers on the train admits seeing that English lady named Ms. Froy. I really loved this movie. Now, I realized modern movies uses the same plot. If you haven't seen these movies, I suggest you should. I guess I am an old soul, I appreciate classic movies and music. I love classic movies!