Scribbles and Side Notes

I’ve lived away from my family since I was 15, and over the years, I’ve learned to keep my space practical and low-maintenance. I’m not into owning a lot of stuff, but there are a few things that have stuck with me through different apartments and seasons of life. These are my essentials—no particular order—just things that have made apartment living a little more manageable. Just a quick heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through them. No extra cost to you, but it helps support this blog!   1. Clothes Rack / Pole One of the simplest yet most useful things I own is a clothes rack. If you're like me and often find yourself with "in-between" clothes—not quite clean but not dirty enough to wash—a clothes rack is a game changer. Instead of piling them on a chair or at the foot of your bed, you can just hang them up neatly. It’s also incredibly useful when I do my laundry at night. I don’t hang c...

Starting out as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher—especially online—can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. After teaching online for five years, I’ve learned what tools and setup really make a difference. Whether you're just beginning or thinking of upgrading your gear, here are some must-haves that I personally use and recommend. ( Just a heads-up: I’ve included a few affiliate links below. That means I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I truly use and love! )  1. A Reliable Laptop (or Desktop) You’ll need a dependable device to handle your video calls, teaching platforms, and resources. While a desktop can work if you’re teaching from a fixed location, I highly recommend getting a laptop for its portability. You’ll thank yourself when you need to work while traveling, visiting family, or even just changing your work environment for a fresh perspective. Lately, I’ve noticed man...

These days, GCash has become one of the most popular ways to send and receive money. Whether it’s for online payments, gifts, side hustles, or even salaries, GCash has made money management a lot more convenient. But what happens if you don’t have a GCash card and need to withdraw your funds? The usual option is to transfer the money directly to your bank account via InstaPay — but that comes with a transfer fee . And for someone who thinks every peso counts (like me!), those fees can quickly add up. So, how do I avoid paying those extra charges? Here’s my tried-and-tested method:   Step 1: Open your GCash app Log in and tap on “GSave.” You’ll see a list of GCash’s partner banks for digital savings. Step 2: Choose CIMB Bank I personally recommend creating a CIMB Bank account. Why? Because CIMB offers five free bank transfers per day — yes, five! That’s a pretty sweet deal if you frequently move money around. Step 3: Set up the CIMB app Download the CIMB app from ...

Having super sensitive skin can be stressful—one wrong product and boom, breakout city! That's why I'm extra careful about what I put on my face. I’ve had my fair share of trial and error, so over time, I’ve narrowed it down to just a few products that truly work for me. Today, I want to share my current go-to skincare staples—just four of them! Yep, only four. I like to keep things simple and gentle. I also included links in case you want to check them out. (Heads-up: they’re affiliate links, which means I earn a tiny commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.) But promise, I only share what I genuinely use and love. These products have helped keep my skin clear and calm—and for someone like me with sensitive, acne-prone skin, that’s saying a lot. Total holy grails! Let’s dive in! 1. NIVEA MicellAIR Water First on my list is the MicellAIR Water from NIVEA . I use this as my daily facial cleanser, and I love how gentle yet effective it is—per...