Books The Quickie By James Patterson Book Review 5:57 AM The Quickie By James Patterson Book Review The Quickie by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge is about Lauren, a wife caught in the spiderweb of lies of his almost perfect husband.One accidental discovery led to a one-night stand. And murder. One wrong choice brought forth lies, crimes, and head-spinning revelations. How far will you go for the person you love? And what if, in the process of saving him, you find yourself unmasking a scary stranger you promised to love and to hold for richer, for poorer, 'til death do you part?The Quickie By James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge Book ReviewRant and review (You've been warned)SPOILER ALERT!You know that feeling when you see a glaring red sign DANGER, but instead of turning around, you rush into it head-on?I feel like that's how Lauren, the main character in this book, feels. How can you turn around and walk away when every flip of the page, every turn of events, is an unveiling? That your married life has been nothing but a big fat lie?Men.Oh, men.Men who are cheaters, accomplished liars, two-faced monsters. Not the giant hairy monster that will get you running the other way when you see them.But monsters with beaming gorgeous smiles and dimples in well-pressed suits.I can forgive a mistake when it's all in the past when I'm not in the picture yet.But cheating while we're together, albeit in a messy situation, is unforgivable. One wrong step, one stupid decision on a wild night because of lust, alcohol, and misery may be a misstep. But if you keep doing it and living in it, that's not a mistake anymore. That's a choice.A deliberate decision to plunge the knife into my heart again and again and again.GiphyThere you are, walking through our door every night like a good husband and responsible citizen.Walking inside a different home in another city on another day. Acting like the perfect husband and doting father to your bastard. While we're still together. Legally, imperfectly happily married.How can you look at yourself in the mirror?Calling that child an accident is another freaking layer of this beautiful wrapper to this fantastic gift that is the truth.So did you trip and fall on the woman, and then boom! You find yourselves naked with your plonker inside her warm cave? How convenient! Some magic that could put David Blaine to shame.Cheaters got me riled up. I can only imagine how this wife feels. After saving her husband's ass by covering his tracks repeatedly, risking her career and her life only to find out he's the devil's pawn driving a Ferrari in his parallel life.And him telling her it's all for the child's sake. It's a picture of a happy family they're trying to paint for the daughter. He and the woman have long been over. Only to find a sonogram of twins in his pocket.It's like being sucker punched.Ah, the perfect family that we never will be.When is the lie going to end? When will you stop insulting my intelligence?How nice of you to be making your dreams come true while we're struggling for years to build our own family.How are you going to digest all that? In one sitting? Because I finished the book in one day.It's a real page-turner.My heart is still pounding, and my blood pressure is still high while writing this review.My heart breaks to a thousand pieces for the wife. And my heart boils for the lying, cheating sonofabitch husband she has.It's like watching Ally McBeal discover the truth about Billy moving to Chicago and ending their decades of relationship again.It's like watching Rachel break up with Ross over a quickie afresh.WifflegifRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I give five blinding shining stars because James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge made me feel things I didn't want to in this novel.Dread. Fear. Confusion. Loathing. The gut-wrenching, soul-crashing pain of betrayal. Rage. A whole lot of rage.It forced me to look at the hideous face of infidelity, which I never wanted to see.What I like about The Quickie by James PattersonIt will get you hooked at the get-go.Happy ending for Lauren.A clean slate for the people involved.Justice. Not the one it deserves, in my opinion, but justice all the same.Made me thankful I married a faithful man.I didn't like the ugly emotions this book evoked in me, but that's what an excellent, compelling book does! It disturbs you and makes you want to scream in anger and frustration.I do love a happy ending. I'm glad that loose ends were tied in the story. At least for the time being. Because you know what they say. The truth always comes out.Unfortunately for Lauren, it did. The truth about what kind of man he married.And he didn't even have the balls or the decency to give her all the truth she deserved to hear.Evil up to the very end.What I don't likeI hate, loathe, despise, abhor - and insert all synonyms that apply - cheaters. Especially those who don't own up to their mistakes. And have the gall to point the fingers at you. Infidelity rubs me the wrong way because I'm a wife myself. I can't imagine what I'll do or feel if I were in that situation. It will take me a while to process the betrayal. The world Lauren crumbled down just when she thought everything would be alright. More than alright. Picture perfect.It's like finding your favorite toy on the far-off shelf after scouting store after store, and then suddenly, someone grabs it and breaks it into pieces right in front of you.That's how I felt when the puzzle pieces kept falling into place. As Lauren followed her too-good-to-be-true, doting, loving, perfect husband. Knocking at his other beautiful home's door, looking at his glowing face in the photographs like the ideal husband and father he is to these strangers he also calls his family.Watching him glow with pride and happiness as he plays the good old daddy paying a visit from his hectic work schedule.Lie after lie. My heart is being smashed as I turn every page.Will I recommend it?Absolutely! Especially to those who enjoy crime or cop novels or stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat.WARNING: If you don't want to be stressed out by lying husbands, don't read this book!I didn't expect it to affect me this way, but here we are.Final thoughtsI'm happy that Lauren got her chance to a new beginning. Lying husband-free.I'll get to that happy place soon. It's difficult for an emotionally involved reader like me to move on after this traumatizing roller coaster journey. But I'll get there. Not as quickly as the quickie that started this all out. But soon enough. What book has stirred your emotions?Check out my top romance novel recommendations categorized by tropes.Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share short book reviews, recommendations, funny memes, and relatable reels on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there! I also post my reviews on Goodreads.
Listicle 10 Things I Wish They Taught Us In School 2:47 PM Another day passed, and I didn't get to use Algebra and Calculus once. Phew! 😂Why did I take them up again? Oh, right. It's required to get my degree. I wish they'd allowed us to choose what we want to learn. Or change the curriculum and teach us the essential things in life.Do you also wish that sometimes? I mean, do you even remember what the Pythagorean theorem is and its purpose?Here are 10 things I wish they had taught us in school.10 Things I Wish They Taught Us in School1. Filing taxes and how we can save or pay lessI remember taxes being explained in school. Briefly.I don't remember our school teaching us how to lessen the amount we need to pay. I know some wealthy people find a loophole in taxes. They're so rich because they can get around it. I wish they had taught us an easier way to file taxes. The basic ones. So we don't dread tax season and do not have to hire a bookkeeper or accountant as much as possible.Thankfully, there are YouTube channels now explaining how certain taxes should be filed.2. Mental Health Care There's a stigma about people suffering from mental health problems.I wish they taught us how to deal with anxiety, for example, not only when taking up psychology, psychiatry, or the like.Taking care of our mental health should be taught early on to avoid making it worse. And for the person suffering from it to not be scared to open up and seek help.Let young people know what they feel is expected or if it's time for them to get professional help. What can they do when they feel paralyzed by fear?How should we talk to someone who is going through depression?If mental health had been given the focus and importance it deserves, maybe more suicides and self-harm could've been avoided.More people wouldn't feel bad, lost, or guilty for feeling their feelings.People would be more sensitive and empathetic towards others.3. The truth about animal agriculture or how our food is made.This is not to force people to go vegan (though it would be nice if you would). This is to give you the option. To know what you're choosing and the consequences of your choice.When I learned about what they do to animals and how unpleasant and dreadful the situation is, I felt duped. Why didn't anyone tell me how horrible the process was for my cheeseburger to be made?Thank goodness for plant-based alternatives now.Show your kids actual footage and not staged videos of animals killed for food. Then let them decide for themselves.4. How to live more sustainably. Rich people are trying to discover how we can thrive on other planets, but...Shouldn't we spend more time and money to save what we have instead of looking for another planet to abuse and corrupt live on?There's nothing wrong with progress. I'm here for a future with flying cars and all the high-tech fun.But it shouldn't mean we should trash our planet while working our way to a better future, right?May we learn to live sustainably even when schools don't focus on teaching us how.5. Laws and rightsMore than 30,000 statutes have been enacted in the US since 1789.We studied the basics of law and those necessary in your field. For example, we have a subject on Ethics and Jurisprudence in Pharmacy.But some people are unaware of their fundamental rights, like the right to fair wages. Unfortunately, that's especially true in my country.Side note: Do you know that it's illegal to fly a kite in Victoria, Australia, and Buenos Aires, Argentina?What other crazy laws do you know of?6. How to invest or the different kinds of investmentIs there a conspiracy theory that keeps the poor poor and helps the rich become richer? Because why aren't they teaching us how to grow our money properly in school?I learned all about investing and growing your money exponentially from financial gurus.If I could learn simple investment through a one-day seminar and follow it up with YouTube videos, imagine what we could do if we discover it in all our years spent in school. I'm sure you've heard stories of Chinese families talking about money at the dining table, even with their young kids, as naturally and casually as talking about their favorite Disney characters.No wonder they're good at businesses and investments.7. How to start and grow a businessSpeaking of business, not everyone's good at it.But maybe because we just don't know what we can sell or how to sell. Our every day involves marketing. We use marketing to convince our parents to give us money. Why did you add that product to your cart even if you don't really need it? Effective marketing.We recommend products to our friends. We are natural salespersons. Might as well use that skill to start a business and help us grow our money.In Robert Kiyosaki's book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, his rich dad taught him about selling and business while he was young. Imagine if he waited for school to teach him what he knows now.8. The power of the law of attraction or having the right mindsetWhy don't they teach us the importance of having the right attitude? The winning mentality? Or that we have the power to make things happen?We see it in movies and in other people we know. We read it in self-help books. Some of the people we met are generous enough to share this with us.Why not start this in school?9. Self-defenseSelf-defense should be mandated to be taught in schools. It's vital for survival. Not every parent has the time and resources to bring their kids to a martial arts class.Since we're already going to school every day, we might as well teach ourselves how to deal with a possible assault. ROTC was a requirement when I was in school. So what did we get out of it, really?Here are 27 basic self-defense tricks for women.10. The importance of marriage. I used to think that marriage was only a contract between two people. A piece of paper you sign for legal purposes.Maybe that's why people jump into it and walk out just as quickly.Marriage is a covenant. After the beautiful wedding ceremony is the actual relationship test, and it's not always easy.The enemy doesn't need to destroy a nation. He just needs to target the family, the basic unit of our society. And it's easy to destroy a family when the husband and wife are at war.Final thoughts Education should give us a solid foundation before going into the world.But how many of those lessons taught in the classroom can we use daily?I've not looked for the value of X since I graduated.If life is a battle, we must be equipped with the right weapon.Sometimes when I do "adult" things that are pretty challenging, like filing my taxes or struggling with stress, I can't help but wish they taught us how to properly handle these things in school. Instead of wasting our time memorizing formulas we'll never use or terminologies we forget the moment we step out of school, why not learn things that are more life- and sanity-saving.What are the things you wish they had taught us in school?
Lux Thinking Aloud The Simple Life 8:43 AM The Simple Life This qu arantine life is forcing us to go back to the simple life, doesn't it? No excessive shopping, traveling or partying. Gardening My husband and I were talking the other day and thinking how nice it would be to grow our own garden. Just our usual meal staples like tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, carrots and some herbs. I've always been amazed by vertical gardens especially those in the kitchen. Generally, a house with greens and blooms in my opinion is both beautiful and practical. Not to mention refreshing. What do you think? Giphy I don't think I have the patience and the green thumb for starting a garden, but I'm glad my husband has. 🙂 Genuine connection Since I've been watching a lot of Friends lately, I miss those old times when people get together and REALLY connect. I'm lucky to grow up without gadgets. I feel nostalgic remembering that simple life pre-internet. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for this technology. I wouldn't have married my husband if not for it. Nowadays, even in family gatherings people are mostly busy with their gadgets. It would be nice to be in the moment and connect with the people around rather than online. Giphy Great equalizer Right now especially because of this crisis, there just seems to be so much noise outside. Do you agree that because of social media, there is more pressure in your life? Do you find yourself trying to keep up with your peers? I hope not. I hope you continue to revel in your quirks, stay comfortable in your individuality and be proud of your lifestyle choice no matter how simple it may be. As long as you're not hurting anyone with your choices, you do you! There's nothing ordinary about you. Remember that. Giphy One other good thing about this crisis that I can think of is that it became a great equalizer. Millionaire, poor, famous stars, ordinary people, young, old, regardless of a person's sexual orientation or religion, they can get infected by the virus. I hope we're coming to our senses now and seeing the huge difference between the essential and the excess. The necessity versus the fancy. I hope we realize now that we are all the same underneath. My life in the time of co ronavirus during this lo ckdown makes me appreciate the simple life I used to know and see things from a different perspective. How about you? Your turn What is your idea of a simple life? What do you miss most about your childhood?
Lux Thinking Aloud King of the Jungle 8:19 AM We're on Day 3 and things are getting crazier. Not only does the number of deaths and new cases are still increasing, the government is politicizing what's happening. King of the Jungle It's disheartening what's going on right now. Instead of going after people who are not doing their part---or worse violating the protocol, the government goes after the competent ones. Maybe they are threatened. Because those who are doing their jobs are showing people how it should be done. Thus, revealing who are just here for the money. Who knows? I can never understand how the evil people mind's work. It feels like we're in a movie. Like Hunger Games. People are going after each other in the name of food and survival. And those who are in power just sit there and watch us tear each other apart. Tenor Are you also troubled like me? We're in this together. Let me give you some encouragement as I seek to find encouragement myself. Remember this: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -John 16:33 Right now it is hard to believe. The evil seems to be winning. Especially since a lot of people still choose to be silent. Forgetting that choosing to be neutral in situations of injustice is choosing the side of the oppressor. (Desmond Tutu) But this is not new. In the books, movies or even in real life, I have seen evil rise in power. But I have also seen them fall. In all the times that I have experienced or witnessed injustice myself, the song King of the Jungle of Steven Curtis Chapman has always given me hope. Here are some lines: Well the day has just begun and I'm already running late With too many irons in the fire and too much on my plate I'd be pulling out my hair if I could just get one hand free And I'd stop this world if I could find the key What I see is telling me I'm going crazy, but What is real says God's still on His throne What I need is to remember one thing That the Lord of the gentle breeze is Lord of the rough and tumble And He is King of the Jungle Yes He is People say this world's a jungle and sometimes I must admit I'd be scared to death if I did not know who was King of it But the truth is God created this whole world with His own hand So everything is under His command Everything is still under His command. We have a big God. He's bigger than this crisis. Some people may abuse the gift of freewill given to them, but there is still the Law of the Harvest: You reap what you sow. This law works like the law of gravity. You can never defy it. You can never avoid it. Here's another verse to remember when you feel like the enemy is winning: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. -Psalm 23:5 I am afraid. I am disheartened. I am even angry. Every day it seems the enemy is doing something to crush my spirit. But I hold on to these words and promises. I hope you will too. Your turn What quote or verse do you go back to when you feel burdened or troubled? What song do you play to remind you that everything will get better?
Fashion & Style Fake Reviews For Babyonlinedress 8:19 AM I'm exposing offers I've received to post fake reviews for Babyonlinedress and other fashion brands like 27dress, Luvyle, Joracon, Stylewe, Shoespie, Lukalula. I think that all these brands are under the same management because if you check their websites, they have some similar items in their galleries and sometimes use the same email. If you're an online shopper like me, online reviews matter---a lot! So imagine my surprise and exasperation when I got an offer to post false reviews for certain fashion brands at a very cheap price. That is a double offense for me. First, as a blogger who work hard and is passionate about my mission to influence. Second, as a consumer who wants to get value for the hard earned money I spend on the items I buy. I posted about this on trusted review sites exposing the fraudulence behind these brands. It irks me to see that they are still receiving 5-star reviews. These supposed satisfied customers are not only raving about the dresses they received, but are claiming that the 1-star reviews are fake. They're making it look like we are the liars and we are only doing it "maybe because of grudge against the company" as one review says. Giphy So here I am not only warning you but also showing evidence that I have received offers to post a fake review from these companies through email. When I was just starting on my blog, I received banner ad requests from a lot of fashion brands. Little did I know that a few months later, some of these brands would come back and ask to work for another project with them again. A fraud one! I feel sorry for their victims who claimed that: they never received the item they received something that does not look anything like the item in the photo or nobody is answering their call or email asking for a refund Fake Reviews for Babyonlinedress and other Brands Click individual photos to read better I have warned some close friends and the wedding group I joined on FB about these brands: Babyonlinedress 27dresses Just Fashion Now Stylewe Popjulia Joracon Shoespie Luvyle Lukalula Selaros But I feel like it is my obligation to warn everyone I could reach and appeal to my fellow bloggers or online influencers to please, please, PLEASE not accept the offer. Because sadly, there are those who agree in exchange for a few dollars. I am hopeful though that there are still people out there whose credibility cannot be bought. As I've said here before, somehow blogging transcends from being just a hobby to being an extension of our lives. It is our online presence. It reflects who we are. Anyway, I will let these screenshots be proof enough that these brands are making money out of deception. Babyonlinedress' offer to post fake reviews 27dress' offer to post fake reviews They forgot to BCC the recipients on their email. This message was sent to 73 recipients including myself and sad to say, some responded that they are interested. Luvyle's offer to post fake reviews I had a feeling that this was another fraud offer judging from the many requirements and the low budget so I asked for more details. And I was right! Shoespie's offer to post fake reviews This is the first company to offer me a fake review Joracon's offer to post fake reviews Stylewe's offer to post fake reviews Update! These companies just never stop. Now their approach is offering a content writing job. I've received another email to post a fake review (as content writing job) on reputable review sites. I contacted Trustpilot, Sitejabber and other review sites and they are thankful for my exposé. They have been working internally on how to avoid and filter fake reviews which makes me happy. Because that means they're taking these frauds as seriously as I am. For my wedding, I bought my bridesmaids dresses online based on a recommendation from the Facebook group I've been a member of for a while now. So I understand the importance of reviews. How can we tell now which ones are real and which ones are false? I wish I have the correct answer. What you can do Buying online is a huge risk. Especially if the item is for a major event or special occasion and doesn't come cheap. My advice then to avoid becoming a victim of these fraud companies is to: Do your own research. That's why I posted this because in case you're looking for proof if you could trust the 5-star reviews you see, here it is. Ask around. When I was doing research for wedding suppliers, I didn't only read the reviews but I also contacted those who posted a bad review and asked if their issue has been resolved or not. I also asked friends if they have a personal experience with the company or know someone who does. Trust your gut. If you think it's too good to be true, it probably is. Follow your intuition. If something's not right, don't buy. Buy from physical store. As much as possible, buy from a store where you can see the actual product. At least you know if there is a problem right away and you can go back if you need a refund or exchange. I understand the convenience of online shopping. I've bought stuff online too. In the past, I have also worked with some brands. But I see to it that I post an objective review even when I received the item for free. I would always add the disclaimer that all opinions are my own. At the end of the day, my blog is not just for me to express my thoughts and rants about life and love. It is not just for sharing my experiences and travels. It's my service to others. The least I could do in exchange for the time you give me by reading my posts is to be as honest and real to you as possible. I hope you find this review before you buy from any of these brands. Are you also buying online? How do you distinguish a genuine review from a fake one?
Marriage How To Change Name After Marriage In The Philippines 7:58 AM Updated as of January 2025 After the stress and bliss of wedding preps and the wedding day, the new missus often faces a practical question: how to change her name after marriage? In the Philippines (and many other countries), changing one’s maiden name is not required. If you plan to, I want to share my experience because it could feel confusing and overwhelming without guidance. It’s really not. Yes, it could be frustrating since we’re talking about government offices here (iykyk). But hang in there.With this Change Name guide and tips, you’ll accomplish this task with ease.✋Skip the blog and get your requirements and steps in one place. Download the FREE checklist and guide below (Passport name change is not in the blog, but included in the checklist). Jump to a Section ▼ How to Change Name after Marriage in the Philippines 1st Step: Obtain a Marriage Certificate from PSAEnsure you have a copy of your marriage certificate from the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority), formerly NSO (National Statistics Office).Schedule your online appointment, as they no longer accept walk-ins as of this writing. 💡 Pro tip: Get at least 5-6 copies of your marriage certificate to avoid argument with the spouse. 😅 Because some agencies will need to keep the original. I’m currently based in Bacolod. Though the requirements listed here may be the same nationwide, the processes (like which window, building, etc.) may differ. For PhilHealth, we went to their main office. They’re also in Robinson’s Mandalagan. For PRC, SSS, and PAG-IBIG, we went to Robinson’s Bacolod 3/F. If you have the time, go to their main offices. The lines there may be shorter.DOWNLOAD the complete list of requirements and straightforward steps for changing your maiden to married name in the Philippines - including passport change with the DFA (The checklist is rant-free, promise. Lol!) PHILHEALTHRequirements:PSA-certified marriage certificate: Bring the original and photocopy (In my case, she didn’t bother checking the original and gave it back to me, but kept the photocopy).Valid government ID: A photocopy of a valid government ID (I brought mine with my maiden name, and they accepted it).PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): You can download the printed and filled-out PMRF from their website. Their site is often down, so just check the link to see if it works. You can also fill out the form in their office if you prefer not to download it. 1x1 ID picture with a white background: Although not listed on the website, this is required for your new ID. Steps:Fill out the necessary information that applies. For Purpose, tick off ✔ For Updating. Wait for your number to be called and submit all requirements for checking.Wait for your updated record and ID.That’s it!Personal Experience:The PhilHealth office is my favorite so far. We arrived a little past 7 a.m. I asked the guard for a number, and I was #27. They let us in around 7:40 a.m. (their office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and started transactions right away.My number was called around 8:15 a.m., and in less than a minute, I was done! However, I had to quickly grab a 1x1 ID photo nearby after submitting the papers and go back to the same window. 😒 After handing over my picture, she printed my name and pasted my picture. It took less than a minute, maybe 20 seconds.I didn’t know I could get an updated ID right then and there, but I was glad I did. 💡 To protect your ID from damage, you need to laminate it yourself. There’s a laminating service just outside their office. Philhealth office location: Click the photo to view it on Google Maps. PRCRequirements:Filled out Petition Form from their websitePhotocopy AND original Marriage CertificatePhotocopy of current PRC IDStatutory fee of Php 225Metered documentary stamp2 pcs passport size picture with white background and name tag (your married name)PRC postal envelope - although not listed on the website, it is required in Bacolod, likely because they will mail your requirements to the Manila office.Steps with comments1. Proceed to Window 1 with requirements 1-3 above. It kind of pissed me off that I made an effort to look for a lawyer to notarize the petition form because that’s what it says on their website, only to be told I didn’t have to. 😠I told Miss Not-So-Pleasant at Window 1 that it’s what the website says. I even showed the list I downloaded, but Miss Window #1 just said, “No, we don’t require that. We don’t ask you to do that.” Cute. 🙄 2. Proceed to the back of the room, where you will have your passport-size picture taken (they have blazers if you’re not wearing a top with a collar). They only needed one photo, but you’ll get six copies. This is also where you will pay for the stamps. I paid Php 110 for 2 pieces of documentary stamps (which the woman wrote on a piece of paper, not an official receipt), Php 120 for the pictures, and Php 25 for the postal envelope. The pictures and envelopes were not written on the paper, nor was I given an official receipt for these requirements, but I didn’t ask why anymore, because welcome to the Philippines. 😅 3. Back to Window 1. She pasted the stamps and my picture on the form, wrote some things, and gave me back my documents. 4. Pay the statutory fee in Window 5 (Cashier). No sarcasm; she was nice and helpful. You need a number for this, though. You can get one from the Cashier after you’re done with the requirements, but my husband got me a number while I was processing. The cashier had already called my number, but this good guy in front of the line allowed me to go before him because I said I had to wait for my photo (I did for about 5 minutes because it was pretty busy). Bless his heart. They’ll give you an official receipt for the Statutory Fee. 5. Proceed to Window 6. Brace yourselves. Major rant incoming. Again, it was a little annoying because Mr. Window 6 (Brian) pointed at the notary on my paper to his colleague and sniggered. He did this not only once but three times because his colleague (Miss Nice and Helpful Cashier) didn’t find it amusing that he was acting like a total jerk, pointing at my “mistake” in front of me for having my paper notarized. So I told him, “Your website says notarized Petition Form.” 😈 To which he replied that it was only for something else. It’s time to update your website and specify which transactions need a notarized petition form and which don’t, PRC. We’re professionals; we’re not mind readers. And train your employees (or at least Sir Brian at Window 6) to act professionally next time. The P on your agency’s name means Professional, after all. 🙄 I returned to the woman who had sold me the postal envelope for a refund because I had said it was not required. But then she said they should’ve taken it and called the trooper, Sir Brian. He forgot he needed to fill it with my papers. He’s such a delight! 🙄 Giphy Note: I was instructed to check online (within 2-8 months) if my record has been amended. After that, I have the option to apply for an online transaction, such as a license renewal, or wait until my current ID expires. They will then give me an ID with “Duplicate” on it (if I apply for renewal right away), reflecting the same expiration date as I have on my current ID. Transactions may be quick or slow depending on the number of people applying on the day. I think we were there for only about 40 minutes.PRC Location:I went to PRC Robinson’s Bacolod. The mall wasn’t open yet, but if you tell the guard your purpose, they’ll let you in. SSSRequirements:Two (2) copies of Member Data Change RequestMarriage Certificate (must show the original, but only leave a photocopy)Old SSS IDPhotocopy of valid ID with married name Steps:Line up to have your forms checked and get a number. Therefore, it’s better to download the form online so you can get started right away. Wait (for eternity 😅) for your number to be called and submit your requirements.Note: I was also told to put my husband under Dependent because, apparently, that’s automatic when you’re married. I didn’t know that. They will mail your new SSS ID within 30 to 60 days.Personal ExperienceThis one’s a pain. Although I’m thankful that Robinson’s has Lingkod Pinoy Centers, where you can find government offices in one place, the lines could be daunting. I spent more than two hours waiting. 🚩 Update: I never got my SSS ID. It was lost in the mail, the post office told me. They advised me to just get a new one. That was more than 2 hours wasted, including my going back. 🤬 As of January 2025, you can no longer change your status or name online on the SSS website. You’ll have to visit their site to do it instead. PAGIBIGRequirements: Marriage Certificate (they didn’t look for the original, just a photocopy)MCIF (Member’s Change of Information Form)Valid government ID (it’s on the list, but they didn’t ask for mine) Steps:Get a number.Wait for another eternity. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜… Wait for your number to be called and submit all your documents. They’ll update your information immediately, but you’ll need to return to complete the form with your updated married name. They’ll tell you when. For me, it’s three days after. Pro Tip: Get numbers for both SSS and PAGIBIG simultaneously. They’re just next to each other. PAGIBIG is faster than SSS, but both transactions took almost four (4) hours to finish. Giphy Changing your name after marriage is no fun, but it’s a necessary step to make things legal, should you decide to take your husband’s name. Personal Advice Remember to bring with you: black pen some snacks or candy to avoid getting hangry water a fan (it was hot even with the mall’s AC)extra cash in case the rates have changed a whole lot of patience and understanding for uncultured people like Brian at the PRC Bacolod office 🙊 Hope this helps! If you have further questions, please leave a comment below, and I will try to answer them. What’s your experience in changing your name after marriage? Let me know!Get your FREE downloadable list of requirements and easy-to-follow steps (Passport name change included)
Listicle How To Stay Sane And Productive Working From Home: Campaign Monitor Review 6:47 AM I work online. Social media management, content and copywriting are my main focus. As of this writing, I also have wedding plans to do and house duties which include taking care of our 17 dogs. All these resulted to me sacrificing my time blogging. I used to actively engage with subscribers and followers. Now I can barely post. Not complaining! My life has beautiful plot twists. But I know that I must put time and effort in maintaining my relationship with my faithful blog family as this is the main reason why I started to work from home. But how do I stay on top of things without going crazy? How to stay sane and productive working from home? Here's my Campaign Monitor review and other tips I'd like to share based from my experience. How to Stay Sane and Productive Working from Home 1. Keep your environment conducive to working. I used to work in the bedroom. Big mistake! Your bedroom is a place for resting, not for working. As much as possible (and please make it possible), do not work in your bedroom. Although you're working from home, keep "home" separate from work. You'll see your bed and that will give you the feeling of wanting to "lie down for just a minute" and be comfortable. That's procrastination waiting to happen. That will result to projects delayed and tasks half-done. If you want to stay productive while working from home, don't work in your bedroom. 2. Keep distractions away. What distracts you from focusing on your task? For me that's my phone. Sometimes the dogs asking for neck scratch too. Dog owners know the struggle. Put your phone away or turn to Airplane mode. There are also productivity apps you can download. For your dogs, establish a routine. Give them treats before you start working or after. Whatever works for your pooch. Don't let them in your working area if they get too hyper or needy. Personally, I find it helpful if I feed them first or play with them before working because by then they're full and tired and they would just want to sleep under the table or beside me. 3. Have a routine. I'm lucky have clients who let me work anytime I want as long as I finish the hours we agreed on. I choose to work as early as I can so I can work some extra or run personal errands and end the day early too. Establish a routine around your schedule like going to an office. Have breakfast, check emails, decide on which task to work on first, have a break and allow yourself to rest. Campaign Monitor Review 4. Schedule ahead of time. I'm thankful that there are apps and tools that allow me to schedule ahead of time. I can schedule social media posts and emails. Recently, I've come across Campaign Monitor. What I like about Campaign Monitor It is easy to use. Signing up is uncomplicated. If you're new to email campaign, there is a short tutorial video that shows you a quick overview of how to start and monitor your emails after sending. They have professional looking email designs ready to use and easy to customize. They have pricing plans to suit your budget. You know they have the best intention for your business and subscribers because before you can send a campaign, you will be required to verify your subscribers list. You just need to answer how you obtained your list and how often you email them. But that leads me to what I don't like about this tool... What I don't like about Campaign Monitor I have answered the questions so I can set up my email marketing but I didn't get a reply. It takes forever for their support team to respond. I've messaged many times about my concern but still hasn't received any feedback. Based on my experience, I'm giving Campaign Monitor 3.5 stars. 5. Step away. Take a few minutes to step away from your desk. When work is getting too much, when I encounter some good old writer's block, I find it helpful to take a few minutes away from my laptop. What do I do? Take a shower. My best ideas for some reason come to me while I'm in the shower. Amazing how many articles I've finished writing in my head while enjoying a cool bath. Snack. I don't just snack on any food because food affects the way you think and feel. So you also have to be mindful about what you're putting inside your body. Read a few pages on whatever book I have my hands on. Watch funny videos or vegan cooking videos. Play with the dogs. When you remove work-related thoughts in your head, you find yourself ready for more ideas to come in. 6. Take vacations. Vacation does not need to be grand. You don't have to book a flight to Bora Bora or Maldives. Mini-vacations could be great and helpful. How does being away from work help you achieve more at work? Your brain needs to reboot. Your body needs to rest. Your soul needs to recharge. A healthy, calm body, mind and a soul at peace make you productive. Vacations help you stay sane because stress from work can drive you crazy. How about you? How do you stay sane and productive working from home? What is the email campaign tool you use? Please share with me in the comment! Note: I have received compensation for this review but all opinions are my own.
