Hello Blog, Goodbye

Hey guys! First of all, I want to apologise for my absence and for not being able to visit your respective virtual spaces. It would be an understatement for me to say that the quarantine got the best of me. So much has  which affected me in so many ways I couldn't even grasp.

   I know some of these are too personal, and I don't mean to start a pity party today but I just want to put you in a proper rendezvous point of where this post is heading.

   There was a time during the quarantine when things are just feeling blurry and crazy. Although there are days when it's all fair and sunny, some days I have pain that demands to be felt. And as negative as it may sound, it's the truth. It's my own truth and I would never want to lie to myself regardless of what others might think.

   Last May, a news came that someone I know who resides in Japan decided to end her life. It was a shocking news and though we may not be the best of best friends, she is part of my life as I am part of hers as of a woven mat. And it is just overwhelming to know how a whole life could be gone in an instant. I feel so sorry about her. The only thing that I could hope for now is for her soul to be in peace wherever it may be.

   It just hit me a lot since I almost lose a significant someone in a failed suicide attempt back when I was a teenager, but let's not talk about it. I consider the case closed. I can't seem to find the proper word for the pain that I have felt especially knowing that there are others who lose their family from it. I really hope it doesn't happen to anyone else.

     It was also during this quarantine when my anxiety level got so high and I started having skin allergies where I would scratch my skin and left it with some wounds. I don't know why it happened since these days it is also impossible to find a doctor knowing that there is an ongoing pandemic and our city is still in quarantine. It's been almost five months since we are in quarantine and just like anybody else, I am not used to this kind of situation. I'm also not able to work since schools were shutdown and it's also impossible to find a new work which doesn't include physical contact. Basically speaking, I am often in my bedroom. I feel like I was just sleeping most of the time for the month of June. I am coping by doing something creative but there are just times when I couldn't force myself to pick a paint brush or sharpen my piano skill (a new skill that I am able to learn during the quarantine btw).

    I feel better this month but some things happened which are out of my control. Thankfully, I was offered a part time position for a work that I could manage at home. Our family also managed to celebrate 3 birthdays together. Such things make me feel blessed despite the isolation I felt. This month though, Facebook tagged my blog as a spam for no apparent reasons. I have been blogging for 8 years and have been sharing my posts in my account. Not that I share them daily, only when I feel like sharing a post. I also don't have a page of my own so I am clueless as to why my page is regarded as spam. As you may have seen, I never post any hate speech or nudity or some kind in this space. When it comes to affiliate links, I have double checked them with various (by that I mean a lot) of debugger or spam checkers including Google's which resulted positively which means that my blog is clean. I felt so bad about what happened because I have local clients in Facebook which asks me to share my works in the site. Now that I can no longer do it as much as I want to, I'm thinking of building another space.

   This place felt like my own child. I put so much love into this place regardless if my contents are not strong or popular. I don't want any of those. With what happened, I am beginning to accept such limitations. I love blogging and sharing my mind to the world. Though sad that my sharing option is now limited, I'm still happy that this is still here. I'm accepting what happened because I know that no matter how sad it made me feel, my sadness will not do anything and won't help me move and become a better blogger or person. It's one thing that I've learnt although this quarantine - to let go of things that will not help me in any positive way in the future. So may see less of me in this space, but I'll definitely create a new one. Something way better and where flowers always bloom.

So long.

love lots, 
Tin

3 Must-Have Swimwears

Because of our tropical climate, we can enjoy perpetual summer here in the Philippines. Though sometimes, it is cut short by a heavy rain, I am proud to say that most Filipinos are resilient towards any types of weather (literally and figuratively). Which is why rain or shine, it's not surprising to find people enjoying the beautiful beaches in our country.

I am not a beach babe. I love the beach, but I'm not crazy about swimming or sunbathing.  Most of the time I spend my day on the beach taking photos and just enjoying the view. Nevertheless, I would love to hit the beach before this year ends. Yes, if you haven't noticed yet, 2016 will end soon. Oh wait, it already ended the moment Trump won. lelz jk no offense to his supporters

Okay, back to the main point here, we all know that one thing that we should pack is our swimwears. It's not mandatory, but it pays to wear proper beach attire while you are in the beach right? As I am planning to go to the beach soon, I've looked for some key details regarding swimwears. I've found a good variety at StyleWe.com, an online fashion store that sells different kinds of clothing. During my search, I have also found out 3 must-have swimwears that can save us ladies from an uncomfortable and awkward dressing room situation.

High-Waist Wonders

High-waisted swimwears are great if you are not very comfortable about showing your tummy or your navel. The best thing about high-waisted bikinis? they flatter every body type! It's also good if your weight is mostly throughout your tummy area as it tightens it while defining your waistline. It's kinda like the LBD version of bikinis!

Terrific Tankinis

Wanna break away from your cover ups? Tankinis are perfect for you! It's also best if you are a sporty girl who loves to play beach games like volleyball. It's for the girls who loves to be sexy without showing so much skin. From spandex to chiffons, there are a number of cloth that makes up different tankinis. You'll never run out of choice to look terrific in it!

One-Piece Perfection

Last, but not the least are one-piece bikinis. Who wouldn't love such bikinis? It comes in so many cuts and patterns that will work with any body type depending also on the part that you would like to emphasize. For instance, lovely petite girls may choose one-piece swimwears with high-cut bikini areas to give them an appearance of longer legs. Ladies who love to highlight their curves may choose those that have curvy cuts on the either side. The best thing about one-piece swimwears? You only have to pick one piece of clothing to look gorgeous!

To avail their discounts and noteworthy updates, you may check their Facebook account. Fashion tips and styling can also be seen on their blog. Who knows they might feature your gorgeous look as well, right?

Which swimwear would you like to sport? I do hope you'll find this post useful especially if you are hitting the beach real soon. Enjoy life and sail your worries away!

love lots,

Tin

3 Reasons Why You Should Buy Wigs

First of all, I am very sorry if you ever feel betrayed in believing that I did cut my hair short. If we are connected in Facebook, then you might have seen this post where you can see a couple of photos with me sporting a short hair.

Sorry though because I didn't. hehehe A lot of people I knew actually did believe that I cut my hair short. lelz It wasn't true, but I did feel excited about how I look and because I've always had a long hair for most of my life. The last time that I had a short hair was many years ago when I was 8 (now I'm 22) so just imagine. lelz

I am often curious on how I look if I were to sport a shorter hair, but I never had the courage to cut my hair short. And partly because I am confident and comfortable with my long hair. Things just got a little bit exciting when I got a short bob wig. 

Hopefully, this shall be of great use for you if you ever have to purchase a wig soon.

1. They are affordable

The short bob wig that I got from them is available for only 14USD. Not a bad price for a wig right? I think the price is reasonable enough especially if you don't really have to wear your fake hair daily. Also, you can always wear your wig anytime you want. You just have to take care of it.

2. They are smooth and shiny

I can't stress this enough. I wasn't really expecting much from the wig when I received my parcel, but man, this wig got me! I haven't tried wearing any wig before but I have seen some people wearing wig. I noticed that some wigs, especially those that comes in an affordable price feels rough and tangled. 

I was ecstatic when I opened my parcel and got my hands on the wig. How my fingers glide on the strands! I think you can notice how shiny it is just by looking at the photos, right?

Though it doesn't look so realistic because of its glossy appearance, I still love it.

3. They come in different styles and color

I got something black. However, if you are planning to join a cosplay event or some kind of costume party where you need a wig to complete your outfit, don't worry because the site offers a number of different hair styles and colors. They even had one which was curled and in lilac! and it was so pretty! I think it is perfect if you want to look like an enchantress. There are more variants on their site, so just check them out and get what you want.

Too much drama!? haha Dramatic filter to solve uneven skin tone lelz

In totality, I love the wig. I also love that the shipment of the product as quick and hassle free. They guy from the site was also very understanding and he was even asking me how was the wig, and some stuffs about how it arrived.

The wig made me feel like I'm Kylie Jenner hahahahaha You now how much she loves wearing all those candy-coloured wigs right? lelz I think I'd love wearing wigs as well, but here just one thing that I do not love about wearing one: it feels hot AF wearing it on my head! Seriously guys, I even took the photos above as quick as I could because it really feels hot. Well, its just for me though because I sweat easily so just a warning if we are on the same boat. but if you ain't, I think you're gonna do good.

Thanks a lot for reading and let me know about your "wig wearing" experiences below on the comment section below. I would love to hear something hilarious from you guys. hehehe

love lots,

Tin

Comfy Undergarments You Should Have and How to Choose a Good One

     Most of us keep our eyes close on the style and quality of our outer wear but looking into our undergarments is also as important. We wear them before our outer wear which means they have a more direct and sensual relationship with our bodies. For that reason, comfort and hygiene considerations must be taken account of when buying them. 

Two-Piece Lace Wear

This is perfect especially if you want to wear something airy and breathable while dozing off. This is also a great alternative for the usual cheap lingerie you see everywhere if you are not comfortable wearing thongs or underwear of similar design. You could never go wrong in combining comfy and sexy in one wear. I personally love the wine color, but if it’s not up for your taste, you can always choose another hue. This sleepwear lingerie has a strap that you can easily adjust according you your size. 

Long Sling Back Sleepwear 

It will never hurt you to update your night wardrobe into a stylish sleepwear other than the usual classic pjs we all grow into. I love being in my pajamas but I would also love to explore something modern and chic. If you want to keep those legs warm while being comfy at the same time, this is for you. 

Nude Body Shaper

I remember seeing my mom wear a body shaper when I was a little girl. Yep, even before Kim K launched her much-coveted Skims brand.  I don’t even know what this is for before but growing up a learned about it a little more about it, I could help but be amazed. A body shaper somehow magically takes few pounds of your body which helps make it look sexier and curvier. And no, that hole in the groin area isn’t a damage, it is for us women to be able to pee comfortably while wearing the shaper. 

Black Body Shaper

The nude body shaper is perfect in any way since you can wear it with variety of outfits. However, there are also some gorgeous dresses which would require you to wear something darker so a black one is also a must in your collection. Just like the nude body shaper, this also has an adjustable hem which puts all your curves in the right places. Both cheap shapewear also provides instant body dimension as well as tummy and waist control. 

Waist Trainer

Waist trainers are specifically made in order to maintain your curves. Along with your daily workout, this is a really effective way to sculp one’s tummy and waist areas. This comes with a really cool print which you can customized. This waist trainer is so comfortable that you can wear them while you’re just lounging in the living room or while quickly running into the grocery if you want. This is going to make you look so sassy but just drop the Karen attitude. 

Now here are few tips in choosing your undergarments. Most of us women would easily go for something cute but that shouldn’t always be the case. We have to consider significant things as we shop. Here are three of them:

Consider the Fabric

      A good undergarment will be made up of a good fabric and they can’t be similar to anything. For instance, a good panty must be made out of cotton. While lace and silk would be perfect for lingerie. Something flexible must be taken into account when it comes to waist trainers and body shapers. 

Know Your Size

    Comfort is very significant in wearing your undergarment which is why it has to be in your proper size. Wearing something to small or too big for you will not only make you feel comfortable but might also damage the product itself, in return, wasting your money in purchasing them. 

Go for What Feels Right for You

     Just because it looks good on the models doesn’t mean you have to buy them. Take into account your personality as well as what feels good for your body. Your undergarment, just like your outer wear are extensions of your body and who knows better about it than yourself right? If you are not a fan of lace, then choose something else which makes you feel good.

   With the pandemic going on, it might take a while for most of us to go shopping in physical stores which makes cheap online clothing stores a perfect alternative to go. When in doubt, always ask for the customer service about your concerns before checking out what’s on you cart.

   If your bank account permits, I don’t think it’s bad to go shop for little things that would make you happy especially cute undergarments. Wearing something that makes you feel best about yourself is a wonderful way to care for yourself as well. 

Good luck and stay safe!

Love lots,

Tin

note: All photos are not mine. Credits to the rightful owners. 

Buck Moon Cleansing Ritual

  It's been more than 3 months since our city was placed in a quarantine and truthfully, the situation got the best of me. I have never felt more lonely and anxious my entire life. It is as if everything is going south while my mind is still up north. It is a struggle in so many areas of our life and I am recognizing it in finding the best ways for me to cope with the situation. 
 
      It is true that most days gone by as dark and seemingly mundane, but there are also those days where a ray of sunshine lights upon me - where I learn something new, something significant that could help me get through life not only in this time of crisis. One of which is learning about spiritual herbalism and light magic. 

     Spiritual herbalism? Light magic? What on earth are those? You might probably be cynical about my current state of mind having said such words and that's totally okay. It's the thing with magic among other things unseen. They are not tangible and readily available with physical manifestations, but it is also where its charm lies. It only works when you believe. Our minds are capable of believing in horrors - curses, the devil, and other malignant things so it wouldn't hurt to believe in its contrast - light, spiritual healing, and love. Isn't love itself a form of magic? Point is, we believe what we want to believe and we are free to do such long as we don't put someone in peril.

     Spiritual herbalism is basically the use of herbs which are deemed to have strong vibrations of energy. This is grounded on the idea of animism; the belief that all living things have life (not just humans) and that connecting with them will bring us closer to our mother- the nature and our core being our true selves. I don't think this must be subjected to criticisms if you respect all living creatures the higher being has bequeathed us. For this cleansing ritual, some herbs will be used. I'm no botanist but, I do have references for this one primarily the Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham.

     Somehow, especially for the conservative minds, the word ritual immediately connotes horror tales pertaining to dark magic but such notions aren't absolutely true. It is true that some rituals as do exist but the word ritual refer to any spiritual ceremony. Meditation is a ritual. Praying is a ritual. Lighting a candle or an incense is a form ritual. It depends on your religion or your personal beliefs. For me any ritual is essentially our own way of connecting to God.

       I am doing this moon ritual not because I pray to the moon but because I recognize its power to draw me closer to God. When I say God, you are entitled to your belief. I am Roman Catholic but you can surely do this one regardless of your religion. A moon ritual is just a simple way to ponder on new beginnings and hoping for a good tomorrow all while letting go of what you no longer need to be the best version of yourself.

      The Buck Moon cleansing ritual is done in a full moon of the month of July. It got its name from Maine's Old Farmer's Almanac noting the phenomenon wherein male deer (buck) grow their antlers. It symbolises maturity and beautiful endings before branching on new beginnings. This year's Buck Moon is going to take place on July 4/5 depending on the moonrise schedule in your area. In our country, it is going to be on the 5th of July at exactly 12:44PM. This year's buck moon must be somehow special since a penumbral lunar eclipse will also take place.

        A full moon ritual  is a time to ponder and let go of things that you feel are weighing you down. An ending but remember, that with it comes a new beginning. Meditate upon the things that you would like to cleanse in order to pave way for a new path after one has closed. 

Here are the things that you will need in order to do the ritual. Please note that you need not to have everything that I listed here. Anything available within your reach is alright though some one or two things are necessary such as a candle and a blank sheet of paper.
- candle
- match
- blank sheet of paper
- mirror
- mortar and pestle
- ash tray or any container where you can safely placed your burnt paper
- dried flowers (I have roses and chrysanthemums)
- small bowl of rice
- dried herbs and spices (sage, cinnamon, black pepper, star anise, bay leaf, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, lemongrass) It may look like we are cooking but no we aren't. I'll explain below why those herbs will be used. You may add more spiritual herbs that you know such as cedar or if you have crystals that would be perfect as well. 

Food in its essence is magical in any sense. It nourishes our mind, brings people together, and keep culture and traditions alive. It's no wonder why good celebrations call for good foods. 

For the ritual, any candle will do. Some use colored candles but I think I'll stick with the white ones. I will also be using handmade bamboo candles by Hilom Artisan. 

I'm using the mortar and pestle to mix together my spices which you may not also do. 

You may carve spiritual symbols on your candles as well. Some wants to carve the pentagram symbol but I do mine with the cross symbol.

A small bowl of rice is good to include since it calls for prosperity. Rice is one of the sacred grains along with oats, barley, wheat, rye, etc. 

Here are what the herbs, flowers, and spices are for:
🌿Roses - peaceful environment 
🌿Chrysanthemum - rebirth
🌿Star Anise - protection, purification, helps contact high planes of knowledge and divination
🌿Bay Leaf - the wish giver, healing, divination 
🌿Cinnamon - healing, purification 
🌿Marjoram - protection, courage
🌿Black pepper - releasing and repelling bad energy
🌿Rosemary - healing, wisdom, exorcism 
🌿Sage - connecting to a spiritual realm, healing, cleansing
🌿Lemon grass - clearing bad energy
🌿Thyme - protection, courage

The Cleansing Ritual Proper
This goes without saying but you have to gather everything in place. An altar, a table, or anywhere you feel comfortable is alright.
You may also do this ritual with your loved ones. I think this is really great when done with friends.

Before the ritual, pray and smudge the area where you will be doing the ritual. You may utter anything as you please and call God. I like calling the Virgin Mary Mother Mediatrix of All Grace. You may also use this sample chant:
I respect the Virgin Mary for all she does for us. For the moon, the graces, the protection, and the healing. With this prayer I plan to release that which no longer serves me. I do this to heal myself from trauma and to fully let go and move forward.

A circle spinning round and round; its power pulled from sacred ground; ground us it shall form a dome; tonight (today) our space; tonight (today) our home. Timeless without permanent place; I hereby cast this sacred space. 

At this time, light the candles that you have and say a little thank you prayer for the moon for gracing you its light to guide you.
Ideally , you would have to point the mirror to the moon to catch its reflection. It's okay if you can't especially if you're doing this indoor as I will.

Prayer with the Moon:
I raise my hands over my head, standing like a young buck, with antlers growing to full maturity.
I clasp my hands over my heart, with a beat to signify my love and respect for mother nature.
I spread my arms wide to let the healing light of the moon recharge my soul as I explore my own inner world so I may find my spiritual place.
I pray with the buck moon to help me find my balance and grace.

Afterwards, you may put all the spices you have in the mortar, mix them, or you may pound them slightly together to call upon their energy.

With the blank paper with you, write down all the things that you want to let go. It could be negative emotions, thoughts, or bad habits that are hindrances for you to start a new. Think carefully about those things and remember to keep things at ease. Once you feel cathartic, burn the paper.

Take a bay leaf and write down whatever good things that you genuinely hope for. Remember to only pray for good things, things that would not harm others in any way. Your intentions must be grounded on good things. Burn the leaf.

Say a thank you prayer and your full moon cleansing ritual is complete. 

I hope that we could do this together and that we may find that inner cleansing and healing that we hope for with the moon as our guide. Happy spiritual cleansing! Good luck!

love lots, 

Tin