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

First Trimester FAQues

If you know me well, then you read the title just right. I guess you've all been "there" too and were asked some absurd questions that sometimes leaves you clueless on what to say.

Last night, I was up for an extra 30 minutes trying to figure out if these are just pregnant hormones making me mean but I realized that my pregnancy is just an excuse, I am really mean. Anyway, here are some examples of questions that were asked to us (B and I) that we answered rather, POLITELY but what we really want to say was something of the snarky kind. Single ladies, you can learn from this, either you try and not ask these questions as to not appear annoying, or ask these questions if you wanna piss off 'em baking women.

10: Congratulations! Do you want it to be a baby boy or girl?
Actual Answer: Okay rami sig unsa man
What we want to say: a healthy baby

10.1: but really, in your deepest of thoughts and wishes, unsa jud inyung gusto?
Actual Answer: Okay rajud sig unsa
What we want to say: B#g$ man siguro ka. Gusto namu maundang na imung pangutana.

9: Is walking on a treadmill at this early stage safe? Di ba kaha ma lag lag imung baby?

Actual Answer: Okay raman

What we want to say: Does your vagina open every time you walk?

8: Have you already decided where to give birth? You should check out *insert _________ here*

Actual Answer: We are already canvassing where, we are going to add this one on the list, thank you kaayo!

What we want to say: We already have two in mind but we are not saying because people will always have something bad to say about something.

7: OMG Congratulations! How far long are you? Wow your tummy looks big/small lagi?

Actual Answer: __Weeks, mao ba? Dako/gamay siya? 

What we want to say: ___ Weeks, actually wala pay international standards na size sa kani na weeks, so we wouldn't know if it's big or small. 

6: Huii, who would you want the baby to look like?

Actual Answer: Wa pami kahibaw actually, basta ang ilong good luck. 

What we want to say: Bryan: Me

                                     Nym: Me

5: When are you due?

Actual Answer: May 4-7 next year

What we want to say: May 4-7 next year, around mid-year bonus ninyu. Timing sa? :)

4: What are your plans after giving birth?

Actual Answer: B wants me to resign after to be a full-time mom for a year. I don't know what's going to happen after that

What I (Nym) want to say:  B wants me to resign after to be a full-time mom for a year. but I will most probably be an Uber driver by the time our baby is 6 months old.

3: Have you guys decided on a name already?

Actual Answer: Wala pa :)

What we want to say: Yup we already did but we are not telling. 

2: Congratulations! So, naa najuy morning sickness? Or mga di ganahan na food?

Actual Answer: Wala man, no morning sickness, all food is fine, I just don't like drinking water and I'm always sleepy

2.1: Mao ba? Kuyawa gud, wait til your next month dayun you'll experience those

Actual Answer: Maayu lag di sad ui. I'm like mama, she didn't experience those

What we want to say: Can you just quit imposing those on me? Di man mandatory maka experience ko ana tanan, kung wala, wala okay? Stop waiting for me to feel miserable. You are already around as it is

1: OMG! Congratulations! Finally! How did you guys do it?

Actual Answer: Exercise, prayers, God's time not ours

What we want to say: Uhm, how every one makes babies I guess?

Up a Blind Alley

Up a blind alley: 

Going down a course of action that leads to a bad outcome.

I've been putting off posting OOTDs lately because I don't have a time to have someone edit my lay-out. I reverted back to a default template provided by Blogspot til I can find the time to have a sit down with a friend. To be honest, another reason is that I don't want people visiting this page and noticing that it totally looks lackluster. I just hope that my content will compensate for this newbie look.

How's your personal growth? I hope you are as blooming as always. Time and again I have repeated that we are all a work in progress and being a better person takes time. You are going to be misunderstood, and you know what? IT'S OKAY. Because people you knew are not used to growth. Who knows? Your version 2.0 is still making them uncomfortable so they don't know how to deal. Their unacceptable behavior towards your growth might give them an excuse to say, "I miss the old you, and I am behaving badly because I don't know what's wrong" but a poor behavior is no excuse for accountability.

 You were a wrong person at the wrong time but stop harboring on your mistakes, because you are the only one who can put yourself back together and be the right lover at the right time.

  

 Forgive my reactions here. 100% of these shots are stolen and it's quite embarrassing that I make those expressions on a normal basis. Now I understand why some people don't take me seriously. I wore this one during a Blogger event at SM City Cebu. I was quite in a hurry to come up with what to wear since this was a last minute invitation. I didn't even have the time to look at myself in the mirror. If you're an avid reader of this blog, you'll notice that this black blazer has been featured in other entries. Black blazers are anyone's staple. Way back college, I used to pair mine with tank top, shorts and Toms. 

Black Cavalry Twill Jacket: Mystery Girl|Sheer White sleeveless top: Anne Klein|Maroon leather skirt:/nobrand|Satchel:/no brand|Brown boat shoes: Highlands

Wag the Dog

Wag the Dog: 

A diversion away from something of greater importance.

Though someone of higher authority than me is too blind to see it, I am flooded with work deliverable and it's manifesting on my longer working hours and pimples on my face. My parents didn't raise an only child to be a quitter so here I am, swimming harder and seeing the silver lining that is me learning new things that will be useful as I climb the corporate ladder. As you grow older you realize how important it is to adapt time management skills because not doing so will affect our work-life balance. Though I post pictures in Facebook about my personal life, this blog won't be highlighting much about it. Bryan and I are happy and I still get kilig :)  

So what's been keeping me busy aside from work and personal life? Me trying to be fit (snapchat:mynymisnym) and accepting the offer as one of the Board of Trustees of Cebu Bloggers Society.

I know I know there are already a lot on my plate as it is but believe it or not, at this point, the choices I made are being carefully thought over and they are something that I can see myself committing to for a long time. Offline relationships are something that I have to work at being better because being addictive to my phone to communicate (ironically) tends to bind me and steers me away from mental recklessness. Let's not forget to capture as much freedom as we can and we are born in this world without electronic gadgets, I'm pretty sure we can survive not being owned by our material possessions too much-Pokemon Go or not.

What validates a relationship?

It's not the likes and the shares. It's the love that we receive and not the ones we beg for. There is nothing romantic about heartbreaks nor unrequited love. Most relationships fail because one has set the bar basing from movies and social media. Be ready for that person who's ready for you too. It's your right to know what's the real score between that person's ex as is it's that person's right to know yours. 

Don't waste your time trying to prepare for a battle that should have been not yours to deal with in the first place. If someone who left comes back to stay, stop and think about the reason why they left and make it your deciding point to pursue or just end it altogether. 

 Lycra off-shoulder dress: OOTD Pilipinas|Hat:Kultura

The ball is in your court

The Ball Is In Your Court: 
It is your decision this time

How was everyone's summer?

I've got more than 10 entries scheduled to be finished but I am taking my time since my thoughts are scattered all over my imaginary cork board. As with every blogger, I prefer them to be put in order before every one can read and digest them. If you guys only knew /lol

I've been in and out of my bikinis for the whole monthS of summer and though some who know me well don't really mind, a few can't help but drop a few snide remarks like, "You know you still have to lose those lower flabs, right?" or "Your arms are still big for your body frame" I pay them no mind, my fitness journey is mine and mine alone to take, no one can do it for me so as with blogging, I am doing it in my own pace. If you think I'm too scantily clad, I've always worn bikini as early as I can remember getting away with it. Last time I checked, we live in an island where the beach is only a few kilometers away. I don't care if you wear a rash guard so please, stop the hate and mind your own business. I've always withheld any judgment to those who wear what they want to wear and last time I checked, we are in an age where we have to recognize that there's more to people than meets the eye.

Tell me more about your struggles. I want to know not because I'm secretly glad you have them but I want to tell you how beautiful you've become after you surpassed what's supposed to destroy you. Tell me how big your heart is and how you will always have space for those who think themselves as unlovable. Tell me how you will always be tireless in giving more because you have so much to give. 

Tell me you know your worth and that you'll only settle for someone who will make you feel empowered, light and free. Promise me that either way, the ball is in your court and you will never get tired of fair-weathered friends who seem to misunderstand your daily struggle and that, you'll forgive them anyway though for someone so authentic, fake people will always take time getting used to.

I don't know where that came from. But we are on to lighter digests like what I wore. This was taken last May at JPARK with mom and friends. Kiddos, there will come a time when being with your mom and her friends will be something you'd always look forward to joining (albeit uninvited) because they are more fun to be with.  

Backless romper: Cupshe.com|Bag: Michael Kors|Sandals: AC

Done with change? The real one is coming

and it's coming sooner than we think; in three days to be exact.

If you have a mother who's into local showbiz (like mine), Dr. Manny and Pie are names that we usually hear on an a weekly basis. Celebrities have thanked them on air time and again but truth be told, I wasn't so curious since I know they don't have a clinic here in Cebu.

When the word got around that A Manny and Pie Calayan clinic will open less than 10 kilometers away from where we live, I just have to confirm and see them for myself. Meeting Dr. Manny and Pie gave me a feeling of meeting actual celebrities since they are known all over Philippines. I was touched that they personally knew and welcomed me during their press conference at SM Seaside. It was an intimate gathering of local press and we were all so enthusiastic to know more about what they are going to offer come July 3, 2016.

Cebu was chosen by both doctors because we are already known for our flourishing medical tourism. They will be opening their third branch here and this is their first clinic in the Visayas region. What makes Manny and Pie Calayan clinic competitive is that they just don't address the evident dilemma, but examines the root cause of the patients' breakouts to provide them the most appropriate treatment. Dr. Manny also has regular consultations with patients on how they can make maintain their post surgical results. Aside from that, every one will have an equal opportunity to meet them personally since they will fly here at least once a week to have one on one consultations with their patients. 

Despite having their Calayan Surgicentre Brand for the past years, the couple decided to change their brand name to Manny and Pie Calayan Clinic to distinguish themselves from unauthorized clinics operating and using the Calayan brand here in Cebu.

The real ones is coming and you should experience it yourself. To know more about their services, visit their official website at www.mannyandpiecalayan.com 

or their Facebook page, 

www.facebook.com/drscalayan

Get to know more about Manny and Pie Calayan endorsers here 

20-Day Lipstick Challenge DAY 5

I'm sorry that I left updating my blog for two weeks. I became busy with the new job, meeting my sales targets and keeping up with our event deadline. It's very refreshing to be given something new to do because I've been in the same department for five years running. Now, I am basically focused on numbers crunching and going out and making our presence known.

Now back to this challenge

If you are a lippie fanatic like me and a few of my friends, then you are going to like this challenge. My lipstick choices are in no particular order BUT the every day choice would have to be something that will go well with what I’m wearing. My pictures are all raw as intended so pardon my photography skills.

Day 5 is MAC Ruby Woo in Retro Matte. It is predictably drying but I always use this one when I don't have time to do a full make-up. It's bright hues always gives my face the illusion of color and I really need that because I'm pale when I have no make-up. 

I try not to buy MAC lipsticks because I can always find dupes but this one I gave in. Four months in and still no regrets :)

image from google

20 DAY LIPSTICK CHALLENGE-DAY 3

If you are a lippie fanatic like me and a few of my friends, then you are going to like this challenge. My lipstick choices are in no particular order BUT the every day choice would have to be something that will go well with what I’m wearing. My pictures are all raw as intended so pardon my photography skills.

For my 3rd Day, I chose Monomola Lip Tattoo in Red Cherry. This is always my go-to every time I opt for no frills make-up since I always pair this lipstick with Every Bilena Lip and Cheek tint. 

What I like about this lippie is that when you peel the coating off, it gives you that natural look. It stays on for 8-10 hours though if you use it consistently, your lips will eventually dry up. 

The peeling doesn't hurt but it's advisable that you apply this in advance (and in private) since it takes about 5-7 minutes for it to dry up.

Wild and Woolly

Wild and Woolly: 

Uncultured and without laws.

So much for the best-laid plans. I had my stay at home Holy Week itinerary laid out-which includes 40% household chores, and 60% spending personal time relaxing and updating this blog and our other blog. However, fate has other things in store for me. My husband had a viral infection which made him grumpy, irritable and a picky eater. I have to admit, the whole week was a test of my patience which made me realize that I actually had one and it's stretchable.

One thing I've learned from that experience was that as much as you want to take control of your life and think of every little thing, sometimes it helps if you don't go psycho anal on every aspect of your life and just CHILL. 

If you are my friend on Facebook, I posted this status yesterday:

I came across a post of someone on my Facebook feed about a certain someone who posts too much about every little thing that happens with her life and of course, it struck a nerve. Rather than confronting her about it, I did that status test. Turns out, she just confirmed that she posted about me by commenting on her own post about this status. If what I said was confusing, feel free to send me a private message on Facebook so that I can explain it to you.

Point of the matter is, I don't see anything wrong when you let your friends know that you love yourself without lording it over them. In an environment that makes money out of your self-doubt and insecurities, loving yourself is now considered an act of bravery, courage and rebellion when it should have been something as innate as breathing. We share posts about loving someone and the likes but we seem to be mum about loving ourselves. 

..and in loving yourself, it's your given right to cut ties with toxic people in your life for the simple reason that they make everything right feel forbidden. Never allow them to make you feel bad just because you find joy in sharing a part of yourself to others. 

Never worry about not having a core group who will understand and accept you for who you are because there will be and these are the genuine people that you will hold on to and keep. In knowing that there is nothing wrong with loving yourself in the right time, you will also transcend this kind of love towards others and at the end of the day, what matters is that you know that you have a good soul.

  

On to lighter things, I wore this one on a weekend wherein I had multiple errands. I think I just paraphrased that sentence from my other blog posts. Weekends are all about multiple errands to me so I want to be comfortable yet fashionable at the same time. 

During a bonding time with a good friend, she commented that the 90s fashion are back and I didn't exactly agree with her but as I was making this entry, I just realized that what she said was true. What I'm wearing here even has the 90s feel to it because I mixed my Tatum heels. Here are some of the pegs:

Photo grabbed from Chictopia

Photo grabbed from Pinterest

Stripe Shirt: Brandless; Thrifted| Denim Shorts: Brandless| Black Heels: Flattery by CLN| Shoulder Bag: Coach Leatherware|Watch: Esprit