I don't exactly know how I survived this first Christmas after losing my husband.  Maybe the anticipation of holiday grief is more dreadful than living through the actual day. It's also possible that the people surrounding me just did a good job in making me feel that there is life even when grieving.

What many don't know is that for me to be able to cope on the outside, I need to accept and go through the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with losing a loved one. It is not an understatement to say that every corner of where I go is a constant reminder that future memories will no longer include him. Knowing this, is responsible for much of the pain.

Calm Days and Moments of Melancholy

Calm days are something I am most thankful for. It gives me a sense of normalcy in this particular life disruption. Moments of melancholy or having feelings that go beyond sadness come in waves, usually unexpectedly.

The struggle not to have these moments noticed by others is real. I don't like spoiling the mood of festive activities. Most of the time I am able to fake it, but sometimes it is just too much. Family and friends are incredible sources of support and love, accept them.

Moving Forward

Going into the 10th month without my husband, I can say that things and situations associated with him have become more bearable. I have no illusions that all pain will go away in time but I truly understand now that we learn to live with it and still live a fruitful life. I totally believe that I can honor my husband's life best when I am able to carry on. For now, our children remains the priority. Self-development is a close second.

Our memories will remain with me whatever I decide to do in the future. 

My Say

Deep in my heart, I wish he is still with us. That said, I pray that he can still guide our family from above as I try my very best to complete our parental duties.

We will never forget you Ramon. I am so sorry I was not able to put up the Christmas Tree for this past holiday. It has always been your "job" to do it yearly. 

Borrowing money for business is not a simple decision to do. No one can really tell whether expected returns for taking on the financial responsibility will be realized. There are essential aspects to consider to determine whether it is a wise move.

Whether borrowing is something regular or seasonal for business, it has its purpose. Debts are not necessarily a liability specifically in business. Not in the right business hands, they aren't. 

Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash

Business owners who learn to maximize the advantages of business loan use end up enjoying the results of calculated risks. Cash flow management is more efficient. Credit worthiness reputation is built with responsible repayment. Possibilities for expansion can be unlimited.

So when is it wise to consider borrowing money for business? 

Sufficient Planning

Prudent business owners do not simply decide to  borrow money. Such decision is best arrived at after careful planning. This means giving time to research financing options and determining suitability based on actual  business needs and circumstances. The loan process may also take some time to be completed so it makes sense to file the application way before the time of actual need.

There are standard business loan requirements that borrowers need to comply with. While there may be some challenges in completing them especially for new business owners, there is nothing to prevent them from complying. It is important to have a strategic plan in place so that borrowed funds will definitely go to intended reasons. It is always wise to borrow when plans are in place.

Expanding Operation

It is not rocket science that business expansion requires more capital. Unless business owners have their own unlimited funding source, borrowing is a sensible option. It also bears knowing that the cost of equity is higher than the cost of debt. 

There are different types of business loans. Term loans where borrowers get a lump sum of cash to be repaid with interest over a predetermined period, are suitable for business expansion.  A business cash advance is extended to the borrower based on a business' future revenue. Another is the business line of credit provides access to funds based on credit limit. It is wise to borrow for business expansion as it creates financial leverage to a profitable business.

Machinery and Equipment Purchase

For a business to make increase in production possible, upgrading machinery and equipment is necessary.  Of course this requires money. So does investing in new technology that will help boost production.

Increased production means more clients served. More clients mean more income. More income means more profit. It is wise to borrow to purchase machinery and equipment that strengthens business infrastructure.

My Say

A business loan is a useful tool for growth. When utilized the right way, it can be a business owner's best ally. When availed of irresponsibly, it can be the heaviest burden to carry.

Risks will always be part of doing business. Taking out a business loan is one such risk. That said, risks are worth taking as long as they are calculated to increase business profitability.

Never has there been a time when small business mommy entrepreneurs (or "mompreneurs") needed a boost than now.

Times have been especially challenging because of the pandemic. Many mothers try to help in family finances through income generating activities that will not take them away from their families. Home food business is one of the preferred options since it generally does not need a large capital to start.

Preparing for a portrait photoshoot can turn out to be overwhelming. You need to do many things to ensure that you get a quality portrait and have the best experience. Therefore, preparing for your portrait early is critical. These tips are what you should have on your mind while preparing for a portrait photoshoot.

Photo by Harrison Haines from Pexels

Choose a Reliable Photographer

Before you do anything, look for a portrait photographer with extensive experience specializing in portraits. You can visit their websites to read previous customers' reviews. Also, go through their professional portraits gallery to see whether they have a picture with a style that you would want. You can talk to them about your portrait session and choose a day, time, and location. They offer the best portrait services for personal and business use.

Go For Manicure

A good portrait photographer captures every single detail. Therefore, plan for a manicure and pedicure a day or two before the portrait photoshoot. This way, your nails will look better on camera. Consider putting a dark nail color to make your nails look intriguing and prettier. You can also go for a beautiful French manicure. Avoid using bright nail colors since they will attract too much attention. However, if you choose to do your nails at home, ensure you trim the cuticles and file them well.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

It is critical to get a good night's sleep the day before your portrait photoshoot session. A good rest will make you look great. Furthermore, you will be able to wake up early and get enough time to prepare, style yourself, perfect your wardrobe, and travel. You will reach your destination without rushing, giving you enough time to relax before the photo session starts.

Keep Skin Hydrated

One week before the portrait photoshoot, ensure you take care of your skin. Avoid drinking too much alcohol but take loads of water. Eat healthy foods and avoid salty foods. Also, each day moisturizes your skin. This way, you will have an elegant look during your portrait-taking session.

Select Your Wardrobe

As you prepare for a portrait photoshoot, take with you several outfits. Pick clothing that fits well. This way, you will be more comfortable while moving, which will boost your confidence. While choosing a wardrobe for portrait shooting, avoid stripes and patterns, especially if your location is new, as they can conflict with other things. Furthermore, avoid clothes with logos since they are visually distracting. Consider wearing neutral colors like beige, white, gray, tan, or black since they are perfect for portraits. These neutral colors will avoid conflicting with the background and complement your skin better.

Hair

If you have dyed your hair, retouching the growth three or four days before the portrait photoshoot is ideal. Avoid any drastic changes at this time. If you prefer cutting your hair, trim it to look neat and vibrant. Also, visit your hairstylist to condition your hair or do it yourself. A little preparation can change your portrait photoshoot from good to the best.

My Say

Therefore, doing these things can help you prepare and get the best portrait photoshoot.

Living safe during this difficult time of the pandemic is very challenging. Not everyone has the luxury to stay home. Most of us have to venture outside the safety of our homes to earn a living, get family essentials, and just to continue living.

It is very easy to be defeated by fear and give up, but should we? For parents like me, this is not even an option, there are children who depend on me. Beyond that, there are my responsibilities as a servant leader of our community and this continues more so because there is a pandemic. With such responsibilities, I need to be safe for me to be able to do what I need to do.

Staying Safe and Healthy During the Pandemic

Basic precautionary measures have to be practiced. This includes wearing of face masks, observing proper distancing, and avoiding unnecessary activities that require face-to-face interaction. Another important safety measure is to have disinfecting products at hand such as Defensil.

Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol enables Filipinos to continue their lifestyles during the pandemic, allowing them  to still do the activities they love while staying safe and healthy. 

As the rubbing alcohol brand recommended by the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Filipinos can  live safe wherever they are with Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol – whether commuting to work, doing essential  errands such as buying groceries at the supermarket or palengke, or even working out outdoors or  shopping online – since it starts to kill germs on contact and kills 99.9% of common germs and  bacteria, while providing up to 12 hours of protection upon constant use. 

Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol is also hypoallergenic and has moisturizing properties so you can sanitize  as much as you need without having to worry about your hands drying. 

About Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol 

One way to prevent the spread of germs is regular disinfection of hands and high touch surfaces using a  rubbing alcohol.  

To provide a higher level of defense against germs in the new normal, the Philippine Society for  Microbiology is recommending Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol. 

Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol  

• Kills 99.9% of germs to give people the peace of mind that they are well-defended

• Starts to kill germs on contact 

• Will provide up to 12 hours of protection with constant use 

Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol is also a pharmaceutical grade alcohol, which means that it has  passed the strictest quality standards of the Philippine Food & Drug Administration (FDA). 

Defensil is available in Robinsons, Puregold, and other leading supermarkets. 

My Say

Having Defensil in my bag or within my reach is protection that is real. It is impossible to know for sure where we can pick up the virus. Our hands are the usual point of contact so it is always best to kill them before it reaches parts of our body where we are most at risk.

These are trying times indeed. With the continuous evolution and mutation of the Covid-19 virus, the threat remains and increases. That said, we need to LIVE SAFE NOW.