Lux Thinking Aloud King of the Jungle 10:19 PM 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?
Lux Thinking Aloud Gratitude List 11:22 PM It's like everything is moving in slow motion. Days are dragging. Cases of COV ID-19 is rising. On the bright side, at least people are still recovering. We're still in qu arantine. How's your life in the time of c oronavirus? Here's my l ockdown diary day 2. Gratitude List Today, let me say how grateful I am for these things: My husband who makes sure everything we need are provided. Who risks his life to go out and get our basic necessities. Now I'm more aware of God's grace. I thought little of how it is grace that we still get to come home safely every time we leave the house. Anything could happen. There could be an accident. There could be crime. We could get infected by a deadly virus. But we're protected. I thank God every time my husband comes home safely after going to the stores. I am still working, thus earning, without leaving the house. I thank God I'm an introvert. My heart has always been set to working without interacting with the crowd. 😛 Technology is such a gift. I get to chat with my family and friends. I get the latest news. If I have a question about this virus, the information is just one click away. Everyone in my circle are healthy and safe so far. There are still government officials who are doing their job. There is still hope. The word of God. I make it a point to listen to an inspirational talk before I end my day. I also play worship songs while I'm working. Yes, I still get tempted to check the news and I get discouraged. But I find strength and hope in God's promises. Currently listening I am guilty of reading the news and even the comment section every day (which I promised I won't do this year). It's so toxic. It gets me down. It's demotivating. So here's what I listen to to uplift my spirit: 1. Hits Up will surely appeal to the millennial and Gen Z. They've got cool, hip praise songs. This is what I play while I go about my day. 2. Short but powerful talks by my favorite spiritual author and speaker Bro Bo Sanchez. Uplifting and inspirational. 3. Quaretreat by Bro Arun Gogna and his wife Lallaine Gogna. It helps me find the good and the quiet in this qu arantine. It could get crazy and loud outside (or online). So a quiet retreat is what we need. I know it's easier to look at the horrible things during this crisis. I still do! Hey, I'm a work in progress too. But every day there is still reason to be thankful. When it gets a little too loud, too toxic and too heavy, pause. Turn off your gadget. Tune in to God. Hang in there. We're in this together. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Your turn List down 5 things you are thankful for in the comment. What are you listening to or watching to help you stay hopeful during this time?
For Moms 4 Important Things To Remember About The Donor Egg Process 10:00 PM 4 Important Things To Remember About The Donor Egg Process Trying to get pregnant naturally or through IVF with no success?Many couples are exploring other infertility options, like the donor egg process.Talking to professionals who care about your fertility issues should be your first step in exploring infertility options.What is the donor egg or egg donation process? Egg donation is a procedure wherein a fertile woman donates an egg, or oocyte, to another woman to help her conceive.Why donor eggs?The donor egg or egg donation process eradicates any issue a woman may have with her eggs – age-related problems, early menopause, genetically-transmitted diseases, or lack of success with traditional IVF (linked to the quality and/or quantity of her eggs).What can you expect with the egg donation process?No need to worry because the donor process is safe and painless as it’s done with anesthesia or painkillers.The donor takes medication to stimulate her ovaries and stop her menstrual cycle.The recipient will then start taking estrogen to develop her uterine lining. The embryo(s) will be transferred to the recipient five days after fertilization.Learn more about the medical egg donation process here.Here are four essential things to remember when choosing the donor egg process.1. Take your time in finding the egg donorTake your time choosing your egg donor. Instead, take your time to find the right one. Carefully consider accepting egg donations from relatives and close friends. Think about the consequences.It may seem reassuring to use the eggs of someone you know, but many prefer donors from an egg bank. Egg donation is no joke and would impact your relationship with the donor. From awkward dynamics within the family to debates over what role the donor should play in your child’s life, children can get complicated and may lead to issues. Using an egg bank donor removes these possible complications. You’ll be able to see your donor’s childhood or adult photographs, learn about her characteristics, and see her education, career, and life achievements. Things to ask yourself when choosing an egg donor: Would you choose someone who closely resembles you and your spouse? Would you prefer someone with the qualities you admire and hope your child will possess? 2. Fresh or Frozen Donor Egg? Which is better, fresh or frozen donor egg? The fresh egg donation process is a lengthier procedure. This is because you need time to synchronize cycles with your donor. Frozen donor eggs are readily available. Two weeks after transferring the fertilized embryo(s) to your uterus, you’ll need to go to the clinic for a pregnancy test and ultrasound. What’s next? Your pregnancy! 3. Prepare yourself. After going through the donor egg process...Be ready for your new role, mama!Eat food that is best for you and your developing baby.Ask your doctor what exercise is best for your condition to keep your body strong and healthy.After giving birth, learn how to be present for your child.Motherhood is the most challenging job in the world, but you’re superb.You got this! 4. Create a happy environment. Prepare your home and hearts for your new bundle of joy.The donor egg process may take a while, from planning, processing, looking for a suitable donor, and deciding, but it’s all worth it.A new angel will be coming into your lives.Don’t overlook the vital preparation part.From baby-proofing your home to finding the best baby essentials to putting your baby to sleep, it’s best to be ready.Create a happy and healthy environment for your new baby.To receive the news that you’re unable to conceive is heartbreaking.Thankfully, science is here.The donor egg process can help. But first, remember these four things and discuss them with your partner. Then, when you’re ready, talk to a fertility expert.
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.
