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

Has anybody ever told you that

As soon as I knew how far I was, I looked up everything I can from the internet. Every OB appointment is something that I look forward to because it gives me the opportunity to ask questions that has no answer in Google. I measure myself every week and check on every progress that was applicable to me and the signs that I have to observe which might mean trouble.. but there are things that your friends, family, your doctor and internet won't be able to tell you and I enumerated some of them here

7. Migraines. Headaches or what ever you call them. You can basically identify your baby's needs by which part you are having a migraine. Right migraine means your thirsty, left means your hungry or you need to pee and front lobe pain means you have a sinus induced headache.

6. Burps are precious. I'm sure that you've heard of cases wherein a pregnant woman can't stop burping. It might be embarrassing but each burp is a step away from indigestion and heartburn. I tried eating and lying down less than 30 minutes after. It didn't happen again cause the feeling was THAT horrible.

5. Don't eat your fill. You are not eating for two, you are eating for you and a baby the size of a peach, there's a difference. My OB told me that your baby is considered a parasite (as icky as it sounds) wherein s/he is going to siphon all the energy from you so you have to be smart about what you eat. I don't eat my fill because that's when I vomit.

4. Exercise has cured me of my fatigue and migraines ALWAYS. First trimester fatigue is one of the worst things that I went through. It made me lazy and complacent and it made me want to skip gym. The hardest part is actually moving my tush to the gym, once I'm there, everything is easy. So sweat it, because endorphin is a natural cure for headaches.

3. Pregnant people get free access to Ayala Center's Customer Lounge all day, every day. I was having one of those "I have to nap" moments while I was in Ayala and so I went to their Customer Lounge. As I was readying my payment, the woman asked me if I was pregnant and after I said yes she waived my payment and asked me to choose which seat I'm most comfy at.

2.  People will always have something to say. This. This irritates me most of all. It's damn if you do, and damn if you don't. Every day I am thankful to have a kind of pregnancy journey that's easier than most and a husband that allows me to experiment within my bounds. But people, most especially mothers, will try to dictate you on what and what not to do..and you think that this stops after pregnancy? Well think again. B was worried that I am actually very sociable and nice which is unlikely for a pregnant woman but when I get nasty, woohoo, watch out cause I know how to use words well and I aim straight for the jugular.

1. I'm almost halfway (16 weeks) in and my journey is a whirlwind of events and I think this is going way too fast. Before I know it, I might be snapping during my labor and giving birth. The reality is that, people will tell you to enjoy your pregnancy not only because it happens only a few times but because everything happens swiftly.

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?

Of PCOS, pregnancy, cheating on my first trimester and trying to be fit

OF PCOS

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was in my late teens. I thought that having irregular periods and inconsistent weight gains/loss were just attributed to my stress since I used to study and work the during my college years.

While not fatal, it is life-altering. The doctor made me take medicines that caused me to have mood swings and dizziness. I try not to take medicines and supplements as much as possible since I have a Duplicated collecting left kidney.  That being said, I had PCOS and was taking medicines whenever I feel like it so it wasn't much of a use. Two doctors have already recommended that I make a lifestyle change since my cholesterol were also off the charts. I wasn't so keen on the idea since I am prone to headaches every time I sweat and I HATE RUNNING. 

at 145 kgs.

Last Nov. 2015, I had a wake-up call courtesy of our company annual examination. I was at 66kg.-overweight by 12kg., my cholesterol was +50 over the normal count, I looked bloated in all my pictures and again, the doctor warned me that if I'm going to keep up with my sedentary lifestyle, I might be mandated to take OTC supplements on my early-30s,- exactly the same thing that happened to my dad and he died of a heart attack when he was still 59.

Dec.2015, when every one was readying up for the holidays, I decided to try boxing at Allsons' Inn. My cousin posted snaps of their boxing session there and I got interested since it's an aggressive sport and it makes you lose weight, fast. Nobody can help me, nobody can lose my weight for me and accepting that fact,I believe, is one step away from the solution. Again, I was worried that all those sweating will give me migraines but there's no way to lose weight but to exercise.

Dec. 2015, first week of boxing

I am very surprised that I loved it. It got so addicting to a point where I box for an hour straight for 5 times a week. I didn't do it because I want to lose weight asap but because it was aggressive, it lifts away my stress and it's basically a whole body work out. 

Here are some of my progress pictures as over the 7 months of continuous boxing, From last Dec. 2015 at 66kg., from July at 57kg.

Jan 2016

Feb 2016

Mar 2016

Apr 2016

May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

PREGNANCY

Since I officially started boxing last Jan. 2016, I was off Metformin and I've been menstruating monthly. I attributed it to a healthier lifestyle.  I was promoted last Apr. 2016 and with a new job comes a new set of responsibilities. I didn't mind that I missed my period for a month cause though I've been regular for a few months, the PCOS just won't go away. Last September while I was done with my unusual 6 rounds (I box up to 12 rounds), my coach asked me to take a pregnancy test since I looked bloated. I ALWAYS look bloated when I'm a few weeks late so for compliance's sake, I took THE test.. and I was so shocked.

 I've been hopeful during the first year of our marriage and we've decided to shrug off the pressure and just as when we made plans for the rest of the year til the first half, God laughed and showed us His plans. 

CHEATING ON MY FIRST TRIMESTER

The husband was away on a business trip when I tested positive, so I have to wait for 4 days (til he gets back) to break the news. During that time, I was unsure of what to do so I decided to take a break from exercising and slept as much as I can. As much as I'd love to post the video of Bryan seeing the PT for the first time, he begged me not to since he looks ugly when he cries (that's what he said). We scheduled for an OB appointment and found out that I was already 8 weeks pregnant. Basically, I did these things without knowing that I was already expecting.

went at Bohol when I was 3 weeks

Malapascua adventure at 4 weeks

Crossfit at 6 weeks

Rock trekking at 7 weeks

The OB has assured me that everything is fine, my baby is fine and that I just needed to take Folic acid. She asked me if I felt any pregnancy symptoms and I swear I have no food aversions, morning sickness and the like. Just that, I am feeling sleepier than usual. In fact, as I type this (12 weeks), I sleep thrice a day. 

Basically, my first eight weeks went by in a breeze and I am thankful for that. 


TRYING TO BE FIT

I've been getting a lot of negative backlash since I decided to continue my fitness journey even though I'm carrying. I don't blame people if their views are traditional but it doesn't make me less irritated. My doctor is highly familiar with the drills that I do and she has given me a go signal to do it. 

I would also like to highlight these important things:

1. I started exercising before this and if I stop now, I will go back to being sedentary which won't be good for me or my PCOS.  

2. My usual 12 rounds are now cut back to 4, with arm exercises and squats after.

3. I used to exercise 5-6 times a week, first every 6AM and then around 7PM, but when I knew I was pregnant, I cut it down to 3, once a day.

4. I won't do anything to endanger myself and the baby.

5. Exercise combats my pregnancy fatigue. The fatigue is real and though I am lucky to skip the experience of morning sickness and the like, the fatigue and hunger pangs really get to me.

I plan to continue my fitness journey for as long as I can and for as long as I am allowed. Rather than wait that something bad will happen to me and my baby just to re-affirm your no-basis belief that I should slack down and eat what ever I want, I will sincerely appreciate it that you wish for the best. 

at 12 weeks