Lux Thinking Aloud Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & Julia 12:58 PM I just had my worst breakup and was still picking up the pieces of my shattered self-worth.I turned to blogging to distract myself. Who am I kidding? I wrote my bleeding heart out hoping my ex would read how I felt after he left. So he'd realize what a monster he was.After slaving myself away in a job that sucked the life out of me, I’d come home to a noisy, chaotic house I shared with other OFWs. I'd watch movies until I was too sleepy to think about anything. Until I was too numb to feel anything.Then I found Julie and Julia.Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & JuliaJulie Powell was a frustrated writer stuck in a job she hated in a house she didn’t like. She lived in a city where dreams were made of but she felt as though her life was a nightmare.Her only escape from reality was cooking. She loves American cook Julia Child so much. She’s her heroine. After her husband suggested she blog about her cooking, her life turned around. The recipes on her blog were from Julia’s cookbook.BloglovinIn a different time, Julia's life in Paris began. She was traveling with her husband who works for the US government. They lived in a gorgeous big house in the City of Light. She's learning the culture, enjoying the savory food and exploring things, trying to find her passion.Primo GifThe movie was about their lives intertwined; their struggles in searching for their purpose, finally finding what they’re good at, the obstacles in pursuing what they love and the imperfections of their personal lives.Aside from these amazing women's journey, I love the gentle forces behind them---their partners. I adore their husbands. Hurting as I was back then, I didn’t swear off love. And every time they show how supportive, loving and encouraging Julie and Julia’s husbands were, I find myself whispering a prayer, “Lord, I want a husband like that.”Julie and Julia became my comfort movie.It gave me hope that someday, I’ll get out of the job I was stuck in. I will find what I truly love to do and earn while doing it.GiphyJulia wrote award winning cookbooks and became a TV personality despite having zero knowledge in cooking at first. Julie’s blog became a hit that her story was turned into a book and a movie.Julie’s story is every blogger’s dream. It was my dream. Maybe not in the same scale. But the thought of getting something out of what I spend most of my time on sounds appealing to me.Fast forward to today, there are brands and clients who trust me to feature them on my blog (THANK YOU!). I get paid for writing and by God's grace, I've found my dream husband. But I'm still a frustrated cook. 😂Julie and Julia’s husbands possessed the traits I was looking for in my ideal life partner. TumblrI saw this movie at a time I NEEDED to know people like them exist. Real people. Not fictional. It was refreshing to see that there are real men who are sweet and supportive but also strong and reliable.If it wasn't for their husbands' encouragement, push and humor, they may not have soared as high as they did. Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe in your dreams and push you to become the best that you could be.GiphyLet me borrow Julie’s words describing Julia as I explain why I love this movie so much:“It saved me. I was drowning and it pulled me out of the ocean.”What's your favorite or comfort movie?Contains affiliate links.
Dating 3 Steps To Master At-Home Couples Therapy 8:08 AM 3 Steps To Master At-Home Couples Therapy Couples from all walks of life can benefit from therapy. Relationship counseling gets a bad rep. Most people believe it's the last option before breaking up or divorcing. But even happy and healthy couples can learn from these therapy exercises. Unfortunately, couples therapy is costly. The average 1-hour session ranges from $150-500 after health insurance. If it’s even accepted. There are some effective, low-cost substitutes available. The best part? You can practice them in the comfort of your own home.Here are three steps to master at-home couples therapy to help you nourish your relationship.1. Harness the power of rituals.As a couple, you probably already have a ritual or two. It could be serving your partner their coffee in the morning. Or watching an episode of your favorite series at night. These small gestures play a huge part in strengthening your relationship. Next time you pour them a cup of coffee, compliment them. Or, when you sit down for dinner, ask them about their day.Give them a quick back massage when they're at their desk working.Chat while you're eating. Ask them about their day. Make the little deeds count. 2. Invest in quality time.Get off your phone an hour before bed and reconnect with your partner.Go to your favorite restaurant and order your favorite meal.Dance around the living room like no one's watching.Share stories. Play board games.Enjoy a laugh.The possibilities are endless! 3. Download Relish.Asking for help is not a sign of defeat. Sometimes we cannot solve our problems alone, and that’s okay! Though counseling can be expensive, there are affordable mobile versions available now.Relish is a personalized dating coach. It provides 24/7 evidence-based assistance to help your relationship succeed.We’re lucky to live in this age where we can access excellent relationship-aid resources. Improving your connection with your partner is now as easy as downloading an app.At-Home Couples Therapy Working from home can be stressful, especially during this time. Make small adjustments and follow these simple steps to master at-home couples therapy. They can make a huge difference in your romantic life.
Love and Relationship 5 Reasons Why It's Good To Marry Your Best Friend 6:29 AM Should you marry your best friend?I thought not everyone could marry their best friend. That's impossible. And unnecessary...Until I got married.Now, I couldn't emphasize enough the importance of marrying your best friend.I'm one of those annoying people who will continue to remind the singles out there:You should marry your best friend!Before you protest...What does marrying your best friend mean?To marry your best friend doesn't mean you start forcing yourself to fall in love with your best friend. Or pressure your best mate to marry you.To be friends first before you become lovers is ideal. A successful relationship or marriage is built on a solid friendship.If you and your best friend are already falling for each other...congratulations!If it's far from reality, don't fret.My husband and I didn't start our relationship as friends. We went from meeting to getting to know each other and then dating. It was fast. We both are not getting any younger, you know?But I can say my husband has become my best friend.Is it a good idea to marry your best friend? I'll give you five reasons why it is.1. Instant and constant support.Your best friend will cheer you on and support you. Even when no one else does. Even when you're not entirely confident yourself.No matter how strong you are, it's good to have a sturdy shoulder to lean on occasionally.You can always count on your partner's emotional support. And that means a lot, especially when you are second-guessing yourself.Life is not easy. But knowing you have a partner you can count on lightens the load.2. Round-the-clock conversation.Remember when you were in high school? You would sleep over at your best friend's house and talk all night. It feels like time flies when you're together. And you never run out of topics.Marriage is like sleeping over with your best friend every night.When you can't sleep because worry keeps you up, having someone you can talk to is good. It eases the anxiety somehow.When you're both wrinkled and grey, and your hip and joints ache of old age, what you'll have left is conversation.Find someone you're comfortable sharing even your deepest, darkest fears with.It's beautiful that you're with someone you can talk to about anything at any time. And not worrying about being judged.3. Share sacred silence.Spending time in silence together is equally important as having a meaningful conversation.When you're weary and need a day of doing nothing, having a best friend who can sit with you in comfortable silence is reassuring.Knowing when to be quiet and enjoy that precious moment is vital. Especially when your partner is an introvert.Silence is a soothing and gratifying remedy for the toxicity of the world. Having someone to share that with is bliss.4. Having your worst critic.Your best friend will tell you what you NEED to know, not what you want to hear. Because your growth and success are as significant to them as they are to you.There may be misunderstandings and fights along the way. It happens to the bestest of friends. Let it strengthen your relationship and not shatter it.TIP: Be careful with honesty. Don't use the truth as an excuse to be cruel.5. To love and be loved unconditionally.Your best friend can give you unconditional love.I've heard this from one of the talks at The Catholic Marriage Summit: Humans have a deep desire to be known by another soul. And to be loved despite the knowing is a beautiful gift. There is something liberating and satisfying in being bound to a person who loves you despite and not because of who you are. Indeed, it is gratifying to know that you are loved and adored even when you feel unworthy of it.Why It's Good To Marry Your Best FriendI'm thankful and blessed to marry someone who puts my needs before his. Who considers me in everything, even with something as trivial as deciding what to eat. Who listens patiently and loves me for who I am, flaws, pimples, moods, and all. 😁So, marry someone you like to be with, talk to, and someone who brings out the best in you. Marry your best friend or work towards becoming best friends with your spouse.Forever sounds like a long time. You might as well spend it with someone you love and like. Question for YouWhat is your take on marrying your best friend?
Fashion & Style oNecklace Birthstone Necklace Review 4:10 PM We're on lockdown. I didn't get to visit my family for months. This dark time reminds me of what truly matters in life: I already have everything I need. And that even when I don't get to see them all the time, my loved ones will forever be in my heart. oNecklace birthstone jewelry seems to be the perfect way to remember the special people in your life. I ordered a customized heart-shaped pendant necklace adorned with gemstones. Each birthstone represents every person I'm keeping in my heart forever.Before the review, let's talk about birthstones.What is your birthstone? January Birthstone: GarnetFebruary Birthstone: AmethystMarch Birthstone: AquamarineApril Birthstone: DiamondMay Birthstone: EmeraldJune Birthstone: Pearl or AlexandriteJuly Birthstone: RubyAugust Birthstone: PeridotSeptember Birthstone: SapphireOctober Birthstone: Tourmaline or OpalNovember Birthstone: Topaz or CitrineDecember Birthstone: Tanzanite, Zircon or TurquoiseWhat's the most expensive birthstone?The most expensive birthstones are diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire. They're still qualified as "precious". Amethyst was once considered as a precious gem, too. But its value went down when large reserves were discovered in Brazil.What's the rarest birthstone?According to National Geographic, Aquamarine (March) is the rarest birthstone.Why are there more than one birthstone for some months?Some months have more than one birthstone to provide alternatives that are less expensive.How did birthstones start?The idea of owning something sentimental and valuable may be the reason why birthstones appeal to humans."The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The idea of birthstones has a place in many traditions, customs, and belief systems." -American Gem Society.oNecklace Birthstone Necklace ReviewI love jewelries that symbolize something special. My engagement ring has an ichthus sign ><> representing Christ. The stone my husband chose was pink because...he knows I love pink. 😊 My oNecklace order was a:sterling silvercustomized heart pendant necklace (0.7mm / 0.03″ thick)box chainlobster clasp18" longThe 5 birthstones I chose to represent the birth months of people closest to my heart.It came with an elegant black box with desiccant. A black paper bag. Certificate of Authenticity and a thoughtful note from the oNecklace team.What I love about oNecklacePackaging: Well-packaged inside an Airmax premium bubble envelope so there was no damage. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shipping: Despite the lockdown and inconvenience brought by this pandemic, it arrived earlier than expected. I'm thankful they shipped it through DHL and not through snail mail this time. The last time they sent me my ichthus necklace, it got lost in our post office. 😒 Not their fault. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Personalized: They have pieces of jewelry you can customize with your name, monogram or initials. In my case, it also came with a personal note. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity: They'll send you your proof of authenticity with caring tips. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Customer service: My contact person was patient and considerate. The turnaround time was fast. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Appearance: The actual item varies slightly from the one online. But I love how it sparkles when the silver chain and the stones catch the light. ⭐⭐⭐⭐Video edit: @carlounderscoreIt's so pretty to look at. Agree?For fabulous customized jewelry at an affordable price, this sterling silver birthstone necklace is a wonderful and perfect gift. For your loved one or yourself.📷: XamanthaThe holiday is coming. You should visit their site. Explore their big assortment of beautiful pieces of jewelry from necklaces, rings, bracelets, and what have yous.About oNecklaceoNecklace offers:free shippingsecure payment90 days return and exchangethe best price guaranteedThey have options for 14k gold, 24k gold plated sterling silver, and rose gold pieces of jewelry (like these cute earrings I've got). They have zirconia and of course, birthstones for everyone.My oNecklace birthstone jewelry is a wonderful symbol of the people I will carry in my heart forever.Your turnWhat's your birthstone?Do you love or own customized jewelry?Note: I've received this product free of charge in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and are not in any way influenced by the provider.
For Men 4 Things To Remember When Learning To Ride A Motorcycle 4:24 PM Learning to ride a motorcycle? Remember these things.For some, learning to drive a car just doesn’t meet their expectations. They want something more thrilling and exciting. Something swifter. Something that makes them feel confident on the roads. It’s for these reasons that more people now are choosing to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle is a way of life, not just something that helps you get from A to B. That means there’s a lot to consider before you hit the open road. Having enough training and passing your test is one thing. But if you want to stay safe on the road and ultimately enjoy your motorcycle experience, then you need to take your knowledge a step further – speak to this motorcycle accident lawyer (based in Forest City) if you’ve been involved in a crash on your motorcycle. Let’s explore what all new riders and those learning to ride safely should know about handling a motorcycle. 1. Buy yourself quality safety clothing (and wear it)It's an obvious one. But the number of riders who don't bother to put on a helmet or wear their riding gear because they're not traveling far may astonish you. Experienced and conscientious riders only ever wear the best, high-quality gear. Even if you think you can save a few bucks on your leathers by buying something cheap, you may regret it. The same applies to your helmet. Don’t be afraid to splash out if it means you get a good quality helmet that not only looks good but offers high levels of protection. It could essentially save your life. 2. No passengers – not yet!When you pass your driving test, driving for the first time with your friends in the back, listening to your favorite songs and relishing in your new-found freedom (thanks to your license) may sound like a gratifying idea.However...When you pass your motorcycle test is a different story. The general rule is that you shouldn’t consider having passengers on the back of your bike until you’re more experienced. You’re not used to the extra weight on the bike and turning corners may prove inherently dangerous for you both! 3. Be wary of high traffic areas Despite your pass, riders should still continue to build their confidence before they ride on interstates, highways and other high traffic roads. Building on your skillset and working your way up towards high traffic areas is better than simply throwing yourself in at the deep end and putting yourself and other road users at risk. And finally...4. Get into good habits Leathers? Check. Gloves? Check. Helmet? Check. These are the most obvious checks that any rider should conduct before they hit the road.However, riders should also get into the habit of checking their motorcycle before they set off. Checking the tires for damageChecking the engine oil levelsChecking for leaks, and Making sure all your lights and signals are in good working order. The better condition your bike is in, the better it’ll perform for you and the safer you’ll be. Keep these things in mind before you get on that motorcycle and hit the road. Enjoy! 🚴
Beauty 5 Practical Steps To Age Gracefully As A Man 10:29 PM 5 Practical Steps To Age Gracefully As A Man There's a lot of emphases placed on women embracing aging nowadays. But so little on what men can do to look and feel better as they mature. Maybe because there's less pressure for men for them to be anti-aging. Still, men should feel as comfortable as their female counterparts when it comes to aging. Here are 5 practical steps to age gracefully and comfortably as a man.1. Get proper hair care.Hair is one of the first places signs of aging show.Male pattern baldness could affect 50% of men by age 50. Luckily, there are ways men can treat baldness while also taking care of hair health. Choose a cure for hair loss. Manual's hair loss cure has become one of the men's most popular treatment options. You can get a free consultation online. That means avoiding the hassle of multiple trips to your doctor. They can then send the treatment straight to your doorstep, and you're free to cancel anytime. 2. Get proper nutrition.As you age, you need to ensure that you're getting proper nutrition. You need to eat something other than junk food.You may notice that you don't feel as refueled as you were in your youth after meals. Or you might feel bloated and sluggish.You don't have to overhaul your diet overnight. Here's what you can do instead: Improve your food quality. There are a lot of delicious options to explore. Pick a dish you want to try. Try a plant-based or vegan diet for one day at first. Then try it for a week.Join the Meatless Monday or Veganuary movement. See how the men in The Game Changers improved their "performance" through a plant-based diet. The animals and the planet will thank you too.3. Exercise Exercise can help you feel better about yourself. Literally.That's because exercise releases endorphins. It can also help you sleep better at night. You don't have to be athletic to love exercise.You could try swimming or cycling. Can you cycle to work? This will allow you to exercise and could be a better alternative for getting around.Try also some hiking and other outdoor activities. Look into local groups to see if people in the same age group are doing the same activities.4. Sleep enough.Sleep is essential regardless of age. So make sure you are getting enough.Try to spend lesser time on your gadget and get high-quality rest at night. There are several steps to sleep better. Setting up a night-time routine is effective. Stop using technology an hour before bedtime. Read or journal instead. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep and eliminate the factor that may keep you from achieving this. Be consistent. Before you know it, you're sleeping like a babe.5. Embrace aging.You're not young anymore. You need to accept that you're getting older, and there are some things that you need to change. Listen to your body. Rest if you need to rest.Enjoy and start appreciating what you have.Not everyone has been blessed enough to reach your age.This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Thank you!Whether you start taking hair loss tablets or look into the health benefits of a vegetarian diet is up to you.Start prioritizing your health and well-being. Then, you can reap the benefits as you age. Aging comfortably is possible for men. But it takes hard work and dedication. Gentlemen, start your journey to aging gracefully today.
Dating Why Dating Can Be More Successful As You Get Older 2:11 PM Dating advice from a guest blogger:As we age, it’s natural that our views on dating change. As a young man, I was giving off plenty of male pheromones while I was in search of a partner. I focused a lot on the attraction aspect of dating and did my best in that area. Looking back on it now I admit I had an immature view about dating. I was looking for things that were superficial. I never thought those things could or would diminish with age. With every year that passes, we learn. And the more we learn, the more successful we could get in dating...and in life. I’m going to explore the ways I’ve found dating to be more successful as I’ve gotten older. And if you’re at the later stage of your life and dating or dating older women, I’m sure you can relate. Why Dating Can be More Successful as You Get Older 1. You’re more sure of yourself When you’re younger, you can more likely change for your partner. And in doing so, you'll lose yourself.When I was in my early 20's, I met someone and fell head over heels. I adapted to her taste in music, television, and whatnot. I wasn’t pretending because I genuinely appreciated the things she loved. But the problem was that...I ended up focusing on her interests and ignoring my own. In the end, I didn’t like the person I had become. I wasn't myself anymore. As an adult, I’ve got time to focus on my own interests and become more self-assured. I now understand the importance of staying true to myself. And that it's a good place to find a partner.2. You may be financially stable There’s something to be said about having a supportive partner who supports you through anything. But it can also be rewarding to find a partner when you’ve already passed the pains in your career. You may now be working fewer nights and have some money set aside. This is the ideal time to focus on a new relationship. Couples are likely to argue over finances, and may even break up over money. So when you date later in life and are more stable, this issue could be off the table.3. You’ve made your mistakes Sometimes you reach a certain age, you look back on your relationship choices...and cringe. Or even regret it.None of us are perfect, and it’s important to see where we’ve made mistakes. Because if we can’t see it, we’re doomed to repeat the ghosts of bad relationships past. When you're more mature, you’ve probably sorted out the skeletons in your closet and are ready to give and accept love in a healthy way. You know what you want, but more importantly, you know who you are. 4. Your goals are different Dating when you’re younger is often focused on one goal: to get married and have kids. But if you’ve already been there and done that, you can take things slow. There’s no rush to find out if the person you’re dating is the one. You don't worry about the body clock anymore.Getting past that child-rearing age can take a ton of pressure off your love life.When you find yourself dating later in life, you may be in a better place to find true love. There are no deadlines and you can be in a place to make her feel secure ---financially and emotionally. Most people don’t set out to date in their 30's, 40's and beyond. But if you look at it the right way, it may be considered a blessing.