#itsemifiedtips

Rejoice! You can still buy amazing stuff for a low cost when you shop in Shopee. If you’re looking for a place to get your favorites, then this event is meant for you.

Remember these dates:

January 9 (Beauty Day) - Up to 50% off on Pond’s, Tresemme, St. Ives, Dove and more!

January 10 (Groceries Day) - Up to 30% off on Surf, Knorr, Breeze and more!

January 11 (Unilever New Year Sale) - Up to 60% off on your favorite Unilever brands. Use the code ULNEWYEAR to get PHP100 off for a minimum purchase of PHP1000. Today only!

Don’t forget to visit: https://shopee.ph/m/unilever-super-brand-day <3

Just recently, Sample Room PH gave me a bunch of goodies that promote self-care. I have never tried these brands before so I’m pretty excited to share my thoughts about them.

1. Tiger Balm White Ointment

USA has Vicks while Asia has Tiger Balm. This product is perfectly safe to use. It’s basically the Asian version of Vicks. It has this refreshing minty scent which I totally adore.

DID YOU KNOW one of the inventors of Tiger Balm is Kevin Kwan’s (writer of Crazy Rich Asian) great uncle?

In terms of packaging, it’s really cute and dainty. It actually gives me an ancient Chinese medicinal herb vibe.

HOW TO USE? Apply the ointment on sore body parts. 

2. Luxe Organix Bentonite Clay

Powder face masks have been around for quite a while but 2017 made it “trendy”. Not only they’re cheap, but they’re proven to be effective too!

Philippines has their very own Bentonite Clay from Luxe Organix. If you want some at-home deep facial cleansing, give this one a go.

Instructions:

3. Mediheal N.M.F. Aquaring Ampoule Mask

Expect loads of moisture upon using. I recommend using this only once a week. Each pack contains just 1 mask.

4. Deonat Natural Mineral Deodorant Spray

Although this would still make your underarms sweat, expect that your body odor would be gone. Since it is in a spray bottle, you’ll get more of the product upon spraying.

5. Purederm Exfoliating Foot Mask

This product promises to remove calluses and I can attest to this. When you open the sheet, you’ll receive 2 foot socks. Just leave your feet inside these socks and expect your calluses to shed in the following week.

Before using this product, my feet were rough but now it’s smooth AF.

6. Deonat Mineral Deodorant Foot Spray

If your feet doesn’t have any unpleasant smell, you can spray this on your shoes to make them smell fresh all day long. That’s what I did!

Here are the steps in starting your own catering business:

1. Ask yourself if you are ready for self-employment.

Starting a catering business doesn’t have to mean dropping serious cash -- you can always start small and keep it as a sideline. Once it starts gaining momentum though, that’s when you have to decide whether you should drop your day job and make catering your full-time profession -- but always remember to consider everything: running a catering business involves long hours, especially during the weekend. Being your own boss is a highly personal choice that shouldn’t be rushed.

2. Study the competition.

The next step toward starting a catering business is to know your competition. Pricing competitively is a major key to success when it comes to the food industry -- that’s why you need to know the menu and prices of other caterers in your area. This will help you plan your own menu and keep you from pricing yourself out of business before you even get started.

3. Write a menu.

Since it’s your own business, it’s your call what to put in the menu -- anything goes! The strategic route is to keep a selection of old favorites, but make sure you have signature dishes that will make you stand out from your competition.

4. Choose a name.

Choosing a name for your catering company can reflect the food you’re serving, the location of the business, or a witty food pun involved. Make sure that your customers will have an idea what your menu is so that you’ll be more memorable; additionally, having a unique (but easy to remember) name will help you grow your client base.

5. Incorporate your business.

Make sure to obtain the legal papers for your business -- get everything you need so that you’re off to a smooth start. Forgetting a document will definitely be a barrier for your business to grow, so if your catering needs various licenses such as Food Handler’s Permit, Liquor Licenses, and other necessary insurances, it is best you get it as early as you can.

6. Hire your staff.

As your catering business grows, you will need extra staff. Most likely, at least in the early business years, staff will only be part-time. Look for people who are pleasant, organized, and trustworthy so that you can comfortably delegate tasks with no worries.

7. Purchase catering equipment.

The things you need for the business should be carefully budgeted -- if you can get by with what you have at home (maybe some plates and glasses), you may do so. Cutting costs to buy good equipment is a technique that will serve you well in the long-run; once your catering service starts taking off, you may need to invest in commercial equipment to keep up with your customers’ needs.

8. Market your catering business.

If you can afford it right away, invest in a website -- since more and more people go online to find what they need. At a minimum, your website should have contact information, menu packages and prices and some good photos of your food or past events. Beyond a website, you may consider joining small business organizations in the food industry to widen your connections.

1. Take good care of your skin - Before anything else, taking care of your skin is a must. Having a great skincare would definitely boost your confidence. Hell, you could even go bare! No make up, no fuss. I make sure to wash my face every morning and every evening. Moreover, lessen your sugar and oily food intake to avoid skin problems. Time for a #NoFilter selfie!

2. Find the perfect lighting - Never underestimate as to what a good lighting could do for you. Selfie experts know their lighting well. Let me show you the difference between a bad lighting from a good one.

(Good lighting)

vs.

(Bad lighting)

A bad lighting gives you a photo of crappy quality and hides your assets. Guuuurl, flaunt it! *winks*

3. Know your angle - It’s an open secret that Selfie Experts post their photos with their best angle. If you don’t feel confident to face the camera head on, you can tilt your head or your camera to capture your selfie. 

4. Take note of your background - A picture of just your face won’t cut it. It’ll be boring and we don’t want that. Take advantage of your background. Remember, taking a selfie is still an art of photography.

Tip: Mirror shots are definitely best to resort to when you want to capture a selfie ootd or make use of your background.

5. Flaunt your goodies - My new watch? Perfectly polished nails? My cute hair-do? #PaSimple #PeroEffective

6. Post your selfies with noteworthy captions - Selfies show your appearance, captions exhibit your intelligence and personality. Time to show off your sense of humor to the world! Spread positivity! Use a quote!

7. Don’t be afraid to use a filter - Just like makeup, use a filter not to hide your flaws but to enhance your look. Don’t go for over-bearing filters. You’re classy, not shabby!

8. Be confident - Don’t be afraid to get a little bit crazy with your photos. You don’t always have to smile for the camera.