Have you ever dreamed of sailing on a pirate ship? Sounds like a scene from the movie “Pirates of the Carribean” or probably you may have visualized yourself basking in the warm and free-flowing waters of the beach while you watch your family enjoy a carefree vacation by availing the Barbados holiday rentals, party all you want with your friends while enjoying exotic and mouth-watering food or maybe spend a stress free weekend with your special someone while enjoying long intimate walks while surrounded by the beauty of nature and towards the end of the day, bask in the light of the setting sun while you look forward to an exciting evening of merriment with the local population and intimacy in the confines of your hotel room as you are given world-class treatment and pampering. All of these and more when you visit Barbados.

Barbados is a country which has a rich history and cultural heritage coming from the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, African and from its original Arawakan speaking tribes. The blending of such cultural influences amidst the lush, unique and abundant resources of the region has created a diverse and distinct culture only found in Barbados. The name Barbados either came from its Spanish name Los Barbados or from its Portuguese equivalent Os Barbados which may be due to the hanging roots of the fig tree (Ficus citrifolia) which is one of the indigenous species of the island or it might have been due to the bearded inhabitants of the island before colonizers settled in the island. 

With its rich heritage and resources, Barbados offers a wide array of things that would surely make your vacation and relaxation a time to remember. Its attractions cover a wide range of activities that may not only make your vacation worthwhile and enjoyable but also very interesting with new things to learn and experience from its rich colonial history, exotic flora and fauna, night entertainment, outdoor activities, free for all activities, and shopping acumen. Some of the notable attractions for outdoor activities include: 

Bathsheba Beach – picture perfect selfies, breathtaking photographs featuring astounding rock formations and abandoned homes of years gone by, and surfing events and spots are some of the attractions of the area. If you are not into water sports, the windy atmosphere in Bathsheba Beach is also perfect for kite flying and beach picnics. On top of this, this spot is free all you need is your gear for your activities plus if you are worried about lodging, the area is just a stone throw away from a nearby hotel and restrooms are just walking distance from the beach plus the area has two rum shacks for alcoholic beverages to give more zest to the party. (https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados) 

Dover Beach – another area good for water sports like surfing, body surfing, jet skiing, and windsurfing, plus the area has less crowded compared to other beaches since there is only a designated swimming area for those who want to frolic in the ocean. Nevertheless, many visitors in the area are mesmerized by the laid-back atmosphere of the beach plus to top off the relaxed vibe of the area, beach bars offer happy hour deals. Furthermore, the beach is easily accessible by bus or car with free street parking, though you need to go there earlier since slots are limited. Nevertheless, the area has many restaurants, hotels, and sports equipment rental stores that may cater to your needs. Added to that, souvenir shops, public restrooms and round the clock lifeguards are in the area.  

Barbados Boardwalk - located only a couple of miles from Dover Beach and connects Accra and Camelot beaches, the mile-long walkway is the perfect area for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers since the area adjacent to the walkway is where crabs and turtles are reportedly frequently seen. Added to this, the area is littered with restaurants and bars plus it complimentary parking as well as public restrooms and benches are easily accessible (https://travel.usnews.com). 

Carlisle Bay – offering calm waters perfect for swimming and bonding with your family and friends is Carlisle Bay beaches. It is also a good spot for snorkeling with its six shipwrecks which are now home to a variety of marine animals and plants, kayaking and guess what, various vendors also offer beachside horseback riding. Don’t worry about safety and transportation coz lifeguards and bus stops are in the area. 

Other than outdoor areas that you can visit, Barbados also offers heritage tours which will introduce you to the local practices and traditions that you would surely love. One of the must-see sites is St. Nicholas Abbey, the site is home to a signature rum favorite in the community since St. Nicholas Abbey is believed to be the place where rum was invented. It’s no wonder that visitors give so much positive feedback in its 2-hour tour which includes rum tasting. Other than its famous distillery, it is also home to a museum which shows the colorful history of the entire plantation from its founders, milestones, including intrigues and scandals. A well-flavored set-up for the perfect novel, don’t you think?. St. Nicholas Abbey is located within St. Peter Parish, about 5 miles northeast of Speightstown. The property is open to the public Sunday through Friday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM and entrance fees cost 40 Barbadian dollars ($20) for adults and 20 Barbadian dollars ($10) for children. Limited guided tours are offered for free, or visitors can do a self-guided tour. Tickets include access to the plantation home's museum, the property grounds, and the rum distillery. A complimentary fruit or rum punch sample is provided for all visitors. Additional beverages, plus sandwiches, salads, and desserts are available at the attraction's Terrace Café. Restrooms, a gift shop and free parking are located on-site as well (https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/St_Nicholas_Abbey_63265/). The tour includes a visit to the great house which is considered as one of the three remaining Jacobean style mansions in the world. Jacobean architecture is a transitional English architectural design which combines the essence of both the Tudor and Elizabethan architectural disciplines that also highlights 

Dutch and French architectural elements (https://study.com/academy/lesson/jacobean-era-architecture-design-style-examples.html and https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/St_Nicholas_Abbey_63265/). 

After your rum tasting a history lesson at St. Nicholas Abbey, you may want to relax and learn at Hunte’s Garden (http://huntesgardensbarbados.com/) which is a stone throw away from Bathsheba beach. It offers yet again another round of rum punch and of course a unique garden experience which is usually accentuated by the owner of the place himself, Mr. Anthony Hunte who entertains questions from his guests. Such an experience offers a unique a picture perfect experience amidst the local flora and fauna of Barbados. Topping off your rum tasting journey is a visit at Mount Gay Visitor’s Center located near Brandons Beach, approximately 3 miles west of central Bridgetown. Visitors can take the company's signature tasting tour on weekdays from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM or on select Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. From rum making to taste almost all of its rum collection, a visit to this facility is every wine connoisseur’s dream. 

Heritage, wildlife and outdoors will not be complete if you don’t explore deeper into Barbados. When I say deeper, I mean literally deeper into the Earth. Experiencing the beauty of the limestone caverns of Harrison Cave which is only 5 miles away from Bathsheba beach. Harrison Cave is a massive stream cave system which spans 2.3 kilometers long. It has an internal temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and offers an experience of a lifetime where you can see towering stalactites and stalagmites under the careful supervision of well-trained guides. Complementing your experience at Harrison cave is a spectacular visit at the Animal Flower cave which is the island’s only accessible sea cave where you can see sea anemones in their natural habitat. (https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/Animal_Flower_Cave_61626/). Speaking of wildlife, a quick tour to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve which is near St. Nicholas Abbey which highlights a collection of the local flora and a host of swinging green monkeys, rose-colored flamingos, slow-moving iguanas, endangered turtles, multi-colored parrots, and snapping caiman. You may end your heritage tour with a stopover at the eerie ruins of Farley Hill which is very near Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Take a relaxing stroll down the walking paths of the former plantation which will lead you to the manor at the center of the estate. The walkways are lined with mahogany trees and it offers a scenic view of the East coast of Barbados. Furthermore, you get to enjoy your walk and stay at the plantation with a series of al fresco reggae concerts in the area.

Your stay in Barbados will not be complete without taking a stroll around the historic Bridgetown which is one of the many UNESCO Heritage sites in the country (https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-barbados/2/). Get to experience the local vibe through its numerous rum bars which ard frequented by the locals and travelers alike. Furthermore, one of the musts in Barbados in your list of street life experience is making it to the Oistins Fish Fry which is considered as one of the main highlights of your stay in the Island with its wild street party accentuated by freshly cooked barbecues and local delights while you regale at the sound of reggae songs, samba, steel drums and Barbados’s signature Bajan folk. You will spend the night away in utter bliss as locals and travelers enjoy the company and flowing booze and food.

Last but not the least the most waited and enjoyable moment in visiting places is the joy of tasting the local cuisine. Get to enjoy the national dish of Barbados which is the Cou Couy and Flying Fish made from cornmeal grain, fresh okra which is accompanied with stewed flying fish, fresh onions, garlic, thyme, tomatoes, and pepper. The Brown Sugar Restaurant is one of those places that offer this dish. Other treats include the cutter (sandwich) made from salt bread topped with choice of filling. Grab a bite at Cuz Fish Shack or at Cutters Deli. Other than cutters, a must taste is the signature fish cakes of Barbados which is served almost everywhere in the island. Other than the national food of Barbados, you may also want to try the second (unofficial) food of the island which is Macaroni pie, which is the baked version of mac and cheese with a twist. On Saturdays, the lunch staple in Barbados is Pudding and souse which is made up of pickled pork while the pudding is steamed sweet potato with onions and seasoned with salt and pepper. Added to your lists of food must-haves would be conkies which is a traditional Barbadian dessert and rum punch.

Barbados, an adventurer’s dream vacation will surely blow your mind away with its plethora of sites, food, and entertainment. 

References:

Why go to Barbados. Retrieved from https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados

Animal Flower Cave. Retrieved from https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/Animal_Flower_Cave_61626/ 

Jacobean Era Architecture: Design, Style & Examples. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/jacobean-era-architecture-design-style-examples.html 

St. Nicholas Abbey. Retrieved from https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/St_Nicholas_Abbey_63265/ 

Welcome to Hunte's Garden, Barbados, West Indies. Retrived from http://huntesgardensbarbados.com/

Whenever I visit Araneta Center-Cubao, I always drop by Shopwise. Why? Because there are products that I need that I can only find there. Like for instance, my mom would always ask me to to go there to buy her Aveeno Soap which I couldn't find in common supermarkets. Shopwise is the only supermarket that offers more stocks of that hard-to-find Aveeno Soap. When I go there, I usually buy in bulk because I am not sure when I can come back. There are also Human Nature products readily available in Shopwise that are normally available online or can be bought via the company's official distributors. It saves me additional fees intended for shipping. What a nice way to save money!

Aside from the different beauty and hygiene products, Shopwise is the best place to shop for its exclusive food, janitorial, and pet items because it offers a wide range of high quality local/homegrown and international brands available at low, low prices. 

That's why just recently, Shopwise The Big Cook-Off, an event to showcase its exclusive products through a cooking contest between bloggers and culinary students kicked-started last weekend.

I, together with my friends from BKS Moms, were blessed to witness its second leg that was held yesterday, July 20, 2018, through the initiative of Mommy Bloggers Philippines.

Heavy rains didn't stop Shopwise's 2nd leg of The Big Cook-Off to push through which had "Asian Fusion" as its theme. The competitors were composed of three culinary students from Apicius and three respectable Food Pinoy bloggers. The aim of this event was for us to witness the amazing showdown of cooking skills using world-class ingredients from Shopwise. It was hosted by the dynamic and good-looking chef, Steven Silva. The judges were headed by celebrity chef, JP Anglo.

Miss Meg of Shopwise was confident as she discussed that the company could offer "Best Value" products outsourced from different parts of the world. Those best quality products were made affordable for all. 

Moreover, we've learned that Shopwise has 30 exclusive brands that are reasonably priced, even up to 20 to 30% off. Shopwise also has weekly promos where we can get a lot of freebies and discounts. 

Now let's move to the contestants and contest proper.

The APICIUS CHEFS (SCHOOLERS) were composed of the following talented student chefs:

Jobert Diaz is s a 22-year-old guy who loves to eat and cook adobo.

Winning Dish: Stuffed Salmon and Prawns with Teriyaki Sauce

Arlujan Sansano is 19 years old. He joined this cooking contest for the very first time and promised to do his best to share his abilities.

Dish: Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Ginger Star Anise Sauce

Arvin Fernandez is a 21-year-old guy who idolizes the first chef who has taught him how to cook, Chef Calvin Ayagan.

Winning Dish: Pan Shred Honey Lemon Chicken Combination with Assorted Vegetables

Those three talented young gentlemen are from Mondragon, Northern Samar.

The Apicius Chefs' FOODIE BLOGGER contenders were the following:

40-year-old Lea Domingo a.k.a. Mommy Lelei specializes in Filipino dishes. She is not really a blogger but a constant user of Instagram and Facebook. It was her first time to join a cooking competition.

Dish: Tuna Meatball Sliders with Asian Jam

Nathaniel Uy a.k.a. Thehungrychef.ph is one of the famous food bloggers in the Philippines with 15,700 followers on Instagram. 

Winning Dish: Prawn Halang-Halang Ramen

Jinkee Umali is a lifestyle and IT consultant by profession who loves cooking to relieve her stress from work. She blogs to de-stress. She always thinks of her kids and husband when she cooks.

Winning Dish: Thai Bagoong Rice

The criteria for judging were the following:

25 %- Utilization of Shopwise products

25%-  Taste

25%-  Originality and Creativity

15%-  Presentation

10%-  Audience Impact

A total of 100%

Two winners came from the Apicius Group and another two winners from the Food Blogger Group. Winners will join The Grand Big Cook-Off on August.

Among the dishes, I only tasted the ones cooked by bloggers Jinkee Uy and Lea Domingo. Both tasted really, really good. I didn't have the chance to taste the other dishes but one thing's for sure--- all the contestants were able to utilize all Shopwise products efficiently. How creative!

In my opinion, all the dishes were cooked with love and utmost dedication. I saw clearly the difference between how culinary students and bloggers executed their cooking prowess. The students where more technical and strict with their standards while the bloggers were obviously cooked the "home" way.  Despite the difference in execution, all contestants cooked with their hearts' delight. Furthermore, the judges chose the winners not just for the foods' taste or "what's on the plate" alone as Chef JP mentioned but also based on the above-mentioned criteria and of course, following the theme "Asian Fusion". Indeed, following the rules and instructions was very, very important. The stories behind the winning dishes also added an impact on the judges' decision. Like for instance, Miss Jinkee Umali was thinking of her kids while cooking her Thai Bagoong Rice. Every component of her dish was tailored fit for each of her kid's favorite. It was prepared with love which coincided with one of the benefits of cooking- altruism.  She was filled with bliss while doing the endeavor, making it more fruitful and meaningful because of the fact that she was doing it for someone dear to her.

The cook-off was not only intended to know the best of the best but also it became the venue to commit mistakes and learn from them. This statement of Chef JP struck me the most while he was telling it to Arlujan Sansano, "Joining a contest like this is a venue for you to learn. You committed mistakes now but it should not be the reason for you to stop. As you go on, you'll commit so many mistakes. Like me, I committed a million mistakes in the past which made me worthy to sit here right in front of you. Keep it up and we expect to see more from you."

A world-class venue for a world-class learning event utilizing affordable world-class products, that is Shopwise! In Shopwise, you can have a good life that you can afford! In Shopwise The Big Cook-Off, practical life lessons can be learned!

To know more about the next Shopwise The Big Cook-Off and what Shopwise Supercenters offer, you may like Shopwise on Facebook. 

At this point, I can say that I have found the best and trustworthy people for keeps. Habang tumatagal, masaya ako at nadaragdagan pa sila. 

Be honest and sincere.

Fewer words, fewer mistakes

Always look at the best of every individual.

Pray for guidance and a long-lasting relationship.

I always admit that I am too lazy when it comes to skincare that's why I find ways to get the effects that I want without spending so much time or resources. Just recently, I've started sharing my tried and tested skincare products that really work but don't break the bank and most of them are made in Korea. I haven't shared yet my fixation with using face masks whenever I feel so tired or when my facial skin needs to get rejuvenated. 

I am a fan of a wash-off mask because of the fact that I can apply and leave it on my face while I'm asleep then wash it off upon waking up. This is the type of mask that I use often. I also use a peel-off mask when I feel the need of making my face more moisturized and soft especially during special occasions when I have to apply makeup. Honestly, face masks are not on top of my list because the first face mask that I used made my face very oily and itchy. Not until a blogger friend, Momi Berlin, gave me a green tea mask from a popular Korean beauty brand that changed the way I looked at face masks. The one that she gave me was a bit pricey that prompted me to look for a cheaper alternative but could give the same best results. Then I found one. 

That cheaper brand is the one that I am still using today. Of course, I am fixated on that "green tea mask" that I don't want to try another variant or brand anymore. I'm kinda loyal when it comes to brands that I use especially when they give me the benefits that I really, really need. But I can't hide the fact that I am interested to try a face mask brand that I hear raves on. It is highly effective and of course, fit on a frugal girl's budget, according to the reviews that I've read.

Is it worth trying? Will I be satisfied when I try it? Well, after using the two face masks of that brand for four consecutive days, my answer is yes, yes, yes! Those two face masks, in my opinion, maybe at par with expensive brands and each cost Php45 only!

These are the face masks that I am talking about:

NOVELINA DEEP SEA COLLAGEN MASK WITH PURE SQUALENE

Novelina claims that this face mask is made with natural extracts that moisturize and hydrate skin for a radiant and youthful glow. The natural extract that piqued my curiosity was the fish scale collagen. According to www.renewalliance.com, "Fish collagen is made of Type I collagen, which is the building block for strong, flexible, and durable connective tissues, bones, and skin. It helps improve sagging skin by promoting and supporting natural collagen production in the skin, minimizing the loss of elasticity and helping the skin look smoother, suppler and more hydrated. The result is a reduction in the look of sagging skin and younger-looking skin overall." So obviously, this is the ingredient that made my facial skin supple and soft after initial use! Amazing! It could definitely bring back moisture to my very tired skin!

Aside from the fish scale collagen, it contains Aqua, Squalene, Glycerin, Algae Extract, DMDM Hydantoin, Allantoin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer 940, Triethanolamine, and Fragrance.

NOVELINA COENZYME ANTI-AGING & AGE-DEFYING FACE MASK

This face mask has almost the same ingredients as the one mentioned above but what makes it unique is the CoQ10 content also known as Coenzyme Q or Ubiquinone. According to www.perriconemd.com, this coenzyme is present naturally in every cell and tissue of the human body. It is involved in numerous biological functions like helping to produce energy, neutralizing free radicals, and keeping cells both inside the body and skin healthy. When the body is still young, it can produce as much CoQ10 as it needs. However, as the body ages and as it is exposed to stress, it can cause the lowering down of CoQ10 levels thus the inability of cells to regenerate and withstand stress declines.  The lack of CoQ10 results in the inability of the body to produce collagen and elastin which makes the skin firmer and flexible. Without these two, the skin sags and wrinkles. 

Due to the presence of Co-Q10 in Novelina Coenzyme Anti-Aging & Age-Defying Face Mask, it can serve as the source of an antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals that cause aging and help create collagen and elastin to defy aging, minimize pores, and even out skin tone. This face mask fits those women who are in their 30's and up! Shhh... That age group includes me! LOL! 

Aside from the unique ingredients found in both Novelina Face Masks, these are the reasons why I love them!

- The masks can be easily unfolded and put into place.

- They are super moist. I can even leave them on my face not just within 20 minutes but even longer because they have so much to be absorbed by the skin and they don't get easily removed.

- The contents penetrate quickly providing my skin with an immediate surge of active moisture to soothe dryness without leaving a greasy feel.

- They help my skin replenish its own essential fluids so it becomes softer, smoother, and more supple.

- They don't cause any irritations. They are ideal for my skin that is sensitive to some cosmetic ingredients.

- My skin becomes hydrated, healthier, smoother, youthful, and radiant.

- They are formulated in Japan, the country that is popular for its awesome beauty products.

- They are dermatologist-tested and paraben-free.

I've searched on Google that Novelina is available in the following stores: Waltermart, Emmaflor, NCCC, Gaisano, Makati Supermarket, South Supermarket, Cash & Carry Supermarket and Department Store, LCC Department Store, AFP Commissary & Exchange Services, Cebu Demelle Enterprises, Citimart Supermarket, South Seas Mall, Unimart Supermarket, Mart ne Supermarket, and Unitop.

Novelina Face Masks and other must-try Novelina products can also be bought online at 

https://tackthis.co/shop/novelina or Lazada PH.

Novelina Deep Sea Collagen with Pure Squalene and Coenzyme Anti-Aging & Age-Defying Face Masks are safe, effective, affordable, and can be easily bought! I love them!

References:

What is Marine Collagen and Why It Is Most Effective for Skin Rejuvenation. Retrieved from                              https://www.renewalliance.com/blogs/taut-collagen/marine-collagen-for-skin-rejuvenation

What is CoQ10? The Benefits to Skin & Weight Loss. Retrieved from                                                                          https://www.perriconemd.com/anti-aging-resources/what-is-coq10.html

I am sporting my very short hair for almost a year because my lifestyle can't maintain a long hair anymore. I have a very fine hair but it's unruly and imperfectly straight. Those are the reasons why despite having a super short hair, I still use a molding clay to style it after washing it with my favorite shampoo. I just go to my stylist for a monthly trim.

I am not a fan of salon hair treatments that may cause hair damage but there are days when I feel that my hair is very dry and lifeless maybe due to daily usage of molding clay. Environmental factors like the sudden shift in weather conditions, sun exposure, and pollution may add to my hair's dullness. Stress can also do harm, that's for sure! Whenever I feel the need to pamper my hair, I don't go to the salon anymore because I find it time-consuming and costly. I am using a particular brand of "keratin hair spa" and I must say, I love what it does to my hair. Unfortunately, I know that it happens that sometimes the product that we use may not work for us anymore at the moment. 'Yong tipong hindi na hiyang at dapat nang ipahinga muna. That's why it's timely that I've got the chance to try Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream.

I used Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream every other day for a total of seven days after I took a bath at night. I just applied it liberally on my clean wet hair, left it for 5-10 minutes, and rinsed it afterward. Ganyan lang siya kasimpleng gamitin kaya hindi ako na-stress. The experience was great because it brought back life to my limp hair! It became shinier and softer without causing hair fall!

With all honesty, I felt the effect after initial use. It instantly rejuvenated my dry and lifeless hair making it moist but not oily. Maybe it was due to the presence of the hydrating blend of emollients that could increase moisture retention. What makes this hair treatment special for me is that now I can feel that my hair is stronger and thicker. 

The formulation of this hair and scalp treatment cream has a very light fragrance and consistency. It 's not also very hard to rinse. 

If this product did those improvements on my hair, how much more to those who regularly go to the salon and have their hair treated with color, straightening solution, or heat? I have no scalp problems but the good condition of my hair now may attest to how it makes my scalp healthier. I encourage you to try this. For only Php455 at 500 grams, you can have a luxurious yet affordable hair and scalp treatment several times a week without going to the salon!

Now I have a new reliable aid in my hair pampering session in the comfort of our home. I love Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream! 

I've searched on Google that Novelina is available in the following stores: Waltermart, Emmaflor, NCCC, Gaisano, Makati Supermarket, South Supermarket, Cash & Carry Supermarket and Department Store, LCC Department Store, AFP Commissary & Exchange Services, Cebu Demelle Enterprises, Citimart Supermarket, South Seas Mall, Unimart Supermarket, Mart One Supermarket, and Unitop.

Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream and other must-try Novelina products can also be bought online at https://tackthis.co/shop/novelina or Lazada PH.

September 9, 2016--- How would I forget this date? This marked my first day as one of the Make It Blissful Instagram photo curators also known as #makeitblissful_mods. As a follower of Make It Blissful for years due to the positivity and joy that it brings to my life, being one of the few who was selected was such a wonderful blessing and privilege for me.

Make It Blissful is one of the most popular lifestyle websites in the country, created, owned, and edited by blogging coach and award-winning blogger, Miss Martine de Luna. It's all about finding beauty and happiness in everything that has made me really motivated to be part of it. The idea of spreading bliss fueled me and made me look forward to doing the task every single week. 

The love for looking at beautiful photos and putting them all together to form a story gave me a feeling of contentment and bliss. What made the endeavor more exciting was the fact that I was able to communicate with other "blissmakers" who generously shared their amazing photos using the hashtags #makeitblissful. Asking permission from photo owners may be too taxing but I didn't find it difficult at all. The challenging part was how to be able to connect the photographs together to form a theme or story plus the idea of being rejected by those who weren't ready for their photos to be shared in the account itself. 

There were plenty of individuals who were willing to participate. That was a relief, actually! That indeed was the beauty of Make It Blissful community, everyone has an inspirational story to share with the world.

In Make It Blissful, we respected the owners of the photos. We asked permission from them one by one and we wouldn't share their photographs without their go signal. The joy of posting the curated collage or photos becomes more enjoyable when comments and likes come in.

It has been a year since Make It Blissful changed its direction but still it delivers what it's intended to do--- to inspire others to live happily focusing on health and wellness, goal-setting, career fulfillment, success in any endeavor, and more than just by focusing on all things adorable and nice. Make It Blissful is adding more spice and substance to its purpose and that's what we should watch out for.

These are my simple yet useful tips on curating photos:

Simple Yet Useful Tips on Curating Photos (Photo Credit: Pixabay)

1. Browse on the photos with a particular hashtag that you want. You may have an idea in mind before browsing or you may come up with one while looking at the photos. 

2. Ask yourself the following questions: "What story do I want to convey? What elements do I want to focus on? Is it color, scenery, food, mood, etc.?"

3. After choosing the right photos, ask permission from the owners via comment, email, or private message. Always have backup choices just in case some photo owners won't give you their consent. 

4. After the photo owners gave you the go signal to use their photos, make a photo collage. There is a rule in positioning the photos within the photo collage. I learned from a workshop in UP NISMED that when the main subject of the photo is positioned on the right side of the frame or when it's like going towards the left side, place the photo on the right side of the photo collage. You do the opposite when the main subject is positioned on the left side or going towards the right side. It's also the case in portrait placement. When the person on the photo is facing or looking on the left side, place the photo on the right side of the photo collage or vice versa. When the main subject is in the center, place the photo in the center of the photo collage. You could see how I did it on my sample photo collages below.

5. Upload the photo collage and compose a catchy caption. They should tell a captivating story.

6. Never forget to thank and tag the photo owners for acknowledgment and use appropriate hashtags. By doing it, your collage can reach more people and encourage them to join your community.

Remember that you may use only one photo instead of a photo collage to tell a story. 

The following are the sample photos that I curated for Make It Blissful:

To motivate...

The month of April is World Autism Awareness Month. We post this curated blue photos to show our love, respect, and support to all individuals with autism, their families, and autism advocates. 💙 . Thank you to all Blissmakers who have shared these beautiful #blue snapshots. Tap the grid to know them. . Have a great Thursday, Loves! Let's see people with autism beyond their diagnosis. Yes, they are different from us in a special way because they see the world beautifully in a different perspective. They show the world that there is always beauty in everything and in every situation. 💙 SJ @allaroundpinaymama, proud #autismmom for #makeitblissful and #makeitblissful_mods

A post shared by Make it Blissful (@makeitblissful) on Apr 19, 2017 at 7:20pm PDT

"That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest." ~ Henry David Thoreau . The best things in life that can make us happy are not always expensive. We just have to appreciate the simple things that we see, feel, do, or possess. Happiness is a choice and it's for free. Happy Thursday! 💜💙💚❤💛 Love, SJ @allaroundpinaymama, for #makeitblissful and #makeitblissful_mods . Thanks to the owners of these vibrant snaphots that tickle our senses. Tap the grid to see them. 😍

A post shared by Make it Blissful (@makeitblissful) on Mar 23, 2017 at 12:06am PDT

Let's live each day as if it is our last by taking each moment perfectly and making it worth remembering. Have a happy Thursday, blissmakers! Thanks to the amazing people who always inspire us with their beautiful snapshots. Tap the grid to see them. 💚 SJ @allaroundpinaymama, for #makeitblissful and #makeitblissful_mods

A post shared by Make it Blissful (@makeitblissful) on Mar 15, 2017 at 9:29pm PDT

Well, that's it! Curating and sharing photos are so fun and fulfilling, aren't they?