'Ka ni Kim

Every year around the holidays, I love going to local bazaars and getting gifts for my family and friends. Right now it’s only April, but supporting small businesses isn’t seasonal! And it’s even more fun when a group of fabulous vendors come together. Here’s my tiny haul from the second weekend of Retrograde Weekend Market.

Paper crafts are some of my favorite things. At any given time, I have a stock of stickers that I dip into whenever I update my messy, casual journal. These stickers from Notable Maria aren’t just pretty – they also remind me of my hometown, with colorful portrayals of easily recognizable landmarks around the city. I paid Php20 apiece.

I also grabbed these two stickers from Desinorte, because you can never have too many florals in your journal. I love how they shine in the light. These were also Php20 each.

Check out Notable Maria (Facebook and Instagram) and Desinorte (Facebook and Instagram) for more art, as well as updates on arts and crafts workshops.

Just last month, I got my helix pierced. (Watch the vlog here!) Since I have double-pierced lobes, I’ve been wearing a lot of studs. When I saw a small pair of hoops at Tangi’s table, I just had to try them on. Hoops have always felt glamorous to me, and I wanted a pair that I could wear on my lower lobe piercings and complement with studs on the higher piercings. This pair was the perfect size. It cost Php228.

Fun bonus – they came in the adorable soft pouch above! For more sparkly finds, check out Tangi on Facebook and Instagram.

Although it was my last stop, Buds and Rosettes caught my eye as soon as I entered the market. Their booth showcased a variety of plants and what they call their “Succulent Bar”. Pick out a succulent and a pot, fill your vessel up with soil mix, insert your plant, then put some rocks or marble chips on top.

The interactive element of the Succulent Bar is so fun, and there are so many plants to choose from with different colors, textures, and sizes. This time (and there will be a next time!) I opted to get a pair of succulents already potted to add to my miniature greenhouse. They only set me back Php60 each.

I took them home along with some cute free stickers and a handy care sheet with tips for taking care of newly planted succulents. They’re low-maintenance, but it’s good to know the basics so they can live a long, happy life.

Follow them on Instagram for more photos and updates.

For more information on the vendors, check out Retrograde Baguio on Facebook and Instagram.