Author: Kima Rodriguez

Welcome 2025 ✨

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Every New Year, I love starting fresh by setting goals, creating systems, and choosing a theme to guide me. For 2025, I’ve decided to call it my “Self-Improvement Year.” This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. I want to focus on improving every part of myself, step by step. Whether it’s my health, habits, or mindset, this year is about becoming a better version of myself. Of course, everything depends on how consistent I can be. It won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to try, learn, and grow. Here’s to 2025—a year of transformation and growth. The Journey Back to Balance There was a time when I felt more in tune with my body—not too slim or heavy, just a version of myself that felt right. Lately, though, I’ve been longing to return to that balance. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about feeling good in my skin again. Body shaming has been a constant sting, coming from places I didn’t expect and sometimes from strangers. It’s exhausting. I’ve carried those words with me, but …

My First Week as a UX Researcher

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc. This question resonated with me because I never got to share my experience of the first day as a UX Researcher, not even during my first job at a tech company. I’ll divide my answer into two parts: first, my experience with my first job at an agency, and second, my most recent and current role at a product company. Qairos Asia My first week as a UX Researcher felt like a dream come true. I was nervous, overwhelmed, and questioning: Did I make it? One of the main reasons I struggle with confidence when socializing is my fear and hesitation to feel comfortable around others again. This started during the pandemic when lockdowns forced us into isolation. At the time, I managed our small family business and did side hustles remotely, with minimal interaction beyond my family. This lack of social engagement significantly impacted my ability to connect with others. It took a toll on my mental health, especially …

This photo is Kima Rodriguez new skincare.

My New Skincare

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I’m the kind of woman who can’t resist the allure of the skincare section at the mall. There’s something about browsing through shelves of creams, serums, and masks that fills me with excitement and pure joy. Buying skincare products isn’t just a routine—it’s a little ritual that makes me genuinely happy. Back in high school and college, my skincare routine was as simple as it could get—just using body soap. Sometimes, I had a little extra money. I treated myself to iWhite skincare products from the convenience store during those times. I especially loved those sachet-sized goodies—they were affordable, convenient, and a small luxury at the time. When online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada became popular, I finally had access to various affordable face masks. It felt like a dream come true for a skincare enthusiast like me! However, I’ve always been cautious to ensure that I’m purchasing authentic products. Skincare is something I take seriously, and with so many counterfeit items flooding the market, especially online, it can be tricky. I make it …

ALT Mive Style FOlder Flip Phone

Love at First Flip

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Minimalism is about simplifying your life by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of excess stuff. Digital minimalism does the same with technology. It helps you use your devices and apps more mindfully. This approach helps you avoid digital distractions. Both aim to create more space for what’s important. One focuses on physical things. The other focuses on your digital life. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time on my smartphone. I mostly watch short videos, read comments, and get caught up in content. It’s starting to take a toll on my mental health, and I realize it’s affecting how I feel overall. My screen time is consistently around 7-10 hours a day. I spend most of this time on social media. Somehow, I still managed to get work done during all that time. How do I even juggle both? It’s crazy, lol! I’ve decided to gradually reduce my social media usage, starting with Instagram, X, and TikTok. I can’t promise I’ve completely quit them, but I’ve cut back. Still, there are …