I'm Almost 30 - Here are Five Pieces I'll Wear More

The older I get, the more I realize that less is more in all facets of life. Growing up, like most teens, I faced the pressure of who had the most friends and the best clothes. As the years went on, I quickly came to realize none of that mattered. At this stage in my life, I realize it’s quality over quantity, and I’ve been happier than ever since I started living by that mantra. Although I have not integrated it in all aspects of my life, I am proud of the baby steps and small wins that I have accomplished. 

I am not saying that I will completely avoid trendy items.However, I am aware that curating a closet full of timeless pieces that inspire me to be my best self is both significant and beneficial to me. Ahead are the pieces that I'll wear more as I enter a new decade of myself real soon. 

1. Blazer

A quality blazer is truly the only option. A layer over any outfit makes it feel finished. It's one of the things I reach for most frequently year after year. Blazers are among the best items to invest in for quality, and these are some of the best. 

 2. Loafers

Although loafers have always been fashionable, the environment in which they are worn varies frequently. The traditional black leather loafer, which is no longer a work shoe, can be worn just as much as a traditional pair of black Converse. Really, they are that adaptable. 

Loafers are chic, cool basic shoes that will never leave style. Due to their timeless element, I try to buy a pair with the intention of them being one of my most worn shoes. This means they need to be basic enough to make sure they are not trendy. Yet they ought to be cool enough to raise my clothes. 

3. Tote Bag

Tote bags are not only easy to style, but they’re practical for everyday wear and can fit all of your necessities. An everyday tote is a must-have accessory for anyone in their 30s who works from home or commutes to work every day.You can use your tote from the gym to dinner with friends every day if you pack it with your planner, a water bottle, or anything else you might need.

4. Black Dress

A decent black dress can take you from the office to the office party, from client meetings to cocktails and the boardroom to the ball. Or just to dinner on a date! What used to symbolize mourning, is now an ageless, classless, and timeless item of clothing. If you want to look sexy, laidback, chic, classy, or all of these, you'll have it with your black dress. In my case, I wouldn't choose something so little or too lengthy. Something that hits a little above the knee and would accentuate my curves in the right places would be best for my wardrobe. 

5. Denim Jeans

A good pair of jeans with a relaxed, vintage feel can do anything, and these are the most adaptable type of denim.Finding a pair that fits you well, won't stretch out during the day, and you enjoy putting on is worth the effort. 

‘Women, Work, and the Art of Savoir Faire’ by Mireille Guiliano: A Book for Empowered Women

    Apart from your family and friends, do you have someone you can consider as your life coach who gives you sound advice and constant support? While not all women share this, having a strong mentor will certainly help us take our goals to the next level. This is especially true for women still forging their path in relishing the best part of their work and personal lives. If these statements echo as truth to your ears, then you might consider adding 'Women, Work, and the Art of Savoir Faire' by Mireille Guiliano to your to-read list.

    Published in 2009, French author Mireille Guiliano's subversive brilliance and practicality shine in this self-help book. Divided into twelve concise chapters, the book discusses sweeping issues involving women in a distinctively light and entertaining tone. Although the book mainly revolves around concrete topics regarding work and business, it also gets to grips with advice on communication, and fashion. Plus, it includes delightful recipes for home entertainment, giving the book the proper equilibrium between what's valuable and eccentric.

    As a reader, self-help books are not my cup of tea. I haven't read one until I picked Mireille Guillano's 'Women, Work, and the Art of Savoire Faire' while idling away time in a local bookstore. Having scanned its first few contents, I decided to purchase the book.

     Defined as the knowledge of the right course of action: knowing what to do and say and when and how to do so, the Savoire Faire is emphasized mainly by the New York Times bestselling author. As stated in the book's overture, Guillano seeks to help women widen their knowledge for empowerment and balance in today's face-paced world. The author employs a fun, friendly, and non-assertive tone to convey her ideas in the book.

    In the book's first few chapters, the author highlights the importance of being aware of our fears and pursuing our passions in bringing our dreams into actuality. Guillano masterfully illustrates this notion by presenting real-life examples. The author uses her experiences as a young woman in her early 20s to prove her points. She also used anecdotes from various female characters, including one who successfully managed to turn her mundane work scenario into something rewarding.

    Guillano persuades her readers to put their hearts into whatever they do. This is one of the best advice I have taken from the book. For what's the point of finding success without happiness? Too often, we let go of our passions because we were afraid to take a risk at a moment of opportunity. Another essential lesson touched by the book is the importance of cultivating one's image. This includes finding a chance to develop your communication skills and character, which will be part of your defining characteristics even as you navigate life outside your business or career.

    Other helpful tips presented by the author include coping with difficult situations and getting an A on your job interviews, or business presentations. The most important piece of advice that I have gathered from the book is trying to live a balanced life. I have learned that our personal lives can significantly affect our job performances, so we have to take care of our health first, before making our wallets fat. Our work is just one part of our life. While it is an essential aspect of living, is not our life.

    Guillano's book taught me much about acing life through its practical, fun, and helpful counsel. What I like most about the book is the use of exciting and insightful stories from different lenses. As a female, the book makes me feel empowered and more knowledgeable. However, there are a few points that I would like to critically pick from the book. For the most part, the author emphasizes machismo by mentioning self-help books written by male writers of her caliber. While I could see her point for doing such, I find it a bit unnecessary when empowering young women. A tiny part of her book also highlighted the need for women to be 'sexy'. While her tone does not mean or sound condescending, movers of body positivity might not take this well. Therefore, such statements are better off omitted from the book.

     The book is an excellent read for women of all ages. From reading this book, men can also learn a lot to look at women's perspectives in a new light. If I were to rate the book from 1 to 10, I would give the book a solid 8. The book is light and easy to read giving its readers a worthwhile reading experience. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to empower themselves. As the book brings something unique, Michelle Obama's 'Becoming' is also a great option to magnify the table.

Life Lately

    Hello friends! I know, it's been a while since I've scribbled something closer to my heart, and please pardon me if I bombarded you with too many "sponsored posts". Anyway, I'm still around though I know I haven't been in this space for quite some time, especially during the height of the pandemic when everything just seems uncertain. If you're reading this post, I hope you are feeling well, healthy, and mostly, happy. 

     A lot happened when I sort of stopped sharing something personal in this blog. Mostly work, but mostly life. Life happened and it's still an ongoing show. Nothing grand happened though, I'm not getting married or expecting a baby, but I thought it would be proper for me to run you through what's been going on in my life if I were to sort of 'come back into my usual blogging caliber. Not that I ever stopped, which you'd find out later. 

     I would like to say that one of the biggest reasons why I haven't blogged here as much as I did is the drastic shift in going digital with every aspect of our lives. For sure, most of us worked in front of our computers more than we used to prior to the pandemic. This is especially true for me ever since I worked full-time as a content writer last year, and briefly as a curriculum developer. This means that I spend more or less ten hours working on my computer, and I would really love to lessen it to protect my eye health. 

     Going back, what's new? There might be a lot of new things or ventures happening in my life now. Most of which aren't even part of my "goals", but I'm grateful for the good ones. Like every other person's life, I also had some bumpy parts. Some of which I'm still coping with as they are emotionally traumatic, and it's not something everyone can understand so I just tend to be quiet about it. 

What's Up?

Yeah, so what's up? Here are some major updates in my life. Feel free to read or not. lol  :)

I've started making fashion earrings.

      A part of me always wanted to create something with my hands, and I find it so liberating to come up with something that I initially just had in mind. If you know me or if we personally often meet, you'll know how much I love wearing earrings. I remember collecting fashion accessories before particularly rings which I have actually blogged countless summers ago. haha Now, I'm conceptualizing and making earrings. This is more of a side hustle or a hobby for now though, but I am happy how this makes me and other ladies happy. I'm not producing or selling my creations in massive quantities as I do this by myself with whichever materials I have. This is also not something I would consider a full-blown business since I have to have a full-time job that would allow me to pay the bills aka Netflix monthly subscriptions. lmao 

      Nevertheless, this makes me so happy and free, and even though I'm aware that this isn't something that would make me rich AF, I'm grateful for the smiles this has given me. Also, this has given me the chance to reconnect with some of my college and high school friends whenever they want to buy a pair from me. This is because I'm only posting my creations using my Facebook account, which is fine with me as I get to know and see that people I personally connected with are wearing my creations. 

I've made a lifestyle blog exclusively made for my city - Cebu City

     One of the things that I love about blogging is that it allows me to share what's good in my beloved city of Cebu while also practicing my creativity by taking photos and scribbling words. This is something that I deeply love and as cliché, as it sounds, it helps relieve my stress. It is also through my humble virtual space that I can express my support to the businesses in the city especially startups/ MSMEs.

     Blogging is not my bread and butter, but it doesn’t matter to me. It is and has always been a means of catharsis for me. I've had so many struggles during the pandemic, especially during its height. I know I'm not alone with it, and despite trying my best to be strong, I couldn't help but worry for my health and for my family. I know that many businesses in my city were also struggling at that time, and I did the best I could to support them by buying local products. This just got more relevant when mobility was limited. Hence, I decided to create a blog that focuses on the good things in my city be it products, people, or events. I find that with the stress that we've experienced, knowing that there are positive things happening around you would definitely help keep hope alive. 

    The best part about running my localized blog is the opportunity to get to know inspiring people within my community and be able to share them. Not to mention, I was able to work with different PR agencies within our city and get to promote homegrown products. Plus, I got invitations to write as a freelancer. Although the gigs I had are not enough to be viable sources of income. I'm grateful for the sense of happiness that it gave me. Please follow Bloom Cebu on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

    Yep, I've tried vlogging but I'm too shy to even share my videos and my editing still sucks so you may not subscribe to my channel! haha!

just a couple of photos I took for local brands in Cebu :)

Looking Ahead

        Looking ahead, one of the goals I have in mind right now is to be able to publish a poetry book. Most of you who have read my blog pre-pandemic when I was active AF here, you may have read some of the poems I have published in this space. As the name of this site suggests, I initially intended to house my poems in this blog. However, as I met new friends and got interested in other areas such as fashion, I've published blogs other than poetry. The book is far from finished and I've selected some poems which I have shared here to be part of the collection. I'm not sure when I can finish it either, but let's hope I will despite having a gazillion of other things in mind. haha

         For this blog though, I plan to add two more categories that I'll be focusing on apart from product reviews. I'll be sharing blogs about health and book reviews. I actually worked as a content writer last year where I write about health and wellness. I cannot of course just share what I have written in this space, but I have learned so much from what I wrote. Since I find health as one of the top priorities in life, given that we are still going through the COVID-19 pandemic, it got me thinking that I should also write and share about wellness here. Of course, it's a delicate topic that requires research so I might not be able to blog about it as often. Same with book reviews, my work gets so much of my time. Adding the crazy traffic in the Philippines where I need to allot 2 to 4 hours to commute, I'm left with little to no time to read in a day as much as I want to. Still, I'm positive about this and would like to share with you my reviews on my favorite books as I slowly add more to my reading list. 

Apart from these things, I don't think much of me has changed. I'm still the same Tine who adores visiting museums, coffee, and flowers. Although, personally, I'm much quiet than I used to be. I get a part of me got used to the part of me who lives in stillness. Not everyone can understand that part of me so let's just say, talking in person is not my hobby at this moment! :) Oh, and I'm slowly trying to get more active in Instagram @scaryredroses so, say hi is you're hanging out in IG! 

Managing Chronic Pain

    When we think of health and wellness, what our minds immediately conjure is our physical health. However, health is multifaceted. This means that for us to be truly healthy, we need to consider the different aspects of wellness including emotional and mental health which are closely linked with each other. As such, long-term conditions such as chronic pain can directly impact the way we achieve holistic wellness. 

     We feel pain when something hurts us that causes discomfort. Often, pain could be a symptom of an underlying disease. While some pain could be easily remediated, there are some that last longer than six months. This is chronic pain that continues even after one has healed from an injury or illness. Basically, it is a type of pain that continues when it should not. 

     There are other people who have suffered from chronic pain without experiencing physical injuries in the past. This is why chronic pain is associated with certain health concerns such as arthritis. Due to its long-term characteristic, chronic pain causes emotional and mental stress including anxiety and trauma of re-injury that could hinder someone from doing an activity they once loved. 

    If you are experiencing chronic pain, know that you are not alone. Globally, chronic pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability. In the United States alone, one in three adults suffers from chronic pain. 

    As chronic pain can bring major stress to your body’s hormones, it can also affect the neurochemicals in your general nervous system including how your brain works. Thus, the intense pain that you feel can affect your daily mood, behavior, and overall outlook on life. This is the reason why many of those who suffer from chronic pain experience depression. In fact, a study published in 2006 stated that more than 70 percent of those who suffer from chronic pain testified to having depression. In a similar study, more than 80 percent reported that they have sleeping issues. 

     Social isolation from feeling depressed and anxious also causes behavioral changes in chronic pain patients. These changes can cause tension in the patients’ personal and professional relationships. All of these can result in the deterioration of social networks that could provide emotional and mental support. 

     The challenges in finding treatments for chronic pain management and mental health issues also contribute to a higher risk of substance abuse and suicide for its sufferers. Certain pain killers such as opioids can obstruct normal cognitive function and regular pain impulse communication. When not taken properly as prescribed by a physician, these drugs can heighten mental health issues. 

    Controlling chronic pain and treating mental health issues can result in pain relief. In addition, these will also improve the patients’ living conditions. It is essential for those in the medical field to understand chronic pain deeply and look for more ways in helping those who suffer from it. 

      Struggling with chronic pain and mental health issues? Doing these might help provide relief to your condition along with prescribed medicines. First, seek help from mental health professionals. Psychotherapy and cognitive training can limit the severity of stress that can make your pain worse. Second, exercise. Physical exercises are not only proven to release “happy” hormones that enhance one’s mood but also act as natural pain relievers. Doing so will both improve your physical and mental health. Lastly, modify your lifestyle. This includes practicing mindfulness and eliminating harmful toxins from your body. This includes choosing healthier food options and maintaining control over your mind and body. 

     Suffering from chronic pain? Whenever possible, take yourself out and enjoy life outside. Do your best not to isolate yourself and surround yourself with people who genuinely support you with your struggles. It is totally normal to feel tired, so do not feel guilty if you need to recharge and rest. Helping those who are going through the same concerns as you do will also widen your perspective in understanding your pain deeply.

How to Style a Simple T-Shirt

     One of my favorite go-to pieces of clothing for a quick and casual #ootd is t-shirts. Aside from the fact that they are readily available in different prints and colors, t-shirts are one of the easiest clothes to style. Plus, with the sales and discounts available in various stores, you may easily grab a cheap T-shirt for your wardrobe. Depending on how you match them with other clothing pieces can easily elevate your look and make your look more elegant-looking despite sporting your good ól t-shirt. 

     When it comes to availability, you'll never run out of options if you're looking for the best t-shirt that will suit your budget or desired look. Online shops like shelivo have a number of options and even vintage or thrift shops have the best tees available. 

     Going back to styling, here are three of my personal favorite ways of styling a simple tee. Of course, there are a plethora of other options that you may also follow, and yes! I would love to hear how you would usually style your simple t-shirts. 

Pair it with your favorite jeans and white sneakers

     This must be the classic and the most common way of styling a tee. I mean, some would even call this basic but I'd like to call this clean. No unnecessary fabrics just you and your tee and white sneakers. What I love most about this look is that I could literally sport this almost everywhere and can easily pull this look together especially if I'm running out of time. Plus, I could easily spice up this look by throwing on some minimalist accessories or my simple black bowler hat. 

Women's Petal Sleeve Casual T-shirts - Purple

Pair it with graphic skirts

     I understand that not everyone is a fan of color blocking. Some ladies including my mom and my sister are afraid to sport some colors in their outfits and I feel that that shouldn't be the way. Although some occasions do not call for bright colors, I love how integrating them into my outfits makes me feel instantly bright and ready to conquer the world. I hold into this feeling fast by pairing my regular black or white tees with my favorite graphic skirts, and let me tell you, it works all the time!

Pair it with a suit

    This one is probably one of my most used and abused ways of styling a regular too. The secret? A powerful structured suit or blazer. I love how I could make this look work when I have to go to a slightly fancy brunch with my friends or on a casual date in a mall. I just adore how this styling could make someone look effortlessly chic - not too casual, and not too formal, but definitely fun!

vaqueros de moda mujer

Comfortable Footwear Ladies Must Own

 

   Something monumental happened earlier this year when I had to undergo minor surgery on my foot due to foot corn. Basically, it's like a deeper and thicker callus which could cause pain and discomfort. I've been dealing with mine since November last year and only decided to visit a dermatologist earlier this year thinking that it would go on its own, which is possible but in some cases, especially with mine, it needed to be surgically removed. One of its causes is wearing uncomfortable footwear especially if you need to stand for a long period of time, or if you have to walk on uncomfortable terrains. 

     My foot is now fully-healed and my experience taught me how important it is to wear appropriate and comfortable footwear. Having this in mind, I have here three of the recommended footwear for ladies which have proven to be comfortable. This includes the ones I've found at shelivo, an online shop that sells various clothing and footwear online. 

1. Sandals with Cushion and Arch Support

    First on my list is comfortable wedge sandals. This is because I find sandals easy to wear, and also sensible in most places. Even most workplaces these days allow the use of sandals for their employees. This includes the office where I am currently working for. Sandals are also easy to maintain and could last longer depending on how you care for the footwear. 

     I recently went shopping for a comfortable sandal, and the sales lady gladly walked me through the best ones I could find. I noticed that the ones she recommended have cushion lining in them and durable arch support. Looking into these things, I found that those refer to a corrective device worn in the shoe and so molded as to provide support for the natural arch of the foot. Not all footwear is created equal so if you want to have the most comfortable shoes there is, best consider those that have such support. 

Flat Fish Mouth Embroidery Platform Sandals

2. Sneakers

      Anybody who doesn't have a pair of sneakers should have one. I believe this is something we can all agree. Sneakers are one of the most versatile and comfortable footwear there s that we could wear almost everywhere. Plus, sneakers are easy to style and its classic look makes them instantly elevated even when you're just sporting your regular shirt and jeans combo. If you're not a fan of heels, sneakers are better choices for you compared to wedge sandals.

3. Combat Boots

     I know there are a lot of comfortable shoes out there that we can consider, however, I'll stop at these three for now. The third and the last comfortable footwear on my list are combat boots. It's no wonder why it's the choice of footwear for military men. While it may take you longer to wear them, as long as you got one that's in your size, you could literally do anything while wearing your combat boots without leaving them behind. P.S just a quick trivia though, the most expensive shoes I have to date was a pair of combat boots from Dr. Martens. It was quite pricey but boy, how I felt invisible while wearing them! My imaginative mind also tells me that those would be my footwear of choice if I'd be running away from zombies. lol

Winter Outfit Essentials

     One advantage of living in a tropical country is that I get to enjoy more sun, and don't have to secure winter outfits, including waterproof snow boots. Still, it is one of my life's goals to be able to witness winter even for a short period of time. I have a feeling that when that day comes, it's going to be a magical experience, at least for a tropical island lady like me. 

     Of course, if I have to spend some time on a winter wonder holiday, I have to prepare not only my bank account but also my wardrobe for it. This is why I was looking into winter-appropriate outfits which are not only cute but also perfect for the cold weather. Included on top of the articles I've read are winter-appropriate footwear. Come to think of it, everything in my footwear collection is party, summer, office, and sports ready. I literally don't have a single pair that I could wear if I were to enjoy winter. This is why I've come up with this list of basic winter outfit essentials anyone should have including me.

1. Snow Boots

     Although snow boots may not look as fashionable as other footwear, This does not mean that you can't have something stylish. We are so lucky that there are now millions of snow boots in fabulous fits that would not compromise our comfort against the thickest snow. What I think would be essential though is something that is waterproof. I do have these waterproof combat boots from Dr. Martens before, and I swear, it's always going to be among my favorites. Also, who wants to go around shopping or do other tasks you love when your feet are feeling cold? No one. Below is a photo of casual snow boots that I've found online Ion a site called shelivo.

Female Slip-On Casual Snow Boots

2. Wool Coat

      We can have different jackets that could cover and make us comfortable during winter but something that I think is essential is a wool coat. Wool coats are not only extremely comfy during the cold days they are also elegant-looking making them an easy way to spice up your winter look. For a more fabulous style, try collecting wool coats in different classic colors such as beige and tan apart from the usual solid black color. 

3. Faux Leather Leggings

        I love leggings even without enjoying the winter weather. However, if you are now in colder parts of the globe, I bet it would be a non-negotiable term to have faux leather leggings. Contrary to the usual leggings one often wears due to their valued comfort, think of faux leather leggings as a great way to elevate your winter fashion. Plus, this clothing would look really good on you whether you are sporting a simple cardigan or a more structured coat. 

4.  Beanies

      I've mentioned and it's already a no-brainer as to why you should keep your feet warm during winter days. But, don't forget to keep your head warm as well. Do this with the cutest beanies which you can sport in different colors and textiles. 

5. Scarves

     Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of scarves but I always find them as one of those classic pieces of clothing that you can flaunt and style for your winter #ootd. What's good about scarves is that they come in different styles, shapes, colors, and materials that you can play with by layering two or three different pieces depending on how you would like to keep yourself warmer or more chic-looking!

Qualities of Good Winter Boots

    What we wear can greatly affect our daily activities, especially when considering the weather. While everyone is entitled to be creative when it comes to style, function and comfort are often mandatory. For instance, it wouldn't make sense for one to wear something sleeveless during the winter season, or a coat when the sun's out and high. 

     Depending on the weather, footwear is something that must be looked into especially when one lives somewhere which has four seasons such as winter. Despite not being in focal discussions, having winter boots if you get to enjoy an abundance of snow is a must. This is also true when your place could possibly go through a snowstorm. Not wearing an appropriate outfit and footwear during harsh winter days could lead to weather-related ailments or deadly conditions such as frostbite. 

     How can you avoid such dilemmas? To begin with, find yourself a good quality winter boot that will not only serve its purpose but will also serve you for a long period of time. 

High-quality winter boots will keep your feet warm, and dry, as you brave snowy roads. Now, how will you know if a pair of winter boots are of good quality? Learn more through this short blog post, and check how you'd like the winter boots that I saw from shelivo. 

Winter Women Warm Snow Boots

 1. Warm

Insulation is very important when choosing winter boots. You have to make sure that your feet are not only comfortable but also warm. Winter isn't always harsh though, so you still have the option to opt for an uninsulated pair. Don't forget to always be updated on the daily temperature before sporting your footwear outside during the winter season. 

2. Waterproof 

In general, many people love footwear that is made of waterproof material since it will help prevent one's feet from getting wet. It is also a good way to keep the feet free from bacteria as footwear such as winter boots are prone to bacterial growth if kept wet. Also, wearing wet boots will only make your feet feel colder. 

3. Has a slight heel and good ankle support 

Similar to choosing your high heels, taller winter boots can give you extra protection against high snow. Plus, it will also provide you with ample ankle support that is necessary if you are wearing a footwear such as boots. Wearing winter boots with a slight heel, not too tall and not too short, can give you a big shot against the cold steps where your feet could possibly land on. Just be sure to choose a pair with enough flexibility to you don't have to compromise comfort over protection. 

Nichido Mineralized Eyebrow Sculpting Gel Review

     Hello friends! I hope you're doing all fine. It's been a while since I've blogged about a makeup product that I had so much fun doing. Don't get me wrong, I still love makeup a lot and enjoy putting them on, except during the long lockdown at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when I didn't really have to go out a lot. Now that the restrictions have loosened up, I'm now able to enjoy putting full makeup on with one exception and that would be my lipstick. I still love having them on but when you have to wear a face mask most of the time, you'll have to give it up. 

    One makeup product that I always have with me is my eyebrow products. I would actually switch between my eyebrow pencil and my eyebrow gel. I love using both but recently, I've been using the eyebrow gel a lot as it stays longer which is really useful considering the summer weather that we are now enjoying in the Philippines.

    I got my eyebrow gel from Nichido which is a popular Filipino brand. It's nothing high-end if we are to look into the prices of their products, but a majority of what I've tried from them really works. If you're curious about its Japanese name, it's because the brand has some help from Japanese consultants. 

    Having been using the product for a while now, I thought about taking some photos of it and writing a short review about how it works. 

This is what the product looks like. It's in a very small container which makes it a makeup kit and travel-friendly. Although it seems like there's not a lot of product, it's not something that you can use in an instant. 

In its cap, you'll find a small brush that you can use to apply the product. I love how it is compared to other eyebrow products with a built-in brush as it ensures that the brush remains clean. 

This is what the gel looks like. It has the right consistency, not too creamy and not too hard, although, of course, it hardens once it is applied to the eyebrow. When I was shopping for the gel, I only had to choose between two shades, but there might be more shades available. I chose the shade called Macchiato which is a bit lighter as I also had my hair colored light recently. 

Looking into the packaging of the product, everything that you need to know about the product is in its box container. It includes details such as its ingredients and manufacturing details.

    And here's how I look like wearing the product. I know, I look tired as I didn't have much sleep when I took the photo but I just want to show you what the product looks like in natural light. My hair was still very dark when I had the photograph taken, but now that I am sporting a lighter shade, it still works well. Also, it lasts really long. I do apply a bit of eyebrow powder on top of it just to keep it within its shape, but it also works without it. 

    The product costs 291.00PHP. it was almost 5USD. Having used this for a few months, I do not have any issue with using the product. Considering how it works, I would say that I am satisfied with my purchase and I would happily recommend this to anyone. 

What's your go-to eyebrow product? Let me know in the comment section below!

Underwear Every Lady Must Have

One of the things ladies often regret not adding to their wardrobe is essential undergarments such as shape wears. Not that you can't live without them, but having them can make so much difference in one's #ootd especially if you are attending formal occasions that require you to paint the town red. I for one haven't invested much in some of these undergarments when I was younger, and I wish I'd had them sooner. For instance, I was already in my early twenties when I started collecting matching nude underwear. It was after when I interviewed a beauty queen and asked her about one thing every lady should have. Her response was, "nude underwear". While I don't see myself joining any beauty pageants, not that I aspire to, her response made me think of what I lack in my wardrobe department. 

     Most of us tend to neglect to look into our undergarments as we think people aren't to see them anyway so what's the point? This is exactly the mindset I had in mind when I was younger. Through my experiences and having to attend countless events, I'm glad that I'm able to have these essential undergarments with me. You too can collect them in your closet if you haven't yet, and I promise, you're going to thank me later.

Airwear Every Day Wear Extremely Soft Bra Trio

NUDE SEAMLESS BRA

First on my list is a seamless bra, not just any color although any color would be great a nude one is perfect. Seamless bras are a must if you are wearing a top or a dress that would require you to hide any back bulge that you don't want to emphasize. They are also great as compared to regular bras, seamless bras provide better support and fit. 

SHAPEWEAR

I've written about shapewear before and some of you might consider it the most uncomfortable thing there is to wear. However, that should not be the case. The key is to find the right shapewear that suits your size and is made of durable material. When it comes to shapewear, don't waste your time buying those of low quality at very cheap prices. They're just not worth it! Invest in shapewear that is made of high-quality material. Although it may be pricey, it will save you more as they definitely last longer. Similar to thongs, you don't need to wear shape wears daily if you don't want to. These clothing pieces are great when you are wearing figure-hugging clothes that will emphasize your curves. 

COTTON PANTY

One of the reasons why I didn't collect the other items I have included here much earlier is because I used to follow only one rule when it comes to undergarments and that is they have to be comfortable before anything else. This is why a cotton panty is essential to any female of all ages. Not only do they provide comfort when worn, but they're also much recommended as clothing made of cotton material provides better functionality in absorbing moisture which is helpful for one's private area. 

AirWear Free Cut Thong

THONG

Yes, thongs are sexy. They are thin, high-cut, and could be uncomfortable to wear especially if you're not used to wearing thong underwear. I'm not saying that you have to wear thongs every day for it to be essential, but it pays well to have them with you if you have to wear special clothing which requires you to wear them. For instance, it could be a glamorous long gown or a tight-hugging bodycon dress for a formal occasion.

What's the Shelf Life of Nitrile and Latex Gloves

 As numerous of you know, using disposable Gloves is prevalent in almost every industry. Disposable Gloves particularly are mainly present in the foodservice, medical, and manufacturing industries. And also to narrow it lower much more, disposable gloves use within these industries are utilized frequently for brief durations. With this, the price of checking up on disposable glove use could possibly get quite costly for employers.

Something might notice while you look for disposable Gloves is the fact that manufacturers are trying to reduce costs by producing Gloves that are thinner and less expensive. It's a prevalent problem in lots of industries where workers are needed to alter their Gloves with each and every new task, not to mention when Gloves get ripped. When every worker goes through as many as 20 Gloves each day, you are searching for significant financial savings by switching to some thinner glove.

You may be wondering, When the glove is thinner, does not this means that it will not safeguard me?” Although this is a legitimate question that lots of individuals have, you are able to be assured that glove manufacturers will work difficult to develop innovative and new glove designs that keep up with the needed protection, and will be offering a significantly thinner glove. With this particular new technology and glove production, the brand new standard for disposable Gloves has dropped to three mil in the previous 4-5 range. The additional bonus of the thinner glove is elevated versatility and skill, making workers more prepared to put on their Gloves because they are still capable of singing their jobs without interference.

This trend is mainly happening with disposable Nitrile Gloves, which have been prevalent for her benefits over natural latex Gloves. Nitrile Gloves don't have the allergy risks that latex does and nitrile doesn't break down if this touches certain chemicals as latex does. Nitrile has additionally shown to have better puncture resistance, which makes it popular and enables it to be produced in a thinner style without losing its natural protection.

On many occasions when you purchase disposable Gloves in large quantities for the office or workplace, the Gloves can sit in the storage room for quite a while. How can you tell that when you are getting around to presenting individuals Gloves at the rear of the shelf, they'll still provide the same degree of protection as once they were first manufactured and shipped? Keep studying to discover some useful guidelines that may help you understand how lengthy you can preserve your disposable nitrile and latex Gloves in stock.

Shelf Existence Guidelines

While a precise shelf existence period of time relies upon what specific material the Gloves are constructed with and storage facilities, an overall guideline is 3 years for disposable natural latex Gloves and as much as 5 years for disposable Nitrile Gloves.

Some manufacturers will not guarantee it, many Nitrile Disposable Gloves happen to be recognized to last as long as ten years kept in storage with no apparent or significant damage. Bear in mind, however, that these shelf lives don't affect Gloves that are taken off the initial packaging and have been uncovered to moisture.

Should you pull some Gloves out of the box plus they look relatively “normal”, meaning, they may be extended without visible surface cracks and could be donned without ripping or tearing, they are most likely still dependable and can supply the appropriate degree of protection that you'll require. Gloves that are unsafe to make use of are going to be pretty apparent. They're going to have become quite brittle, tearing effortlessly along with a hardened exterior that cracks easily when extended.

Storage Guidelines

There are lots of ideas to consider upholding with regards to storing your disposable latex and nitrile Gloves, which supports increasing the shelf existence of the Gloves.

Don't store Gloves within an area where they're uncovered to ultraviolet light or ozone for longer amounts of time. Don't store Gloves in places where the temperatures are more than 90 levels F. Don't break the seal on glove packaging unless, of course, you are available individuals Gloves. If left opened up for any lengthy time period, individual Gloves risk becoming broken and made unusable or unsterile.

DO store your disposable nitrile and Latex Gloves inside a space that's awesome and dark. DO store your Gloves within an area where they aren't uncovered to ozone and Ultraviolet light. Including lights like fluorescent bulbs and a few electrical pieces of equipment that may generate ozone. *Natural latex Gloves are particularly responsive to these kinds of lights and could be broken easily from exposure. DO store your Gloves a long way away from heat sources like radiators or steam pipes.

Easy Tips on How to Wear Lace Wig on the Beach

 The elements get warmer and warmer, and spring will come. And lots of individuals have already planned to take a vacation around the beach. But sunlight, wind, and seawater could cause much harm to your wigs. We especially provide some easy steps which help provide special care for wig vendors which help you are feeling confident and delightful when putting on wigs by the pool. 

Are You Able To Put on A Wig Around The Beach 

Sure. Could it be a good idea? Possibly not. For instance, when the weather conditions are hot, you're going to get sweaty and feel uncomfortable under the sun. If it's windy, it might blow off. Should you go swimming in the ocean, the saltwater and sand may cause much damage to your real hair wigs.

How You Can Put on A Wig Around The Beach Securely Listed below are some easy methods to put on a lace front wig around the beach securely and you search glamorous and fabulous simultaneously.

 1. Avoid Diving Into The Water 

Don't go swimming while putting on the wig. Around the one hand, you can easily unhook out of your mind as well as start floating within the ocean. Regardless of how perfectly it's attached, it might still appear using the pressure of diving or jumping. What awkward it's! 

 However, despite the fact that synthetic wigs are relatively sturdy as well as considered the very best wigs for that beach, the swimming pool and ocean still contain harsh chemicals that could damage your wig. For example, swimming pool water, like a harsh chemical present in pools, gets dry your hair and skin. Also, salt, based in the ocean, draws moisture from objects. Over the years, synthetic wigs also become brittle and twisted due to brine, sand, and chemicals. Obviously, you are able to put on a swimming cap in your wig, too. But please take special care while removing it to prevent ruining the wig. 

 2. Choose A Classic Wig Replace Your Preferred One 

 As above stated, saltwater, sand, and some dangerous chemicals may cause much harm to your wig. To keep your wig from searching brittle and tangling, we advise you to wash your wig soon after your dip and never put on your preferred wig towards the pool. A classic wig is a superb choice for you. 

 3. Make sure you Use Conditioner 

 If you are likely to put on a wig by the pool, a conditioner will be your buddy while fixing your wig around the beach. For example, you have to wash your wig completely to get rid of the tough pool chemicals as rapidly as you possibly can after swimming. Then spray your wig having a leave-in conditioner, which will help seal in moisture and safeguard your wig from the elements and also the sun. Naturally, it may also help expand its lifespan and stop it from turning brittle and dry. 

 4. Apply Water-proof Glue Or Adhesive 

 There's without a doubt that regular wig tape, glue liners, and straps aren't sufficiently strong to deal with pressure water. Therefore, we advise waterproof glue when putting on wigs by the pool. In the end, waterproof glue holds up better in water to be able to enjoy your go swimming without having to worry. Be sure to pack extra wig glue and tape to ensure that whenever the wig becomes loose, you've glue handy. And, the very first factor before jumping into the water would be to test out your glue. You can look at your glue first inside your bathtub, or perhaps in a swimming pool where nobody is around, or simply take a longer period of shower to determine if the glue you utilize is waterproof or otherwise. 

 5. Check Out The Double-sided Tape 

 Double-sided wig tape has got the reliability of strong-hold gel and glue without all of the mess and it is virtually invisible like clips and pins. Furthermore important, it takes no work to set up! It's pretty simple to secure your wig with double-sided tape. Just place one for reds in your hair or a protective cap, to ensure that whenever you put your wig in your mind, the upside from the tape will keep to the cap from the wig. More surprisingly, double-sided wig tape is usually waterproof and medical-grade meaning it's a lot more reliable than everyday tape. 

 6. Try Beach Braids

 Once you have done diving and washing and conditioning the wig, your wig might look untidy and brittle when compared with what it really was prior to getting within the water. Like a great hair from wholesale hair that's both protective and cute, beach braids will not rip your wig cap, take out hairs or dislodge the wig out of your mind. So why wouldn't you consider trying some beach braids to avoid dislodging from the wig in addition, to keeping your style in position all day long?

 Check out our Twelve Beautiful And Versatile Hair Suggestions For Beach for all those surfer inspiration you'll need. 

 Do you know the Best Wigs for that Beach? 

 With regards to the very best wigs for that beach, we have to mention synthetic wigs. As the best choice for wigs around the beach, synthetic wigs could be more appropriate than HD full lace wigs. This is because they still retain their style as well as their performance in adverse climate conditions. Although humidity and saltwater still affect a wig generally, synthetic wigs tend to be more affordable than exquisite real hair lace front wigs.

Be Summer Ready with Shapewear and Waist Trainers

     Summer is fast-approaching, at least that's what we're expecting here in our country where everyday feels more and more humid. Although not every lady loves the idea of enjoying under the summer sun, the bright season is a perfect opportunity to flaunt some smiles, skin, and curves. I'm not saying every woman should be in a bikini or be half-naked to do such things confidence comes from within regardless of one's outfit, or body type. Still a great way to level up one's confidence is through body shapewear. 

     Shapewear is basically an undergarment that helps create a smooth silhouette and sculpt one's figure. It is a non-invasive form of highlighting one's natural curves to highlight your natural curves and smoothen out some bulge especially if you are opting for a curve-hugging outfit. Let's say you're wearing your favorite summer dress or bodysuit. Underneath, you can still rock the shapewear of your choice and no one would even notice. Sounds cool and sexy right? You might think it's pricey for its benefits, but it's way cheaper than going under the knife which you don't really need. Plus, you may avail wholesale shapewear which you may wear from time to time on different occasions. Be it a wedding or somewhere more casual, like a brunch with your best friends, looking good with shapewear would definitely make you feel good. 

       A shapewear is a great option if you are wearing something long like a dress or a gown. Depending on its shape and form, some designs might not be suitable according to your outfit. Worry not because you can still get the same benefits through a durable waist trainer. Waist trainers have been around for years and it's no wonder why celebrities can't get enough of them in their wardrobe. Well, a woman's wardrobe won't be complete without waist trainers. The best thing about waist trainers is you can wear them anywhere you are on top or underneath of your top. Waist trainers are also great ways of helping your stubborn belly fat stay in shape. If you are also worried about its price, you should take your worries away because an affordable various wholesale waist trainer is now ready to get into your cart without compromising your budget. 

Here are some shapewear and waist trainers that I've been eyeing for some time. I'm just so glad and happy that I've found these online as I am reconstructing my clothing budget. 

                               Wholesale Front Zipper Butt Lifter Shorts High Waist Curve-Creating

Wholesale Bodycon Three Buckles Butt Lifter Seamless Feminine Curve

Let me know what you think of my choices below. 

love lots,

Tin

My Art Journal Journey

The world just welcomed the dawn of a brand new year full of hopes and promises. Despite having experienced the aftermath of Typhoon Rai (Odette) which has ravaged most parts of our country, there are still a plethora of reasons why a new year calls for celebration regardless of how humble or grand it may be. Now, the omicron variant of the coronavirus is working its way to induce anxiety among us. Truthfully, the situation in the Philippines is still far from normal - whatever that word means. While I don't want to be indifferent from the suffering of others, as I know there are some who are struggling to secure basic necessities, I want to take the start of the year as an opportunity to talk about something that I am passionate about. This is also something that has kept me sane through the storms of life especially during the past couple of years, this is art journaling.

WHAT IS AN ART JOURNAL?

An art journal is basically just any other journal except that you can incorporate art to express yourself in it. It could be in a form of an elaborate painting, simple doodles, or photo collage. There are also no specific materials needed to create one. You may add in some stickers or create an artwork which I often do if my corporate schedule allows. Any notebook will also do so you don't have to go crazy over the ones offered by coffee shops. Personally, I choose the notebooks which I will use for my own art journal. I want them to be light so I can carry them wherever I go, and their pages should be thick enough for me to paint over them. 

I started keeping an art journal during my senior year in college when I've read about its pros in a blog post written by Saab Magalona, yep, she's one of Francis M's daughters. At first, it just was something that I do as a creative outlet for myself. Gradually, it has become more than that, after almost a decade of having one, it now serves as my private Xanadu, a therapist, a canvas, but way cheaper! lol I have also learned that keeping an art journal, like practicing any other art form, has a direct impact on our holistic health. 

Through creativity and imagination, we find our identity and our reservoir of healing. The more we understand the relationship between creative expression and healing, the more we will discover the healing power of the arts. - The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature

There were times when I felt bored of keeping one but as its benefits weigh more, I have found a solution to free myself from boredom or from any creative constraints. That is through setting a monthly theme which serves as my basis for playing with the color palette and materials that I will be using. I abhor sameness so I try to think of a theme that is varied. Still, they all have to be grounded on something that interests me. It could be a poem, a song, or a certain season that makes me feel good. You'll see some of them in the photos below. (above is my December page from my 2019 journal inspired by the works of Vincent Van Gogh)

WHAT'S INSIDE MY ART JOURNAL

Although the theme for my art journal changes every month, there are elements in it that stay the same. These are as follows:

Art Journal 2021 Welcome Page

Art Journal 2019 Welcome Page

1. Welcome Page 🎨

This is like the cover page of my journal. On this page, I create an artwork that sets the tone for the year. Most of which are spontaneous or based on the Chinese zodiac. Just in case I lost my journal, I put my name and my email address on the welcome page. I write or add visuals that reflect my goals for the year on the page next to this.

2. To-Do List ⚪

These are simple lists of what I need to achieve on a certain day or in a week. Sometimes, I also do a specific list for my job. I divide my to-do list into two. A simple dash is added on basic tasks, while a hollow circle is reserved for events with specific dates. Once the event is over, let's say my appointment with my dentist, I then shade the hollow part of the circle which means the task is done. 

3. To-Read Books 📖

Although I find myself often preoccupied with work or with other commitments, I still can't let go of the idea that I must read a book amidst the time of social media and Netflix!

4. Dream Diary ☁️

I often have vivid dreams where I find myself waking up and say "damn, that plot's crazy". lol Kidding aside, I do believe that dreams guide us in some mystic ways science still can't exactly point with all of the published theories to date. Anyways, I only record those that I find impactful. 

5. Priorities ⭐

I do have a to-do list but I also mark certain tasks as priorities. Labeling the task as one keeps me motivated and helps me avoid being overwhelmed with tasks, especially when I have to beat a deadline. 

6. Ideas  ❗ 

I love jotting down my ideas into the paper as it helps me visualize them. This is really just anything that comes into my mind, my #ootd for a certain event, or a design that I can't stop thinking about. 

7. New Words W

Some words fascinate me and when I do not know what they mean, I make sure to jot them down in my journal. This helps me use the words properly!

8. Something to Be Happy About

This is a form of a list but I highlight this element and always set aside a page or two where I could write what keeps me happy all through the month. This must be my favorite part of my art journal as looking into my previous notes remind me of the good things that have happened. 

9. The Best of the Previous Year

This is located on the last page of the journal and something that I only fill in during New Year's Eve to welcome a brand new year. This is where I must and look back on the best things that have transpired in the year that has passed. Part of the things that I write on this page are the best places I've visited and my unforgettable experiences. 

In between all these, I would scribe just about anything that comes into my mind. It could be a quote from a book I am currently reading or from a Netflix flick I've recently watched. As you've noticed, the elements have accompanying symbols. It helps me locate those sections faster as I browse into my journal. I just made them up so you can also decide on what symbol you'd like to use for each element according to your liking. 

Here are some photos of my art journals from the previous years:

Ocean-Inspired Art Journal Pages

Christmas-Inspired Art Journal Page

Growth-Inspired Art Journal Page

Art Journal Pages inspired by T.S Eliot's The Waste Land

Valentine's Day-Inspired Art Journal Page

Bread and Oranges-Inspired Art Journal Page

Sailor Moon-Inspired Art Journal Page

The Beatles-Inspired Art Journal Pages

Art-Inspired Art Journal Page

The Little Prince-inspired Art Journal Page

I just bought my notebook for my 2022 art journal and still have to decide on my monthly themes for this year. I will always be grateful for the gift of calm and contentment that art journal has given me through the years, and I couldn't wait to explore life with it. Here are some photos of my previous art journals:

As you see, I didn't have my art journal for the year 2017. Not that I didn't prep for one. It's just that it was a year full of 

And finally, here's my 2022 Art Journal!

I spent a good time reading its content and couldn't help but laugh and be happy with its contents. Surely, a good way to retrospect.

 

Have you been keeping an art journal too? I hope my humble journey will inspire you to have one soon. Jump-start your art journaling adventure. Happy 2022 to all of us!