My Personal Filofax Aston in Purple

Late last year, I really got into paper planners... again. I first started my love for paper planners when I was in grade school, although back then I used them more like a journal, writing down highlights of the day. When I was in college, I got a Tickles planner that is very similar to today's personal Filofax. Too bad Tickles discontinued their planner line. Anyway, in the advent of gadgets and technology, my paper planners were slowly overshadowed by digital planners, PDAs and eventually cell phones. 

Then while blog hopping, I came across a lady who had a paper planner and it was exactly what I wanted. I found out that the brand was Filofax. I really wanted a planner that wasn't limited as to number and arrangement of pages.  That is just what Filofax brings to the table, flexibility. 

Too bad, I couldn't find anybody in the Philippines who's selling Filofax Planners. Good thing I had a friend who is an online seller (Gmet Trading) and I ordered through her. Good thing also that when I went to the Filofax USA site, they were having a huge sale, I got my planner at 70% off because I later found out that they were discontinuing the Aston line. Too bad because it is actually made of good quality, supple leather. I got my planner (along with other Filofax accessories) after 3 weeks, in perfect condition. 

I also downloaded the free month on two pages from Limetree Fruits. I also bought the Leonie Dawson Printable Amazing Biz and Life Workbooks and Calendars.  I also watched loads of youtube videos and made my own laminated dividers. (yes, I bugged hubby into buying me a personal laminating machine just for this purpose) I was addicted for a while... a long while. Ok, I'm addicted until now! haha! I have since bought expensive leather planners and inexpensive cutesie ones and I love them all!

I must admit, my planners has helped me be more organized. Especially during times when I feel so overwhelmed with so many tasks to be done. Writing them down makes all the difference! Seeing them on paper gives me power over them, I get to label these tasks, I get to schedule them and the best part is that I get to cross them off once their done. It really helps unburden my mind!

So now just as the new year begins, I say thank you for paper planners! I will definitely continue using them in 2014!

Beauty Tips for Work-At- Home Moms

After years of yearning for it, it has finally happened. I have become a Work at Home Mom. It has its perks, but I discovered it’s not all roses either. Sure, I get to sleep in everyday, but I sleep real late too, depending on the projects I have to finish. This schedule wreaks havoc to my daily routine.  Often I get to take a bath at night instead of the usual morning.  With this kind of lifestyle, a mom can easily let herself go. It’s so easy to just tumble out of bed, fix breakfast for the hubby or the children, cook, clean, and work without even taking a peak in the mirror. What a big difference from my life back in the corporate world, where appearance is everything and work starts with a face fully made up and pulse points fragranced by perfume.

Being a work at home mom should not be an excuse to let one’s self go.  Here are some beauty tips for WAHMS like me.

Exercise. Being at home all the time opens you to the temptation of working right out of your kitchen, where all the snacks and goodies are found. Resist! And if you can’t, well just exercise. I try to hop on my elliptical trainer whenever I can. Operative word here is TRY…

Elliptical Trainer

Drink lots of water. You should always hydrate. So what if there’s no more water fountain in the corner to gossip in, you should still get your required 8 glasses of water. This will do wonders to your skin and your digestion. I use a Lock and Lock 750ml plastic bottle so I can monitor just how much water I’ve already consumed for the day.

Lock and Lock Water Bottle

Moisturize. All skin types are prone to dryness, yes even the oily types. Dryness is the biggest cause of wrinkles. ‘Nuff said. Moisturize! Twice a day, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to use sunblock as well. When I stepped into my 30’s, I started using Olay products, and now that I’m in my MID 30’s I’ve been pushed into liking the Olay Regenerist line.

 Use perfume or cologne.  Smelling good boosts confidence. So what if we’ve got nowhere else to go or meet for the day, spritz on some cologne and immediately feel the emotional boost it brings. I usually choose citrusy scents but lately I discovered this affordable scent from Bench: Purple by Kris Aquino. It is a Eau de Toilette at only P198 for a 30ml bottle. It smells girly and sweet. I love it!

I hope these tips help newbieWAHMs like me. Working at home is no excuse to be losyang.