Hello 2021

I will sound like a broken record. But what the heck, do not expect me to remember everything I have written from last year. Anyway now we are in 2021 and my situation is still the same. I am an overseas Filipino worker in middle east. I do belong in the sector of people with low salary. We do not have minimum wage here so whatever your employer will give you is still legal. Much more if you agreed to it. Most of us here agreed to it in order to survive. But I am not writing this post to rant or share about the salary and financial difficulties. That is pretty normal anywhere in the world I guess. But rather I want to talk about (again) minimalism. Why I wanted to be one but cannot be one. If that is making any sense to you. So as I said over and over, time is always the problem. With the long working hours basically there is not enough time for anything else. I can write this post just because I am on leave today. But it is not I can always get a leave. We just happened to be in pandemic and there is a lot of going on. Then aside from the time, just like how I started the post, I mentioned about money. In short, I do not have so much time, money and choices. I am not complaining though and I am thankful that I get to see 2021 in spite of all the chaos. I am simply trying to say that those situations mentioned are the factors why I am in and out of my minimalist goal.

I have a small closet. Again that is not a complain. I have a small one because the space is small. Besides a big one will cost a fortune. Since none of us can stay here forever, since the country do not offer that permanent citizenship the way other countries do, I think it is a waste to buy such things. Like a big closet to accommodate all the stuff. Instead one has to own less to fit on it. But then I take back that word about citizenship, sorry, they started offering it but only for businessmen. For people with enough money that will keep their economy afloat. But then my post is not about that so let's move on shall we? I was almost successful in cutting down on my earthly possessions like clothing, shoes and bags. But then pandemic started and everything turned upside down. I gained weight as well when I had to stay at home for a few weeks. With this virus around, every time I step inside the flat from outside, automatically need to remove everything immediately. So I found myself needing more clothes since I own less. Plus the weight gain. Found myself shopping online. With money I could have put instead on my savings. More clothes, more washing, goodbye being frugal. But we do what we can do in order to survive. Yeah I clean shoes all the time but not on this level of needing to sanitize them. Sanitizing shoes, I noticed that even leather shoes cannot take all the beating from alcohol. That again I found myself spending as I am sure soon enough I will be needing a new pair of shoes. Again goodbye to being minimalist and frugal, but not by choice. Because the situation calls for it. Since I have seen with my own eyes that leather shoes go bad when sanitizing that I stopped using my leather bags. Instead, I have taken out once more the money I am trying to save to get myself those cotton tote bags. That I immediately put in the laundry basket as soon as I get home. I did not do any inventory this year as to how many stuff I now own. I do not even want to count how much I spent on those. As long as it helps me in surviving.

2021 I have more clothes and bags more than ever. Again not because I am crazy for them. I used them well. But those are not the only things that took away my hard earned money. And threatening to create another mess in my place. Looking back at my earlier posts, I have a problematic skin as well. I do not mind how my skin looks but I started to mind when it hurts. I have dry hands, dry skin for as long as I can remember. If I am not moisturizing well I end up with flaky skin that gets paper cut easily. And they say when your skin is open the more chances the virus can enter your body. It is a bit crazy and tiring, the whole day I do not know anymore how many times I wash my hands and/or sanitize followed by the lotion. A soap and sanitizer can promise you that it is moisturizing at the same time I haven't seen one. That lotion is a must for me. And boy, I never finished a bottle of lotion this fast in my entire life. That when I saw the sale in iHerb I took a chance and bought a few bottles. Something I will never do in the name of minimalism and being thrifty pre pandemic. So another pile to add in my pile of clothing and bags. I also cannot believe my own eyes that during pandemic I was able to finish so many tubes of lotions (along with soap & alcohol) to think in the past a bottle of lotion feels like forever to be gone.

I am using social media to document my decluttering posts but then I am sure that people who can see my account will find it hard to believe because since 2020 I am posting new things rather than what I am disposing. Or what I am supposed to be disposing. And once again, food, oh and lots of it. Maybe I am just being paranoid but it hit me that maybe one day, seafood and other food items will be so expensive and feels like a luxury. But that is not the reason for my weight gain (being defensive haha) I mean I still eat less but I am making sure I eat what will make me happy. I am trying to eat those "premium" food I was avoiding in the past just so I can save money. Most OFWs are doing that I believe, not eating well so they can keep the money instead. For me that will be Japanese and Korean food especially their fruits. I am no longer holding back, fruits are healthy anyway, so the expensive price seems justifiable. Another part of me thinks that if I were to die at least I get to pamper myself in simple things (imagine the super soft Japanese mochi while sipping coffee). 

Goodbye Minimalism

I want to share my thoughts but the thing is I don't really know where to start? That is why I will never  be a good writer. But anyway here I am. So what do I think about minimalism? First ever heard of 7 deadly sins? Well it was written even before Christianity but nevertheless even Catholic preaches that. Second on the list is gluttony which we all know as eating excessively while the third is greed. Wanting more than we should. Anyway to cut it short even in Catholic we were told to live modestly. Be thankful with what you have. And I think it is safe to say that all the elders, irregardless of religion, are minimalists because they always tell us to buy only what we need. They always tell us not to waste anything. You get the drift. Minimalism only means do not have excess for good reasons. BUt then the world has changed. Especially in technology which makes life easier than ever. Technology keeps on getting better and along with it we had become consumerists more than ever. Excessive consumerism has given birth to people preaching us to go back to good old minimalism. I see their point. I get it. I like them. 

Now for my back story, I was a hoarder but it does not bring me happiness. Out of all the minimalists out there I can fully relate only to Fumio Sasaki. There was even moments when I was asking why do I need to keep on living? Or why am I here on earth in the first place. So knowing the story of Fumio Sasaki somehow helps me. I took a charge and told myself that I will do my best to be minimalist, frugal and environment friendly as it is impossible to be zero waste. I even created a social media account to document my journey. I started in the middle of June 2016. But now I got to stop trying too hard. In the beginning I was happy with that "lifestyle" but I ended up unhappy as I cannot achieve the goal that I set upon myself. I have to stop and reassess my situation. But it does not mean that I no longer believe in the minimalist lifestyle. 

My situation. I am an OFW in the middle east. I think 90% (or higher) of us here do belong in the sector with low salary. The said salary is the main reason why majority are on sharing accommodation. We all know that we do not have permanent (forever) visa here. Anytime someone could say, you need to move out of the flat. Or you could lose your job and might need to get out immediately. The lesser material possessions you have, the easier for you to move around when necessary. The easier for you to clean your space. We do not have the abundance of time and money. So why spend it on things. BUt as the title says I am bidding farewell to minimalism because of the obstacles I came across into reaching my goal.

It may not be fair for me to compare this country to let's say Japan. BUt I will do so, in trying to explain the unique situation that led me to this. In city like Tokyo, there are a lot of convenience stores that are walking distance. Those shops usually have everything you could ever need. They also have Daiso and Don Quijote. Now imagine a country in middle east. Whatever I need, I cannot find them in one place, in a walking distance. And I do not have an ample of time. It is easier for people here, but for an OFW like me, that is not the case. Then pandemic had come which makes everything harder than before. In other countries, alcohol is easily accessible. I drink once in a blue moon but some recipes require alcohol like sake and wine. When I had a chance to visit the alcohol shop, which is located in a very far place, taxi fare has gone up, so buying what you immediately need will not work. I bought the biggest sake. Some wine. They are now in the corner of the small flat. A messy place is never attractive but what choice do we have?

to be continued..

Pan Project: April 13, 2019 - April 15, 2019

 

Daiso Product #19: Daiso Skin Glow Base

Daiso is a shop that I am visiting a lot just to look around but I always end up buying something. Even if I do not need that something. Back in the day when I was a hoarder, I had much of what we call Daiso Haul and I managed to share some of them over here. Then what happened over the years? I tried to be a minimalist that I stopped the ‘hauls’ altogether from all the shops. Then I realized that I would never be a good writer nor a photographer so what is the point in blogging? In addition, the time, ah all the adults can relate to it. Not having enough time. I am back to writing posts again because it might be helpful to others. I started sharing about Daiso products but honestly, we do not have the best Daiso in the world. Daiso in other countries have food, clothes, shoes and many cosmetics to choose from.

In UAE Daiso barely has cosmetics and I do not know why? I have seen this Daiso skin glow base back in June 2020 only at Dubai Mall for 7.35AED and I bought a few pieces. I have never seen it in other branches. I have never seen it again at Dubai Mall. They do not have any idea when they will have it again. Or if the main Daiso discontinued it. I know this is a base for makeup but it is as good as moisturizer. It is transparent in color. And I am sorry if I am not really good in describing things. But I am labeling it good just because it is moisturizing and affordable.

Pan Project: April 10, 2019 - April 12, 2019

Pan Project: April 07, 2019 - April 09, 2019

 

Daiso Product #18: Makeup Remover

There are so many things I would like to share but I do not have the time so instead I will post the photos as if this is instagram. The third and last makeup remover wipes that I got from Daiso for 7.35AED and on that amount tax is included. As for the product as I've said before, so far all the skin care I got from them are all good.

Daiso Product #17: Collagen Makeup Remover

 

I will no longer write long descriptions as I am not a good writer or reviewer anyway. I got this another variant of makeup remover from good old Daiso for 7.35AED including tax. All I can say is, so far all the products I got from Daiso are good and I do not need to spend a fortune anymore. 

Daiso Product #16: Hyaluronic Makeup Remover

Daiso makeup remover that retails for 7.35AED tax included. It is a good oil based makeup remover wipes. Sorry for such a short description though as I am in a hurry. I decided to go back on posting again as I want to share all the Daiso stuff I bought. I want to help the brands I believe in, in my own little ways.

Ramarim

Hardcore Minimalist

In the past I am tagging myself as hoarder because I bought unnecessary items for myself. Aside from that I kept many things which are useless for no particular reasons. Or reasons I do not know or understand. Created an instagram account to document my journey from being hoarder to minimalist. It was not easy as I cannot let go easily. I always worry about the future that's why letting go was quite hard. But you know what? After letting go of various stuff out of the flat, out of my life, I feel that I am turning into one of those hardcore minimalists. Unintentionally.

Just like it was never my intention to be a hoarder. Or maybe it is not right to use the words hardcore minimalist. Maybe I just matured and realized what are the important things for me. And to free myself from all the stress and hassle for keeping up with whatever? Whatever the reasons might be it is helping me a lot. Big time I suppose. Initially I was just decluttering and doing pan project with stuff I have from my hoarding days and earlier. After I am done with that, the itch won't go away. I always see something inside the flat that I believe do not belong. Maybe it is natural? You desire less. Or you want less. You need less. I only have 6 jogging pants that I am using as sleepwear. Eliminated one since I wash clothes every 3 days. Sometimes even every 2 days. Planning on discarding one more.

There are many little things I no longer care about. I am finishing off my eye cream with no intentions of buying again ever. I believe my cream is enough for the whole face. I am trying to finish the serum I had that meant to reduce the sunspots. But guess what? Sunspots are here to stay so why try? My skin care routine has changed by not having too many skin care items all at once. Softener. Cream. Sunscreen. 3 important morning products. Do not know why people keeps on including cleanser but is it not a must for everyone to wash their face morning and evening? Isn't a must for people to shower daily hence washing face will always be included. 

The only remaining flaw is my love for lipsticks. And I am currently into matte lipsticks. Do no t even know how it happened. Used to have more than 200 lip products. I think now it is down in less than 100. Maybe even less than 50. But still I find it hard to deduct some more. Still have some Inglot, Mac, Kiko Milano and Catrice. I even have similar shades. But it is not making me sad though. 

Shiseido Bronzer #2

Sorry again. Posted this photo without explaining why. I was not into bronzer. Only last March when I bought my first. It is kind of confusing me. I always thought that Shiseido bronzer 2 or medium will suit perfectly light skinned gals. Bought it anyway surprisingly it looks good on me. Even though I have brown skin. So morena Filipinas out there like me do not be afraid to choose this shade haha.

I love using it along side with my blush and highlighter. It has taken me more than a decade before finally experiencing a full makeup look. Well minus plucking my eyebrow. 

Shiseido Golden 4

My bad. Did not know I posted the photo without saying anything why I have done so. Just wanted to say that I do not normally use foundation. First and last was back in 2008. Did not repurchase. It is Shiseido that made me use foundation again after a decade. Shiseido synchro skin glow luminizing foundation in golden 4 surprisingly suits my morena skin perfectly. It looks like I am not wearing any foundation at all. I thought I'd share for those browned skin gals like me. 

Last week I left a comment to one of the bloggers in the Philippines to help me out by saying if she knows what is the counterpart of Shiseido golden 4 in Armani foundation. But I did not get any reply. I am happy with Shiseido but decided to give it to my younger sister who is about to work soon. And I thought I will just buy something else soon. But yeah the concern is I will buy online so I do not know yet if I can get other brand of just repurchase Shiseido. 

Minimalism..

I've said that I created an Instagram account to document my minimalism journey. Sometimes I get jealous with other accounts and want to move on into something else like posting my movie recommendations. But each time I do, I just cannot. Not until I am 100% done with my minimalism thing. One time I thought since it is a lifestyle, there is no end to this. But as I keep on minimizing my stuff ~ well it is a lifestyle, but then there will come a time that I will no longer need to document anything at all. When I am fully practicing living in a limited stuff. And doing that one in, one out with whatever I have. When I am fully disciplined not to fall into hoarding again. I guess I should not also be hard on myself if I am making purchase mistakes. Money is important to be wasted but isn't mistakes part of our lives? As long as one is not doing it intentionally. 

Like since this year started I only bought two items and not because I wanted them, but because I needed them. One white brassiere and two pairs of socks. I've always wanted a socks that I can wear together with my black formal shoes. That was the reason why I never wear formal shoes at work. I want to wear socks all the time. I am wearing one now and getting the feel of this brand. If at the end of the day it does not feel good at all then I will discard it immediately. No need to hold on to stuff that will not work.

Back to Daiso

I am back to Daiso. In the past I was so keen to find Essence and Catrice cosmetics in UAE but not anymore. Those brands ~ like falling inlove with someone and chasing that someone who does not love you back. Damn. I will not waste my time and effort anymore to go to shops that carries them. Only to find out that what I want is not available.

So if you want really affordable makeup just go to Daiso. Most City Centre have Daiso. And nowadays they offer products manufactured in Japan. Like the ones in the photo. So far so good.

Experiencing Shiseido Cosmetics..

I read somewhere that in America Shiseido cosmetics are for older women. Ouch. I now belong to that category. First let me tell you my story. I have love and hate relationship with makeup for the last 10 years. I simply do not know how. I refused to touch my brows. Foundations are yucky. Dry skin. No time at all. Name it I have all the reasons. But in spite of that I have many cosmetics maybe not as much like the collectors or makeup gurus/makeup addicts but a lot than average. Reason was whenever I see something cute and affordable I buy it. Whenever there was a sale I buy. And whenever a sales lady suggest something I buy without thinking. So upon decluttering I have given up at least 90% of them unused. The girl who wears makeup once in a blue moon has 3 eyeshadow palettes. More than 50 single eyeshadows. More than 20 blushes and other things I do not understand or did not even know that I have. Given away everything except for lipsticks that I started (unintentionally) collecting last year. As lipstick is the only thing I can wear that do not require so much time. Anyway what minimalists were preaching was right all along. The less items you have the less time required for cleaning. When I have given up clothing I no longer use or need then there has been a space in my closet. That space I was able to use for putting all my bags. That way the organizer holding my bag, I was able to remove it. Making the place where it has been clear. That I can walk freely without bumping and hurting my feet. Then the floor where it has been I can clean in a few seconds everyday without a sweat. Same thing happened with my dresser. After all the decluttering now it is clear and I can see whatever I am going to use. Cleaning time has lessen so finally after a decade I now have opportunity every morning to put on my makeup! Only I no longer have makeup that I need to start from the scratch.

Thankfully I have a budget to buy some unlike in the past. I have a budget because I no longer buy other things. Since January 2018 the only item I purchased was one white brassiere. I no longer buy shoes, bags, skin care (because of my previous stock) or food items. I still eat but no longer committing gluttony. I eat whatever my body needs and not just what my eyes think I need. Was able to buy two foundations. Last time I wore foundation was a decade ago. And this eyeshadow. And bronzer. Price wise this is not cheap. But what is expensive? I see other girls with at least dozen palettes or so. The famous Urban Decay naked will cost you 285.00AED or so. I can buy something in a price lower than this but do I really need a dozen colors? That was my mistake in the past buying all the colors I will never use or need. If indeed it is true that this brand is for old women then I do not mind. I am old anyway. But it is perfect for me in so many reasons. I do not do smokey eyes. I do not even know how to blend eyeshadows. This one I can get away with just using my fingers then dab all the colors to my eyelid. Pigmentation is okay as they are buildable. Do you know when you want to put on some color but you are not very confident or knowledgeable? I think this is it. Therefore I'd say that all my experiences with Shiseido has nothing but excellent so far. It is high end but the price is not as high as others I am seeing at Sephora. Other compare the price versus the grams they will get but do women really use something up to the last drop? Or even make a dent on it? 

Decluttering since mid-2016

Hi there! Because I have time that I am writing a post now. Just want to give an update with my decluttering. As I mentioned before some poor people are afraid with the words 'minimalism' and 'decluttering' for the fear that someday they might need the items they have discarded but won't have money to buy. In my case I do not think about that because since day 1 of my decluttering I do not have any plans of replacing the items I have given away or thrown away. Most of those items anyway are garbage found inside the flat. Then my earthly possessions that consist only of shoes, bags, clothes, cosmetics and some kitchen items. No more. No less. As per my experience a piece of clothing can last for more than a decade. In the past I discarded a lot not because the clothing has gone bad but because I gained weight. Same can be say about the leather shoes and bags. I have given away some shoes and bags not because they are no longer useful but because I grew tired of them or I am not really using them anymore.

I am also poor and I am a living example that this current minimalism thing is not only for the rich. But if you do not want to believe me it is completely okay. Just the same that I am not pushing anyone else to do the same. In the photo are the latest beauty products that I have given away. I have given everything a lot of thought. I was also afraid that what if I lose my job then cannot buy anymore the cosmetics that I am buying? Guess what? I do not really care anymore. I believe somehow I will still be able to buy but I will truly be a minimalist as I will buy only face cream and sunscreen. Then I will buy only what I will use. Use it up to the last drop before buying another bottle again. If I have to choose only one item to buy then that will be sunscreen only. Most Japanese sunscreens are moisturizing anyway. Also nowadays they now have a lot of drugstore brands that said to be all in one cream. So I will do just fine in that department. Then when my makeup runs out? I will just really stop wearing makeup. Problem solved! But that is just me. I also do not know the flight of others. 

This time my decluttering session has really been serious than ever as opposed to the last one and half year. Though I no longer hoard I make sure that I have stash for at least 3 months to 6 months. But with the thought that I might move anytime soon whether I like or not helped into choosing what are the items that will stay. And I never came to this point before. The only body gels and facial washes I have are whatever are on the bathroom all my extras I put in the box to be given away to my younger siblings. I noticed that in a year I can only consume one tube of hand creams that I had taken away all my lotions from the drawer to be given away too. At least 20 pieces maybe? But I know number is higher than that but I do not count. No plans of leaving even one bottle of lotion in the house. Just bought a small containers from Daiso then put on some lotion in them that I will be using as hand cream at work. Portable. I still have some oils because my skin is really dry but even the oils I might give away some of them. In the future if I can no longer buy lotions or body oils? Just keep on wearing pants to hide my dry legs then. Haha. Problem solved. So that's all for now. 

Desertcart

I wonder how many of you knows the online company called Desertcart? Admittedly in the past I have seen so many bad reviews regarding the website but I tried anyway. Right now I am no longer sure until when will I be ordering online with the situation. I was in Japan last February but then was not able to buy everything I want for fear that I might not use them. Now that I am back in UAE and miraculously I am really using whatever cosmetics I have! So I still need some Japanese cosmetics but unfortunately no physical shops in UAE carries them. If you are in UAE I might say that just forget about Japanese cosmetics at all cost. I do not understand why so hard for Japanese cosmetics yet very easy for Chinese cosmetics. Are people seriously trusting unknown Chinese makeup over Japanese brands that has been around since forever? You can get Japanese products but with so many hassles.

First there is Yesstyle. It is based in Hongkong unfortunately they do not offer tracking number unless you order with specific amount like 200USD? Not sure though if I got the amount needed correctly haven't visited their site in a while. But if I am correct that's roughly 756.00AED ~ you'll spend that amount when you are just starting up with makeup and skin care but for back ups, that is simply too much. Then there is Amazon Japan partnered with DHL with sooo many restrictions like the sunscreen falls under the category of dangerous goods because it has alcohol! But I was able to arrange from Philippines a dozen more than a year ago. And I had 3 when I went to Japan.  Ever heard any accidents involving sunscreen with alcohol? Then there is Ebay. Not all sellers will can arrange tracking number and I do not  know why. Without a tracking number forget about your item. As per my experience local empost will never ever help you locate your item if you do not have the tracking number! No one will go inside the room to check any item with your name on it or even allow you to go and look for yourself. I lost a package in the past that I stopped ordering from Ebay. Item came to UAE but no tracking number they cannot be bothered to help out.

Then there's Desertcart. While in Japan I saw Shiseido concealer for ¥1,200! Ignored it because not expecting that I will finally have time to use a foundation or any makeup! I just love Japanese cosmetics so much that I have to get and I am happy that I saw it in Desertcart. Until now I do not have the item. And of course they will not disclose what really happened. Or how on earth are they operating? I was told that the item got lost. Does Shiseido concealer contains alcohol and it has a problem going through customs? I hope they will change that system as who on earth going to eat/drink cosmetics? I placed two orders on Desertcart on different days and haven't got any of it until now. Maybe if you will order non cosmetic items you will get it without any fuss. We have Shiseido in UAE but we all know it is the most expensive Japanese brand when there are so many choices of affordable brands in Japan! So if I am still here until next year I do not know where will I get my cosmetics when I ran out of them.

Then there's Souq. As per Souq they partnered with Amazon Global. But then I am seeing a lot of Japanese products available in Amazon Global that I cannot find in Souq website. Try to see for yourself Shiseido spotcover foundation. Amazon Global has it while not in Souq. Found one today in Souq with price of 339.00AED! Are you kidding me? I don't know about you but after this I will no longer order from Desertcart. There are some websites that offer Japanese cosmetics but with extremely expensive shipping and/or limited choices. Duh. 

Minimalism..

Even though I say that I am a minimalist and frugal in progress from time to time, I look for photos. Watch videos. Read blogs. Because I always need an inspiration to go on. So from watching videos last week I came across this woman ranting about minimalism. But then I was not mad at her. There is nothing to be mad at her. She's making sense anyway. If you will google now about a dirt poor's version of minimalism and frugal: you'll find none. All you will find are people who in case get tired of minimalism and decide the next day to live in a material world they can do so. All my life I had always been a poor. Until now. Poor people do not really have choices. The only difference between now and then was at least I have a work. 

But even with work I am still living a hand to mouth kind of life. If ever you see me spending money in the past like when I went through the hoarding phase, it was not because my salary was overflowing. Like the money I spent I should have kept it in the bank for future use. Or I should have instead go on yearly vacation to unwind. Anyway it is over and down. Also the woman ranting about minimalism was also looking for money saving tips and she was taken aback about other people's way of saving money like not drinking Starbucks everyday. Haha. I had been here in UAE for 12 years and I bought from Starbucks only once. I enjoy their ice cream which they do not sell on their shops. The service crew does not even know Starbucks ice cream exist. My favorite is Cinnabon Mochalatta which I drink only once a month but it has been years that I don't. Trying to keep my glucose down. So yeah I can fully understand the rant.

This also reminds me.. Months and months ago.. I was looking for Filipinos like me who are also poor ~ wanting to hear their POV on how they do minimalism and frugality. Even if it means eating once once or twice a day. I want to hear their stories. On how on earth they can do it in spite of limited resources they have. But I cannot find anything. Or maybe extremely poor people do not have gadgets, internet connection nor time to spare to share their lives online. Or maybe they rather not share as it is very personal. And do not want to let the whole world knows what is going on with them. Or it is painful to talk about. I remember reading somewhere about Japanese people who are also dirt poor (but in better situation if compared to a Filipino) that they will try to hide their predicament. Like not socializing so other will not find out that they can no longer afford eating out, drinking or shopping. Those are the reasons I can think of why we do not hear from them. And it is mostly rich people all the time we see preaching about minimalism. 

In the end I still believe in minimalism. It is just not something like one size fits all. It is just annoying when you want to meet/see someone who's on the same boat like you but cannot find anyone.

Hada Labo Experience

Been using it for how many days now. So far so good. But bear in mind that now (even though some call it spring) summer has started. I am not sure if my skin condition will change when full summer kicks in. For now my skin still loves Hada Labot Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Oil.