Hannah was born to a typical Filipino family. Born and raised in the southern part of the Philippines, she grew up to be a dream chaser and a citizen of the world. She is happily married to the love of her life, Superman.
Having been born and raised in the Philippines, dealing with the harsh winter here in Denmark is tough for my husband and I. But we never let the winter blues get us. Through the years we have come up with some ideas that truly helps us fight the depression brought by winter.
Here are our top tips to fight winter depression.
Go for a walk. I know this sound silly considering it is winter but taking even a 30-minute walk can truly help. It helps you keep your mind clear of negative thoughts and gives you time to breathe some fresh air. Also, this has been proven by studies to be really helpful in fighting winter blues.
Engage in winter activities. Even if it is cold, there are still a lot of outdoor activities that you can do. Try skiing or maybe ice skating. There is an open- air ice skating rink in Frederiksberg Runddel, so try it. I’m sure you’ll have fun. But if you are like me who has issues with balance, errm maybe you can just sit back, relax and enjoy watching people fall.lol
Go to the gym or do yoga. Winter is no excuse to be fit. If you hate outdoor activities because it is too cold, then go to the gym. I am pretty sure you’ll feel warm and energized there.
Keep Warm. Make sure that you are well covered when you go outside. I know that it is not so fashionable but, never ever sacrifice your health for the sake of fashion, else you’ll feel more depressed when you get sick.
Take a short trip. If Copenhagen becomes too depressing for us, my husband and I take short trips to Malmø or even just in Helsingør. I know these places are equally cold, but going into a different environment helps us clear our minds, as well spend some quality time with each other.
Hygge. I know you are all too familiar with this word already, but if you really don’t feel like going out, get a blanket, play a soft, relaxing music, light a candle, watch a movie or read a book. Try to make your room as relaxing and cozy as possible and simply enjoy life’s little pleasures.
I know these tips seem really basic, but that is the thing with winter depression, even the small things can mend it. These small things can really do wonders.
Another tip that I really want to share is this, ACCEPT THAT IT IS WINTER. It is cold. It is windy. But it’s not all that bad. You are in Denmark, the happiest place in the world. 🙂 Look around you, for sure you will find a reason or two to be happy.
This too shall pass, so just enjoy it and make the most of it.
P.S.
Here are some of the things that you can also do.
Hang out with your friends and family
Drinks Vitamins
Eat Healthy
Visit Museums and Parks
WARNING: Don’t let the white walkers get you! ❤
Disclaimer: My husband and I are not psychologists or anything related to that. These tips are just based on our experience. 🙂 We hope that this can help you as well. ❤
2016 is almost over. And with the end of a year, comes the start of another. 2017.
I know that most of you right now are thinking about gift to buy for your loved ones, but for some, they might be thinking about better opportunities for the coming year. One of these might be financial stability.
Denmark is not exactly a cheap place to live. You need to have a job in order for you to survive the coming year.
That is why I list down the Top 6 sites that you can use to look for a job.
jobsincopenhagen.com – This website is basically for international people whose medium of communication is English. I have tried this site before and needless to say, it works like a charm.
Jobindex – This used to be a Danish site but now it is also available in English. It has a large network as well, so this is definitely worth a try.
WorkinDenmark– This the official public job post ad in Copenhagen. That being said, you will have more exposure if you join this platform.
Stepstone.dk – This site is in Danish but it is very easy to understand and it is updated constantly. They have a lot of users as well so it will be easy for you to navigate. I used this site as well and found really amazing opportunities here, so do try this out.
LinkedIn – You have probably heard of how much the Danes love LinkedIn. And you have every reason to believe them because the Danes truly love LinkedIn. As a matter of fact, even if I am already employed I still get messages from prospective employers. So create that LinkedIn profile now. You have nothing to lose anyways.
CPHFTW – This is where I got the information from my former workplace, Athliit. That is why I can attest to it really working. ❤
Apart from all these sites, there is one more thing that I highly recommend you to do. Expand your network. Finding a job here in Denmark is really hard, that is why if you get a vast network and some recommendation, I am sure that would be a big help.
I am a member of a lot of Facebook groups, and while browsing into one I saw someone selling a really cute winter jacket. It was really cute and stylish so I decided to buy it. Apparently, the seller works in a café and told me we should meet there so I agreed.
The café is conveniently located in the city so I didn’t have to go out of my way just to get the jacket. When I arrived in the café, I realized they are selling bubble tea! WOW! In case you do not know, bubble teas are really huge in Asia, especially in the Philippines. Everywhere you go, you will definitely see one. I immediately paid for my jacket but I didn’t miss the chance of buying my favorite Taro tea.
I talked to the seller and I later learned that she is, in fact, the owner of the café. Shai (owner’s name) had been in Denmark for 8 years now. She started as an au pair in 2009 and then eventually got the chance to stay here for good together with her husband Richard who have been here in Denmark for 26 years.
The café called ‘Tealicious’ is fairly new. They have been in operation for 7 months now but it has already attracted a lot of customers especially the younger audience like students and young professionals.
Seriously, this café is so Instagramable. I mean, look at those brick walls!
Part of the reason why the younger generation loves this café is because every nook and corner are so cozy and Instagram-able! ❤ ❤ ❤
Pick your order now. My personal favorite is, of course, Taro. 🙂
They have a lot of choices, and everything is just so amazing! They also sell cakes and on some weekends they have Fusion days where they serve amazing cuisines that are TDF!
These are the owners, Shai and Richard, 🙂
If you want to know more about Tealicious, feel free to visit their Facebook Account.
Coming from a small island thousand miles away from Denmark and to be able to put up such an amazing business is truly inspiring. More than this cute and cozy café, the effort and hard work put into this business is equally amazing.
If you get the chance, do visit this café. This is one of the best bubble tea I have ever had and I highly recommend it. 🙂
If you happen to know someone who would like to study at Lund University, Sweden, feel free to share this post. 🙂
All instructions are here so, please take the time to read. 🙂
I got this from a friend of mine who studies there. Deadline of Application is this January, so do it fast! Good luck!
This year marks a very special year for the university as we celebrate our 350th anniversary. As part of the celebrations, Lund has launched a scholarship competition for non-EU/EEA applicants. With the Lund University’s 350th Jubilee Scholarship competition, we are adding an additional €350,000 in scholarships to applicants beginning their Master’s studies in autumn 2017. We are asking for your help to spread the news about this great opportunity!
Do you know talented students back home who may be interested in studying their Master’s at Lund University? Then this scholarship is for them! The scholarship can cover a part of or the entire tuition fee, and it is open to non-EU students who are required to pay tuition fees in Sweden and who wish to start their studies in Lund in autumn 2017.
Interested applicants can register and compete for the chance to become one of our Jubilee Scholars at www.lund350scholarship.com.The deadline to register is 15 January 2017. Students must of course also apply to the Master’s programme of their choice atwww.universityadmissions.seas per the normal application process for studies.
In today’s digitally inclined world, it is very easy for people to communicate. It is easy for us to reach out to our family and friend wherever they are. But everything comes with a price. Even digitalization.
With the advent of technology, comes it disadvantages as well. It is now very easy for predators to contact and track its prey. But there are a lot of things your can do to fight these online predators. There are a lot of things you can do to avoid being a victim.
Tips on avoiding these predators:
1. Do not reply to messages from people you do not know.
This is a cliche’ but this is something that we as adults should always remember. ‘Stranger danger.’ I know you know those lines as you might have been told about that a thousand times as you grow up. However, as we grow old, we forget about this because we think we are old, we can handle ourselves and nothing will happen to us. Yes, you are old but you are not immune to all these, so never forget, no matter what, ‘stranger danger’.
2. Never meet face to face with the people you meet online.
Why would you, though? Why would you meet up with a complete stranger? The odds are not in your favor in all circumstances, so why blatantly put yourself in this delicate situation?
3. Be vigilant.
If you did go out of your way and meet up with this person you meet online or if you signed up to a dating site and you decided to meet up, then be vigilant. I am not telling you to be paranoid, I am just telling you to be on guard all the time. Never let your guard down and don’t give in easily.
4. Beware of their language and actions.
On your first date, if the person is making inappropriate advances, please, do something. Don’t just stand there and giggle because you are actually implicitly telling that person to go ahead with whatever he is doing! Say stop if you have to. If he doesn’t stop, leave. I am telling you. it is not worth it. In any first date, respect should come first. If he is not showing you any, girl, leave. Just leave.
I know that dating sites are rampant, and I do not judge you if you want to try those or you would like to go out with people you meet online. I just want you to remember to be careful. Often times those you meet in person aren’t really the same person you chat with online. Predators can go out of their way just to get your trust and attention and then leave you hanging in the end.
If you really want a relationship, then give it time. Do not give in easily. Don’t give it all out after on your first date. Let them work hard to get you. You are worth the effort. You are worth the wait.
I do not want to go all philosophical but, ‘Love grows slowly.’ It takes time. It takes effort.
You are an adult now. You have the capacity to think, so do so. Think before you do anything. In the end, whether you fall to these predators or not, is all up to you. You are the one who will decide if you’ll make yourself the victim or the fighter.
‘We accept the love we think we deserve’. So start thinking you deserve the best. You deserve a long lasting one, not a one night stand.
Did the title get your attention? Oh, it’s fine. I totally get why you’d open this blog. I mean, why would a married woman who looks so happy in social media pictures post a blog with such a ridiculous title? Simple. Because it’s true.
Now before all of you lash out at me, here me out for a second. Allow me to tell you the reason why.
1. You will lose your privacy.
Privacy? What’s that? That word will never exist once you are married. Sure people tell you that you can have your private space in a while,BUT you have to tell your partner what you did the whole time,like literally everything about each minute that had passed. Might as well just carry your partner around rather than tell a whole narrative for one hour just because you weren’t with each other for a minute. It’s not that your partner is jealous but they are just nosy and they want to know everything. Also, forget about your ‘private and cozy moments’ in the toilet. Telling them that you are in the toilet and doing number 2 is no excuse! They come and go as they please so (what the fudge) might as well leave that toilet door wide open!
2. Shared bank accounts.
Do you love shopping? Forget it. Forget everything you know about Louboutin, Jimmy Choo,Gucci, Chanel. From now on,all you’ll ever know is H and M, Primark and start considering Zara as a luxury. Be prepared though to have a house full of “toys” that you do not even know how to operate. Oculus, PS4, Gear S3 to name a few. (Not even sure if those are the right names) You think it’s not fair? Oh, why yes, of course, it’s not fair! Trust me though, having these toys is a must for your sanity’s sake.
3. Master the art of cooking.
You have a baby to feed now. Oh,you didn’t know? Having a husband is like having a baby, equally cute but just more hard-headed! You need to prepare food for them, wash their clothes, entertain them (if this does not work, give them toys. See #2.) and make sure they have everything they need else they’ll throw a major tantrum and it will not a great day for you,my friend. Once in a while, he will help you cook and do the chores but beware, there is always a price. Nothing in this world is free. (Ahem,toys)
That’s not all. There are so many things that you have to do and the expectations are extremely high. You are put on a pedestal and just like that, after a day of being married, everyone expects you to have grown thrice as much wiser. Although, since you are constantly getting a tough training every day, this is but given really.
Tough right? Whoever told you that getting married is a piece of cake surely is daydreaming. There is nothing easy about getting married! As a matter of fact, it only goes tougher especially when you have kids. But just like having kids,getting married has its ups too.
When you are sick, you know that someone will take good care of you. When you are sad, you know that someone will do everything just to make you smile. When you are tired, you know that someone will give you a bear hug and just like that, everything is better.
True, everything is better when you have a husband or a wife. You might feel like the world is on your shoulders. but it’s okay. Why? Because you know you have a constant support system. One that will never fail, nor desert you. One that will always have your back, no matter what.
You might lose the privileges that you used to have when you were single, but you have so much more to gain. Nothing can ever compare to what you will get in exchange. The love that you will get is more precious than anything else in this world.
Marriage is never easy. I will never take that back, what I will tell you though is that in the end, it is worth it. It is worth all the headache and frustration because, in this world, you know that there is only one person who can make you happy and that is the one you married.
I have a client who’s looking for a Virtual Assistant. They are an international start-up company based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The name of the client will not be disclosed. (yet)
The tasks are, but not limited to the following:
Setting up Autoresponders (Aweber, Mailchimp) Booking appointments with clients Following up with clients/customers Receptionist duties (answering occasional calls) File Management (organizing files using Dropbox etc) Research on certain topics for blog posts, newsletters or others Creating basic reports (reports on weekly tasks, deliverables, sales) Preparing Slideshows (Powerpoint Presentations) Recruitment (source for other team members like writers or graphic artists) Manage and update Social Media Accounts Manage your Blog (Basic WordPress Skills) Publish posts on your Blog Filter and reply to comments on your blog Answering support tickets (with the use of Zendesk) Blog commenting (to increase links to your site) Participating in discussion forums or message boards
Salary: 16,000 minimum. (negotiable, depending on experience)
This world is so amazing and you’ll only realize it once you’ve decided to actually see it.
–Hannah Oliveros
You are on your 20’s, you just graduated from college, you’re young, ambitious, you feel like you can conquer the world. And maybe you can, but let me ask you this question. How much of this world have you actually seen?
How many random people have you met through traveling? How many countries have you visited? Have many passport stamps do you have? None? Well, my friend, it is time for you to do something about that. It is time for you to pack your bags and go travel.
Why? Well, let me tell you the reasons why you should do it now than later.
1. Traveling will help you understand who you truly are.
There is so much you can learn from traveling, including who you truly are. You will learn how you handle yourself when in distress, you will learn how you deal with people and you will learn how accepting you are with differences. Traveling is not always smooth and easy, it is why doing so will really test you and your character in all level. Try backpacking in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. This route is not really that easy, but it is really fulfilling.
Young and carefree. (Reykjavik, Iceland)
2. Traveling is an adventure.
You’re young, so live like one! Go and have an adventure of a lifetime. Embark on a journey outside of your comfort zone, live it to the fullest. Go to countries you’ve never thought you’ll go to. Go to Europe and start backpacking or camp in Iceland while staring at the Aurora Borealis. Life is an adventure, so jumpstart your life now.
Iceland
3. Traveling gives you a new perspective.
Meeting people from other culture will teach you a lot of things. You’ll even realize at some point that you are looking at the same thing but see them entirely differently. Furthermore, you’ll even realize that the way you see the world has major flaws, and you’ll learn to correct them. You’ll learn so many things, not just about another culture but life in general.
Prague, Czech Republic.
4. Traveling will help you heal and move on. You got your heart broken? Lost someone you love dearly, travel. Going to another country can heal you. It will help you move on. It will help you be happy again. It will help you remember the good, and not the bad. It will help give you another reason to live and to choose life. Who knows, you might even bump into your destiny on the road.
I am no expert in life, and I am truly aware of that. It is actually one the reason why I travel. Because traveling educated me the way the four corner of the classroom failed to. It gave me valuable insights about life, about living, about happiness.
While you are young, travel. See the world. Expand your horizon. This world is so amazing and you’ll only realize it once you’ve decided to actually see it. Going out of your comfort zone can be unnerving, but I tell you, it will be worth it. So what are you waiting for? Jetset and go!
‘Edinburgh is a sweet surprise. A city that depicts the past yet reflects the future at the same time.’ – Hannah
After our trip to London, my husband and I thought about making use of our UK visa again. A few hours after that, we found ourselves booking cheap tickets and flights to Edinburgh, Scotland. And off we go.
This is not our first time to travel of course so we know the drill. We researched and map out our itinerary for Edinburgh. While doing our research, we saw some pictures of Edinburgh and my husband and I were quite dismayed. It didn’t seem special at all. It didn’t seem beautiful. To be honest, we thought that if this trip will not push through we will not mind at all.
Then came the day of our trip. The day before that I had a really high fever and even had a bacterial infection in my throat so I am not really in a happy mood. When we got in Edinburgh, everything changed.
We took the bus 35 from Edinburgh airport to the Airbnb apartment we rented. The fare was just 1.65 GBP. There are other quicker options like Airlink and Tram but cheap as we are, we opted for the bus. By the way, the buses in Edinburgh accepts cash and exact amount only. If you insert 5 pounds in the machine be ready not to get any change.
We arrived at around 8:00 in the evening. After settling in the apartment, we went out hoping to catch the ghost tour which was scheduled at 9:00pm. We walked from the apartment to the city for 30 minutes, and much to our dismay, since it is winter they do not do the 9pm tour anymore. But it was worth it, though. On our way to the city center we were saying that there seemed to be nothing special about Edinburgh but when we got into the center, our jaw dropped. Truly the pictures online did no justice to how beautiful Edinburgh is.
Even at night, it was magical. With a castle towering behind the whole city, it felt like we were immediately transported back in time where kings and queens look over their dominion from afar. Seeing and hearing everything that is happening in the town below.
After the walk, we made our way to the apartment. We had dinner on the way in our favorite restaurant in the UK, Nando’s.lol, Enough about us, let’s talk about Edinburgh and what are the things you should definitely do when you are there.
Off we go to Arthur’s Seat. Taken from the top of a double-decker bus.
Day 1.
9:00 am – 12:30 Arthurs Seat and Salisbury.
If you want to see the whole see from a top of the mountain, you should definitely hike your way to Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury. Everything that you can see there is majestic. There are 2 main ways that you can use to go on top of the mountain. One is the steep, slippery and less taken while the other is the easy and flat road. Of course, my husband I chose the road less taken. Slippery, muddy and steep. We all have different preferences so go and choose the one that suits you. Either way, you’ll reach the top and be mesmerized all the same.
View from Arthur’s Seat.Cheesy. Cheeky. On top of Arthur’s Seat.
After the long hike, we made our way to the city for our scheduled free city tour.
2:oo – 4:00 Free City Tour.
I know most of you do not like tours, but my husband and I really love them because we learn a little something about the history of the city and the country as well. And if you are lucky enough to have an amazing guide that brings you to the not so touristy part of the city, that is a huge plus. During this tour, my husband and I found out that JK Rowling wrote most of the book in a small cafe in front of the Greyfriar Cemetry. We even got to see the school that looks like Hogwarts, and for a reason. This is the school where JK rowling based the idea of Hogwarts itself, especially the facade and the fact that the school has 4 houses as well.
Never ever think that this heart symbolizes love. Contrary, it symbolizes hatred and disgust. Yep, we had an amazing guide.
7:00 – 9:00 pm Free Ghost Tour
It is creepy. If you don’t feel chilly and cold enough on a winter night, then join this tour. You’ll feel the chills running through your vein the whole time. You’ll know about baby strangling, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, witches, vampire, he-who-must-not-be-named and much more.
Day 2.
After a whole day of walking, needless to say, we are very tired the next day. So we started our second day with a little hike.lol, Here’s the second day of our Edinburgh adventure.
8:00 – 10:30 Calton Hill.
The way to Calton Hill is not as steep as Salisbury nor Arthur Seat but it was equally magical. Ding ding ding! Fairytales are real.
Edinburgh. Athens of the North.
10:30- 12:30 Holyrood Castle.
Holyrood Castle is right below the Arthurs Seat. As a matter of fact, you can even start your trip here then go to Arthur’s Seat. We just didn’t do that because we were excited about the hike. There is usually an entrance fee of 12GBP to go in the castle but my husband and I were at a perfect time because that day it was free entrance so we grabbed the opportunity and toured the castle.
By the way, it is not allowed to take pictures inside the castle, so take as many as you can while you are still allowed to do so.
So touristy.
1:00- 3:00 Edinburgh Castle.
Every 1:00 in the afternoon the Edinburgh castle has an old tradition where they set off a canon. It is an amazing tradition and one that you should definitely look forward to. There is an entrance fee of 16GBP. We have had a lot of castle for a day so my husband and I didn’t go in. But for all of you who loves castles, this is definitely for you.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
We spent the rest of the day walking around Royal Mile, Grass Market and more. There is truly more to Edinburgh that meets the eye. Be ready for an adventure because you will not lack one in Edinburgh.
‘Go and travel. The world is waiting.’
– Hannah
P.S.
Here is another airport transfer service from Edinburgh Airport to the city.
Hey Ladies! I know we are all in love with lipsticks, especially those from the brands that we know. I for one loves the cosmetic brand called MAC. And since it is holiday season, I am sharing to you one of my favorite shade on their matte line for free! “Please Me.”
Mechanics:
Go to my website and comment on my Event post, “Christmas Gift: Mac Please Me”
On the comment just say why you love Mac.
Alternate: Instagram
Post a picture of you or anything at all related to cosmetics
Tell me why you love Mac and use the #theprobingwife #macDK
The winner will be chosen via an online raffle at the end of the month. Good luck! There will also be some extra prices for chosen participants.
The Probing Wife 