(Inspiration) Bao Possibilties

A kitschy little thing that shows the possibilities of coconut shells, Saramsam, Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

(Travel) Weaver Conversion Underway

We're working with another weaver to move her from Chinese polythreads to 100% cotton.

(Travel) Banana Leaf Sachets

Sachets are a cool concept, except for the biodegradability component. They're democratic, but not as democratic as something you can make yourself. While we have been known to carry around jars of the sweeteners that suit our moods, on short trips, sachets are in order.

Find a banana tree in your village or neighborhood. They are a good thing to keep on hand for emergencies, and also to use when ironing your clothes. This leaf is from our garden. Remember, you need to "prime" the leaves by wiping clean and then heating over fire, creating a flexible sheet that won't tear.































































Fold into a triangle. Make sure that you fold it in such a way that there is no small hole in the bottom. Fill with your condiment of choice. Fold the top over and staple. I'm sure there are more elegant ways, but none as fast as stapling. Click here to see the finished products before we took them to Davao.

Remember that banana leaves seal moisture in, so the sugar will get moist, but will dissolve just as well if your coffee is hot. For drier products like fine salt or peppers, paper will do.

(Travel) Travel Essentials

We are on the road quite often, and we have travel essentials: Light canvas bags for interesting finds (these are from friends Clara and Chiara), tooth powder (Indian spicy stuff,  no airport fluid constraints), safety pins (you never know), a face towel, enzymes for  naturally disinfecting any dodgy surface, massage oil for relaxing on a balcony.


























A pocket-sized organizer, a notebook for thoughts, a nice book (of beautiful photos that you can look at over and over).












2 tiffins for food storage (takeout), homemade mascobado banana leaf "sachets" for our coffee, and utensils.

(Travel) Davao

We are in Davao, the home of all things retro. We love this city.

(Travel) Best Stone Contest

We have a competition when we are sitting on the sand by the coean. For 5 minutes, you must collect the best stones from your side. What follows is a stone showdown, and you explain why you chose each one.



We are still wondering why we left.

(Travel) Antique Baunan

Antique fiambreras (food tiffins) at the old Burgos house in Vigan. Beautiful tools for living, eating, and mobility, pre-plastic.