Isabelle Daza's IG TV needs to be watched and re-watched

For the first time in a long time, i feel the need to publicly address a video of a social media influencer.

WATCH ISABELLE DAZA'S IG TV HERE

I've been an Isabelle Daza fan since 2014 when I was obsessed with loosing weight by being fit. I felt a one-way connection with her because she's the tan one in the sea of light-skinned women in show business. In fact, my fitness journey posts have the #chasingisabelledaza hashtags..and when I got pregnant, I also jokingly posted that I was so busy chasing Isabelle Daza's body that I got her cousin's (Georgina Wilson)'s body instead (G and I got pregnant around the same time)..when Isabelle Daza got pregnant, I also joked that it's about time that Isabelle Daza chased me.

She became controversial with her jokes and contrary to the popular opinion, I found it funny because in reality, there are non-showbiz people whose jokes are "worse" than hers yet they gave her so much clout..after all, she's an influencer. I admired her sardonic humor while watching her stories and hands down, she has the hottest husband among the IT girls. Her humor is an acquired taste and it's unfortunate that not a lot could really appreciate it. I followed her pregnancy journey, her breastfeeding journey and her "trying to get her figure back" journey and she's transparent over the fact that these journeys weren't easy for her

Maybe people who make a big issue about the things she says are those who are thinking the same thing as her yet not having the same guts to say it out loud.

It takes a lot of fearlessness for a social media influencer to be vocal about the things that us, non-influencers(as same berth as hers) experience. The anxieties, insecurities and the feeling of inadequacy seems to be bottomless and for one, I am comforted that I am not alone in this. Social Media doesn't intend for us to feel this way and here I am feeling inadequate that I haven't booked anything during the last International Travel Festival. I've pondered why I am feeling this way and I've realized a few things:

1. I follow people whose livelihood is to make the best out of their life sans monetary worries. It's business and I forgot that these people were also vocal that their lives weren't always easy-peasy too.

2. I should change the way I feel about my connections in social media. Instead of feeling sad that I haven't been to where they were and tried what they did, I should be glad that they get to experience those things and could share it publicly.

3. Be the queen who arranges the crown of other people. There is plenty of happiness and success for every one to share and yours won't diminish just because you 

4. Unfollow/unfriend/disconnect with people online you can't say "Hi" to in real life. Less awkwardness and it's already 2018, even way too late to detox. There's nothing wrong with wanting a smaller circle

5. ALLOW YOURSELF to feel negative at times. Let's admit, being 100% positive 100% of the time can take a toll. Humans are created to feel and being negative over something is normal. Give yourself permission to feel down. Stumble, acknowledge the pain and enable your support system to help you get back on your feet.

To Isabelle Daza who surprise surprise, basically told every one that she's human, we hear you and we are not alone. Life can be overwhelming and remember, direction doesn't always have to come with a speed. 

Yes-Man

A yes-man is someone who always agrees with a person in authority in order to please them.

you tend to be a yes-man when you are in your late teens-mid 20s

there's no shame in admitting that you are. 

or you were.

We've all been there, really. Wanting to be seen and be recognized, wanting to be found in places where "popular" people go and usually, being young makes us think that we have all the time in the world to waste in these eye-rolling activities. Social media has actually made these wasteful endeavor worse. I was in the "transition" era where I felt the change between pursuing what you really want vs. going to where you want to be tagged or captured on someone else's picture on Facebook. A decade ago my weekends were spent either playing DOTA, Left4Dead, and other online games (if I actually have the luxury of time I would very much like to play again) or I was with my girls getting drunk. To date, it's still easy for me to be drunk DESPITE all the drinking sessions I've actively participated in..broke or not (Hey Francis!)

Mama told me that I will get tired of it eventually and unbelievably, I did. I went back to my first love which was reading. I got tired of impressing people who don't know me, I got tired of straining to hear what my friends trying to say over the blaring noise in the club. My circle got smaller; it used to be a Venn diagram but now it just resembles a mole. I can only count less than 5 people i text with every day, less than 10 people to run to when I want to share my problems and you know what? I'm actually pretty cool with it for the simple reason that these people are the ones I love.

When I can, I meet with people who find no shame in wanting me to be great (and vice versa), it's very encouraging to belong to a group who will water you when you are wilting, who will laugh at your strength knowing that who you are won't make them weak and insecure because hey, they are also strong too. They read my blog and you know who you guys are. Each one of you is irreplaceable. Thank you. 

I have a strong affinity for 60s inspired fashion and electric pleats. I've always been the under-dressed type and just last year I decided to step-up (a little) and bought a line of old-fashioned dresses. I got this dress for Php25 only at the Tabunok flyover ukay-ukay. Also, this is the first time I've worn heels in almost 2 years. I only have 3 pairs of heels because I already disposed some. No regrets.

 Dress: Twiggy

Belt: H&M

Bag: Dooney and Bourke

Heels: F&F

just a slab on the operating table

It was 5AM on the 26th of April, I felt like I was having menstrual cramps and I can't be having my period since I'm in my 38th week. I took my maternity leave a week ago and I've been waiting for this day to come. I look and feel like a whale already so I am more than ready to give birth. I was only supposed to stay at home but we live an hour away from my hospital so just to be sure, (and avoid that scene from the movies wherein a pregnant lady gets stuck in the traffic), I asked Bryan to take me to the hospital. 

I've been getting ready for this day for a few months already. I've done my homework (everything I need to know about labor and delivery), I've asked friends and relatives who have been down that road a lot of times and of course, I stayed fit through out my pregnancy journey. 

6:30AM I asked B to have breakfast with me at KFC Fuente before I go to Cebu Doctors. I intentionally indulged on a fully-loaded meal because a friend told me that I'm not allowed to eat and drink when I'm already in the delivery room

7:00AM: B dropped me off at Cebu Doctors' Hospital and I was just hanging out at the Blood Bank area, timing how long my contractions are and it's intervals. I was pretty calm about the whole process actually (still am after giving birth btw) and yes, I remembered taking a selfie before going to the delivery room since my eyebrows were on fleek.

When I was inside the labor room, they made me wear hospital-appropriate clothes and they asked me if I came in with someone else so that they can give my clothes to them. I told them that my husband is at work and I prefer to have my husband know EVERYTHING when I've already delivered the baby. He has severe anxiety disorder and I just really wanna spare him from all the waiting. The midwife told me that it's mandatory for the husband to be informed as he might be needed to process my papers for admitting. I wasn't allowed to go out anymore since I'm already dilated by 5CM and I was glad I didn't feel anything. During that time I felt like giving birth was just a touch and go thing. I was confident. I was ready

I was wrong.

8:00AM inside the delivery room and they informed me that I was already 8CM. I thought to myself that all my exercising has paid off since it took an 8CM dilation to let me feel the paain. Yes, the cramps were getting worse and I felt like my poo wants to get out of my vagina. They were monitoring my heartbeat and Nate's. They all thought I would give birth within the hour or so. 4 doctors were monitoring the 4 of us in there and I was progressing fast.

They were wrong

10:00AM AND still at 8CM, I was contracting at one minute every 2-3 minutes. Nate's heartbeat slows down every time I contract. The pain is starting to get really worse and I've been gripping the bed railings tight every time I contract.

12NN and still at 8CM, they decided to break my water and hope that the contractions will be more intense so that I can progress by 9 or even 10. I was already in an unbearable pain but I was still adamant to wait til 10CM. Frankly I don't remember being given epidural but we were charged for it though. 

2PM and STILL at 8CM. My soul is strong but my flesh is weak. Nate's heartbeat still slows down during contraction and since I was starting to be incoherent, they decided to inform B about my current situation and informed him that I have to undergo a Cesarian operation

WHAT? Cesarian operation? To me? The first thing I felt was indignation. Primarily because I spent most of my weekday mornings doing my pregnancy exercise to prevent this from happening and it still did. But then, the operation is not just all about me now. Nate's heartbeat is erratic and they have to do everything necessary to save the both of us.

I didn't feel any fear, everything was just a process to me that needs to be done. I clearly recall looking at Bryan as I was being transferred from Delivery to the Operating room and thinking, "fcek it, we haven't really talked about my insurance and I haven't updated my status yet just in case I die" 

2:20 I was on the stretcher and honestly, not feeling like breathing. I'm tired and spent. The doctors knew I was at 8CM since 8AM and these were the same doctors that kept track of my dilation. One of the worst moment was the first few minutes during the actual Cesarean operation when the anaesthesiologist explained what he was about to do before, during and after the operation. I understand that it was protocol but I just really want everything to be over. I am unable to stand and transfer to the operating table myself so he injected the epidural on my spine but WAIT! he made me do a fetal position so that he can find the right spot. Imagine that. I was in agony and they want me to actually fold my baby bump.

I felt numb from neck down and they covered my body with a cloth so that I can't see what they're doing. I remember turning my head from left to right looking for a reflection but they covered it well. I concentrated on what the surgeons and other doctors were talking about and then someone exclaimed, "Baby out, hala nuchal cord" and damn it, I knew Nate is going to be a handful. They let me see and kiss Nate before the anaesthesiologist injected me with a sedative. The operation was over in 20 minutes. 

I woke up at 4AM in the recovery room not feeling anything..but seriously, I'm so hungry right now so I'm just going to post a separate entry about my CS recovery some time..whenever.

The good oil on Pure Bliss Essential Oils by Young Living

I've noticed an increase of essential oil "selfies" on my news feed for a few months now and since I live by the adage "live curious", I kept track of the few who maintained using it but being a pragmatic person that I am, I didn't put too much thinking into buying a set.

My curiosity piqued when I noticed a friend using an essential oil to cure her headache. Another one said that she can't go to sleep without her oils..and another one posted that a specific essential oil scent puts her in a better mood. 

I am no fan of coincidence and it's highly unlikely that these people met in once place and just decided to promote essential oils.  I have a congenital kidney disorder that makes me more prone to kidney-related diseases compared to an average person so I am overly conscious on my intake most especially on medicines. 

Essential oils can be inhaled or be lathered on skin so it basically renders my kidney harmless. I am imagining a side-effect free world where my headache or migraines can be alleviated by just inhaling an essential oil without worrying the effect it would have on my kidney..and the possibilities are endless. 

I would like to thank Dr. Marissa Yoon for inviting me last month in their Pure Bliss Essential Oils workshop at 32 Sanson by Rockwell. Pure Bliss Essential Oils (PBEO), a group of young wellness advocates, in partnership with 32 Sanson by Rockwell, is set to introduce a wide range of blends of beyond or- ganic essential oils, in an effort to promote a healthy and holistic lifestyle to the local community. 

These premium-caliber and carefully-curated oils have been thoughtfully developed for over 20 years by Young Living, a world leader in essential oils. Under the helm of Dr. Marissa Yoon, PBEO aims to make the vision of sharing the “life- changing benefits of essential oils to every home, family, and lifestyle” a reality for Cebuanos, through pocket events, pop-up displays, workshops and DIY classes. The team, having experienced the benefits of the products first hand, look forward to en- couraging others to do the same, in the pursuit of a more balanced life and overall well-being. 

 

With a range of over 300 scents, there is an essential oil blend suited to almost every personal purpose and need. 
A number of these blends and their benefits include:

• Lavender – promotes restful sleep, relaxes and calms the mind; contains analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory properties 
• Frankincense – this oil may help with immune system, aging, allergies, bites; also helps with better disposition 
• Lemon – invigorating and refreshing blend that aids in air purification; it is also an antioxidant, has ant-viral properties, and helps soothe colds 
• Thieves – contains highly anti-viral and antiseptic properties 
• Stress Away – helps one overcome exhaustion and depression; also elevates mood 

These essential oils may be used individually or fused with other oils in order to create the desired effect or benefit. A handful of other mixes can create invigorating, calming, and soothing effects, as well as improve focus, mood, and concentration. There are three main ways to use these blends. 

One can either: 

1. Diffuse 
2. Apply topically (on the skin); or 
3. Ingest (as is the case with Young Living’s Vitality Line 

PBEO believes that the way to wellness is easily achievable with the constant use of nature-based products and healthy habits, which the team aims to continuously promote. With the support of local establishments and health-oriented individuals, the team looks forward to establishing collective efforts in upholding and promoting a balanced lifestyle. 

For further inquiries on these beyond organic blends, interested individuals may contact the Pure Bliss Essential Oils team through: 

• Facebook: @pureblissessentialoils 
• Mobile: 0921.046.9593

Zero in on something

Zero in on something:

Focus all your attention on that particular thing.

I have to admit, posting photos of myself before I got pregnant boosts my confidence level. Being a full-time mother, my usual get-up consists of clothes that have seen better days, my son's sweat, saliva and other dirt that I dare not mention so if you are my friend on Facebook, you'd notice that I post pictures of me looking way different than what I've described. 

Case in point: Exhibit A

These sets of photos were taken last year (and it's almost the end of this year, hello) when I didn't know I was 4 weeks pregnant. Inside that bag is my every day gym attire and since I've grown quite accustomed to not really following office appropriate attire protocols, people just let me be. I'm currently zeroed in on my everything about my son. I have no helper or no assistant and shit, it is indeed the hardest job in the world.. so yes, please be forgiving when I posts pictures like these because I have to at least remember that this was during my most fit/prime days. 

As I am typing this, my son-who just woke up is looking at me, miraculously lying down still and unsure what to do. It is very overwhelming at times to be responsible for someone else's life other than my own and there are countless situations wherein I can't simply put everything together. I make it sound so bleak and many many times, it is. It's a kaleidoscope of emotions and it's therapeutic when you have someone who accepts that you are still adapting and will still accept you for the tomorrows to come.

I am also grateful for friends who are always a message away whenever I get worried about the most mundane of things. Before Nate I always thought I know what I need to know about life and right now it feels like I, too have been re-born. I didn't know I have this much patience, strength and capacity to love someone, I thought it stopped when I met Bryan. 

Back to the story of what I wore, climate change is real! I wore a knitted top with a leather skirt to keep me from being cold because even then, Cebu's weather has been acting up and bringing out the best-or the worst in every fashionista.

(squats every day)

Top: Thrifted|Skirt: brandless|Bag: Marithe+Francois Girbaud|Flats: Yosi Samra

The whole nine yards

The Whole Nine Yards: 

Everything. All of it.

I haven't updated this blog for almost a year and I have a legit excuse for it this time. Motherhood happened and the spare time I have I spend it sleeping, socializing offline and tying up loose ends.

Fact is, motherhood has taken up so much of my time that B and I decided that I can't work and be a mother at the same time. We've been asking for this blessing for a couple of years and now that it has finally arrived, I am willing to give up my 10 years experience in real-estate in exchange for being a newbie mother. It's my first time to admit that I am scared because it's an unfamiliar territory and a small creature will be controlling my waking hours from now on but this road is well-travelled already and I have a support system which is only a call or text away. 

For now, I'd like to post a throw back picture before Nate was born. This was taken during one of the many field works I usually do and I get very shy when someone takes a picture of me at public places..and here I am hoping that I could make some semblance of a #ootd entry 

Also, have you noticed that I like dressing up like a grandma? Must be my age. Haha

Skid Row

Skid Row: 
The rundown area of a city where the homeless and drug users live.

My last personal blog post was over a month ago and it was about my pregnancy-some of the things I've learned and all those things I went through. Nowadays, people just call me "buntis" "buntit" or "preggo" and I can't help but think that last time I checked, I didn't have my name changed into those. I'm still Nym--with a bump. I would very much appreciate it if you stop calling me by my recent condition because it's not cute. At all. 

This was taken around three months ago when my tummy was still 4 weeks old. I was with the bosses for our 2017 Strat Plan and my friend and I decided to take a break outside despite the drizzling weather. I'm not much of a basic staple fan but if I want to be as inconspicuous and competent-looking as possible, I always don them. I'm the youngest in the middle management position as of the moment and oftentimes, my age is the bane of my job. 

There are few instances that I have to try doubly hard to get my point across and in an industry as old as one of the oldest professions of all time, people tend to get petty with me. I don't believe in pettiness as this is childish and an absolute waste of my energy, however, I always treat people the way they treat me. I've been a better version of myself for the past years but some things, I just don't have the heart for. 

As with my maturity (or at times, the lack thereof) I question if I am capable of being in this job. Deadlines make me doubt myself if I am really up to this but in time, I've learned to stop obsessing about things that are not in my control. Obsessing about what I could have done or what I am supposed to do robs me of my ability to appreciate the blessings and the abilities that I have now. 

It's quite simple really, being preoccupied and trying to acquire the things that you don't have deprives you of having the attitude of gratitude. Eventually, the drive will burn you out and you'll be left with being bitter and not being appreciative of what you already got. 

Who knows, maybe this will be my last post in this blog for this year and I would like to wrap it up by thanking every one who spared a few minutes of their time in my site. I'm not really a fan of New Year's Resolution but perhaps, by next year, I will give my best shot of being consistent :) 

Blazer: Uniqlo|Tank Top: Gap|Pants: Zara|Flats: Payless