Day: October 8, 2024

Adjusting To Life Without Maria, My Part-Time Helper

It’s been almost a month since Maria, my part-time helper of nearly 13 years, hasn’t come to work. She’s struggling with bad morning sickness, leaving her unable to continue as a domestic helper for now. While I could search for a new part-time helper, the thought of training someone else feels too exhausting. After all these years, I’ve grown weary of having to teach someone the specifics of how I like things done. So, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going! I’ve had to make some sacrifices in order to manage household chores on my own, even the ones I dread, like wiping ceiling fans, cleaning windows, and scrubbing bathroom tiles. Not to mention my daily routine of washing two toilets and mopping the floors multiple times a day (OCD, much?).

Surprisingly, I’m getting the hang of life without a helper. I’ve had live-in maids for over a decade and then part-time help ever since my last live-in maid left. Now that it’s just me, the key is pacing myself—breaking down chores into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, I don’t scrub all the bathroom tiles at once. Instead, I scrub one section of the wall in the morning when I shower and tackle another part in the evening. It might take days before the entire bathroom is done, but that’s okay. I’ve taken the same approach with wiping the blinds in my room—slow and steady wins the race. One day, I’ll clean the lower part of one blind, and the next day, I’ll clean the upper part. Little by little, I’m making progress, and things eventually get done.

Of course, this change hasn’t come without some sacrifices. I’ve had to give up regular exercise, as by the time I finish all my chores, I’m too exhausted to even think about it. And there’s still my part-time writing job to attend to. On the days we don’t cook, though, I try to squeeze in some peaceful brisk walking in the evening—it’s my form of relaxation and self-care.

As for Maria, I’m not sure when, or if, she’ll ever return to work. She’s been pretty unreliable for the past few years anyway, so even if she doesn’t come back, I’m fine with it. I’m slowly learning to live without her help, and while it requires some adjustments and sacrifice, it’s also teaching me resilience. Life without a helper isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible. And who knows, I may find a rhythm that works just fine for me.

My lunner (tapau!). I try to select healthier choice of dishes with emphasis on green veggies and fish. I’m glad that a new ‘chap fan’ shop opened in our hood and their dishes are very tasty, not very oily and salty. Just right for my tastebud.

Lunner for Cass. Tapau from Big Boss ‘chap fan’ restaurant too. Besides this plate of protein and fiber, she ate some salad, all the chicken breast meat from the ginseng chicken soup that MIL boiled, ate two slices of we.loaf.bread walnut bread with cheese, a big bowl of Greek yogurt, and a big portion of berries and fruits.

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The Unwanted Attention

There’s this man in his late 60s, let’s call him MC, whom I’ve known for about 13 years now. Our first encounters were at the condo gym where we both worked out regularly. MC, who owns a unit at our condo but lives in a bungalow nearby, is a wealthy man—once an engineer, now a retiree. His children live overseas, and by all accounts, they are successful. MC, however, is divorced and spends a lot of time alone.

From the beginning, MC would always strike up a conversation with me at the gym. He’s nice enough to chat with, but I find him a little annoying. Despite knowing I’m married with three daughters, he has repeatedly asked me out to eat with him over the years. At first, I thought he was joking, but it became clear he meant it. As we live in the same neighborhood, I often bump into him at random places—restaurants, shops, or while running errands.

This week, it felt like fate had us on the same schedule. Every day, I’d see him at the same ‘chap fan’ (economy rice) shop, picking up food at the same time as I was. Afterward, I’d head to the supermarket, and there he’d be again, as if our paths were destined to cross repeatedly. MC never misses an opportunity to tease me. He often comments on how good I look and that I don’t look my age, saying that if he didn’t know me, he’d “tackle” me on the street. Charming, right?

My husband knows about MC and finds the whole situation amusing. Every time he sees MC, he gives him a subtle side-eye, fully aware of the unwanted attention. MC is chatty and friendly, but even if I were single one day, I don’t think I could ever entertain the idea of dating him. His personality just doesn’t appeal to me, though he may be wealthy and drive luxury cars. Honestly, if the day comes that I am alone, I’d rather stay single than deal with someone like MC!

MC remains part of my daily encounters, and while I’ve grown used to his presence and Whatsapp messages, he’s not someone I’ll ever take up on his offers for lunch or dinner. Some things are better left unspoken 😆

No. of times viewed = 14

The Future of Skincare: Trends and Tips for Aspiring Estheticians

Table of Contents:

  • Importance of Skincare
  • Latest Skincare Trends
  • Essential Techniques for Estheticians
  • Sustainable Practices in Skincare
  • Career Opportunities and Growth
  • Tips for Success in the Beauty Industry
  • Continuing Education and Certifications

Importance of Skincare

Skincare is not just about looking good; it’s about maintaining the health of your body’s largest organ—your skin. Healthy skin can prevent various conditions and boost your confidence. Regular skin care routines help maintain an even skin tone, reduce acne breakouts, and delay signs of aging. For those looking to enter the beauty industry, taking an advanced esthetics class Denver can provide essential skills to thrive in this field. Understanding the science behind skincare allows estheticians to offer customized and effective treatments to their clients, enhancing overall skin health.

Latest Skincare Trends

The beauty industry is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends is crucial. Keeping up with such trends can help estheticians offer their clients the most current and effective treatments. Personalized skincare, which tailors products and treatments to an individual’s specific skin type and concerns, is becoming increasingly popular. Another significant trend is the use of natural and organic ingredients. Both trends reflect a shift towards more holistic and individualized approaches to skincare.

Essential Techniques for Estheticians

Aspiring estheticians should be proficient in various techniques such as facial treatments, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. These techniques are fundamental in providing clients with effective skincare solutions. Facial treatments help cleanse foliate, creating a transparent and well-hydrated complexion. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells, rejuvenating the skin. Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that exfoliates and eventually peels off, allowing new, regenerated skin to appear. Additional training and certifications can further enhance an esthetician’s skill set, helping them stand out in a competitive market.

Sustainable Practices in Skincare

As consumers become more eco-conscious, the demand for sustainable skincare practices grows. To cater to this eco-friendly shift, aestheticians should adopt methods that minimize waste and use organic products. Implementing sustainable practices helps the environment and attracts a growing segment of eco-conscious clients. Recyclable packaging, cruelty-free products, and reducing water usage during treatments are a few ways to incorporate sustainability into skincare routines. Emphasizing sustainability can also enhance a brand’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Career Opportunities and Growth

The beauty industry offers many opportunities, from spa management to skincare consultation. The field is expected to grow substantially in the coming decade, making it an opportune time to enter the profession. Estheticians with specialized skills or advanced certifications often find higher-paying and more prestigious positions. Career paths include roles such as makeup artists, beauty bloggers, or educators in esthetic schools. The industry’s growth indicates an increasing acceptance and demand for professional skincare services globally.

Tips for Success in the Beauty Industry

Success in the beauty industry requires more than just technical skills. Networking, continuous learning, and having a passion for helping people are crucial elements for a thriving career. Building a robust professional network can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Continuous learning can involve attending industry conferences, enrolling in advanced training courses, and staying updated through professional journals. Demonstrating a genuine passion for skincare and client well-being can also set you apart and ensure long-term success. Building solid client relationships through excellent service and personalized care can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Continuing Education and Certifications

The beauty industry is dynamic, and continuing education is essential. Certifications in specialized areas like laser treatments or advanced esthetics can set you apart from the competition. Continuing education ensures that an esthetician’s skills are up-to-date and relevant. Additionally, many states require continuing education as part of license renewal for estheticians, emphasizing the importance of staying knowledgeable about the latest industry standards and techniques. Additional certifications also open up new career opportunities and can lead to higher earnings. It’s an investment in personal and professional growth that delivers long-term benefits.

No. of times viewed = 10

HEALTH FREAK MOMMY