Poetic Isolation

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!

If planning to purchase extensions it really is vital that you think about the steps that should be come to maintain them. The opportunity to keep up with the extensions is entirely based by yourself ongoing efforts to clean and clean at regular times. Listed here are four helpful strategies for proper maintenance and care:

Brushing regularly

Probably the most fundamental method to maintain the look of your hair extensions would be to provide a regular brush. The very best tool is really a Looper brush or perhaps a soft bristle brush. These two brushes will lightly assistance to take away the tangles yet still time not causing any damage. The entire process of brushing the tangles is very similar just as real indian hair and includes beginning at the end to obtain that area tangle-free first. Once that's complete you'll be able to more to the top mind and lightly brushing with the full entire extensions. Avoid any rough brushing as this may lead to serious breakage leaving your hair searching quite curly and a mess.

Wash carefully

Giving the extensions a normal wash is almost as essential as brushing regularly. Without correct washing it will likely be hard to keep up with the neat and shiny appearance. Before beginning the washing process you should take away the tangles in the hair. Plus, make use of a high-quality shampoo and have a slow and careful method of brushing your hair. It can benefit to gradually wet the extensions and work in the head to feet and shampoo and rinse along the way. This can be a simple method to avoid difficulties with tangling.

360 Lace Frontal Wigs

Use conditioner

A leave-in and adding nourishment to conditioner is a superb final key to the constant maintenance routine. Use the conditioner in the top and work lower. Still brush the extensions while focusing on these to avoid difficulties with tangles. Once this is accomplished, you'll be able to leave your hair extensions to dry. Attempt to limit the adding nourishment to products because too much can result in the extensions searching quite limp and dull. Plus, they will probably tangle and obtain dirty faster.

Dry naturally

Though it takes longer, the choice to depart the extensions to dry naturally is preferred over using a blow dryer. Excessive heat can be quite harmful towards the extensions and then leave these questions poor condition. But, if intending to make use of mink hair vendors drying while in a hurry, you should make use of a low-heat setting to prevent difficulties with bonds getting sticky, breaking, or shredding.

Although one of the most common uses of long Latex Exam Gloves is going to be in a medical environment, there are actually a number of different places in which you may utilize these latex long arm gloves. Some examples are going to be found in an industrial environment, such as painting or where you have to come in contact with a number of different chemicals. An elbow length latex exam and surgical glove can protect you from bodily fluids, but it will also provide a protective seal from a number of chemicals as well. You can also use shorter 18" long latex gloves in order to minimize your contact with the latex and to save money. Here are some of the main uses of long latex gloves across a number of industries.

Perhaps one of the most common uses of long latex gloves is going to be in a medical environment. There are a number of different diseases that are currently of concern to those who are practicing medicine, and there are a number of new diseases that are constantly going around. Wearing an elbow length latex exam and surgical glove can give you superior protection, especially whenever you are not in a controlled environment and there is the possibility of skin contact above the wrist.

It will also be beneficial whenever you are doing certain surgical procedures that would necessitate body fluid touching above the wrist. Numbers of different industrial settings can also make use of these latex long arm gloves as well. Anytime chemicals are being used, you would certainly want to protect your skin from contact. These longer gloves can protect you, especially where chemical spray is an issue. For example, if you paint indoor fixtures, you can use 18" long latex gloves in order to protect your arms up to the elbow from exposure to those chemicals. You can then use regular clothing above the elbows in order to protect the skin.

The easiest place for you to find these gloves is going to be on the Internet, but there may also be some local shops which carry them as well. If you need them for a specialty purpose, there are websites which will cover the exact reason why you need to have them. In this way, you will be insured to have the most protection because the type of latex that is offered will be matched to the job that you are doing.

One concern about these long latex gloves, just as with any type of latex is that you can develop sensitivity over time. This is especially true with latex long arm gloves, because your skin will be in contact with more latex and the powder on the inside of the glove will be in the air in greater numbers as you remove the glove. That is why many people are turning to powerless 18" long latex gloves. It is also possible for you to use non-latex gloves, but they are not going to provide you with the sensitivity that the elbow length latex exam and surgical Powdered Latex Gloves would provide. Even so, it is a viable solution, should you develop a latex sensitivity.

For most of us especially women, staying in shape is a must. Of course, it can be achieved through proper diet and exercise. However, we may have some chubby areas that we are still currently working on, and perhaps, it would hell if we could hide them when we want to such as on special occasions which call us to look our best. It's no brainer than when we look good, we also feel good right? As such, how do we achieve it? The answer could be with Durafits.

Durafits is a small new company committed to finding light and comfortable fabrics to make women's shapewear. They do not only provide several styles of shapewear but also develop and create yoga sets. What they produce is something which are relevant and body-friendly. That is because they do not only cater to one body size which we often see on Instagram. Durafits also cater and create products for plus-size women and to those new mommies who are still working on getting their bodies back in shape.

They do have countless products on their line of comfortable and durable bodywear but here are two which I truly adore and something that I would recommend for women of all sizes.

First up are these two variants of full shapewear bodysuit . Bodysuit shapewear is great because it can instantly provide you with good curves and full support in targeted areas of your body. This is of course if it is of great quality. Plus, you can wear it more than many times and in so many outfits even when you're just at the comfort of your home if you want.

Power Mesh Backless Full Body Sculptwear

This full body sculptwear will make any of your outfit look smooth and flawless making you feel more confident about what you are wearing regardless of its fit. This will provide full torso coverage and compression making your back look slimmer and fuller.

This is made of a soft and breathable fabric that will not make you feel uneasy while enhancing your body’s natural shape. As a bonus, this has an open gusset for ease whenever you need to go to the restroom.

Plunge Neck Backless Bodysuit Shapewear

Are you going to attend a special occasion soon and worried about how you can sport your dress with a plunging neckline? Worry not. Durafits got you covered with their Alunge thong bodysuit shapewear. It has a low-back, low-front solution for when you're getting glam. It is also very comfortable to wear since it is made of soft, lightly padded cups and adjustable hooks, and removable straps.

I also love their plus-size line which has some of the best plus size shapewear in the online market today. It's very versatile and yes, they do have sizes for almost every body shape which even goes up to 5xl. Here are two plus-size shapewear that I adore and you can even tell why just by looking at the photos above.

Plus Size Lace Full Body Shapewear

I love this primarily because of its decorative lace. It's very sensual and feminine and I've been a fan of laces forever so this is a big yes for me. This semi-sheer shaping bodysuit provides light compression at the tummy for all-day comfort and control. The straps here are detachable so you can wear them in many ways as you please. This also has mesh targeted on the tummy area which helps provide the illusion of a slimmer waist and tummy area.

Aside from its open crotch for bathroom access, this also has a silicone lining on the end of leg portions. So sexy right?

High Rise Brief Panty Flatten Tummy

If you're not a fan of full bodysuit shapewear, don't worry since Durafits also have high rise brief panty which also works almost similarly. This helps create a smooth silhouette under clothes. Just like their other product, this brief panty was created to comfortably shape problem areas and accentuate your waistline. Some of its best features include a double-layer fabric on the belly which helps prevent fat accumulation, so with this, you get to say goodbye to love handles!

Do you love my picks? I hope you do. If you're looking for shape wears, look no further than Durafits!

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