Glamour Moments

  Nestled in the heart of Manila, Quiapo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, stands as a testament to the profound faith and rich history of the Filipino people. Beyond its impressive Baroque architecture, the church serves as a focal point of devotion, particularly for the miraculous Black Nazarene statue that it houses. The Black Nazarene, an ebony statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, has a storied history. Originally sculpted in Mexico and transported to the Philippines in the 17th century, it has survived fires, earthquakes, and wars. Many believe it to be miraculous. Every January 9th, millions gather for the Traslacion, a grand procession where the statue is paraded through the streets of Manila. Devotees brave the crowded streets, some walking barefoot as a form of penance and gratitude, hoping to touch the statue or the rope used to pull its carriage, believing it can bring healing and blessings. Quiapo Church itself, officially inaugurated...

 Winter in Chicago can be harsh, but it’s also one of the most magical times of the year. The city comes alive with holiday cheer, winter sports, and cozy indoor activities that make the cold weather worth braving. Here’s what you can expect during a winter visit to Chicago. The first thing you’ll notice is the chill in the air. Temperatures can drop below freezing, so it’s important to dress in warm layers and bring a heavy coat, hat, and gloves. But don’t let the cold weather deter you from exploring the city. The Bean/ Millennium Park in Chicago One of the most iconic winter activities in Chicago is ice skating in Millennium Park. The ice rink is open from November through March, and offers stunning views of the city skyline as you glide across the ice. You can rent skates at the rink, or bring your own. Another popular winter attraction is the Christkindlmarket, a German-inspired holiday market that takes over Daley Plaza. The market features vendors selling handmade crafts, f...

  Many people experience unexpected feelings during the transitions that often occur in midlife. Although some of these emotions may be uncomfortable, you can think of them as a flag waving to get your attention. Midlife is a wonderful time to re-evaluate your values and priorities and determine which situations in your life are serving you well, and which ones need to be changed. You might not have the same goals at age 50 as you did 25 years ago. Image courtesy of Unsplash . Think of it as an opportunity You may experience doubt and discomfort with the life you currently are living. Take a pause and think about the things that matter to you most. Does your daily schedule reflect these priorities? If not, how can you bring it more in line? Now is the time to try new things and set new goals . Is there a hobby you’ve been curious about? Sign up for a class. Learning something new, whether it’s badminton, calligraphy, genealogy or something else can have many beneficial effects . ...

  Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels The current pandemic has affected everyone in one way or another but seems especially hard-hitting for women. This is because women tend to take on the majority of the household chores and child care concerns and have been attempting to balance working remotely with their other responsibilities. One study found that one-quarter of women are considering leaving the workforce this year. Further, about 1.7% of women have left their jobs since the start of the pandemic.   If you are one such woman experiencing a pandemic-induced slump, never fear. Today, Glamour Moments is here to offer a few simple tips for getting back on track and living your best life.   Ask for Help If you feel overwhelmed juggling children and chores, consider asking for help. Even if you have left your job or were staying home with your kids pre-pandemic, you may feel overwhelmed with the constant responsibilities. Take breaks when you can and ask your pa...

  Image via Pexels You get the most out of life when you look and feel like a winner. Simple adjustments can help you perform at your peak and look like a million bucks.   Sharpen Your Mind It's never been easier to educate yourself on the cheap or for free. According to one study, self-made millionaires read two or more books every month. Find a book-of-the-month club or another subscription service that recommends inspiring titles. If you don't want to pay for a service, there's always your local library. Give yourself extra motivation to keep up with your reading by joining a book club focused on self-improvement and self-care.   Another way to improve your mental skills is to pick up a new hobby. Go on YouTube for free lessons on numerous topics. For example, try learning to play an instrument . Or maybe you can pick up tips on gardening or woodworking . Test out a new skill and have fun with it.   Upgrade Your Diet and Exercise Program The axiom...

  When you aren’t passionate about your profession, it can take a toll not only on your work but your mental health as well. If you feel your lack of love for your job is negatively impacting your broader life, it may be time to shift gears and change careers. Luckily, there are many viable options out there for someone looking to make a switch. Make sure to explore the Glamour Moments blog for more personal and career insights like the following! Image via Pexels Determining What You Should Be Doing It won’t help to go from one job you’ve lost enthusiasm for to another you dislike, so determine what kind of career path you’d like to pursue. Maybe you have a hobby that you would love to turn into a full-time business or there’s a degree you always dreamed of pursuing but never did. Consider what issues you have with your current position, what it does and doesn’t work for you, and let those things help you decide on a career path that may reignite your passion and bring you sati...

I'm looking for quarters for laundry so I thought it'll be a good idea to start searching from my coinbank and coin purses. There's a coin shortage in United States since the pandemic because people don't go out and shop or pay thru cash so some business establishments are offering to exchange your coins.  I only go out once on a weekend to go grocery shopping for my weekly essentials. I knew there's a Coinstar machine at Jewel-Osco so I decided to go there and brought my coins.  1. You have to select which method you would like to get paid: Cash, E-giftcard, donate it to charity or buy Bitcoins from the machine! 2. After confirming, pour the coins to the machine. Rejected coins are coming out at the bottom so you can pick up again and throw it again.  3. Once all coins went inside the machine, select "you're done" with the transaction and receipt will be issued from the machine. 4. Go to the nearest cashier to exchange it for cash. Then you're all...

On our 50th day of self-quarantine and stay at home order in United States. I'm currently working from home and went outside 3x since March 15 when stay at home order was implemented. I've created a short video clip on my daily life and stuff that I did during those days. Nothing much to detail, more on eating! Just to remind everyone to continue practice social distancing, wash your hands, sanitize and call your health provider if you're not feeling well (don't go outside). I went to my doctor appointment on April and there were very strict when I called to schedule my visit. They asked first how are you feeling and some questions related to symptoms of Covid-19. They also asked if someone in the family is sick or if you have been exposed to someone who has been tested positive. When I entered the front entrance of the clinic, there were nurses standing by. I registered my name and they took my temperature. Upon entering the counter to check in, it took me like few...

If you’re unhappy with your 9-to-5, you may be tempted to leave the workforce and pursue the path of entrepreneurship. No one can deny that being your own boss is an attractive idea! But quitting your day job and launching a business can be risky. What if things don’t work out? Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your full-time gig to start a business of your own—this is typically a bad idea anyway. Start with a side hustle and see where it takes you! Check out these tips for starting a business on a tight schedule and setting yourself up for scaleable growth in the future. Photo via Unsplash Build Your Side Hustle As you consider side hustle ideas, think of the things you love to do. Passion will give you the motivation you need to plug away at your side business during your time off from work. For example, if you love animals, starting a dog-sitting business can be a great way to make a living while dipping your toe in the business world. You could even board pets in...

If the idea of self-care seems like little more than a dream, you are not alone. Millions of us struggle to take care of our own needs while spending time and money managing those of others. However, it is time to stop and, more importantly, to shift the focus to ourselves. You do not have to drain your bank account to engage in a bit of self-care. It starts with doing something just for yourself each day and then building on positive habits. Image via  Pexels Time is valuable Your most valuable asset is time. Make a point of using it wisely. If you have vacation time at work, for example, use it before you lose it. This does not mean that you have to roam around the country or bask on the beach for weeks. You can put your time to good use by sticking close to home. What’s important is that you break your routine to give your mind time to rest and reset. Chicago is the third-largest city in the US and, as such, has more than enough activities and events to hold your in...

The main push in today’s climate is for people to be faster, more responsive, and efficient. Employees are working longer hours in order to achieve their department goals at work, though recent studies suggest that people actually become less efficient after a certain number of work hours. So, in a world that is zipping by, how do you make time for self-care? Here we’ll touch on some basic areas you may be overlooking that could vastly benefit your mental health. Managing Your Sleep Our sleep needs change as we age, so it is important to ensure that you are getting enough rest. According to Tuck, adults ages 18 and over need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. The benefits of sleep are well documented and include improvement in memory, increased productivity, better heart health, and a stronger immune system. In fact, studies have found that a lack of sleep can age your brain, make you more forgetful and increase your risk of dementia by as much as 33 percent! Ma...

Image by Pixabay Here's some food for thought: imagine that all the positive qualities people crave, such as confidence, serenity, and self-esteem, were like nourishment. You could make them part of your personality by doing nothing more than eating. Sound crazy? It's not. It's   science. Your dietary choices can either help you feel better or drive you into the doldrums. Here's why: Your brain uses a chemical called  serotonin to regulate your mood. Too little serotonin can make you anxious, depressed, or even suicidal. Antidepressant medicines can help your body to use serotonin more effectively, but they can't teach your body to make more of this vital brain chemical. Your intestinal tract, not your brain, makes most of your serotonin. But, for it to do so, your gut needs the help of healthy foods, especially those that encourage the growth of beneficial organisms in your digestive system. Nutritionists and researchers refer to these foods as p...

An estimated 30 percent of the global population is obese. It’s no wonder why most of us want to get healthier. Cardiovascular disease causes one in three deaths in America, with cancer a close second. Although you can’t change your genetic predisposition for these diseases, simple lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce your risk factors and improve your health. Photo courtesy of Unsplash If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to health and fitness, don’t worry. These simple, daily strategies can help you get healthier from head to toe: Healthcare and Insurance To stay healthy, it’s crucial to follow doctors’ orders and keep appointments like health screenings or annual checkups. Especially as we age, we must keep our health care in check to prevent conditions from progressing. Health insurance helps cover the costs of doctor visits, medications, and any necessary procedures. Although you might have to pay a monthly premium, having a healthier body...