All posts filed under: Lifestyle

Welcome 2025 ✨

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Every New Year, I love starting fresh by setting goals, creating systems, and choosing a theme to guide me. For 2025, I’ve decided to call it my “Self-Improvement Year.” This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. I want to focus on improving every part of myself, step by step. Whether it’s my health, habits, or mindset, this year is all about becoming a better version of me. Of course, everything depends on how consistent I can be. It won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to try, learn, and grow. Here’s to 2025—a year of transformation and growth. The Journey Back to Balance There was a time when I felt more in tune with my body—not too slim, not too heavy, just a version of myself that felt right. Lately, though, I’ve been longing to return to that balance. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about feeling good in my skin again. Body shaming has been a constant sting, coming from places I didn’t expect and sometimes from strangers. It’s exhausting. I’ve carried those words with …

This photo is Kima Rodriguez new skincare.

My New Skincare

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I’m the kind of woman who can’t resist the allure of the skincare section at the mall. There’s something about browsing through shelves of creams, serums, and masks that fills me with excitement and pure joy. Buying skincare products isn’t just a routine—it’s a little ritual that makes me genuinely happy. Back in high school and college, my skincare routine was as simple as it could get—just using body soap. Sometimes, I had a little extra money. I treated myself to iWhite skincare products from the convenience store during those times. I especially loved those sachet-sized goodies—they were affordable, convenient, and a small luxury at the time. When online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada became popular, I finally had access to various affordable face masks. It felt like a dream come true for a skincare enthusiast like me! However, I’ve always been cautious to ensure that I’m purchasing authentic products. Skincare is something I take seriously, and with so many counterfeit items flooding the market, especially online, it can be tricky. I make it …

Hello December 2024 ✨

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Reaching the 12th month of the year marks the approach of the year’s end. It is a time for gathering with family and loved ones, exchanging gifts, celebrating Christmas, and preparing for the new year ahead. As I walked through the mall, I couldn’t help but notice the wide variety of planners—each with beautiful designs, well-organized pages, and high-quality covers. Are you one of those people who loves picking up a new planner for the upcoming year? I am, too, but I’ve never been able to consistently stick with it all the way through December. That’s why I’m so impressed by those who manage to record their plans and activities regularly, whether in a traditional notebook or a digital planner. Today marks the first day of December, and it’s also my father’s birthday! Birthdays are always special to me because they remind me to thank God for another year of life, for the gift of time, and for the opportunity to celebrate the person being honored. Life is unpredictable, and we can never truly know …

Embracing Failures

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Today is the last day of June 2024, and I feel like sharing a recent experience just to release and to look forward to in the upcoming months. These past few weeks, I’ve been doing my tasks. As much as possible, I’m trying to give my all to produce quality output. But as a human, I don’t know what will come my way- the so-called unfortunate events. Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. At some point, I knew that I wouldn’t get or achieve everything at once. Some of my plans and goals won’t fall into place as I want them to, but it doesn’t mean I will no longer perceive them. I love receiving feedback for improvements. I’m the type of person who’s open to learning and breakthroughs. I’m not afraid to make mistakes because I believe that failing is an essential step to success. I see failure as a mind opener that I must undergo many times. This experience will wake me up and give me much learning to help me build …

Least Favorite

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Have you experienced being left out or the least favourite in a group? I often experience it from time to time. The feeling of being unwanted and unloved and not being the favourite person makes me feel distant and alone. Sometimes, I think that maybe I’m just sensitive and emotional. But why do I have to feel those specific emotions? Why do I have to be in a group who doesn’t like to be with me? Either way, it’s just a feeling and thought that kept running in my head for a couple of days and will stop and then run again, and the cycle repeats. I know it’s really hard to communicate online, especially as an empathetic who observes behaviors; how can I observe in chat? Hard to tell, and the interpretation will depend on how it is read and understood by a reader like me. So, as much as possible, I’m trying to slow down and understand those who thought in different angles. But reading different books or listening to advices from different …

What gives you direction in life?

Published by Kima Rodriguez

What is life for you? Life is full of surprises. You can not tell what will happen next or if everything will fall according to your plans. It can be fulfilling now, but the next day is full of unfortunate events. Life is a roller coaster ride. I don’t know where my life would be. Where my feet would take me or my dreams would bring me. I’m just enjoying the process and sticking to my goals. Setting a Goal Setting a goal will give you direction. Once you set a goal, you will know where you will go and what you will need. That kind of awareness will create a bridge that will give you direction to reach that goal. I knew from the start that I didn’t know where my life would end up or what career was the best for me. But I didn’t stop looking for the answer. I am still unsure what is best for me, but I am not giving up and am still chasing my dreams. My direction …

Vlogging as an Introvert

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Yesterday, I decided to change my username on YouTube. I want to use kimarodri or kimarodriguez (if not taken) as my username for all my social media platforms. For personal branding, consistency is essential and for other people to easily remember me. As I was about to change, I opened my YouTube account and saw my old videos. I have two shorts and one regular video. This video is like a “vlog” that I uploaded four years ago. Vlogs were very popular at that time. By doing this so-called, Watsons Haul. I was shocked that I did it and joined the trend. I’m an introvert. I know that I am not confident about showing my face, recording, or doing anything. But I find it fun that I managed to experience vlogging. I am forever grateful and happy that I did. At least I have something to look back lol. I shared this with my friends. They all laughed. It seemed like they didn’t expect me to do that, hahaha.

Learn to Appreciate Yourself

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Loving yourself is the most significant evolution. – Jennifer Phelps. This is the quote that I always look up to. Accepting and loving myself is the first step to happiness and growth. Investing in myself is the best option investment, like education, physical and mental health, developing new skills, and doing anything to contribute to my long-term well-being. Backstory These past few years, I have been struggling to appreciate myself. I lack self-love and trust. I always thought I was insufficient, couldn’t do anything good, and was always a failure. I always look down on myself, blaming and doubting that whenever I do something, even though I didn’t do anything wrong. I always seek validation and reassurance. Other people’s moods and reactions also affect how I look at myself. It’s hard to train my mind and body on what is good for me. There are times that after collaborating with colleagues, I feel so down because of “what ifs” that I overthink a lot. What if they are not satisfied with my performance and output? …

How will I overcome Impostor Syndrome?

Published by Kima Rodriguez

What is Impostor Syndrome? Impostor Syndrome is a psychological occurrence or a condition of feeling anxious, doubting skills, talents, accomplishments, or not believing in oneself. Challenge Lately, I find myself afraid and anxious about my skills in the company I am now working at. There are times that my confidence are getting low just because I think I am not good and reliable enough to do the job I need to do. I know that these feelings are just in the mind. But still, I want to express it here so it won’t stay in my head. I have no one to share this kind of feeling because I don’t want to bring negative energy to others. Solution The only way I know to address this is by atomically changing my daily habits because it can impact the way neurons work, especially if the habits are repeatedly undergone. In continuing this, I know I will develop a new behavior that can change how I perceive myself.

Investing on Skincare Products

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Disclaimer: The product effectiveness I discuss in this blog is based solely on my personal experience. Remember, what works for me may not work for everyone due to differences in skin types. Always do a patch test and consider consulting a dermatologist before trying new products. I’m not liable for any reactions or results from using these products. Backstory Ever since I was in college, I have loved using skincare. I am the darkest and the not-so-glass skin in the family. That’s why it became part of my insecurities. Even though my friends told me I already have naturally clear and smooth skin, I always wanted to get my skin lighter and smoother. Challenges I struggled to improve myself because my siblings are fair, and I have a Morena skin tone. Having fair skin was considered beautiful while growing up, so I felt underappreciated. Using whitening products like glutathione and Kojic acid was popular during those times. But now, I am embracing my skin tone and putting more love on myself. Nobody can fully love me but …