The Perks and Downsides of Working Online {Freelance}

Nowadays, freelance work is becoming more and more popular. For those who are not familiar with freelance work, simply put, it's working online. Freelancers are individuals who are not committed for a long-period of time with an employer. Freelancers could be anybody - parents, students, professionals, you name it. There really isn't any qualification on who can and cannot be a freelancer. As long as you are capable to do the job that needs to get done, then you are good to go.

Online work has both its perks and downsides. As the saying goes, "You cannot have everything." If ever you are wondering whether or not to work online, then this might help you decide.

Let's start with the perks, shall we?

• Online work allows you to stay in the comforts of your home. If you are a single mom like me, you'll find this really a good option. I am very hands-on with my daughter. So, I like to work and be around her at the same time. Also means no transportation, saving you money. 
• Work anytime you want. Though, this not apply to every employer. But, most of the time, you can choose to work whenever you want, on the schedule and time you are available on, provided that you finish the tasks given. You can work on your spare time, just on weekends, whatever suits your schedule.
• You can have more than one employer. It does not matter how many employers you are working for, as long as you can handle the workload. Again, this depends as some employers require you to work full-time on the job. 
• You can quit the job easily. Unlike companies who require you to work for them for a certain number of months before you could resign and not have a bad record, freelance work allows you to resign whenever you need to. 
• You do not have to have a degree in college for you to be able to work. This is very much applicable for students who want to work part-time and don't want to commit fully to a company which could hinder them from studying.

And now, for the downsides.... 

• If it's your first time to look for a job online, you need an AWFUL lot of patience. It's tough to land a job and impress an employer you cannot see face to face. Unlike in a company where you are competing for a position with just a hundred or thousand people, with an online job, you are competing with millions of other people. It makes it more difficult when the other applicants have more experience working online already than you. 
• An employer an end the job any time they want. Since you have no long-term commitment, an employer can terminate your job any day, any time. This, I find, is the worst downside, because I could wake up with no job tomorrow, which is why I normally work for two employers always, to make sure I've got back-up when one lays me off. This could happen when an employer has nothing else for you to do or they've run out of budget to pay for your services. 
• You don't have medical or extra benefits like some company have. (Though oDesk have health benefits for those living in the states if I'm not mistake). We still have government organizations though that we could apply for, but definitely, the company won't have any extra benefits for you when you get sick or stuff like that. 

I may have missed out on some, but these are the few pros and cons I find when I work online. All I can say is you just have to be patient, and apply to as many jobs as you can. Start from the bottom, and work your way up. Chances are you'll find a really good employer that you can build a long-term relationship with. 

Good luck, and hope this helped in a way. ;)

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The Woes of a Single Mom

I know it's been a while, but for now, here is a collection of my current thoughts as Mother's Day is approaching.

By May 12th, Mother's Day, I am celebrating being a {single}mom for two years. It's really unbelievable that I've made it this far, but fulfilling and wonderful at the same time. For those who are new to my blog, or never knew, I've been a single mom ever since my BabyLove was born. She was born without a father in her life to start with. But, she is not loved any lesser than any child with both parents in their life.

Generally, we instantly know that being a single mom is tough. I am pretty sure that during my younger years, just the thought of raising a child alone scared me. Working to provide their needs, having to take all the responsibility, staying up late all night since there's no one else to take over your place even if you're dead-tired, and your little darling baby is crying and wants to be held in your arms. Yes, I've experienced falling asleep on the sofa, with my little BabyLove held tight in my arms, because my eyes couldn't stay awake any longer. But, not everybody know that it's more to that when you're a single mom.

In just 2 years, I've learned so much. Aside from the lessons on how to change diapers and give your baby a bath, I've learned that my little girl is always the top of my priority. I've always had a low tolerance with pain. A simple headache would instantly bother me, what more when I get excruciatingly painful migraines. Now, unless I have a migraine, a simple headache can't be a reason for me not to work, not to change BabyLove's diaper and everything else a mom needs to do. The same situation goes for when I get sick and suffer from colds and fever. Aside from that, there are many other lessons I have definitely learned, but for this to be less boring, I'll be moving on...

A lot may not know that raising a child can be emotionally draining (at least in my case). Raising a child alone is very different, in SO MANY ways, than raising them with a partner. Not a lot understand this, and honestly, not even family may understand EVERYTHING there is to being a single parent. Don't get me wrong, my family has been ever so supportive of me, helping me in any way they can, financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. But, then again, I grew up with a complete family, and Mama and Papa were hand in hand when it comes to raising us. Which makes it different from how I am raising BabyLove, as I am mostly the only one in-charge of raising her, and that part they may not still completely understand.

**Note: This is for every other single parent. And if you find that you relate to this part, know you are not alone. This applies to everyone else who "overlooked" our situation as a single mom**

• For times when a child of single parent gets on your nerves, try to hold it in. In my case, when I am doing chores or cooking, I couldn't watch my daughter at all times, it gets frustrating when anybody loses their patience, and tells her to come back to me. She'd come out crying, and I am frustrated whether I'd leave cooking or washing dishes. Because, if I do, lunch or dinner will be delayed.
  If only I could hire someone to do the watching or chores of me, I would. But, I am not financially able to hire someone to do these things. 
• For when you come in my room and find it messy, it does not mean I am neglecting it. After spending two hours of cleaning, it takes just 5 minutes for a toddler to get everything messy again. Trust me, it's more frustrating on my end, and there's nothing I could do but let it be for the meantime, as I also have to work, being a freelance worker and working online*.

*I choose to work online for 2 main reasons. One, I want to be hands-on with my BabyLove, as much as I can! Working online allows me to work and watch over her at the same time. Two, leaving her to a complete stranger scares me. Watching the news of nannies hurting children scares the HELL out of me! No way I am leaving her to some stranger, at least while my daughter isn't capable of relaying to me if she's been treated nicely or not.

I was always said to be a strong person. I am, but, no one knows of my silent cries (until now). I hate showing that I'm weak. I try to handle things as much as I can, because if I don't, I'm going to lose it, and I'm the only one BabyLove has to lean to. Sometimes, it just hits me hard, and normally, I'd do my crying when no one sees. 

And when I hit rock bottom, it's only Him who comforts me completely. He has never let me down. When I needed, He provided. When I was in extreme difficulty, I offered all my sufferings to Him. And for two years, I've always had my prayers answered. I've lost friends (LOTS of them) 'cause they never understood me. But, He made me understand that it wasn't a reason for me to give up. And, I always thank Him forgiving me such loving people around me, both family and relatives, and friends I could count on the fingers of my hands.

Sorry for such a length-y post. Sorry if it wasn't a well-written post that's "bestselling author"-worthy. LoL! I just wanted to take time to reflect and, hopefully, make people understand that it is TOUGH to be a single parent. But, it shouldn't be a reason to give up at all costs. I am happy to be enjoying all the love and happiness my daughter gives, and not having to share it. I get ALL of it! :)

To all single moms like myself, I salute you for being so great! 

To my Mama, thanks for everything! No words can completely explain how thankful I am for you. 

And for all the moms out there, Happy Mother's Day! :)

'Til my next post....

Cheers!

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I'm back with a Project! :D

Hello again all!

First of all, I want to greet everyone a Happy 2013! I hope the year is treating you well so far. :)

Anywho...

I've been away for a loooooooong time, again! I feel so bad that I have not been able to connect with my fellow bloggers anymore. :( And yet, I will strive to get back on my feet and maybe earn back the few little readers I have. No matter how little viewers I have, I still love 'em all so dearly!

I am starting the year with a brand new project which I have already posted on my craft blog! Yay! To see my Week 1 for Project Life, check out my post here. You can also join in the fun by creating your own Project Life page and adding a link to your blog post sharing your work! Let me know in the comments below if you need any more info to join in the fun. ;)

I will be definitely striving to update my blog as often as I can this year (it's kind of my New Year's resolution). :) I missed you all so much! Please don't hesitate to show me some love in the comments below if you have missed me. :P

Cheers!
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What Have I Missed?

I can't believe that I still haven't gone back to blogging regularly. =( Well, probably I got used to doing nothing because I used to be so loaded with work. So, now that I have so much time to spare, I end up just browsing the net, instead of updating my blog. Shame on me, indeed!

I have so much to catch up with. My Project Life plans, accepting another blog award I received months ago, and so many more I could not think of at the moment.

Hopefully, everybody else is doing perfectly fine. I sure will try to get back to regular blogging (I miss my blogging friends so much already!) and get back in the loop.

Have a wonderful start of the week, my dears!

Cheers!
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Mosquitoes, Be Gone!!!

Call me paranoid, but mosquitoes nowadays scare the crap out of me, mainly because of my fear of anyone in my family getting Dengue, especially my BabyLove. This was supposed to be a post for a while back already, but due to being too occupied with work, it's just now I got to post it. Haha!

See all the stuff I got just to make sure we are free from Mosquito bites! Hahaha! I am that Paranoid!

Mosquito Net  from SM Department Store (~P150)

Moski Shield Patches (for when BabyLove plays outside) and Baygon Mosquito Mats (for  sound sleep at night!)

Moski Shield Mosquito Repellent  Patch (P150 for a box of 4 packets, each packet has 6 patches, as seen in photo)

Baygon Mosquito Mats (I forgot how much the heater is, but refills only cost P60 for 30 mats)

Cheers!

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Lo, and Behold! I Just Received an Award!!!

I've just got back to the online world, and I was surprised to read in my email a comment I received on one of my posts. It was from Sarah, saying she nominated me for an award! And, I was like, "No way!", until I visited her blog and found that what she was saying was true. So, I am going to squeeze in a little bit of my time today before I continue doing my chores for this award post.

The award I am to receive is called the "Liebster Award". And, I was nominated by Sarah on her blog, Not On My Own Anymore. Liebster, according to Mr. Google, is a German word which means:

... sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

Who can earn the "Liebster Award"? Well, those qualified for the award are those blogs who have less than 200 followers. And, also, my way of thanking the bloggers I will be tagging for being so friendly to me! Now, that was why I was surprised. Never in my wildest thoughts did I expect to receive any award, especially having so little followers. But, this award just proves that anyone can really earn an award, no matter how many or how little their followers are.

Before I could receive the award (and also for those who I will be tagging later on through my post), there are rules that should be followed:

01)  Each person must list 11 things about themselves.

02)  Answer the 11 questions that the tagger has set for you PLUS you MUST create 11 questions of your own for the 11 people you will nominate with this award.

03)  Choose up to 11 bloggers linking them to your post.

04)  Go to their page and inform them of the nomination.

05)  Absolutely NO tags back. Remember to ONLY tag bloggers with less than 200 followers.

Pretty easy, right?

Without further ado, I will now start with 11 things about myself.

1. I am a caffeine addict. Haha! I love coffee in any form - hot, cold, iced, frappes, ice cream, you name it! 
2. I used to dance, and I still love dancing, and I hope that I get back to dancing. Hearing a beat makes me dance, instantly! Hahaha!
3. When I am home alone with my BabyLove, and I cook or do my hair or do my nails, I talk as if I am I am on a talk show! Hahaha *embarassed*
4. I am really close to my mom. She is my bestest friend! Hahaha! We love going out for a coffee date together, or just strolling around to de-stress!
5. Reading is one of my favorite things to do! When I have nothing to do, reading gets me by the boredom! 
6. I used to roller blade, and I still hope I could get back to it as soon as my BabyLove is old enough. :D Maybe we could do it together, then. :D
7. I love blogging (isn't it obvious? Haha!)
8. I am a very shallow person. I tear up when I laugh, and I find really shallow things funny. Just the thought of myself tearing up makes me smile. LoL
9. I am a proud single mom, working at home, and taking care of my BabyLove at the same time. I don't like the idea of having someone else watch over my little one while she is young. I don't want to come home one day and have to see my BabyLove choose the yaya over me.. Yikes!
10. For some reason, I love cartoon/comic characters who are lazy, such as Garfield and Snoopy. Hahaha! Me and Garfield have the something in common though, we both love Lasagna!
11. I love to multi-task! I could not settle doing just one thing. I could craft and do some projects on one hand, and chat and talk to friends on another, and do something else here or there. Haha!

Okay, so I am done with 11 things about me, I will now head on to the 11 Questions Sarah came up with for us to answer.

1. What do you love most about blogging ? Sharing my little thoughts and ideas with bloggers. Having others relate to my post, and knowing that even if bloggers are complete strangers in the real world, they are there to cheer up for you and keep pushing you, just like real friends and family do. Yes? :D
2. What was the first song or tune that you sang? Honestly, I do not remember. Haha! But, it must have been nursery rhymes. I remember listening to my cassette tapes of nursery rhymes back then. :P
3. What was the first gift that you have ever received? Hmmm. I am most certainly not sure as well! Hahaha! I guess some clothes from relatives? Hahaha!
4. What is one historical story in your family that you are most proud of? My Lolo was (if I am not mistaken) a guerilla during the "World War" days. My dad used to tell me stories about my Lolo (his dad), when one day the Japanese raided his home, accusing him of being a guerilla, because someone reported he was. Although he really was, he denied the fact and even urged them to search the house, in which my lola was worried. But, they decided not to search, believing my Lolo wasn't a guerilla. The reason my lola was worried was because she cleaned my Lolo's gun and did not put it back in its hiding place. Haha! It sure was a close one for them.
   Also, in history books, there was this man or boy who was said to wrap the Philippine flag around his body and jumped into the Pasig river to save it. My dad is not sure what book exactly, but he said it was my Lolo. So, that makes me proud!
5. When did you first learn to go home on your own? I remember that the first time I really went home by myself was when I was already in Grade 5. Haha! That is because from Kindergarten to Grade 4, I was either taken to and from school by service or my parents taking me. By Grade 5, after transferring to a public school, I had to go home on my own. xD
6. When did you first learn to live on your own? I have never lived on my own yet, but I soon am! :D Although it's not really away from my own home, I am having my own home-y space that we are having built
7. Who is your favorite author and why? J.K Rowling, because I love the Harry Potter Books! Hahaha
8. What is (are) your favorite  movie(s) that touched on  history or based on real life events ? I am trying hard to think of a movie, but nothing seems to pop into my head. I know there is one or two, but I am never good with impromptu questions. Haha. I will get back to this question when I finally remember the movie.
9. What do you do when you experience writer's block? I stare blankly into my screen for a couple of minutes. Haha! Then, I try to look into some of my interests, and come up with a post. 
10. What book or story that you will never get tired of reading? Harry Potter!!! Hahahaha!
11. What difficult decision had you done in your life that was worth it? Whether or not to work away from home. But, I decided to work at home, even without the support of a husband like every other parent has, even with a salary that just gets me and my BabyLove by. But, it sure is all worth it. Besides, there is a right time for everything. :)

Whew! That was a handful of questions! Now, I get to tag other people! Yay! So, the blogs I nominate are as follows:

1. http://lalahspartyofthree.blogspot.com/
2. http://www.krizza-homes.com/
3. http://www.randomxthoughts.com/
4. http://youngwifechronicles.blogspot.com
5. http://www.swirlsandscribbles.com/
6. http://www.heyladyspring.com/
7. http://www.pinaysinglemomsnook.info/
8. http://chemist9861.blogspot.com/
9. http://theworldofupsdowns.blogspot.com
10. http://www.mybabymystar.com/
11. http://stagemomandmore.blogspot.com

Never thought this post would take more than an hour to complete.. Hahaha! Okay, for the last part. The 11  *very random* questions for the blogs I tagged to answer:

1. What are your hobbies/interests?
2. What is your favorite food/cuisine? 
3. What movies do you watch over and over and OVER again, and you never get tired of it? 
4. How do you feel receiving an award like this? (I sure felt proud and giddy inside! :D)
5. Hot choco or hot coffee?
6. What is your pet peeve?
7. What is your "special" talent? Does not matter if it is extraordinary! :D
8. What is your favorite book/novel to read?
9. What is your favorite place to hangout with family or friends?
10. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
11. And lastly, what is your favorite color?

I told you, the questions are so random! Haha! I cannot think of anything else, and I am in my random mood right now! 

So, what are you guys waiting for? Go ahead and receive this award by following the rules, and display the award proudly on your blog! (I am going to right now!!! Weeee! Hahaha!)

Cheers!
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Getting Sick and Catching Up

Hey all!

How is everyone doing? Well, I hope everyone else is fine. As for me, for the past 2 days, I wasn't feeling really well. I caught colds and had fever the other day. As for yesterday, my body is really aching because of all the coughing and my body fighting off the virus or whatever! Haha

Because of that, I have missed a lot. I missed some precious hours of work, missed out on replying to comments, and haven't got to finish up the CommEx. I really feel bad about it, but I think getting better is much more important, especially because my BabyLove needs more attention than I do.

Thankfully, I am feeling a lot better now. Just drinking a lot of water and resting the whole day made me feel so much better. I will surely catch up with comments, and suffer for this week for not being able to make the list on the CommEx. But, that's okay. What's 1 week, right? :D I will surely comment on all the blogs listed for this week and be included again next week! Yay!

I will also start updating again on my Project Life plan. :D

Well, gotta go for now. I have to catch up with work (and BabyLove is starting to make tantrums and taking my hand off the keyboard. Haha).

Stay healthy everyone!

Cheers!
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'Project Life 2013' Sign Up Form

Hiya guys!

I just updated my craft blog here! For those who have shown interest, thank you so much! I so look forward to linking up with you guys!

For craft newbies or would like to join in the link ups but are hesitant because you think you can't, well, I hope I can change your mind. Simply head on to my blog post and see that anyone can really do it. Believe me, I am an amateur myself. ;)

And, I was thinking of coming up with free journaling card printables for you guys that you could use for Project Life, something similar to Becky Higgins' core kit on her site (see photo below). I hope this encourages others to join in! All there's left to do is just print, cut, and journal away!

To see more samples of the core kits, visit this link.

So, for those interested to sign up, please click here to log in your details so that I can start planning it out and get everything ready. You see, I am really excited! Haha!

Cheers!
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The Start of 'Ber Months

Hiya all!

How are you all doing on the 1st day of the 'ber months? As for me, as family tradition, I played Christmas songs as loud as we could endure! Haha!

Well, aside from singing along my fave Christmas songs, I am currently planning out the invites for my grandma's (lola's) 75th birthday. I am in charge of the invites, so right now, I am starting to plan out the design for the invites.

Since it's a 75th birthday, I think that already is a diamond birthday. Somewhat like the weddings, but we adapted it for her birthday. So, our theme would be mainly baby/light blue and silver.

Below are the inspirations I got for the invites I would be making which I saved to my Pinterest. I will then post photos of my completed samples once I finish. :D

Source: weddinginvitations21.com via Marielle on Pinteres

Photo above will be on the center of my invite, with "75" in place of "Wedding Invitation" shown above. I would probably be making the background in silver, and the numbers, ribbons and butterflies will remain as white.

Source: easymadeinvitations.com via Marielle on Pinterest

And, photo above will be where the birthday details will be such as place, time and date, etc...

I am pretty much excited of what I will be able to come up with! :D Let's see how this goes. Let the creative juices start flowing! :D

Cheers!
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Getting Crafty: "Project Life" Scrapbook + Project Idea for 2013

Hiya all...

How is everyone doing? I've heard in the news and from fellow bloggers that during this rainy season, a lot are getting dengue and on the news, leptospirosis. I hope everyone is doing well and hope you don't catch these life endangering diseases.

So, anyways...

This is for all my fellow bloggers who are also into crafts as well, or would want to venture into crafts. While working, I came across this craft project which I thought was a great idea! It's called "Project Life". What makes up Project Life? Well, it's somewhat like a scrapbook diary in which you add entries for every week that has passed, and categorizing them by week number. For example, Week 1 would run from January 1 to January 7, then week 2 would include events which occurred between January 8 to January 14, and so on.

Well, when I searched the internet, Project Life is somewhat like a brand, although I've been trying to look for any info if this is a copyrighted title/brand. Anyways, I actually will be making my own from scratch, or atleast get the supplies myself instead of getting the kit, which Project Life is actually all about. They have these kits that gets you started, which is actually perfect for those who do no have time to craft or aren't gifted with creativity or the likes.

Below are some pics of how Project Life looks like and ideas on how you could use Project Life:

Picture a Day.  Take a picture on each of the 365 days this year. Some pictures will illustrate bigger moments and some shots will be routine stuff in your life. It all adds up to paint the full picture of your life right now. (Source: Becky Higgins)

All About Me. Whether you are an adult or a child or teenager, you focus completely on what makes up your life (what you wear, what you eat, what you love, where you go, who you hang out with, where you work, why you do what you do). (Source:  Becky Higgins)

All About You. All the focus is on your child or other loved one. Include their favorites, their hobbies, their friends, their schoolwork. Snap pictures inside their car and even dresser drawers. Capture them texting, brushing their teeth, and facebooking.  (Source:  Becky Higgins)

All Time Favorite Photos. Pack the album full of your favorite pictures, whether they're ones passed down to you from your grandparents or the snapshot you just took this week.  (Source:  Becky Higgins)  

Family Journal. The whole family is involved in Project Life and contributes their pictures & journaling to the album. Leave the camera accessible to all. Even if it means your three-year-old is taking pictures of the toilet. What a great way to capture everyone's perspective! You could even set up a schedule so that you take turns for each day or week or month.  (Source:  Becky Higgins) 

Month-by-Month Review. Showcase your favorite highlights and photos a month at a time, whether you do this with one layout or more. Not quite as vigorous as the Picture-a-Day concept, yet still captures so much of your life right now. This is also a great way to go back and do last year or any year if you're trying to "catch up" on scrapbooking.  (Source:  Becky Higgins)  

Baby's First Year. Document that year with the most growth in a human life. Capture your baby's highlights and milestones as well as the routine feedings, diaper changes, and outings. (Source:  Becky Higgins)   

Weekly or Monthly Theme. Pick a topic to focus on each week or month. For example, one week might be pictures at work, another week might be errands, another might be clothes you wear, and then food you eat, and then technology you love, etc.  (Source:  Becky Higgins)    

Other Ideas:

• Family Circle Journal. Combine efforts with your extended family, having each person or family take responsibility for a layout or a handful of layouts. Put it all together in one Project Life album and you have an awesome gift for grandparents!

• Self-Portrait. Self-explanatory. A picture of you doing something every day of the year.

• Home Sweet Home. Focus on every little detail of the place you call home, inside and out.

• Smorgasbord. Your Project Life album can be a melting pot for several different approaches mentioned in this section. Don't be afraid to mix it up! When it's all said and done, it's still a defining snapshot of your life.

• Pregnancy. Capture one of the most miraculous chapters of your life. The doctor appointments, nesting, anxiety, shopping, aches and pains. Document it all along the way.

For supplies on how to start your own "Project Life", I will be posting on my craft blog, Thrifty Crafty Things, so make sure to check that out. 

As for the "Idea" I am talking about in my post's title, I am thinking of teaming or linking up with fellow bloggers who'd like to do the project with me. I am starting one next year, starting Week 1 of the year 2013. So, I thought, "Why not team up and link with other bloggers who are into crafts and would like to do the project as well?" What do you think? As long as someone is willing to do it with me, no matter how little the participants are, it is no problem. 

The concept of my idea is mainly, we complete our Project Life scrapbooks on a weekly basis, and then, we feature them on our blogs, then link up with each other so that our readers could see our works by hopping from one blog to another. This would be great for readers I may have that one may not have. So, more readers get drawn to other blogs (if I am making any sense). 

So, let me know what you fellow crafters think. Don't get me wrong, though! ANYONE can join. No matter how simple the project you come up with is, it is no problem. I just thought it would be great to share each other's ideas and works. So, please, please, PLEASE contact me if you are interested so that I could sketch out a plan. ;)

That's it for now. :) Hope you all have a wonderful day...

Cheers!
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