Browsing Category:

ADVENTURE

In EXPAT LIFE on
June 26, 2018

My Playlist Currently – Morissette Amon

Who’s tired of hearing ABC’s and Wheels on the Bus?  [Hint: ME!]

I’m listening to the music of Morissette Amon lately especially her cover of Secret Love Song. 

The Voice Philippines

Read more

In EXPAT LIFE on
June 21, 2018

This Time Last Year

This time last year …

I quit my job of ten years. Left friends and colleagues who have been my daily companion for a big chunk of my expat life. I let go of my personal income. I turned my back to the corporate world.

This time last year …

I was pregnant and frantically packing for our long vacation in the Philippines. 

This Time Last Year

This time last year … 

I was very much looking forward to being a stay at home parent. I was excited to be spending so much time with my baby girl while waiting for the little boy to come out. I was thrilled at the thought of being there for my babies without having to think about the stresses of work. 

A year later…

So much has changed. We are back in Dubai. I am in a rut. I have so much time and yet I feel bored. I have my babies and they’re driving me insane. 

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE being their mommy and being present every day. 

I just feel that I lost a part of me in this process. I feel so limited. And this has exposed me to a lot of self-doubt and pity. I have been dipping in and out of my dark place. I know what I should do but I can’t seem to make myself do it (because, again — self-doubt and pity). 

This is Facebook’s fault. They shouldn’t have reminded me of this time last year. 😛

.

.

PS. Massive thanks to Mr. A for putting up with me and all my crap. You, sir, are a saint. Ok, not all the time but yeah … much love to you.

In EXPAT LIFE, FAMILY, WELLNESS on
June 10, 2017

On Oils and Why Essential Oils?

Oils

Oils are a part of most, if not every, Filipino household. Newborns are given Aciete de Alcamforado (Camphorated Oil) and Aciete de Manzanilla (Chamomile oil) for relief of minor discomforts brought on by colds, colic, etc. 

Growing up, we escalated to Efficascent Oil which is a blend of wintergreen, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus among others. This is used for almost everything — back pains, headaches, cramps, insect bites, sprains, gas, etc. 

The ultimate “Tita” accessory would be White Flower Oil which is again, a blend of several essential oils like menthol, wintergreen, camphor, lavender, eucalyptus, etc. I have a small bottle of this in my bag, in my car, in my office drawer… anywhere you can think of. It’s just something I love to use when I feel nauseous. 

Read more