December 2020

December... last month of this uniquely challenging year. As the year draws to a close, it doesn't mean that the Coronavirus is also dissipating. It will not disappear anytime soon, thus, our precautions must still be in place. Let us all continue to pray for a miracle. For those who have been vaccinated, how was it? I know just one person who had the Covid-19 vaccine.

Do you feel the coolness of the mornings? There are also the December evenings that make me want to grab a sweater and run for the bathroom at the same time. While I sometimes stand at the balcony and gaze at the streets, I imagine the headlights and taillights as my moving Christmas lights. They twinkle in and out of sight; red, white, and yellow. I can sense the bright stars and planets just behind the city haze. When rain showers upon our part of the world, the wisps of clouds could sometimes cover the moon. 

By now, you have probably received gifts that thoughtful people sent your way. If you have not received any, don't fret, being alive and healthy are gifts in themselves. To still be able to taste the sweet crumbs of fruitcake, to feel its spices and a hint of rum on your tongue is a present. Can you tell I am craving for one right now? 😋 What I love about this season is the excuse to indulge in food, ha ha! 

Speaking of food, one item on my Quarantine Christmas Wish List is to be able to try food trends. I have tried several kinds ube cheese pan de sal, one type of sushi bake and I have made Dalgona coffee early in the year. I have yet to try sourdough bread and what I really, really want to taste is the Burnt Basque Cheesecake. I saw a seller made an ube version of it, and another had mango. 

How do you plan to celebrate Christmas and New Year? 

Now that it's super risky to go out and dine out, and in spite of that fact, people are still hitting the streets, there's the holiday traffic to consider; the logical thing is to enjoy good food at home. To add some holiday cheer, I decorated our living area a little. My two girls helped with the window décor. Instead of a Christmas tree, I made a Christmas "bush" - as my youngest called it; a shallow square basket filled with faux Christmas blooms, a few Christmas balls, the star for our Christmas tree, tinsel, gift ornaments, and a couple of plushy ornaments in holiday outfits. It's situated on the coffee table. That's where the gifts are, as well.

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What do you think of it? For me, it's very simple. 

Sheltering in place had me reading and reading. Mostly. I actually reached my goal of 45 books early. Still, I have a long list of TBR physical books and electronic ones combined. Also, some stories are not so good. I wish I could find a hard copy of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - that's on my Quarantine Christmas Wish List, too. 📖

Reading is my hobby, and also daydreaming. I still do that after many years. Dreaming up stories that I may or may not write down. I also journal almost every day. It's my way of keeping memories, even mundane ones. Reading my past entries also help me reminisce: experiences that I hope to have again, feelings that were hidden. It was also December when I met and fell in love with my now hubby. 

Today is Christmas Eve. Tomorrow is all about Jesus. He is the essence of Christmas, and our salvation.

I greet you a very Merry and Safe and Healthy Christmas! 💖🎄

I have a question.

Whoa! It's been a year and four months since I posted in this blog. I apologize.

I want to know...

How are you???

For real... How are you feeling? This pandemic is taking a toll on many aspects of our lives. Have you been affected?

Recently, my day at home consists roughly of:

• waking up then, breakfast, reading God's Word on YouVersion Bible app
• playing a round or two of mobile games with my children
• working or reading a book (currently, "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak) 
• taking lunch as a family
• making sure the kids nap for one to two hours, while I continue reading
• waking them up, letting them eat fruits as snack, playing again
• watching Netflix (currently a Kdrama called "Fight for My Way")
• having dinner
• continuing the episode of the series
• showering
• preparing for bed

But, that's bound to change again as the young ones start their online classes (umm, Integrated Distance Learning) in ten days. Anyway, I am thankful. Thankful that I am still relatively healthy, that I have my family with me, that we still have what we need.

There are times, though, that I feel trapped and restless. That I palpitate and am short of breath. I'd have a sudden urge to go out. Then, cry inside when I can't. Do you get that feeling? Of course I won't, because it's frightful out there. I am afraid I might contract CoViD-19. Going on a grocery run these days makes me quite tense. 

It's sad because leisurely grocery shopping was one of the bonding activities for my husband and me. Another is dining out. There are many things I enjoyed doing before the pandemic.

• Dining out with the family, celebrating birthdays (I celebrated my birthday here at home this year)
• Going on local trips and staying at hotels
• Window shopping at malls
• Visiting bookstores
• Getting a facial
• Getting a massage
• Watching a movie with my family
• Hanging out with friends

In order for me not to go crazy, I anchor my thoughts and heart on Jesus Christ. I also take mini vacations in my mind, like daydreaming. And escaping via the books I read to another place and another time. What do you do to avoid going mad with worry and anxiety?

Want me to pray for you? Kindly send your prayer requests in the comment section! Let's pray for miracles. 💗

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Our God is a living God who is active in our lives, if we let Him. He answers our prayers and delivers us from our fears. The Lord is our comfort and refuge. #Bible image from #youversion

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First Time Mover? Here's What You Need

[image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-giving-keys-on-man-1288482/]

First Time Mover? Here's What You Need

Moving into your first apartment can be a very exciting experience. Your number one priority should be to figure out the average monthly cost of renters insurance in your new area, and purchase a policy that’s within your budget. You’ll want to cover your valuables and protect against any mishaps that might happen to the apartment or surrounding buildings. Unfortunately, if you don’t prepare for your move beforehand, it can be very overwhelming.

These tips will help you avoid any dilemmas. You’re going to need certain items right away when you first move into a new space. Refer to this checklist before your move to keep the entire experience as stress-free as possible.

Daily Essentials

There are some items you never want to be without on your first day in a new apartment. They include toilet paper, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a shower curtain, and any other toiletries you use on a daily basis. You also want to make sure you purchase a bed and all bedding you need. Sleeping on the floor is not fun for anyone!

Purchase certain kitchen essentials as well. Spending money on takeout can be a lot more expensive than you think. Although you might convince yourself you can justify ordering food for the first few days in your new place, that can turn into the first few weeks if you don’t prepare beforehand. At the very least make sure you have enough kitchenware to prepare basic meals right away.

Necessary Kits

You don’t need to purchase every single item on this list individually. There are couple kits you should buy that will include several necessities all in one convenient package.

The most important one is a first-aid kit. If an emergency strikes, you want to be prepared.

You should also purchase a basic tool kit. This doesn’t need to include much equipment. For a renter, starting out with a kit that includes a hammer, tape measure, screwdriver, and needle-nose pliers should suffice.

Landlords are typically responsible for addressing any major repairs or improvements that need to be made to an apartment. However, for smaller jobs, such as hanging up posters or curtains, you’re on your own. A beginner tool kit will help you perform these tasks.

Cleaning Supplies

You want your new place to be as neat and comfortable as possible. Of course, it’s a lot easier to be proactive about cleaning when you have the supplies you need immediately on hand. When you move in, make sure you bring a vacuum, something for mopping and sweeping up floors, multi-purpose cleaning sprays, a toilet scrubber, toilet cleaning solution, cleaning wipes, dish detergent, and laundry detergent. You might also need to pack stainless steel cleaner if your new apartment has any stainless steel surfaces.

Furnishings

You might assume you can put off buying some of these items. However, if you don’t make a point of buying them ahead of time, you might not get around to it right away. Your apartment won’t feel like home until you do.

That’s why you should also invest in furnishings now. If you’re on a budget, search for them at secondhand stores and Craigslist. As long as you thoroughly check for signs of bed bugs and wear and tear, this is an easy way to save money.

Having these items before you move is key to enjoying your first day at your first apartment. Remember, you could be relaxing, or you could be spending that time worrying because you forgot to bring certain essentials along. That’s a lot less likely to happen if you stick to this list.

Growing in Faith Through Christian Workshops

Biblical workshops and training programs can be a wonderful way to touch on matters of the heart. Learning from people with strong Christian faith can help ease the pain and loneliness that often go alongside poverty and other types of adversity. Christian workshops allow individuals to fellowship with others from similar circumstances and can help ease the feelings of discouragement, hopelessness, and powerlessness that are so damaging to anyone hoping to better their circumstances.

Christian-based workshops allow individuals to see themselves as God created them, strengthens and helps grow their faith, and provides them with the peace and comfort that Jesus can provide. These workshops also challenge many negative matters of the heart that hold people back. Working to rethink perceptions about yourself and others, dealing with pride and selfishness, and developing a humble spirit are all part of the process of becoming a warrior for Christ. While the process can be challenging, developing into the person God meant for you to be your reward.

Of course, matters of the heart are only one part of the process of developing into a strong and resilient Christian. In many areas, just having basic needs met is a challenge. Participating in and supporting programs that provide needed services such as food and water is a strengthening process for both the giver and the receiver.

Vocational training programs to teach women how to start and run their own businesses are another way Christ-centered programs can improve other's lives. With a source of income, these women become valuable, and valued, members of the community. Programs that provide start-up funds for these businesses, as well as training, is a gift to the entire community.

Whether someone is interested in taking part in a Christ-centered workshop, or giving or receiving aid, involvement in these programs provides a very real way to impact lives. While you may think you are too much of a sinner to have anything of value to offer, nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone has value, and through the work of Christ-centered programs, everyone can see their worth.

Announcing my online shop: Cym Heart Nature

Cym Heart Nature Store

Human Nature products I usually buy

I have been using Human Nature products for many years now. I still support this brand and some of its products, especially the feminine wash. 

Eight years ago, I reviewed it on this blog, link below. It looks different now, the packaging, but I still love it. It really prevents itchy discharge for me. (Sorry, TMI!)

Human Nature Feminine Wash

My hubby and I liked the smell of the Citrus Burst Sanitizer. I use it whenever we change our bedding, like a linen spray. I also carry a small version in my bag to clean my hands and the toilet seats in public restrooms.

The kids use the children's toothpaste in raspberry mint. This is a staple for us. Ever since I joined Human Nature as a dealer, I have always wanted them to make natural kids' toothpaste because I was worried my young ones would ingest chemical-laden teeth gels. My wish came true!

For our fur babies, a gentle shampoo made with coconut-derived cleansers and nutrient-rich plant extracts.

Recently, I opened my Online Dealer Shop, it's called Cym Heart Nature. If you wish to buy Human Nature products, kindly buy via my online store to support me. Click on my link, sign up/sign in and then shop. 

I would really appreciate it! 😍