Holiday May Your Days Be Merry And Bright 5:04 AM As you get into the celebration's festivities, remember what this day is really about.May you find reasons to be more thankful for the year that was and look forward to the coming year with a cheerful disposition. Indeed, may your stomachs and hearts be full tonight, and may your days be merry and bright. May Your Days Be Merry And Bright Amidst the heavy traffic and the long queues at the malls, While you're caught in the merriment of the occasion, As you give and receive warm hugs and answer calls, May you not forget the Reason for the season. The Baby born of the virgin and laid in the manger, Who sacrificed and left His glorious throne above, Who gave His all without asking anything but hopes you remember, That Someone important and infinite wants to give you His love. So, believing in Him or not, go on and get into the spirit, Celebrate this wonderful time, get drunk with love tonight, Forget about the year's lows and let the joy of the season get you lifted, May love fill your hearts and your days be merry and bright. Happy Christmas!
Holiday 7 Simple Steps To Save Money During The Holidays 4:45 AM 7 Simple Steps To Save Money During The Holidays It's the most wonderful...and most expensive time of the year. Gathering with your loved ones to celebrate the holidays is nice, but gift-giving could hurt your budget if you're not careful. You can stay frugal without becoming the Grinch. Here are seven simple steps to save money during the holidays.1. Make a list and check it twiceBe like Santa. Make a list and check it not to find out who's naughty or nice but to see how much you'll spend on presents.Write the name of the recipients in one column, the gift options you're getting them in another, and the price. Having more than one gift option is good, so you have a backup in case one item is unavailable or more expensive than expected. 2. Start early When is the best time to start your Christmas shopping? As early as you can. Luckily for most of us, some online stores have a monthly sale. No need to wait for significant holiday sales to start buying Christmas presents. This helps you avoid the Christmas rush. If you are in a hurry, chances are you will be unable to think clearly and spend more than you planned.I usually start in August. How about you? 3. Recycle giftsIt's not as bad as you think. Recycling gifts is a practical and sustainable way to celebrate the holiday.For example, my friend gave me a coin purse on my birthday. After a year of sitting in my closet and accumulating dust, I gave it to my other friend, who's not connected with her.Rather than hoard items you don't use, give them away. Be bold and recycle gifts. It is yours to give anyway. 4. Use coupons or vouchers Make use of coupons, gift checks, certificates, or vouchers. They're there to make your shopping life better. You can use them to buy gifts or give them as gifts. It is a practical and thoughtful present, especially for those with everything they need. Or for moms who'd love to buy some groceries or items for the house instead. 5. Shop online Online shopping helps you avoid long lines at stores. You save time and effort going outside to buy, and the options are endless. The items get delivered to your doorsteps. You practically don't have to leave the house. Buy gifts that give back to the community, the environment, and yourself from Human Nature Lucky Shop. 6. Volunteer Give your time, talent, and treasure to those who can't repay you. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. -Luke 14:13-14Many charity works are being done in the communities during the holiday. Lend a helping hand.7. Give a DIY giftA gift that's not only picked out at the store but was given a lot of time planning and creating is the best! Make your own Christmas card.Create a photo album or scrapbook of memories you have with the recipient.Give them a DIY sugar scrub, bath bomb, or body butter.Cook something. Christmas is the season of giving and giving is rewarding. Whatever happens, know that God can never be outdone in generosity.Remember that you can enjoy and show your love this Christmas without overspending. Do you have money-saving tips for the holidays? Hero image
Life Lessons Top 10 Favorite Life Quotes 1:35 AM Every day we encounter famous quotes about life from people we talk with, videos we watch, or posts we see on social media. Some resonate, some make us smile, and others still make us think. What is your favorite quote or life motto?Here are my top 10 favorite inspirational quotes about life. I hope you’ll find them helpful too.Top 10 Favorite Life Quotes1. We don’t see the world as it is; we see it as we are. - Anaïs Nin Really handy to remember when you encounter someone with a negative point of view about everything. It’s not your fault. And you can’t change them unless they change their mindset.2. You will never speak to anyone more than you think to yourself.Do you have a toxic person in your life that spews nothing but poisonous words toward you or others? Or perhaps encountered a stranger with such hostility that left you befuddled? I pity them. For by the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks. -Mt. 12:34Imagine what’s going on in their heads. Imagine what they might have gone through to be the bitter person they are now.Like you, I love hanging out with people whose words are like honey. Genuine, wonderful people who inspire and encourage by their mere presence.Which one are you?3. Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life; you didn’t settle for it. - Mandy HaleI look back ten years ago when everyone I met would pressure me into “settling down before it’s too late.” Whatever that means.Some of these people are well-meaning. But I’m glad I didn’t give in to that pressure. Truth be told, I wasn’t pressured at all. I’ve had this scary kind of calmness in me, knowing that I am living the life I chose and not what others impose on me.I am confident that ten years from now, my future self will be smiling while looking back because my present self is making conscious decisions that I believe are best for her.I know I would still make mistakes along the way. But...I am doing the best I can with what I have with where I am right now.My life may not be perfect, but it’s a life well-lived.4. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed or both will be good. -Ecclesiastes 11:6Sometimes I get demotivated and think about slacking off even when I know I’ve got a lot of tasks to accomplish. I’d remember this passage. I wrote it down on a post-it and put it beside my mirror so I could see it while preparing for the day.The Bible really is like a life manual. A complete guide. It even teaches us about hard work and mindfulness in sowing for our future.5. Do more of what brings you joy.Life’s too short to live miserably. Live with a purpose. Choose to be happy. Don’t take life for granted.What brings you joy?Walking in nature? Or going to the beach?Watching KDramas, happy dog videos, or ASMR of people cleaning and organizing? (Mine’s the last one).Taking long showers?Drinking tea?Or writing?Do more of it.And avoid things that only bring you anxiety and stress.6. You must get good at one of two things. Planting in the spring or begging in the fall. - Jim RohnI may be too prideful to beg, so I choose to always plant in the spring.I make sure I won’t be a burden to my family. And that I can be generous to them in sharing things I know they’d love.To be financially secure, you don’t have to be a wiz in investing. Instead, some simple budgeting tips and basic investing knowledge are all you need.Read here and learn how to be truly rich.7. Choose someone you enjoy talking with. Because a day will come when that beautiful body will shift. A day will come, there will be one thing left — conversations. - Bo SanchezConversations are priceless. Especially when you and your partner are apart. Physical attraction is a plus, but if you can’t have a heart-to-heart talk with your significant other, life could get complicated.8. Eat the damn cake.A “life is short” quote, if you please. I love desserts - especially cakes. It’s okay to indulge once in a while.From a more figurative view, eating the cake could mean going for something you want or risking trying.9. The grass is always greener where you water it.I used to think my life would improve if I went somewhere where opportunities were more promising. I thought I’d be happier if I did what society said I should.But now I know that life is better and happier when you learn to bloom where you’re planted.You’re more at peace when you follow your heart and ignore the shiny object syndrome.10. Don’t apologize for keeping your circle small and exclusive.Not everyone will celebrate you. Cut off people who are not contributing to your well-being...even if they’re family. If they’re too toxic to be around...If they stunt your growth...If they just keep hurting you...You need to let them go.When God takes someone out of your life, it’s because they’ve already served their purpose. And your next chapter does not require them to play their roles anymore.Protect your inner peace. You owe it to yourself.How about you? What great quotes about life are your favorites? Share them in the comments! 😀
Listicle Top 10 Blog Posts In The Past 10 Years 11:51 PM Can you believe it? We've been together for a decade now!Ten fantabulous years of writing for you. Time does fly when you're having fun. If you're new here, welcome! I'm glad you've stumbled upon this site. I hope you stay. For 10 years or more.To celebrate my 10th blog anniversary, I'll be writing 10 things about different topics. Kicking it off with my top 10 blog posts in the past 10 years of blogging (according to stats). I hope you enjoy revisiting them or reading them for the first time.Top 10 Blog Posts in the Past 10 Years1. About Hush Puppies and Finding Your One True LoveIt seems only yesterday...I was fresh from a heartbreak. In an unfamiliar place. Surrounded by the most toxic people I've ever known. I felt like Eeyore. With a constant storm cloud above me. GfycatAlas, one day...a silver lining! I received a bonus. And since my shoes then were at the end of their life, I went shoe shopping. While looking around for a good pair, I realized that shopping for shoes is like finding your life partner. Finding your one true love as with shoe shopping could take longer and could be frustrating. But in the end, it's rewarding.This is where I shared why. Pinterest2. 16 Reasons Why The Feast Is The Coolest Place To Recover Your FaithThe Catholic faith is boring and superficial. They worship sculptures. They're blind followers.That's what they say.The Feast will show you otherwise. What's The Feast? It's a weekly gathering of the LOJ Family. There's live music and worship, fun and moving talks, and it's lightyears away from boring.I went through a phase when I was thirsting for more, spiritually. I wanted to seek God on a deeper level. Going to mass wasn't enough to quench my thirst. I searched for God in other religions. I'm glad I've found The Feast. I saw God in a different light. A loving Father more than a ruler. A generous provider.An invincible protector.A loyal friend.My vindicator. God is the best life-planner and matchmaker ever.He looks at me with adoration. He's been waiting for me to return without question or judgment.I've met some of my lifelong friends at The Feast, too.The Feast truly is the best place to recover your faith. Check out the other reasons why here.Tenor3. I Choose To Be HappyThis was written when I was down in the dumps and have had enough of my situation. Dramatic but true.I realized...God didn't knit me together in my mother's womb so I'd wake up feeling dejected every day. I've had enough of the dark times. I wanted to see the light. And I realized the only person stopping me from doing so is...Myself.So, I made a choice.I chose to get up and make things happen.I chose forgiveness even when I never received the apology I needed.I chose to be happy then, and I keep choosing happiness today.Read here and find out why you should too.Tenor4. 13 Things You Should Never Apologize ForDo you catch yourself apologizing even when it's unnecessary? I'm sorry, I just have a question.I'm sorry, but I think you should leave.I'm sorry, but that's not funny. It's offensive.It's like we're too scared to rock the boat. And to show how we really feel.Women, especially.GiphyI love this quote from Marianne Williamson:Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? We shouldn't apologize if we shine too brightly for others who choose to stay in the dark.You should not apologize for being yourself (as long as you're not hurting anyone).What are the things you don't apologize for? Here are mine.Shine bright, baby!Giphy5. Life Lessons From Maleficent MovieAnother post about making a choice and how our choices affect our lives.Hold a grudge or forgive?Love or hate?To vindicate or to let go?In every choice we make, there's a consequence. Especially choosing the words that come out of our mouth. Because words are extremely powerful.Maleficent is also about the importance of not judging others based on their appearance.She may have a menacing look but she's got a good heart.She was only temporarily hateful because she was hurt. And you know what they say about women scorned.No? Read about it here.Pinterest6. The Power Of An IntrovertI scored 99% introvert in the personality test I took. No kidding.I'm at peace and at my best when I'm in my own little bubble. When I finally realized that choosing to stay home over partying is not being a killjoy but just being myself, I felt more powerful. In control. And blissful.Oh, the quiet power of an introvert and the fun things we can do.I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. -Henry David ThoreauAre you an introvert or know someone who is? You should read this.Tumblr7. 25 Powerful Declarations To Shape Your Day & Change Your LifeWords can shape your day and change your life. We all need motivation. Every day.Do you speak encouraging and kind words to yourself? Or do you wake up feeling defeated?This could help you. I love what Annie Dillard said: How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.Copy and paste these 25 declarations here.Giphy8. 10 Signs Your Partner Is A Man-Child And Not A ManBig thanks to guest blogger Tracey Clayton for this enlightening and fun read. Could it be that there are more "man-child" than we think there are? Why the interest in knowing the signs? If you're in a relationship and you're not sure if your partner is a man-child or not, this article is for you.Save yourself from a lifetime of headaches and tears. If you see a red flag, run.Gifer9. Dogs Are Family, Not FoodI wasn't vegan yet when I wrote this. I found out that there is a festival wherein people feast on dog meat. As disgusting and preposterous as it sounds, it's true. It's happening. Every year. I wrote this as a petition. Man is the only one to whom the torture and death of his fellow-creatures are amusing in itself. -James Anthony FroudePLEASE sign the petition because sadly, it's still happening.Tenor10. My Birthday Gratitude ListThankful every day but especially during my birthday. I would look back at the year that has passed (because my birth month is December), and think about how blessed I am. My heart is filled with gratitude as I'm listing down my blessings.Writing down a gratitude list improves your life.You become more mindful and focused.You're more cheerful and optimistic.You'll have fewer worries. Have more energy. More motivated to do more. And you feel more confident that no matter what happens, everything's going to be okay.Make it a habit to write a gratitude list, especially on your birthday. You'll feel more special and you'll appreciate life more.TenorRereading these articles is a trip.I could picture my younger self hunched down on my laptop and baring my soul. What a wonderful 10 years of blogging it has been!Thank you for being a part of it. 😊Tell me which of these top 10 blog posts you enjoyed the most. What has resonated with you? I'd love to read your thoughts in the comments below. This post here may contain affiliate links. Meaning I get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thank you for your support.
Life Lessons 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For 7:12 PM 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For Here are 13 things you should never apologize for, ever again. Because...There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you. -Steve Maraboli 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For1. You should never apologize for your beliefs. I avoid using the term 'religion' because many people say "my religion" this and "my religion" that. Why should it be "my" religion? I just believe what's in the Bible about which religion is involved. I simply believe... I believe in it, and I get down on my knees every night, thank God, and ask Him to lead the way. -Michael JacksonDon't apologize for your beliefs and for being passionate about them.We were raised in different homes and have different cultures. It's okay if you don't share the same faith with the people around you. Respecting others' beliefs and having an open mind signify spiritual maturity. 2. You should never apologize for the way you look. You're fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)You are beautiful just the way you are, and no one can argue with that. Who says you need to have perfectly straight hair to be beautiful? Those curls are enviable.Who says you need to be voluptuous or slim? A person who is confident in her own skin is sexy.If someone only loves you because you have the perfect curves in the right places...you should be worried. You don't have to buy designer clothes to be accepted. It's not about the clothes you wear. It's about who's wearing them.There's beauty in diversity. 3. You should never apologize for being honest.The truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever.Expect to be attacked when you speak the truth. Because the fact makes people uncomfortable. It's not your fault if they choose to live a life of pretense. So don't apologize for it.Just remember to still be respectful and tactful when telling the truth. Don't use honesty as an excuse to be mean.4. You should never apologize for your relationship status.Embrace this season of life, for it is just that. A season.As long as you're not wrecking lives or destroying relationships...You're not offending anyone...You're not wasting people's time...You're not causing harm to yourself or to another person...Don't apologize wherever you are in your life right now. Whether you're still figuring out what you want in life, happily single, or in a relationship, you do you. 5. You should never apologize for sleeping in or taking a break. Breaks can lead to breakthroughs.Sleep in on the weekend. Book a vacation. Go out and see new places. Or stay at home and watch your favorite movie or show. Read a good book. Do nothing. If you've been working like crazy and giving your best, you deserve to have a break. Don't apologize for not being productive for a day or two. Save yourself from breaking down and burning out. Take a break. 6. You should never apologize for your standards.Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is raise your standards. -Tony RobbinsDo you want a raise or see an increase in your profit? You've worked hard for it. You deserve to receive more. You also need to choose the people you allow in your life. Remember: You become the average of the five people you spend most of your time with. (Jim Rohn)Who are the people in your circle? Set your standards, and don't apologize for it. It's the same as setting boundaries. They're there to protect you from abusive people or distractions, direct your path, and remind you of what you really want. 7. You should never apologize for making wrong choices in the past.Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default. -J.K. RowlingIf you haven't made bad decisions, you wouldn't realize what's best for you. Don't let your past prevent you from moving forward, define who you are, and shape your future.Own up to your mistakes. 8. You should never apologize for asking for help. Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either falls down, one can help the other up. -Ecclesiastes 4:9You can't do everything on your own. No matter how smart and great you think you are, there's always something someone knows that you don't. Or something you haven't discovered yet that someone is already an expert in. Don't apologize for asking questions. It's better to admit that you don't know something than pretend to know it all.All the experts were once newbies too. 9. You should never apologize for your quirks. I think everybody's weird. We should all celebrate our individuality and not be embarrassed or ashamed of it. -Johnny DeppSo what if you still read fairy tales or young adult fiction before going to bed even when you're...not young anymore? So what if you dress like a lady but love heavy metal music? So what if you're the odd one out? Start loving and appreciating yourself more. How? There are several ways to stop hating yourself and help you achieve healthy self-love. Start with accepting yourself for who you are. Embrace your quirks. You're unique, and you've got something only you can offer.Celebrate your weirdness. Don't apologize for it. 10. You should never apologize for your dreams. Don't let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big.Don't let people who lack imagination look down on your creativity. Sometimes critics discourage you from reaching your goals, not because they don't believe you can do it. But because they know you can, they don't want you to. They're afraid of your success because you remind them of their mediocrity and failure.Sometimes it's not because you shine too bright. It's just because they choose to live in the shadows. 11. You should never apologize for choosing to be healthy. The food you eat can be the safest and most powerful medicine or the slowest form of poison. -Ann WigmoreYou don't have to eat less. Just eat right. Choose foods that are packed with nutrients and are healing. Try a vegan or plant-based diet.Some websites and vlogs provide easy-to-make plant-based recipes. Going vegan will not only make you healthy, but it's also kinder to the animals and better for the planet.You'll be more sorry if you keep choosing food that risks your health and slowly kills the Earth. 12. You should never apologize for walking out of a relationship. Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is brave. -Mandy HaleMaybe you stopped being friends because they seemed to be holding you back. Or you feel like you're going in different directions after reaching a certain point. Maybe your relationship was draining you because it was demanding too much of your time.Maybe you're the only one who's trying to work things out.Don't apologize for putting yourself first and walking away from a toxic relationship.You deserve better. 13. You should never apologize for saying 'no.'Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough. -Josh BillingsIf you're uncomfortable with the idea or think it's too much for you...If you don't feel like doing it for no selfish reason...Say 'no.'Don't be guilty of turning down an invitation, a job offer, a proposal, or even what appears to be an opportunity. If your gut feeling tells you to say 'no,' listen to it. Over apologizing makes it easier for people to treat you like a doormat. It invites abusive people to come into your life. It will not correct anything. Don't apologize for not being sorry for certain things. You don't owe it to anyone.
Books Book Recommendation: The Turtle Always Wins By Bo Sanchez 6:38 PM We've heard of the fable about the tortoise- and, in some versions, the turtle- and the hare. This simple story shows us what humility, patience, and perseverance can do. The Turtle Always Wins by Bo Sanchez teaches us that we can build wealth and also win in the race of life by applying the principles we learned from this famous children's book.This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost.Book Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The Turtle Always Wins by Bo Sanchez Book ReviewWhen it comes to living simply yet abundantly, Bo Sanchez can indeed preach. He's living it. In his book, The Turtle Always Wins, Bro Bo explains how long-term investment in the stock market is the best way to build wealth. If someone with a love-hate relationship with numbers like me can easily understand this book and start investing, you can, too.The Turtle Always Wins will teach you that true wealth can be achieved using the Turtle Strategy. You can reach financial success through:strategic planningplanting seeds and caring for them regularlywaiting patientlystaying calm during a crisis consistently doing the "boring" work The Turtle Always Wins by Bo Sanchez is more than just a financial book that aims to help those with zero to limited investment knowledge. It's also about having the right attitude to win in the race of life.This book is NOT for you if...You're a trader and an aggressive investor who wants to get rich quickly despite the high risk.This book is for you if...You want a slow, steady, sure way of building wealth through time.The slow turtle winning the race over the fast hare is an excellent reminder of Ecclesiastes 9:11:The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.The Truly Rich ClubInvesting slowly but surely is the principle we follow in the Truly Rich Club. It was founded by Bo Sanchez with the mission to help good people become rich- truly rich. So you'll not just be financially wealthy but also spiritually well-nourished. What is your approach when it comes to investing? Are you a more aggressive hare or a conservative "slowly but surely" turtle-style type? Why You Should Read The Turtle Always WinsBo Sanchez's book The Turtle Always Wins is an inspiring guide to building wealth and success in all aspects of life.Can you recommend a book about investing like The Turtle Always Wins?
Lux Thinking Aloud Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & Julia 12:58 PM I just had my worst breakup and was still picking up the pieces of my shattered self-worth.I turned to blogging to distract myself. Who am I kidding? I wrote my bleeding heart out hoping my ex would read how I felt after he left. So he'd realize what a monster he was.After slaving myself away in a job that sucked the life out of me, I’d come home to a noisy, chaotic house I shared with other OFWs. I'd watch movies until I was too sleepy to think about anything. Until I was too numb to feel anything.Then I found Julie and Julia.Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & JuliaJulie Powell was a frustrated writer stuck in a job she hated in a house she didn’t like. She lived in a city where dreams were made of but she felt as though her life was a nightmare.Her only escape from reality was cooking. She loves American cook Julia Child so much. She’s her heroine. After her husband suggested she blog about her cooking, her life turned around. The recipes on her blog were from Julia’s cookbook.BloglovinIn a different time, Julia's life in Paris began. She was traveling with her husband who works for the US government. They lived in a gorgeous big house in the City of Light. She's learning the culture, enjoying the savory food and exploring things, trying to find her passion.Primo GifThe movie was about their lives intertwined; their struggles in searching for their purpose, finally finding what they’re good at, the obstacles in pursuing what they love and the imperfections of their personal lives.Aside from these amazing women's journey, I love the gentle forces behind them---their partners. I adore their husbands. Hurting as I was back then, I didn’t swear off love. And every time they show how supportive, loving and encouraging Julie and Julia’s husbands were, I find myself whispering a prayer, “Lord, I want a husband like that.”Julie and Julia became my comfort movie.It gave me hope that someday, I’ll get out of the job I was stuck in. I will find what I truly love to do and earn while doing it.GiphyJulia wrote award winning cookbooks and became a TV personality despite having zero knowledge in cooking at first. Julie’s blog became a hit that her story was turned into a book and a movie.Julie’s story is every blogger’s dream. It was my dream. Maybe not in the same scale. But the thought of getting something out of what I spend most of my time on sounds appealing to me.Fast forward to today, there are brands and clients who trust me to feature them on my blog (THANK YOU!). I get paid for writing and by God's grace, I've found my dream husband. But I'm still a frustrated cook. 😂Julie and Julia’s husbands possessed the traits I was looking for in my ideal life partner. TumblrI saw this movie at a time I NEEDED to know people like them exist. Real people. Not fictional. It was refreshing to see that there are real men who are sweet and supportive but also strong and reliable.If it wasn't for their husbands' encouragement, push and humor, they may not have soared as high as they did. Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe in your dreams and push you to become the best that you could be.GiphyLet me borrow Julie’s words describing Julia as I explain why I love this movie so much:“It saved me. I was drowning and it pulled me out of the ocean.”What's your favorite or comfort movie?Contains affiliate links.
