Hello, it's been a while. I hope you are doing well. ♡
A lot of things have happened since I last took a peek here, most notable of which are that I moved to a more spacious unit in a better location but also within the same community and I took better care of my health. A little more than a month ago, I started taking pills again to hopefully manage my myoma (yes, I have them again) and I've generally been okay in the sense that I don't get as much mood swings as when I was using another brand years ago, although I have noticed that I now feel more. Every emotion is magnified: happiness, glee, giddiness from being loved, but also sadness, anger, and even anxiety. Last Friday I spent about two hours crying inconsolably because one of my dolls got destroyed. It's exhausting. I always tell J that it's so difficult being a woman, and I mean that each time.
Last night I was able to finish my first book for 2023: Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson.
It's a big deal to me because from being able to read at least two books per month, I seemed to lose my reading mojo and for the whole of 2022 I was only able to read one book. One. And it was a graphic novel! How embarrassing. To be fair, I also reread the entire The Sandman series in time for the Netflix TV show, but rereads do not count.
Anyway, I enjoyed this story because it's about books, authors, the publishing industry, and how the main character Nora finds purpose and navigates her mental health issues. For fans of romance, it's an HFN ending with FilAm author Andrew Santos. Content warning: contemplating suicide.
It was never devastating events that sent Nora's mind spiraling towards a place that scared her. It could be a major change that slowly gnawed at her, or several insignificant moments that piled up and sent her right back to the thoughts that she tried to avoid. She felt sometimes that her mind was always in some state of interacting with these thoughts, whether it was gravitating toward them, trying to move away from them, or pretending they didn't exist. But they were always, always there.
I related with Nora because I recognize feeling stuck. I spent a long time in my previous job waiting for a promotion that didn't come, underpaid even though I was working way past working hours and even on weekends. My situation, career-wise, is so much better now thanks to my huge leap back in 2021, and I couldn't be happier with my current team.
However, there are still days when I feel how easy it would be to just... cease to exist. It could be my PMDD talking; I recognize it's just my brain telling me these things, and I know I will never harm myself, but sometimes the thought of being unalive sounds so tempting. Imagine all your problems disappearing and just floating away into the void, versus feeling all these emotions and dealing with all my issues, how easy it would be. I think of these things, but then almost immediately images of my family and J come to me, and how I wouldn't want them to be subjected to something like that. Not like that, when I lost my Tatay almost two years ago and I am still reeling from the loss.
This should be a celebratory come back post, promising more blog posts in the future, but I don't have it in me to try to be cheerful today. Maybe I can do it tomorrow when I try to write about my current hyper-fixation: Leigh Bardugo's Crows from the Grishaverse.
I hope you are doing well. Well, better than me at least. :)
We work from home, and I only see my workmates once a month during our monthly team lunches. Earlier today, one of my new workmates asked where I buy my clothes as she loves the colorful stuff I wear, and I blushed at the compliment! :)
This is what I was wearing earlier today
Truth be told, I love buying clothes but I need to be mindful because I am not rich and I have a lot of other expenses, so I have learned how to purchase clothes more efficiently.
There are many ways to lower the cost of clothing without compromising style or quality, whether you're on a tight budget or just want to save some money. Here are some suggestions on how to purchase clothing while saving money.
Shop Sales
Shopping during sales is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of clothing. Be sure to check online retailers as well as your favorite stores for seasonal or clearance sales. Buying clothing during sales can help you save a lot of money, and you can frequently find excellent deals on high-quality products.
Thrift Shopping
Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of thrift stores, and for good reason. At a fraction of the cost of buying new, you can find high-quality, gently used clothing. You can find one-of-a-kind items that you can't find anywhere else in thrift stores. Before buying, make sure to carefully inspect the items for wear or damage. As for me, I love thrift-shopping on Instagram and I already have a list of recommended and favorite Instagram shops. Should I make a list?
Buy Out of Season
Purchasing clothing out of season can help you save money. You can purchase winter clothing in the spring or summer clothing in the fall at a lower price because retailers frequently offer discounts on out-of-season stock. Just be sure the items you purchase will remain fashionable when the following season arrives.
Rent Clothes
Recently, renting clothing has become a trend, particularly for special occasions. Renting a high-quality item will save you money compared to purchasing a dress or suit that you will only wear once. This is a fantastic way to try out new brands or fashion trends without having to make a purchase. It's definitely an option when you’re looking for an outfit for a big part or event, for example.
Buy Basic Items in Bulk
You'll always need basic items like t-shirts, socks, and underwear, so buying them in bulk can save money. Search for discounts on these items' multipacks to save money over time. Just make sure to select durable, high-quality items. There are other items you can buy in bulk if you wear them a lot or get through them quickly. For example, jeans manufacturers such as trendsjeans.com offer bulk buying options.
Take Care of Your Clothes
Your clothes' lifespan can be increased with proper care, which will ultimately cost you less money. Avoid putting clothes in the dryer unless the label specifically says it's safe, and adhere to the care instructions on the label. You can learn how to make simple repairs like adding a button or patching a small tear, which will help your clothing last longer.
There are several ways to reduce the cost of clothing without compromising on quality or style. There are many ways to lower the cost of clothing, including shopping at sales, buying necessities in bulk, and renting clothing. You can create a wardrobe that fits your spending limit and personal style by exercising financial restraint and taking good care of your clothing.
Major life update: I am moving to a bigger apartment with a much better view!
J and I have started shopping for stuff for the new unit, and yesterday we put salt, sugar, and rice for good fortune. :)
I guess if it's meant to be then it won't be too challenging. My new landlord is so nice as well and allowed us to rip off the old wallpaper and replace it with new ones.
I can't wait to make more memories in this new space, and cook/ bake more goodies with the new huge kitchen counter space!
And of course, I am so excited to be doing it with J. :)
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.
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