Konnichiwa! My name is Ayoy, but you can call me kopi. Employee by day, dreamer by night. Full-time wife and lover. I love coffee, tea, and the beauty that life brings! Visit me again for candies ! FOLLOW ME (+)

   

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Summer in the Philippine is certainly scorching hot, especially this year. Not a single that I go outside not feel the heat of summer. It always feels like I'm being burned to death by the sun, and no shade or roof can ever protect me from the mind-melting heat of summer.

Labels: blogging, living, tips

Do you remember the time when you are standing in the crossroads, about to decide which path you will take to start anew. Then all of the sudden, you turn back and walk away from opportunities because you are afraid that you will not measure up?

Labels: living, tips

Are you familiar with these scenarios?

1. At work, your boss scold at you in front of all your office mates and told how incompetent you are at work, or your mom nags you about the choices you make.

2. Your boyfriend of 5 years dumped you for a girl who is your total opposite, or you got rejected by your dream college and

3. Despite your perfect life, there are still people who loathe you with a passion and you think that you cannot measure up.

Hate. Rejection. Criticism.

Yes, at one of our lives, we experienced to be trampled on, looked down, and left behind. And I must tell, it is part of the territory, and that territory is LIFE.

For some, it seems hard to deal with these kinds of scenarios, and I tell you, dealing with these can be heartbreaking as well. But what can you do to stop the pain? According to She.yahoo.com, you can choose between the two: be a victim or be resilient.

Criticisms

Being criticized by someone close to you shows how much they care for you. You may have interpreted it the wrong way, but it is their way of guiding you to the right path. But your boss is a different story altogether. Since you don't have an emotional connection like your loved ones, criticisms also sound terse and kinda disconnected. But think of it this way: your boss criticizing you means that you can still improve your work and prove him wrong. It his way of motivating you to do better. When you boss doesn't care of you're doing the right thing or doesn't correct your mistake, there is a high chance that he careless about your presence and definitely think that you can be despensable.

Rejection

Rejections are unavoidable. I'm sure everyone experienced being denied of something - from little favors to big chances. But one thing is for sure: it will not kill. But I admit that it stings. As cliche as it may sounds, the quote, "What does not kill you makes you stronger." Deborah H. Gruenfeld, Ph.D., codirector of the Executive Program for Women Leaders at Stanford Graduate School of Business, says that when we are able to overcome rejection, we become stronger, fiercer and gain more confidence.

Haters

They say that the more we grow older, the more we gain friends...and enemies. It is a fact of life that we will have a group of people who evokes the feeling of animosity and anger. But the key factor that angers us the most is the effect they have on us whenever they are around. We feel instantly annoyed when they are near or disturbed when you hear their names. The simple solution is to ignore it. By ignoring their presence and showing you don't care a bit, you are overpowering their presence in a subtle way. It can be impossibly hard but it can be possible when you wanted to.

Having a thick skin is not that bad. It shows that you are caring for yourself and avoiding conflicts as much possible. In my case, I call it "self-preservation."

Labels: living, tips

Konbanwa Minasan!

I almost forgot to tell you about my waxing experience. Yes, I admit it. I'm a 27-year old girl who never experiences getting slimed by wax until last-last week. I'm not a vain-type of girl. I seldom wear make-up and I'm not comfortable wearing high-end dresses. In fact, I'm more of the shirt-and-pants type. If I can do away with laid-back clothes, I would definitely choose to wear them over some frilly clothes.

But these last few months, I've been wanting to change some aspects of my life and that includes my wardrobe. I would want to try wearing a skirt for a change. But what's holding me back was my hairy legs. Yes, I have one. I'm what they call here in the Philippines a "balbon". Meaning a was born with so much hair in my body. They said that my mother was so into "balut"  or boiled underdeveloped duck embyo. Many foreigners find this street dish icky, weird and strange. But it is very popular here in the Philippines. Many said that I inherited the hairy traits of the duck inside the shell. It is a common belief here in my country that if your mom was craving for something while she's pregnant with you, you were likely to get some traits in relation to that craving. We can it "paglilihi". 

Okay, so much for the Philippined culture and back to the topic. My hairy legs were hindering my style. And because of wearing pants all the time, my leg hairs began to curl which was not a pretty sight. It was then I decided to get them out. And I can only think of two ways to get them out: shaving and waxing.

I was tempted to do the former but I heard a lot of horror stories but blood, cuts and not-so-pretty growing hairs cause by shaving. But waxing is no different. I always watch on TV how people scream their guts out when they are being waxed. But I still chose the latter since I want my first no-hair legs to be done by a professional.

So, I've been hearing about Lay Bare Waxing Salon from my friends. They are loyal customers of this establishment. I thought it was a local store, but I found out that they have branches in the US as well. To make my decision final, I told my kopi that I'm going to do it. He approved so I got no problem.

We went to Lay Bare Market! Market since it is the closest branch to home. I wore a short to make it easier to the waxing attendant. Since it was my first time, I really don't know what to do or if I have to do something before the session. I just read from their site that it is not advisable to drink coffee before the session since caffeine stimulates the nervous and will make the waxing painful. So I did my best not to have drink one in the morning.

Like other first timers, I was so nervous when I got to the salon but tried my best not to show it. I told my kopi to leave me and roam around the mall. He could just get back at me when the session was done. The place looks like what a spa and other wellness center should look like - calming and very soothing. The receptionist asked if I'm: 1) pregnant (yah, I know I'm fat) 2) having my period (nope, just nervous) 3) going through a medical condition. I said no to all three and she asked me to fill out the form. I had to make a beeline and wait for a while since there are some customer who were almost waiting to be waxed. Apparently, I'm not the only one.

When my term came, I was soo nervous that I was thinking of backing out. But I didn't want hairy legs either. So I decided to overcome my fear and go with it. It turns out, it is not that bad. I expected too much pain and felt a little all throughout the process. My waxing attendant Cess did a good job. My legs look and felt like a new born baby after the session. I'm definitely satisfied and they definitely got my loyalty! Haha

But I noticed after the last two weeks the presence of ingrown hairs. I think this is going to be a problem for the next weeks before my next waxing session. I immediately search the Internet of the possible home remedies. According to Hairchick.com, the best way to prevent ingrown hair, always exfoliate your skin after the treatment. It would keep the pores open. Also, avoid using heavy moisturizers and cream after you undergone a hair removal procedure as this might clog the pores.

There you go! But if you know some tips, feel free to hit me with your comments!

Kopi-san.

Labels: first times, tips

Konbanwa Minasan!

It is the start of another week. I know lots of us are having what we call "Monday sickness", e.i feeling lazy to do anything after the weekend. I know that many feel burdened by the start of the week. For some, they already that Monday is the most evil of all weekdays. Well, they got it right! And to make it worse, you have to go through this suffering for 52 days a year, more or less.

But you don't have to feel awful every first day of the week. According to WorkHappyNow.com, you can make the weekend transition as easy. It means you have the ability to be happy on Mondays! Yey!

They introduced the C.A.P.A.S.C.H. method that can make your Mondays less of a pain.

Call a friend and talk about fun topics. Sounds easy, right? You can wave Monday blues by connecting with an old friend and talk about topics that interest you. Talk about something that makes the two of you laugh. It would make a good pick-me-up, especially if you're dreading to go to work.

Ask a co-worker how their weekend went. Listen on what your office mates were saying about their weekends. Maybe you have the same sentiments, but it feels good to know that you're not the only one who's feeling the same way about Mondays. And maybe you will be lucky to talk to one that loves this particular day of the week.

Plan your day. Yes, giving your Monday a more definite structure can help make it less grudging. A definite day plan can help you accomplish your tasks and makes your day easier. And the more good news is, you can apply this to other days of the week.

Allow your feelings to be as they are. Acceptance is the key to anything. When you accept what you are feeling about work (or about life in general), it would be easier for you to battle Monday blues. Loving yourself - including your brokenness, your faults, and your ugly side - would make acceptance a little bit easier.

Stop complaining. When we are feeling grumpy, whining and bitching is the easiest thing to do. But we do not realize that we are wasting our time and breath about some things that we cannot change. Instead of complaining, spend your time filling yourself with positivity.

Clean your desk. Decluttering is the best way to start the day. Although I have a small office space, I make it a point to clean my desk and put all the unnecessary things away. A clean desk can help you become more productive at work and less grumpy.

Help a co-worker. We always think of how we can make ourselves happier and more content. But we can only achieve happiness and contentment by helping others. Try to offer a helping hand to one of your office mates. You will notice that your worries are instantly fading and you forget your Monday blues.

Okay, I hope I was able to help you conquer your Monday blues and become less of a Grinch at a start of the week.

Have a happy week. Ganbantte!

Labels: tips

Acne. It is a bane to our existence. We spent our whole life dealing with the zit and we don't know why it keeps on coming back. During our teenage years it is our mortal enemy; when we reached our adulthood, we try to keep it at bay.

These past few days, I noticed that I have breakout in my chin area. I suspect that my bacteria-laden hands are the culprit. Let's face it, our hands are pretty much everywhere which makes it prone to catching bacterias and other disgusting things.

So I set a plan to get rid of these disgusting, awful zits in my chin area. GoArticles.com offers some advice to prevent acne.

1. Hydrate. Water will help flush the toxins out of your body. Drinking plenty of H2O will definitely help not only to prevent acne, but keep your body healthy.

2. Feed your skin. It is a no-brainer tip. Eating healthy, appropriate food can do wonders to your body, especially to your skin. A balance diet will make your skin healthier. Papaya and peach have exfoliating tonic. And these two are high in Vitamin A that will make your skin spotless. And lemon and berries have Vitamin C which is great for skin. Berries are also rich in antioxidants that helps rejuvenates your skin.

3. Move! Exercising improves blood circulation and reduce stress, which is the major cause of acne breakouts.

4. Wash-wash. Yes, washing your face twice a day would unclog the pores and keep it clean. Use an antibacterial face cleanser that suits your skin type. But do not overwash your skin. Overwashing will leave your skin high and dry.

5. Exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells regularly will definitely help prevent zits.

6. No touch. Just like what happened to my poor chin, frequently touching your face gives a high chance of bacteria transfer and major cause of acne.

7.  Go to your skin doctor. Yap. Your trusted dermatologist can recommend the appropriate care for your skin.

Well, I do hope that I would remember these tips. Excuse me, I have some exfoliating to do.

Labels: tips

Yes, we are all about being healthy. We want to give the best treatment for our body and we subsist on different methods to have a healthy lifestyle. But sad to say, some of these methods are proven to be a bust. I came across an article from DivineCaroline.com about a few health myths that are now debunked.

1. The eight-glasses-a-day myth. It is not just about the eight glasses that we drink every day. We can get water from other sources - fruits, teas, and other beverages. While it wouldn't hurt to have liquid inside our body, but there is always an appropriate amount of water that our body can take.

2. Overstuffing/Starving. I really don't know about this myth, but apparently some people believe that overstuffing or starving yourself will ward off your illness. Eating appropriate amount of healthy food is still the best way to keep you away from sickness.

3. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, I think this one is hard to bust. But many doctors believe that eating apple is certainly good for your body as it helps fight cancer and heart diseases. Although there is no scientific evidence that eating apple each day can keep the doctor away, eating one can definitely beneficial for you.

4. Cracking knuckles and arthritis. Old members of the family also warn us about cracking our knuckles, or else we we will have arthritis. This is an old man's tale. A 1990s study in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease that there is no direct connection between cracking your ankles and arthritis.

5. Chocolate and acne. I remember in my teen years when I have to shy away from these sweet pleasures because I didn't want to have a breakout. It turns out, chocolates have nothing to do with our acne problems. It is more on our genes,  hormones, and skin type.

6. Chicken soup is for the soul and sickness. While I love the taste of a good chicken soup, it is good to know that there a little truth to it. Chicken soup keep us hydrated. And the veggies in this yummy treat will surely help to get you back in the health track.

7. Wet hair. I always love the cool feeling out going out while my hair is wet. It gives me the shower-fresh look. But it was believed that you will get cold when you go out with wet hair. Colds are caused by viruses and not the cold weather. So there is no harm done going out with your hair wet.

So I hope that I'm able to enlighten you. Keep safe and healthy!

Labels: tips

Well, ladies, not the future you are thinking about. . Here in the Philippines, the colloquial term for, ahem, breast is "hinaharap," which is also means the future. As smartass Pinoys thought that it is smart to name them the future since they are right there in front.

And when we talk about them, it is hard not to talk about the apparel that keeps them in place. Yes, I'm talking about brassieres. I'm forever thankful to whoever invented brassieres. They keep "my future" from swinging loose. Although some find it attractive to flash them for the world to see, I want mine to be just in place. And I think everyday would be a struggle for me and my twinsets, especially the brutal way the bus and jeepney drivers handle the wheel.  The "twins" are jiggling carelessly and it hurts. That is why bras are essential for a woman's existence.

Just a few days, I saw this funny photos from http://www.wannalol.com. I definitely find the photo hilarious. With the advancement of technology, the development of brassieres is not far behind. Before you know it, there will be touchpad bras or something.

Hilarious as the photo may seem, it speaks volumes on how ladies tend to choose the wrong bra. I admit that I have a favorite bra that I always wear. It fits me just right. But I know that if my bra can't speak, it would beg me to stop wearing them. Haha.

Anyway, before I gross you out, I would like to share to you ladies some tips on how to choose the proper brassiere for your "future."

According to Glamour.com, 1 out of 3 women wear the wrong bra. And wrong bras cause discomfort and annoyance. I remember the days when the straps causing me red, awful marks on my shoulders. Here are some pointers ladies.

1. Comfort. Comfort should always be a top priority, especially when it comes to your twinsets. Look for a comfy style and fabric  that fit your body structure and size. Some bras may look frilly and dazzling, but I'm pretty sure you will feel taking them off once you put them in ( no pun intended).

2.Straps. Straps are very important. Too tight straps can cause red marks on your shoulders. Choose an elastic straps that offer optimum support.

3. Get fitted. I know some of us women don't know our size and end up choosing a bra that is too small or too big. Go to a professional and get yourself measured and fitted. Knowing the right size will help you choose the right cup.

4. For small-chested girls, a padded push up can do the trick. But be sure to choose an undergarment that still fits you.

5. For full-sized women, a demi cup is not suited for you. Look for a bras with a full coverage to give you the proper support that you need.

So, there. I hope that we, ladies, take care of  our "future." :D

Labels: beauty, tips

Okay, we love our friends, and it is a must to be build a happy, close relationship with them. But what if your BFF's will be your downfall? An article titled, BFF No More: How to Break Up with a Toxic Friend will tell you who and what kind of friend you should ditch and cut off from your list. Or if you think you are one of these, then it is time to change your ways.

1. Narcissist. These are your friends that feed from your misery and then boost their achievements. Sure, they are fun to be with and you can look at them as your devoted friend; but when the time comes that you are in your lowest of the low, you can be sure the Narcissist will be there to point out your mistakes while raising themselves to the pedestal.

2. Mooch. I hate to say this, but these are the financial lechers of  the group. If the Narcissist feed on your misery, the mooch feed on your wallet. They are the ones who always asking you to treat them to drinks, buy them a lunch, or get them something when you went for a treat. I know how good it feels when you make your friends happy, but if it is affecting your budget, then it is a high time to tell them that they should buy their own lunch.

3. Paranoid. Okay, you share the same problems and go through some hard patch. You share something in common. They think that everything and everyone is against them. But when the drama heightened, be sure that that there will be a confrontation at bay. Walk away before that time comes.

Well, that is just three. If you know more, feel free to add!


Ayoy

Labels: tips

Anger has always been  a friend of mine. In my case, it is much easier to be angry in a situation than to be sad, lonely, and cry around. This is the symptom of depression for me. Anger is my defense mechanism; I'm angry with the system, the people, and lots of things. But it is now that I realized that anger will get me nowhere.

I came across this article, How to Control Your Anger by therapist and co-founder of Uncommon Knowledge, Mark Tyrrell. He said in his article that anger is addictive (which I believe is true). Being angry can give us excitement and thrill, especially on dull days.  And yes, it gives us a feeling of righteous certainty. But if you want to get of the "A-hole", better calm yourself and read this:

1. Find out what push your buttons. You need to know what and who makes you angry. There are instances that your anger is "conditioned" which means that is became a regular things. Just hearing their names would send your blood boiling.  Knowing  your triggers would help you find out how to act on them positively.

2. To be less angry is to be less stupid. Tyrrell said that anger makes us do and act stupid. He added, "The angrier we become, the more intelligence drops." It will affect your coherence and thinking. So when you feel that your anger is beginning to surface, stop for a while and take deep breaths. Calm down and count one to ten. Do your Kumbaya and tell yourself, "I'm calm and I'm smart."

3. The bigger picture. Tyrrell also said that anger narrows our focus. We don't care about the bigger scheme of things and see only what we want to see and hear. We want to get out point across without so much care for others. But if you will try to see the whole picture, it will get you less irritated. Look at things in different angles, and you might see things in a new light.

4. We are humans. We when are angry, we forget that the people around us, especially the person who we are angry to, are humans with feelings, fears, and needs. Tyrrell said to visualize that person as a baby, and for sure, your anger and rage will melt.

5. Breathe. When we are raging, our blood pressure rise and our breathing become rapid. We become susceptible to pain which makes us do physically aggressive like punching the wall or other people. The tip here is to not let your anger get the best of you.

So there. I hope that it helps.

xo Kopi princess.

Labels: tips

Okay, so before I do some serious work, I would have fun blabbing here at my blog first. It's been days since my last post and I think I'm neglecting it a little. Well, what I want to talk about today is about calamansi. It just came to mind, since my dear friend Dian always makes it a point to smear fresh calamansi exract on her skin as part her beauty regimen. Like any other fruits or veggies, I know that it has more use that condiments on your food. Here are some of the info that I gathered:

1.Skin bleaching agent. Calamansi has a natural acid that serves as a bleach whiten dark areas on the skin and a great body dirt remover. Before taking a bath, cut a calamansi and rub it on your dark spots. Let the calamansi extract on your skin for at least 10-15 minutes. If you feel a stinging sensation, wash it immediately. This is what my friend do when she has an extra time, but for a more effective result, a thrice a week smearing would do the trick.

2. Stain remover. Rub a calamansi on your freshly-stained clothes until the stain is removed.

3.Prevent BO. Having a body odor is definitely embarrassing. If you suspect that you have one, cut 4-5 calamansi and squeeze it on a tub of water. Use the water-calamansi solution for rinsing. You will feel fresh and deodorized from head to toe.

4. Prevents dandruff. This is a great problem of mine. Whenever I'm stressed, flakes of dandruff would start appearing on my scalp. What I do is to thoroughly rub a calamansi on my scalp before I take a bath. It really does wonders on my hair too as it increase the volume of my tresses.

Well, I think that are enough reasons to love calamansi. Just pm if I forgot something!

Okay, back to work.

Labels: beauty, tips