The problem with being a "BLOGGER" today

I know there has been a lot of drama happening recently, and this entire thing is extremely immature and has put bloggers in a really BAD LIGHT.

It got me thinking what does being a blogger even mean nowadays.

Blogger - At this rate, everyone can be a blogger... Oh wait, or should I say, everyone wants to be a blogger? Create an account, start up a blog, *BAM* you're officially self-titled a BLOGGER. #Boogerplease

Bloggers today aren't what they used to be.

I can safely say that at least 80% of the population in Singapore have this rather huge misconception that bloggers are all about taking nice OOTDs, posting superficial stuff, writing reviews and having a substantial amount of followers, getting sponsored from head to toe, bed to car. Yes, this are what bloggers do, and I things I won't deny doing as well. But IT FUCKING TAKES MORE THAN JUST THAT in order to sustain in such a competitive environment.

I've been blogging for the last 6 years, since 2008. Starting a blog with the idea in mind that I wanted to share my opinions with everyone. Never have I chose this path in hope of getting "chio" sponsored stuff, or thinking that this is the easy way out to success or fame. I was just lucky enough to have my first ever engagement in late 2011, and that was when I began blogging professionally. FYI, that means that I receive a stable income from it, and I regard it as a full-time job in all seriousness.

1) Self-proclaimed titles

It gives me goosebumps when I'm named "Superstar" or "Celebrity."

I'm not even kidding, but this irks me real bad. Whenever my peers or readers call me that, never once have I felt that I was eligible for that title. There was this one time, I was waiting for the lift at Cineleisure and a group of readers/followers approached me to ask me for a photo, that followed by a couple of tourists asking if I were a celebrity, and all I did was shook my head with diffidence and smiled with ignominy.

Of course, it'd be an honour to be addressed as one, but that should never be something one claims to be.

You can call yourself ANYTHING but whether you are OR NOT is a whole other thing.

You can have a friend with a very nice camera take a nice OOTDs for you, and add a watermark stating "photography" after their name in the picture, but that alone doesn't make you a model. 

I may not be the highest-ranking blogger in SG, but I've put in years of effort to be able to get to where I am today, and I'm definitely still NOT THE BEST. Being a blogger used to be something special to me. I used to have people coming up to me telling me how capable I am to be making more money and to have considerably high amount of followers on all my social platforms, than the people my age.

Nowadays, it's so different, we get 10 year olds who would label themselves as a blogger from owning a blog and people who think they are "the shit" from the followers they BOUGHT.

2) Professional blogger vs. "BLOGGER"

Yes indeed, as a professional blogger, I won't deny that high-paying bloggers earn much more than most freshly graduates, but just because we don't go through the "hard way" (get a proper job that requires me to work for 9 hours a day) of earning money, it doesn't mean that whatever we do is easy. 

I'm not sure about the others who blog for a living, but personally, I've been juggling between school and my career for the past 3 years.

It matters to me to write well

It matters to me to come up with content that my readers can relate to

It matters to me to be consistent and that I will never be complacent even when I'm on a roll

It matters to me that I do not succumb to the norms of society, and narrow-minded haters that expect me to cater to their likes and dislikes

It matters to me that I do not deceive my viewers by advertising things that even I don't believe in, just because I was paid to do so 

If these things do not matter to you, then you should question yourself if you're really cutout to be a blogger.

Yes, I could easily list a zillion perks of being a well-known blogger, such as - Getting recognised; C'mon it's a good feeling to have people coming up to you, making you feel you're so fucking famous. So don't bull and tell me you hate the fame or attention cos you know you're lying to yourself. And if you really hate it so much then shut down your blog and write everything in a god damn diary.

Even 1/2k followers for a "blogger" is considered high compared to an average person and some boast to their friends just to feed their ego.

Honestly, do you really think you're that cool? Cos even I don't think I'm cool, I can afford shampoo, I can afford my own clothes. There's nothing to show off about, nothing to rave on your blog all day long on how you've been sponsored this and sponsored that, if that's really all you have to say.

Yes I do get sponsors, and blog about them, but that's not the only thing that I'm concerned with and talk about.

3) Success comes to those who earn it.

It's no secret that people can rise to fame overnight. Some try extremely hard to, perhaps by starting some little drama because of their little insecurities or doing nonsensical stuff. Soon, they become the talk of the town, they trend for awhile, but whatever it is, it doesn't last. All these come and go. Even if you're good looking, as long as you don't have a strong opinion and you're following blindly with the crowd, nobody will keep up with you for long.

 In time to come, you'd die off and be replaced. There will always be another you that will come along.

To be irreplaceable, one has always gotta be different.

I've seen people who worked hard for the things they are passionate about, even when they hit rock bottom, they never fail to stand up strong. These are the people that I look up to and whom I feel we should all respect. There are still people like these who exist today, and no doubt, some of them have gained the success they've earned. I'm not saying this to convince you that I'm one of these people, but I just want you to know that that group of bloggers still exist, and if you wanna "worship" them, make sure you choose the right one to love blindly.

It's okay to be alone in school.

I ain't certain how majority of the people who don't know me actually view me, but I'm pretty sure many have this misconception that I lead a glamorous, problem-free life filled with

friends

from being who I am. The truth is? I'm alone most of the time, and I'm here today to tell you that

it's okay to be alone.

It may probably come as a surprise to some of you, but in contrary to what most people perceive, I don't really have many friends in school.

I usually get hated before I'm even known. Why do I say so? If a normal person decides not to take the initiative to socialise around and speak to people, everyone will probably think it's fine, and they are just shy. However, when I don't? I'm deemed to be stuck up and hostile. Condemned immediately, just bcos of my "social status."

Then again, hardly anyone approaches me bcos they are either the ones who condemned me, or they feel that they are "not good enough" to. Hence, as much as possible, I'd always avoid talking about my social-life to prevent unwanted attention.

I used to get really affected over the fact that I don't have many friends to call my own, so much that I hated being who I am cos no one's able to treat me normally even though that's all that I ask for. Just so you know, I used to suffer from social anxiety during senior year in Secondary school; in other words, I was afraid to have any social interaction with anyone, concerned about being judged or evaluated by others.

It is typically characterised by an intense fear of what others are thinking about me (specifically fear of embarrassment, criticism, or rejection), which results in the individual feeling insecure, not good enough for other people, and/or the assumption that peers will automatically reject them - as quoted from Wiki.

Until today, I still have that fear once in awhile, but I'm slowly "recuperating," and still learning how to step out of my comfort zone to interact with people.

I had a best friend who was in the same class as me for the first two years of Secondary school, who later on distant from me when we were parted during "streaming" year. I felt pretty lonely most of the time during year 3 and 4. Reason being, my best friend was in another class, and most of the people in class already formed their own cliques or had a familiar partner.

Of course, I had friends, in and out of class, but it never felt right. It was really tough to establish a good rapport with anyone.

I remember once when I was in Sec 3, while P.E lesson was conducted, we were all instructed to get into pairs, and as everyone hastily approached their partners, I glanced swiftly across the class to look for my only friend, who was also my sitting-partner in class, whom I thought would've teamed up with me, but she didn't.

I was puzzled at that moment, but more importantly, I realised I was alone. I felt my heart throb so loud as if it was in my ear, tears welled up in my eyes, but I tried to keep it cool. That feeling was unforgettable.

Another time during a school excursion - Normally, everyone including myself would feel excited; to me, being able to sit with my friends in the bus was one of the best things about having to go on a field trip, but it wasn't until I was left alone

again.

I went to refill my water-bottle when everyone boarded the bus, and I was hoping my partner would've left a seat for me. To my dismay, all I saw when I went up the bus were wide smiles and faces that told me I was forgotten. Seat right next to my friend? Taken up. The only vacant seats left were the ones right in front. Even my teachers in-charge joined in the fun behind.

I shut my eyes in anguish, as tears rolled down my cheeks.

I hated being in school.

In Sec 4, I finally had a few girl friends who included me in their group, and they were the best people I've ever met. Not only did I feel like I existed, but I was glad to have finally found a reason to look forward to school. However, I wouldn't deny I still felt like an extra at times bcos they already have their own "inside jokes." After all, they had a bond built over years and the last thing I wanted was to be sympathised.

Well, that was pretty much it, I'd head straight home most of the time when class ends, and just dwell on how shitty my life was at that time.

I'm sure many would be able to comprehend and relate to me when I say it's not really difficult to find friends, but true friends are hard to come by. It's not easy to find friends who wouldn't judge and will never make you feel alone when you're with them.

You know how it feels to walk with a bunch of people, but no one ever notices you're straying behind? Or try speaking, in futile attempt to join in a conversation, but half the time everyone just ignores the things you say and make you feel really left out? Scroll through your contact list and realised you've no one to call when you're in need of help? I've been through these phases, and used to cry under my sheets at night when they happen, but I've gotten over it.

It still happens even today, but so what? Some people may stay in your life, but you won't even see most of them after you graduate. If you still stay in touch with your friends from Kindergarten or Primary school, good for you, but I believe majority hardly even remember any of their childhood friends' names.

I go to school now with the mindset that my studies are my priority, and whether I make friends or not, it doesn't really matter. If I do, it's a bonus. If I don't, life goes on.

Time spent

wishing

you were happier, can actually be used to do things that will

make

your life better.

Yes, part of attending school is to make friends and it sure as hell sucks when you're being ostracised and have no one to turn to... But at the end of the day, as you grow older, you'd realise there are actually a lot more things more important than the people who don't give a shit about you. I'm not saying that making friends isn't essential, cos it is pretty important as it determines how your life in school would be, but unless you're a bitch and have serious issues, like if there's a legit reason why people hate you, I don't see how anyone would have difficulties making friends. And even if you don't now, you would someday. I promise.

Each year, it occurs to me that I lose more and more friends, but the ones left are the ones who are really worth keeping.

All I can say is that it's just something we all have to go through in life, and as much as you wanna avoid it, you can't. It's really okay to be alone, at least you don't have to worry about losing people and fear getting hurt, right? Hahaha. That's how I see it. It still bothers me every now and then that I don't have many friends like how some kids in school do, cos they seem really happy, but keyword?

SEEM.

Having many friends doesn't decide the fate of your life. What's the point of having so many friends, if you can't even find one true friend? I've seen many people who are this way.

It's also okay to be alone, cos being alone makes you think, makes you wonder, makes you learn and makes you appreciate.

Anyway, since this is post is something school-related, hope this video @thejianhaotan has just uploaded, would ease up your Sunday night!

How to prevent breakouts!

WASH YOUR FACE.

"Washing your face?! You gotta be kidding me right, Naomi? Who doesn't know how to clean or wash their face?"

Well, you'd be surprised to know that many people actually do not possess the habit of washing their face on a daily basis, especially men! 

Just by doing a little research, you'd be able to find tons of articles on why you shouldn't wash your face in the morning. However, in our hot and humid climate, it is important to make sure that your skin is free from oil, dirt and blemishes in prevention of the most unwanted thing, PIMPLES.

A pimple is a small pustule or papule. Pimples are small skin lesions or inflammations of the skin - they are sebaceous glands (oil glands) which are infected with bacteria, swell up, and then fill up with pus.

The sebaceous glands are tiny skin glands which secrete sebum - an waxy/oily substance - to lubricate the skin and hair of mammals (humans are mammals).

In human beings they exist throughout all skin sites except the palms and soles; there is a greater abundance of sebaceous glands on the face and scalp. In our eyelids, meibomian sebaceous glands secrete a special type of sebum into tears.

Sebaceous glands ➭ Sebum ➭ Blockage in your pores ➭ Bacteria ➭ Inflammation of the skin ➭ Pimples/Acnes

Just a little more on the signs and symptoms of pimples:

• Whiteheads - also known as a closed comedo. These are very small and remain under the skin, appearing as a small, flesh-colored papules.
• Blackheads - also known as an open comedo. These are clearly visible; they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Some people mistakenly believe they are caused by dirt, because of their color, and scrub their faces vigorously - this does not help and may irritate the skin and cause other problems.
• Papules - these are small, solid, rounded bumps that rise from the skin. The bumps are often pink.
• Pustules - these are pimples full of pus. They are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. The base is red and the pus is on the top.
• Nodules - these are morphologically similar (similar structure) to papules, but larger. They can be painful and are embedded deep in the skin.
• Cysts - these are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are filled with pus and are usually painful. Cysts commonly cause scars.

Read more (here)

So now that you have a rough idea on the contributing factors to bad skin, what are some ways to prevent breakouts?

Definitely, hormones, emotions, and your health are also reasons as to why you'd breakout, but if there's one way you can definitely prevent that from happening? It's good hygiene.

I've a habit of washing my hands right before I wash my face all the time, and use a tissue instead of a towel to dry my face after cleansing (sorry for killing trees.) Reason being, I feel that towels are usually exposed and are more prone to getting dirt etc on them, especially when they are moist; which calls out for all sorts of bacteria to feed on.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, I'll always wash my face at least 2 times a day, and never touch it with my bare hands! Your hands are probably the ones with the most germs, cos we use them the most throughout the day.

 Many people only wash their face once in the night, cos they feel that "I'm just sleeping at night, how dirty can my face get the next morning?" No matter how clean your room is, there will always be dust, particles and pollutants you can hardly see with your naked eye, which settles on your skin while you're asleep. 

We all know from Science class that our body's still functioning even when we're fast asleep, same goes for our face. It's when you're sleeping when your skin tends to excrete oil from the sweat glands you produce. So it's always good to wash your face in the morning!

Anyway, many of us find it a chore to wash our face, and to add in an additional step of washing your hands... I'd understand why you'd rather skip the whole procedure.

However, what if you can complete your routine within 30 seconds, and you don't even have to bother, whether or not if your hands are properly cleansed?

I believe in the morning, when we have to rush to work or school, a face massage can take up a hell load of time... Which is why, I want to introduce my favourite tool of the month! :D :D :D

*EXCITED*

The NEW

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush

. Hahaha, my god, the name is soooo long. I'll just call it the Clinique Sonic Brush from now on.

Let me share with you a little on my experience with face brushes... NONE. lol

Even though I've never had my hands on any of them before, I always had my reservations about these brushes. WHAT IF THE BRUSHES ARE NOT CLEAN?! Or... What if they are so rough that they scrub my skin off?! Paranoia at its best. 

It wasn't until I was asked to try out the

Clinique Sonic Brush

a while back. After attending their launch of the product, and listening to how it works for more than an hour... I still had my doubts and felt really skeptical. A brush with anti-bacterial properties? And it has a battery that can last for 6 months based on recommended usage?? But honestly, the presentation was really impressive and I must admit that it got me curious.

I was so eager to try it out that I tossed aside my brand new $80 facial foam for it. VERDICT? I LOVED IT!!!

I don't mean to exaggerate or sound like a salesperson now, but I cross my heart that I felt the results instantly!

I've been using it every day and night for more than a week, and I'm literally ASTOUNDED by the way it works.

Not only is their cleanser mild and suitable for all skin types, adding the brush into my skincare regime has saved me lots of time, and made my skin way softer and smoother.

(I made JH touch my skin yesterday and even he was amazed. Hahaha)

I love love love this product! 30 secs and you're ready to go!

It's important to get all the dirt off your face so that it preps your skin from absorbing more nutrients thereafter; like the most common ones, your toner and moisturiser.

The bristles are super soft and its shape helps to reach the difficult areas around your nose. And I can toss my worry (about the brush being dirty) aside cos they reassured that it's fine as long as I rinse it after each application, and change the removable "head" (where the bristles are) after every 3 months.

Guess I'm one step closer to getting softer, smoother skin in no time! Hehehe. Just one week and I could see a vast difference, can't wait to see how it works in a month's time! :p

With this tool, all the oil and dirt will be easily removed! Feel so relieved now. Yet another reason why you should wash your face with such great technology!

I hope you guys learned something! If you're interested to purchase this brush, it's in stores now at the price of $149 and visit (here) for more information.

Feel free to share with me your own effective skincare regime in the comments section! :)