How to get rid of Cough and Colds?

It's Monday and I am having a bad day because I'm sick... :( I can't go on like this, it's just the start of the week and I cannot let this affect my job which I am about to lose. Already took some medicine last night but seems like it hasn't abated the cough and colds. I resorted to surfing the net for some remedies and home treatments for the common cough and colds. Here are a few options I am considering doing today. Hope this works for me...  

1. If you find that your throat is beginning to hurt warm up water and add a spoon full of salt to it and do deep throat gargles. 

2. Before you  go to bed just rub some vicks vapor rub. Apply it on the chest, back, neck and the forehead for optimal effect.

3. Get rid of congestion by doing steam inhalation. Just heat up water till it is steaming then put a towel over your head and the bowl of water in front of you and inhale. A five minute bout is usually enough to loosen up the mucus. 

4. Pour a couple of Eucalyptus oil drops on your pillow before you sleeps since Eucalyptus oil in its concentrated form cannot be applied to your skin. This essential oil has soothing and nose unblocking properties. The smell will help keep your nose unblocked all night. You can also mix it with a regular base oil like olive oil and massage it onto your temples and throat region for relief from cold and cough.

5. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to help thin out the mucous membranes in postnasal drip.

6. Take lozenges and hot drinks. Try a menthol cough drop since it numbs the back of the throat thus decreasing the cough reflex. Drinking warm tea with honey can also soothe the throat.

7. Take a steamy shower since a hot shower can help a cough by loosening secretions in the nose. 

Sources:

http://cashmere.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-get-rid-of-a-cough
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/cough-relief-how-lose-bad-cough

Camotes Islands

Woke up early on a Sunday feeling nostalgic about some good old memories with my dear friends in some of the trips we've made. I wanted to do something out of the ordinary today like go to the beach yet I'm stuck at home with nowhere to go. In the end, I found myself scanning and browsing our old pictures with our last short vacation with my Khaville family in Camotes.

The Camotes Islands are a group of islands that form part of the province of Cebu, in the Philippines. The island group is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island. We went there about a year ago and stayed in some pretty descent resort. It was truly a very nice place and  I even wanted to go back there if only time allows. I remember the endearing white shores, the clear blue waters, the wide calm lake, and my favorite underground lake which was very inviting. I had no plans of swimming in the dark waters but the sight of it just took my breath away and just found myself in the water just in an instant. 

Here are more pictures we took during our stay... :)

 

Stay Happy!

Here is just a simple reminder that everything happens for a reason, live it, love it, learn from it, and be happy with yourself no matter what! Life is good and I have so many reasons to smile...

Smurftastic

I thought today was just another day with you... We ate breakfast together and strolled around the same place we've been a hundredth times. Amazing how we haven't grown tired of the usual stuff and the familiar things and food we eat most of the time. Spent the whole morning with our usual chit-chats and sweet nothings while passing time until to my surprise you got me a one big and soft smurf stuffed toy from that whatever you call machine. You did make my day a smurftastic one! thank you my love, you never fail to amaze me... :) 

Smurf along the road 

 Smurf on the bed

Smurf solo :)

Once Upon a Time with Shrek

I bet every woman dreams to find a handsome prince charming in their lifetime... and once upon a time, I was one of them! Funny, I thought for a moment. I practically grew up with the Disney Princesses from Cinderalla, to Snow White, to Sleeping Beauty, and the rest of the Disney characters. I think I'd probably sue Walt Disney himself for I was led to believe that every girl will someday find their handsome prince who will sweep her off her feet and carry her away to his castle.

For the longest time, I thought I already found my prince though not that handsome, but someone who would be there for me to love and to hold untill I get old. Sadly, it turned out he was just another slimy bullfrog whom I was kissing the whole time. I should've learned my lesson the the first time I saw one.

Just when I was about to give up with finding my prince, I met Shrek along the way. He smiled at me and made me feel comfortable being with him. We talked often untill such time that I found myself looking forward to being with him and talking to him again and again about things I was never accustomed to. I grew fond of the friendship he has offered me. Little did I know I was slowly falling for this wondrous green ogre who I never thought I would fall in love with. But he is simply adorable, sweet, and caring, and everything I ever wanted my prince would be.

It just dawned on me, I don't really need a pretentious prince in my life and that there is no perfect guy who trully exist. Yet, there is always this one guy who is perfect for me who will love me and take care of me with all of his heart -- My lovely Shrek, and he's all I need!

And so we lived happily ever after... :)

Christmas Sweet Treats

November is almost over and December is just right around the corner. With the holiday season, here are delightful treats for you and your loved ones that are easy to prepare. I'm no kitchen buddy... I don't have the talent to cook but I eat a lot and with these few easy steps to follow, you'd probably find me often in the kitchen now... :) 

a.) YUMMY MANGO FLOAT

INGREDIENTS:

        Mangoes (sliced)
        Graham crackers and crumbs
        All-purpose cream
        Condensed milk (sweetened)
        Crushed graham crackers

STEPS:

1.   Prepare the bowl. 
2.   Combine the cream and condensed milk. chill it for about 30 minute then mix it well.
3.   Slice the mangoes into thin and small slices.
4.   Put a layer of graham crackers at the bottom.
5.   Spread a layer of the cream.
6.   Put a layer of mango slices.
7.   Repeat the last three steps up to the desired thickness.
8.   Add a final layer of cream.
9.   Crush graham crackers and put them on the top.
10. Put it in the freezer or refrigerator.
11. Make sure it is cold when served.
12. Enjoy!

b.)  Brownies

PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: (no baking needed)

1.  Combine the sugar and butter together. Stir well until it's creamy.
2.  Add the eggs and vanilla to the sugar and butter mixture.
3.  Stir together the flour and cocoa in a separate bowl then combine it with the egg mixture
4.  Grease the inside of a microwave-safe glass cooking container with cooking spray and coat the greased inside of the container with granulated sugar.
5.  Pour brownie mixture into the glass container.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1.   Place the glass cooking container in the microwave oven. Cook for 4-5 mins.
2.  Allow brownies to sit and cool for 5-10 mins. 
3.  Cut and Serve.
4.  Enjoy! 

My Idea of a Happy Diet

Whenever I feel weary and upset about something, rather than mope around and linger on the not-so-good day to day life scenarios, I often find myself guilty of binge eating. Yes, you can call me a glutton for I over-indulge and over-consume food at times, but then it's just my way of making myself feel better. Ironically, I have a strong desire of loosing weight and yet I eat voraciously these days. I can't imagine how much lbs I would gain especially now that Christmas Season is fast approaching and mouth-watering food is just about  everywhere. I don't mind the calories anymore for as long as they make me happy, I would continue to eat, drink and be merry. Chocolates, cakes, sweets, and other treats, yum yum... I simply can't resist! ^_^

 

A taste of Singapore

I have always wanted to visit and go out of the country when I was little... Alas, time came when I finally got my chance of visiting a foreign place with one of my best high school chum. I was excited to see a whole new world for the first time in my 25 years on this green planet. In truth, though i tried to hide it, I was looking forward to the whole trip the whole time since we booked the flight months before the travel date. As the days grew near I lost interest with work and other usual stuff that normally amuses me since I can't take Singapore off my mind. 

We left for Singapore on a Saturday, November 10, 2012 full of excitement in our eyes. The high travel taxes and terminal fee from the local airport in Mactan Cebu did not change whatever we felt that night. We arrived in Singapore around 11 in the evening but never felt sleepy at this wee hour. We wandered a bit and was really glad with the hotel where we stayed because of the Filipino folks who worked there. The next day was spent strolling about with our dear friend who's already working there. We went shopping and picture taking here and there and was amazed at how beautiful and clean the entire country was and how disciplined the citizens were. I had sore feet that night but then again, it was all worth it. Our last day was then spent for the city tour which I believe was kinda late to be scheduled since we already saw almost the entirety of the city thanks to our good friend who was our tour guide and photographer. My best memory of Singapore was spent at the Universal Studios where I felt like I was a kid again. We watched all shows from water world, donkey live, to monster rock, and then tried several rides, the best of which was the cyclone vs human roller coaster ride. Indeed, it was the best ride ever in my whole damn life! weeee... ^_^

Here are some photos we took during our short yet memorable vacation  :)

The Travelator in Changi Airport

 Marina Bay View

 Shrek & Fiona

Universal Studios

To the One Amazing Man

Happy 3rd my love...

it's amazing how time flies. i can't even remember how i was 3 months and 2 weeks ago, when i was in such a chaotic, tumultuous, and turbulent state of mind and was in one of the lowest point of my life -- which i never imagined i would be in the last 7 yrs and 10 months of my entirety with mr-right-turned-wrong-ex-boyfriend. however, with all those trying times,  you managed to turn my life around. you made things a lot easier for me to move on and get another good shot at life. you were always there and you've never failed to lighten up my mood from the small chit-chats we shared to all the intellectual talks, and life-changing-lessons you've repeatedly taught me. i asked you once, "how on earth did you ever come up with that!?!" and you told me, you've been through a lot yourself and it was mere experience that made you think and look at things in a way way different perspective than i do. you gained my trust and admiration... in truth, i was in awe in all those times that you started opening your mouth for another interesting and well thought explanations about how things are and why we're here. since then, i've always looked up to that mature, amazing, and brilliant person that you are who's making my heart beat even faster now and happier than it should... as i get to know you more and more i can't help myself but smile and be grateful  for all that you are... and for everything that you've done, thank you... :)

That Feeling When You Finally Move On...

I didn't see it coming. I was full of hopes and plans of living a life with you. I wanted to grow old and have a family with you but everything vanished in thin air when you told me you have had enough and you fell out of love. I tried to hold on and win you back but I can't force myself to someone who doesn't want me anymore. The more I tried the more we grew apart. I know I had my own share of why you turned out to be someone you're not when I caused you so much pain 3 years ago. I did everything for you to make up for the things I did and yet it wasn't enough. All the while I thought we were okay but you we're just pretending and when you got tired you snapped and left me hanging. Yes it hurts, 7 years and 10 months is really something. I gave you my life and my everything. You can't just say they're just numbers coz all those times I spent with you was my whole damn life. All these years I have learned to live with you by my side to watch my back, and now it's difficult for me to live on my own again.  You used to be my number 1 fan and my best pal however I don't regret any of it. I know it's sad coz it ended yet I'm happy to have known u and still thankful for the love you've given me.  I felt it and it was the best feeling I have ever felt. I just want to say thank you for the memories. I loved u once, I love u still, and I guess I will always will. We never really stop loving a person, we just learn to live without them and after all that's said and done, I'm ready to move on and start a new chapter… :)

Tick Tock!

How long do you stay in front of your computer these days? With the technology and the lifestyle that most of us have today would probably give us an average of 5 to 6 hours onward. Let's face it, the internet has largely become part of our system and without it even for a single day would leave us feeling incomplete. 

Today has been a beautiful warm day. It would have been a fine day to go out to the park, go to the mall, go out for a swim, or simply hang out with friends and loved ones some place. Yet, I found myself stuck in the four corners of my room trapped in some sort of a trance in my own cyber world this modern era has created. At times I get too engrossed with checking updates from one social networking site to another or read on some amazing materials which often ends up forgetting other things and skipping my meals. I didn't plan on postponing some errands today for instance, but I unfortunately did. Truly, computers have become a primary source of modern procrastination nowadays. Moreover, we may not be aware but the internet is somewhat eating our social life as well. Notice that for as long as we have our laptops and ipads  wherever we are, we don't really bother to talk to the people around us anymore. We simply choose to ignore them and isolate ourselves in one corner.  Soon enough, we find ourselves absorbed into this cosmic realm again. It has decreased our ability to socialize, communicate, and deal with others. The longer hours spent on the computer, the lesser time we have left to interact with other live people physically. I bet some would probably prefer to break up with their partners in the comfort of their cyber lives through chat or private messages instead of talking to each other personally and deal with the awkwardness and all. 

The internet has so much to offer to everyone. I can even stay at long stretches of the day from morning till night in front of my computer just surfing the net and streaming videos. There are a lot of things out there that we can learn from and things that we absolutely know nothing about but would still spike up our interests. But then again, too much of it is not going to do us any good. It could make us or break us. There are other things that are important and worth our time. We have families, friends, our careers, and even pets that we should also spend some time with. We don't want to end up one day only to realize that days or even a week has passed right after you have finally figured out what your facebook status would be, do we? Tick tock, life is too short and we do not want to just let it slip away so fast. May we all learn to manage time between our cyber world and the real world before we get to the end of the rope and miss life itself!

Rx Laughter

Laughter has always been considered as the best medicine. Clearly, everybody needs a good laugh from time to time. We need to laugh our hearts out in order to veer away from the routinary and phlegmatic ways of living. Unfortunately, with all the problems bombarding us in our daily lives, we sometimes find it improbable to crack one hearty laugh at life. 

 

I personally admire people who see humor in unlikely things and in very inconvenient situations. Take for example bumping into an acquaintance during a party who was apparently wearing the same dress that you were wearing. Other people would become uncomfortable, ashamed, and even feel bad about it, while some would find it funny in a peculiar way and would just laugh it out. Studies show that learning or being able to laugh at difficult circumstances like this would not only send positive vibes to one’s body, but would also improve the immune system, increase pain tolerance, reduce the risk of heart diseases, and a lot more. One concrete proof on this matter is a study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas on people with ages 65 years and older who were monitored for six years. They found out that subjects who scored high on their ha­­­ppiness questionnaire had a significantly lower risk of stroke compared to their counterparts who scored poorly. This study somewhat suggests that the happier and the more often a person laughs, the healthier he or she becomes. With several studies conducted in this field, laughter has been proven to provide wonders to our well being either psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

 

With this in mind, may we also take time to laugh at ourselves with the silly things that we do, or with the petty things that may happen us. Let us allow ourselves to laugh as much as we can, until our tears would come rolling down our cheeks coz when we do, then, we would also be healing wounds from within.

Happiness is a choice...

The happiest people in the world do not always have the best of everything. They are the people who make the best out of everything that they have. Life indeed is a constant struggle. There are times that we triumph amidst adversities while at times we may sulk in defeat. Sometimes we feel like we are on a pedestal, while there are also times when we are in deep shit. These are some things that may happen to anyone of us which may leave us feeling helpless of the situation. Oftentimes, we forget that we actually have the ability to disallow these unwanted circumstances to rob us of the happiness that we may experience in our short-lived lives.

I dare say happiness is truly a choice and that we can choose to be happy if we really want to. In psychology, I’ve learned that the way we perceive something can greatly affect the way we feel towards it. Therefore, we can control our emotions by changing the way we think towards a certain object, person, place, or event. Taking a negative experience for example as a blessing in disguise can turn a negative situation into a positive light. Human as we are, we also unknowingly engage ourselves in social downward comparison with others. This is simply comparing ourselves to somebody who is less fortunate than us. It may be in terms of beauty, intelligence, or socio-economic status. Through this, it maximizes the positive aspects in our lives by maximizing the negative things in others and thus, making us to feel good about ourselves. Moreover, contentment is another key to being happy. Being contented with what we have can help us become more appreciative with the things that we already have. Discontentment would only lead us to a continuous hunger and thirst for something which would only rip our chance of being truly happy in life. Being happy is largely our decision. It may sound that easy, but sometimes it’s not. I guess it takes time to practice looking at undesirable things in a different angle. At times when I feel really down, I pull up my checklist to bring me back to my senses and to remind me that there is something that I can do to maintain a positive affect despite unfortunate events. After all, we can’t just be sad all the time. Let us keep in mind that our happiness mainly depends on us...

  

The Man Who Cried Wolf?

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Cebu this afternoon. I was sound asleep when my mother woke me up terrified about the ongoing shuddering of the earth's crust. Half awake, I managed to stand up and a bit terrified myself of whats happening. We found ourselves hugging and standing right to each other that very moment at the door instead of running outside the house for precaution of possible falling debris. We stood there barely moving until the earthquake stopped. I would have grabbed her and ran out of the house if only I were in a sound mind, but I was  guilty of paranoia myself which I evidently got from her. Soon enough,  my brother arrived since they were sent home from school, then my boyfriend, and then my father came home as well. The next thing we know, we found ourselves watching a whole lot of panic stricken people running on the streets as if trying to get away from something. It pretty looked like a scene from some movie like "2012". Then we heard people saying that there is a tsunami on its way and that the water level in the South Road Project has risen above sea level. People were shouting, and some were already carrying their belongings trying to move out to some higher grounds. Seeing this, my mother went paranoid again. She was really afraid and insisted that we should also leave. However, my father thinks otherwise. He decided to go to SRP himself to find out if any of this was true. Thank god, he got home safe with a positive news that it was nothing and that it was in fact low tide. The experts then confirmed that a tsunami would not be possible and there is nothing to worry about. Some people just spread false alarms out of their idiosyncrasies and scare the hell out of everybody. My mother calmed down but there was still one member of the household who wasn't home yet -- my sister! She stayed at TGU tower since it was the highest place she could be with that tsunami scare and was worried because a whole lot of different stories has reached her. She called a few minutes later after the network clogs has cleared, telling us to evacuate our home because the streets are flooded which apparently brought us to a bunch of laughter. Yes, we got scared but after everything that happened, we just have to laugh about it and thank the lord for keeping us safe and that after all, it was not real.      

Save Up

I have been in the BPO industry for almost 4 years now. I started working right after I graduated from college and has been quite attuned with this nocturnal lifestyle associated with the career path I've chosen. I get to buy what I want and pamper myself with the highly competitive salary I am getting from this line of business. However, when I looked back from the very first day I started working, it just dawned on me that I haven't even bothered to save money for myself, and for my future. I'm guilty of  living a life as if there is no tomorrow and spent every money I had to the last centavo. Ironically, I sometimes find myself financially broke compared to someone I know who is earning  relatively lower than I do.

It just hit me one day how uncertain my future can be which motivated me to start saving. I started to note down all my expenses on a daily basis for me to check as to where my money goes and then forced myself to learn how to spend not more than what I am earning. Fortunately, I happened to have a friend who also helped me and taught me about BPI Save up which is very helpful. I have setup an automatic deduction from my salary and it goes straight to my BPI save up account without even noticing it. In this way I get to pay myself first before others. Believe me, with this kind of system, you'll be surprised to see your money grow each month without you knowing it. I know it's tough, but with a strong determination to save up for my future I know I can, and we all can make it and become successful one day.

Responsibility

I just got home from work and my body is aching at 3 o’clock in the morning. My feet are sore, my back hurts, my head is heavy, and I’m totally exhausted. I feel like all the energy has drained out of me. Officially, this is my third week of working as a Subject Matter Expert otherwise known as — SME after I got promoted. I didn’t realize how big the responsibility that’s associated with the said position then. I started working at 6 pm that night and was the only SME available for the entire stretch of my shift. I was literally running back and forth from one agent to another answering questions from here and there, and taking escalated calls from irate and upset customers. It was totally not what I’ve expected.

Taking responsibility over things is something I’m not that very good at. I’ve always been a follower and not a leader by choice. I prefer to stay in the background most of the time and get as little attention as I can. But things changed when I accepted the challenge of becoming one of TP Cebu’s SME. I had to take control and direct them on what to do. I take responsibility of providing them with the right resolution to their calls and believe me, it ain’t easy! I only took calls for roughly 3 months and there are quite a lot of things that I know nothing about. Yet I have to pose myself as someone who knows exactly what she is doing when in fact I don’t. However since I already took the position, I guess there’s no turning back at this point. I made it this far already and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna make it till the end.