It was such a challenge to find a drugstore selling disposable surgical mask. COVID-19 is affecting all of us greatly in every way, it’s more important than ever to not only be safe from disease and healthy, but also to be resourceful and practical. With the right tools and materials, it’s very easy to make your own basic protective gear. Did you know that with some spare cloth, a printer, and a sewing machine, you can sew your own facemask? Now there’s no need to worry about disposable facemasks—you can quickly craft your own for light everyday use and supplies of surgical masks can go to health workers and frontliners who need them more.

• Outer fabric (20cm x 80cm) 

• Inner fabric (20cm x 80cm) 

• Band (2m) 

• Printer 

• Sewing machine/sewing tools 

* The above measurements are good for three masks. 

* Soft-textured material, such as gauze, is preferable. 

* You can add your own embroidery or lace. 

SIZE CHART 

For babies (9 months – 3 years) 8.5cm x 12.5cm 29cm x 2 pieces 

For children (5 – 9 years) 11cm x 14.5cm 31cm x 2 pieces 

For adults 13cm x 17cm 35cm x 2 pieces 

1. Sew the outer fabric together. 

• Cut two pieces of the outer fabric according to the attached pattern, which you can print for accuracy. Place the pieces together right-side in, then sew them with 1cm seam allowance. Press-iron edges and topstitch. Don’t forget to reinforce the stitches at the start and end. 

2. Do the same for the inner fabric. 

• You can decorate the mask at this step. 

3. Sew the inner and the outer fabric together. 

• Place the inner and outer fabric together right-side in, then sew the top and bottom. Press-iron edges and topstitch. 

• Then turn the inner fabrics right-side out. Press-iron and topstitch. 

4. Make the elastic band. 

• Sew the inner mask layer. Fold one edge three times and stitch. Do the same for the other side. 

• Assemble the elastic band by cutting it according to the measurements in the size chart plus 3cm seam allowance. (You’re free to adjust the measurements as needed.) Insert it through the edges of the mask and tie a knot to secure them. 

5. Iron the mask to finish it!

You can also watch this video to see how everything is done:

. 

Download the patterns and instructions here: http://bit.ly/BrotherDIYFacemask. 

You can use any pattern and design you want! For better results, tighter stitches, and a more durable mask, you can machine-stitch it with reliable tools such as Brother Sewing Machines. 

Brother Philippines stands with the nation in its fight against COVID-19, and supports all efforts to combat the spread of the virus and heal the country. 

For information and updates on Brother products, customers may visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside. They can also call the Brother Helpdesk Hotline at (02) 8 581-9898, or through the toll-free line at 1-10-BROTHER or send an email to helpdesk@brother.com.ph.

Lemon Water 

I used to drink lemon-infused water for a few months but was not getting the full benefits because I don't drink healthy for the rest of the day. Lemon water is the easiest to prepare and the most inexpensive. I soak one large lemon (sliced and without seeds) in one liter of water overnight. I sometimes add a tablespoon of honey to have a hint of sweet taste. You can also add some mint leaves for an added flavor.

Drinking lemon water helps your kidneys and liver in flushing out the toxins from your body. I drink it first thing in the morning before having any food intake. 

I feel lucky to be living in the Philippines. The abundance of coconut trees in the tropical countries in Asia makes coconut water an affordable healthy drink option. I prefer cold drinks but I can have this hydrating and refreshing drink straight from the coconut shell. The coconut water has a natural sweet taste and rich in manganese, potassium, and magnesium. It also has calcium and sodium. Instead of drinking energy drinks, fill up your hydration bottle with coconut water instead. Coconut water also helps prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Green tea is said to be the healthiest drink on the planet. It contains polyphenols that helps in reducing inflammation. The amino acid L-theanine in green tea aids in improving your brain function. It helps you relax, concentrate, and be more focused. It is also proven to prevent cancer and boost metabolism.

Other benefits of drinking green include lowering the risk of developing  type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and protect your brain in old age.

A friend sent us a box of M&S Matcha Green Teabags for Christmas. Perfect gift for my "a cup of change" challenge for 2020.

What do you resolve to change in your lifestyle this 2020?

Aren't we all excited for 2020?

I'm actually spending the last few days of 2019 getting ready for the coming year. It has been a great year for me. I sometimes don't want it to end. I have a number of successes in the past twelve months. And though not everything go the way I wanted things to happen, I have learned so much from my failures and setbacks.    

How do you say goodbye to 2019? I must say we all should end the year with a grateful heart to start the new year with a positive vibe. 

I have a notebook where I write down the highlights of the good things that happened to me. I focused more on self-care and financial stability this year. I worked harder than I used to (but not as hard as I want to) and earned more than enough to finally afford going to the skincare clinic to address my skin concerns. I have also proved that I can afford to pay my insurance's premium (read about my journey HERE ) and even managed to invest some more. I have also became less of an impulse buyer. Another highlight is the birth of this blog rosellewrites.online and having my own e-mail address.

I have always been grateful for the financial blessings no matter how small. I try as much as I can to give back and share my blessings with the people who helped me and made life's challenges conquerable. I also believe that paying it forward attracts more blessings. 

Declutter.

Make plans for 2020.

Don't we all have excuses why we've been procrastinating getting fit? 

I can't wake up early.

It's traffic. I don't want to waste my travel time just to go to the gym.

I'm too tired.

Even the lame excuse of not having workout clothes. You name it. I've used it. 

The first time I've stepped inside Anytime Fitness was when I was invited to the opening of its first franchise in BGC. I was given a free one month access. I would travel 3x a week all the way from Antipolo to workout at one of the country's leading fitness clubs. I was so amazed with its 24/7 access and wished an Anytime Fitness near my home will open.

Fast forward four years later, I found myself waking up early on a Saturday (an achievement!) to visit Anytime Fitness SM Cherry Antipolo.  Located at the 3rd level of SM Cherry, the branch opened in 2018 to cater to residents of lower Antipolo.

Aside from being accessible, Anytime Fitness SM Cherry Antipolo has professionally trained coaches who will guide you through your fitness journey and will help you achieve your goal. 

The facility is equipped with top-of-the-line strengthening machines, cardio machines, and equipment for funtional exercises.

If you are the type of person who doesn't like working out alone, Anytime Fitness SM Cherry Antipolo offers regular group classes like zumba, yoga, pound, and fatburn. 

For those who prefer a comprehensive workout program, you can avail of the personal training services and wellness coaching.

The ambiance of Anytime Fitness SM Cherry Antipolo is very inviting. I never felt intimidated from the moment I stepped in. The facility smells fresh (I've been to other gyms and they somehow have a funky smell), the equipment are fairly new and in good condition. 

The branch has more than enough machines and yet doesn't feel cramped.

I joined the group routine which was kinda intense for me. My bad. I'm really out of shape and not in good condition. I almost passed out (or I probably did pass out) after two rounds and had to sit out the rest of the routine. I felt so sick and yet so safe. True enough, at Anytime Fitness your safety is their priority. The coaches are trained to perform first aid should there be a need. 

Don't let cost get in the way of your fitness. Membership at Anytime Fitness is very affordable. For inquiries, you may get in touch through their FB  https://www.facebook.com/pg/AFCherryAntipolo/.

You can also call 0995-273-6942 (Globe), 0921-476-8661 (Smart) and (02) 638-4714 (landline)  or send an email at cherryantipolo@anytimefitness.ph

I started blogging for passion. I don't care whether I am earning or not as long as there is someone out there reading my articles. On my 3rd year of blogging, I started receiving e-mails asking me if I accept writing gig. Back then, I was delighted to receive a $20 offer for an article. I realized it's true that when you pursue your passion, money will eventually come. Later on, I discovered sites where I get paid writing blog articles.

Here are some of the sites where I signed up, currently have writing assignments and already received payments:

To join: https://www.bravomark.com/join/

Opportunities available: https://www.bravomark.com/opportunities/

To join: https://bloggersconnected.com/for-bloggers/

For mommy bloggers: https://bloggersconnected.com/mom-blogger-opportunities/

For food bloggers: https://bloggersconnected.com/food-blogger-oppoertunities/

I'll update this article whenever I bump into a new site that pays bloggers that I actually get paid so make sure you bookmark.