charmed life♥: August 2022

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

My first Google Adsense Payment♥

source: Google.com

When you reach the Google Adsense threshold (in my case) here in the Philippines it's $100.00, you are now eligible for payment. Keep in mind that your account should be verified first before you can receive payment. To be verified you will receive a Google Adsense Pin which will be sent to you by postal mail within 2 to 4 weeks. It took a month before I received mine because of the pandemic, I entered it as soon as I got it (Pin validity is 4 months from the date your pin was generated and if you don't update your account your ads will stop showing). After entering the pin and verfying my account I added my bank information where the payment will be sent. Before you can choose whether to receive it via Western Union but now payouts are sent by wire transfer to your bank. For me, I think it's more convenient.

How to add your bank information:

Log in to your Google Adsense account
Click on PAYMENTS
Then go to "How to get paid", and click on Manage payment methods
You can now add a payment method, be sure you will input correct information. The bank account must be under your name, you also need the your bank's swift code which you can find online.

My actual receipt: you can print it from your Google Adsense Account

Adsense payments are done every 21st of the month. I reached my $100.00 in July so by August 21, it will be automatically sent to my bank account. (But since my total earnings in July was $101.17 they transferred the whole amount - you can view this on the payment section of your Google Adsense account). According to Google Adsense Help, you need to wait up to seven business days for the payment to be reflected to your bank account. Fortunately, it was credited right away: August 22 after lunch (since August 21 fell on a Sunday). I don't know if it has something to do with what bank I added but I used my Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) account as my withdrawal account. The amount credited was net of 7% bank charge.

I am sharing this not to brag but to inspire those who wants to earn extra income. It feels good to sow the fruits of your labor. Been blogging for more than 10 years, I never thought that I could earn something from it.

Hope this post will inspire you...

xo,

Chiq♥

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Review: One/Size Turn up the Base Versatile Powder foundation♥

source: Sephora.com

For those who is not familiar with this make up line, it's owned by Patrick Starrr. Patrick Starrr is a Fil-American make up artist who recently launched his own make up brand. Honestly, I have learned about this brand through the vlog of Small Laude, when she had a collaboration with Patrick Starrr.

I admit (super curious) really wanted to try it. I have tried American make up brands like Clinique and Colour pop and they did not disappoint. So why not try One/Size to support a fellow Filipino.

One/Size is available in Sephora Philippines online: One/Size on Sephora PH. Since I have a hard time sourcing Clinique Super powder double in Matte Honey, I decided to try it's powder foundation. What's good about the Sephora website they can help you find your shade. To find your matching shade: just choose the brand, product and shade. In my case, I chose my favorite Clinique shade - and the best match is One/Size Turn up the Base Versatile powder foundation in Medium Dark 2 (NR) - medium tan shade in neutral rosy undertones.

I did not purchase the powder here because that time my cousin is in the US so I asked her to buy it for me. By the way, in Sephora it costs P2,100.00 in the US it's at $31.00.

I really love the compact! The glossy metallic red is a bomb! When I got it out from the box I was really mesmerized.

The powder is very light and smooth. It is buildable and blends seamlessly. Aside from that it's long lasting - I need not retouch my powder when I wear it for work. The only downside was it does not come with a puff, so if you want to bring the compact in your purse you need to bring your fluffy brush or puff.

To see the comparison between the Clinique Super powder double face in Matte Honey vs One/Size Turn up the Base Versatile Powder Foundation in Medium Dark 2 (NR).

Verdict: It's a good alternative for my favorite powder. If you ask me if I will purchase again? Yes, I will. I give it ♥♥♥♥.5 hearts (out of 5).

xo,

Chiq♥

***This is not a sponsored post

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Menopause and weight gain♥

source: google (ctto)

Have you experienced fitting your favorite outfit and it does not fit anymore? Or your clothes size started from Small and now you are either Large or Extra Large. It's really depressing, right?!

As people get older, based on my personal experience maintaining our usual weight becomes really difficult i.e., even if we don't really change our eating habits. Honestly this had brought me a lot of stress and anxiety especially when I turned 50 last January. Yes, I am aware that weight gain as we grow old is inevitable but let's face it this really affects us. Especially when someone comes up to you and tell you: "Uy, ang taba mo!" (Hey, you gained weight!) Things we don't really want to hear, especially when you are in your peri menopause or menopause because women are more sensitive during this stage in their lives.

I exercise regularly, walk and use stairs instead of using the elevator and the escalators at work... I am always on the go and moving. As much as possible I watch what I eat, yes I am guilty of stress eating during the pandemic but I tried to do Zumba almost everyday during the lockdown: but still had problems with my weight especially around my abdomen. Aside from aging, hormonal changes (for women) also cause weight gain.

What causes this aside from aging and hormonal changes?

According to the some of the things a read about weight gain at menopause :

Genetic factors also play a vital role in weight gain. If your parents or relatives carry extra weight around the abdomen, you are most likely to have it.

Another factor is your lifestyle: if you don't exercise regularly, unhealthy eating and not having enough sleep. Not having enough sleep will make us feel tired and we tend to snack more which results from more calorie intake.

What should we do?

Exercise or Physical activity - we need to move more... as what I have said earlier walk and use the stairs. Instead of just lying down when your at home find something to do. Let's work it, girl!
Watching what you eat - Eating less really helps in losing weight. And eating more vegetables or plant based meals can help us lose excess pounds. Avoid snacking in between meals and try using a smaller plate this will help you control your portions. Eating less does not mean depriving yourself completely. You can eat red meat like steak, chicken thigh but in limited quantities.
Limit your sweets - We all know that sugar is one of the things that contribute to weight gain. I am sometimes guilty of this. I am not into cakes, chocolates, ice creams and other sweet desserts. The problem with me is that I love sweet drinks. At the moment I tried limiting it and do it on weekends.
Limit Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages also add excess calories to your diet. Lucky me, I don't drink alcohol.
Seek help and support from friends, family and relatives to help you cope with this lifestyle changes.

Losing excess pounds requires commitment, self control and patience. Let's do this together for a better and healthier middle aged women like us.

xo,

Chiq♥

Wednesday, August 03, 2022

Mobile phone bag trend♥

Small or tiny bags are not new... Last year I also wrote about mini bags but this time one of the hottest trends this year is none other than the mobile phone bag. Small bag but more functional, one that does not only fit your mobile phones but you can also your car key's, credit/bank cards and a lippy. These bags are great for traveling.

Here are some functional tiny bags for the budget conscious and to those who are into luxury ones: