Foodie Porn: Mouth-watering Filipino foods - fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and shrimps and many more
Barhopping : Cute Bartenders, twirling glasses, and Overflowing drinks - Chill your Fridays at T.G.I.Fridays
6 Steps to a More Confident YOU
Having confidence is a state of mind but sometimes it’s not easy to ‘get there’. How to feel good about yourself, be able to make conversation with just anyone, and handle any issue with a smile on your face? Here are simple steps to help you get more self-assurance.
1. Love Yourself
Having an essentially positive attitude toward yourself, your personality and appearance, is a key to gaining confidence. First step to get it is simple: tell yourself every day aloud in the mirror: “I love you. You are amazing”. It might look funny and sound awkward, and sometimes it really isn't easy, but with time it will be just natural and you will start to believe it fully.
2. Know your Strengths
Make a list of what you do well. Find every tiny detail in your life, every small or big thing you are good at, from cooking or learning new things, remembering birthdays, to solving problems or having great gift ideas. Then read it over regularly to remind yourself how skillful and worthy you are.
3. Beware Comparisons
Stop making comparisons. We all have things to offer but our skills may be very different to those of others. Life would be boring if we were all the same! Just be yourself and remember that you are unique in your own way. Confidence is the key. If you don’t believe in yourself nobody else will.
4. Dress Well
Clothes make the man. So make it strong and confident one. Feeling good about what you’re wearing is an instant way of injecting confidence into your life. When you dress well and look good you automatically feel better. This way you can boost your attitude, self-confidence and feel good about whom you are.
5. Use Positive Affirmations
Visualizing yourself as a confident person is one way to create a confident mentally. Positive affirmations also help. Find a couple or use our suggestions below) and just repeat them to yourself any time throughout the day when you feel a little down.
6. Fake it
You can gain confidence by acting like a confident person. Move like one, act so, use similar gestures. Stand up straight and believe in yourself! Simply ‘fake it til you make it’! Nobody needs to know that you’re cringing underneath your confident mask. Eventually you’ll no longer need to pretend. You’ll become a real self-confident person.
Tour de Jour Boutique: Spanish Brand Bershka Now in Manila, Targeting Adventurous Young, Hip and Trendy Filipinos
Barefoot Luxury - Dedon Island, Siargao, Surigao del Norte
If you're thinking that you have no reason to travel to Siargao just because you're not a surfer, think again. After all, it's not just the waves that draw travelers to this small island off the coast of Surigao del Norte in southern Philippines. Discerning travelers looking for a unique tropical vacation are now gravitating toward a villa at Dedon Island, the latest luxury resort in the Philippines. After being featured in international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller as a destination to watch in 2013, foreign travelers have been finding their way to the sprawling beachfront resort that's tastefully designed with contemporary Dedon furniture.
Catch the sunrise on the Sea Pagoda, read a book in one of the hanging pods, stand-up-paddle surf in the nearby waters, or learn how to cook local seafood from the executive chef. How about a film screening by the beach and under the stars? Movie marathons certainly have never sounded so luxurious.
Whatever you fancy, Dedon Island can be your playground. After all, their flat rate overseas all activities that you wish to do on the resort. Barefoot luxury it is, indeed.
Just a short walk from the beach, with the Sea Pagoda in the distance, the infinity pool at DEDON ISLAND is the hub of resort activity.
DEDON’s own ‘outdoor living lab’, DEDON ISLAND is a place to experiment with new ideas and designs and reinterpret established ones.
Located just next to the pool, the bar features an array of original and one-off seating designs along with spectacular views of the sea.
The four-story Mangrove Pagoda is the ideal spot for watching the sun set while enjoying cocktails or an early-evening barbecue.
In the open kitchen beside the dining pavilion, guests can bring in the day’s catch and cook it up under the guidance of the head chef.
The DEDON ISLAND dining pavilion affords unforgettable views of the bay and its jewel-like islands. Food is served here at any hour.
The resort’s decor is a rich blend of specially-created DEDON designs, standards from our collections and local, carved-wood pieces.
When not in the pool or out enjoying an ocean adventure, kids congregate around these latticed domes, which enclose bouncy trampolines.
Included in the price of your stay, world-class massages are available at any time of day, whether in your villa or at the spa facilities.
The horizon is never far from view at DEDON ISLAND. A series of pavilions faces out to sea, as does the occasional NESTREST hanging pod.
A NESTREST lounger, hanging from a storm-bent coconut palm, inspired the DEDON ISLAND logo. In the distance, the Sea Pagoda beckons.
At the heart of the DEDON ISLAND Village, the pool is flanked by the outdoor bar and library, at left, and the dining and games pavilions.
The entrance to the resort is characterized by two vast doors, hand-woven with white DEDON Fiber, through which native vegetation grows.
In the mid-day heat, this pavilion, overlooking both pool and sea, is the perfect place to lounge and enjoy a drink from the outdoor bar.
Guest Villas, many with sea views, are reached via paths through the garden, which features rare orchids, spider lilies and frangipani.
Guests’ first stop on arriving at DEDON ISLAND is the reception lounge, where they can relax while enjoying a cool glass of calamansi juice.
The stunning outdoor bar shows off the handiwork of DEDON’s master weavers while serving up the best mixed drinks this side of paradise.
On some nights, a screen is hung between two coconut palms, and the area around the pool is transformed into a stunning, open-air cinema.
Avoiding The Monday Morning Financial Hangover
It happens to the best of us, we skimp and save diligently and come Monday morning receive a rude awakening when checking our bank account balance online. Surely we didn't spend thousand pesos in one weekend!? After scouring the transaction history for a bank error, the reality slowly creeps in: happy hour cocktails on Friday followed by a late dinner, a leisurely shopping trip on Saturday to find a dress for a friend's birthday party that night, said birthday dinner in which some deep-pocketed genius suggests splitting the tab at a sushi restaurant even though you only had misu soup, more cocktails and then of course the Sunday brunch to rehash the weekend with your besties.
If you're like those gals, the Monday morning financial hangover - we're talking headaches, an uneasy stomach and a strong desire to call in sick, curl up on the couch and watch "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on repeat white eating in Chinese takeout box. If you are looking to spend less and break out of the rut of expensive cocktails, there are cost effective ways to spice up your social life.
A lot of articles will suggest having a potluck dinner in order to save on going out. While dinner parties are fun, in my experience, they have never cost less than going to a restaurant. Especially when you factor in a sink full of dirty dishes at the end of the night. Gross.
Instead, look for ways to maximize your money when you do go out. Cook yourself a quick, light dinner at home and meet your friends at a restaurant where you can share an appetizer and pitcher of sangria. Another option is to look for parties at art galleries. Many cities host monthly First Friday events where the galleries stay open late and the wine actually does flow freely. Also some wineries and specialty food shops will host evening tastings where you can sample numerous wines for as little as Php200 ($5.00) As an added bonus, should you find yourself on the prowl, wine tastings provide an ideal venue for striking up conversation with nearby bachelors who may know their way around a kitchen.
This is a tip from my friend in NYC. The pressure of getting dress in the nines is really a huge sweat but because she have these fabulous friends, they came up with this monthly clothes swap meeting. Megan said it started informally after a book club, but soon enough it became a permanent part of their monthly meetings. They would each bring a shopping bag of seldom worn, mostly forgotten dresses, jewelry, scarves and handbags. Even when the clothing swaps didn't yield much, it was still fun creating outfits from their mix-match of clothing as though they were in a fashion montage of an 80s movie which is almost as therapeutic as a shopping bag full of J.Crew cashmere sweaters.
Okay, be honest, how many unused Sephora samples are sitting in your drawer? While we all deserve to be pampered, too much of it can leave you as more of a pauper than a princess. The next time you feel the need to pay for a mani/pedi or facial, take a quick inventory of some of your forgotten samples and plan a mini spa evening. While little can rival the power of the massage chair at the nail salon, a free mini facial should give you enough of a pick me up until your next treatment before a big event.
Finally, I will admit that fitness is the first area I skimp on when I face personal budget woes, I have never been once for gyms which means that exercise for me means yoga or Pilates. I rely on yoga videos from Youtube to give me ideas for workouts. For added motivation, push your furniture against the walls and invite friends to your own personal yoga studio!
As with any hangover, the true cure is prevention and moderation. There will always be that diner or weekend away that will leave both you and your wallet feeling spent, but knowing where to cut back and still have a good time will mean success for both your liver and your favorite Kate Spade clutch!
10 Ways to Use Coconut Oil
Used regularly in other parts of the world, coconut oil has recently been making a name for itself as a miracle product in America. Cost efficient and eco-friendly, this champion of all oils can be used in numerous ways for overall health, beauty and wellness. Not to mention, the smell makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island! Here are 10 ways to incorporate the oil into your routine:
Hair Mask
If your hair is in need of a serious deep conditioning treatment, look no further than coconut oil. Great for shine, it helps repair damaged and brittle strands while combating frizz. Use a coconut mask once a week for luscious locks.
Heal infections
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a fatty acid with antimicrobial, anti fungal and antibacterial properties, so it works wonders on cuts and burns. It can also help treat athlete’s foot and other fungal or yeast infections.
Eye Make-Up Remover
Dab a little on a cotton ball and gently wipe away the day’s mascara and other eye makeup. Because of its hydrating properties, it works while you sleep to condition eyelashes and nourish the delicate skin under your eyes to reduce puffiness and wrinkles.
In Place of Cooking Oil
Due to its high saturated fat content, coconut oil remains stable at high temperatures for cooking and will not turn rancid like other cooking oils. It is cholesterol-free and has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and support thyroid health.
For Baking
Perfect for the vegan baker, substitute butter and vegetable oil with coconut oil as a healthier alternative when whipping up sweet treats. With the ability to mimic butter, it adds a sweet hint of coconut to frostings, cakes and cookies.
Boost Metabolism
Composed of medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil is used as a source of fuel in the body as opposed to being stored away as fat. This boost in energy shifts metabolism into high gear to increase the rate at which calories are burned.
Shaving Salve
Ditch your old shaving cream and lather up with coconut oil for a nice, close shave. Your legs will appreciate the extra nourishment and moisture. It also aids in the exfoliation of dead skin, leaving you with soft and supple legs just in time for summer.
Around the House
Use coconut oil around the house in place of toxic household products loaded with chemicals. Polish wood furniture or brass for a fresh finish, season cast iron skillets or use it in place of WD-40.
Exfoliating Scrub
Get your body beach ready by mixing coconut oil with brown sugar for an allover body scrub. This nourishing exfoliator will leave your skin baby soft. Mix with sea salt for a coarse scrub for feet!
Improve Dental Care
Coconut oil inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. It also facilitates absorption of calcium by the body and helps teeth stay strong. Look for natural oral hygiene products with coconut oil or try oil pulling to prevent gingivitis, gum bleeding and cavities.
How to Build Good Relationship Beyond Reviews and Giveaways
One of the biggest challenges I've experienced as a blogger is building a more long-lasting relationship with my favorite brands. It’s been my experience that getting the review or getting the giveaway in the first place is a lot easier than turning that relationship into more than a one-post stand. But at the same time, who wants to turn their site into nothing more than regurgitated press releases?
What are you looking for in a relationship with a brand? Free swag and gifts for your readers can be great, but I think ultimately (like our real-life relationships) we’re looking for something mutually beneficial. Maybe you’re hoping to grow that relationship into a brand ambassadorship, paid sponsorship, or a full-time job with the company. Regardless of what your end goal is, getting from the point of making the contact to the point of a mutually beneficial relationship IS HARD. I've got brands I've worked with for years, who I still have to beg for a lookbook each season!
TIP NO. 01 - I suggest asking what some of their (the brand) objectives are. From there you can get a feeling of where they are even willing to go and grow…and if what you may want to do aligns with their goals! When you know, you’ll have a prime opening to pitch your idea, showing them how their objectives can be reached.
TIP No. 02 - You can also do the direct, but laid back approach - In order to move the relationship beyond the status quo, ask them, in a casual manner, if they may be interested in X (a paid opportunity) that would even more thoroughly spotlight the brand on your site, or casually send them your media kit, in case they might be interested in some sponsored opportunity in the coming months. Keeping it professional, but casual, should make it comfortable to approach.
When you've been blogging a long time, you inevitably come across some challenges when working with a brand for so long. One of the old one issue that several times happen is when "you've had one solid contact at a brand for a very long time, and that point-person leaves." It’s almost like starting from square one to build your relationship up again with a new person.
Another biggest struggle in taking the next step is that “we can either underestimate or overestimate ourselves.” I have found that I surprised myself when I pitched a major brand and they loved it. I had history with them and had an idea and went for it! Was I scared? You bet. But if I did not believe in myself or had the courage to go for it, I wouldn't be here.
TIP NO. 03 - When it comes to remaining memorable, we that you show some common courtesy: In any kind of relationship, being attentive, diligent, and making them a priority (i.e. attending the brand’s events, posting info about them as soon as it’s released) is much-appreciated…doing something courteous and considerate, that requires minimal effort, like sending a thank-you email or even hand written note after you've worked with them on something really can make a difference in distinguishing yourself from the rest.
TIP NO 04 - Believe in yourself, have a game plan, and be professional!
Have you been successful in moving your relationships with brands past giveaways, reviews, and press releases? What tips do you have for the rest of the class?
Email me at blair.villanueva@gmail.com
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