Van life is a lifestyle that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves living full-time or part-time in a van, RV, or other mobile dwellings. Van life is appealing for a variety of reasons, including the freedom to travel, the ability to live minimally, and the chance to connect with nature and other like-minded individuals. In this essay, we will explore the many aspects of van life and what makes it such a popular choice for people all over the world.

One of the main draws of van life is the freedom it provides. Van lifers have the ability to travel wherever they want, whenever they want. They are not tied down by a lease or a mortgage and can choose to move from one location to another with ease. Van lifers can also choose to work remotely or on a freelance basis, which allows them to earn a living while living on the road.

Another aspect of van life that attracts many people is the opportunity to live minimally. Van life requires downsizing one’s possessions and living with only the essentials. This means that van lifers must learn to live with less and be mindful of the items they bring into their van. The minimalist lifestyle that comes with van life is freeing and allows van lifers to focus on what is truly important in life.

Living in a van also allows van lifers to connect with nature on a deeper level. Van lifers can park their vans in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, including national parks and other natural wonders. They have the ability to wake up to breathtaking sunrises, hike through scenic trails, and spend time in the great outdoors. For many van lifers, the connection to nature is a major reason for choosing this lifestyle.

Van life is not without its challenges, however. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of space. Living in a van requires that van lifers learn to be creative with the space they have. They must make use of every inch of their van to ensure that they have enough room to sleep, cook, and relax. This requires careful planning and organization to make the most of the limited space available.

Another challenge of van life is the need to be self-sufficient. Van lifers must learn to live without many of the conveniences that come with traditional housing. They must find ways to generate their own power, store their own water, and dispose of their own waste. While this can be challenging at times, many van lifers find it to be a rewarding experience that allows them to become more self-sufficient and independent.

Despite these challenges, many people find that van life is an incredibly rewarding lifestyle. Van lifers have the opportunity to explore the world and connect with other like-minded individuals. They have the freedom to create their own schedule and pursue their passions on their own terms. For many, van life is a chance to live life on their own terms and create the life they have always dreamed of.

Van life is also a community. There are many online and in-person communities of van lifers who support each other and share their experiences. These communities offer a chance for van lifers to connect with others who share their passion for adventure and a simpler way of life. They provide support, advice, and encouragement to those who are just starting out on their van life journey.

Another aspect of van life that many people appreciate is the opportunity to save money. Traditional housing can be incredibly expensive, especially in cities and other desirable locations. Van life allows people to live in a smaller space, which means that they can save money on rent or a mortgage. Additionally, van lifers often find that they spend less on utilities, as they can generate their own power and use less water.

In conclusion, van life is a unique and rewarding lifestyle that is growing in popularity around the world. It offers a chance for people to break free from the constraints of traditional living and embrace a simpler, more adventurous way of life. Van life is not without its challenges, but for many, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. It provides a sense of freedom, independence, and connection to nature that is difficult to replicate in traditional housing. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a family of four, van life offers the opportunity to explore the world and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re looking for a way to break free from the norm and live life on your own terms, van life may be the perfect lifestyle for you.

I have revamped my YouTube channel and will upload videos of my experiences there if you’re curious. Do you think you’ll enjoy this lifestyle too?

Bencab is one of my favorite places in Baguio. Every time I tour friends and family in Baguio, I always make sure to stop by Bencab Museum. They all love it! My cousin actually took a 360 photo of the place – stunning view!

While I’ve been here 3 or 4 times, I was always on a rush! I was either keeping a schedule or we just don’t have enough time to explore. I’m not really an artsy person but I do appreciate all the art that’s found here. What I’m after is the ambience and the contrast of a modern artistic world vs. nature. Take a look outside the building and you will find a beautiful garden, fenced by a group of hills. This is the view I’m after. And if I were to go back, I’d love to just sit by the garden, drink coffee and eat some pastries while reading a book.

Check out my 360 photos of the garden of BenCab Museum:

*Click here if the image doesn’t load.

*Click here if the image doesn’t load.

I haven’t done movie reviews in a while. It’s mostly because I have tons to do and it is not my priority. But I miss freestyle blogging so much that tonight, I’m just itching to write!

I will try my best not to spoil the movie, but then again, there’s nothing to spoil really. This is history relived in the cinema. Actually – in one hell of a cinema, the IMAX!

If you want to watch it, I suggest you watch it at IMAX or anywhere with ATMOS. The sound quality will transport you back in time, taking you to the edge of your seat through the entire movie! There aren’t a lot of dialogues in this film, not even shaky chaotic action scenes (referring to Transformers films). All it has is good acting, supported by great cinematography and powerful scoring that will involve you in every scene.

Source: imgur.com/gallery/0pyva

I have been fascinated with World War I and II stories recently. This for a fact that I keep watching History Channel as my default and know now how the world changed because of this. Back in high school, I couldn’t care less. Maybe because I’m a visual person. Seeing the action through documentaries and movies like this, and playing Battlefield made WWI and WWII my favorite subject.

Let’s go back to the film. It is a must-watch, even if you are not a fan of war movies. The scenes, and the way they are filmed and directed will affect your deepest emotions one way or another. This also gives people, who have given up on humanity, a sense of hope. Watch and you’ll see.

*The traveler and the World War geek in me wants to explore Dunkirk now. Where to start? Check out this Dunkirk Battlefield guided tour.

Testing out our new gadget, the Dobby Selfie drone! Unboxing and review to be posted in another video. Bottomline – perfect drone for beginners!  Some wide angle shots are taken from my GoPro Hero 4 Black

Video edited purely on-the-go using Dobby App “DoFun”, GoPro “Capture” app, and GoPro’s Quik app for editing this video.

I uploaded this video montage so you can check the image quality of videos taken by Dobby drone, unedited! I didn’t use any filters or enhanced the video. I did however cut the videos for the montage but that’s it!

Overall, it did the job for me! The video could be enhanced further by software. It doesn’t have a gimbal but it still was pretty stable despite strong winds at the beach. It has an Electronic Image Stabilizer. This drone doesn’t produce commercial-grade professional videos, but as you can see for the small size and the price, it is packed with features that even a first-timer like me can utilize. Videos are amazing and is good enough for capturing those precious sights and moments!

Dobby features:
– User tracker
– Face tracker
– 360 Panoramic shot
– Return to home when disconnected
– Palm take-off and landing
– Fits in my pocket
– Electronic Image Stabilizer

Hotels

Dusit Thani Guam

Hilton Guam

Guam Reef & Olive

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel  – http://bit.ly/FlairCandy

*Post may include affiliate links

Adidas Y-3, Yohji Yamamoto Kohna Unboxing and Review
Sunnies: Roosevelt prescription specs
Lexar iPhone expandable storage
Sandisk OTG expandable storage

I have attended many comic conventions in the Philippines and I think attending one in the US will be a more exhilarating experience.

Are you excited for your first ever comic con experience? If so, there are particular tips to consider so you can enjoy your first time. Aside from wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, you also need to bring your comic con supplies. But there are more things to keep in mind before you attend such convention wherever that is. Today, we will help you prepare for the Las Vegas Comic Con which will be happening this coming June 23 to 25.

How Comic Con Conventions Work

If it’s your first time to attend a comic con, it’s basic to understand how things work here. For instance, rooms aren’t emptied until a panel is done. If you’re inside the room, you can stay there for the rest of the presentation. On the other hand, you can only enter a room depending on the availability of slots in that panel. So, if you really want to securely be part of a panel, you should be falling in line at an earlier time before that panel even starts.
Most attendees show up night before the convention.

That means if the panel will start on Friday, you have to be at the venue Thursday night to secure a spot. This is the norm when it comes to attending comic con conventions across the globe. It’s also important to consider the Wristband System while lining up for the event. Experienced comic con attendees don’t advise seat reservations for families or friends who are not sure to show up at the event. That would just be a waste of time and effort on your side.

Helpful Reminders for First-Time Attendees

Just like in any other events, you have to be at the gate before it opens. Being early pays off especially on events that you really want to be part of. And once you’re lined up for the comic con, avoid negative thoughts – that will only make you feel more tired getting in line. Instead, think of the rewarding experience you will get once you’re inside the convention hall watching your favorite comic con personalities.

One of the cringe-worthy parts of the event is having the chance to speak with your favorite star. Make the most of this opportunity and ask the most relevant question you can think of. But, perhaps, it’s also important to respect other fans who admire another celebrity in the event. Do not make any negative remarks about a personality that you are not quite a fan of. That will make the convention even more memorable and enjoyable.

Bring your own snacks and avoid spending too much on the event. Before you decide to buy a comic con item, ask yourself if you really need it. Remember, you have the whole day to tour around the convention hall and buying heavy things from stalls can be inconvenient. And most importantly, make sure your gadgets are fully charged. You wouldn’t want to miss a photo-op with your favorite star in front of you.

Now go buy your ticket for the upcoming Las Vegas Comic Con this June 23 to 25 to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Have fun and make friends with other comic con fans for a surely amazing first-time experience! Save more if you plan ahead!, check out these Las Vegas travel deals.

Thanks to L’Oreal’s Infallible makeup line, women on the go no longer need to worry about melting makeup and reapplying over and over again.

INFALLIBLE – a full range #neverfail makeup from L’Oreal Makeup Designer/Paris. INFALLIBLE answers every modern Filipina’s battle cry to fight makeup meltdown with a complete line of long-wearing makeup.

Infallible 24hr liquid foundation

Infallible 10hr Le Rouge lipstick

Infallible Pro-Matte 16hr powder

Infallible Pro-spray & set Makeup Extender & Setting Spray

We can now say goodbye to makeup meltdown!

Infallible 24hr Foundation

Php 700 SRP

This is the first foundation from L’Oreal Makeup Designer/Paris that promises to fight makeup meltdown and stay fresh all day. It lasts for up to 24 hours! With its lightweight formula, it gives flawless, full coverage that conceals visible imperfections and a demi-matte finish with no visible shine.

Powered by extreme hold pigments that adhere to skin, and hydrating hyaluron that gives optimum skin comfort, this long-wearing foundation guarantees no makeup meltdown from morning till night!

Infallible 24hr Foundation comes in 6 shades, available at L’Oreal Paris makeup counters and official online retailers for Php 700 SRP. With the many benefits of this mighty foundation, I’m so happy that I can get it at an affordable price!

Let’s put it to the test!

During the L’Oreal event at Valkyrie Club, I went to the makeup station to get myself done. They used Infallible 24hr foundation on me. After that, I joined the 30-minute POUND Rockout Workout to put the foundation to the test. Amazingly enough, it stayed on and even if I wiped my sweat off, you wouldn’t see a lot of foundation on the tissue paper!

Infallible 10hr Lipstick

Php 500 SRP

This lipstick line lasts from morning coffee to evening wine! Say goodbye to makeup fails like fading and flaking. Say hello to the sophisticated, high-impact color that lasts all day. Infused with hydrating vitamin e, this lipstick stays fresh and vibrant for up to 10 hours without feeling tacky or dry I tried it myself and it absolutely works, even if I brush my teeth, eat, and drink water from a bottle.

The application is pretty smooth as the creamy formula glides easily on the lips. It looks glossy at first application but sets with a demi-matte finish.

Infallible 10hr lipstick comes in an expansive range of 20 shades from subdued nudes, to vibrant reds and pinks, to bold and deep hues.  They are available at L’Oreal Paris makeup counters and official online retailers for Php 500 SRP.

Let’s put it to the test!

I prepared to leave for work at around 9:30 am. I put on the infallible 10hr lipstick and I realized that I haven’t brushed my teeth yet! Oops! So I decided to put it to a test and brushed my teeth with the lipstick on. I am amazed that it stayed there and through the rest of the day! I went to L’Oreal’s event in Valkyrie by late afternoon and it was still great!

Infallible Pro-Matte 16hr Powder

Php 600 SRP

This powder goes very well with the 24hr foundation! Complete the look with this long-wearing, shine-defying powder and create a perfectly matte finish without looking flat or cakey. It absorbs excess oil and reduces shine on the skin’s surface for up to 16 hours. This lightweight pressed powder can be used alone, to set foundation after application, or throughout the day for quick touch-ups.

Infallible Pro-Matte 16hr Powder is available in 6 shades at L’Oreal Paris makeup counters and official online retailers for Php 600 SRP.

Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender & Setting Spray

Php 500 SRP

This lightweight, oil-free spray can be applied after makeup over your face, eyes, and lips to lock in your whole makeup look. It ensures that your makeup stays fresh and “just-applied” the entire day, and prevents melting, fading and smudging.

Infallible Pro-Spray & Set is available in L’Oreal Paris makeup counters and official online retailers for only Php 500 SRP

GRWM – L’Oreal Infallible VLOG

Buy L’Oreal Infallible Long-Wear Makeup Line at Lazada!

*Disclaimer:

*1. I am not compensated for this vlog, although I received products for review from L’Oreal and Lazada.

2. I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. In fact, I oftentimes am able to negotiate a lower rate (or bonuses) not available elsewhere. Plus, when you order through my link, it helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff. 🙂 Thank you, in advance for your support!

I want to review my 2016, so I can pursue with a better year ahead for 2017. So many things have happened, and while I lost so many things in 2016, I gained in experience.

So Busy

2016 was quite a hectic year for me. I got involved in so many things. This involved me becoming the liaison for our pole summer show, having a new job at a big company, realizing I grew another fibroadenoma leading to my 2nd cancer scare and of course, quitting my job and focusing on YouTube during my break.

Can’t do this without REAL friends

2016 was a very trying year. I realized that I made bad decisions in 2015 that made my 2016 suffer. One of the greatest things I realized in 2016 is my relationship with people. I am always known to be this bubbly human being trying to light up any situation wherever I am. For some reason, I realized that when the environment is too dark, I lose my flicker as well. I thought I had a lot of friends! Sometimes, on a Friday or Saturday night, I get torn between which friend groups I would spend my time with. Life is happening! yaye!!! I do my best to always be with them, when they need me etc. Especially when I promise to help, I really oblige.

But when things get serious like my recent cancer scare, I realized that only a handful of my friends reached out to me. Just because I act like everything is fine (a defense mechanism maybe) doesn’t mean I am not afraid for my life. When people ask me, “Are you okay?” I instantly bubble up and say “I’m okay!” with smiley face and all. But deep inside, I am just trying not to burst to tears.

People would also think, “It’s nothing it’s just a lump,” or “Why is she making a big deal out of it?” First of all, this lump is a tumor. The word tumor is frightening by itself. Second, this grew twice inside me and that is freakin scary for me. Third, although it is benign, it could either act like cancer still, or grow and mutate some more.

I decided to no longer invest time on people who don’t really care and make more quality time with those who care instead. Quality over quantity. 😉

Cancer Scare

The only way to defeat the enemy is to know the enemy. And so I took Nutrition course from Stanford and Biology of Cancer from John Hopkins University. I love the internet and it’s power to educate! I just finished these courses in December and I can now fight this battle confidently. I can do this!

Double Standards

This is self-explanatory. No one wants to be at the losing end of double standards. In my end, I made sacrifices and have forgone my personal effects just so I fulfill my commitments. I don’t even want to elaborate.

Self

I learn from all this. I am happy that I have convinced myself to be a little bit selfish from time to time. To think about myself. To help myself instead of helping other people. This is when candy goes a little bit sour, but I need this. I need to be more giving to myself. It is friends and family who made me realize this. That is my vow for 2017.

Enough

Enough. I say “no” now. It feels so good! In tagalog “Wala ako na pala sa mga pinag-gagawa ko.” (I did not gain anything from the things I did for other people). I am not trying to win anything, I just want to focus on myself and my plans moving forward

Plans

I am at this point in life where I have to plan not only for my future but for my family-to-be. Less travels for me in 2017. I only have 2 major travels planned out. I am trying to save now for bigger things in life.

Moving on

I am grateful for all that I learned during 2016. I learned how to get out of misery. I have found myself, again. This is the most important thing about life, we must always move forward.

2008

Phew! Writing this down really feels good! Things have changed since the first time I blogged in 2008. In 2008, my real identity was not connected to “flaircandy.” To the world wide web, flaircandy is just another human being, anonymous and free. First people who ever read my blogs were strangers. Strangers who can relate to me.

Now, you write something in Social Media, you get criticized for it. That’s why I love blogs. Only people who really care to read, are here. Sad thing is, you can’t be “truly” yourself in Social Media anymore without affecting other aspects of your life.

Blog is still love. And vlog too, check out my youtube channel where I post lifestyle changes I have made to make myself better.

2017

My plans for 2017. Love myself. Make time for myself. Learn new skills. Grow money. Love more. Know when to say No.

That’s it 🙂 I always provoke this happy-go-lucky vibe, but I’m also human and I have feelings like this. Feel free to subscribe, or unsubscribe 🙂 It is a free world <3

Love,

FlairCandy

While technology has its benefits, too much of it can also be a bad thing. Eye strain is fast becoming a problem for many gadget users today. Likewise, some people experience neck pain from being hunched over their computers for too long.

To avoid eye strain, neck pain, and other health problems, here are five easy tips for a tech detox:

1. Limit your social media time.

How often do you check your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Social media networks are a great way to stay connected, but they can also be major time wasters. Before you know it, your “few minutes” could become an hour and you suffer from social media stress.

If you are really serious about getting a tech detox, limit to your social media time. Logging in for a few minutes in the morning and in the evening should be enough. You can also set your accounts to view only the people and pages that are most important to you.

2. Get a grip on your email.

In the early days of the Internet, getting an email used to be fun and exciting. But today, the mere sight of “500 unread” is enough to make anyone dizzy. Fortunately, you can take some steps to manage your ever-expanding inbox.

First, turn off email alerts and “pings.” You do not need a reminder every time you receive an email! Second, set a schedule for checking your inbox, such as every few hours or so.

3. Put your gadget away.

This may seem hard at first, but once you get into the habit, you will wonder why you’ve never tried it in the first place. Instead of keeping your phone beside you all the time, try putting it on a table across the room. This way, you will not be tempted to check it every few minutes.

4. Find other means of entertainment.

Remember the old days, when a good book or some craft paper can keep you occupied for hours? Before the digital age, people actually had hobbies! Even if you can read an e-book or doodle on an art app, the experience is not the same.

Think back on what used to occupy your time before smartphones came. Take a walk, go jogging, plan a bicycle ride with friends. Start gardening, cooking, or anything besides picking up your gadget!

5. Mark it on you calendar.

A tech detox plan becomes clearer when you put it in writing. And no, do not use an app for this! Get a piece of paper or calendar, then write down your schedule for checking email, Facebook, and other tech-related tasks. Do this regularly and your tech detox will become a daily habit.

Even in this day and age of tech gadgets, it is possible to slow down and enjoy the simple things. To prevent Internet stress and smartphones from taking over your life, follow these tips for a well-deserved tech-detox.

Less Stuff, Less Stress: A Minimalist’s Mantra

In order to help you organize your home, there are simple steps to follow. All you need to do is check out below tips to effectively guide you in arranging your things at home while removing those that are not useful anymore.

1. Sort out your stuff and identify the things you no longer need. Look at your entire home. Search your room, your kitchen, your attic, and even your garage. Are there specific items that are not useful anymore? If you’ve found something unusable, eliminate them right away and never look back. It’s easier to say goodbye to the things you once loved that way.

2. Grab a trash bag and fill it up. Once you’ve found the items that are no longer useful at home, put it in a trash bag. You will surely fill one plastic bag as you search for unneeded items. This is actually one of the best techniques you can use when decluttering your home. Although you have to make sure that you are removing surplus items only.

3. Do the Hanger Experiment and see if it works. Have you ever heard of the “Oprah Winfrey Closet Hanger Experiment” yet? This technique actually helps homeowners find wardrobe items that need to be eliminated. By using your hangers, hang your clothes on the reverse side. And as you use each piece, put it back in your closet while facing the right direction. In a few weeks time, you will know which ones to discard.

4. Create a list to recognize areas that need decluttering. Do not just go on a decluttering mission if you haven’t figured out yet where to begin. You will only miss spots that require ultimate cleaning up if you don’t have a list at hand. So go on and take your time to list down every single area that clearly needs general cleaning.

5. Change your viewpoint in terms of removing clutters for good. If you really want a successfully decluttered home, you need to know the ways on how to effectively do it. For instance, you can try the 12-12-12 challenge. It’s a task where you find at least 12 items that should be discarded, 12 things to be donated, and 12 pieces that must be put back in their proper places. Isn’t it exciting to declutter while doing a few fun activities like these?

A minimalist home doesn’t welcome any excess stuff especially when there is not enough space to accommodate surplus. So are you willing to give up unneeded items including some of your favorites?