For Christmas I wanted a bigger kitchen space so I can move around more when I'm cooking or baking, but because it's impossible to wrap that, I guess I'd go for an espresso machine instead. And that's exactly what I got!

J gave me a Baumann Living One-Touch Café Express in white for Christmas.

Baumann Living One-Touch Café Express fresh out of the box

I was excited to get it out of the box but it took me one day before I primed and used it because I was so intimidated. (Heck I still haven't used J's anniversary gift to me which is the Baumann Living Breadmaker, heh.) (God knows it also took me a while before I opened and used my Instant Pot, but now it's my cooking bestie.)

Anyway, I was looking for reviews of this machine but couldn't find any so I figured I would just go ahead and write one.

SPOILER ALERT. I loved it.

Making my [first] cup of coffee in the morning is one of my favorite parts of my day, and the One Touch Café Express just made it more enjoyable. For one, instead of my regular brewed coffee from my old handy-dandy coffeemaker, I can now enjoy either espresso, Americano, latte, or cappuccino. All I need is freshly finely ground beans, milk optional.

The first drink I prepared with my new machine is a latte. It's soooo easy! One touch, indeed!

What I love about this machine is that I do not need to tinker with a lot of buttons and settings to prepare my chosen drink. All it needs is a touch (or two) of a button, and it does its magic. I only pressed the Latte button twice for this much latte as I had a big mug, but for a smaller cup, one press is enough.

The compartments for milk and water are also easy to take out to refill and clean and snap back in again, so crafting multiple drinks in one go shouldn't be a problem. 

You can also customize how foamy you want your milk to be. :) Do I add latte art to my [never-ending] list of hobbies?

I guess my only gripe about this machine is that because there are some plastic parts, it could feel a little flimsy, but not to the point that it looks easily breakable. I just need to be more delicate with it than say, a Breville or a De'Longhi, but for the price point, it definitely serves its purpose.

I got my Benguet coffee beans from Cafe Le Bearded Dogué. :)

A couple of years ago I got a coffee recipe book. It's in the condo somewhere, I better read up because I am excited to craft more drinks with this toy. Thanks, J!

Raise your right hand if you miss traveling. 

*raises both arms*

The only way to whet my wanderlust these days is via long drives when I go to my family's house and back to my apartment. How I wish we could go on longer road trips!

Now there are many features that make for a great road trip car, and it is important to know what they are before you start looking. Otherwise, you could end up with a vehicle that won't cut it on your adventures! This blog post will cover 5 of the most important features of a good road trip car.  

1) Size

When it comes to road trip cars, size definitely matters. You want something that is large enough to fit all of your belongings comfortably but not so large that it becomes difficult to maneuver around tight corners and through small towns. Ideally, you should look for a vehicle with plenty of cargo space that can also seat at least four people. Some good options include SUVs and minivans, which offer a lot of interior space as well as excellent driving performance. If you're looking for something smaller, consider buying a hatchback or wagon. These vehicles are great for road trips because they are fuel-efficient and easy to park in tight spaces. To find the right size for your travels, visit edmunds to browse through a lot of vehicle options.

2) Engine power

Another important factor to consider when buying a road trip car is engine power. You want something that is going to be able to handle long stretches of highway driving without breaking down. This means you should look for a car with an engine size of at least two liters and plenty of horsepowers. If you're looking for extra performance, consider opting for a sports car or luxury sedan. Just make sure that the model you choose can also accommodate all of your belongings!

3) Fuel efficiency

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a road trip car is fuel efficiency. You don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with an almost empty tank! So look for a vehicle that gets good gas mileage, preferably one that can get at least 30 miles per gallon on the highway. This will help you save money on fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint while on vacation.

4) Reliability

When you're on the open road, you want to know that your car is going to be reliable. This means looking for a model with a good track record for reliability and durability. You don't want to end up stranded on the side of the road because your car broke down! So do some research online before buying and reading reviews from real-life drivers.

5) Safety

Safety is another important factor to consider when buying a car for road trips. Look for features like anti-lock brakes, side airbags, and rear parking sensors that will help keep you safe while on the open road. You should also look at reviews of different models online to see what other drivers have experienced with their vehicle in terms of safety issues. Luckily, most cars these days are extremely well built and do not pose any serious risk or danger when it comes to driving them long distances!

In conclusion, when buying a car for road trips, it is important to consider size, engine power, fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety. All of these factors are important when making your decision and will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

I switched to Android about three years ago because Huawei P20 Pro was too pretty to resist, but switching back to using an iPhone last year was a game changer! I never want to stray again! We like to think of our phones as handy devices that let us easily communicate with our friends, be a source of entertainment, and even organize our lives, but they can actually serve more purpose than these.

Yes, learning how to trim a video on iPhone can help you create killer Facebook posts, but these devices are now so capable, they could save your life.

Voice-Activated SOS

Imagine if you could simply speak to call for help. Well, nowadays iPhone apps are so advanced that they offer this feature.

Safe, for instance, is an app that responds to voice commands and immediately puts you through to an emergency operator if you get into trouble. It also has a helpful video call feature so that paramedics can get the jump on your condition, plus a siren sound, alerting rescuers to your location.

Does that sound over the top? Maybe not if you’re cold, tired, trapped, hungry or in the middle of nowhere.

Advanced Weather Warnings

Let’s say you decide to go for a hike in the mountains. How lovely. Except things can go wrong very quickly indeed when the clouds begin to descend.

Now you can get real-time monitoring apps, like Dark Sky Weather, that link to local stations and forecast crews in your local area. If there’s going to be a problem with the weather, they immediately let you know, giving you upwards of an hour to walk to a lower level.

First-Aid Assistance

If you’re in the middle of nowhere and somebody in your group collapses, what do you do? Well, naturally, you want one person to administer first aid while another goes and gets help.

But what happens if you don’t actually know any first aid? Well, don’t worry: in the inimitable words of Steve Jobs, “there’s an app for that.”

These apps provide you with spoken instructions for what you should do next in a variety of situations. They also offer helpful videos and graphics, showing you precisely how you should help someone in need. Many of these apps also come with emergency weather alerts – convenient if you happen to also be caught in the middle of a storm.

Medical Standard Apps

Paramedics and first-responders need quickfire information about your condition before they arrive at your location. Data helps them to prepare in advance for what to expect. The more targeted information you can provide, the better.

Some apps allow you to do this on your smartphone. After you get injured (or incapacitated in some other way), you tell the app to activate. It then displays all your vitals on your phone’s lock screen that paramedics can then use to assess you, your situation and what you should do next.

Location Apps 

Sharing your location with everyone you know sounds like Big Brother. But having an app on your phone that lets you tell paramedics where you are right now can help a lot. 

One example is Noonlight. All you do is open the app and tap a button. An operator will then forward your precise location to the relevant authorities, getting you out of a potential bind. After all, sometimes you don’t know how to describe where you are. It’s much easier to use your phone’s location tools to quickly provide relevant parties with information.

Check-In Apps

Some people have medical conditions that require constant control. Diabetes is a good example. If you fail to manage your blood sugar levels, it can lead to coma and death.

This reality has led to the development of a host of powerful check-in apps. The idea here is incredibly simple. The app notifies you at specific times of the day and then you respond, effectively “checking in.” Usually, all you need to do is push a big check mark, and that’s that.

If you fail to check in, the app automatically notifies selected contacts. They can then check on you or contact medical professionals.

Medication Reminder Apps

How many times have you forgotten to take your medications? It probably happens more often than you care to remember.

Taking medications on time and in the right doses is essential. If you get it wrong, you could put yourself at risk of serious medical complications.

That’s why multiple apps, including Medisafe Reminder, are now available that help you remember to take your meds when you need them. These offer simple alters and will often pester you until you confirm that you confirm that you’ve taken the right dose.

Apps also tell you whether there are any potential interactions between the various drugs that you take. If there are, you’ll get a warning.   

BRB downloading these now from the App Store ;)

The conversation around mental health issues and society’s understanding of it have grown exponentially over the years. Of course, if you experience long-term or serious symptoms of anxiety and depression, seeking expert advice is vital, but during moments when we experience low points in our lives, finding ways to restore our mental wellness should be top priority. Here are some helpful suggestions.

Take care of your physical wellness

Physical health and mental health are very closely linked. So, if you fail to pay attention to your body, it’s likely that your mind will suffer too. Staying physically active is a crucial step, which is why you should get your workout outfits out once more. Even a few minutes of running, yoga, or swimming can reduce stress and release endorphins. Eating the right foods (and avoiding ones that cause digestive issues) will have an immensely positive influence too. When combined with actively protecting yourself against viruses, staying in a more positive mindset will be easy.

I am happy that restrictions have eased up in my condo village and we can use the pool again. We're aiming to swim at least twice a week. 

Focus on human interactions

Other people hold the key to our long-term happiness. So, creating magical memories with the people you love will promote improved mental wellness. Meeting new people is another step that drives better results. Party phone lines are a great example of how a little flirting can severely bolster your mindset and confidence. As well as the added attention, you may find that it develops into a relationship. On a different note, you should always try to form more meaningful friendships at work. After all, you will probably spend more time with them than your closest pals.


Sleep better

A good night’s sleep will enhance your daily life in many ways. For starters, it means beginning and ending each day in style. However, it will also regulate the cortisol stress hormone. Most adults should aim for 7-9 hours each night, but it is equally crucial to get quality sleep. The REM stage is where this happens, which is why avoiding the blue light of smartphones and other devices is crucial. It’ll help you drift off and enjoy a better quality of sleep each night. When you get this right, you should see a noticeable change within a few weeks. This is something I should keep in mind, too. 

Find a hobby to devote your time to

I love cooking and baking because I am able to shut the world out. All that matters are my batter and baking pans. Last weekend I was able to bake a Basque Burnt Cheesecake for the first time, and I am so proud of it because it's so delicious!

I used to be intimidated because this is so expensive to buy, so I thought it would be too complicated for a newbie baker like me. Turns out it was easier to bake than my cake recipes because it didn't need frosting or any other extra stuff! So good! I am excited to make this again.

More importantly, remember that not all hobbies need to be monetized.

Stop over-complicating life

Millions of people suffer as a result of needlessly overcomplicating their lives. When you do this, it’s likely that you will focus on aspects that are not going as well as you’d like. It is a natural part of human psychology to do this. Therefore, keeping things simple is the key to success. Focus on staying on top of issues that are under your control. This could mean getting your finances in good health, organizing the home, or building a better work-life balance. When you learn to appreciate the positives in your life, you will feel calmer. Working on what matters in your life is vital too. We all need to feel like we are on a positive journey.

You got this. :)

I was browsing my phone for old photos the other day and I came across our Singapore travel pics from the last time we were able to go, pre-pandemic. I didn't expect the wave of nostalgia hitting me, I just miss airports and being in an airplane so much. :(

I know we all love the idea of traveling. And on our travels, we may want to try out new things, be adventurous, even maybe a bit of danger along the way. Everyone loves an adrenaline rush. But most people (I’m assuming) don’t want to be hurt. We want the best of both worlds; adrenaline, danger but not too much danger. Let’s have a look at some of the most exciting and shall we say, dangerous (but not too dangerous) activities there are to do around different countries on your travels!

 

Ireland

Ireland isn’t just known for its green fields and leprechauns, it also is the home for many tourist attractions with one of the most interesting being Todds Leap. It is situated in the North of Ireland, in a small town called Moneymore. This is the perfect spot for an adrenaline junkie who wants excitement and feels dangerous but is actually perfectly safe at all times! Have fun in crazy activities such as ZipLines, Giant Swings, Paint Balling, Blindfold Driving and even Off Road Driving. All whilst returning at the end of the day, safe and alive!

USA

The States you can imagine take adrenaline and danger to a whole new level. Some of the activities here people go to purely for the danger aspect, minus the safety being considered, all for the Gram right? Find yourself amongst these crazy things to do such as; Free Fall into the Grand Canyon on a Giant Swing, Motorcycle through the fastest highways in the state but you may want to consider having a motorcycle accident attorney close by for this one, and lastly you can even travel to space if you can spare a couple of thousands of dollars! You will never be short or stuck for an adventure in the States!

Australia

Again, a country filled to the brim with Adventure and a bonus; warm weather all the time! What more could you want? Travel around Australia’s East Coast at any time of the year. Partake in snorkelling, scuba diving, its amazing Fraser Island but watch out for the dingos! They would be sure to give you a sense of danger and sometimes a fear for your life, sound dangerous enough? Just keep your dingo stick close by and all will be peachy! Take a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, just don’t look down! All of these activities also are monitored and organised by a reliable and safe team around you, so once again you can feel dangerous and also be safe! The perfect combination.

Asia

Asia is amazing. Take a six-week break in Thailand. Go to an elephant sanctuary. Stay on water log cabins. Eat Asian food. Go and try out yoga. Thailand can be adventurous in a whole different way. You can make it as face paced or as slow paced as you like but it should definitely be on your BucketList, it is truly amazing. Don't believe me? Just look at these baby elephants.

The list of places to travel for an adventure is ongoing, there are new places being discovered every day and sometimes it’s better to actually go and find the less popular tourist spots and find your own special place. The world is unimaginably big and if you want an adventure all you have to do is take that leap of faith and go find it. Nobody to travel with? Go alone anyway. Scared of heights? Go on a bungee jump. Scared of water? Swim in the sea.

We all need to step outside our comfort zones, that's where all the magic happens!

However, what we always want to keep in mind when travelling, may it be alone, with a friend or partner, in a group of twenty. No matter what the situation, we always want to stay safe. There is always going to be a safe option for whatever adventure it is you want to go on. It might take a little longer to sort it, or a little more effort but in reality it is your life you have to think about first and foremost. You want to go on your travels and adventure and still live to tell the tale! Research your ideas, plan ahead, have a plan for afterwards if anything did go wrong, speak to a professional if you need help with anything before or afterwards and mainly and most importantly, be safe!

Have an amazing time! :)

I advocate for taking out insurance so that whatever may happen in the future, you and your loved ones are protected. I have two of my own, and I am almost done paying for the first one I took out. I guess what turns people off are the tendency of some financial advisors to resort to fear mongering just to sell insurance. But for me, an insurance is important and it is one thing you buy that you hope you do not get to use any time soon.

My Narwhal mug wishing you a safe and happy day

Anyway, if you have health insurance, you probably already know that it can be frustrating to have to use it, especially if your insurance doesn't cover the full cost of your treatment. For those times when your personal health insurance is not enough, there are a few exceptions that allow for additional assistance. Consider purchasing additional insurance so that you don't have to rely solely on your expensive personal health insurance.

 

Travel

To ensure that you are covered while traveling, you should purchase additional travel insurance. In the event of an emergency while abroad, many people are forced to remortgage their homes. Travel insurance is relatively inexpensive, even when you're covering yourself for medical reasons as well, so it's always a good idea to spend a little money in order to save a lot of money later on. Medical intervention in foreign countries can be extremely expensive, so don't take any chances and insure yourself.

In some cases, if your injury or illness is only minor, your health insurance may not even be impacted, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Vehicle Collisions

If you are involved in a car accident that was not your fault, it is the responsibility of the driver who caused the accident to compensate you out of their own pocket. It is the same rule even if you are only a passenger in the car; the 'at fault' driver would be liable to pay for your medical expenses if you were injured.

When you're signing up for car insurance, it's a good idea to check to see if your policy covers this. If it's something you're particularly concerned about, make sure the insurance policy you're about to purchase will cover you in the event that something happens. But keep in mind that if you're at fault, you're looking at a hefty fine. Additionally, if you are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (even if the accident is not your fault), your insurance policy may no longer cover you for the accident.

However, if the accident was caused by bad weather or something else that wasn't your fault, but no one else was at fault, you'll likely have to file a claim against your own insurance policy. To avoid being accused of causing an accident, it is best to exchange insurance information and proceed from there, rather than risk being blamed for it by both of the drivers involved. If you are blamed for something you haven’t done you’ll need effective car accident attorneys to help dispute the accusations.

Outside the House

Bad things can happen outside of your home that aren't your fault at times as well. This usually occurs when a pavement is unsafe, or when a dangerous open manhole hasn't been properly marked, and you end up getting hurt.

The first thing you should do is report the injury to your local council and let them know you intend to file a claim. As a result, they'll either guide you through the process of obtaining your claim, or point you in the right direction.

Situations like this frequently result in litigation, so be prepared to represent yourself in court or, if you prefer, hire a friend or family member to represent you. There is, of course, the option of hiring an attorney, but the compensation you receive after other fees and expenses may be insufficient to cover the cost of the attorney.

Also, keep in mind that if you require immediate medical attention, you'll need to notify your health insurance company. This could increase your insurance costs. When pursuing a claim against your local council, keep in mind that they always have a way to avoid paying compensation, so make sure you're absolutely certain that they were in the wrong before pursuing it.

Be Careful

That, of course, is a lot easier said than done. If you're concerned about your insurance premiums rising, it may be a good idea to steer clear of anything that could be dangerous. Having your home's maintenance and repairs done by a professional will ensure that nothing breaks and injures you. It's just as important to have your car repaired by a licensed mechanic to ensure that it's safe to drive.

The best strategy if you don't want to use your medical insurance is to avoid risk as much as possible. Remember that accidents can happen at any time and in any place. Spend a little money to save a lot of money (and possibly your life).  

Polka dot dress and purple boots for Clozette's annual review and planning

Purple dress and Melissa x Viktor and Rolf when we got J's new phone

Peach and teal for my passport renewal appointment

What I severely need right now are exercise and running shoes. I have my roller skates, yes, but I need running shoes for when I [attempt to] work out. Experienced runners and beginners alike will vouch for the fact that a decent pair of shoes can make all the difference when you start running. The incorrect shoes are likely to not only influence your running performance negatively but will also put you at risk of injury. Investing in a pair of shoes that are designed to accommodate your specific running needs is a move you will never regret, and yes - the extra money IS worth it. The right cushioning and enough support will protect your feet for many runs to come - after all, injury avoidance is the one thing that you can rely on to keep you on the road for longer, so why not start with your shoes? Here are some tips!

Do your research before buying

Visit any of the Asics stores in Australia, and you will be amazed at the technology that goes into running shoes. Whether your preference is for long-distance running, midway distances or even sprinting, the consideration that goes into the design of each type of shoe is jaw-dropping. The more you know about your feet, how they are constructed and how they move, the better results you can expect from the shoes you end up with.

Understanding gait

Having your gait analyzed is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as a runner. Yet again, Asics stores in AU will come to the rescue with their skill and expertise - simply ask them to help you get a better understanding of your gait, and they will help guide you to the solution. Knowing what your pronation style is can go a very long way in the decision-making process. This is because pronation refers to how your foot moves from side to side when it is in motion, and knowing this is the secret to knowing what shoes you need.

As for the ideal fit, it turns out that grandma’s advice still holds - the width of a thumb in front of your big toe is the recommended amount of space allowance in running shoes. The reason for this is that your feet swell when you are in motion while running, and this natural expansion calls for some space allowance. Of course, it goes without saying that with running shoes, how they feel is more important than what they look like.

Knowing the difference between ride and weight

Ride refers to how the shoes are built, and how it accordingly feels on the feet of the wearer. Remember that the ride, your gait, and the terrain you like to run on all affect your overall running experience. When it comes to the weight of a running shoe, however, a lightweight shoe will give you a good speed performance, but if you need a shoe with more support, rather sacrifice the lightweight feeling for something slightly heavier, and which will give you the support you need.

The general rule is that lighter shoes are better for speed, while heavier shoes tend to be so due to extra built-in features, such as extra support or stability. Regardless of what construction type you need, you should bear in mind that comfort and a secure fit are vital, no matter what shoe you choose. Any discomfort on a running shoe can be amplified into a major annoyance or even an injury in a very short time.

In addition to providing a stable substrate, the upper of whichever shoes you pick should also provide stability, flexibility, breathability, and structure to the overall motion. The choice of materials for each component will also make a difference. However, the materials used in the construction of the shoe should never hamper your ability to move, so make your choice wisely!

Why the right shoes matter

At the end of the day, your shoes should be supportive of your running, and not put you off from the activity. The chemistry between a runner and the right running shoes is unbeatable, and with the right pair in hand, you can look forward to many years of passionate pursuit of this healthy and rather addictive hobby! Put in the time you need to do your homework, and take advantage of a great pair of well-considered shoes.  

Who doesn’t love a quick fix? How about a quick upgrade? Movies, especially those teen dramas from the early 2000s were all about making upgrades through changes in appearance. It mostly came down to fashion. While fashion is a fantastic way to make an upgrade on an appearance, it’s important to know that it’s not the only thing either. There isn’t exactly just some holy grail to beauty or attractiveness like you may want to think. Garments are not a magical potion and there is a lot more that needs to be put into consideration when trying to do a glow-up on yourself. These are some fantastic ways to boost your appearance without fashion. 

Start off with the hair

I guess now is a good time as any to debut my new hair.

This took my friend Des five hours because my hair is so thick and there were too many sections, but Colourette's Bleach Cloud did not fry my hair at all! I am thinking I need another bleaching session to lighten my hair further though, but after that I will color it pink or violet! I can't decide yet!

BUT note that this doesn’t mean you have to cut your hair, color it, or even attempt to change the texture. All hair is beautiful, but sometimes there needs to be some small changes to boost an appearance. As we age, hairstyles that once looked great on us can tend to fade. Meaning as our faces age some hair cuts or style will gradually become less flattering. You may want to put your age, hair texture, and the shape of your face into consideration. Subtle layers are fantastic for adding character, sometimes all it takes is a bit of teasing to make it voluminous, or even just change how your hair frames the face. This can be done with a haircut or how you choose to style your hair, such as with hair scarves.

Posture

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of posture to look incredible. Posture can help in making your back and other muscles feel better, but it can also make your clothes look better. Adjusting your posture helps in transforming how the garment is draped on you. This not only boosts your confidence, but it can even have the power of stating the type of emotion you’re evoking without having to say a word. It makes you look taller, healthier, and a bit thinner if that’s something you’re after. Having good posture is something that makes a bit of time and it includes doing some exercises to help in staying more conscious about it. 

Try out accessories

While accessories can be a part of fashion, they don’t entirely have to be. Sometimes all it takes to improve an appearance and build some confidence can be some accessories. Whether you’re wanting some piercings such as labret studs, something for your neck, or even your hair, it all has really helped in making an improved appearance.

Your skin

You’ve probably seen plenty of videos on Instagram and TikTok of people strongly encouraging you to develop a skincare routine. They’re completely right about that. Skincare routine is one of the best ways to learn about beauty products and how they can help with graceful gaining. This also includes exercising, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, using luxury skin products, as well as consuming healthy foods. It’s best to give your skin a visual boost and doing so can lead to decades of confidence thanks to having a healthy routine for your skin.  

When it comes to how you feel about yourself, it has a significant impact on how you live and interact with others. If you are self-assured, you tend to perceive yourself positively and truly like spending time with and around other individuals. You don't feel self-conscious or embarrassed in social situations, which allows you to live your life to the fullest and happiest extent possible. But it is thought that 85% of people suffer from low self-esteem at some point in their lives, so if you are struggling, you are not alone.

Confidence is taking photos right outside my unit using just my phone and its self timer

I experienced this right after I experienced a major heartbreak many years ago. The toxicity of that non-relationship led me to doubt myself and caused my self-esteem to crash. I used to be outgoing in school, but that incident affected me and my mental health negatively. I am so glad and relieved to be out of the woods. 

Those who find themselves suffocating in a sea of self-doubt, hesitation, and shyness tend to retreat and separate themselves from others, avoiding interactions and connections with other people. Your social anxiety, which you feel in the pit of your stomach when you are with people, is causing you to be much less productive and is detrimental to your emotional health and overall well-being. If you lack self-confidence or have friends or family members who lack confidence, you must take steps to improve your situation.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparisons aren't good, whether you're comparing how you appear to your pals on Facebook or comparing your wage to your friend's income. In fact, according to a 2018 study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, there is a direct correlation between feelings of envy and how you feel about yourself.

According to the findings of the study, persons who compare themselves to others develop feelings of envy. And the more they were envious of others, the more self-conscious they became.

Remind yourself of your own accomplishments and talents if you find yourself feeling jealous of someone else's life. Consider keeping a gratitude notebook regularly to help you stay focused on your own life rather than the lives of others.

Focus On Others

If you are low on confidence, self-conscious, nervous and shy in social situations, focus your attention on other people and what they are saying or doing instead of your own awkwardness.

For example, think about what is interesting about the person who’s the centre of the party or the guy or girl you are talking with. Prompt them to talk more about themselves and be genuinely interested in what they say. You will instantly come across as confident and warmhearted.

People generally want to talk about themselves, be heard and understood. They will love it when you’re eager and willing to listen to them and really listen to what they have to say.

This habit of focusing more on what you love in others instead of what you dislike in yourself will help you become more assertive and comfortable in virtually all social situations and instantly make you feel great about yourself.

Change Your Look

You don't need to make drastic changes, but you can benefit from treating yourself to something new that you have coveted for a while now. Maybe you want a new pair of boots, or you bought some Body Jewellery Online for your piercings. Wear the item, make yourself feel good and use this confidence boost you help you get through the day.

An excellent tip for challenging situations is to pamper yourself beforehand; if you feel comfortable and confident in your skin, you will instantly feel better when approaching circumstances that affect your confidence. Avoid choosing outfits that you don't feel comfortable in, as this will have the opposite effect on your confidence.

Alternatively, completely overhauling your style can offer you a chance to overcome your anxiety issues, build your esteem, and reinvent yourself, almost like shedding old skin and growing into a new one. 

Surround Yourself With Positivity

Pay close attention to how people around you make you feel about yourself. Do your family and friends help you to grow or hinder your progress? Do they continuously pass judgement on you, or do they embrace you for who you are as an individual?

The individuals with whom you spend most of your time significantly influence your ideas and attitudes about yourself than you may realize. If you feel self-conscious after spending time with someone, it may be time to separate ways.

As a reflection of this, you want to share this positivity with others too. People are more receptive to others, especially those more introverted if they have nine things to say about others. So build up those around you with compliments and see how it is received and reciprocated to give you a quick confidence boost when you need it.

Look After Yourself

How much do you pay attention to your body and what it needS? How you treat yourself to ensure you are fit and healthy can play a massive part in your self-esteem and confidence. Chances are, if you are sleeping poorly and eating the wrong foods, you won't feel so great within yourself. In turn, this will knock down your confidence.

Pay close attention to the foods you eat, how much exercise and fresh air you get, and your sleeping routines. It would be best to aim for around 7-9 hours of sleep each night at regular, consistent times and eat a healthy balanced diet. Everything in moderation is the key to a good diet, eating plenty of more nutritious foods, reducing processed foods and high sugar foods, and drinking around eight glasses of water per day. Doing so will improve your general health, help you feel more alert, and support your body to work on your confidence without running down due to bad lifestyle choices.

Practice Being Assertive

Being assertive is about acknowledging and respecting the ideas and needs of others but also demanding the same in return. An effective strategy is to observe other people who are forceful and then mimic their actions.

It's not about pretending to be someone you aren't when it comes to this. Learning from those you admire while allowing your true self to shine through is what it is all about.

Learn to Say No

People with poor self-esteem frequently feel obligated to say yes to others, even if they do not honestly want to, mostly because they fear rejection.

Saying no does not generally cause problems in interpersonal interactions. But you run the risk of being overloaded, resentful, angry, and depressed due to your experience. It can be beneficial to keep saying no, but in different ways, until they get what you're trying to express.

Accept Yourself

Being aware of your own identity begins with the realization that no two people are the same and that no single social environment is appropriate for everyone. Everyone is endowed with their own set of distinct abilities and ways of expressing themselves. Take pride in yours! When it comes to one-on-one and small group conversations, you might not be as brave and confident as you would be in a larger group. 

Introverts, for example, exude calm confidence that is, regrettably, sometimes mistaken for shyness by those around them. They are naturally reserved and prefer to spend their time by themselves. In exchange for this inherent propensity, they are endowed with specific unique abilities, such as the capacity to listen more attentively and notice things that others do not.

Your individuality serves as both a source of strength and competitive advantage. The fact is that you will not be comfortable and confident in all circumstances at all times. Accept this and allow yourself to shine when you can not criticize yourself for being like others in different situations.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Albert Einstein

Find Something You Enjoy

Exercise, reading, music, riding a bicycle or going fishing are all examples of activities that you should engage in regularly that you actually enjoy, and that brings you genuine happiness. This will, in turn, strengthen your self-belief and increase your confidence by orders of magnitude. It will increase your self-esteem, calm your ego, and allow you to identify with your unique traits and talents.

It is possible that you will not become popular for doing what you enjoy, and it is even possible that you will not desire to become popular at all. Being popular doesn't make you happy; instead, doing what you enjoy makes you happy.

Fake It 'Til You Make It

When it comes to boosting your self-esteem and confidence, it won't be an overnight change; forcing yourself to do things you aren't comfortable with can backfire. Especially if you push too hard, take things slowly, reinforce the changes you want to make and congratulate yourself when you make positive changes.

Fake it 'til you make it is a phrase used by many people in different contexts but in this situation faking your confidence and self-esteem can help you gain what you are looking for and give you a boost when you need it the most. And before long, you will realize you aren't faking it anymore.  

I know, right? The last time I went hiking was when I was 16 years old, as a requirement for COCC trainees and CAT Officers in high school. I cursed every step I took, to think I trained for it so I was prepared. I was ready. And then I realized hiking is not for me.


But maybe it's for you! The idea of taking up hiking can sound daunting as there’s a lot to think about, but they say if you get the basics right it can be a really enjoyable and stress-free hobby. You don’t really need any special skills to hike; you simply need to know how to read a map, plan a route, and enjoy getting out and about and walking. It’s fun, exciting, and good for both your mental and physical health.

Whether you've always wanted to try hiking or the pandemic and working from home has made you more keen to get out and about regularly, hiking can be really great for your mental health, as well as your physical health.

If you’re keen to start hiking but don’t really know where to begin, it can seem a little overwhelming, but the truth is that it’s easier to get started than you might think. It’s simply a case of preparing properly and making sure that you have everything that you need to make hiking safe and enjoyable.

 

Wondering what you need to get started when it comes to hiking and how to enjoy the new hobby safely? Below is a guide to everything that you should know!

Invest in the right gear

One of the most important aspects of hiking - and any outdoor activity - is that you invest in the right gear. The last thing that you want is to be caught out without the right equipment, so making sure that you have everything that you need is extremely important. What that means is taking the time to work out what the essentials are for hiking - usually, walking boots are a must, but what else do you need?

It’s a good idea to do plenty of research to find out what the most essential items are - you can also opt to ask other hiking enthusiasts what their must-have items are. You might also find that websites like ECOGEAR FX are useful for sourcing essential outdoor activity items, so are worth taking a look at.

Plan your routes

When you first start out hiking, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of planning your routes. As a newbie hiker, there’s a lot to think about when route planning, so you might find it helpful to research some tried and tested routes to try out. There are lots of websites that can help with this - so it’s worth taking the time to have a look around.

Another option as a new hiker is to consider joining a hiking group, where you can enjoy some different walks as part of a group. This ensures that you’re hiking safely and are able to learn as much about hiking as possible. When done incorrectly, hiking - like any outdoor sport - can become dangerous, so it pays to gain an insight into the ins and outs of hiking.

There you have it, a guide to how to take up hiking and how you can ensure that you love getting out and about exploring.

As for me, I am so out of shape as the only exercise I get these days is by walking to the clubhouse to pick up deliveries. -_- Showing proof of life here as J and I dropped by 7-Eleven for a quick coffee and snacks fix.

How are you? I hope you are doing well and keeping safe. :)

Even before the pandemic shut the world down and majority of businesses adapted by making employees work from home, my former workplace enforced Work Anywhere Wednesdays wherein if you do not have office meetings on Wednesdays, you can, well, work anywhere. I used to not care for it because during the first few times I tried to work from home, I always ended up falling asleep LOL. But now that I have gotten used to working from home, you cannot make me go to the office ever again. I used to think I needed a physical office to give structure to my day, but now I do not think I can ever function in the old method ever again.

There are so many factors that you should be looking to improve upon when you are trying to make the most of working from home. This is one of the most effective forms of being able to maintain a successful career, and there are a lot of benefits of being able to work from home as much as possible. 

Now, there are plenty of hacks that you need to make sure you keep in mind if you are serious about enhancing the work from home experience. Sharing some of the best hacks you can use that will help you to work from home more effectively right now.

Structure Your Day

Structure is such a huge part of your working day, and this is something that you need to try. Having some sort of structure and organization can help you significantly when it comes to the process of improving and enhancing your working day. You have to make sure you focus on doing as much as you can to improve this process and to make sure you work from home as effectively as possible. Some people use the Pomodoro technique while others log time blocks on their daily calendars. Different strokes for different folks, find a method that works for you.

Make Sure Your Computer is Fully Functional

Making sure your computer is fully functional is one of the most important elements of working from home. This is something that can play a massive role in helping you to be more productive and efficient. In order to achieve this you have to make sure you look at things like what to do with your Mac if you can’t update it, or how to optimize Windows to allow you to enjoy your computer’s best performance. 

Remove Distractions

Distractions are a menace when you are trying to work from home more productively, and this is something that you need to try to make the most of moving forward. Try to come up with some of the best ideas that you can use that will help you focus more on your work. Everyone’s work from home situation is different, and removing distractions is a vital part of being successful with this. As for me, I guess it helps that I moved out and I do not have a TV in my apartment.

Use Productivity Tools

Using productivity and workflow tools such as Strict Workflow or Trello is a great way of being able to improve how productive you are by blocking websites and social media that can prove to be distractions. Productivity is one of the key areas of working from home that you have to try to make sure you get right, and it is important to ensure that you come up with tips that will help you to be more productive each day. 

There are a lot of things that will help you when it comes to improving your work from home experience, and this involves taking a lot of steps that will help you improve the working process. You need to try to focus on taking the right steps to improve and enhance your working life, and these are some of the best hacks you can utilize to allow you to achieve this.   

I woke up today feeling a little bit hopeful, and before noontime I literally burst into tears upon learning of VP Leni Robredo's intent to run for President. The Internet instantly became awash with various shades of pink. She represents so much: empathy, power, resilience, dignity, integrity, but most importantly she has become a beacon of hope for so many.

My work calendar was fully booked but I was able to steal 30 minutes after 6PM to bake some cookies. I guess I changed some time between being 34 and 35 as I display affection now by preparing food. :) I've already tried this recipe last week and it was a huge success so I made it again today, with a little addition. It was an even bigger success so I say it will now be my go to cookie recipe, hence this blog post. It's so easy to make and you can already find most of the ingredients in your pantry. 

I call this Pink Sugar Dreams, cookies with chocolate chips, white chocolate, pink Himalayan salt, and a lot of hope.

INGREDIENTS 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt into a small bowl. Whisk until combined. 
3. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, combine melted butter and sugars. Beat for about 3 minutes until creamy. 
4. Add in egg, egg yolk and vanilla and beat for another 2 - 3 minutes. 
5. Slowly mix in flour by hand or on low speed with your mixer. 
6. Add droplets of pink gel food color, depending on the intensity of color you want on your cookies.
7. Lastly, add in white chocolate chunks and chocolate chips and mix by hand with a spoon. 
8. Chill dough for 30 minutes for easy scooping. 
9. Using a ¼ cup ice cream scoop, place mounds of cookie dough onto baking sheet, leaving plenty of space between the dough. Top with a light sprinkle of pink sea salt. 
10. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until edges are crispy and centre is still a bit soft. 
11. Remove from oven, let sit for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to baking rack to completely cool.

Enjoy! And please register to vote!

Working at home can be challenging for many people. I know this because I used to dread working from home, mistakenly thinking that I needed the structure offered by working in an office. Working from home is doubly hard for parents, especially moms, because imagine working around piles of dirty laundry or having your kids run into you as you work. The ton of distraction and work schedule may not be the best for your productivity. Whether you have been working from home for some time or just getting started, there is always a thing or two you can do to stay motivated and more productive. 

This laptop case never fails to make me smile Purchase it here

Work with a schedule

A structured workday may make it more challenging for you to get hold of time. In most cases, you may find yourself shifting your priorities to work on your home chores. The result may be long working hours. Working from home has blurred the line between working and taking a break. I used to work until 2AM every day at my former job, until I had enough. If you want to stay on top of your work, ensure you create a schedule. Establish when you begin your tasks, take a break, and focus on home chores.

Create a home office 

Do not give in to the temptation of working from your bed or couch. Understandably, working from home comes with flexibility. However, you should not get too comfortable. Create a dedicated workspace where you do all your work-related stuff. Establishing a home office helps you minimize distractions and interferences. My work desk is in my bedroom, but I never sit on it for leisure/ when I'm not working.

Minimize distractions 

There is no denying that getting back to work after an interruption can be very challenging. How many times do you postpone work after receiving a friend’s invitation call? Limiting distractions is the best way to stay motivated and more productive. Mute your phone notifications and emails when working. You may also want to let your family and friends know your working hours to avoid interrupting you.

Take a break

Sometimes changing your environment can make you more productive and motivated. Working from home limits your interactions, meaning no chatting with a next-desk colleague. However, you can take a break from the normal to stay motivated and boost your productivity. For instance, carry your laptop and work while enjoying the fresh breeze from your garden. You can also pack your ergo travel keyboard and head to the nearest park, if there's one nearby. Just make sure to wear your mask.

Prioritize self-care

You work best when you are fresh and relaxed. Instead of forcing your body by working late into the night or multitasking, get that rest to reset and start afresh. Any time you feel overworked and exhausted, take a break to focus on yourself before you resume. You should also reward yourself after every task to stay motivated and productive.

Experiment with different techniques

There are many ways to stay motivated and more productive when working from home. And with many online resources, you can never know what works best for you unless you try them out. Try different strategies to see what works for you. If one does not work, do not hesitate to experiment again until you are certain you have the right recipe.

Working from home is the order of the day. However, this model may not be manageable for everyone. With so much on your plate, you may find it hard to work at your best level. Use these tips to stay motivated and productive when working from home. On top of it, do not ignore physical exercise. Choose the right waist trainer for home workouts or find a fun physical activity, like I did with roller skating. :) Good luck!

I get all these ideas when I'm in the shower, and when I'm lucky I get to write/ type them all down before the words escape me.

via

One of the things I've been obsessed about lately is watching pantry organization videos on TikTok. It makes me want to get all these clear acrylic cases and sort all our food and snacks into a semblance of organization. It kinda makes me wish we got a bigger refrigerator, but I know that we have now is already big enough for J and me. I've never been the organized type of gal in that my style is more like Serenity in Chaos, but these videos make me wish I'm that organized. Heh.

Which brings me to my next point = Compartmentalize.

I throw this word around a lot whenever people ask me for advice about work, about relationships, or about life in general, but it all boils down to this. Compartmentalize.

It's what I did when I overheard my friends in highschool talking about me my behind my back. It's what I did when I had my heart broken and had to see the people who broke it every day at work. It's what I did when there were too many family issues popping up. It's what I did when there was too much toxicity at work and it was affecting how we did our jobs. It's what I am doing now, grieving my Tatay's death, while at the same time living my life to honor him. I let myself feel emotions, then I let them wash over me. There is work to be done. Compartmentalize.

Relationships getting too toxic because of, I don't know, political biases maybe? Cut them off. Life is too short to spend time with the wrong people. Work getting too demanding? Nothing a good ol' to do list can cross off. I acknowledge that hitting the sweet spot of a work-life balance is near impossible to achieve, but I am in my 30s and I have learned to manage my expectations. After all, there can be no work-life balance when you don't have work to begin with.

So, yeah, different drawers, different compartments, different things to deal with. When one aspect of your life gets too challenging, maybe close that drawer for now and open another one, and then just come back to that drawer again later. :)

I love my iPad and my little journaling apps, but nothing beats putting pen to paper. There's a different kind of satisfaction to be had when I physically cross off tasks on my to do list, my jumbled thoughts become clearer, and it is just so easier to manifest things and work towards my dreams when I write them down.

Life lately made me do a lot of rewriting my story, what with moving out and learning to be independent again, changing jobs, and grieving my Tatay's death. Through all these, I had my journal to pour all my thoughts and feelings into.

On its 15th year of providing every planner babe their perfect planner companion, Viviamo is staging #YouGotThis, a planning and journaling summit that will empower you to rewrite your story and move forward with your life even during this pandemic. I still have sweet memories of the Make Today Magical event held back when we could still hold face-to-face events, but I'm sure this online summit will be just as fun and informative!

You may check more information and sign up FOR FREE here. Aside from the freebies you'll receive, when you attend for free, you'll also get to join the raffles peppered throughout the two-day FREE summit!

I have already registered. It's happening this weekend so don't miss out. ;) Register here.

I used to dislike working from home because I always ended up falling asleep in the afternoons. I used to think that I liked the structure that going to a physical office gives me, not to mention being able to socialize with workmates-turned-friends. But now that I have been working from home for more than a year now, I realize that if there is an option to work from home, I would always choose this, mostly because I cannot imagine going through my everyday commute again. Heh. I am blessed to be employed by a company that has a work from home setup, even before the pandemic.

Working from home is a great way to save money, but if you're like who always adds to cart, it can also be expensive. How do you work from home without spending too much? Here are some tips that will help keep our working-from-home costs low.

#1 Skip the commute

By working from home, you can save on your transportation costs. One doesn't realize how much money you spend on gas just going to and from work every day, and how much other things you can do with that money instead! Also, by using your car less, you'll probably save a few bucks on your car insurance as well, seeing as you won't be putting yourself and your vehicle at risk as much as you would've if you had to drive on the freeway twice a day, every day.

#2 Consolidate errands

I really avoid going out as much as possible in that even my groceries, I do online, but if you do happen to need to leave your house during the day, try and consolidate errands into one trip. Not only will this help save gas, but it'll also allow you more time at home! For example, if there's a centre close by that has all the stores you need to do your monthly grocery shopping, try and set aside enough time to slip away for a while and buy everything you need in one outing? The less time spent outside of your working space means fewer distractions and more hours to complete tasks that contribute to earning money.

#3 Free lunch

Who doesn't love free food? If you have a fridge, microwave, and some water to boil things in, there are plenty of recipes that allow for healthy meals at little-to-no cost. Some people buy lunch every day of their lives, whether it be at a nearby food truck that's conveniently located next to the office or even at a coffee shop. Unfortunately, these small expenses add up to quite a bill at the end of each month because it's not as if you can run home to your fridge at lunchtime and have a quick snack. By working from home, you'll be saving on all those coffee and lunch bills, ensuring you have even more money saved each month that you can use to buy other things!

#4 Save on utilities

You may be wondering how you can save on utilities when you're at home more often and use more electricity to work and get everything that's needed done? Well, that's where technology and innovation come in. Now, you can utilize the cost-effective option of solar power to cut your utility bills in half and save tons! Sure, you don't want to spend a bucket load of money on solar panel installations and only start saving a few years down the road when the installation has paid for itself through savings, but that's where this gets even better. You can learn more at www.choosesolar.com and find out how you can reap the fruits of solar energy without needing any solar panels! This is one of my dreams for my future home, too.

By utilizing the above steps, you’ll be saving a ton of money while working from home and amping up your productivity at the same time - it’s a win-win situation! 

Do you have any more work from home tips? Let me know! :)

In yet another failure of our governance to provide hope in this seemingly never ending quarantine, the other best thing we can do aside from demand more from our leaders and vote better in the coming elections is explore other interests. These are truly stressful times and if I did not have anything else to divert my attention to, I would have gone crazy. I am listing here some activities you can do in our nth form of quarantine.

Skating

Thanks to J's sister C and her forming a skating squad, I took an interest in roller skating. It's a really fun activity whether you are just practicing on your own or trying to find some friends at the park, or, in my case, skating with a squad. Heh. My dream skates arrived the other day, and I cannot wait to dress her up!

Look at my Luna Princess!

B-E-A-UTIFUL!!

Start a Blog

It's easy to start a beauty blog, really. What's challenging is maintaining it. But I guess if you are passionate about sharing what you know and experience, then you should be okay. Look at this blog, it's been here for more than a decade now. :)

Learn New Recipes

One thing that I am proud of is that I was able to learn how to cook! If I can do it, believe me, so can you. Quarantine isn't the time to let your creativity die. It's a great time to try something new. if you have been itching to learn how to cook, now is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Try learning how to cook a new dish each week. Make sure you ask your friends and family what they like or don't like when it comes to food so that way you can make recipes for the whole family, or if you live alone you can prep ahead for the whole week and save so much time and effort!

Host a Virtual Party 

I am an extrovert and I thrive in interpersonal relationships so you bet this quarantine has hit me hard. Hosting a virtual party is a great way to keep yourself and your friends entertained during the quarantine. Invite as many people as possible so that you can play games or watch movies together even though everyone might not be able to meet up in person. Also, make sure someone takes pictures of all the fun things happening at the party. This will help those who couldn't make it feel like they are still part of the fun. This is also a great way to connect with friends and family even when we can't be physically together.

Journaling 

Since you can find yourself in some phase of quarantine you can pen either a journal about what is happening around you or what's going on in your life. You can also write notes to yourself that may be helpful for the future, like how you felt during quarantine and any tips that worked well for you.

It doesn't even have to be very long at all. Two sentences will do. Just write a few quick notes about what you did or thought during your quarantine period. You can always go back and add more later on, too. It's up to you how much detail you want in your journal entries, so feel free to get as detailed as you'd like. Besides, doing something imperfectly is better than not doing it at all.

Take care of a pet

Our front yard has become a home to cats and these adorable kittens, and they will be coming with us to our new home when it's finally built.

Hopefully, this list has given you some ideas on making the most out of your time in isolation or quarantine. Just note that there are tons of other options to explore for those who aren't interested in spending their stay inside playing video games or mindlessly scrolling through social media, although I know we have our owns ways of coping. You are doing amazing. :)