Blog – Ja's Corner

Discovering the Joy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons

I have never considered myself a gamer. Watching others play from behind the scenes has always been more my style, as I easily get scared and feel disheartened when I “die” in a game.

However, on March 21st, I finally got my hands on the popular game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). My copy even came with a free Tom Nook key ring! Despite owning a Switch, I had never delved into the world of gaming. I had heard of Animal Crossing but knew little about it, other than its reputation for being cute and popular.

When I started the game, it asked for my name and the name of my island. Convinced that I would be playing solo, I chose the name “tots.” I didn’t realize there was an option for uppercase letters, so my name remained in lowercase. When Tom Nook asked me to name my island, I was caught off guard and hastily named it “crossy,” associating it with the mobile game Crossy Road. Looking back, I wish I had chosen something like “Janine” or “Ja” for my name and “Kokomo” (inspired by the Beach Boys song) or “Pear Town” (my island’s native fruit) for my island.

Two weeks into playing ACNH, I was still exploring the game on my own, using Nook Tickets to visit Mystery Islands and gather resources. In the early days, I focused on basic gameplay, interacting mainly with my original villagers, Biff and Plucky. When the gifting interaction unlocked, I found joy in giving gifts to my villagers, although I noticed they weren’t too fond of receiving footwear. I remember giving Biff a flower, and the next day, he proudly displayed it. This marked the beginning of my ongoing “friendsgiving” with my villagers.

Saturdays became a highlight for me, as K.K. Slider would visit my island. I also joined a Facebook group for ACNH players in New Zealand, where I learned a lot about the game. For new players like me, joining such a group is a great way to interact with others and discover new aspects of the game. I learned that there is more to ACNH than just cutting trees and chatting with cute villagers. Through the stalk market, I managed to make a fortune in bells, thanks to turnips. Shout out to Shivs for the tips! Without turnips, I wouldn’t have been able to pay off a 2.4 million bell mortgage to Tom Nook.

Interacting with other players became a fun part of the game. One of my favorite characters is Celeste, who gives out magical DIY recipes. I also enjoy wishing upon the stars. My island eventually filled up with 10 villagers, although two have since moved away and been replaced. Currently, my island is home to Plucky, Drago, Victoria, Ava, Biskit, Ellie, Vic, Gigi, Queenie, and Tex. I had to say goodbye to Quillson and Biff when they decided to move on, which was bittersweet.

Despite not being a gamer, ACNH has kept me glued to my couch, especially during the lockdown period. To date, I have spent over 230 hours playing the game, which is a significant milestone for me. ACNH has turned me into a sort-of gamer and given me more reasons to stay at home. I love everything about this game.

See you in the game, and take care always!

Navigating Lockdown: A Journey of Self-Improvement

On Monday, March 22, 2020, the New Zealand Government announced that the country was going into lockdown. During this time, I have been working from home and trying to stay productive, even though it has been challenging. I am honestly grateful for the opportunity to work from home, but I know that many people’s lives have been affected.

I was excited to start working from home for the first time, so I bought an extra office table to be more comfortable. The next morning, I looked forward to turning on my laptop and getting to work. I got to eat my breakfast without rushing while watching the news. I also did heaps of cleaning in my kitchen, which helped me feel relaxed.

To be honest, I fell off track during my first week of working from home. Not factoring in the technical problems I encountered, I think it was because I drastically changed my working hours. Before the lockdown, I worked from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm. Working from home meant more flexibility, so there were days when I started at 9 am or 10 am. At the end of the day, I felt more tired than usual and sluggish.

Though I managed to get a good amount of work done, I still felt unproductive, which made me feel guilty and ashamed. I plan to switch things up next week and will update you on the steps I take to be more productive while working from home.

There is a lot of uncertainty and panic at the moment. I am thinking about my family and friends in the Philippines during this time. All we can do is stay at home, and there is not much else we can do.

I decided to take this time as an opportunity for self-improvement and to get to know my deeper self since I cannot go outside.

I hope you are all safe, and I wish you take this time as an opportunity to spend time with yourself, your family, and the people you care about. Stay safe and sending so much love.

Mindful Shopping and Decluttering in 2020

Come 2020, I realized that my space was cluttered with clothes and makeup. My closet was not pleasing to look at because of the excess. Despite doing four major decluttering sessions last year, I still didn’t look forward to opening my closet and tallboy.

I also noticed that I tend to get carried away when shopping. Whether it’s clothes or makeup, I often buy items in multiple colors. If something comes in white and blue, I’ll grab both. During my downtime, I browse shops and end up with a shopping haul. On my phone, I do ‘screen shopping,’ adding items to my cart and almost always hitting the purchase button. Whenever a favorite YouTuber raves about something, I rush to buy it. However, there’s always a guilty or empty feeling after these purchases. Reflecting on it now, I’m not proud of it.

I guess I’m maturing and getting better with my money. My goals have shifted. I’m now more focused on saving up for my first house and traveling outside New Zealand. I know these experiences will bring me more joy and a sense of accomplishment than items that will expire or clutter my space. I will still buy things when needed, but I will be more mindful. Below are the questions I ask myself when tempted to buy something. Some of these questions are from the book “The Conscious Closet” by Elizabeth L. Cline, while others I created myself:

Does it fit my personal style, or does it just represent someone else’s style that I admire?

Do I need this item?
Do I already own something like it?
Could I wear this item every day? If not, is it an occasion item I could use repeatedly?
Where will I wear it and how often?
What does this go with? How many new outfits can I create using this piece? (Should be at least 3-5)
Do I need to buy more to be able to wear it?
Is it in neutral, classic, or versatile color(s)?
Could I wear this item in 10 years?
Does it fit exactly how I want it to?
Does it look exactly how I want it/need it to?
Is it comfortable?
Is it special?
Do I love it?

This January, I’m happy to report that I haven’t purchased anything unnecessary, and I intend to keep it that way. Will you also be doing a low-buy challenge this year? I’ll be updating my progress here from time to time. Thank you and see you!

It is Never too Late to Start – 1 Minute Read

#newyear #goals #inspiration

Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. – Earl Nightingale

The 31st of December always makes me feel pensive about the year ahead. Questions like “Am I on the right track?”, “Do I like what I am doing?”, and “What can I do to achieve my goals?” often enter my mind. Is it too late to start something we are passionate about?

When I was 17, I didn’t know what degree to pursue, but I had to make a quick decision because enrollment was about to start. I chose Psychology because I have always been interested in medical science. I enjoyed my pre-med studies, and it took me four years to complete my degree. However, I still didn’t know what to do and ended up applying for jobs unrelated to my qualification. At 24, I moved to New Zealand and got a job in retail.

I remember telling a couple of friends that I wanted to study communication at a New Zealand university. Both replied that it was a nice idea but would take up a lot of my time. I got discouraged and abandoned my plans. Fast forward to 2018, I discovered what I wanted to do and decided to go back to school. I got sucked into the “I wish I could go back in time and make this decision” path of thinking.

In 2018, I finally knew what area to study, and I knew it would keep me interested and be beneficial for my future. I intend to study and get certified in this profession, and it’s okay that it took me a while to figure out my passion.

Going back to the quote above, I want to inspire you not to get discouraged about what you want to achieve, even if it means going back to school to acquire a new skill or certification. Time will pass anyway, so why not spend it doing something you love? Maybe you are 35 years old and realize you want to be an engineer. It may take you five years to get certified, but by the time you retire at around 65, you would have 25 years of industry experience. The 90-year-old you won’t regret taking the time to acquire that engineering certification or playing it safe.

I know it’s easier said than done because we fear change and have financial and familial obligations. However, when I reflect on this, I know that starting something new will make me happier, and I am making the right decision.

I hope you had a good holiday, and may all your dreams and goals for 2020 come true!

Christmas Gifts 2019 and Beauty Favorites

Christmas is my favorite season ever. It makes me feel blessed and grateful for everything I have, especially my loving family and friends. This Christmas, my family made me feel special by gifting me things they knew I would love. Most of the items here were gifts, and I want to share my love for makeup and skincare with this blog post. Please know that I am not trying to brag about what I received.

Benefit Days of Our Lights Set

First up is the Benefit Days of Our Lights set, a highlighter and primer trio, all in full size. If you want that glowy look, this set is perfect for you. It includes:

The POREfessional Pearl Primer: A soft radiance primer that minimizes the look of pores without being flat. I’ve used it a couple of times, and it feels soft to the touch.
Dandelion Twinkle Highlighter: A nude-pink powder highlighter and luminizer. It’s not as intense as other highlighters, which I love because it doesn’t have chunks of glitter. It’s perfect for a no-makeup makeup look.
Watts Up! Soft Focus Highlighter: My favorite! This set retails at $69.70 and is worth every penny.

Ultra Violette Queen Screen Lightweight Skin Screen

Next is an item I gifted myself: the Ultra Violette Queen Screen Lightweight Skin Screen. This is the best sunscreen I’ve ever used. It didn’t break me out, and the scent is mild. It looks good under makeup and gives my skin a glowy, protected finish when I’m not wearing any makeup. It’s a serum form, so it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. The best $51 I’ve ever spent!

Skincare Goodies

I was also gifted some amazing drugstore skincare items:

Pond’s Cold Cream Makeup Remover: Growing up, I saw my mother using this. I massage the cream into my face and remove it with a warm, soft face towel. It does a great job of removing stubborn makeup, and the scent brings back memories. This retails at NZ$6.99.
Simple WaterBoost Face Mask and Under Eye Hydrogel Mask: These are my favorites and a staple in my bathroom drawers.
Burt’s Bees Hydrating Gel Cream: This was a new gift for me, and it promises 48 hours of hydration.
Lancome Hydra-Zen Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream: This wasn’t a gift but came as a freebie with an online purchase. It’s incredibly moisturizing, and I woke up with dewy skin after using it at night. I’ll definitely repurchase it in the future.
Lanolips Multipurpose Super Balm: I’ve wanted this for so long and am so glad I finally have it. It’s hydrating, and I plan to buy more of it.

Makeup Favorites

I also received some fantastic makeup items:

Mecca Cosmetica Hydra Skin Tint in Natural: This did not disappoint. It lasts long, blends well with my skin, and doesn’t feel heavy. It’s the perfect face foundation for me.
Flower Beauty Light Illusion Luminous Makeup Foundation (SPF 15): I have the shade in Classic Tan. It’s lightweight and right up my alley.
Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Translucent Finishing Powder: It mattifies my makeup and does a great job of setting my under-eye concealer.

Laura Mercier Extra Lash Sculpting Mascara: I love this mascara and will definitely repurchase it. It doesn’t budge or give me raccoon eyes.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Nighthawk: This is the perfect lip liner for my lip shade. It’s nude, and I like to overdraw my upper lip with it. Even after a big breakfast, it stays put.
Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon in Lead the Way and Own Your Empire: These lipsticks are easy to use, even when I’m in a hurry to get out the door in the morning.
That’s the gift of beauty I received this season, and I am truly happy with them. Happy New Year, everyone!🎉🎇🎊

What’s in my Makeup Bag

I always go for the minimal makeup look. I still like seeing my skin even if I do not have the most flawless face. I always moisturize my face before putting any makeup on. These are the products that I use whenever I have to go to work.

Depending on my mood, sometimes I prime my face sometimes not. When I do, I draw lines on my cheeks and forehead with Maybelline Master Blur Tinted Primer Stick in Medium/Tan. It does not prolong my makeup but it does the does the job in making my pores appear smoother. Right now for foundation, I use Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Flawless Coverage Foundation MakeUp with SPF 50 in shade Soft Tan. The shade is actually too dark for me but what I do, do is mix it with moisturiser. (I am eyeing on the Mecca Cosmetica HydraSkinTint which I will be getting it soon.)n Fo concealer, I use Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer in Natural Beige. I like how light the formula is for this concealer. For under the eye, I use benefit boi-ing brightening concealer. I like how full coverage it is but has a blend able formula.

For my eyebrows, I use L.A. Girl Shady Slim Brow Pencil in Black or Blackest Brown. I like how super skinny the tip is which makes it easier for me to create natural looking hair. I finish them off with Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Eyebrow Mascara in Dark Brown. These 2 are my face eyebrow duo. For me, this is the best eyebrow mascara that I have ever used. My eyebrows stays put all day and you can even wear it on its own.

I then use Maybelline City Bronzer. This bronzer has such a good quality and it reminds of the benefit hoola bronzer. It’s good for contouring and bronzing your face. It has a mild cocoa scent.

For blush, I like them in cream formula. Currently, I am using BH Cosmetics Illuminate by Ashley Tisdale Cream Cheek and Lip Tint in Red Velvet. I know that they do not make this anymore but I still use it and I like that it gives me that natural flush. Other days, I use Revlon Insta-Blush. I have the shade Berry Kiss and Nude Kiss. I like the colors that I have but the consistency is a bit stiff and not that creamy. I apply the blush straight from the bullet to my cheeks to get more color.

Even with my oily skin, I still like to have that dewy glow. For highlighter, I love benefit watt’s up! Cream highlighter. It retails from $57.00 and I got mine at a benefit counter from Auckland Airport. I love that it gives that soft-focus look and natural sheen and it lasts long on my face. For drugstore, I use Maybelline Face Studio Master Strobing Stick in Medium. It retails for $18.99 from Farmers. It does the job but I have to apply it straight from the bullet straight to my cheekbones to have more glow pay off.

For my peepers, I usually do not put eyeshadow on. Im happy with applying bronzer on the crease and then I am all good but when i feel like it, I put on Revlon ColorStay Bold in Merlot by using my fingers. The color does intensify my dark brown eyes. It retails for $18.00. Currently, I am in love with Maybelline FullNSoft Mascara in Very Black for $20.00. It makes my eyelashes fuller without the clumpiness. I also have Revlon Volumazing Mascara in Blackest Black. I only swipe it once because it can get clumpy if I layer it. If you like a more dramatic look then this is for you.

I am not big on lipstick or lip color. Most of the days, I only have lip balm on or dab some cheek color on my lips. That being said, I checked my makeup drawer and found a few lip colors there. I have Chi Chi Liquid Lipstick and I have 4 of them. I do not know how much they retail for as I got them as a gift last Christmas. They a creamy matte formula. I have the shades Calendar Girl, Wild Child, Show Pony and Urban Chic. I also have Maybelline New York Color Sensational High Shine Gloss in Iced Chocolate. I am not a big lip gloss fan but this one here is not sticky and has the right amount of shine and nude color pay off. I also use elf lip and cheek tint in rouge radiance which gives me that bitten color. Also, I have WetNWild velvet matte lip color which I think I gravitate the most or Maybelline ColorSensational Shaping Lip Liner inDusty Rose. I have Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in Naughty Mauve which retails at $24 which gives a wash of color which is perfect for me.

See you in my next post. 🙂

Product Review + My Skincare Routine

I usually have an oily skin type. Since, moving here in New Zealand it changed to normal. That being said, my skin has become sensitive. In the past, I can get away with putting anything onto my face and my skin would not break out but it is a different story now

I used to be a skincare junkie and whatever I see on the news or videos, I would try it for myself, like serum or oil for example. But it is not working for me, my face broke out like crazy when I added the rosehip oil into my skincare regimen. That is when I chose to try sensitive skincare range and do more of a minimalistic approach with my skincare. Going back to the basics, I retained the wash, tone and moisturize steps of my everyday skincare. I do exfoliate two or three times a week and apply face mask once a week.

Burt’s Bees Facial Cleanser Sensitive – This is 98.9% natural and has cotton extract. I got it from Farmers and it retails at NZ$ 23.00. I love this face wash! I have used plenty of face wash in the past and this is my favorite. The consistency is creamy like butter which I prefer more than the gel or foam type of face wash. It does not dry my skin and it does not irritate it either. Also, it is fragrance free. I can see that my skin has improved significantly since using this face wash. My partner also uses this face wash and likes it.

I also use Burt’s Bees Daily Moisturizing Cream Sensitive. I got it from Farmer’s and retails at NZ$28.00. Same with the face wash, it has cotton extract. It doesn’t have fragrance and it is hypoallergenic. I used it in the morning and mixed it with my foundation. I found my skin is healthier and glowing since switching to this moisturiser. It does not have any SPF though but I do not mind it. My skin breaks out when I put on some SPF. During off days, I just apply this moisturiser and put concealer under my eyes and I am good to go.

At night time, I use Burt’s Bees Night Cream from the Sensitive range. I got it from Farmers at NZ$28.00. Same as the two products, it is fragrance free and hypo-allergenic. I do dot it on my face at night and I would wake up with a soft skin the next day.

I do use toner after washing my face. I use Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner. I tone my face twice a day. This is the best and gentlest toner that I have ever used. I just love it. I remember I got burned by a salicylic acid wash and my face was irritated with anything that I put on. I don’t think that I will ever stop buying this toner. I used this toner when I had those burns and it didn’t sting at all. It is mild and does the job with double cleansing after my face wash. Indeed, it is kind to the skin.

I also have the Burt’s Bees Micellar Cleansing Water. It retails at NZ$17.95 from Farmers. This is a 3-in-1 product. It removes makeup, cleanse, and hydrates the skin. It says on the label that it ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers.It is safe to use for all skin types and there is no added fragrance to it. I have sensitive eyes surprise, surprise. I use it to remove my mascara and it does not sting my eyes and it effectively removes eye make up. I usually use micellar water when I am travelling and when I am too tired and cannot do all my skincare. It does the job really well and does not break my skin.