Living life as expatriate

It was never part of our plan to be residents of another country, until recently when my husband was headhunted for a job in a middle east country.  The offer was good and made us question ourselves, “why not?”.  So, here we are, starting our life as expatriates.  Getting acquantanced with the new environment is neither easy nor straighforward.  The culture, the language, the weather and the cost of living to list a few.  Despite other benefits, we have to admit that being outsiders, we missed the perks of a citizen.  We look different whenever we go out.  We are the minority.

Of all the things, prices of items hit me the hardest.  Everything is more expensive here.  I always find myself comparing them with the prices of the same items in our country.  Thus, scouting for cheap, or at least reasonably priced items at least to me, has become my new hobby.  I also revive my passion for gardening, focusing on edible garden, to cut costs.  From this point onwards, this blog will share our experience living in the middle east.  Happy reading!

Coping with retainers

This is not easy.  It has been the reason why I had to go through Invisalign series after braces.  I've completed my Invisalign treatment and I have to make sure that there will be no third treatment.  I have to diligently wear the retainers.

Nighttime is a lot easier.  I don't usually take dinner and I can put them on as early as after Maghrib.  Retainers are harder than aligners.  Putting them in and out many times during the day is more challenging.

I found a solution that works for me so far.  I wear my last set of aligners during the day instead of the retainers because they are easier to pull out and put back in.  They don't look as smooth as retainers because of the stubs, but this is still better than not wearing anything at all.  I also wear the upper aligners only during the day because I think the upper teeth have more tendency to move or relapse.  The lower ones did not undergo major shifts and were done and stable for quite some time before the treatment ended.

With this plan, things are much better and more manageable.

Road to Makkah

Alhamdulillah, it's our turn to perform Hajj this year, 1444H/2023M.  Our turn was supposed to be last year, which was delayed due to COVID-19.  Didn't expect it to come so soon actually, considering no Hajj in 2020 and 2021, and half the quota in 2022.  Nevertheless, Alhamdulillah.  We are ready, Insya-Allah.  I've been making the necessary preparations, including walking for about 8 km a day to get me physically used to walking to and fro the Jamrahes for four days in Mina.  May Allah ease.

Today’s 8 km

I am also testing the performance of the mineral sunscreen that I'm planning to use there.  It's the Supergoop Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40.  So far so good.  Looking fine after 2 hours of walking and sweating under the morning sun.  It is a tinted sunscreen but leaves neither lines nor cast.

Passed the challenge

L’OREAL Glycolic Bright two-week challenge

It has been some time since I last share about my skincare journey.  It has been a mixture of feelings and achievements actually.  Confused and wonder why none of the many products that I have tried and finished is giving significant results.  There were even breakouts, resulting in more darkspots.  Sigh.  Overall, I’d say that my skin is in better condition now, although the spots that I want to get rid off are still there.  They fade very slowly and are very stubborn like me.

I’m leaving for Ho Chi Minh City in two-week time for a work trip and I think it would be a good idea to start a new challege that will end by then.  So, I found this two-week L’Oreal Glycolic Bright challenge, a new set of products from L’Oreal to combat dark spots.  It comprises cleanser, serum, day cream and night cream.  I’m going to get myself the trial set, which is already pricey for me.

The trial set.

Looking forward to a brighter me in Ho Chi Minh City :). If not, hopefully it doesn’t get any worse than now.

Sunscreen and sunblock

Eversince becoming conscious with hyperpigmentation, sunscreen has become my best company.  It is important to prevent new pigments from forming while treating the existing ones, though I’m fully aware that sun is not its only cause.  Searching for one that really suits my requirements is challenging though.  Some sting the eyes and skin, some leave white cast and pill.  

The sunscreen below is one of my favourites that I’ve used up completely, twice.  It’s Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++.  It is always satisfying to be able to use up everything till the very last bit of it.  Worth every penny.  But I’ve changed to another brand as this one gives me glossy finish.  

Finished!

From this journey, I also learn about the differences between suncreen and sunblock.  In short, sunscreen is chemical and should be put on 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure.  The protection is via the reaction between the chemical ingredients and the skin.  Sunblock is physical and adds another layer of protection upon application.  Thus, you can apply it right before sun exposure.