Fashion & Style Simple Things To Do To Improve Your Life Right Now 9:00 PM You may have written down the things you need to leave in the past for a lighter life journey (like I did). But how about things you need to do and bring with you? Here's a list of some simple things to do to improve your life right now. Simple Things To Do To Improve Your Life Right Now Be grateful Bring gratitude with you. I've always been a believer of the power of gratitude. It makes you a blessing magnet. Gratitude fills your heart with joy and makes you ready to receive more. It is a product of abundance mentality and changes it your perspective on life. The more grateful you are, the more you attract the things you are grateful for. That's how the universe works. (Thanks to Bo Sanchez for this wonderful idea) Be teachable Bring your openness to learning and willingness to be taught. If you believe you know everything then you stop growing. Be humble enough to know that you need other people to teach you, that each person you meet has a lesson for you to learn, that you don't know everything. Because seriously, you don't. Be an eternal student. Learn from your mistakes, learn from other people's stories and examples, learn from the expert, learn from children, learn from animals, learn from the past. Use what you have learned in making better decisions, in improving your skills and thus increasing your career value, in avoiding detours by hanging out with the wrong people and being in the wrong situations, and in speeding up your way to a better life. Be more optimistic Bring your humor and optimism. Author Elbert Hubbard said it best, "Don't take life too seriously. You'll never get out of it alive." Cut yourself some slack. Don't be too hard on yourself (a lesson I needed to learn). Learn to laugh at yourself and your boo boos. Nobody's perfect anyway. Everyone has tripped and slipped---alone or in front of a crowd. I have. Everyone has had a fashion flop history (except maybe for some like Selena Gomez and Audrey Hepburn who can't go wrong with fashion). Everyone has a flaw. You may not be perfect but you are made exactly as God intended you to be. Always remember that things work out even when you think they don't. If your life is on a detour, it is God's redirection, and not His rejection Always look at the bright side. Never lose your sense of wonder. Be more trusting Bring your faith and trust. You may not see where your path takes you. You may be struggling for so long, trying so hard, working double and you are tired and discouraged because it seems nothing is happening. Your life feels like running on a treadmill. You're exhausted but you're still stuck. But you look around and everyone around you seems to be moving forward. Like in a marathon. I know that feeling so much. Have a little faith. Never compare your story with theirs. God has a different plan for you. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9) Things will not always go your way but it always works for the best. Trust the process. Trust God's plans no matter how difficult it may seem. Remember who you are Bring your value wherever you go. Remember who you are. Never shortchange yourself. You are worth more than gold. You're worth every drop of blood and sweat of God's only Son. You are the apple of God's eyes. "The Lord will rejoice over you with gladness, He will renew you in His love." (Zephaniah 3:17) Keep your standards high. Have non-negotiables. "Never apologize for having high standards. People who really want to be in your life will rise up to meet them." (Ziad K. Abdelnour) In short, don't allow other people to treat you like crap. It's not about arrogance. It's staying true to who you are. It's about self-respect and self-love. It's about knowing you are meant to live an abundant life. Are you ready to improve your life right now? It's not that complicated. As for me, I'll be bringing a pocketful of sunshine, a heart full of hope and gratitude, and an expectant mindset. I'll also be bringing my water-resistant elegant black Zaful satchel perfect for anywhere, and my red Roman numerals Quartz watch to remind me that every minute spent on earth is precious. Simple fashion for a look that never goes out of style. What are you doing and bringing to improve your life? Satchel bag and wrist watch from Zaful Photos by Carlo Vicente Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Fashion & Style 7 Smart Tips For A Smoother Trip 7:00 AM Everybody wants a hassle-free vacation. But things don't always go our way. The most important thing to remember during a trip is to enjoy it. Follow these 7 smart tips for a smoother trip next time. It would be a great help. 7 Smart Tips For A Smoother Trip Research Where do you want to go? What kind of trip is it going to be? Research about the place so you will know what to expect. Check the weather forecast. Know what activities to try, where to get the local delicacies, what the people are like, what to observe and avoid while in the place. Research inns or hotels which are safe, with a good rating, and within your budget. Make a list Have a list of the things you need to bring while planning the itinerary. List down the sites you want to visit including the "how to get there". Download an offline map. Make a list of the food or activities to experience. If you're a vegan, it helps to research vegan restaurants or at least those that offer vegan-friendly food beforehand. Do you have people you want to buy souvenirs for? List them down. At the end of the day, list down your expenses so you can monitor your cash. It doesn't sound sexy but it's essential especially if you're traveling on a budget. Pack light When packing, common sense plays a major role. Don't bring a month's worth of outfits for a 3-day trip. Don't bring a pair of boots if you're going to the beach (duh). Pack only the things you will need. As much as possible, don't bring a valuable jewelry. Aside from clothes, my must-bring stuff includes: Food and water (or a water bottle which you can refill inside the airport) First-aid kit and medicines for pain, allergy, and stomachache Earphones and chargers Toiletries Comfy travel pillow Shawl/jacket and a pair of socks (because I easily get cold) A good book or Kindle in case of down-time like waiting for a delayed flight Like every Catholic school survivor graduate, my rosary beads I have a back problem so it's a no-no to carry a heavy bag. Some bags are already heavy before you put anything in them which is a pain. My favorite fool-proof tip for a smoother trip is to bring a foldable, light-weight, waterproof rolling trolley luggage. I'm so happy to have found Jaswon Overnight Bags Aero Carry-On Rolling Trolley Luggage. Not only does it have different gorgeous designs, but it's also light, and functional. It's lightweight, waterproof and you can bring it as your carry-on. It's every traveler's (especially with back problems) must-have for a smoother trip. Be early Starting the travel time early is better as you get to see more places, prepare calmly, have extra time when any unforeseen delays happen. When traveling by plane, check in online to avoid queuing. Missing your plane or train means more hassle and maybe sacrificing an activity or two. Auto-responder Set your email's auto-responders while you're away. Someone might reach out to you and you don't want them to worry or guess why you're not responding. It could be an important client. Bring extra money As with any trip, expect the unexpected. It is wiser to bring extra cash than be constantly worried about having enough until it's time to go home. Transfer a certain amount of money to an ATM card that you can bring handy with you. Que sera sera It's nice to keep an itinerary and plan your trip carefully. But things happen that are beyond our control. Sometimes the weather will not cooperate with your trip to the beach. Sometimes there will be miscommunication between you and your guide. Sometimes you'd still forget something important despite the planning. Cut yourself some slack. Don't let a minor problem get in the way of fun. Let things be. Go with the flow. Que sera sera. Enjoy! Note: I received Jawson carry-on luggage from Amazon through Uskoop free of charge. All opinions are my own.
Love and Relationship From Wedding Ad Models To Real Life Married Couple 11:00 AM Do you believe in destiny? It’s a curious thing how out of billions of people in the planet, we find one whom we can call our soul mate (Song of Solomon 3:4: I found him whom my soul loves). Sometimes the journey is long before finding “The One”. For some, it comes easy. It’s funny how fate brings two people destined to be together. Take Barry and Belle for example. From wedding ad models to real life married couple. Stories like that remind me that love finds a way. Always! A story of Destiny: From Wedding Ad Models to Real Life Married Couple In year 2010, Barry and Belle met as models for a wedding ad campaign in Singapore. They started out as friends but people could already see how comfortable they were together. Have you seen Hotel Transylvania? There was a moment when the characters Mavis and Jonathan met and they “zinged”. It may not always be like so in real life when two people meet, but there sure is a certain spark that they either deny or not notice due to some reasons. Sometimes it could be because you’re still with someone or is focused on another person or priority. Or because funnily enough, love happens when you least expect it and with the person you never thought you’d fall for. Barry and Belle were busy doing what they’re paid for to do; shoot for a wedding ad. In between takes, they would chat, take photos and enjoy the location for the 2-day photoshoot. Although it was a little challenging for the team to keep the fresh wedding vibe due to the weather in Sentosa Beach, the two did enjoy each other’s company. The second day of the shoot was honeymoon themed and they enjoyed that day as well. I think the whole shoot was destiny’s way of showing them the possibilities of being together in real life. That they can be comfortable with each other, and life is easy when you spend it with the right person. Because fast forward five years after their ad photoshoot, Barry and Belle officially tied the knot! I’m sure there were ups and downs in the five years of their journey before that. There were reroutes, dead-end and paths they’re both unfamiliar with. But what makes the ride exciting and worthwhile more than anything is the person you are walking with. In the end, love conquers all---and the real wedding came to pass. So beautiful! According to Plato, in Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves. Zeus had every reason to be afraid of their power. How beautiful it is to finally find your other half who can make you feel like you can do anything as long as they're holding your hand. We all have our own unique story. And what I love is that real love stories, like that of Barry and Belle are more beautiful, colourful, and more fascinating than what we see in movies. Barry and Belle are solid proof that love moves in mysterious ways and that if it’s bound to happen, it will happen. You just got to have faith. Follow BarBelle EverAfter’s journey on Facebook and YouTube. Also check their online shop for cute couple items. Photos from BarBelle EverAfter’s Facebook page Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle 5 Cool Reasons To Call Your Boyfriend Unique Nicknames 9:00 AM We all have our love language. But how do you express your love and affection verbally? How do you keep your relationship interesting and keep the spark by simply talking to your significant other?In an intimate relationship, using pet names is a sweet way to express fondness towards your partner.What makes it extra special is that anyone can call them by their name but the unique nickname you call your boyfriend is exclusive only to you.Here are 5 cool reasons you should start calling your boyfriend unique nicknames. 5 Cool Reasons to Call Your Boyfriend Unique Nicknames 1. It makes him feel special.When you call your boyfriend cute nicknames it makes him feel important and endearing. You may refer to your close friends as "honey" or "sweetheart" but giving your partner a name that's exclusively his own shows him and others that he has a special place in your heart.Choose a nickname that refers to his personality (Snuggle Bear) or favorites (Marshmallow).Nicknames may sometimes make other people roll their eyes but they will score you points to your man and that's all that matters. 2. It can spice things up.Sometimes a nickname could be developed from your experience or from a special bond you formed through the years.Some cute nicknames that can make your partner feel wanted and can excite them are: CasanovaWild ThingMr. HunkLoverboyMy LoverMcSteamyMr. BigGood LookingPrince CharmingHeartthrobHot Stuff 3. It's a good sign of a healthy relationship.According to a study, personal idiom usage is a sign of relationship solidarity---even for friends.There are things that only you and your partner know and sometimes, that includes the origin of the nickname you use for each other.A unique nickname you call your boyfriend can go beyond being cute. It can also show the depth of your relationship.Some nicknames that show you have a good relationship with your partner:Light of my lifeMoon of my lifeDearestMy better halfApple of my eye 4. It shows that you care.You won't believe this but even the toughest guy needs love.Men need to feel that you care for them. Whether they admit it or not, they like the feeling of being babied. Calling them Beloved, My Baby, Bubba, Koala Bear, or My Precious can show them you care. 5. It gives him a confidence boost.Calling your boyfriend nice adorable names can make him feel confident with himself, and in your relationship.He will feel adored. When you call him a unique nickname in front of other people, he'd feel like you're letting everyone know you belong together and you're proud to be with him.Final wordA unique nickname can give your boyfriend a sense of belonging. It conveys devotion and warmth.A nickname though fun should be respectful and not demeaning. It should build your partner's confidence and give him joy. Not make him question his self-worth.Calling your boyfriend a unique nickname will make your bond stronger and closer.What nickname is unique between you and your partner? Gifs from TenorThis post contains affiliate links so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!
Beauty How To Define Your Cheekbones In 4 Simple Steps 8:00 AM Having beautifully defined and high cheekbones can enhance your facial structure.But do you know how to define your cheekbones if you've not been gifted with Hollywood-worthy bone structure? Online tutorials have numerous steps and countless expensive products to achieve those defined cheekbones of Keira Knightley or Naomi Campbell. The good news is that defining cheekbones doesn't have to be complicated. Or costly.You can create a structured look on your face and define your cheekbones with makeup, a little time and effort in four simple steps. Step 1: Locate your cheekbones.Before defining your cheekbones, you must figure out exactly where they are on your face. The easiest way to do this is by sucking your lips together like a fish to create hollows in your cheeks.Place a finger in the hollow of your cheek for each side and slide it up until it contacts the underlying bone. This is the area where you should apply contouring.Step 2: Create the base.Apply a darker foundation or powder than you usually use along your cheekbones, bringing it toward the middle of your face. Ensure that your cheekbones and the apples are covered with the foundation that suits your skin tone.Blend them all together using a soft brush or a beauty blender. Step 3: Apply a cream blush.Create a brighter, more alert look by applying a small amount of cream blush to the apples of your cheeks. Step 4: Use a highlighter to add the definition.To accentuate and make your cheekbones look high, apply a shimmering highlighter across the top of the bone, starting at the outer edge of the eye and sweeping it upward toward the temples. If you want more information and details on changing your cheeks, this website can help. This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Define Your CheekbonesAre you blessed with high cheeks like Cameron Diaz or Halle Berry? It's okay if you're not.Follow these 4 simple steps to define your cheekbones and achieve that sophisticated, structured, and stunning look.
Coronavirus Do Houseplants Attract Mosquitoes 10:14 PM Is everyone a plant parent now? 🙋 This pandemic has surely forced many to go back to basics, revisit nature and relearn the benefits of plants. Whether it’s for food or garden and indoor decoration, plants add unparalleled value to our lives. When it comes to indoor plants though, we all have this nagging concern: do houseplants attract mosquitoes? Do Houseplants Attract Mosquitoes? We commonly hear that indoor plants don't necessarily attract mosquitoes, but there is a possibility of mosquito breeding in stagnant water from watering the plants. The most common mosquito species is fungus gnat that can be often found flying on your favourite indoor house plant. Mosquitoes can turn your sanctuary into a nightmare! The constant itching and the annoying buzz in your ear when you're trying to rest...ugh! Not to mention, they're difficult to catch sometimes.TenorIf you're a nature lover and have indoor plants but have a constant struggle with mosquito invasion, here are some tips that can help you.How to Keep Mosquitoes from Breeding in Your House PlantsFlush your sump pump daily after watering the plants.Remove saucers that collect excess water. Wash the saucer with dish soap to get rid of mosquito eggs.Invert the saucer to dry it completely.Fungus Gnat control with indoor plants: Water plants only up to 1/2 or 1 inch of soil so it can dry quickly.If possible, plant in pots with a quick and fast drainage mix. This can help the plant soak and absorb water more quickly. This way the soil does not remain wet for too long.While keeping indoor plants, check that there are no containers with stagnant water as it can easily become the breeding ground of mosquitoes.Bury peeled raw potato slices 3/8 inch deep in the soil. This can help the infested soil rid of the mosquito and fungus gnat larvae. Change the potato slices weekly.Applying Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies or nematode feltiae can kill fungus gnat larvae or mosquito eggs that are breeding in the soil of the indoor plants.It’s known that mosquitoes are drawn to water. Plants that attract mosquitoesWater lilyWater -hyacinthWater lettucePapyrusTaro plants These plants can attract mosquitoes so it’s better to not keep them indoors.GiphyMosquito-repellent indoor plants for beginnersThere are few indoor plants that may help repel mosquitoes while adding to the aesthetics of your home. citronella grassbasilcatmintlavendergarlicrosemarycedarbee balmlemongrasslemon balmlemon scented geraniumscadaga treesclovefloss flowerlemon thymemintlemon eucalyptusnodding onionpineapple weedpitcher plantworm woodsnowbrushsweet fernstone roottea treetansyvanilla leafbergamotThese plants can help keep mosquitoes, insects, and pests away. So...do houseplants attract mosquitoes?Indoor plants may or may not attract mosquitoes depending on the breed and type of the plant. And on how you maintain your plants.If you're still struggling to find ways to get rid of mosquitoes and pests in your home, it's best that you consult a pest controlling service. Follow these simple tips so you can keep your favourite indoor houseplants without worrying about pests and mosquito invasion.
Listicle 7 Ways Of Lowering Your Electric Costs 5:00 PM Want to cut your energy use and also your energy costs - these tips will help you out. 7 Ways Of Lowering Your Electric Costs 1. Go Solar Switching to solar may seem like one of the apparent options when it comes to lowering your power costs at home, but it is still worth a mention. On the one hand, you will have to pull out your wallet when getting the solar power setup, but the costs are affordable especially when looking at things from a long-term perspective. It is estimated that a household that switches to solar power saves tens of thousands of dollars over the solar power system's tenure. You can check if there is a solar leasing option within your location which you can resort to and avoid purchasing the entire system therein saving money. One of the recent energy efficiency studies showed that homes that the average middle-class home that uses the solar leasing saves around $600 annually. The sun will never fail to shine, even if not very bright and our dependence on electricity is predictable. Therefore, you can rely on a never-ending power source and manage to know the much you can save when you opt to switch to solar power. Alternatively, you can get help with the estimates so that you are better convinced of changing to solar. 2. Switch To LEDs As you make plans to harness the power of the sun, you also should ensure your lighting options are in line with such ambitions. For this, you need to lower the power demands of your lights, and this means installing LED bulbs. The incandescent one may help to warm up the place buy they use up a lot of electricity and will overwork your solar energy power reserves. Things are relatively cheaper with LED lighting since most of the LED bulbs are affordable and present highly efficient green lighting that can last for years. LEDs do not have mercury; thus they are very safe for use in various applications. And switching to the LEDs cuts the mercury pollution emanating from the coal power plants. Some people may argue that CFLs are also an energy-efficient option, but they do have some amount of mercury which can be an issue of concern for some people. Therefore, LEDs are the only safe guarantee for green lighting in your home. LED technology keeps advancing, and the costs keep coming down; this will see them quickly replace CFL and incandescent bulbs in most homes. The prices of LED lighting has dropped by nearly 85% since 2008, and the number of homes in the U.S. using LEDs has risen from 400,000 then to almost 20 million. So, the LED technology is a revolution. 3. Limit Your Dependency On The AC Heating and cooling are essential elements in any home, yet the ACs hog a considerable amount of the power. People have become overly dependent on the HVAC that they see no need of adjusting their environments. Is it common to be indoor in a setting that is so cold to point where you need to have more clothes on just to warm up yet the weather outside is warm or hot! Well, that should not come as a surprise, because it is a norm in some homes. They are spending thousands of dollar annually to freeze themselves indoors. The ideal thing is to have a smart thermostat that helps set and adjust the indoor temperatures accordingly to what your body find comfortable. If blowing air on yourself will require some energy, how much more is needed to turn the hot indoor air into a chilly state? Give it some thought. The human body has a natural response to environmental changes thus can to detect the surroundings and adjust accordingly. The same power consumption applies when heating the home, and can even shoot higher. Rather than rushing to run the AC, just wear more warm clothes and allow your body to adjust to the cool conditions as you walk around the house. Let the heater run for less a few minutes if you really must crank up the heating for a while. 4. Unplug! Do Not Use Electricity When It is Not In Use We usually forget to unplug most of our devices once were are done using them and can at times leave them there for hours or days. Phone chargers, the PlayStation, TV, DVD players, Radio, and the AC are some of common electric appliances and gadgets we forget to unplug from our sockets. You may think that they are on standby or powered down, but they still to use up some electricity even when they seem dormant. Gaming consoles and DVRs are perfect examples of electricity-needy devices when not in use. If you are not using them, remember to unplug them before you shift your attention to something else. Also, make it a habit to check your plugs and sockets before you leave the house. For the HVAC system, you can opt to leave it turned off if you are out for several days. Alternatively, you can invest in energy-saving plugs that can cut any siphoning of power by electric devices that are in standby mode. Cut these down and use energy comparison sites to slash your bill. 5. Ditch Those Overly Old Electric Appliances At times, we need to spend a little in the right places if we are to start saving. It is a philosophy to uphold when it comes to old home appliances such as the oven, fridge, and washing machine. The equipment is often based on outdated energy standards and thus will hog a lot of the energy in your home. Some do not even work as efficiently as they used to, so it would be better replacing them with something new. If you have more than multiple appliances of the same function and purpose, you can do with just one. For instance, having two fridges in your home makes little sense. Refrigerators tend to consume a lot of energy and having a big one only presents aesthetical gains with less of anything else. It is common to find such fridge with empty sections, and this only causes the appliance to work hard just to cool empty space. Do the wise thing; upgrade your appliance to some of the latest energy-efficient equipment available today. You will be spending so that you can make significant savings on a long-term scale. 6. Again, Do Upgrades Think of it this way, you are doing away with something that is always acting up and needing repairs every other time, something that has worn out and lost is beauty, and something that is just there with no use. So the upgrades are an opportunity to let go of the many things that you are hogging in your home that only clutter the place and to get new products that are better and are energy-efficient thus lowering your monthly or annual power costs. Just seat and do the math to figure out with products to get. Think along the lines of appliances that can do two or more things at the same time because such machines are usually designed to be energy-efficient. For instance, you can upgrade that old AC to something new that some with a smart thermostat that can learn your preference and help manage the heating and cooling of your home more efficiently and lower the energy consumption. 7. Move, Relocate Moving may seem like a far-fetched solution to your energy costs, but it is a valid option worth considering. For instance, you can opt to move into a smaller space or one that offers you adequate energy-efficient options. Why stay in a rundown place that is always bogged down by electricity problems such as faulty wiring or crumbling power connections? Relocating can be a chance to make significant life changes that also aid in lowering your energy costs. Post may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. 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