Building Up Self-Confidence

There was a huge part on my life when I have really struggled on building up self-confidence. When I was in Grade School, I hardly get someone who wants to play with me. I was really thin – and even worse, I was part of the school’s feeding program where they feed seemingly malnourished children. Ugh! I was underweight for my height and age and the other kids do not want to play with kids who are lame at games. I was the typical school girl who badly wants to play but then just sits on the corner and watch the others play. Then when I get home, I pretend like I was playing the game within the silence of the four corners of my room.

The one thing that is good though is that I would win Quiz Bees and participate in the school’s extra curricular activities. I was active academically and was one of the Top 5 when we graduated. Even so, I have felt I was an outcast and I felt I was not good enough to fit in. I admittedly I have had poor self-esteem issues growing up and admittedly it was a struggle that I fought for so hard. I am no psychologist but in this journal, I would like to share the struggles that I have had about self-confidence.

What value does building self-confidence add in our life? Let me tell you about the Wheel of Wellness.

The Wheel of Wellness is a model based on Adler’s individual psychology and cross-disciplinary research on characteristics of healthy people who live longer and with a higher quality of life. We all aim for a high quality life in this world and in order to do that, we would need to achieve a high self-esteem, which it is essential to focus on identifying strengths, positive assets, and resources related to each component of the Wellness model and use these strengths to cope with life challenges.

As for me, I tried not to focus on the things I cannot do. I told myself to be optimistic and always see the good things over the bad. I went put myself in a perspective where I focus on the things I have and what the things I can offer offer the world – those things that I can give to people around me and help them too. I identified my positive attributes, focused on it, and tried my best to improve more on it. I know it might be a bit of a struggle especially when sometimes people around you seem to put you down. But always remember that you know yourself better than anyone else around you.

So let not other people define who you are – try not to care about what other people see and think and focus on the positive things within you and keep working on it.

A positive attitude surely comes a long way. You will be surprised yourself once it will be making the difference in your life – so hang on to it! I always believe that if you set your self to a definite goal, the world will pave the way to let you pass. Make it your goal to achieve self-confidence and it will be that much easy if you keep your mind focused on it. Fake it if you must until you convince yourself of it. It worked like magic for me.

Until the next journal sexy nerds! Stay awesome! VP

P.S. Here are some reading materials that might help in building up self-confidence:

  1. The Power of Self-Confidence
  2. Take Control of Your Life
  3. Navy SEAL Training: Self-Confidence
  4. Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It
  5. 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem
  6. Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem
  7. The Self-Esteem Workbook
  8. The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence
  9. Self Confidence Secrets
  10. The Confidence Plan: How to Build a Stronger You

Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock Review

Computer makers nowadays do not seem to be finding ways for availability of extra ports in designing their hardwares – an example of which is of course the Apple’s MacBooks (MacBook Pro and MacBook Air). What happens?  You’d happen to end up with two only a couple of USB port on a rather expensive computer, a single input for audio devices (microphones and headphones), the absence of Firewire 800 for legacy gadgets (example: portable drives, if you have one) and on top of that, no Ethernet Port.  Well be weary no more my good friend as Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock takes care of all those worries. Continue reading of this Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock Review to find out more.

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The Belkin Thunderbolt™ Express Dock is a simple yet indeed a formidable way to make the most of Thunderbolt™ technology. What makes it so awesome? It lets you use a single connection to create a super speedy, unswerving data transfers between your laptop and get you all the ports you need! Im talking aboout these: Dual Thunderbolt ports (one in, one out) line up with three super-speed USB 3 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, analog audio in and out, and a Firewire 800 port. All these in a convenient device that makes your life easier – couldn’t get any better!

Features of the Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock  that makes you go WOW!

With Thunderbolt™ Express Dock, you can get as much as eight cables become into just one cable. This means all of your drives, networking and input and output devices will be connected to 8 ports on the back – all of it, connecting to your laptop in one Thunderbolt.

The most direct product comparison for the Belkin Thunderbolt™ Express Dock is Matrox DS1. Just like the Matrox Unit, the Belkin Express dock also requires Thunderbolt cable. However, Matrox DS1 only has one Thunderbolt port and just one USB 3.0 although it features HDMI and DVI-D output. But genuinely, Belkin has notably a bit more flexibility and speed when it comes to performance. This is in particular to Firewire users, where in you will be able to chain a lot of Firewire 800 drives off the dock. It sure is more convenient to gave one less adapter to manage, one less Thunderbolt port on the computer tied up.

Another paramount performance that the Express Dock offers is that you really have no sweat in setting up anything at all. Once you plug it, its already good to go! It works as in a plug-and-play with not an inch of any device issues. More so, file transfer performance is exceptionally fast. Check this out: Thunderbolt™ moves data on two bidirectional 10Gbps channels. It’s 20 times faster than USB 2.0, 12 times faster than FireWire 800. And it means an entire HD movie transfers in 30 seconds. What could be more amazing than that?

PROS

  • Simple yet elegant design with a passthrough port for flexibility
  • Has FireWire 800, Ethernet, and 3x USB 3.0
  • Stunningly fast performance
  • No drivers needed – a plug and play device

CONS

  • Pricey – but the performance and features are worth the money 
  • The design looks really sexy and sleek but it needs a bit of a tweaking since the plugs are located at the back. Perhaps it is also for the purpose of not having too many wires in front or at the side – which sometimes makes your desk look messy.

Overall, if you computer doesn’t have enough hardware input/output options, then the Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock is perfect for you. Matrox DS1 is another option for under the same category but this device has only has one Thunderbolt port and just one USB 3.0 – on the other hand it adds both an HDMI and DVI-D output. Ultimately, Belkin is the best way to go, especially if the computer you are using is your main workstation.

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Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock with 1-Meter Thunderbolt Data Transfer Cable (F4U055qAMZ)

Skin Care Tips from the Sexy Nerds

I dislike seeing in cartoons, TV shows and movies they always have this stereotypical image of nerds with bad skin and pimple blemished faces. It probably is one reason why most people see the word “nerd” in a bad connotation. The fact that most nerds are book lovers and math geeks…. their brains actually make them sexier than any superficial models we see on billboards. And most importantly, nerds aren’t always unsightly like what most people think. Setting that aside, let me give out some skin care tips from the sexy nerds.

Top Ten Best Skin Care Tips

  • Everyday skin cleansing and shaving can damage your skin, so keep it gentle. Long showers or baths remove oils from your skin so limit your bath or shower time, and it is preferred to use lukewarm rather than hot water. Also, strong soaps and detergents can take away the natural oil from your skin so it is best to select mild cleansers.  In addition to this, if you want deep exfoliation, do it longer, not harder, as you cleanse your skin. Do not scrub in on your face when you are using one – too much force is harmful.
  • Shave very carefully with lubrication to protect your skin. A shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving will do the job. Make sure to use a clean, sharp razor and also shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
  • If you must mist, then make sure that you moisturize too—this is a two-step process. When you just spritz, the water also evaporates on the skin, which will create dryness. There are misters with an emollient like glycerin, such as the Body Shop’s Vitamin E face mist. Always keep your skin moisturized and use a moisturizer that fits your skin type especially if your skin gets easily dried.
  • It is very important to protect yourself from the heat of the sun. Long time sun exposures can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — not to mention the increase the risk of skin cancer. At times we really do not like the gooey feel of facial sunscreen, so here is a solution: you can apply it with a sponge, which also helps it penetrate (Try this: Pro Beauty Sponges).
  • For the best results—and long lasting penetration—apply products in the correct order: first use the lightest product (usually a serum), then followed by heavier formulas. Say for example, in the morning you may apply an antioxidant serum, then a moisturizer, and cap it off with sunscreen.
  • For acne-prone skin, use an oil-free spray sunscreen like Clarins Oil-Free spray SPF 15. It goes on as a fine mist, in this way, you avoid spreading pore-clogging bacteria from your hands. If your skin gets easily flushed, store products in a cooler when outside in the sun. The cold ingredients will constrict blood vessels and make your face look less flushed.
  • It has been known that Jasmine extract is a calming oil that is rich with antioxidants. You may treat their faces with Rodin Olio Lusso, this contains jasmine to condition the skin and give it a healthy look.
  • Next time you get a big pimple, here is a home ready that might work out for you: Do many cycles of hot compresses on the part where there is pimple, then apply a glob of 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, like Aveeno hydrocortisone anti-itch cream and let it sit for two hours. This little dose of hydrocortisone helps deflate the bump.
  • Manage your stress. Uncontrolled stress levels can trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. Stress sets off hormones that cause acne, so make sure you have time to relax and wind down. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, and scale back your to-do list and make sure it includes time for you to do the things you enjoy. Less stress can increases the flow of oxygen in your body, will the minimize flare-ups.
  • A healthy diet gives you healthy skin. It will make you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.  Try a a low-glycemic diet—lots of vegetables, whole grains, and few processed sugars— this diet can help eliminate acne. The refined carbohydrates, sugary treats, and processed foods spike insulin, triggers a surge of other hormones that can cause blemishes. Low-glycemic foods, will help the body regulate insulin. 
  • And last but not the least, regularly exercise. Religious strength-training should be done more as we get older. This makes a firmer skin from the neck down as a result of having better, more supportive muscle tone.

Nerd or not, it is a essential to take care of our selves – but keep in mind that what we see from the outside is just superficial. It is still most important to keep our soul pleasant by having a kind heart and wish the best and the good for everyone! We hope you find our skin care tips helpful.

 

Stalking Henry Cavill and Discovering Superman Secrets

I am such a stalker! My latest stalking object is none other than the Man of Steel himself: Henry Cavill. Check out his Superman posters here and here. And yes, I was stalking Henry Cavill and discovering Superman secrets while I was at it.

I remember back in the days, our house is located near a comic store where I would occasionally sneak in after class to read comics – back then that store only has limited issues of superman and other marvel heroes comics but I would patiently wait in line just for my turn to read it (we rent them to read and they are not for sale – crazy right?!).  Good thing now we can readily buy them online (Hard Cover and Kindle Edition). Check these out – Superman: The Death and Return of Superman Omnibus and Superman: Earth One Vol. 2. You may also find Kindle editions on the link.

It was really interesting to me as to how Henry Cavill transformed himself after was chosen the to play Superman role in the Man of Steel movie. Overall, my astonishment came from how it was really impressive when he worked so hard to get the perfect body to be Superman. Knowing of Clark Kent’s life in comics, he was such a nerd in glasses and have been bullied a lot in school. Looking at Henry Cavill and the Superman character that he is – Oh my! He really is perfect for it!

So upon stalking, there are tons of interesting things I’ve found out but the one that had really got me struck is his grueling fitness routine that helped him into the superhero shape of The Man of Steel. There has been videos about it all over in Youtube and I wonder perhaps one can make a gym at home to do the routines there! Why not?!

A pair of dumbbells, and perhaps your own home gym! You can even buy a pair of adjustable dumbbell weights for efficient, cost-effective strength training – a power block. Also there is a  Steel Power Bar where you find a combination of the versatility of a power rack with the security of a Smith machine.

Here are a few of Henry Cavill’s work-out routine upon getting the Superman role:

Total Body Workout

2x Clean + 5x Kettlebell Squat @ 70% body weight (One combo every 30 seconds for 5 minutes)
2x Two-hand KB Clean and Squat (One combo every 30 seconds for 5 minutes.)
100 Front Squats (Body-weight, break into sets of 25 if you need to)
3 sets of 15 reps Box Step-up
3 sets of 15 reps Deck Squats
20x Frog Hops + 40m Bear Crawl (Do 4 rounds of this combo, rest 2 minutes between sets)
3 sets 20 reps: Man-Makers (with dumbbells)
3 sets of reps: Sit-Ups

Upper Body Chest / Shoulder Workout

Any Cardio Machine 10 minute (warm up)
10 more minutes with Rowing machine @ easy Pace (warm up)
6 sets of: 10x Bench Press (alternating arm, with kettlebells)
4 sets of: 12x Military Push Press
4 sets of: 12x Arnold Press (The Henry Cavill workout used alternating, one hand dumbbells)
2 sets of: 25x Squat Assisted Push Press
4 sets of: 12x Hammer Curls

One notable thing to appreciate in working out is knowing the beauty of physical strength as you go through hard work and discipline. It takes a lot of perseverance and determination to be able to get into the shape you want. I believe it is a process of self discovery. Always believe that your body will be able to break through on what your mind  had initially thought to be a physical boundary and you will surprised your how body will be able come passed these thoughts have limited.

Check out Superman action figures here.

Superman Man of Steel Movie Masters Superman Action Figure

Sony Xperia Z SGP311U1/B 10.1-Inch 16GB Tablet Review

Sony Xperia Z SGP311U1/B 10.1-Inch 16GB Tablet ReviewFor clear and crisp video and bright, naturally realistic photos, the Xperia™ Tablet Z’s screen takes lead of Sony’s world-renowned display technology. And it’s just as remarkable on the inside, with a quad-core processor for great speeds and super impressive graphics. If you want to know more about this tablet, read more in this Sony Xperia Z SGP311U1/B 10.1-Inch 16GB Tablet Review.

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It’s also the world’s thinnest 10.1″ tablet, with a highly robust dust and water resistant design that lets you enjoy it nearly at anyplace at any time.

What are this tablet’s Features?

Sony Xperia Z SGP311U1/B 10.1-Inch 16GB Tablet is by far the absolute most slender 10.1″ tablet. It measures just .27″ thin and weighing in at a mere 16.9 ounces. What’s more interesting is that it is far from being fragile – it has a dense and compact, sturdy body frames a super strong tempered glass display that creates a resilient form factor quite clever  of defending itself from the daily drudgery.

A single stare is all it takes to be smitten with all 10.1 inches of the Full HD Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA®Engine 2. With the upraised ante on color reproduction, the sharply designed Xperia Tablet Z offers the most extensive color spectrum of any tablet anywhere with vivid, life-like details that practically gets off the screen.

To surprise you even more, forget living in constant fear of spills, splashes or even total submersion. Xperia Tablet Z’s revolutionary water resistant design holds out in the wettest of conditions, even complete submersion in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes at a time. So catch up on your reading during a leisurely soak in the tub, swipe through a recipe with wet fingers or surf the web by the pool worry free.

PROS

  • Slim, lightweight design –  seriously, this tablet is amazingly light and well balanced
  • Power packed processor –  it shows in smooth and responsive controls, whether surfing the web, running apps, or playing graphic-intensive games.
  • Water and dust resistant – you can look up recipes by the kitchen sink without worrying about your tablet getting wet
  •  Nice, crisp, well saturated photos and video when used outdoors.
  • Long battery life – when the screen is off, your tablet automatically shuts down the battery-draining apps you don’t need, then starts them up again when the screen is back on
  • NFC One-Touch feature lets you wirelessly transfer content to your compatible TV, smartphone or speaker with just a tap.

CONS

  • Camera results are a a little bit disappointing when used indoors – there is a noticeable graininess, even in moderately well lit indoor areas
  • No Adobe flash
  • Sound is overly loud, overall sound feels hollow, no matter how you adjust it. (Not nearly as great as the Kindle Fire HD’s powerful speakers)

Sony delivered this tablet in a big way, and it appears that they’ve learned from their mistakes in previous, rather anemic tablet offerings. The combination of a great high resolution screen, decent sound, expandable storage, ease of extended use, battery life, raw horsepower… plus features like universal remote control and waterproof… really do make the one of those in the edge among the tablets.

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Sony Xperia Z SGP311U1/B 10.1-Inch 16GB Tablet