Gratitude # 23

Last week passed by in a whirl but it was still full of gratitude for me. 

Grateful for family 

I am grateful for small moments with my family. B gave Khali a bath and M and I worked together to create his food photography portfolio. 

Grateful for the Opportunities

I am so thankful that I remain blessed and that I can be a blessing to others as well. Husband and I are working in tandem to create food photos for small businesses. The gratitude that they show simply warms my heart. 

I am also thankful to the brands who have sent stuff and those that have formed a paid collaboration with me and my platform in the past week. 

Lenovo Yoga and Windows 11

TicTac Share the Gentle Vibes

I AM Worldwide

Silka Body Lotion

DITO Telecommunity

GCash

Sante Barley

Hope Matters 

ASUS ROG

Grateful for Experiences

I also got to write at a cafe last week, something that I have not been able to do for some time now. It felt familiar and strange at the same time. The two year pandemic has definitely made a big impact on how things are done and what used to be a mundane, ordinary thing is now something that's become a treat.

I had time to sort out the attic and actually rearrange a couple of things. I thought that I needed a change in space because I wasn't able to accomplish things that I wanted and I read that sometimes, a change in how things are arranged can change the way things work. 

I also finally understood how the whole chair cover works. I realized that the reason the previous ones did not fit is that I threw out the styrofoam boards.  DON'T DO THAT! Haha. 

It looks so nice no? If you'd like to also buy your own sofa cover, you can get it here. 

Grateful for friends, old and new.

I also had some friends who came over and visited so these were good times and I got the chance to meet a member of my Diamond Painting PH Facebook Group. 

I also was approached for a paid collab with a brand that I've been using and I'll soon be reviewing lipsticks again so I'm really excited about this. 

I'd also like to brag a bit about my husband. He finally got on Tiktok and he actually went viral. His 6th video has over 600k views. I am blown away.  

I knew that his content would be really good but I didn't think he would go viral that early. Do follow him for more PhotoJourn Tips. 

Lastly, I'd like to ask for a simple prayer. I'm still in the middle of finding a corporate job so it would be really appreciated if you could say a prayer that I find one that will enable me to continue helping the people that I am helping and to provide for my family. 

Thank you and to my readers, please know that I am grateful for you. 

Gratitude # 22

It's been two weeks and I still don't have a job. Yet, I have so many things to be grateful for. 

We are all safe and sound. We all have good health and we're still able to eat more than 3x a day. These are more than enough reasons to be grateful. 

B passed all of his exams for the week. He was whining about it but at the end of the day, he studied and he passed every single one. To be honest, I never doubted he would. He also went out and met friends which I know he was very happy about. 

I forced myself to not worry too much and trust that he can handle himself since he's already 16. 

M and I also had a date night last 14th because it was our monthsarry. We've been together for 4 years and 3 months now. 

We also took Khali to the mall for the first time and we had dinner at a Japanese place named Tenya. 

Khali was so behaved the entire time we were at the mall. He wore his masks, held on to our hands, and did not go off running everywhere. He also ate a lot of the soba noodles from Tenya and the tempura. 

Yesterday, Ninang Jen visited and took off a lot of the stuff that I needed to let go of. She ended up taking home about 6 huge eco bags of clothes and other things. Afterward, we had samgyupsal at Wagyuniku and we even got Kirk to join us. 

I love that I am able to spend time with family and also have time for my art, diamond painting. This one is called Harana and it's a licensed art from a Pinoy artist. 

Lastly, I had so many packages from PRs and brands that I am just so grateful for all of them. Yes, until now, I still feel giddy when I receive PR packages. 

I look forward to opening them, posting about it, and just being really thankful that these brands continue to trust me and believe in my blog. 

I'm super happy about NIDO since Khali will be switching to NIDO very soon and they sent me 3 big boxes of it. The Mom in me is over the moon. 

Greenwich Seafood Offerings

M2 Malunggay is more on my Instagram but what I loved about this is that the ready to drink bottles were so good and the Shing-a-ling was just amazing. I wanted to hoard like a mad person. 

Shopee also sent out one of their boxes and as you all know, every time a Shopee haul is sent, it just means HAPPINESS! 

We also got to enjoy the newest flavor from Pizza Hut, the CHEESY PIMIENTO! 

 

Kamuning Bakery also sent a lot of bread and we had fun sharing these with friends and neighbors.

My sponsored outfits from SHEIN also arrived and I am just so happy. Most of them were actually quite loose because I apparently lost weight but every single one was just so gorgeous! 

Metro Store had a sale and I was so happy to find out that they also had the ref storage that everyone has been going gaga over. It is gorgeous. 

I shared some of the tea and capsule with my Ninang Jen because I believe that she needed it more than I did but kept the Turmeric Plus for M and me. Our gout needs it. 

We also received some thank you's from Foster Care because we supported their event back in January. It feels nice to be remembered no?

Our friends from Fuentes Manila also remembered us and sent a lot of coffee and a personalized mug. Sadly it said Kap and not Kat but I'm okay. M is using it in the press office. 

M was also given this in an event he covered. B already took the power bank but I got the keep the earpods. 

The ones that really made me smile though are these two packages since they are both for Khali. 

This one is from Unilove and we do use everything that's shown in this photo.

This one is from Kleenfant and I discovered them almost 1.5 years ago and I have loved their wipes. I didn't know that they also have laundry detergent for babies now so I'm excited to try these out. 

To sweeten the end of the week, M received 2000 SM GC from an event and I won 2000 SM GC in a contest. We now have budget for our groceries in April. 

What's not to be grateful for?

UniLove Baby Wipes Summer Edition is Available on Shopee

Ever since Khali had a bout with gastroenteritis, I have become more obsessed with keeping him clean and fresh at all times. This is why when I learned that UniLove Baby Wipes is available on Shopee, I made sure that I got my hands on it.  

I use the UniLove wipes on almost everything because from keeping skin fresh and clean to eliminate germs and bacteria, Uni-Care's Uni-love Summer Special ensures my son's well-being, all the time! This is really important to me because I was so traumatized when he got sick due to a bug in his stomach which he most likely got from eating something dirty. 

I also like that it's suitable for hands, face, and body, and for the nappy area, UniLove Baby Wipes Summer Edition (Boy) is natural, mild, provides effective cleansing for your baby's delicate skin, and also helps prevents rashes.

These days, it's really important that we surround ourselves with things that can keep our babies safe. Download the Shopee app if you haven't and make sure to take advantage of the discounts that will be given this March 24 on Shopee's Brand Spotlight!  

Go Natural joins Shopee's #TatakPinoy Virtual Trade Fair and Offers up to 20% Discount

Go natural and go local! 

This is probably the best description that I can think of when it comes to Go Natural's supplements and teas that are readily available for order via their Shopee official store. 

Now that I am no longer as young as I used to be, I need supplements that can help keep me healthy and vitamins that can help me take care of my achy bones. 

Turmericap Plus 507mg Capsules Blister Pack of 90

As we age, the cartilage in our joints also wears away, and inflammation of our joints becomes more common. This can be very painful and when we have to move around, it can be a nightmare to deal with. It's a good thing that we have supplements that can help ease this. 

Turmericap Plus is an FDA-approved natural food supplement that helps curb inflammation in our joints.

It is naturally formulated with the goodness of these ingredients:

- Turmeric helps ease inflammation as well as is rich in antioxidants

- Ginger that helps treat nausea

- Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties

- Capsaicin helps relieve pain and normalize blood sugar

- Black Pepper helps aid in the absorption of Turmeric into the body

Guyamaax Herbal Food Supplement 500mg Capsules Blister Pack of 30

Guyamaax is an herbal supplement containing the combination of Natures’ finest anti-oxidants which can prevent free radicals that causes premature aging, decreased mental function, and deprived immune system. Guyabano contains substances that can improve intestinal health, Vitamin C boosts the immune system, Turmeric and Mangosteen contains powerful antioxidants to improve mental health and maintain healthy skin.

DeLite Herbal Tea in All Variants (Bundle of 3)

DeLite Herbal Tea is a delicious way to enjoy traditional, healthy, and 100% Filipino tea. It comes in three flavors: Ampalaya, Salabat, and Turmeric. All three have no artificial flavorings and fat.

Infused with Calamansi (Philippine Tropical Lime), this healthy and delightful drink is void of any bitterness, only enjoyable tanginess due to the strong Calamansi presence.

I take these at night before I go to sleep to help me calm my head and to give the supplements ample time to work their magic on me. 

I believe that with all these as part of our daily regimen, we'd be able to fight off diseases and old age symptoms easier. Make sure to download the Shopee App if you still don't have it and order your own set for a healthier you. 

5 Plants You Can Grow in Hanging Planters

In most gardens, plants are usually planted on the ground as the soil provides nutrients, shelter, and protection. Putting your favorite greens in pots or plant beds is also the most efficient way to raise healthy plants both indoors and outdoors.

While the conventional way of keeping plants is in pots, you don’t have to keep them on the ground always. That said, hanging your greeneries is a creative and space-saving way to display them indoors or outdoors. And if you’re still undecided on which of your plants to hang on the balcony of your house for rent in Biñan Laguna, here are five plants you should consider putting in hanging planters:

Succulents

Photo by flafab53 on Depositphotos

Succulents are perhaps the favorite of many plant parents are they are easy to maintain and quite hardy. They also come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, making them perfect accents for windowsills, coffee tables, and dining tables of a house for rent in Manila worth 5k.

Hang your succulent plants close to an indirect source of light, such as a window or on a shady spot by your porch. Doing so will give them ample light and air without exposing them to harsh weather conditions.

Strawberries

Photo by aruba2000 on Depositphotos

Yes, you can actually grow strawberries without keeping them planted in a bush bed! Strawberries are related to the rose, which means it is possible to grow them as hanging plants. And while they are summer fruits, hanging strawberries will thrive better in colder areas, such as the gardens of houses for rent in Manila worth 5k.

If you plan on growing several strawberries, hang them in a line on a sunny spot in your garden. That way, you’ll have a hanging berry bush with happy and healthy strawberry fruits.

Pothos

Photo by katkami on Depositphotos

Also called Devil’s Ivy, pothos is a popular creeper plant for beginner and expert plantitos and plantitas. They require low light and can thrive with little to zero maintenance. Pothos also grow quite fast, so creating a hanging vine aesthetic in your home won’t be a challenge. You’ll also have lovely hanging plants that purify your air from dust, allergens, and harmful compounds.

Pothos plants may be low-light greens, but that doesn’t mean they can thrive without sunlight. Place them in a partially sunny area in your home. Trim a few leaves and stems when they grow too long to maintain the shape of your pothos plants.

Creeping Thyme

Photo by MarusiaBO on Depositphotos

Thyme is a perennial Mediterranean herb perfect for seasoning food and decorating indoors. If you’re after a creeping vine aesthetic for your kitchen, choose a creeping or prostrate thyme plant for your hanging basket. They’ll cascade like waterfalls and provide an apothecary-like setting in your kitchen area.

Creeping thyme plants require full sun to grow fully, so it is best to hang them close to your window to promote healthy and happy herbs. Thyme can also be planted any time of the year, so you’ll have a supply for your soups and salads all year round.

Boston Fern

Photo by grbender on Depositphotos

Ferns are another popular plant that requires low maintenance and lots of sunlight, perfect for a house for rent in Biñan Laguna! They’re also known to purify indoor air and repel some bugs. Hanging these in your home may promote a clean and safer environment for you and your kids. 

While Boston ferns are low maintenance and love sunny areas, it is vital to keep their soil moist for optimal growth. Instead of spritzing or sprinkling, place your potted fern in a dish of water. Hang them back when the plant has absorbed all of the water. Repeat this step whenever your ferns’ soil is dry to the touch.

Hanging plants is a creative way to decorate the corners and walls of your home. You’ll also save floor space while raising beautiful plants for your indoor garden. Select from these five plants to put in your hanging planters. 

Gratitude # 21

This week was a nightmare and yet, I am truly grateful.

Last weekend started with Khali being sick. He threw up for 12 hours straight and did not eat anything so Sunday, we were at his pedia trying to find out what was happening to him. Thankfully, because he was very healthy, he was able to survive his bout with gastroenteritis unscathed. Apparently, he ate something that had some bacteria on it and his body was rejecting it. 

Monday came and M was off to what would turn out to be a week-long assignment because the media team of a presidentiable made mistakes in the booking. Sheesh. 

It was challenging being the only one to take care of Khali at night. He pooped like there was no tomorrow and it was watery. Multiple times too. Imagine having to clean that up while making sure that baby does not wake up while also making sure that the poop does not spillover. Nightmare! 

This went on for 3 days. On the 3rd day, I made the mistake of drinking ice-cold Coke on an empty stomach. I was instantly reminded of my age. I suffered severe acid reflux. 

When I tell you that I was reminded of my age, I am telling you that I first suffered from headaches. Then it was vomiting. After, it was severe back pain. I couldn't eat. I would vomit and be almost lifeless but when nighttime comes, I had to have energy because Khali needed me. 

All I wanted to do was crawl somewhere, lay down, cry, and die. 

However, that was not an option. 

I had to get better. Thankfully, I dragged myself to meet a friend and she had medicine with her for this ailment. This is how I know God works in mysterious ways. My friend needed me and so even though I felt like the dead and most likely looked like one, I went to meet her. Lo and behold, she had medicine. 

Finally, I got better and I was still able to do some side jobs. Now, M is back and I couldn't be happier. 

Everything is right in the world again. f

Celebrate Summer with Salmon HQ

Are you ready to celebrate summer?

If you’re still prepping to have that summer body, Salmon HQ is your best friend. If you’re looking for delicious treats that are good not just for the heart but also for your body, Salmon HQ has everything from pasta to baked sushi and naked salmon cake to offer.

Here are some of their best sellers that you need to try at least once in your life.

Hokkaido Oysters 

Imagine eating oysters that are as big as the palm of your hands? AWESOME right? This is what Hokkaido Oysters are all about. 

Oysters are a rich source of vitamin D, copper, zinc, and manganese. These micronutrients, in combination with calcium, are thought to be key to slowing or even preventing bone loss in older women due to osteoporosis. Additionally, dietary sources of these minerals are thought to be more effective than supplements. Salmon HQ’s Hokkaido Oysters will definitely have you slurping this awesome goodness with the biggest smile on your face. 

Otoro and Chutoro

This is the most desirable part from the inside of the fish’s belly. Because it is the fattiest part of the fish, it practically melts in your mouth. It also lends sashimi a sweeter taste. Because of its rich and highly sought-after nature, otoro can be a bit more expensive than other parts of the fish – but certainly worth every penny.

Chutoro straddles both types of tuna and so it provides both a meaty and a fatty texture for a real celebration in your mouth. Don’t expect to eat a lot of chutoro when enjoying tuna – it makes up such a small amount of the fish that it takes a whole fish to make one chutoro sashimi! This is why it’s a must-have!

Sushi Bake or Baked Sushi

A sushi bake is basically a deconstructed sushi roll, with all the elements you love: tangy sushi rice, seasoned crab filling, and spicy mayo to top it off. Salmon HQ makes it better by playing around and adding more to its offering so you’re constantly surprised with the taste. Some of the flavors you need to try are the Crunchy California Maki, Takoyaki, and their ultimate best-seller, the Aburi Scallops Salmon Ebi.

Premium Salmon Cake

Salmon is the only dish that you can eat raw and it’ll be so good you’ll want more. The good thing is that it is good for your body and for your heart. One of the top health benefits of eating salmon, either raw or cooked, is that it is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help the body in several ways, including: Improved brain function. Decreased risk of cardiovascular problems, like heart attack and heart arrhythmia.

So, what are you waiting for? Order yours now via their Salmon HQ Facebook Page or better yet, book them for your next event, Zoom meeting, or celebration. Everyone will definitely love you if you bring food from Salmon HQ. 

How to be a Momfluencer

I did a recent video on this topic on my YouTube channel because a lot of new moms in various PR groups and campaigns have been asking for help on how they can become legitimate momfluencer. Though I don't see myself as one because I think I am more of a blogger, brands and PR groups have tagged me as such so I felt like I could share a few of the things that I have learned along the way. 

Grow Your Online Presence 

As a momfluencer, the first thing you need to do is to grow your online presence. You can choose one social media platform or you can do a combination of several. Ideally, you should have Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook because these three are the most common platforms brands look for when they have a campaign. 

However, Twitter is also fast making a comeback in campaigns because there are brands that require this. Personally, I prefer to invest in Facebook, YouTube, and Tiktok nowadays. I believe that this is where the real great collaborations are. 

Be YOU

This is probably the most hashed-out advice that you will hear but there's a reason for that. You may play for keeps and pretend to be something you are not to gather a following or fool a brand into collaborating with you but at the end of the day, your true colors will show up, and then everything will fall apart. 

It's better to be hated for who you are than to be loved for you who you are not. 

Grow Your Mommy Network

I know that we all know that some of the most ruthless humans can be Moms but the good news is that for every bad apple, there are a ton more who are actually nice and helpful. 

Look for momfluencers whose style or aesthetic is similar to yours. Comment and like their post. Build a rapport or kinship online and soon enough, you will see it start to pay off. As they say, birds of the same feather, flock together.

Think Before You Click

As a momfluencer, you need to be careful of what you post online. Since you are seen as an influencer and a Mom, you are automatically held to a higher standard. This means that you need to really weigh the potential impact of your posts. 

If you used to rant and complain about things, you may still do so now but only when absolutely warranted or needed. You can't just keep bashing people, ranting, and posting negative things if you would like to be a momfluencer. 

Brands actually check your posts to see if you are a fit for their brand and there are even certain brands that would check the last 2 years of your postings. Imagine losing a potential deal simply because you are a habitual whiner.

Act and Dress for the Position

A Mom is someone who is respected and is considered a role model. As a Momfluencer, you should always remember to dress appropriately. I know that it can be tempting to show off your killer body but there is always a right place and a right time to do so. A casual get-together with the family or with friends even during an event may not be the right place and time. 

Flex, but flex properly. 

You can also watch my YT video about this topic here. 

First Family Vacation in Two Years

It sounds crazy right but it has been 2 years since my family and I have been on vacation and I know that a lot of families are able to relate to this. It also happens to be the first time for my youngest son to actually go out of town, be on the beach, and experience sand and saltwater. 

This was a gift from my twin brothers and what a wonderful gift it was! The experience that we had on this family trip was just amazing. Though I am not a fan of the ocean, I found that I enjoyed it because my husband was there, my sons were enjoying it, and everyone else around us was just having fun. 

The beach of Pico de Loro also had fine sand and I didn't get wounded at all. Normally, beach sand always ends up cutting me so this was a good change of environment.

It was Khali's first time on the beach and he loved it. He was thriving in the water and he was paddling. It was so fulfilling to see how much he enjoyed the water. 

As for B, he's more like me and not really a fan of the ocean but he also had a great time and even went swimming twice. I'm so proud of him haha. 

Even though I love collecting things as mementos, I also appreciate the moments that I get to share with my family nowadays. I think before I was more into the material collection of things because I had to constantly be on the move to make money but now, I can slow down a little bit and immerse myself in the moments. 

I am grateful for this. 

Top 7 Security Tips to Protect Your Mobile Banking Account

When it comes to online and mobile banking, Filipino consumers have one big fear: cyber attacks that can wipe their life-long savings within seconds.

However, while it’s true that there are threats to the security of your bank accounts online, there are also plenty of ways to protect yourself. Here are some tips to ensure that your online and mobile banking experience is as safe as can be:

Watch Out for Suspicious Links

If you ever receive any links that lead to an unfamiliar website or ask you to download an app, don’t click them. They’re most likely designed to capture your personal information and get into accounts. Do note that these exist not just for banking, but also for social media, e-commerce, and even gaming accounts.

That said, to protect your hard-earned money, make sure that you’re visiting legitimate mobile banking Philippines’ sites and downloading official apps. For websites in particular, check the address bar to see if there’s a padlock icon, indicating that it’s protected by a security protocol.

Know What Phishing and SMiShing Look Like

Phishing is a method in which cybercriminals pretend to be reputable companies in an attempt to acquire your personal information. This is usually done through email, and the entities usually imitated are banks, lenders, government offices, and retail establishments. Often, phishing emails will tell you that you have to update your account or that you’ve won something.

The same method is now being replicated using SMS, which is referred to as SMiShing. Instead of emails, hackers will send text messages and often follow it up with a call. 

To avoid getting victimized, it’s important to be aware of an email or text you receive is phishing or a SMiShing attempt. Fortunately, it’s easy enough. Banks and other reputable institutions will never ask you for information like your password so if you encounter anything like this, don’t proceed.

You should also inspect the email address and the name of the sender to make sure that it’s really your bank. Check wrong spellings, numbers replacing letters or overlong addresses. Most importantly, when in doubt, just delete the email or text and call your bank’s hotline.

Always Update Your Phone’s OS

Your phone’s manufacturer will release periodic updates to their mobile operating system (OS), usually every two months or so. These updates are designed to fix bugs that prevent some apps and features from working properly, as well as optimize your phone’s overall performance. OS updates also improve your phone’s security.

This simply means that you HAVE to install these updates once they become available. This is especially important if you conduct banking transactions using your phone. If you don’t install the OS updates ASAP, your phone and personal details may be open to cyber attacks.

Always Update to the Latest Version of Your Banking App

Just like how phone manufacturers update their OS, your bank also regularly updates its app. Sometimes, they only update the user interface and add some new features; however, there are also times that they provide significant overhauls to the system. In fact, you may even get prompted to uninstall the old app and get the new version that has newer stronger security features. 

Same as your phone’s OS, make sure to update or download the latest version of your banking app to receive all the necessary security features.

Activate 2FA

Two-factor authentication or 2FA is a process that requires you to input a code—a one-time password or OTP—to approve a transaction. This is regardless of whether you’ve already logged in successfully to use a website or app. This additional layer of security prevents fraudulent transactions, in case your account gets compromised.

Usually, you will receive the OTP via text or email. Don’t share this OTP with anyone; if you receive an OTP even if you aren’t conducting any transactions, report it to your bank immediately.

Stop Using Unsecured WiFi Connections

When you’re out and about, it’s tempting to use a public WiFi connection to save on mobile data. However, unsecured wireless connections are quite vulnerable to hackers. In fact, skilled hackers can take only 10 minutes or so to get into an unprotected WiFi network. Then, they can easily reveal the passwords and other sensitive information of those who used the connection.

This is why you need to stop using unsecured wireless networks. If you really need to perform a banking transaction, it’s better to either use your own mobile data or visit the nearest bank branch.

Limit the Devices You Use to Access Your Accounts

To protect your mobile banking accounts, it’s best to use only one or two devices to access them. Ideally, you should use your personal phone to download the official banking app and then your personal computer at home to access the bank’s website. This way, there are fewer ways and opportunities for hackers to “get in” and steal your information. (Of course, make sure that your phone and computer are also properly protected.)

Finally, be observant. Besides the above-mentioned tips, this is the best way you can protect your mobile banking account.

Stay safe! 

My One Year Financial Goal Plan

I am tired of just making ends meet. Though I am grateful that I am able to provide and help my husband, pay the rent, have food on our table, and send our son to a good school, I want more. 

I want to have a hefty emergency fund. 

I want to have a nest egg.

I want to have enough for a downpayment for a house. 

I want to have a newer car. 

I want change. 

They said that if you want change, you need to make changes within yourself. So here is my plan to make this happen. 

1. Put money on a weekly basis inside my piggy bank. 

2. Any amount that comes into my GCash which is normally my side hustle will go directly to the bank.

3. Any extra amount that Mark makes goes to our joint account. 

4. If we have a GC to use for our groceries, the money allotted for the groceries will be split into savings and splurging on take-out. This way, we get to save and use that extra budget to eat out or take out which is one of our family vices. 

5. Continue to keep track of all spending so that it's easier to see where we need to cut down and save. 

This is the financial part. Now, here are my plans to make more money. 

1. Put out a video on YouTube 5x a week. 

2. Repurpose old content. I'm thinking download relevant videos on Tiktok and upload to IG reel. I can also download YT videos and post on my FB page as well as cut down some videos into bite-size and post on my wall and LinkedIn. 

3. Create a monthly content plan that should be followed. 

4. Promote. Promote, Promote. 

I'll be doing a regular update on this financial goal that I have from time to time and I'll let you guys know what worked, what made me cray cray, and what didn't work. 

Got tips? I'd love to hear it. 

6 Ways to Enhance Your Music-Listening Experience

If you love music, then you’re most likely willing to invest time and money to improve your listening experience. A good first step here is to invest in great headphones. Philippines’ tech retailers have a lot of good selections that can give that impactful, concert-level quality of sound.

 

Besides getting top-notch headphones, here are other ways you can enhance the way you listen to your favorite songs and musical pieces:

Get Good Speakers

When you want to enjoy your music in private or while on the go, headphones are your best companion. On the other hand, if you want a more immersive experience when listening at home, it’s best if you have a stellar speaker system. With the right setup, you can fill your home with dynamic audio and elevate the way you listen to music.

Some of the things you need to consider when getting speakers include the components, the size of the units, and proper positioning. The components of a home speaker system usually include the loudspeakers themselves, subwoofers, amplifiers, and tweeters. Depending on the size of the room, you might need more than two loudspeakers and subwoofers.

Getting the correct size of speakers is also important. If you get ones that are too big, you might get noise instead of music. Finally, positioning is crucial. If you want to get that surround-sound audio quality, it’s best to place the speakers in the corners of the room. This way, the sound waves will converge towards the center.

Go Lossless

If you use a smartphone or a digital to play music, each track’s format is likely .mp3. This is ideal for compressing the file so that you can save as many songs as possible. However, in the process of making the file smaller, much of the detail is lost. Thus, while a .mp3 music file sounds pretty decent, it doesn’t have the nuance of studio recordings.

To experience ultimate sound quality, you need to veer away from the .mp3 format and find FLAC music instead. FLAC stands for “free lossless audio codec,” which is similar to the format used by artists when they’re recording their songs. If you have an Apple device, the file format you’re looking for is ALAC (the first A stands for Apple).

Do note that FLAC and ALAC files are bigger than standard mp3’s. One FLAC file is about 5MB per minute on average, so a 3-minute song can be 15MB or more. Thus, be prepared to expand your storage or have limited songs in your database.

The built-in speakers and digital preamp of your smartphone or tablet may also not be able to “translate” all the details of the song. Thus, you’re going to need the previously mentioned studio-quality headphones or speaker system to appreciate the music better. You can still play FLAC or ALAC songs without these audio accessories but you’ll likely miss out on the changes.

Equalize

Even if you have top-tier headphones and speakers, you can still improve your listening experience by learning how to equalize. This is the process of adjusting the frequencies of sound until you get the “blend” you want.

Some headphones or speakers may have been built to focus on providing better bass output, for example, but the songs you listen to have more treble. Through the help of an equalizer, you can mix the frequencies and fine-tune your music to your preferences anytime. What’s even better is that there are many quality equalizer apps that you can download for free!

Organize Your Music

Everyone has different music tastes and that’s perfectly fine! However, no matter how eclectic your musical preferences are, it’s best to organize your library so it’s easier for you to find the tracks you want. You can categorize songs per artist, genre, or even by mood, for example. Remember that there’s no single right way of arranging your music; the most important thing is to have a system!

Make Time to Truly Listen

Most of the time, when we listen to music, it’s a background activity. You may be doing some chores, for example, or perhaps exercising. In short, you aren’t able to really focus on the music and really appreciate every single note. As such, if you want to elevate your music-listening experience, prioritize it. Sit back and relax, literally! Let the music flow and really listen.

Go Analog

One of the best things about listening to music through digital formats is convenience. However, there’s something truly unique about playing music the traditional way—that is, using a vinyl record and a gramophone.

This isn’t absolutely necessary, of course, but you have to admit that it’s a different sensorial experience. From sliding the record out of its sleeve to placing down the needle, this method of listening to music is truly incomparable.

Happy listening!