Tips to Fight Winter Depression

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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.
  6. 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. ❤

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Top Sites for Job Hunters in Copenhagen

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. WorkinDenmark– This the official public job post ad in Copenhagen. That being said, you will have more exposure if you join this platform.
  4.  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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Happy Job Hunting! ❤

Bubble Tea in Copenhagen- Tealicious

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.

The Probing Wife

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.

 

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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! ❤ ❤ ❤

 

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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!

 

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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. 🙂

 

Location:

Studiestræde 21
1455, Copenhagen

 

 

University Scholarship

Hey everyone!

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 at www.universityadmissions.se as per the normal application process for studies.
Questions about this scholarship can be directed to lu350scholarship.dm@er.lu.se.

Top 4 Tips to Avoid Online Predators

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.

‘We accept the love we think we deserve’

Why You Should Never Get Married

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.
Love is always worth it. 
– Hannah Oliveros

Looking for Virtual Assistant

Hi everyone!

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)

FULL TIME

How to apply: Kindly send an email to theprobingwife@gmail.com

Include the following: 

Portfolio (if possible)
Resume with picture
Cover Letter

Christmas Gift: Mac Please Me

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:

  1. Go to my website and comment on my Event post, “Christmas Gift: Mac Please Me”
  2. On the comment just say why you love Mac.

Alternate: Instagram

  1. Post a picture of you or anything at all related to cosmetics
  2. 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 Girl Who Cried Wolf

We all know the story of the boy who cried wolf. We have been told about it a hundred times or maybe more by our parents. But to refresh your memory the story starts with a young shepherd boy who always alert and shout “wolf, wolf, wolf!” and makes the whole town panic to help him, only to find out he was lying.

Eventually, when the wolf came nobody believed the boy because they thought he is still lying. I cannot remember the end of the story because my mom would always go straight to the moral lesson of the story. “Do not lie.” “Do not exaggerate stories.” or as Aesop puts it, “There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth.”

But now that I am old, I guess the end of the story might be that the sheep were all eaten by the wolf and the boy as well. Kidding! Hopefully, it’s just the sheep.

Anyways, the reason why I wrote about this topic is because I read in the news what happened to Kim Kardashian. Can you believe it, I am writing about her! Can’t believe it myself either. I am not a fan of Kim. I have my reasons but for now, I’ll keep it to myself. Oh, I am a Kourtney K fan just if you need to know.

Kim Kardashian, the boy who cried wolf… You might be wondering what’s the connection. Well, it’s actually pretty simple. I see Kim Kardashian as the modern version of the boy who cried wolf. Don’t get me wrong. What happened to her was so wrong and devastating on so many levels and I will never wish for anyone to go through that. I can only imagine the pain and horror that she might have gone through.

However, when I read the comments or posts of people regarding what happened to her, I understand where they are coming from as well. A lot of people doubt that she was indeed robbed. Some of them say that this is just another publicity stunt. Truth is, even if I do not like her, it is so shameful to see these comments, specially the once saying that she got what she deserved because nobody deserves to go through that. BUT as I said,I can’t blame them as well. Kim should have seen it coming. She flaunts (not just her body) but everything about her, her designer bags, her jewelry and even her whereabouts. Why would you, one of the most famous people in the world,  reveal to everyone that you are all alone in your room in your Snapchat? Everyone knows where you are staying, so revealing to them that you are all alone is a big bonus!

Dumb. That’s all I can say. That was the worst decision she can ever make and I hope she learns from it. Enough with my lecture. Back to the girl who cried wolf, I mean Kim. Since she posts everything that’s happening in her life to get a lot of attention, people are saying that maybe this is just one of those things. Just like the sex tape that most people think she released herself. She sensationalizes everything that’s happening to her, and even film it, thanks to their show that is why now people now find it hard to believe her.

Be honest, when you heard the news, did you 100%, without a shadow of doubt believed it is true? For my part, I felt bad for her BUT I recovered immediately because there was this little doubt on me saying that this might just be all for publicity. And that ladies and gentlemen what happens when you over-sensationalize everything that’s happening to your life. Cry wolf just when needed…not just to get attention.

PS

Everyone, please relax and take a chill pill on your comments. I know you have doubts but that doesn’t mean you can lambast her and wish her ill. She is a human being, at least give that a little consideration.  Nobody deserves to fear for their life. Nobody deserves to be terrorized in any way. Not even Kim Kardashian.

A Letter to My First Love

My Love,

These past few days I have been thinking about you endlessly. I always remember you when I write, when I work, when I look at the mirror and even when I smile. The thought of you fills my mind and my heart.

I remember the times when you hug me when I am so down. I remember the times when you encourage me when I feel weak. I remember the times when you tell me everything is fine, even if they are not. I remember the times when you tell me there is so much goodness in the world when I see none.

I miss how to combed my hair in front of your old worn out mirror. I miss the times when you pick and iron the best clothes for me to use. I miss the times when you made the most beautiful dresses for me. I miss the times when you make me the most beautiful stuff toys I have ever laid eyes on.

I can still remember your touch when you hold my hand. I can still remember our everyday walk to the farm. I can still remember how you tell me you love me. I can still remember the food you cook for me everyday .

I can still remember your frown. I can still remember your angry face. I can still remember your laughter. I can still remember your smile. I can still remember how frail and small stature. I remember everything about you.

Oh how I deeply miss you. Oh how I deeply loved you. Oh how deeply I love you.

But my love, you are a story that has long ended. I remember it as though it were just yesterday. I was supposed to see you. I was in the crossroad, thinking which way to go. Should I go home or should I go to you? Had I known better, I would have chosen to go to you. It became clear to me just when everything was too late. You were my home. You have always been my home, my love.

I wish I could go back to that moment. I regret not choosing you. I regret being so stubborn. I should have listened to my heart. Had I known that would be the last time I can hold your hand and kiss you, I would have done everything I can to see you.

Now, it is too late. Oh so late. I prayed, believe me I prayed to Heaven to keep you strong. I cried out to the Almighty Father to help you keep fighting. I prayed to God to keep you alive, but I guess my prayers were all too late.

Years have passed but I still remember that unfaithful moment when I lost you. I was preparing my gift for you. I was supposed to give it to you the following day. I was looking forward for the moment that you can go out of the hospital and be with me again. Dad’s phone rang, It was Mom! Maybe you were looking for me. And then I heard “that word”. And as if it were a lullaby, I fell asleep. Sound asleep. During the wee hours of the day, I swear I heard you call my name. I woke up and I realized, you were not there. And you will never be there! No, not anymore. Never. Ever.

My love, you left me… you abandoned me. Now, I have no one to protect me. No one to cheer me up when I am sad. No one to tell make me feel I am loved beyond compare.

I promised you, one day, we will go to Europe and travel the globe together. I kept my part of the promise, but why didn’t you? Why did you have to leave so soon? Oh my love, why did you not wait for a little more? I am now here, just as I promised you. Oh I hope you can see me now! I hope you are with me now…

When I stood over your casket, I uttered a prayer. I prayed to God to keep you close in His arms and keep you happy. Oh how lucky could He be. He has His sweetest and perfect angel back. I kissed your casket, my last kiss for you and then I bid farewell.

Farewell my love.

You were Heaven’s perfect gift for me. You were the reason why I did not ask for a lot of things. I had you so I know I had everything.

You taught me everything I know now. You taught me to be good and to choose to do good. You taught me about happiness. You taught me about contentment. You taught me about love. But you also taught me about pain.

I hope this letter will reach Heaven. I hope you will know ho much I loved you. I hope you will know how much I love you. I hope you will know I will always love you.

Nothing has changed. Nothing will ever change. I love you and my love for you will always remain, my little star in heaven…my grandmother.

With much love,

Your grand daughter

P.S.

I am now happily married to the man I love. I know you would have been more than happy to meet him. He is beyond amazing…and he loves me more than I can ever say nor write about.

…because wives probe more than the FBI. :)