shimmerjjang

[shimmerjjang]

It's my 13 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

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Oh wow, this is crazy.

So I haven't logged in for a while because I have been extremely busy with work. But because I'm updating a new device, I just had to check my blog and I saw this notification. I didn't know Tumblr does this! 13 years. The first few months being a constant stream of reblogging K-Pop, Visual Kei, and Fashion content. Then I got into K-Beauty and decided to write random stuff about what I tought about Etude House's newest BB Cream, Tony Moly's popular Egg Pore Blackhead remover, and Lioele's full line of princess-worthy makeup products. All those and the rest is history. It's been super fun and I'd say it made my life extra shimmery. I may not be as active as I used to - because that's just life - but wow, 13 years. It's a reminder that I have been here all before Instagram influencers, YouTube creators, Tiktok stars - it's nothing but incredibly amazing.

Let's see how many more years we'll have! This also reminds me to renew my domain next month lol

Love, Andy

[shimmerjjang]

HIFU V-Lift Treatment Review at Glam & Fab Aesthetic Center SJDM Bulacan Branch

Last February 9, I traveled outside the metro to visit Glam & Fab's newest branch at San Jose Del Monte Bulacan! If you're from the North, then this should be accessible for you.

📍Unit 1B JDB Blg. II 368 Carriedo St., Brgy. Muzon Proper San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

I usually get my treatments at their Sumulong Branch so if you're near Antipolo, Marikina, Cainta, then I'd most likely see you there!

The opening of the new branch in SJDM was jampacked! I was with Jeneena of @aneentries and even ran into Ana Victorino, whom I've known since the baby days of the Philippine beauty blogging scene! It was pure nostalgia as we talked about how different it was back then haha~

There were so many clients that day so I decided to get something that's quick and something I haven't really tried before. I went for a HIFU V-Lift Treatment.

What is HIFU V-Lift Treatment?

HIFU is a non-invasive type of treatment that uses high intensity ultrasound to tighten, firm, and smooth the skin. HIFU uses thermal energy to have the skin produce collagen and elastin.

It offers quick results and you can even see slight changes right after the treatment. But more visible results can be seen in a week or two. I also maintain it by getting RF treatments on my V-Line area every week or every 2 weeks.

This photo on the left was taken last January 30, 2024. I was about to go on a video conference call for work when I noticed this annoying double-chin peeking out even if my face was resting! It was a moment of realization tbh haha! I had to look at myself for a hot minute just to see if what I'm seeing was real.

The photo on the right was taken last February 26 after my recent visit at Glam and Fab. I had cold RF Treatment that time, which is a good treatment to pair with HIFU to boost results. So it's been 17 days since my HIFU Treatment last February 9. HIFU is quite an intense procedure so I was told that this is something you should get in around 3-month intervals.

How's the procedure like?

It was quick. Only took me 15 to 20 minutes (excluding basic facial cleansing). The aesthetician will run the device on the target area and you will feel a strong snapping sensation. It was my first time so the intensity wasn't set on high. I was told it was between low to medium.

I have high tolerance to pain because I'm used to these treatments so I'd say the snapping pain I felt during the procedure was no more than 3 out of 10. But I guess for those who have lower pain tolerance, you'll feel the pain somehow (nothing intolerable though). Tiis ganda lang talaga.

Maintenance & Aftercare

There's no downtime after undergoing HIFU V-Lift treatment so you can go to your usual routine as usual. There were just a few reminders:

Don't put too much pressure on the treated area for 2~3 days. I temporarily stopped using my Gua Sha and LED Therapy Device.

Don't wash the area for 8 hours.

As for maintenance, it's actually optional. It's really up to you if you'd like to speed up seeing results. That is going for RF Treatment every week. You can only do HIFU once in every 3 months. I highly suggest going for a weekly RF treatment because it really helps, especially if you have skin-aging concerns (I'm 33, so I pay more attention to my skin now more than ever lol). It's only 349pesos per session at Glam and Fab so it won't break the bank for sure!

HIFU V-Lift costs 4,999/session as per writing. To see the prices of other procedures, check the photo below:

I also made a dedicated IG Stories Highlight for my #SkinDiaries if you'd like to keep track on my progress with me!

[shimmerjjang]

Favorite Haircare Products 2024

Hello, 2024! I was supposed to post this in December last year because I often get told that my hair looked really nice so only then that I realized that the hair products I've been using, plus new ways of taking care of my hair are really effective.

But as usual, life got so busy so I had to postpone publishing!

Anyhooo, these products have been a constant part of my haircare routine since July 2023 and I still use them til now. This is how my hair looks like as of January 2024.

Of course, I still have bad hair days, especially on days I forgot to apply Argan oil! But on lazy days where I don't feel like styling my hair, I make sure to apply a hair mist.

Lifestrong Hairfix Advanced Hair Mist

This one is a total favorite! I saw this on Nikki's IG stories (AskMeWhats) mentioning how it was on sale at Watsons that time. I got it for just 160-ish pesos at that time so I decided to get both variants and that's one of the best 160 pesos I've ever spent that!

I spray these anytime, anywhere, and apart from they smell so good, they don't leave any sticky feeling. My hair looks so shiny after and did I mention that this has UV protection, too?

I also find this useful before heat styling because it makes my hair more manageable.

Lucido-L Argan Oil

Okay, this is truly THE BEST hair product I have ever come across. I have been using Argan oil on and off for many years, maybe more than a decade now. But I would usually stop at one point because it makes my hair and scalp so greasy and it smells like wet grass for real. Not that it's a bad scent, but it's not something I'd like other people to smell on me.

This Lucido-L Argan oil was an impulse purchase when I was shopping in Hong Kong. I got it from Mannings for just 70HKD (500pesos). I tested it there and I liked the non-sticky consistency and the "expensive" scent so I bought it without expecting too much. But OMG this helped me so much with my damaged hair. I barely get tangles and washing my hair every other day became bearable because it's not icky at all. (Yes, as a tropical girl I used to wash my hair every single day, even 2x or 3x a day!)

Vitress Cuticle Coat Instant Relax

Vitress is such a classic haircare brand and I've been using products from this brand for a long time. My current favorite is their cuticle coat which I apply only at the ends of my hair after heat styling. It basically just adds shine and it makes my hair straighter. That's what I noticed about this, it's not really the best when I'm curling my hair because it weighs my curls down but when straightening my hair, this works wonders!

BENCH Fix Professional Dry Shampoo

Like I mentioned earlier, I used to wash my hair everyday, and during the scorching summer, maybe even 2 or 3 times daily. But these days, I try my best to preserve my hair's natural cuticle buy not stripping it off its moisture every wash. To counteract the grease, I just use a dry shampoo. This one from BENCH is super cheap and works well in getting rid of oil. I like how it adds volume, too!

My hair would look like this without heat styling! I'd just wash, apply hair mist and let it air dry and it'll still look like this. Applying Argan oil the night before helps so much as well :)

[shimmerjjang]

Solo Travel Budget Planning During Inflation

It's no secret that 2023 has brought with it a wave of inflation that has affected our pockets. Budgeting, especially if it's just for leisure travel, has been more challenging. But I'd say that it is still very much on the table, especially if you're considering a solo adventure in neighboring countries, like in my case, Southeast or East Asia.

Budgeting with Calculator.me

Now, let's talk numbers. Budgeting is crucial, especially in times of inflation. One fantastic tool that I've found incredibly helpful is Calculator.me. This site provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface for computing your savings and planning your travel budget.

Start by inputting your total savings, taking into account any additional income you expect to receive before your trip. Next, set a realistic daily spending limit. Remember, this should cover accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and a bit of wiggle room for unexpected expenses.

The beauty of Calculator.me lies in its ability to break down your......

budget by category. It offers estimates for various expenses based on the location and type of accommodation you choose, helping you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

Accommodation: A Balance of Comfort and Cost

Choosing the right accommodation can make or break your budget. While luxurious hotels offer plush amenities, they can also put a hefty dent in your wallet. Consider opting for budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, or even vacation rentals.

In Asia, you'll find a plethora of charming guesthouses that offer comfortable stays at a fraction of the price of high-end hotels. Not to mention, these places often provide a more authentic and personalized experience, allowing you to connect with locals and fellow travelers.

Navigating Transportation on a Budget

Getting around is another aspect where careful planning can save you a bundle. In many Asian countries, public transportation is not only efficient but also incredibly affordable. Trains, buses, and metro systems are excellent ways to explore cities and regions without breaking the bank.

For longer journeys, consider night trains or buses. They not only save you the cost of one night's accommodation but also ensure you wake up in a new destination, ready to explore.

Savor Local Cuisine and Street Food

One of the most exciting aspects of traveling in Asia is the diverse and delectable food scene. Street food vendors offer a wide array of mouthwatering dishes that won't strain your budget. Whether it's Pad Thai in Thailand, Pho in Vietnam, or my ever-favorite dumplings in Hong Kong, you'll find culinary delights at every corner.

Sampling local cuisine not only provides an authentic taste of the culture but also offers a cost-effective alternative to dining in upscale restaurants.

Embrace Free and Low-Cost Activities

The best experiences in Asia often come free of charge. Explore local markets, hike through breathtaking landscapes, visit temples, and soak in the vibrant street scenes. Engaging with the community and immersing yourself in the local way of life doesn't have to cost a fortune.

While inflation might be a concern, it shouldn't deter you from embarking on a solo adventure in Asia. With careful planning, a trusty budgeting tool like Calculator.me, and a willingness to explore off the beaten path, you can make unforgettable memories without emptying your wallet. So pack your bags, fellow adventurer, and let's go make some incredible stories! Happy travels!

[shimmerjjang]

Shopping Finds: 4 Exquisite Shapewear Pieces You'll Love

Shapewear and comfort are two things that don't usually get associated with each other. Since we're all used to the tight, uncomfortable fit of shapewear, many of us tend to give it a skip. But here's where style and practicality meet - at Waistdear. I'll be sharing the four best shapewear pieces on this site. Each of them is perfect to boost your shape while putting comfort first.

Boyshort Shapewear: Where Comfort Meets Chic

Waistdear's Boyshort Shapewear is all about being simple and effective. With no seams and coverage from the waist to the thighs, this classic piece is a must for your everyday wardrobe. They ensure that you do not lose comfort while you give your body a unique curve. Thus, they ensure shaping doesn't mean giving up comfort. It makes these boyshorts perfect for daily wear.

Get it here

One-piece Shapewear Briefs: Confidence in a Single Piece

Do you want full control over the midsection and coverage for the thighs? Waistdear's One-piece Shapewear Briefs are the answer. No seams mean no worries about visible lines, and the stretchy fabric moves with you. This all-in-one shapewear piece shows our commitment to practicality and comfort. So, check out these amazing wholesale body shapers and increase your wardrobe collection.

Get it here

Faja Body Shaper: Confidence with Precision

This Faja Body Shaper goes beyond regular shaping. By targeting specific areas, it sculpts the waist and highlights natural curves. Perfect for those who want a more defined look without compromising comfort. This amazing pieces shows their commitment to effective solutions. It caters to the needs of all those who love fashion and want to look good.

Get it here

Open Crotch Body Shaper: Easy Shaping

Innovative and practical, Open Crotch Body Shaper mixes shaping with everyday convenience. Its open crotch feature makes it great for daily wear. You will get midsection control and thigh shaping without giving up comfort. Such a thoughtful product reflects Waist Dear's dedication to understanding consumer needs. It is a shapewear that should fit into your lifestyle.

Get it here

Give Yourself Confidence in Every Shape With Shapewear!

This isn't an online store; it's a place for those shaping their confidence journey. The platform celebrates personal beauty and offers a range of diverse needs. With a focus on quality, style, and comfort, Waist Dear is a trustworthy companion. You can also take a look at their hot sale custom waist trainer for confident curves.

How to Get a Personalized Shaping Experience?

Those thinking about wholesale body shapers can have options for bulk orders. You do not have to sacrifice personal preferences. For a more personalized experience, it offers waist trainers and other products. You should know that all products let you tailor your shapewear to your unique needs.

Go Beyond the Ordinary With Your Style

The shapewear or body shapers  go beyond the basics. Each product is not only an item of clothing. It makes an excellent company in your styling journey. Let's embrace and celebrate your unique beauty with Waistdear.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Waistdear

[shimmerjjang]

Skin Diary: Whitening Laser Treatment Review (for Minor Scars) at Glam & Fab Aesthetic Center

One of the biggest downsides of being fair-skinned is that scars take longer to heal (for me, at least) and they are also very noticeable because of the drastic difference in pigments! This has always been my struggle, especially when I deal with acne or when I undergo skin procedures.

When I had my mole removed in 2014, it didn't scar badly but it took a year for it to completely match the natural color of my skin. Last August, I went to Glam & Fab for a warts/skin tag removal treatment and usually, this process has no significant downtime at all. But because my skin heals slower than most people, I had to deal with dark spots (brown scars).

They are not pitted, so they are not serious scars at all. But I have to admit that they are extremely annoying especially because they look so obvious on my lighter skin tone. I consulted Glam & Fab as to what treatment they would recommend to address this problem. They recommended that I do the "Whitening Laser Treatment".

Procedure

Whitening? I was skeptical too at first because I personally don't like undergoing any treatments that would change my natural complexion. But as they have explained to me, this laser treatment aims to "whiten" dark spots to even out the complexion and deal with the spots left by the scars.

The treatment is very simple and it only takes around 15 to 30 minutes depending on the scale of the area you'd like to treat. Check my IG reels here to watch how the procedure is done. It basically just involves facial cleansing and then straight to the laser treatment.

Aftercare Serum

I'm advised to apply hydrocortisone cream twice daily for 5 days after the laser treatment as per usual. Then to help lighten the scars quickly, they gave me this serum that I should apply after the 5-day hydrocortisone streak.

I used this twice daily as well, one in the morning and one in the evening. I had no problems using this under makeup because this serum is super fast-absorbing! I think this helped so much with the scars so it made a perfect skin treatment companion for the laser treatment.

I'm in love with it and I've been using it regularly up until now.

3 months after the 1st treatment session

I wrote *2 months* in the photoset caption below because they were taken 2 months after the last whitening laser treatment. But basically, it's been 3 months since the 1st one I got.

I have no doubts about the results! The dark scars on my neck that would usually heal on their own for nearly a year were all gone in just 3 months! Of course, if you zoom in pretty closely, you'll still see some leftover marks. But they are barely noticeable compared to how dark they were in the beginning (refer to the first photo).

Price and How to Book

Here’s their price list! But their skin professionals will examine your skin first and the price will depend on how much warts are to be removed.

It’s very easy to book your appointment at Glam & Fab. Just message them through Facebook or Instagram and choose which among their 8 branches nationwide you’d like to visit.

[shimmerjjang]

Skin Diary: Skin Tag Removal at Glam & Fab Aesthetic Center

I first realized the existence of warts (also known as skin tags) when I was 20, because the electrocautery procedure came with our health insurance card at that time and so I was entitled to get mine monthly/quarterly. So I had mine done at The Medical City that time and it already cost around 2,000pesos (This was in 2011!). Good thing I paid nothing because of our health card lol 

(Most recent photo I took a month after the procedure)

Fast forward to my recent visit at Glam & Fab, I had my skin fully examined. Turns out I have some on my jaw area, a few on my right temple, and my neck. They were all barely noticeable because they were flat and maybe because I’ve got lighter skin, so I never really thought about it that much. I wanted to get rid of them all so I decided to get the warts removal treatment at Glam & Fab’s Kalentong Branch.

Why should you do this regularly

I didn't know I had them at that time not until the dermatologist examined my skin. Warts are often harmless, and in my case, barely noticeable. But they can spread so it’s very important to address them immediately. You usually get them from skin to skin contact, even from the mere fact that you share things (clothes, towel, etc...) with someone who has them.

What to expect

It involves “burning” the skin tags off. But topical anesthesia will be applied an hour before the procedure.

It will hurt if you’re not used to skin treatments. If you have medium to high pain tolerance like me, it won’t bother you at all. To compare, it stings pretty much like laser set on high.

After clearing all the warts/skin tags, you’ll start seeing small scabs (and this is a good sign!)

I’m so thankful to the nurse assigned to me because she was so gentle with the process. She checked on me every single time to make sure I’m not feeling any discomfort. She’s so detailed that I think she got every little bit that needs to be removed! Even the ones I don’t even see!

Aftercare

Don’t wash the treated area for at least 12 hours.

Apply Erythromycin twice a day. You can get it from Glam & Fab Clinic as well.

NEVER EVER pick your scabs. Let them fall off naturally because it’s part of the healing process. Again, don’t pick them off or else you’ll slow the healing down and most likely cause scarring.

Skip any skincare product that has strong active ingredients for at least a week. (Retinol, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, AHA/BHA). Just stick to a gentle facial wash and hypoallergenic/non-comedogenic moisturizer 

Healing Period

It takes around 3 to 7 days for the scabs to completely fall off. 

In some cases like mine, the scabs were all gone on the 3rd day, but the discoloration is still healing.

Healing time is different for every individual. My face is completely free of any marks from the warts removal in just two weeks. Although my neck still has some discoloration from the electrocauterization and it’s because my skin tags there were more prominent. It’s probably also because I have light (pale) skin, so the marks take longer to completely vanish. The rightmost photo is taken under broad daylight so you can see the marks still there, although they are beginning to lighten up and I’m gonna ask if I can laser them up on my next Glam & Fab visit. hihihi~

Here’s the most recent photo I took last August 9 and the marks are still there but barely noticeable. The ones on my face are all gone, just the marks around my neck. Note that I had my treatment last June 30.

Price and How to Book

Here’s their price list! But their skin professionals will examine your skin first and the price will depend on how much warts are to be removed.

It’s very easy to book your appointment at Glam & Fab. Just message them through Facebook or Instagram and choose which among their 8 branches nationwide you’d like to visit.

[shimmerjjang]

ABIB Airy Sunstick vs. Quick Sunstick: What’s the difference?

If you’ve stumbled upon the reel I just uploaded on IG about the ABIB Sunsticks I got from StyleKorean.com, then that’s probably how you landed here on my blog! If by any chance you haven’t seen that short IG reel of me doing the #AirySunstickChallenge, then check it out right here!

Airy Sunstick (22USD on StyleKorean)

SPF50+ PA++++

Semi-matte finish

Features top-tier ingredients: Allantoin, Ectoin & Sunflower Seed Oil, Oil-control Powder

Lightweight, airy finish

Reef-safe

No white cast

What I like about it:

Works great as a pore-blurring base, too! 

Control oil for around 3 hours under hot and humid weather.

Glides smoothly on the skin - like butter!

Can be applied on top of makeup so it’s great for re-application (just wipe off the top after use for hygienic purposes)

What I “kinda” not like about it (Neutral)

Powdery scent. But it goes away in like 10 minutes or so.

Pricey

Quick Sunstick (15.50USD on StyleKorean)

SPF50+ PA++++

Glowy finish

No white cast

Not sure about its key ingredients because unlike the Airy sunstick where they actually showcased its main ingredients, the Quick Sunstick variant didn’t mention anything in particular.

What I like about it:

Affordable price

Hydrating formula (Great for dry skin like mine!)

Glowy finish

Works great under makeup

Unscented (literally smells like nothing!)

Great for re-application (on bare skin)

What I “kinda” not like about it (Neutral)

Doesn’t glide as smoothly as the Airy Sunstick

Not ideal for re-applying on top of makeup. I guess it’s because of the hydrating formula and therefore heavier texture. It moves the makeup underneath.

Overall, I like both of them and I used them in different ways to test them out thoroughly. For the past few weeks, my skin has become so dry so I found myself using the Quick Sunstick (Black) variant more.

Meanwhile, if you have oily skin and you tend to oil up badly especially under the summer heat and high humidity, you’ll love the oil control properties of the Airy Sunstick (Gray) one. I actually gave this to my brother because he has very oily skin and he also does a lot of volunteer work and is always outside. He loves it so far!

What sunsticks are you currently using?

[shimmerjjang]

Adulting 101: Drive Worry-free with Vehicle Insurance

Whether you’re a new driver or not, it's important to recognize the significance of safeguarding your vehicle and your financial well-being. It’s something we usually overlook because we don’t really realize the importance of it not until we get into a car accident.

Okay friends, hear me out. My friends usually know me as someone who hates driving. I’ve gotten my driver’s license when I was 18 and now that I’m in my 30s, I can only count the times on my fingers when I have actually driven a car. The roads in Manila are chaotic and I’m a bad multitasker, I’m just fortunate enough that my dad, sister, and brother took turns in driving me around the city when I have to be somewhere. I’ve barely commuted all my life so I’ve had my fair share of car troubles in my 30 years on earth - from car collisions, natural disasters (one of our cars sank in the flood in 2009), and even simple ones like an engine failure/flat tire/drained battery wherein we find ourselves stuck in the middle of the road. haha!

These things are something that I’m always not crazy worried about because having the car insured will take care of these troubles. Here are more reasons why every car owner needs vehicle insurance.

Secure Your Investment

Your vehicle represents a significant investment of your hard-earned money. Vehicle insurance acts as a protective shield for this valuable asset. 

In the event of an accident or unforeseen damage, your insurance coverage steps in to cover the expenses associated with repairs or replacements. By insuring your vehicle, you safeguard your investment and avoid substantial financial setbacks.

Protection from Unexpected Expenses 

Life is full of uncertainties, and accidents can happen when you least expect them. Without vehicle insurance, you may find yourself burdened with unexpected expenses. 

Photo by Mick Haupt

Whether it's repairing damages caused by a collision, replacing stolen parts, or addressing vandalism, vehicle insurance provides a safety net that shields you from bearing the full financial brunt of such incidents. 

Thankfully, with insurance, you can navigate through these unexpected circumstances without draining your savings.

Safeguard against Liability

Being a responsible driver goes beyond simply protecting your own vehicle. Vehicle insurance also protects you from potential liability claims. 

If you're involved in an accident that causes injury or property damage to others, your insurance coverage helps cover the associated costs. This ensures that you are financially protected and can fulfill your legal obligations without incurring substantial personal liabilities.

Comprehensive Coverage Options

Vehicle insurance offers a range of coverage options to suit your specific needs. You can customize your policy to include protection against theft, fire, natural disasters, or even personal injury. 

With the flexibility to choose the coverage that aligns with your requirements, you can tailor your insurance plan to provide the optimal level of protection for your vehicle and yourself.

Peace of Mind on the Road

One of the most valuable benefits of vehicle insurance is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you have insurance coverage in place allows you to drive with confidence, focusing on the road ahead rather than worrying about the what-ifs. 

And another story time - it’s very veryyy important to choose the BEST Insurance company to take care of you. I’ve gone through a nightmare before when my sister and I were crossing an intersection and we were 101% on the right of way when a taxi cab blatantly rushed in front of us destroying our entire front bumper and headlights! My car was insured at that time by the in-house insurance company where I bought the car. By presenting a police report, photo evidence and all, it should be easy to file a claim, right? But for the goodness of me, it was such a pain to claim!! It took so many months and in the end, they didn’t really cover everything that was damaged. It was so stressful because my car at that time was just 3 months old! 

So since then, I made sure that I’m with an Insurance company that I can easily talk to. In addition to that, having an agency to handle your insurance makes the service more personal. You literally just have to call your agent and he/she will take care of everything for you. No need to go through the hassle of being transferred from one call to another when you contact big insurance companies!

If you’re currently looking into securing insurance for your cars, reach out to  silverarrowsinsurance@gmail.com and provide the following:

Vehicle make and model

Year of manufacture

Estimated fair market value (optional)

Receive a customized quote that perfectly fits your vehicle's requirements. It’s fast and super easy. 

[shimmerjjang]

Travel & Style Diary: Singapore 2023

We’re halfway through 2023 and part of my annual habits is to organize all my photos for the first half of the year. As I was going through all my photos, I realized how I didn’t really post much about my Singapore trip last February and I felt like it deserves more space beyond my little Instagram account. It’s such a special trip for me, after all! Because it’s my first ever overseas trip since the pandemic happened in 2020. I don’t want to forget how healing and liberating that short trip was, so I thought of dedicating 2 posts just to document what I wore throughout the trip.

I had to divide it into two posts to not make one blog post too photo-heavy!

NAIA >> Changi Airport

I bought this blazer from H&M years ago and I’ve literally used it every chance I could because of how much I love it. Since oversized blazers are heavy, I usually wear them at the airport instead of putting one in my luggage to save space. After all, I easily get “cold” in planes and airports. That’s the Manila girl in me feeling cold at 20°.

And of course, I’m wearing my favorite black sandals that I got from Shopee! Would you believe this pair is less than 1,000 pesos ($20)?! As someone who’s size 41, it’s never easy to buy affordable shoes online so I’m super happy that I found these because they are the most comfortable ever! Ordered them in size 42. >o<

I paired my favorite black blazer with my black shorts and a white vintage blouse (with super nice lace details!). The white blouse I was wearing is actually very lightweight and comfortable so it’s a good piece to wear in SG’s 28° weather at that time. I just took the blazer off as soon as I got out of the airport.

Morning Walk at Bukit Batok

During my visit to Singapore last February, the weather was pretty much like Manila’s pre-summer season. In fact, it was cooler and sunnier in Manila at that time! It was always bright and sunny from 7am to 1pm in SG and then it’ll start getting gloomy and heavy rainfall would just pour in the afternoon.

So since it was around 28° to 30° that time, I wore a lightweight summer dress and just layered it with a sailor-collared cape. It’s so I can just take the cape off if I’m feeling too hot. But why wear the cape in the first place? Uhmm... because it’s pretty in pictures?

I also wore my pair of Nike Air Force 1 with the super cool Hydrogel Blue swoosh! Apart from the beautiful color, they’re very comfy too and perfect for long walks. Thanks to my brother for gifting me this comfy pair ^^

This Nature Park in Bukit Batok is a must-visit! We usually just think of SG as a metropolitan cityscape for shopping splurges. But this tranquil side of the country is an absolute breath of fresh air.

Braving the Rain toward Marina Bay Sands

After briefly stopping by Bugis Street, the rain started to pour like crazy! it’s giving Philippines during the typhoon season and we’re like running from one point to another with zero umbrellas. We were supposed to go check the Marina Bay Skypark and Observatory to look at SG’s skyline at night but the rain was too heavy and the fog was too thick so we headed to MBS instead.

I was literally drenched in the rain so thank goodness I wore something very lightweight. My clothes dried up in probably less than 30 minutes thanks (or no thanks) to the freezing indoor air-conditioning. For my top, I wore a pastel yellow knit with subtle sparkles due to its gold threading and I paired it with an intricately pleated Barbie pink skirt with a stylish asymmetrical hemline. This skirt has a very structured fabric so it’s a bit heavy, but still quite comfy. 

Would you believe this entire ensemble (top, skirt & sandals) only costs around $30 in total?! Top is a vintage thrift find while the skirt and sandals were online bargains! This is why I always find it so helpful to read thrifting fashion tips online to make sure I score awesome style finds!

The chain bow clutch I got is also from H&M. I call this my “Doraemon” pouch because of how much stuff can fit inside! It looks very slim and small at first glance but this baby housed my wallet, passport, phone, hanky, a pack of wet wipes and tissue, mini perfume, lip tint, concealer, whiteflower oil (hihi, of course!), and earbuds. See? It’s literally like Doraemon’s magic pouch.

We also stopped by Bacha Coffee because the store is just overflowing with coffee’s divine aroma. I ordered a cup of Orange Seville iced coffee for around 9SGD which is around 380 pesos for a small cup. With its golden price tag, I was hoping for good coffee but..... no comment. haha! Let’s just say it tastes more like bitter orange juice with too much water. Well, at least the place is so aesthetic lol

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I’m quite happy with my clothing choices for my first day in Singapore. My only mistake was the absence of an umbrella! It’s always very important to do proper research on the weather of the country you’re visiting so you won’t end up packing uncomfortable clothes.

[shimmerjjang]

Here we are, treading 2023!

It’s insane how time flies extremely fast! And here I am, treading 2023 with so much hopes and wishes in my heart. 2022 wasn’t my best year and I felt like it was a year full of struggles and self-doubt. I’ve battled with myself over and over as walk through 2022 and I have to say that it still carries on up until today.

I still have occasional sparring sessions with myself at times, and even if things are difficult, I’m still more than willing to push myself to do more. This year, I want to do more. I will do more. 

Explore more.

When people think of the world “explore”, it’s usually associated with places. I told myself I’ll explore more places, wherever these places are. But more than the aspiration of going places, I’d like to explore myself more. I thought I have always known everything about myself but I guess, in recent years, I felt like I only know myself to a certain extent. Sometimes, it still surprises me to see what I’m capable of doing. I have been in my comfort zone for so long. This year, I’d want to surprise myself even more so let’s see where my guts will take me.

Learn more.

I want to keep learning my target languages - Korean and Chinese. I was so hard on myself last year when I was beating myself up for still not being able to speak in perfect Korean and so I only grew more upset and unmotivated. I went through a slump in studying Korean last year because I felt like I know so much and don’t know so much at the same time. Korean wasn’t as exciting as before and so this is why I decided to learn something new (in this case, Chinese) to bring the fire back in language learning. This year, I want to take my time. I’ll keep practicing and studying with the goal of just enjoying it and using it to communicate.

I also want to keep learning better ways to improve my teaching. I have been tutoring Korean students for more than a decade already and I think I have already tried everything! Lately, I have more students who are around 7 below - super young! So I try to teach them through online games. I play this one game called Grocery Cashier to teach my kiddos English and Math at the same time!

Love more.

I sometimes hate myself for having the tendency of not seeing the good side of things. 2022 was not easy and I tend to only see how unhappy I was last year, not realizing that I have so many things to be grateful for. I’ve been showered with love and kindness and with that, I’d also want to love more - in whatever form it should be. I want to love my faith more and the people who care for me more.

But also, I hope to give myself more love even if it’s not always easy to do. If you’re like me and you feel like this sometimes, know that professional help is always out there. BetterHelp is one of the most accessible mental health care platforms out there, I think. And they have very convenient ways on keeping in touch with your therapist. I always watch Q2HAN and this is where I found out about BetterHelp. We’ll see where this journey goes but I really hope it’ll help me tread life more gracefully.

[shimmerjjang]

Managing my Finances in 2023 with Savings Calculator

Managing my finances is not a walk in the park for me. But I believe it's an important skill that can help me achieve my financial goals, both to help me provide for myself and support my loved ones. This year, I'm heading to a new job venture and I'm determined to quite eager to make the most out of my earnings.

Set realistic financial goals

Having money is great and it can make things easier but being extremely wealthy isn’t something I thought of wanting so badly. All I want is to be stable enough and not worry too much about the bills.

Setting financial goals is an important step in taking control of your finances and working towards a secure financial future. For me, this is all about determining my priorities. What is really important to me? Save for retirement? Pay off debt? Or build an emergency fund? Knowing my priorities help me focus my efforts and make progress towards achieving my financial objectives.

Plan and organize my expenses (Needs vs. Wants)

This is something I badly need to improve myself in! I journal my finances but I only focus on the “needs” in this journal. Basically list and compute the bills I need to pay, daily expenses, yadah yadah. What I didn’t do is list my “wants” as well. This way, I’ll avoid being too impulsive with my purchases.

Be smarter with my savings

Being smart with money is about more than just saving and budgeting – it's about making informed financial decisions that can help achieve long-term financial goals.

Someone taught me before about passive investment and I have to be honest, it's something I have no clue about. But after a brief research, I think it's something that can help me be smart with my finances. It sure needs more than just research so I was told to consider consulting with a financial advisor to help me make informed investment decisions. Savings Calculator is also a very helpful site to compute how much money you’ll be able to save in a specific period of time. For someone like me whose head spins when I start doing Math, this is such a hassle-free way to plan and organize my finances. Plus, it’s free!

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I aim to be more organized especially when it comes to my finances. I have always managed my finances just okay but I guess turning 32 this year is really making me want to be more determined in terms of money! I know it’s not everything, but well, life is easier with it so.... haha!

[shimmerjjang]

September 2022 Diary: De-stressing, Teaching English Online, and more random things.

I’m used to always pushing myself to work every single time. I’m just so used to doing a lot of different things that it has reached the point that being idle has become quite.. horrifying. But through the course of time, I’ve been slowly starting to realize the value taking a day or two off to rest and de-stress.

I have different ways to relieve stress. This month, I’m obsessed with a particular Filipino comfort food called Pares Beef. This has always been my favorite ever since when I was a high schooler. My dad would bring me to this huge Pares place along Commonwealth Avenue which sells cheap Filipino meals that no fancy Filipino restaurant could ever match. During Covid, the place closed down and so these days, I found myself getting mine from Gotobox or Pares Retiro. The taste is the closest to the one I like. 

This comfort food bring so much nostalgia, so I’m just living for it a little too much these days. Also, I’m quitting beer. haha! I know I know. It’s been a couple of months already since I’ve stopped drinking beer and I’m kinda proud of myself. In days when I’d like to drink to de-stress, I’d go for wine or soju - just these two. I still like 혼술ing but these days, being accompanied by a friend or two and having sensible conversations is just the most relaxing ever.

In between work, I get to have short breaks. These days, I would just randomly open quick game sites like calculators.org and play something just to kill time. I like the classic whack-a-mole the best because it’s just so funny! If only I could change the moles’ faces to people’s faces to make me angrier, it could’ve been more de-stressing! hahaha!

Jokes aside, saying that I’m busy and stressed is an understatement. I’m juggling things at work and I’m running a ton of different things on the side. Apart from my main job as an editor/writer, I also teach English to Koreans and it’s a long-term thing I don’t think I can ever let go of. It’s more of like a passion and a responsibility, in a way that it makes me feel as if I’m a parent responsible for teaching her kids! kk~

Through my decade-long experience in online teaching, I have different study materials depending on the student’s level. These days, most of my students are kids (ages 6 to 10), so sticking to a serious lesson plan is never gonna work. What I do is prepare simple games to keep them engaged. But well, in times when I don’t have the luxury of time to prepare, I go for preschool games that you can play online. No need to download anything, so it’s very hassle-free!

Teaching is something I’ve been doing for a decade! Like, can you even imagine! And these students I’ve had all throughout the years are purely referrals from my Korean friends/colleagues and from my 학원 students from back in 2010. I don’t even consider this as “work” because it’s definitely more than that. It’s a part of my life and identity, I guess. The joy in my heart from seeing them grow right before my eyes is the most rewarding ever. It’s crazy that some of them were literally kids back in 2010 and now they’re telling me that they’ll drive me around the city once I get myself in Korea! I’m like whaaaat!

Ah! and before I wrap this up, I’m sharing something more. So to add more love into the household, I’m adopting another dog! I currently have three dogs as of the moment that give my life so much color. I just can’t wait to bring home another one to pour all my love to! Hmm, what should I name her? Let’s see..

[shimmerjjang]

My September Style Board

I have always loved styling ever since when I was young. For some reason, I have always wanted to blog about the clothes I wear and how I mix and match my pieces. But since I think I have focused more on what my readers wanted to read back when I was very active in blogging back in 2011, I’ve usually written about beauty and K-Pop. 

Well these days, I have been trying to loop things back to why this blog was created in the first place - being my personal space. An online space where I shouldn’t really care much about what to write! So here’s another out of the blue post - my style board!

When I look back at how my fashion style has changed all throughout the years, it’s also sort of a fascinating way to see how much I’ve grown. If you’ll see what I wore in BIGBANG’s concert back in 2012, this pretty much epitomizes my style from my late teens to early 20s! Colorful, borderline weird, and statement-centered. I get stared at all the time because I look like this amongst people in plain T-shirts and denim jeans.

But as I grow older, I began to go for something more muted. Of course, I’d say they’re still unique pieces, but I’ve become more balanced with my cuts and patterns. I go for a coordinated color palette, with plain colors complementing bright prints and patterns. Plus, I feel like I’m more wise with my fashion purchases in terms of price (I hope). One of my biggest shopping mistakes of my early 20s is spending so much on seasonal items. one example is that Adidas x Jeremy Scott Wings shoes I wore during the BIGBANG concert which I only get to wear a few times before it went out of trend. I saw 2NE1 wear them and I thought its super unique looks would justify its price. The next thing I know, everyone else is wearing them - because knock-offs were being sold left and right in markets around the metro! The same goes with my Giuseppe Zanotti shoes that G-Dragon and Park Bom once wore! The style is gorgeous, to be fair, but my gosh they were extremely uncomfortable for me. I ended up selling them both.

Now that I’m in my 30s, I have slowly shifted (or maybe “transitioned” is a better word) to more mature and sort of smart casual ensembles. Something I can wear both on a casual dinner date with friends and business meetings. Well of course I love how my style has changed but I sometimes feel like I want to remain in touch with my younger, weirder self. So mom and I’s little hobby styling clothes then selling them as full outfit ensembles became a medium to me to express that side of me. I’d coordinate a look that my younger and present self would wear, sell it, and get so much satisfaction on seeing others wear what I have styled. 

This made me realize that I’m a frustrated stylist all this time! I’ve been in the field of teaching and editorial writing for years, and then at the back of my head, I really wanted to be a stylist! Well, is it too late for a career shift? I guess my little online styling gig right now should suffice.

[shimmerjjang]

Thoughts of my 30s: Properly planning real estate investments

Even before Covid-19 happened, I’ve always thought about the things most people entering their 30s would usually wonder about. This includes settling into a place I can call my own that matches my simple lifestyle. After paying for my parents’ house, which is located in a closed residential area (kinda like the suburbs), I’ve always wondered how it’ll be like for me to live in the middle of the city. Especially because I prefer the city as it is close to pretty much everywhere.

But ever since Covid-19, things got extremely tough and this made me realize....

how I need to carefully plan and calculate everything before diving into such huge (and maybe, very scary) decision of real estate investment.

Covid-19 Aftermath & Real Estate

Just like any other industry, real estate took a huge blow due to the pandemic. And even after 2 years since Covid began, things aren’t any easier still, that even if we’re all slowly transitioning back into the “norm”, there’s still a lot of things to consider especially when it comes to budgeting and investments. 

If you’re somewhat planning or thinking of investing to real estate during this time, this article I read from JPMorgan is very helpful. They pointed out very important factors to consider and are very realistic with their advice. 

Taking my Work from Home Setup in great consideration

While getting my own place is still a very long way to go, it’s nice to have a visual idea of what we really find practical for ourselves. I mentioned how my place should suit my lifestyle and that means my home should also be a very suitable workspace. 

I’ve been in a WFH setup since 2012 (with me just occasionally going out for work meetings or traveling for business), so a quiet and cozy place is very important to me. I suggest you create a visual board for you to pin your dream space and so you’ll have a clear picture of what possible real estate houses/apartments to look for once your investment budget is all set.

Finding a highly credible real estate developer

It would be great to find a real estate developer/agent that truly cares. Not just someone merely selling you anything even though you can’t afford the place! Find a developer that helps you fully understand your potential investment so you won’t have troubles paying in the long run. Well, good thing you don’t have to solely rely to your real estate agent or developer for this kind of info. You can carefully check mortgage affordability by using an affordability calculator. Calculators such as this are super easy to use as you only have to fill-in the boxes with your salary details and it’ll do the rest for you!

Planning and carefully calculating my investment budget

Investing in real estate in the midst of Covid-19 is quite tricky because prices may be higher for most places. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t score great house deals. The key is to carefully calculate your mortgage. If it turns out that you can actually afford to invest, then the next step is to project your monthly payments by calculating your mortgage using a tool like mortgagecalculator.uk. While it caters to the UK market, the calculation of monthly loan payments work similarly almost everywhere with only the prices and currency units being different. 

I personally still have a lot of saving to do, but reading and researching about it can truly help me get this goal done. Most especially estimating payments using mortgage calculators gives me a more realistic view about real estate investments.

[shimmerjjang]

Random Life Updates: What I’ve been up to lately + 9월~10월 Playlist

And just like that, we’re almost at the end of 2021. Time flew by really fast and I couldn’t believe how I survived this year 95% of just being at home! There’s just too many things that kept me sane this year and I’m just really thankful, you know.

I’ve been loving the weather recently. Whether it’s rainy or super sunny, it brings a very feel-good vibe for some reason. I used to feel extremely down under certain weather conditions and I don’t know if that’s weird or what. But yeah, it used to be really bad. 😔 I’m somehow relieved that it hasn’t been like that recently for me.

Some days are sure exhausting but thank goodness I’m able to survive thanks to a number of things - including these drinks my sister bring me whenever she’ll visit. Everyone know how coffee and alcohol (in moderate amounts, of course *wink*) serve as my fuel to function kk~

And meet Snailey (or Gary in reference to Spongebob). Brother and I are still having a battle on which name to give. I call this cute backyard snail “Snailey’ kk~ It just goes around the house and we’ll randomly find it in some of our plants. My dogs have become friendly with Snailey too!

Now onto a different story, since I work from home, I kinda have the freedom to work at my own pace and so during my short breaks, it’s either I’m in language apps trying to learn Korean or playing random online games. I have always mentioned how I’m not really into games in general and I really don’t like having them in my devices because they take too much space. So I prefer just going to sites like solitaire.org when I want to kill time. I’ve always been so old school with games too haha so I find small joys in playing games like scrabble, word search, and pacman kkk~

Also, I’m one of those who got into Spotify really really late. I know, I know - you’re probably thinking, what is up with this girl! But yeah, I only got Spotify premium a few months ago and now I don’t think I can live without it. Here’s what’s in my 9월~10월 playlist. 

As I’m writing this post, I just noticed how random Ed Sheeran’s song is placed there, surrounded by K-artists. haha! Well, any English song recommendations to accompany poor Ed in my playlist? 😆

[shimmerjjang]

BYSx Barbie High Shine Lipgloss Review - #Girl Squad

안녕하슈~ ^^

So for some reason, I’ve been into lip oils and lip glosses just a little bit too much these days. And that’s despite the fact that they are pretty much the last thing anyone would actually wear underneath a mask. kk~ I guess it’s because I’ve been following a lot of Chinese and Korean beauty accounts on Instagram that always post their gorgeous lip makeup photos channeling a gloss oozing in glitter glory!

I randomly stumbled upon this BYS x Barbie stand at the SM Department Store and well, it’s Barbie, so I knew I just had to check. The pink stand is just too eye-catching! I haven’t been into makeup lately, so I have to admit that I’m sort of falling behind with the new releases. I think this collection got released around February or March this year (?). 

TEXTURE, SCENT, & APPLICATOR

I’m never a huge fan of lip glosses because I’ve always hated the sticky texture. Whenever the wind blows, my hair would always get caught on my lips as if the lip gloss makes them some sort of a sticky fly trap. I’m already happy with lip tints and matte lipsticks. However, my lips have been quite dry lately and it’s probably because it’s either I’m always in an airconditioned room with dry air or outdoors with a mask on. Since then, I’ve been obsessing over heavily-hydrating lip balms, glosses and lip oils.

BYS x Barbie’s High Shine Gloss definitely has a heavy texture just like any other conventional glosses. I won’t say it’s sticky though, because its heavy consistency is actually bearable. As long as I don’t apply a thick layer, I’d describe it as a moisturizing lip balm. In the first photoset in this post, you’ll see a close-up photo of my lips wearing the gloss without any other lippie on. That’s just one thin layer and look at how glossy it is! I guess it’s also due to the iridescent shimmers it contain. These micro glitters don’t feel gritty at all, too.

As for the scent, it smells like vanilla ice cream! It’s not too overpowering so I think I’m a fan. kk~ One more thing to mention is it’s huge doe foot applicator! Like whoaaa! haha! Not really into it because it takes so much product. I don’t know what’s up with making it that big - it’s funny and very unnecessary! 

MY THOUGHTS:

I think I’ll give this a 5/5. I really love it and it’s not really that bad for just 399php ($7), considering it’s also limited edition. The packaging is too cute and it’s worth collecting, I think. The product is vegan and cruelty-free. This lip gloss also comes in two more other shades - Stand Out and Hustle. Though I don’t think there’ll be much difference since this gloss doesn’t really give much tint to it anyway.

It also has 4ml worth of product so it’ll definitely last for a long time even if you use it everyday. A little goes a very long way, after all. Like I only use a small amount of gloss from the tip of the applicator, dot it on my lips and just spread it with my finger or with a lip brush. 

Would I buy this again? Yes I think so, once it runs out. And I’ll probably get the shade Hustle which has the iconic Barbie pink hue. I know the shade won’t really show up since it’s just a gloss, but I’m still curious to give it a try.

Have you tried any makeup product from the BYS x Barbie Limited Edition Collection?