Cute Outfits I Got from Amazon Vine Voice!

The midriff show convertible dress. 

This is a cute summer night dress, it shows some skin but still cute. Material is linen. The upper half ties to the skirt. you can also wear the skirt with another top if you wish to. 

Shop the dress here!

The feminine dress. 

I love how this dress hugs my curves. The color is also beautiful. Very simple, classy, elegant and oh so feminine. Great dress for a date!

  Shop the dress here!

The adorable plaid.

This dress is really adorable! Cute for just walking around to shop, very forgiving and a lot of stretch if you are going out to eat or going to a picnic or a bbq at a friend's backyard!

Shop the dress here!

The rust stunner.

I wore this to church yesterday and someone came up to me (I am new to the church) and told me my dress is stunning and I look stunning. She said it more than once and went out of her way just to tell me that my dress is beautiful when I got up to leave.

Shop the dress here

The most flattering bodycon dress.

I am not one to wear bodycon dresses because I am chunky and I have rolls that are very visible if I wear tight clothes. This really hides the rolls. If you get this in black, even better. This was the only color available for me to choose from.

Shop the dress here

The cutest overalls.

I wore this to a work training a couple of weeks ago and several people from the class asked me where I got them because they are cute! The color is more yellow in person and also longer if you are 5'2" like me, but it shrinks so don't worry if you think it's too big at first, I thought the same too.

Shop the dress here!

That's all I have for now. I will be back for more cute things to share with you! Hope you enjoy them if you decide to purchase them!

ABBE Glasses Review

 Are you curious about ABBE Glasses? I was too. Then they sent me one to try for myself!

I love the pair I picked -- except for the fact that they are a bit snug around the temple area because I didn't check the width. Something to always consider when buying online. But I love this style so much. A little more grown up.

I got the pair called SAVVY which come in black or silver. I got the silver.

These don't hit my cheeks when I smile either, just like the Firmoo pair. This is always a problem when I choose glasses. 

Buying online is also very convenient. Even if I take hours browsing, I will not have people waiting for me to be done.

The anti-glare coating really allow people to see my eyes behind the glasses too, which I like especially because I like to wear eye makeup.

They are really lightweight but not too flimsy either. I think quality is good. I am person who shops at Walmart, so if you're a fancy one, you might be complaining. LOL.

This is my first pair from them and will definitely consider buying in the future.

Overall they're great value for the money. Just make sure you are careful in choosing the width of the frame.

When you go to your doctor for your prescription, make sure you ask for you PD (pupil distance), they won't give it to you if you don't ask.

If you want to try them try the BOGO offer they have here: https://www.abbeglasses.com/glasses/free-eyeglasses.html

Here's a video of it on my channel. 

I hope you find this helpful!

XO

Jijie

Reasons Why I love Firmoo

Hi, my name is Jijie, filipino, with high cheekbones with love for affordable things that are fashionable as well.

One of the hardest things to shop for me are my eyeglasses because of my high cheekbones and my constant hunt for a better deal.

Then Firmoo came along --- the online eyeglasses store that solved this for me! 

Let me tell you why I love Firmoo.

1. AFFORDABLE

They really are affordable! You really can check out at under $50, unlike the other ones I have seen. You start off very low and yet after all the add-ons, you will pay almost $100 at checkout!

2. CONVENIENT 

I love the convenience of just browsing through all their eyeglasses and being able to filter them to the style and shape that I want so it narrows down the choices. Although I must admit, it is still a LOT to choose from but for me it's not as high of a pressure because I don't have to choose it right there and then, I can leave it in my cart and come back to it to see if I still like them. Also, I don't have to go to the store, I love being able to shop online!

3. TRENDY STYLES

They have trendy styles, but they also have the classic traditional style for those who like to keep it low key. So many to choose from!!!! 

4. MY CHEEKBONES LOVE THEM

Yes, you have to carefully choose to make sure that the pair you choose will not be touching your cheekbones. Based on experience, the big frames with the nose pads usually are a good choice for me even when they are huge! The only time I have gotten a pair that hit my cheeks was 2 pairs ago, which they replaced for me when I emailed and complained about it. They promptly told me to choose a different style. 

A lot of people will say they are cheaply made and no good, I say they are not bad at all for the price you pay. If you are not hard on your things -- that is you don't throw your glasses around and sit on them accidentally all the time or throw them around or adjust them like a mad person, they will last!

I have owned several pairs from them. I have not owned one that broke from normal use except for the very first pair that I got (I didn't know what to expect, I bent the nose pads so many times from adjusting that they snapped off, now I know not to do that again). By the way, they replaced them as soon as I sent an email that the nose pads broke while adjusting.

Overall, I have very good opinions about Firmoo. They have a good customer service -- that is the best thing. They won't think twice to replace a pair if they broke, based on my experience. And I ALWAYS get compliments about how cute my glasses are!

ADDITIONAL INFO:

If you plan to buy from them -- when you go to get your eyes checked for prescription, make sure you request to get your PD (PUPIL DISTANCE) because they won't give it to you unless you ask for it. Some even would have you pay for PD because they know the reason why you want your PD is because you will buy eyeglasses online.

If you would like to purchase from them they are offering A FREE PAIR EXCLUSIVELY FOR NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY, just use the code AUFFF.

✘ This deal includes one hot frame & single vision 1.50 lenses; shipping fee is needed. Upgraded lenses will cost an extra fee.

✘ One pair per person. Item number for my frames

Visit Firmoo or purchase here: https://www.firmoo.com or  https://bit.ly/2U80c3x

#eyeglassesfashion #eyeweardesign #vintageeyeglasses

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How to Keep Plants Watered While on Vacation!

If you are a plant lover, going away on a vacation that is longer than 1 week is a torture when you think about how to keep your plants watered while you are away.

I went online and searched for video tutorials on this topic and could not find any that actually walked me through the process, what strings or ropes to use, how to place the ropes or position the plants. I saw a lot of pictures and diagrams but nobody showed it -- someone who actually tried it.

So I did it. And I decided to share on my vlog to be helpful.

This was a first for me, so I didn't expect everything to be perfect, there were some things to be learned.

What I found was:


1. If you use natural fiber ropes, it will soak up and over water your plants. Therefore: use natural fiber for thirsty plants and use Nylon for plants that don't like a lot of water.

2. You do not need a big pot of water. Put just enough water (however much you would need for a normal watering session.

3. Still on the fence on this -- I need to try this: Do not elevate water pot to avoid over-watering.


Here is the video I shared on my Youtube Channel. I hope you learn from it. And I can't wait to do it again on my next vacation. Don't forget to read the comments, some people have shared some valuable thoughts that will help you.

Jeulia Ring Review

I was delighted when Jeulia contacted me asking if a collaboration was possible. I said yes with a smile! Of course, I was already a big Jeulia fan on Instagram and have been browsing through their site and choosing which ring I wanted when I'm ready! The email was a nice surprise.

Here are some photos I took of the ring and also a video review for you to watch. 

I love the ring I received despite the size of it -- I prefer a smaller stone but still in love with the rings.

The ring is made with sterling silver. Cushion shape, 2.65 ct in weight and 7mm in size. Made with man-made white sapphire (or the Jeulia stone). I would say I was hesitant about the quality, particularly about the stones falling off after a few washes but they held up pretty well!  And no, this is not a "vacation ring", this is an everyday ring for me.

It is a set of a wedding band and an engagement ring. The dainty wedding band goes in the middle. I don't own a diamond ring, but I am rocking this ring set like I own one, because to be honest I will never buy a real diamond ring. And I honestly don't mind the size anymore.

I have been wearing it everyday and no stone fell off. Beautiful and sparkly until now.

Well, because of how happy I am, I am sharing this on my blog. I have never shared a product review on my blog before. Be sure to check out the video, I talk more in-depth in the video about my thoughts about this set. I really hope my video helps you.

In case you need a discount, USE MY CODE: JIJIEZN15 and get 15% off your purchase!

Jeulia provided me with a code for my readers or followers to use. It's an affiliate code, you don't have to use it if you don't want to. I get a little commission if you checkout using the code.

I would appreciate your feedback, let me know if this was helpful to you.

Link to Jeulia's website
Jeulia Double Halo Cushion Cut Sterling Silver Ring Set:

xo
Jijie

#honestjeuliaringreview #jeuliaringreview #jeuliajewelry #affordableweddingrings #whitesapphirering #cushioncutring

Ambassador Program Scam on Instagram

I have had a conversation about this with a few of close Instagram friends. And I feel I need to write about this.

I have been telling them don't fall for it, IT IS A SCAM.

If you are a micro influencer, you will be flooded with "Ambassadors Needed" ads on Instagram stories and posts. That's probably the reason why you are searching the web aboutthis. I did the same.

The first Ambassador Ad that I clicked on was a TESLA watch. The watch was said to be $300 USD if you bought it, but if you apply to be an Ambassador, you will get the watch 100% free using a discount code they provide you upon acceptance.

I went through the whole process, applied and got accepted the same day. They hype you like you are privileged to make it into the program.

Sounds really good right? Well, except when you check out you get hit by the $20 USD shipping charge! For a watch that weighs a few grams, you are charging me $20?!

This was the reason why I started my research and clicked on all the "Ambassadors Needed" ads I saw on Instagram and found the same pattern. You will get a code and you will pay a hefty shipping charge. Or get 70% off as an Ambassador, but the price usually costs too high for the products they sell -- almost 10 times higher. These are products you can find on AlieExpress or Wish for less than $5 USD!


This is what the Tesla site looks like now. 

They  shut it down and probably moved on to a different product and brand because this was found to be a scam.


My advice:

As small influencers, we do like that title of being a Brand Ambassador, it sounds good to know that  a brand is willing to work with us knowing how small we are. They know this! So they target people like us. The money maker is not you promoting the brand, it is YOU PAYING FOR THAT SHIPPING, because I guarantee you those products costs $5 dollars in China.


My rule of thumb is:

Do not pay for shipping or even 10% of the price tag. If the company wants you to promote their products, they will send it with no obligation except for you talking about it or unboxing it.


I hope this helps you.


xo
Jijie

A Succulent Story

I have not written anything in a while, I just wanted to say hello if anybody's following.

Last week my cactus died. I was watering my plants and noticed that it was leaning too much so I took it to the kitchen to check the roots, and sure enough, it had rotted. I was sad, I shed tears for the cactus, I had it for 6 years! 

My dear husband came home from the grocery store that weekend with this beautiful one yellow cactus to replace the one that died. It's gorgeous.

Anyways, I just wanted to tell that story because I wanted to write something. I have been trying to hold back on the watering because that's how I kill them.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

xo

Jijie

Hermit's Cove, Aloguinsan Cebu, Philippines Review

First of all, I will show you photos of this place that I took. If you stumbled upon or are reading this post, you must be looking for a review about this place, so I will give you my thoughts about this place. It's not my intention to persuade anybody one way or another, it is just to help those who are undecided about whether or not they should visit this place.

If you would like to use any of these photos, please contact me. Do not use without permission. Or purchase them through Twenty20

cottages. more like tables and a bamboo bench. it is tight in there.

right end of the beach while standing in front of the cottages

left end of the beach and the 82 steps coming down

right end of the beach

I'm hoping you made it this far. With all those beautiful photos, I would like to tell you, do not let the photos fool you. I like my photos to look good, I work on them to make them look like so.

Onto my thoughts.....


1. This is a government program of some sort. 

The workers are residents of the area which I think is a good source of livelihood for the people here. They will give you an orientation of some sort if you're there for the first time. And you can't take anything with you (like corals).


2. It will cost you 100PHP/head and 5PHP per bucket of water you use. (As of Sept 2017).

We went under the impression that it will cost 20 pesos per person, because of word of mouth (without knowing that they went ages ago). Anyway, this 100 per person, you will be assigned a cottage (in photo), with no additional charge.


3. It is quite a hike going to and from the beach area.

Photo included -- they say it's 82 steps. This is not too bad if you're going down and you didn't bring a lot of stuff with you. They will help you carry stuff to and from the cottage but you will get winded out. By the time we got in our vehicle, I said "never again".

4. There are dogs, a lot of them -- and they want food.

I didn't think to take photos of them because I was annoyed by that fact. The staff tries to scare them away but they still come back.

5. They will cook or grill for you at a charge. 

The lady told us 150/kilo of meat that you let them cook.

6. Low tide will be a bad day to go.

We went blindly and did not even check tide levels online. Well, we unfortunately went during a low tide -- pretty much all day. The water will be super low, you will not be able to swim, you will be crawling around, you will hit your knees with rocks and corals.

7. This is a very small beach.

Aside from it being too small, you are not allowed to swim outside the Styrofoam floaters that serve as markers. If you go beyond it, they have a megaphone and will call your attention.


Conclusion and Recommendation:

1. I would recommend go as light as possible. Take disposable plates, cups and utensils so you don't have to carry them up on your way home, because I'm telling you -- you will complain.

2. Check and make sure you go on a high tide because it's not worth the distance if you just end up crawling around instead of swimming.

3. Not good for older people because of the steps. For teenager and young people, yes.

4. I don't like paying 5 pesos for a bucket of water.

6. Between the distance, the water and the price of water, I would choose black sand over a white sand any day.


Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy it if you do go. Have fun!

My Journey to American Citizenship (K1)

The little tiny flag they gave us after we took the oath.

First off, I came to the United States on a K1 (fiancee) visa and became a citizen on March 20th this year. I have included a video of this experience (at the end this post) basically just talking about things that happened and my experience as a whole. Please feel free to ask any questions.

Here are a few photos of the oath taking day, which is the official day that you become a citizen. You cannot claim to be a citizen until after you take the oath; even if you passed the interview and the test. You are not a citizen until after the oath and after you have given up your green card and received your naturalization certificate.

Also, while everything was being checked out (as far as the spelling of the names on the certificate, that you have to proof read to make sure everything is spelled correctly), only the applicants were allowed in the room, but as soon as everything was set and ready the families were allowed inside the room. It was a big crowd so the families had to stand. You will be allowed to record and take pictures all you want, you can move around and stuff to make sure you get good shots. My husband took these pictures.

Here is my timeline:

K1 Visa to Permanent Residency Timeline

May 2009 -- K1 visa petition filed *we were notified the same month that it was received

September 2009 -- Petition was approved notice received
November 2009 -- Interview appointment (also got my medical done same trip to Manila)

December 2009 -- I arrived in the United States

January 2010 -- Application for Employment Authorization and Adjustment of status filed 

February 2010 -- Biometrics appointment

April 2010 -- Permanent Residence Application was approved (2 year green card received)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I-751 (Conditional Residency Conditions Removal)  Timeline

January 2012 -- Application to remove conditional residency filed (I-751)

* (less than a week later) we got a notice of extension  of residency while waiting for the results.

February 2012 -- Biometrics appointment 

October 2012 -- Request for removal of conditions approved (received 10 year green card)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N-400 Application for Naturalization Timeline

July 2016 -- Application for Naturalization/Citizenship filed 

August 2016 -- Biometrics appointment

February 2017 -- Naturalization/Citizenship interview

March 2017 -- Oath taking ceremony

You do not take the Oath by yourself, you will take the oath with many other people who are also scheduled to do it. Approximately took about 45 minutes to an hour. It would differ from office to office but the USCIS Mount Laurel location does same-day oath taking, the will ask you if you want to take the oath the same day -- 3:00 PM everyday is their schedule. 

I hope this was helpful to you guys, and if you have questions, please ask away. I'll be happy to answer them.

Check out the video if you don't mind me blabbering about it.

Homemaker: Manager of my Home

I just stay at home.

This is my usual response every time someone asks me what I do. This happens every time I meet someone new. This question always comes up: What do you do? My answer is always: I stay at home, I just stay at home -- those two are my options.

I have been thinking about it lately, why do I feel uncomfortable every time I get asked this question? Why do I feel that I am supposed to be doing something else other than stay home and take care of my home? Could I just be feeling the pressure that all other wives are busy running errands, taking care of children and working outside the home at the same time? The answer is yes. I feel that people who ask me this question want a different answer and would then tell me "Don't you get bored?" or "I can't do, I would go insane".

I STAY AT HOME... AND I LOVE IT! EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

I am a homebody.
Even back in the Philippines, before I got married and was working, I enjoyed every minute of just being home, I loved taking my time to do my chores whether it's cleaning or cooking or organizing. I am homebody. I get drained so easily being around chaos and noise outside my home.

I have lived both. 

I have tried working part time, nothing big or corporate, just something I tried to get me out of the house a few times a week. Did I like it? At first. But when the excitement was gone and I hated getting up a certain time in the morning so I could get to work on time and having to take care of my home when I get home was such a chore. All the more it proved to me that I wanted to just stay at home and take care of my own.

What I learned:

My desire to work was not because I wanted to, it was because I wanted to tell people that "I work at/for so and so if and when I get the question "what do you do?". In reality, I love being home. I love having this much time to myself. I love being able to study, learn anything I want to and take care of my home at my own pace. Believe it or not, I am not bored at home. I feel like I don't have enough time during the day!

I did fight my husband many times because I insisted that I needed to work because I needed something to do, that I was bored and all other things I could think of but when I did finally get it, I was miserable because it really was not what I wanted to do or what my husband wanted me to do. 

I am a keeper of my home. A Homemaker. I am proud to  be, it a beautiful thing, a calling.

While I am home with no children to take care of I also need to be careful that I am accountable to God for how use my time alone. I need to manage and take of my home and grow not just spiritually but also in other areas of my life -- developing a skill and studying to better myself in the things that I love doing.


"She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness."
                                                                                                                   Proverbs 31:27

I hope you enjoyed this and that I have encouraged you if you are someone struggling with the same feelings. I have resolved to say with confidence that I do manage my home. Hope you will too.