6 Things I No Longer Buy

Minimalism

“You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need.”

-Vernon Howard; spiritual teacher, author, philosopher

There are 6 things I no longer buy. Living a simple and sustainable lifestyle has changed so much about the way I perceive everything. There is nothing wrong about buying things without thinking too much about it and certainly don’t judge anyone for living life in a way that feels right to them, but I had a realization that it was no longer for me.

I didn’t understand the level of excess in my life until I stripped it all away. When I feel particularly tempted to buy something that I don’t need, the one thought that always makes me pause is knowing that I don’t buy things with money, but with the hours of my life that I spend working for that money.

1.    TRENDY STUFF

I don’t waste money on super trend fashion. I buy practical clothes that don’t easily go out of style such as T-shirts and jeans. Know your style and stick with it.

2.   HAIR PRODUCTS

I no longer buy hair masks and other miracle hair products. I only use shampoo and conditioner as hair treatment.

3.   NAIL PRODUCTS

I stopped using nail polish last month as I no longer see any purpose using one. Farewell to nail polish, welcome gorgeous and healthy nails.

4.  THINGS THAT I CAN ONLY USE ONCE.

I love summer dresses but I just used it once. I stopped buying unless the purchase make sense for my needs.

5.    SUGARY DRINKS

They are harmful to our health how about fresh real fruits.

6.    SHOES

If your old shoes condition well why buy a new one.

In a world of wanting to have more, I am now trained to have less.

Clothing Essentials

6 Wardrobe Essentials

“No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.”

- Regina Brett; speaker, author, newspaper columnist

When it comes to trends because it’s quick changing, I prefer to invest in things that are basic that I can wear throughout the year because trends come and go. These are my six (6) basics that every single person needs to own in their closet obviously, this is just my personal style. Let’s get started!

It’s really a simple go to essential layer with jackets, blazers, on top of sweaters and even coats. This is a great item to start up your outfits with. You can tuck them in pants, you can let them out or you can even tie the front if you want to give yourself a bit more of accentuate that would do the trick!

This is one of my fave pieces. You can keep it casual or dress it up if you do want to make it fancier. This one has a lower neckline which is really flattering if you want to have your little dainty jewelry or your chunky jewelry showing. You can keep an item like this really casual by just tucking it into jeans, pairing it with some white sneakers or throwing a denim jacket and we are good to go!

I’m obsessed with neutrals and nudes and tans because you can go with so many items. I like this top! It’s versatile especially if you’re a bit older if you have fancy places to go or jobs, anything like that. You can tuck it to your favorite pair of denim. It’s a piece you can keep from daytime to nighttime. It’s casual but also can make you look fancier, it’s a great basic to have!

This piece depends on your taste but it’s part of my essentials and I do wear it all the time. I love wearing stripes it really brings down some textures into your other outfit. You can wear this alone tuck in your denim. It makes you look put together and cute!

If you don’t have this in your closet you need to put it in your cart right now. I love how elegant and chic they looked on their own. You can wear them with a pair of black denim if you want to rock that all black look and it looks so cool! 

They are so fashionable for this year and it’s flattering. With a blazer like this I can make so many different combinations. You can wear white t-shirt or black tank top under it. With blazers you always make it either a statement piece so definitely get one that’s like a wow factor!

These are my basics that I have in my closet. Once you tailor this suggested list to your personal needs, getting dressed in the morning should be all the easier, but so much chicer!

EL NIDO Palawan 2019

EL NIDO PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE

“It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what's changed is you.”

- F. Scott Fitzgerald; fiction writer, the great gatsby author, great man

El Nido is a small beach community that offers tourist plenty of things to do. You can find scuba diving, beautiful beaches, exotic boat tours, hiking, plenty of restaurant options and not so good internet which is great since you’re going there for getaway, far away, disconnect and have fun.

HOW TO GO TO EL NIDO

There is an airport located in El Nido but I don’t know about it I heard it’s not cheap. Mostly people fly into Puerto Princessa and take the journey up by van or by motorbike. Motorbike rentals typically run around Php 500/$ 10 per day (24 hrs) and for van around Php 500 per person each way and it takes approximately 6 hours to make the journey, they stop at least one usually at halfway point so you can get out, stretch, get some food, use the bathroom and walk around a bit. You can book a van at nearly any hotel in Puerto Princessa they also have tour agencies scattered throughout the city.

We booked our accommodation and tour packages through this website 

( swiftlets-inn.weebly.com ).

Important Things to Know:

· The vans all stop at the bus station located in Corong Corong and about a mile from the popular downtown beach area. You can walk which takes 15-20 minutes or you can take a tricycle average fare from Coron Coron to the downtown El Nido area is Php 50/ $1 per person.

· Do not drink the water from the sinks. It’s okay to brush your teeth and shower but it should not be consumed. Most restaurants and hotels will provide water dispenser with safe drinking water. Stick to those and you will be good to go.

· Ice. If you can guarantee that it is filtered water and if unsure you might want to avoid it. Contaminated water can put you out of commission for several days, trust your gut.

· It’s better to bring your power bank for your phone or devices in case the power completely shut off for a few hours.

· WiFi. You probably gonna run into some issues if you need a strong internet. Connections are slow but for good reason. You’re in the middle of the ocean and in a beach community, soak up the view.

· Aqua shoes. It would be best to wear it some stones and broken corals are sharp to better protect yourself.

· Waterproof dry bag. So that your gadget is protected during the island hopping.

You will be spending most of your time either in the downtown area or on a boat.

BOAT TOURS

Which boat tour should you do? There are lots of options.

They basically breakdown into 5 categories:

TOUR A

Php 1,200/ $ 24

Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and 7 Commandos Beach

TOUR B

Php 1,300/ $ 26

Pinagbuyutan Island, Cathedral Cave, Cudugnon Beach, Snake Island, and Entalula Island

TOUR C

Php 1,400/$ 28

Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Talisay Beach, Matinloc Island, and Helicopter Island

TOUR D

Php 1,200/ $ 24

Cadlao Island, Small Lagoon, Ipil Beach, Nat-Nat Beach, Bukal Island, and Paradise Beach

TOUR E

Php 1,500/ $ 30

Land tour includes Twin Beaches, Marimegmeg Beach and some waterfalls

Tour A and C are the most popular of the 5. Any of these 5 options usually they leave at 9:00 AM and will return around 4-6:00 PM. There are also private boat tours that you can do you can get the entire boat to yourself the only catch is it’s more expensive and lunch usually is not included. If you with a group of 4-8 people, you can talk to companies around the area to know pricing and then walk the beach try to find an independent captain that’s willing to take groups out and get an idea of pricing from them as well.

I recommend to visit the hidden beach. It’s a must!

You can do Canopy Walk with a guide to take you to the top, price is Php 400/ $8 per person and the views from the top are definitely Instagram worthy.

FOOD:

Art Café

Angel Wish

Bulalo Plaza 

and a must try gelato stick!

Lastly, how long you should spend here?

ITINERARY

Efficient Traveler: 3 nights/ 4 days

Leisure Traveler: 5-7 days (is a lot)

Other popular destinations near El Nido include: Coron, Taytay and Port Barton. I hope these travel guides help! 

Best Self-Help Books

3 Self-Help Books You Need to Read

"Our thoughts become our words, our words become our beliefs, our beliefs become our actions, our actions become our habits, and our habits become our realities."
-Jen Sincero; author, speaker, badass, coach

I have some book recommendations I read quite a number of them last year and I wanted to share 3 books that really shook up my life perspective and made me look at life more positively so, if you are a person that decided to read more as one of your new year’s resolutions this is the blog you need to read. 

1.      Title: You are a Badass

       Author: Jen Sincero

I have read about this book many times and posted it on my Instagram before. It really just has plain language on helping you understand your potential, giving you the tools to really push your tough obstacles and really correct how you think about yourself, and your abilities, and what you have to offer. I really love this book! I cannot recommend it enough. Any time I’m going through tough time I just feeling like I need a little boost and a reminder for certain things then I re-read this. It is such a good book even if you are feeling pretty great about yourself, I think you could always use some different opinions and perspectives on how to get through tough time. This book is to getting you understand that the world is happening for you and not you, and no matter what your circumstances are, you had the ability to choose how you want to live your life. The way that Jen Sincero explains things is not fluffy, she is so real. It is really motivating to get out and make something of yourself it doesn't matter what it is, it depends on what it is, what you want to be, and what you want to do, just do it.

2.      Title: The Untethered Soul

Author: Michael A. Singer 

This is the book that I think everybody on the planet should read especially if you’re an over thinker like me. I know I’m not the only one that has that annoying voice in your head that is constantly making commentary about life sometimes, the voice is pretty funny and helpful but the majority of the time it’s just noise and Micheal Singer does a really great job explaining that the voice in your head is not YOU.. he refers to it as your roommate, it’s your roommate that you have to basically live for the rest of your life. He explains that you are just the person that is just listening to it. I like to read this book especially when I feel anxious about my life or if I tend to overthink a situation. I just bust open a chapter and it really helps ground me and makes my foundation a lot more strong.

3.      Title: The Power of Habit

Author: Charles Duhigg 

I swear this book is great! If you’re the type of person who wants to finish their goals and become more disciplined and become more of an efficient person. I learned from this book that over 65% of the things that you do on a day to day life is run on autopilot aka the habits you create in your life so, if all the habits in your life are positive ones then, you can just daze into life and be productive without even trying and that thought really excited me. The author does a thorough job explaining how habits are created. It’s a chain reaction of three events: it is the cue, the routine and the reward. If you’re wanting to change a habit it’s all about changing the routine whether it's a habit on smoking, or drinking too much, or binge eating they all can be reformed by changing the routine and this book really helped me re-examine my life and made me want to change all my habits for the better.

Just Write

Self-Love

I stared at my blank screen for an hour last night. Frustrated.

The words didn’t get written last night.

Okay, now those things are cleared up. I just write.

"You are a victim of the rules you live by. "

-Jenny Holzer; artist, thinker, blurter of brilliance 

      

           

Most people are living in an illusion based on someone else’s life until they wake up. It’s where we figure things out, analyze, criticize, judge, obsess, worry that our nose is too big, decide once and for all to stop eating fast food, try to remember where the hell we left the house keys, etc.

Sometimes, when you’ve waited for something your whole life when it arrives, you feel scared. Life is r-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s and I have no idea what we’re even doing here spinning around on this globe with who knows what out there beyond it. It makes much more sense to go after life with a sense of, “Why not?” instead of a furrowed brow. I just want to see what I can get away with and it takes all the pressure off, and reminds me that life is but a game.

Yes, we have bigger responsibilities and more pressure as adults, but come on folks, I guarantee that life is but a game.

Yes, we have bigger responsibilities and more pressure as adults, but come on folks, I guarantee you there are countless people with waaaay more to whine about so decide to go for it instead of sitting around of your own excuses. Try this on: I just wanna see if I can lose fifty pounds; I just wanna see if I can start a new career; I just wanna see if I can get myself out of debt and make six figures a year; I just wanna see if I can sell my old clothes; I just wanna see if I can meet my soul mate. Take the pressure off, relax and get back in on the adventure. Look at your life and figure out how you can make it happen.  ntee you there are countless people with waaaay more to whine about so decide to go for it instead of sitting around of your own excuses. Try this on: I just wanna see if I can lose fifty pounds; I just wanna see if I can start a new career; I just wanna see if I can get myself out of debt and make six figures a year; I just wanna see if I can sell my old clothes; I just wanna see if I can meet my soul mate. Take the pressure off, relax and get back in on the adventure. Look at your life and figure out how you can make it happen. 

When we are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears. When you actively send this grateful energy out, you receive it back, bringing you closer and closer to the most powerful thing of all: Self love. Tah dah!

Here are some nuggets of wisdom that I still find useful:

·         LOVE YOURSELF

Because it’s the holy grail of happiness.

·         LOVE YOURSELF

Like you’re the only you there is.

·         LOVE YOURSELF

Unless you have a better idea.

·         LOVE YOURSELF

And everybody benefits.

·         LOVE YOURSELF

You deserve it.

Maldives

Travel and Story

"There is a kind of magic about going far away and then coming back all changed." 

-Kate Douglas Wiggin; american educator, author

Maldives was a once in a lifetime destination that I'd visit only for a very special occasion.

Not true! 

I've been working in the Maldives on and off for the past two years, so I've learnt some tips and tricks on how to travel here on a budget. Guesthouses in a local island cost much less than the private resort but keep in mind that not all private island resorts are pricey, there are plenty of cheaper too. Consider visiting outside peak season for much better deals. The low season begins in April to October. Guesthouses in Local islands cost from $40-$200 per night and if you wish to hop somewhere in a private resort for day pass, cost starts at $60 to $200 often include island transfers or you can even splurge on one night to get experience the Maldives luxury (price range from $700) transfers begin and end at the international airport in Male (the capital city). Filipinos get visa on arrival, so no need to worry about applying for a visa in advance.

Here are my photos to inspire you to travel in the Maldives! Be warned, you might not leave the place.

A Place for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love of the ocean! It is completely and utterly mesmerizing.

Bangkok

Food and Story

People who love to eat are always the best people.

-Julia Child; american chef, author, television personality

Bangkok is alive and amazing! I want to go back please. I'm reminiscing about street shopping with Paella in my hand and stopping to sip the Chang beer as the locals go about their life. Bangkok isn't complete until you've followed your stomach through the city's best restaurant and street food scene.

Let's begin.

Breakfast Story Restaurant

The Ultimate breakfast place!

I ordered the breakfast story (300 baht) it comes with pancakes, bacon, eggs, seasoned potatoes and a fruit cup. They're fluffy and delish! with a serving of whipped real butter and maple syrup.

After You Dessert Cafe (Central World)

Matcha Shibuya Toast

Queen B Fudge Cake

Pla pao

Whole fish stuffed with lemongrass, crusted in salt, and grilled to blackened perfection. Take off the skin and dig in.

pad thai

This ubiquitous dish hardly needs any introduction. A mix of stir-fried rice noodles with tofu, peanuts, green onions, bean sprouts, garlic, pepper, and fish sauce, pad thai is best when topped with a squeeze of lime and some crushed peanuts.

gaeng kiew wan gai

Looking for something hot, hot, hot? Dive into a bowl of this green curry, which is traditionally made with a paste from fresh green Thai chili peppers. Other elements are thrown in—chicken, Thai basil, coconut milk, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves.

tom yum

A combination of salty, sweet, spicy, and sour owing to its ingredients—most often including shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Go crazy and order it with coconut milk and cream.

khao niew ma muang

When it comes to dessert, many of us think of pies, cakes, and truffles. Fruit and rice? Not so much. This mango sticky rice is popular the world over for a reason. To make it, vendors combine soaked and steamed sticky rice with sugar and coconut cream and top with fresh mango and sesame seeds.