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When Life Gives you lemon 🍋

EllyFilhoLeave a comment

There are definitely times when bad things happen so good things can come your way.
I’m a true believer of ” Everything happens for a reason. ” Either it’s a good or bad one.
Last year I was living a life that I would come home every day shower and sleep. To wake up in the morning and do the same thing over and over.

I liked what I was doing. Just not how it was happening. Working over 48 hrs. a week I started getting sick again. And ended up having a lot of doctor’s appointment etc.

as I was getting all these appointments, I was no longer able to put all my effort into my job.
One of the days I had to call out because of being sick. I got asked by my manager to find another job.

I couldn’t agree more with him that I needed something else.

Me and Chris always had this dream of working a Monday – Friday. 9-5pm paid holidays. And able to take time off.

The job I had obviously wasn’t allowing me to do so. And not to remind you it made me sick all over again due to stress and long hour days.

I decided to post my resume online. Hoping and praying for the best.

I decided to give my two weeks at my current job.

I remember feeling sad, annoyed and stressed.
I do have a lot of bills to pay. So, I was very worried I wouldn’t find anything.

I sent out a few applications that day.
To my surprise, I received a phone call that morning (when I had just given my 2 weeks).
It was this amazing lady (very friendly) looking for an office manager. I set the appointment for an interview.

I left that company that day in tears. I couldn’t believe what just happened.

I was so amazed. And happy I could have left there jumping up and down in joy.

I got offered a job as an office manager.
Working Monday – Friday 9-5pm. Getting paid holidays. Time off as I need it. With an amazing family. That knows how to be a boss and actually care for their employees.


True I don’t know them yet. But I have a feeling this is going to be a lifetime relationship.
I thank God daily for this opportunity a dream that came true without me even deserving it.
Ok I might deserve it 😂, but you all know what I mean? I didn’t expect it to work so fast.
I’m sitting at my desk this afternoon and all I can think about is how grateful I am. 🙂

Isaque has started a new job and it’s a great opportunity for him.

Joshua will start a new job Monday.

Gabe is doing great at his job.

Chris also got offered a job and opportunity that made him very happy. Now we have time to work and enjoy our lives.Couldn’t ask for more.

blackandwhite · family · kids · love · Niche · photography · Style · women · World VS Life

5 issues to be addressed in Premarital Counseling

EllyFilhoLeave a comment

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Planning your wedding is stressful enough, but it’s a piece of buttercream-frosted cake compared to the day-to-day reality of actual marriage.

Indeed, so often couples get caught up with everything involved in prepping for their Big Day and romanticizing the concept of marriage that they forget to (or don’t realize that they should) address all of the less-romantic issues that will inevitably arise when two people commit to sharing their lives together.

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Premarital counseling is an excellent way to confront these issues upfront and establish a stronger, healthier relationship moving into matrimony.

1. Money
Finances are a common cause of contention between those about to be married.

2. Time
Time can also be a big problem in a relationship. One may feel neglected if their partner is often away at work, school or other functions. Conversely, a partner may value their space and wish they could spend more time alone.

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3. In-Laws
When you marry someone, you’re not just marrying them – you’re essentially marrying their family as well. It’s important for you to learn how to get along with the whole family, especially if at this point you’re already on shaky ground. It’s also helpful to establish what sort of boundaries as a couple you will put in place. Some family members may be in the habit of just dropping by for a visit. This may upset your new partner. Also, it would be helpful to discuss how you plan to spend time with both sets of in-laws during holidays.

4. Resolving conflict
All couples disagree sometimes. What’s less important than the frequency of conflict (though frequent fighting is a serious issue that must be addressed, of course) is how a couple reacts to said engagements.

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5. Religion
Again, now is not the time to sweep lingering issues under the rug. Statistically, couples that share the same faith (or lack thereof) are more likely to stay together than those that don’t. If your partner is of a different faith, you need to decide whether this is something that will bother you long-term or not. This can be a critical issue.

Be sure to discuss these critical issues during premarital counseling. Ultimately, it all comes down to honesty and respect.

If you’re able to be honest with your partner and respect their traits and beliefs even when you don’t like or agree with them, and if your partner can do the same, then the future of your marriage looks bright.

 

Anxiety · Causes · Depressed · Health · Mental Health · mom · motherhood · women · Wordless · World VS Life

One year ago

EllyFilhoLeave a comment

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One year ago, today I was feeling miserable not knowing what was wrong with me. Everything I ate, I wanted to put back out or it felt like it was stuck in my throat. I ended up like that laying on a hospital bed awaiting my doctors to begin my surgery. I was feeling miserable. I had been at that hospital for about 2 1/2 weeks just doing all kinds of tests till they finally found out what was wrong with me and decided to operate.

Turned out I had what it’s called ” Achalasia of the esophagus” and what is that? You might be asking. That was the same question I was asking all the doctors there. ” What the heck is that?” As they started to explain to me what it was.

Achalasia is a rare disease of the muscle of the esophagus (swallowing tube). The term achalasia means “failure to relax” and refers to the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (a ring of muscle situated between the lower esophagus and the stomach) to open and let food pass into the stomach.

What can cause the esophagus to close?
A thin area of narrowing in the lower esophagus can intermittently cause difficulty swallowing solid foods. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Damage to esophageal tissues from stomach acid backing up into your esophagus can lead to spasm or scarring and narrowing of your lower esophagus. Eosinophilic esophagitis.
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What is the surgery for achalasia?
The most common surgical technique used to treat achalasia is called the Heller myotomy, in which the surgeon cuts the muscles at the end of the esophagus and at the top of the stomach. In the past, this surgery was performed through a large (open) incision in the chest or abdomen.
I didn’t think twice and said go ahead do it. All I knew was I was tired of living the way I was. I couldn’t handle it anymore.  So off I went to surgery.
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With all the support from my husband by my side, I was very confident I would survive another surgery, another battle, another obstacle in my life.
Not only him, but my boys too. My family has been my Rock. My everything in time of need.
I wouldn’t be able to go on without their help. I’m forever grateful.
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After my surgery when I thought things would finally be better and my life would turn around. I became depressed. Didn’t want to leave my room. My life was from my downstairs to my upstairs. I didn’t want to do anything. Not because of the way my life was or my family. I love my life and my family. But my sickness just kept on coming and never went away. This surgery was to make me feel better and nothing changed. I was angry. Angry at the doctors, at a lot of things.
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Then I decided to turn things around. I sought help (professional)
Today I’m still very sick as far as my Achalasia, blood clotting disorder, Fibromyalgia,etc..etc..
In between this one year, I changed my mind about being miserable and decided to live my life.
Regardless of how I feel, I will still live on. when I don’t want to get up, or do anything, I will still do it. Just because I need to do so.
I put my faith and hope in the Lord the only one who can give me my daily strength.
I’m not 100% but I try every day to do better than I did yesterday. With God’s help I’ll slowly get to a point where I can at least cut down on medications. 🙂
Praying for a better tomorrow.
Thank you for reading.
Budget · budgetwithelly · coupon · coupons · family · food · free · frugal · fun · mom · motherhood · savings · women · World VS Life

How to coupon like a Boss

EllyFilhoLeave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve been here. Not because I didn’t want to blog but because I haven’t had the time.

I’ve been sick, had a few visits to the ER and to my PC and it’s a pain when you are so busy and have to keep up with social media.

Sometimes I just need that space and time apart. I apologize to the followers, Friends, and family that comes here to read what I blog. It’s frustrating not having an updated blog. My sincere apologies.

The other reason is that my oldest son graduated high school and we had a party 🙂
What a Stress 😮 planning and organizing a party is so much stress.
My middle child graduates next year I promised I’m already planning and starting to buy things now hahhaha.

Plus every other mother/wife duty

In this post, I wanted to share some of my couponing with you guys.

I’m only a beginner and I’m just learning. Please keep this in mind. 🙂

When you’re a stay home mom and your husband is the only one working, you need to make due whatever way you can to help out.
I found out about couponing not too long ago when I saw the show on tv, and I decided to give it a try. I follow a few ladies on youtube and they post almost weekly what they go buy and the deals they go out and do.

As far as best deals out there you have to  make your own judgment. Prices also veries based on region.
The deals and sales are absolutely amazing!
I’ve been saving hundreds of dollars with things we use at home every week.

I don’t do stream couponing, I don’t buy what we don’t use, and I don’t buy more quantity than we can consume in a short period of time. The reason why is.

1- Because I don’t want to have a huge stockpile.
2- I don’t see the need for me to do that. (Not criticizing anyone that does I’m just saying it’s not what I want to do.)
3- I’m fine the way I’m doing things now Thank You! 🙂

Some people will go out and buy 20 bags of sugar just because it was on sale for $1.89 and we had a $.75 off coupon on top of that.
I, on the other hand, I went out and only got 2. That was fine for me I had 2 at home and felt that 2 more bag was enough.

A lot of people think ” Well it’s on sale, great price, why not buy 20? If you can spend that $Money and you want to. Go ahead and do it. I’m just saying I don’t do it. 

It’s a choice many people make, and a lot are criticized just because they use coupons.
(Not that’s anyone’s Busyness Anyways. What you do it’s your life.)

Here are a few deals from this week

At this supermarket ( Shaws ) I got
6 boxes of General Mills Cereal
4 Boxes of Puffs Tissue paper
4Nut Exactly Snack

merchandise total was – $41.68
I paid a total of $8.05 after coupons and store discount

And I received a $5.00 stores credit so basically, I got it all for $3.05

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My second one was at CVS 

I LOVE CVS they always have great deals 
2 Xtra Laundry detergent
3 Persil Laundry detergent
2 Gillette Fusion razor
2 Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
1 Hershey Snack Mix
4 Colgate toothbrushes
2 Colgate toothpaste

All this came out to Merchandise Total – $102.75

I paid $23.61 after Coupons and store discount

and received $26.00 Extrabucks (CVS Money)

So basically, I got it all FREE 🙂

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blackandwhite · brazilian · family · Fashion · kids · mom · photography · Style · Wordless · World VS Life

{Wordless} Wednesday with my favorites from 2010 

EllyFilhoLeave a comment

These are just a few of my favorites of 2010 as a lover of the photography profession I got the privilege to experience what it was like to photograph a bride at her most special day and do a Photoshoot of a this beautiful little girl that her natural was what made her perfect. My little cousins on her first birthday. Being natural on her porch.  And of course with a camera in my hand I always got to experience, capture and register my boys most silly special moments. 

  

” Photography can only represent the present. Once photographed, the subject becomes part of the past.”

  

” Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”

  

“Photography is about capturing souls not smiles. ” 

  

” When people ask me what type of equipment I use —I tell them My Eyes. “

Family Share · Fashion · Review

Powerbeats 2 Wireless #ReviewWithElly

EllyFilhoLeave a comment

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Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphone – Black-(Certified Refurbished)

 

The earphones are sweatproof, but not waterproof and come in white, red, and the black. They have the ear hooks that help keep the headphones securely on your head. These new hooks have some bend to them and you can customize the shape to fit around your ear better. I got the headphones to fit pretty snugly — overall I liked the way they fit, and you can adjust the cord length with the little crimp that’s included.

The headphones come in a few different sizes of silicone ear tips. They aren’t meant to be jammed in your ears like many in-ear models. The headphone also doubles as a headset.

A three-button inline remote and microphone are built into the cord for making hands-free calls. If you have an iOS device such as an iPhone or Ipad, you can skip tracks forward and back and adjust volume. However, if you have a Windows or Android phone, you can only adjust the volume and use the middle button to answer and end calls. (In other words, this is a “Made for iPhone” headphone.)

Unfortunately, the headphone doesn’t automatically shut off when disconnected from your phone’s Bluetooth. I think it should, particularly at this price point.

From a sound standpoint, as I said, despite the inability to get a tight seal, I thought it performed well for a Bluetooth headphone. It plays loudly and has relatively clean, aggressive sound.

The only problem, of course, is that they’re expensive. At $169, you’d like to see an automatic shutoff feature and perhaps full waterproofing rather than just sweatproofing.

They are not durable, broke apart and I had to return in less than 90 days. In the end, I will not be recommending the Beats Powerbeats2 Wireless.

brazilian · Budget · budgetwithelly · coupon · coupons · Fashion · free · frugal · Health · Review · savings · Style

Argan Oil Hair Mask #Review

EllyFilhoLeave a comment
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Argan Oil Hair Mask, 8 oz. Hair Treatment Therapy, Deep Conditioner for Damaged & Dry Hair, Heals & Restructures Hair Shaft & Growth, Detoxifies Scalp & Nourishes, Removes Products Residue Buildup (Misc.)
Received package on time
Packaged with plenty of padding
Container was properly sealed and not leaking

Argan Oil Hair Mask
I use to have the worst dry, damaged hair. I decided I wanted to try this Argain oil hair mask.
First because I hear Argan oil is super good for the hair and secondly because I had the opportunity to try it for a discounted price and give you all my honest opinion.
I was exited and happy I got the chance to do this. Like all my reviews If I don’t like something It’s going to get a one star and if I like something it will get a full rating. My honest review is what I’m here for. No matter if I got the product for free or If I paid for it.

This product Deeply conditions and hydrates your hair with Argan, Rosehip, and Coconut Oil it will heal your hair, bringing it back to life without chemicals or pricey treatments! It Undoes years of damage brought on by over-processing hair.
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The hair mask formula was specifically designed to improve your hair’s overall texture and health. Natural oils work to revive hair to its natural beauty.
You’ll see shiny, voluminous hair that’s easy to manage and full of life.
The mask contains botanical ingredients that clean away residue and buildup, nourishing the scalp and helping promote new, healthy growth.
Loaded with organic ingredients like Coconut Oil, Ginger Extract, and Rosehip Seed Oil, this mask gives your hair an abundance of Vitamins like E and B5.
They use natural ingredients to give all types of hair safe, stunning results.
They also give you a Money-Back Guarantee: Why not try something if the company stands by what they are offering you?

You don’t have to spend a fortune on treatments to restore your hair to its natural health and shine. Trust me using this Argan Oil for Hair Mask from Pure Body Naturals you will get the same result!
This do-it-yourself mask is easy to use and offers unbelievable results. This is why I recommend it.

It deeply condition the hair and scalp with essential vitamins and nutrients, the mask nourishes the hair and protects it from further damage.
I got Stronger, luscious hair that’s silky smooth and easy to manage. Not to mention the great smell. It did work for my hair.
Directions
Apply a generous amount to towel-dried clean shampooed damp hair. Use your hands and fingers to evenly distribute through hair, beginning at scalp to hair ends and leave for 5 to 15 minutes and then rinse. Use 1 to 2 times weekly.

Benefits of using this mask

REPAIRS DAMAGED HAIR:
SOFT AND SILKY MANE:
CLEANS AND SOOTHES SCALP:
SUPERIOR SPA QUALITY:

I have received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Challenge · coupon · coupons · Fashion · free · frugal · Health · mom · motherhood · Review · savings · Style · World VS Life

Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub #ReviewWithElly

EllyFilhoLeave a comment
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100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub 12 oz. with Organic Coffee, Coconut and Shea Butter – Best Acne, Anti Cellulite and Stretch Mark treatment, Spider Vein Therapy for Varicose Veins & Eczema (Misc.)
Received package on time
Packaged with plenty of padding
Container was properly sealed and not leakingI tried the 100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub for about 2 weeks now. As you can see in my Photos the product is almost gone.
This scrub smells SO good! If you love the smell of freshly brewed coffee this is perfect for you.
The Coffee Body Scrub is loaded with antioxidants, the description states it helps to fight premature skin aging like wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines. When applied under and around the eyes, it can help in minimizing the appearance of puffy eyes as caffeine restricts blood vessels, which reduces swelling and inflammation. It can also help lighten dark circles under the eyes.

I have used this on my face every single day. Although I didn’t see any difference as far as the appearance of the puffy eyes and dark circles.

I did notice a BIG difference in my pores and black heads completely clean and gone.
My face is as clear as it ever was, smooth and acne free.
It does say the product is 100% Natural exfoliating scrub & acne treatment.
I stand by that statement 100% they are correct.
It helps remove dirt, giving you a fresh, younger more moisturized skin.
The Coffee grounds in this scrub acts as a mechanical exfoliation that helps to scrub away dead skin to reveal the new, healthy skin underneath and as a chemical Exfoliator removing skin cells with enzymes or acidic properties. It provided my skin with a more glowing and radiant appearance upon 1st use.
All I did was Gently massage scrub in a circular motion in the bath or shower, rinse well. Your skin will have a fine film of oil, do not worry, just gently pat your skin dry to leave it feeling super smooth and soft!

I also noticed it says on the bottle it GETs RID OF CELLULITE: By combining the best quality of organic coffee grounds with moisturizing, skin-soothing organic coconut oil and dead sea salt for an extra exfoliating kick.

I applied the product everyday for two weeks to my belly, legs and arms and it did NOT reduce the appearance of cellulite.
This product also did NOT target any of my stretch marks.
There for I would have to say It is not very effective for stretch mark removal.
How ever it does soften skin as it scrubs away dirt and dead skin cells.
This formula also contains skin-loving Coconut Oil, Olive oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil making this aromatic exfoliating scrub a luxurious staple in any skin care regime.

Benefits of using this Scrub:
Exfoliates your skin
Super Hydration

Instead of using body scrubs with harsh chemicals, I would defiantly recommend using the coffee to scrub that combines coffee grounds with salt, sugar, and oils that leave your skin nourished and moisturized rather than just cleansed.

My Honest review on this product I loved it. Even though it didn’t remove my stretch marks or the cellulite. It’s the best Exfoliator I have ever used and for this price it’s a bargain. Also, just because it didn’t work for me. it doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.

Why waste money in high-priced spa treatments? Indulge in this coffee grounds facial scrub to soften the delicate skin on your face.

Organic Kona Coffee, Coffee Arabica Seed Oil, Dead Sea Salt Granules, Organic Coconut Extract, Dead Sea Salt, Organic Olive Oil,Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Grape Seed Oil, Cacao Extract, Organic Shea Butter

I have received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Family Share · Fashion · free · mom · motherhood · Review · Style · women · World VS Life

#Review WithElly ORGANIC Argan Oil

EllyFilhoLeave a comment

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BEST ORGANIC Argan Oil for Hair, Face, Skin, and Nails – 100% Pure Certified Organic Argan Oil – GUARANTEED to Provide Beautifully Healthy, Nutrient-Rich Moisture… Known as Liquid Gold for the HUGE list of Uses & Benefits – Anti-Aging, Vitamin E – Cold Pressed, Unrefined, Virgin, Eco Cert & USDA Certified Organic – Use Alone or Infuse Moisturizers, Lotions, Serums and More! Purchase backed by Amazing Guarantee 2oz (Misc.)

Foxbrim. 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil.
Foxbrim proudly provides you the freshest argan oil available. Unrefined,
Certified Organic, Cold Pressed, and Virgin Argan Oil.
Doesn’t aggravate your skin.
Abundant in fatty acids, Vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Extremely fresh and long-lasting. This oil is the best moisturizer out there.
I tried all the methods recommended to me.

Overnight Hair Treatment – I Applied 4-5 drops starting from the scalp to the end of my hair. Wrapped my hair in a shower cap leaving the oil in while I was asleep next day washed it out and styled.

Face Moisturizer – was my favorite did it every day Placed 2 to 3 drops onto the tips of my fingers. Rubbed to spread over fingertips and then applied. Also used as a moisturizer for my arms and legs.

Hair Glow & Shine – All I needed was 4 to 5 drops massaged into the hands it was perfect.

Need to try the Lip Moisturizer suggestion using the oil- Lightly massage a drop or two onto lips.
No doubt I recommend this oil for everyone or anyone with any type of skin or hair. you won’t regret it.
I will most definitely be buying this again due to the high quality.

I have received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

blackandwhite · Challenge · family · Family Share · Fashion · food · Health · love · mom · motherhood · photography · Style · teens · Wordless · World VS Life

#PhotoaDay Challenge

EllyFilho1 Comment

It is not necessary

It is not necessary to improve your appearance, get a lot of culture, raise the heels of your shoes, or make more noise.
We need to reduce the noise, walk more slowly, pay attention to those arriving, lower our heads and put the humility to work. We are big, when we are small.

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Day 8 – A Bad Habbit 
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Day 9 January 20th Someone You Love

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Day 9