Anyone feel that things are a bit toxic these days? Can the world please go back to being kind. I mean the bar is pretty low already. Even a simple smile will do at this point!

Trigger warning: Blood, mensuration, periods.

I hope you have already read part one and two of this series on Menstrual cups. If not, then read.

Why You Must Switch,  How to Insert, and Tips for Beginners and Issues related to Menstrual Cups.

Are you convinced now to switch after reading the previous post? If yes, then there are things that you should keep in mind before buying: 

1. Size: Usually, brands provide two or three sizes. One for teenagers. One till the age of 25. Another other for ages above or someone who has given birth vaginally. I am 31 but choose the one for less than 25 years because I know my body. Better go for the smaller one if you are having doubts than trying to shove a bigger object up there. 

Trigger warning: Blood, mensuration, periods.

I hope you have already read part one and two of this series on Menstrual cups. If not, then read Why You Must Switch and How to Insert and Tips for Beginners.  

This post details the issues and troubles one might face when they start using menstrual cups.

Is there any discomfort when using one?

Every worn contact lenses? Or got your tooth sealed/crowned? Or maybe even spects or sunglasses? Were they a bit uncomfortable when you started? It is so because it is not part of your body. However, did it caused an issue later? Things began to sail smoothly then. No? That is the same case with a menstrual cup as well.

On my first night, it could feel it inside the whole time. In fact, because of the cramps, I kept getting up, and I could feel it always. Nevertheless, from the afternoon of the second day, I almost forgot that I had it in. (I get cramps only on day 1 and rarely on day 2. The absence of pains can also be the reason for my relief)

In my second period, it was again a bit uncomfortable for the first day but felt like nothing is in there from day 2.

The first thing that pops up in one's mind when she sees a menstrual cup (primarily if they have never used a tampon like me) - how is this thing going to go in? Won't it hurt? How will it stay in? What if it goes inside my uterus? Will I need surgery to get it out?....

Here is the post to answer it all. [I hope you have already read part 1 of this series on Menstrual cups. If not, then read Why You Must Switch.

How can a menstrual cup go in?

Trigger warning: Blood, mensuration, periods.

How are things going at your end? Getting accustomed to the isolation life? How is work for the home going?

For me, things have ironed out a lot. Work is going on and I am trying to learn the things that I always wanted. I have a sleep schedule now - sleep around 8 PM sleep and wake up at 4 AM - which is not perfect but works for me. 

My location is still a hotspot so, we cannot go to any shops. Luckily, able to get the few basics we need on Big Basket or via Milk Basket. Timelines have reduced from a week to one or two days - this is a big win. 

I still wonder what is essential and what is not. Mosquitos are a menace here but a mosquito net is probably not essential because Amazon will deliver it after 3rd May. (Yes, I ordered a big folding mosquito net! I am amused to see that sleeping in that feels like. I just want to stop sleeping with mosquito repellants on). 

I needed to restock my shampoo bar. My current Murumuru shampoo bar from Earth Rythm (they have changed it from SoapWorks) was as thin as Rs 10 Dairy Milk Chocolate. Should I buy it or not? I tied to use Juicy Chemistry - it did not work for me. I tried to use what is left of my favorite liquid shampoo before I moved to shampoo bars  - The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture. Guess what? The liquid shampoo feels weird now. I kept on asking myself. I checked that government has allowed courier services. I placed my order. Later, it hit me - what if Earth Rythmn ships it but since my area is still a red hotspot, the courier partner does not deliver and keep it with them? These are active products. You do not want your skincare to lie around random hot delivery centers! I contacted them and they confirmed that it will be possible. 

(I started questioning myself again - Am I doing the right things? Making delivery personnel enter a hotspot just for a shampoo bar? Guess everything is grey these days. I always offer delivery personnel water and candy. Now, I can no longer do that and it hurts. I offered this time too out of habit but he denied)

Here is what I ordered:

The best thing you can do for better skin is sleep well and eat good.

Skincare only supplements the whole process. 

I get too many requests to share my skincare routine. I already did one skincare care routine post last year and much haven't changed. Yes, I am moving to one which are plastic packaging free (as much as I can) and also, simplifying it more and more because it is easier for lazy bones like me to follow a simple routine than a 9 step detailed one.

First, I think I will tell you the 'whys' of the products so that anyone can build the routine apt for their skin. (You must also know what your skin concerns are so that you can pick the ones that you need.) So, here I go:

Going to Singapore on Indian Passport and need Tourist Visa? Unfortunately, you cannot apply directly to the embassy. Instead, you will have to get it done by an authorized agent. 

Check the list of the agencies authorized and go for the one in your city - I will tell you why below.

Before applying, here are few things you must have:

1. The most obvious one - Passport. Make sure you have six months validity even on your date of return just to be safe. You will have to send the original passport with other document to the agents. Most agents will accept direct submission so choosing an agent that is in your city is a wise decision. 

2. Round trip flight tickets. You will need to have your passport for this. AirIndia provides cheap flights to Singapore (Around or less than Rs 10K) Though they are cheap, you still get big leg room and 30 kilos for check in baggage unlike Air Asia. 

I am back from my 10 days trip to Singapore. It was not a solo trip. I traveled with my Mom - her first trip out of India. 

Retail space is very expensive in Singapore. So, they have the highest rates compared to the options in South East Asia. In fact, I found it expensive than even Rome and Barcelona. But, you need to book your stay before you request for your Visa if you have an Indian Passport. (More details on this later)

If money is not your concern then go ahead and book the best out there. If you like, you can even stay at Marina Bay Sands and dip in their infinity pool because the famous infinity pool there is only for guests.(There are ways to visit the top floor and at least see the pool. I will cover those points in another post.)

But, if you are a regular tourist who is willing to put money on things they see and on dining rather than on staying at fancy places, this is a post for you.

Stay Options at Singapore:

1. AirBnb: In Singapore, renting for less than 6 months is not allowed. Basically, AirBnB is not entirely legal. If you are caught staying at one then you might face trouble. In short, the cheap options are not at all available. Avoid facing issues and do not book an Airbnb.

I have scores of posts planned but the current situation is very damping for my spirit. I mean the first month and it seems the world is about to end. But, I have to start. So, let’s talk about the product or brands that I am no longer buying. There might have been things that I have appreciated earlier but now I can do without them for the greater good. But, there are few things that are almost like medicines for me so, I am unfortunately sticking to them unless I find a replacement. 

So, here I go. 

As we are in the final moments of 2019, and we bid you goodbye, here are a few things I wanted to Thank you for. It was not the perfect year. The first six months were very hard for me for several reasons. It got better later and December was the best of all. 

Health: I am thankful that there were no major medical emergencies in my family. Those who have been on bed rest or had someone ill in their family knows how painful it is.