Am I a Hoarder?

Another random thought from me.

I used to think I would use every lotion I bought. The logic seemed simple enough: I liked the scent, I bought it, and, of course, I would use it. But reality had a different plan.

Since I started buying my own lotions (I’m guilty of collecting a few from hotel stays, haha), I found myself accumulating them—different scents for different moods, seasonal favourites, and random impulse buys. But no matter how good my intentions were, most of them ended up sitting on my shelf, gathering dust, and eventually meeting their inevitable fate: expiration.

Image created with Microsoft Designer

I would only use a lotion once or twice after buying it, then get lazy with my routine and completely forget about the many lotions piling up on my shelf. It felt like I was stuck in a cycle of neglecting them, even though I had plenty waiting to be used. The cycle would repeat. It became more like curating a mini lotion museum than actually using them. I convinced myself I would eventually get around to using them, but honestly, I was more interested in owning them than applying them.

Fast forward to now, and age is catching up. My skin’s getting drier, and I have started to realise skincare is about more than just the nice scents. Those once-neglected lotions have now become a regular part of my daily routine. It’s no longer about collecting them—it’s about actually using what I have. And today, I finally used one of those long-forgotten lotions (if it’s still in decent shape and doesn’t smell too off)—a small victory in my journey to finish a product before it expires.

The same thing happens with my facial skincare. I would buy full sets—cleanser, toner, scrub—you name it. But in the end, I never used the whole set. These days, I even skip the toner because of the extra step.

A small victory: Who knew it would feel this good?

It made me wonder: Does anyone actually finish a bottle of lotion before it expires? Or are we all just hoarding nice scents, convincing ourselves we will get to them eventually? If you have ever done this, you are not alone!

Maybe the key is to stop impulse buying and commit to using what we already own. Or maybe some habits just take time to change. Either way, here’s to making progress—one bottle at a time.

May x

When Fresh Air Becomes a Luxury

Back in December, Bangkok’s weather was perfect—cool mornings, fresh air, and that “mini winter” feeling that made everything better. I heard it was even colder up north, but it already felt pleasantly cool for me, almost like summer back in the UK. I was running outdoors, taking long walks, and just enjoying how comfortable the city felt. It was the kind of weather that made you want to be outside. Some locals were even wearing winter jackets, which was quite comical, and a few asked if I was cold because I was still in my usual sportswear and shorts.

Then, I left Bangkok for a few days, heading back to Singapore and Penang for some errands. When I returned, I felt like I had stepped into a completely different city. While flying back into Suvarnabhumi Airport, I could already see the thick haze hanging in the air, blurring the skyline. The cool, refreshing weather was gone, replaced by a thick, suffocating smog that made everything feel dull and oppressive. Bangkok had changed—and not for the better.

The air got so bad that authorities started offering free rides on public transport, including the BTS Skytrain. At first, I was like, Yay! Free rides! But then I wondered—why were staff handing out free cards at the stations? When I asked around, locals told me the idea was to reduce car usage and lower emissions. A solid plan in theory, but in reality? The trains were packed. Bangkok’s BTS is always busy, but this was another level. Squeezing into a train during rush hour felt like a survival game. It was as if everyone had forgotten that Covid ever happened. And now that the free rides have ended, I’m not sure if they made any real difference. The air still feels just as bad.

As a runner, this haze has been a nightmare. Running outside is out of the question—unless I want to choke on pollutants. Running with a mask? Even worse. So, I’ve had to move my workouts indoors, swapping outdoor runs for gym sessions. I go to the gym for my PT sessions anyway, but it’s not the same. There’s something about running through the city, feeling the fresh air (or what used to be fresh air) that a treadmill just can’t replace.

I’ve been staying indoors as much as possible. Bangkok’s pollution levels have been hovering in the “unhealthy” range, and at this point, I would rather not risk it. My only real exposure to the haze is the 1.6km walk home from the train station; even that feels too much sometimes. It’s frustrating.

The free public transport initiative is over, but the pollution isn’t. Bangkok recently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world, and unless bigger changes happen, this isn’t going away anytime soon. For now, all I can do is take precautions—wear masks, stay indoors when possible, and hope that real solutions are on the way. But let’s be honest, we can’t keep hiding from the air forever. Something has to change.

Have you been struggling with the haze, too? How has it affected your daily routine? Let’s talk in the comments.

May x

February’s Here—Time to Refocus

Goodness me, it’s already February. I don’t know about you, but I feel like the year just started, and here we are—already six days into Chinese New Year. Time flies, doesn’t it?

Photo by: May

This past month has been a mix of moments that made me stop and think. For one, I went for a medical check-up—something I’ve been doing regularly ever since my mum passed away. Nothing too serious, but the doctor pointed out a few areas I need to pay closer attention to. Age is catching up, and let’s be real—it’s not like I can run away from it. So, this year, I’m committing to making small but important changes.

I’ve already been working out regularly—running, swimming, and hitting the gym—but I know I need to be more mindful of what I eat. I’ve been trying to make healthier choices, but there’s definitely room for improvement. Cutting down on alcohol, eating less fried food, adding more greens... you know the drill. It’s all about balance, I guess.

I’m not working at the moment, and it’s been a bit of an adjustment. After a hectic year, I’m taking things at a slower pace—focusing on the new house renovation, reading more, spending time with my boyfriend whenever he’s home, and, admittedly, getting a little too caught up in mobile games. Some days, I find myself thinking about my research, but other days, I just let myself enjoy the slower rhythm. It’s different from what I’m used to, but I’m embracing it for now.

With Chinese New Year in full swing, it almost feels like a second new beginning. Looking back at January, I realise it was a month of small but important reminders—like the fact that it’s never too late to refocus. The start of a new year isn’t just about grand resolutions; it’s about making meaningful changes you can actually stick with, even if they’re small. So, as we step into February, I’m keeping my goals simple: stay active, eat healthier, and take care of myself, one step at a time.

How’s your January been? If you’ve been thinking about making changes, big or small, here’s a gentle nudge to start. Your future self will thank you. 😊

May x