Naghahanap ka ba ng mga small business ideas? Marahil ay naisip mo nang magbukas ng iyong sari-sari store, isa sa mga pinaka popular at patok na small business sa Pilipinas. O baka naman mas interisado ka na magbukas ng e-load business na talaga namang on the rise ngayon kahit saan.

If you’re torn between opening an e-load business and a sari-sari store, here are some of the things that you may want to consider.

1.    E-Load Business: Pagpasok sa Mundo ng Online Load Selling
Ano nga ba ang E-load business? Traditionally, an E-load business involves selling electronic load from telecommunication companies (Smart, Globe, atbp) to a user’s cellphone. Isa ito sa mga tanyag na small business ideas noong early 2000s.

Ngayon, malaki na rin ang pinagbago ng E-loading business scene. Hindi na lamang pang-text o pantawag ang maaari mong ibenta sa iyong mga customer. Nariyan na ang mga online credits sa mga e-wallet (Paymaya, Globe, ShopeePay), surfing and data load para sa mga on the go na customer, at pati na rin ang mga game credits.

2.    Bakit convenient ang E-load business?
The best part about E-load business is its low overhead and maintenance costs. Kailangan mo lamang ang iyong cellphone at load credits and you’re ready to go. Hindi naman maikakaila na halos lahat satin ay mayroong cellphone na capable na ng internet connection.

Hindi mo rin kailangan ng malaking physical space to start your E-load business. A simple tarpaulin or poster outside your house is enough to let your neighbors and potential customers know that you have an E-load business. 

3.    Sari-Sari Store: Tradisyonal na Negosyo sa Komunidad
Ang sari-sari store ang pinaka popular na small business sa Pilipinas. Hindi lang ito paraan para kumita, parte na rin ito ng kulturang Pilipino. Pero ano nga ba ang dahilan kung bakit sobrang sikat na small business idea ang isang sari-sari store?

Hindi ka mawawalan ng customers sa sari-sari store. Dahil basic needs and commodities ang iyong produkto, lagi kang magkakaroon ng common customers na talagang bibili at mangangailangan ng iyong mga paninda.

Ang puhunan sa pagsisimula ng isang sari-sari store can range anywhere from 5,000 Pesos to 10,000 Pesos, depende sa kung gaano kalaki ang gusto mong tindahan at kung gaano karaming stock ang gusto mong simulan.

4.    Bakit convenient ang sari-sari store?
Malaki ang safety net ng isang sari-sari store. The best part of having a sari-sari store is that it can double as your source of necessities. Kung mayroon mang produkto na hindi mabenta o hindi kasing patok sa ibang mga produkto, maaari niyo parin itong mapakinabangan sa bahay.

Hindi mo rin kailangan lumayo para magsimula ng sari-sari store. If you find a small corner or a window at your home that can be turned into a store, that is all you need for a physical space.

5.    E-load Business VS Sari-sari store: Alin ang Mas Bagay para sa'yo?
Nakadepende ang pagpapasiya kung gaano kalaki ang iyong puhunan. Tandaan na maaaring mas malaking puhunan ang kailanganin mo sa isang sari-sari store. Mayroon ring overhead costs sa isang sari-sari store, dahil kailangan mo mag-set up ng iyong tindahan, kasama na dito ang mga shelves at iba pang signages para sa iyong sari-sari store.

Ang e-load business ay mas safe at mas maliit ang kinakailangang puhunan, ngunit maaari ring mas maliit ang return of investment nito kumpara sa sari-sari store. Mas maganda ang e-load business kung hindi ito ang iyong primary source of income at gagawin mo lamang sideline or secondary source of income.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

  NEW Lounge launches the ICON Lash Essence, 

a powerful lash serum for fuller, stronger and healthier lashes.

Manila, Philippines. Consistently elevating the beauty lash game, NEW Lounge, the country's leading eyelash and nails beauty service, launches the foremost lash serum for longer, thicker, darker and stronger lashes, the ICON Lash Essence. Made by industry experts from Japan who specialize in scalp hair restoration and eyelash growth, this product is absolutely perfect to use with eyelash extensions. It comes from a team of professionals renowned to create highly effective products that guarantee only the maximum quality to address every Lash Doll’s lash care needs.

The serum is notably curated with a unique blend of ingredients specifically designed to promote lash growth and healthy natural lashes. It has Aphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharides that retains moisture for that amazing plump and Acetyltetrapeptide-3 that has extremely strong cell repairing properties for ultra stout strands. 

It is lightweight, odor free, colorless and non-sticky, there will be absolutely no traces left after every application. When used daily, with a gentle stroke on the lash line from the inner corners to the outer corners of the eye, results can be expected within 4-8 weeks. 

Apply twice a day, in the morning and night after cleansing skin, to achieve fuller natural lashes that can strongly hold lash extensions day in and out. It is made with NO oil-based ingredients that can compromise the eyelash glue’s bonding properties and is excellent for use while wearing NEW Lounge’s premium eyelash extensions. 

Staying true to the brand’s core principle of providing only the safest products, the lash essence is hypoallergenic, non-irritating and is formulated without any harmful ingredients. It is 100% safe for the eyes and guarantees that it will not cause any fall offs when used with the brand’s signature lash extensions. What makes it even better is that it can be used to grow healthier eyebrows too.

“We will never stop evolving, to be able to give only the best for our loyal Lash Dolls” says Rachelle Bravo, President & CEO of NEW Lounge As the premiere lash authority in the Philippines, NEW Lounge is committed to provide the most exceptional and upscale products to advance the market’s never ending demand for first-rate beauty services in the country.

The ICON Lash Essence is exclusively available at all NEW Lounge PH branches nationwide and through mobile services. To know more about the product, visit their website at www.newloungeph.com or check out their social media sites: NEW Lounge on Facebook and @NewLounge.ph on Instagram.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

A couple of months back, I shared with you in my Instagram, some new skincare that I was trying from @kamedisph. Since I have now completely used up all the products it's time to share my honest review and overall experience of the products.

Pronounced as (Kuh me dis) which means innovative medicine. Kamedis discovered the most effective synergistic combinations, incorporating the advancements of modern science, through extensive and diligent research in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

They are SLS Free, Paraben Free, Steriods Free & Dyes Free. They are also Cruelty Free since they do not test on animals.

The Kamedis AC-Clear Breakout Kit comes with their face cleanser, face cream and spot treatment. However, I wasn't able to try their spot treatment but their face mask instead.

Like most industries, the beauty industry is ever-changing and has since transformed, integrating high-technology advancements into its products to provide consumers a more personalized experience.

Launched last August 2021, Y.O.U Beauty which stands for “Youthful. Outstanding. Unique” is an international brand from HEBE Beauty Cosmetics Inc. that was introduced in the Philippine market, upholding its brand philosophy “Long-Lasting Beauty”. The brand develops products based on the needs of the market to address each person’s beauty needs, providing them with accessible luxury products in a fraction of price.

In less than two years in the Philippine market, Y.O.U Beauty (the brand and its products) bagged multiple awards from different media publications, social media platforms, and recently in one of the most promising, leading O+O (offline plus online) health, wellness and beauty retailers in Asia – Watsons, that is also available in other formats SM Beauty and Look.

Last May 12, 2023, Watsons staged its annual HWB Awards in Shangri-La The Fort, Manila where they recognized and awarded select health, wellness, and beauty brands in the country. During this event, Watsons Philippines honored partners and suppliers who have shown passion in delivering the best products and services to its consumers, yet again showcasing their expertise as a clear skin market leader in key beauty categories in the Philippines.

In this recently-concluded awarding, Y.O.U Beauty was nominated in different categories, and was able to score a special award for, “Cosmetic Brand Of The Year For The Eyes” and two major awards, “Most Successful New Brand Of The Year” and a new category on the roster, “Game Changer of The Year”, making Y.O.U Beauty the first-ever brand to be recognized with this award.

While the brand recognizes that these milestones are merely the beginning of creating something worthwhile, they are a source of inspiration that drives Y.O.U Beauty and the entirety of its team to progress as a brand that provides long-lasting beauty in all the years to come.

Shop the product range by visiting all Watsons, SM Store or online through watsons.com.ph and the Watsons App.

ABOUT Y.O.U BEAUTY

Y.O.U Beauty is an international beauty brand from HEBE Beauty Group. Upholding the brand philosophy of “Long-Lasting Beauty”, Y.O.U Beauty is committed to providing every individual accessible beauty with advanced technology, inspiring them to keep an exquisite attitude, blooming their long-lasting beauty from within. With a presence in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and other markets across the world, Y.O.U Beauty understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them across a product portfolio featuring makeup, skincare, body care, and beauty tools. For more information please visit: https://youofficial.com/

FIND OUT MORE
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/youbeautyph/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/youbeauty_ph/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@youbeautyphilippines
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@youbeauty_ph/

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

If you are having friends and family over for dinner then this is great, but that being said, you do need to make sure that you put in the work to make sure that it’s a success. This is easier said than done, but with these tips, you can drastically improve your chances of pulling off your next dinner party. 

Stick with Recipes you Know Well

Unless you thrive under pressure, you need to stick with recipes that you know very well. It may be that you have a favourite lasagne or that you have an enchilada recipe that you swear by. If you have a meal you know you are good at then this will help you out a lot when the time comes for you to host. If possible, you need to make sure that you choose something that doubles well too. It may be that you cook a soup, casserole or even a jambalaya. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier for you to get the result you want.

Consider Dishes You Can Make Ahead

If you want to take some of the pressure off yourself and if you want to make time to enjoy the evening that you are planning, then one thing you can do is try and pick a recipe or two that you can make ahead of time. You can even use a slow cooker if you want. Meatballs can be simmering away in the crock pot, and you can also serve a variety of cheeses and rolls for dessert. If you do this, then you will have way more time to mingle with your guests and this is a great way for you to relax and unwind between courses. If you want to make sure that you get the timing just right then one thing you can do is allow an extra hour or so for soups and casseroles, as sometimes if you’re doubling up, it can make things take a little longer than they should.

Know How Much Food You Need to Cook

It’s so important that you know how much food you need to cook. It’s always better to cook extra, rather than less, as this will ensure everyone has something. If you are cooking in bulk then you can always have leftovers the next day, so make sure that you are mindful of this. If you are cooking dessert too then you can always make individual portions, as this will help you to make enough for everyone. If you want a great dessert then you should try making ladyfingers, as they're easy, they last and everyone will love them.
 

Come up with a Game Plan

A couple of days before you host your big event, you need to come up with a game plan. Take a look at your recipes and then determine the order that you want to prepare and cook everything. You need to include any ingredients that you may need as well as any items that can be prepared in advance. If you can make a list then this will make it easier for you to take care of everything you need, without concern.

Don’t Fill your Oven Too Much

It is so important that you do not overstuff your oven. The more things you put in your oven, the longer everything will take to cook. One way for you to work around this would be for you to extend the time of casseroles as they will take longer to heat through. You also need to take into account the fact that a soup or a chilli will take longer to reheat than normal if you have a bigger batch. Understanding the oven you have will also make a major difference. You need to make sure that the temperature you are setting reflects the food you are cooking, and you also need to know where the hot spots are. If you can do this, then you will make it easier to get the result you want out of your cooking experience.
 

So, as you can see, cooking for the whole family doesn’t have to be hard, and if you follow this guide, you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the results you want without stressing yourself out. Remember that preparation is key and that sometimes things won’t go to plan. When this happens, keep your cool and always have a backup so you don’t end up being stuck. It’ll help you out a lot in the long run.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

They say that fashion is one of the best ways people can express themselves. Usually, coming up with an outfit that highlights their personalities is highly important. A complete “fit” does not just end with the right color combination or the patterns of a top; some people also place a high value on how they accessorize.

If you’ve thought of elevating your outfit with some accessories like jewelry but don’t really know where to start, don’t worry! It might seem a bit confusing to know precisely what pairs of earrings or necklaces to pair with a dress or a more casual outfit involving sweaters, but this shouldn’t stop you from choosing your accessories for the day.

Here are some tips that can help you choose the best jewelry you can pair with your clothes.

Choose a piece of jewelry appropriate for the occasion 

Just like selecting the rest of your clothes, choosing the jewelry piece/s to wear would depend on what the occasion is. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear flip-flops and graphic tees to a formal company dinner. In more formal events, it’s highly recommended that you stick to smaller or more subtle pieces. Instead of choosing a flashy necklace, for example, you can opt for a simple pendant. On the other hand, if you feel like expressing yourself more with a more striking piece, you can adjust the clothing you’re wearing so that you don’t overpower this necklace.

There’s less to consider when you’re choosing accessories for casual wear. If you’re going out for lunch wearing your favorite shirt and jeans, choosing any kind of earrings or bracelets that make you feel good would be fine. If you’re nervous about going overboard, you can always go for simpler pieces, like a simple chain necklace and studs. 

Pick items that complement your other clothes

Besides considering the occasion, you should also look at the overall style that you’re going for. Your choice of jewelry should accentuate your style and not clash with the rest of your clothes.

For example, if your dress or shirt is made of vibrant colors and already comes with intricate design pieces like pearls or other jewels, it’s best not to wear a necklace anymore. On the other hand, if you’re going for a plain shirt, you can enhance your entire outfit by choosing a bolder piece of jewelry. 

Select jewelry that matches your skin tone 

It’s also a good idea to choose the type of jewelry that goes well with your skin tone. If you’ve got a wide selection of jewelry pieces with different gems or metal options, choose one that helps highlight your natural complexion.

While there’s no strict rule about which metal type or color goes well with a specific skin tone, people with darker skin usually look better with gold, while those with fairer skin tone might look better in silver. If your jewelry comes with gemstones, dark-toned pieces also usually work well for fair skin, while brighter colors go well with people who have darker skin.

This just serves as a guide to help you get started, but it’s still on a case-to-case basis. It’s best to still look at what you personally think looks great on you, and if you feel confident with a certain ring or earrings, then go for it!

Choose pieces that look flattering 

Similar to choosing jewelry that matches your skin tone, when trying out different accessories, you can select ones that frame your face or that make your already beautiful self look more stunning.

For example, for earrings, usually, people with oval-shaped faces use shorter earrings or studs, while those with round faces choose pendant earrings. For rings, people with thinner fingers tend to wear rings with wider bands, while others prefer using row rings to make their fingers appear longer.

Again, these serve as guides to help you know where to get started. It still highly depends on what makes you feel great and what you think makes you shine brighter.

Experiment with various accessories 

If you’ve looked over your collection and feel stuck that some of your jewelry pieces don’t match, don’t worry about it! Your accessories themselves don’t actually need to be the same color or style. While seeing a mix of gold and silver might seem odd in the past, it’s definitely not the case anymore.

To help you get started, you can select a jewelry piece that has a neutral color and pair this with something that has a striking color of your choice. If you’re planning to pair pieces with different colors, you can look at the color wheel and check out which colors complement each other to help you come up with the perfect combination. 

Don’t go overboard
While experimenting and choosing to mix and match is a great idea, try not to take it too far! Stacking some necklaces and bracelets to a certain extent is okay, but covering your entire arm with a wild combination of bracelets and cuffs might not be the best idea.

Remember that the jewelry pieces are there to highlight you and the rest of your outfits, so they shouldn't be distracting. If you’re ever unsure, you can start with something simple, like a pair of earrings with your favorite necklace.

Know more about your jewelry pieces
When considering which accessories to choose to match your style, perhaps it has crossed your mind what particular gems make up the jewelry you’ve bought or were passed down to you. While wearing the diamond ring a close family member gave you, maybe you’re wondering if this it’s an authentic diamond or not.

All these questions can be answered by approaching an appraiser. Whatever your reason for wanting to find out more about your jewelry piece, a professional and trusted appraiser like Willyn Villarica can tell you all you need to know about your jewelry. Whether you want to know how much it’s worth for insurance or just want a document for your family heirloom, it’s a great idea to approach professionals in the industry. 

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

If you are wanting to take up a new hobby, one that involves you venturing out into the big wide world then you may be stuck for ideas. Thinking of what you can do in your spare time can be tricky, it is all about finding something that you enjoy doing. You may enjoy curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a book, however, if you want to get out of the house then take a look below for some inspiration. There are ideas on the list that could keep you out of the house for hours, it all depends on how much free time you have to spare. 

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Pexels CCO License

Walking The Dog

One simple hobby that will get you out of the house is walking the dog. Your beloved pooch doesn’t like being stuck indoors so it is down to you to take them out for their daily walks. You can venture just about anywhere with your dog, if they are young enough then they can walk for hours on end. If you live in a particularly hilly, mountainous area then you are lucky. These areas are wonderful for walking your dog and will keep both you and them entertained for hours. 

Travel Blogger

Something else that will ensure you are out of the house and making the most of the great outdoors is being a travel blogger. This is one of the more lucrative hobbies on the list as you will need quite a bit of money or funding in order to do this. However, if you have many adventures booked then you could document these on a blog site. All you will need to make a note of your wildest adventures for all to see and read is a good-quality laptop, an internet connection, and a strong imagination. If you are using a clipboard to write your articles then you may occasionally lose something you have copied. You can find out how to access your clipboard history here https://setapp.com/how-to/how-to-view-clipboard-history-on-mac. 

Photographer 

Becoming a photographer may be one of your dream jobs, it usually starts with a hobby that then becomes a fully-fledged career. When you are a photographer you can photograph whatever you like, whenever you like. This could be nature or family shoots that take place outdoors. You can grow your portfolio and help out many people with low-cost photographs. It can be slightly pricey getting all the equipment you need, but it will be totally worth it when you see your finished projects. 

Sports Coach 

If you like working with people outdoors then you could become a sports coach. This is someone that helps coach sports teams or clubs from young children to adults. Whichever age group you want to work with, you will need to have a valid police check. This is to make sure everyone is safe at all times. You may need to undertake further training courses to ensure you have relevant qualifications for this hobby. You can find out more about relevant training courses here https://www.osvehicle.com.

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Artist 

Similar to taking pictures, how about you are the one drawing the photographs? There are plenty of places in the big wide world that are calling out to be drawn or painted. Depending on the type of artist you are, you could take a picture of a location and then paint it when you get home. Alternatively, you could stay at the location and draw it or paint it on-site. This is a much better way of capturing the image as you are there and can get everything right with the sizes and colors. You may even be able to sell your pictures to people living or visiting your area. 

Wild Swimming

If you enjoy being in the great outdoors and swimming then you could combine the two. You could take up wild swimming in your local area if you are lucky enough to be surrounded by natural bodies of water. Wild swimming can take place in rivers, lakes, and even the sea. Many parts of the country are located near these bodies of water so you can take a dip whenever you have some spare time. You may think that you can’t go swimming when the weather takes a turn for the worse. This is simply not true, you can go wild swimming whether it is hot or cold outside. Make sure you come complete with a wetsuit when you are swimming in the colder months. 

Camping 

If you love being outside and want to sleep under the stars then you could take up camping as your hobby. Camping brings you extra close to nature and even sleeping in a tent outdoors teaches you new experiences. You can do this alone or with friends, gather some people together for a fun weekend of songs by the campfire. Make sure you have everything you need for a camping trip and ensure you are only visiting places that have a phone signal. You don’t want the worst to happen and then you are not able to contact anyone. 

Geocaching 

Finally, if you love going on adventures outdoors then how about taking part in some geocaching? If you haven’t heard of geocaching, it is the modern-day treasure hunt. All you need to do is sign up for a geocache app and then off you go hunting. You find the caches by using specific coordinates found on the downloaded app. Once you have found the ‘treasure’, mark it down in your logbook and then place it back for other geocachers to find. You can even add your own if you like, all you need to do is place it in a waterproof container so it doesn’t feel the effects of the elements. 

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We hope this article helps you find a new hobby that gets you closer to nature and loving the great outdoors. Remember, you don’t have to make time for your newfound hobby every day, just a couple of hours a week will perk you up. 

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Winter is upon us, and there are so many styles and trends out there that it can be hard to know what will work for your age range. What looks amazing on a college student won't always be flattering or appropriate for an older woman with kids.  

Read ahead to learn about the top 5 sweaters that are perfect for women over 40. 

 V-Neck Sweater  

 

Round-Neck Sweater

 

Long Cardigan

 

 

Boatneck Sweater