Lux Thinking Aloud Diary 12:14 AM Technically, our country has been on community q uarantine, enhanced community q uarantine and extreme community qua rantine for weeks now. Our government refuses to call it a l ockdown. But a lo ckdown is a protocol that prevents people from leaving an area. Since we can't leave our cities unless we have a valid reason like work or health emergency and I have neither, I'm going to start logging down my thoughts and day to day experience as we all go through this crisis together. Here's to start my l ockdown diary. Watch out for one-word titled daily posts following this. Diary Day 1 It seems tragedies keep happening since late 2019 up to the present. What is happening to 2020? Every day is like waking up to hear damage report. Make a meme My newsfeed is filled not only with horrific stories about c oronavirus or COV ID-19 but also about the people's lamentation about how the government is poorly handling the situation. I've been working from home full time for four years now. Needless to say, my lifestyle is only slightly affected by this lo ckdown. A lot of people lost their jobs though. My heart goes out to the daily wage earners whose employers could not extend them a little help during this crisis. More than ranting about the state of the world though, I want to record my life lessons and observations in the time of c oronav irus. Back to basic Decades ago, people thought that 2020 is the year we will finally see flying cars. Yes, our technology is more advanced now than it was in the previous years but no flying cars in sight. Giphy Instead, we are going back to the basic. We're teaching people how to properly wash their hands again. We're being reminded of the coughing and sneezing in public etiquette. We stay put in our homes. Nature is rejoicing Humans are supposed to be the most intellectual creatures on earth. But science shows us that earth was thriving before humans "invade" the planet. In only a few weeks of q uarantine, nature is rejoicing. Smog is clearing out. Water is cleaner. Animals that are rarely seen are coming out and roaming the city. Some to look for food because no one's feeding them anymore. Others felt safe in the streets without the danger of humans or cars in sight. Jim Carrey was right. We are the savages. Rebloggy Normal? When I hear people say that soon we'll be back to what's normal, I cringe. We've seen that the normal didn't work. What our society made normal is what brought us here. It's time to change. It's time to stop what is damaging the planet. It's time to rethink the wrongs we do. We can't be going back to the lifestyle and practice that led us to this pa ndemonium. We need to change before it's too late. Change may not be easy at first but it's not impossible. We can do it if we have enough will. Giphy Mind-setting I'm writing this (online) diary to also help encourage whoever comes across it. Change the way you see this situation. You are not stuck inside, you are safe inside. If you have enough food, if you and your family are safe and healthy, if you are sitting comfortably at home and have the luxury to relax, you are still blessed. Some people worry about where to get their next meal. Your worry is what movie or show to watch next on Netflix. Some people have to risk going out just to earn money and buy their basic necessities. Others could be stuck at home with an abusive partner or parent. The next time you feel bored or confined, think about the animals stuck in the zoo, slaughterhouses, test laboratories and cages. Imagine how they feel. It's nothing compared to your situation. At least you will still have your freedom again. Soon. I hope. Gfycat Your turn Share your life story in the time of C oronav irus. How was your day 1 of l ockdown? What are your realizations?
Dating How FWBTinder Can Help You End Loneliness 3:10 PM A normal physical relationship is an essential human need. Friends are there to lend their helping hands whenever you feel lonely. Some friends will spend time with you to cheer you up. But this may not be the only thing you need. You could get attracted and want a casual relationship with someone to fulfill your desires. In reality, this could potentially destroy your friendship. In this case, you would wish to have someone you can consider as your Friend with Benefits---with the benefits here referring to the pleasure that you want in bed. For that, FWBTinder is a fantastic platform for you to have what you desire in your lonely life.How FWBTinder Can Help You End Loneliness Why Consider FWBTinder Over Real Friends? Friends with benefits relationships are famous around the world. But that could be hard to find. That’s where an online platform comes in handy.There are many available sites on the internet but not all of them offer the results you're looking for. If we talk about FWBTinder, it’s one of the best FWB sites in the world. The reason behind it is there are more than a million active users where you can find your perfect match.If we talk about this dating website to end your loneliness, there are many things you should consider. 1. It's freeThe first thing god thing about this website is the free signup. You don’t have to be trapped in the process of paying and getting the subscription for a limited time to end your loneliness. 2. Proximity of usersAfter signing up for the platform, you will immediately see the number of users available near your area. It means you don’t have to meet someone from another city or country to date. 3. Learn about themYou can check their likes and dislikes and other basic information. After getting all these, you can then gauge and select the right dating partner. The idea of this platform provides you a similar feeling to other FWB dating apps, but the features of this website are more satisfactory than the others. You can spend your time inside the app like you do on Instagram or Facebook. The entire platform is made with an idea to provide you full support regarding matching with the perfect partner with whom you want to spend time.Here are the website's features. Features ChatroomsThe website provides chat rooms where you can talk with different people at the same time. Advanced Search optionYou can search for any category. The idea will become more quick and easy for you with an Advanced search option. All you need is to put desired filters and get the category of users that matches your partner's needs.100% Mobile FriendlyDon’t have time to signup on Desktop? No need to stress, because the platform also offers the perfect experience on your mobile. So sit (or lie) down anywhere, and search for your partner. HD member webcamsThe quality of webcams does matter a lot on dating sites. So the FWBTinder provides you with that.Completely anonymous to joinIf you feel hesitant to participate with your name, you can also come anonymously so none of your relatives will see you. Feeling lonely? Sign up for FWBTinder.
Beauty 6 Haircare Regimes To Feel Fresh Over 40 9:39 AM In 1997, a song was released that went to number one in the UK and Canada and made the top 10 in America. The song is called Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen. Among the many pieces of advice in the music, one lyric stands out: "Don't mess too much with your hair. Or by the time you're 40, it will look 85."Ain't that the truth? Between the heated devices, sprays, and constant combing we put our hair through, it's a surprise we have any hair left at all by age 40. But, if you have a head of hair that could use a little care and attention, there are fast-track tips that could see your hair look new and glossy.Here's a list of haircare regimes you can do to feel fresh over 40. 1. Resolve your hair issues. Dry and itchy scalps lead to thinning hair and a head full of dandruff. What scalp cleanser should you use? Avoid harsh sulfates and opt for products with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients. Wash your hair regularly to keep it clean and free from dirt, oils, and product buildup.A gentle daily moisturizing cleanser that brings the scalp back to life the same way a personal trainer would plan the health resuscitation of an overweight client is a great idea.Find a natural and gentle shampoo so you don't irritate your scalp further. 2. Adjust your shower temperature. You may be able to stand the heat, but can your hair? Dull and lifeless hair following a molten-lava temperature shower is no myth. The boiling hot water strips hair of essential oils. Turn down the temperature, and notice the bounce and springiness in your hair. 3. Deep conditioning treatments.Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to provide extra moisture and nourishment to your hair. Look for products with ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or keratin. Apply the treatment once a week or as needed, leaving it on for the recommended duration before rinsing thoroughly.4. Protect from heat and sun.Minimize heat styling as much as possible, as excessive heat can damage the hair. When using heat tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to shield your hair from high temperatures. Use the lowest effective heat setting and avoid using these tools every day. You can't escape the sun but can protect your hair from damage. Here are seven ways to protect your hair from the sun:Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf.Use a leave-in conditioner or hair sunscreen.Limit sun exposure during peak hours (usually between 10 am and 4 pm).Opt for hairstyles that provide additional coverage, such as braids or updos.Fourth, rinse your hair with cool water after swimming in chlorinated or saltwater.Finally, apply hair serum or oil with UV protection before heading out into the sun.5. Get regular trims.Schedule regular hair trims every six to eight weeks to remove split ends and maintain the overall health of your hair. Trimming helps prevent further breakage and promotes the growth of healthy strands. Consult your stylist to find a length and style that flatters your face shape and complements your age.6. Use nourishing hair masks.Treat your hair to nourishing hair masks once or twice a month. Look for masks that target specific hair concerns such as hydration, repair, or strengthening. These masks can help restore moisture, repair damage, and improve your hair's health and appearance.Remember, along with these regimes, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress levels are also crucial for healthy hair. Also, consult a professional hairstylist who can provide personalized advice based on your hair type, texture, and specific needs.Share your hair care regime that leaves your hair feeling fresh.
Fashion & Style 3 Tips for Buying Luxury Bags Online 2:49 AM Luxury bags are an obsession to many, and it can sometimes be difficult to get your hands on the bag that you were looking for. Thankfully, technology has made it easier to find rare pieces these days. There are now more luxury brands being sold online, which allows you to get exclusive items from current and past collections from wherever you are on the globe. However, if you’ve never bought handbags online, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Here are a few tips for buying luxury bags online. 3 Tips for Buying Luxury Bags Online Check the Seller’s Reputation The first thing you should do is check the reputation of the seller; check what other people have to say online, find out how long they’ve been in operation, and check to see if they have physical locations. Stores like SSENSE, for instance, have been in operation for years and have physical locations across North America. They are the perfect online high fashion store if you’re looking for an authentic Fendi bag, for example. These luxury bags from Fendi are highly unlikely to be counterfeit, as stores with physical locations have to abide by stricter rules than online retailers. Buying from a store like this will reduce the chances that you end up with a cheap knockoff. Check Their Returns Policy In some cases, you simply might not like what the item looks like once you get it, or there might be some signs of damage. Either way, you want a retailer that makes it easy for you to exchange or return the item. So, make sure that you look into their policy in detail and make sure that it is written in simple terms. You don’t want to have to deal with some hidden clause that makes it virtually impossible to return anything. We also suggest that you give the retailer a call. Doing so will let you know if they take customer service seriously and what you can expect if you have issues. Payment Options You also want to buy from a retailer that offers safe payment options. Ideally, you want a website that allows you to buy through PayPal, and you want to make sure that they’re verified as well. This will ensure that they are who they say they are, which will give you extra protection. If you buy from a verified buyer, you’ll have greater recourse against them if anything happens. PayPal takes their clientele very seriously, which makes it easy for you to get a refund if you feel you have been misled in any way. Using PayPal also makes sure that your personal information remains safe at all times. The second-best option is to pay through a credit card. However, think twice about using your personal credit card. We would suggest that you go with a re-loadable prepaid card so that only the money on the card will be compromised if you’re dealing with a scammer. If you follow these few tips, you’ll be able to make great finds online and get the handbag you always wanted. Make sure to shop wisely, and don’t be afraid to ask about a certain site before you make any purchase.
Faith Music: Oceans (Where My Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United 4:37 PM Oceans by Hillsong United is one of the songs with the most profound lyrics I've heard about our imperfect faith and God's infinite love. His perfect love is greater than our imperfections. In our weakness, He is at His strongest. Where our human frailty limits us, He can do the impossible and bring us farther than we can wander. Our dead end is just the beginning of a new detour He has planned for us. Nothing can limit His greatness. With all that's going on right now, I thought it's right to share this music again. Let us remember how blessed we are. Let us remember how powerful our God is. He can part the ocean to let His people go. He can heal the sick and even raise the dead. There is nothing God cannot do. Let us declare in faith that this too shall pass. Our God is great than this virus. Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been shown to you? Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness? Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this. -Job 38: 16-18 First published: 06/22/2014 8:57 PM
Quotes Don't Pursue If You're Not Ready 9:47 PM Don't pursue a heart if you're not ready. Don't pursue a heart you're not ready to be loyal to. Pursuing someone for fun or just to pass the time is insolence. It is a show of disrespect to three persons: It is disrespecting the other person's time and feelings. It is an insult to their worth. It is disrespecting the other person's future spouse. You took something that belongs to them and tainted it. Finally, it is disrespecting yourself. You are better than that. Once you realize that you are precious and see other people the same way, you will not make hasty moves. You will wait for the right person at the right moment. Believe me, you'll know when you know. Just listen to your heart. If you pursue someone knowing all too well that you will not be loyal to that person, you will make decisions that you will regret. It can get messy. Spare yourself and others of this trouble. Be in a relationship only when you're ready, not when you're lonely. Dating with no intent to marry is like going to the grocery story with no money. You either leave unhappy or take something that isn't yours. - Jefferson Bethke 01/31/14 9:18 AM Want more quotes? Follow About Life and Love on Instagram
Life Lessons Don't Dull Your Sparkle 11:14 PM Don't Dull Your Sparkle Don't dull your sparkle for people who choose to be in the dark. Some people would be bothered by how bright you shine. You remind them how dark their life is. Don't adjust for them. They've made their choice. It's time to make yours. You'll hear a lot of criticisms. You will be judged. They will try to dampen your spirit. They will laugh at your dreams. That's because they see you as the odd one. It may be because they envy you without understanding how they're feeling. They may be just confused admirers. As long as you're not hurting a soul, don't be bothered. Don't dull your sparkle for those who think your brightness is a nuisance. You are born to do great things. Don't delay your destiny just to please them. Some people are going to reject you just because you shine too brightly for them.That's okay! Keep shining. -Mandy Hale Want more quotes? Follow About Life and Love on Instagram