I just came back from a vacation in Boracay with my family for my Mama's 60th birthday, and I am grateful for time spent with family, beach waves, and a proper tan.
Perfect time to try Marian Rivera’s secret to being kutis artista: switching to a more potent version of glutathione: S-Acetyl Glutathione!
Glutathione is well known to be an antioxidant that has additional anti-melanogenic properties. This just means that while it helps our body remain healthy and our immune system in tip-top shape, it also lightens the skin in the process.
But did you know that not all glutathione supplements in the market are one and the same? The most popular type of glutathione in the Philippines is L-glutathione. This type of glutathione still needs to be oxidized in the body for it to be fully absorbed. The second type is called S-Acetyl glutathione. According to clinical studies, it is three times more powerful than L-glutathione since it is accompanied by an acetyl bond. This avoids oxidation and makes the glutathione molecule pass through cells easily, enabling quicker absorption in the body.
Nuwhite is one of the glutathione brands in the Philippines that is formulated with S-Acetyl glutathione, making it more potent and more effective in lightening the skin. Additionally, it contains marine collagen, vitamin E, and sodium ascorbate to further help your skin remain elastic and even toned.
If you want a healthier kutis and embody that “Relax! Ako lang ‘to!” mindset just like Marian Rivera, drink one Nuwhite capsule daily!
Nuwhite is available in Lazada, Shopee, Watsons, and through the Nuwhite website.
Instead of finishing the year strong, why don't we finish the year soft? Why don't we finish the year restful and grateful for making it through yet another crazy cycle on Earth?
I don't even know if people still read blogs nowadays, but as I have always maintained, I am writing for me, for something to look back to in the future, for something to make me smile at the good old days. I saw this quote as I was doom-scrolling the other day and it got me thinking that I haven't updated this blog in a while, and what could be a nice way to say hi than to list down some things I am grateful for?
I am grateful for pretty little things and the purchasing power to buy them with.
Yes, it may sound shallow and materialistic, but it feels nice to reward myself after working hard. It's been a while since I got myself nice things, and these NARS makeup products feel like the perfect year-ender reward.
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| I got myself NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Starwoman, NARS Audacious Lipstick in Rita, and NARS Mini Blush in Orgasm |
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| The POWER that a great red lipstick can wield. Intoxicating. This is NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Starwoman. |
I am grateful for supportive workmates and an excellent go-getter team.
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| Clozette PH Heads |
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| Clozette PH Campaigns team |
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| Me with queens Maxie, Eva Le Queen, and Turing |
The way I audibly gasped the first time I saw Eva Le Queen. STUNNINGGG.
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| I ordered shoes AND backup shoes for the party but they both arrived on the day of the event after I had already left the house. J went to the party and brought my shoes so I was able to wear the cutest monochromatic pink outfit I envisioned. :) |
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| Lunch at Your Local |
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| Coffee at Yardstick |
I guess it comes with age? Whereas before I used to seek adventure, nowadays I am perfectly happy to sit for a nice meal and coffee with people I love. Last Saturday I found out that Yardstick Coffee in Esteban Street, Makati is closing so J and I made a day out of it. We ate out at Your Local with his Mom and had a last coffee at Yardstick.
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It's normal to feel anxious sometimes, but if you're feeling anxious all the time or it's interfering with your day-to-day life, you may have an anxiety disorder. There are many ways to reduce anxiety and feel good fast. Here are some of the best:
Get Moving
Exercise is a great way to reduce anxiety and improve your mood. It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. In addition, exercise can help you sleep better and feel more energized during the day. It also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
So, if you're feeling anxious or down, try going for a walk, run, or bike ride. You may also want to try some other forms of exercise, such as yoga or Pilates. If you don't have time for a full workout, even 10 minutes of exercise can help. So, there's no excuse not to get moving!
Exercise has plenty of benefits beyond reducing anxiety and improving mood. It is also essential for your overall physical health. Moderate exercise can prevent numerous health conditions so there really is no downside to being more active.
Connect With Others
Another great way to reduce anxiety and improve your mood is to connect with other people. When you're feeling anxious, you may want to isolate yourself, but that can actually make things worse. Instead, spending time with friends and loved ones can help you feel more connected and less alone.
In addition, talking about your anxiety with someone who understands can be really helpful. Just knowing that you're not alone in how you're feeling can make a big difference. If you don't have anyone to talk to, there are plenty of online forums where you can connect with others who are going through the same thing.
Find A Hobby That Soothes You
While ignoring anxiety instead of addressing it isn’t always the best idea, you can still gain a great deal of benefit from focusing on tasks you enjoy, as opposed to ruminating on your anxiety and making it worse.
It can be nice to find a hobby that soothes you, from creative writing to sewing or knitting, from learning to do yoga moves to picking up a guitar and learning how to play. Perhaps this could turn from a hobby into a passion, where you’re soon researching the latest loop pedal features and even posting covers to YouTube, more confident thanks to your practice.
With a hobby that soothes you, you have an outlet from your anxiety, and that can be a constructive means of dealing with it.
Get Some Sun
If you're finding it hard to get out and about, try starting small. For example, spend a few minutes each day sitting or walking in your backyard, local park, or other green space. Or, if you live in an urban area, try taking a stroll down a quiet side street or exploring a new neighborhood.
In addition to helping with anxiety and depression, spending time in nature can also improve your physical health. For example, exposure to sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for good bone health. And being active outdoors can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure, and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Speak With Your Doctor About Supplements
If you're looking for a natural way to reduce anxiety, you may want to speak with your doctor about supplements. Some supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and Delta 9 THC, have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
In addition, probiotics are another type of supplement that can help improve your gut health and reduce anxiety. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the ones found in your gut. They can help improve your digestion and reduce inflammation throughout your body.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Several relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood. One popular technique is progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. This can help you to physically and mentally relax.
Other relaxation techniques include deep breathing, visualization, and mindfulness meditation. You can find instructions for these and other relaxation techniques online or in books.
Get Enough Sleep
Another important way to reduce anxiety and improve your mood is to get enough sleep. When you're tired, your body and mind are more stressed, which can worsen anxiety. Ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
If you have trouble sleeping, you can do a few things to help. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, establish a regular sleep schedule, and create a relaxing bedtime routine. In addition, try to avoid working or using electronic devices in bed.
Anxiety can be a difficult thing to deal with. However, there are several things you can do to reduce anxiety and improve your mood. These include getting enough sleep, connecting with others, spending time in nature, and practicing relaxation techniques. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if you're struggling with anxiety.
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." This famous quote by Confucius rings true for many people, and to be honest this used to help me in my decisions when I was younger. Looking at it now though, I know that it is possible to enjoy what you do even though you do not necessarily love it, and I think that it is important to acknowledge that. If you can find a career that meshes well with your lifestyle, then by all means do so, it's great that you'll be able to enjoy every minute of it! There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a career.
I used to dream of being a writer. A profession in PR used to be so different when I was still in college, so I didn't even consider it, but now I am thriving.
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| So proud of my team |
However, some careers are more suited to particular lifestyles than others. If you're the type of person who values independence and freedom, you may want to consider a career directly linked to your lifestyle. Here are a few examples of such careers.
If You Love To Travel
A career in tourism can offer a wonderful opportunity to travel and see the world. If you are passionate about exploring new cultures and meeting new people, working in tourism can be a great way to turn your passion into a profession. Many jobs are available in the tourism industry, from tour guides to hotel managers, so you can easily find a role that suits your skills and interests. Best of all, a career in tourism can offer the opportunity to travel to some of the most amazing places on earth. So if you love to travel, why not consider a career in tourism? It could be the perfect way to simultaneously see the world and earn a living.
If You're Always Active
If you're always on the go, a career as a personal trainer could be the perfect fit. As a personal trainer, you would be responsible for helping clients achieve their fitness goals. This would involve designing and leading workout programs, providing motivation and support, and monitoring progress. To succeed in this field, you need to be extremely organized and have a passion for health and fitness. In addition, building relationships with clients is essential, as many people need personal trainers to stay on track. So, if you're looking for a career that will allow you to help others while staying active yourself, consider doing your certification online and becoming a personal trainer.
If You're Interested In Fashion
A career in fashion can be both rewarding and overwhelming. With so many different styles and trends to keep track of, it's essential to have a strong sense of personal style. A stylist or personal shopper helps their clients find clothing that looks good and feels good. Understanding the client's lifestyle and budget is necessary to make the best choices for them. A career in fashion is perfect for someone creative, organized, and passionate about helping others look their best.
If You Love Working With People
If you love working with people, a career in health care or education can be gratifying. These fields may be a good fit if you enjoy working with people and helping others. Health care workers provide vital services to patients, families, and communities. They work to promote health and well-being and to prevent illness and injury. Education professionals play a critical role in preparing young people for success in school and life. They help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to reach their full potential. If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others, consider a career in health care or education.
In Conclusion
No matter your lifestyle, there are many careers to choose from that will perfectly match who you are and what you love to do. Good luck!
If you read the Harry Potter series, you may remember Amortentia, which in their lore is the most powerful love potion in the world. What I found interesting about it is that it is supposed to smell differently according to who sniffs it, depending on what they find attractive. I remember wondering what it would smell like for me, and I guess for me it would smell like a kitchen with freshly baked bread, old pages of books, and coffee.
What are your favorite scents? Scents have the power to transform our day in a snap, and there’s a whole science to back that up. Our sense of smell is connected to the same part of the brain that is also responsible for our perception, emotions, and memories. This is the reason why a simple whiff of jasmine can help lift our mood in an instant or send us back to a time spent with a special someone who may have used a similar scent in the past, whether it happened two or 20 years ago. At a time and in an environment where stressors are all around, it’s time for us to tap into the power of scents and make them part of our daily life.
Danarra offers an array of relaxation essentials –Relaxentials, if you will--with fine, subtle, and unique fragrances. Packaged in handy roll-on bottles, they are small enough to carry in your pocket or in a pouch along with your other self-care and beauty essentials. It's a spa-to-go!
Classic Mint. Nothing quite matches the soothing power of peppermint and eucalyptus on a tired day. Both these notes are infused in this classic fragrance that leaves you refreshed and relaxed with every application.
Lavender. Whether it’s a quick lunch nap at the office or catching up on sleep during the weekends, this scent will help summon those much-needed Zzzzzzzs.
Green Tea. From the commute to work, meeting deadlines at the office, to concentrating on that documentary on Netflix, we need focus to get things done. A dab of this scent pulls your attention to where it’s supposed to be.
Flowery Citrus. The power of these two notes in one fragrance is everything you’ll need for an optimistic day ahead. Flowers and citrus are up there among the best mood-lifters, reminding you of sunshine and summer no end.
Young. When you’re young, you want to be everywhere. Keep your vibe fresh, and fun in any get together with friends with this scent.
Sports. If you’re always outdoors and active, sweating it out in the gym or on the jogging track then this energizing and refreshing marine scent should be worn as often as your Fitbit or wrist pedometer.
Look at me giving cooking tips. ;p Spending time in the kitchen is great fun, especially when you are feeling inspired. There are so many different meals you can prepare and cook, and once you are done cooking you can then move into preparing desserts - this is especially useful when hosting guests, which I love doing. For a lot of people, they enjoy making new things and trying different recipes, for example, this African chakalaka recipe in an instant pot. Although it may look complicated, once you start breaking down the recipe, it’s easily done.
My Instant Pot is my bestie
Are you looking for simple ways to improve your cooking? From making sure you use the correct ingredients to using sharper knives and pulling out the recipe book, below is our guide on simple ways to improve your cooking.
Ingredients matter
A rookie error a lot of cooks make when starting out is not realizing the importance of including every ingredient in a recipe. Each ingredient has its own characteristics, which add certain dynamics to a dish. Without it, you are essentially changing the flavor profile of the dish instantly. It’s also worth noting that good quality ingredients matter. If you haven’t got the budget, purchase affordable ones but in some instances, make sure you are buying good quality ingredients like fresh herbs or good quality meat - you can really tell the difference if not.
Try when cooking
When making a sauce for your spaghetti bolognese or making a creamy sauce for your carbonara, make sure you are trying the sauces as you are adding the ingredients to them. We’ve seen it happen many times, the chef just adds ingredients to their sauce without knowing how it tastes. By doing this, how do you know you need more salt or herbs? It could be that the sauce is perfect how it is but by you adding the new ingredients you change the flavor profile completely and ruin it.
Prepare in advance
Prep is key to a successful meal. If you know you’ve got guests coming round for dinner later, prepare the food now and then cook just before they arrive. By preparing in advance, you take away the stress of having to do it all when they are there - especially when all eyes are on you in the kitchen. You can cut up the vegetables, prepare the herbs, and get the meat ready, this way you just need to cook. Then you can spend more time catching up with your guests and entertaining than cooking.
The above are three simple ways to improve your cooking. Combine all three methods in order to be more efficient when in the kitchen. Try to not stress and give yourself as much time as possible when cooking meals.
What tips do you have for improving your cooking? Are there any tips that you think are more useful than the others? Is there something we have missed that you can share that our readers will benefit from? Let us know in the comment box below. We would love to hear from you. :)
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