Today, I woke up at 5am. I wasn't done sleeping but my almost six-month-old was up already and was demanding my attention. That is my sleepiest moment because I sleep late or I simply don't want to wake up yet. I don't sleep very early because I've got to get stuff done when she goes to bed. Stuff that can only be done when she goes to bed. Oh boy, I hope no one is thinking dirty now, lol. I'm working to complete a project so the best moment for me to work on that is when she is asleep.

Motherhood is great. In between feeding, washing, bathing, and playing with or changing her diapers which take most of my day, I only can squeeze out some time for myself. I try not to lose myself by taking care of myself too (self-care).

Related: Selfcare Ideas For New Moms

Self-care to me is a reminder that I too exist and need attention. That's why it's very important. The most common ways I do self-care is skincare where I do a facial, an exfoliation or a shave. I also do hair care which is often a hair wash or hair treatment. Some other times I focus on my mind and listen to some music using earphones so that I don't disturb anyone and I can enjoy my woofer moment by myself.

What I wanted to do today was just to wash my hair and do a simple treatment with aloe vera and olive oil. Then continue with my honey and turmeric mask treatment which I am on the fourth day already. I hope to share with you guys the results of this mask. Remember when my face broke out with acne some weeks ago?

But when I woke up this morning, just thinking about my face and hair care together with baby runs got me tired already as I lay in bed at 5 am. I almost gave up my self-care but I knew I will keep postponing it every day if I don't do it today because the routine every day is almost the same. There always seems to be a lot to do and no time to take care of me. I then made up my mind to do it while taking care of her.

Self-care Struggles of a New Mom - Lessons I've learned

What To Do

The most important is to organize. For my facial, I applied it right after she slept in the morning. The plan was to leave it on for one hour but it finally stayed on for more than two hours because I had to bath, dress, feed, breastfeed, wash and dry her clothes.

mylocaladventuresblog.blogspot.com - black hair - Self-care - Struggles of a New Mom - Lessons I've learned

My hair was washed during my bath time and the combing and treatment process was interrupted by feeding, breastfeeding, etc.

What I learned from doing all these today was that no one will ever give you the time. You have to take it or find time to do things for yourself as you do for others. Some things will definitely adjust as you begin to care for yourself more.

Another lesson is doing self-care at your own pace. Don't compare yourself to other women who have a lot of help and more time for self-care. Just do what you can today and leave the rest for tomorrow. If you planned to do a facial and pedicure but you managed to do just the pedicure then leave the facial for the next day. Don't beat yourself to it.

mylocaladventuresblog.blogspot.com Self-care - Struggles of a New Mom - Lessons I've learned

Also, it's ok to do things with breaks. You can take several breaks while doing your hair to attend to your kids or something else. As long as you get your hai done eventually. Self-care doesn't mean you must block a particularly long time and pay attention to only you. It is creating time for you which can come in bits or halves because other people's (your kids) lives depend on you. Make sure that your self-care doesn't have a negative impact on those you care for or you may feel so selfish instead of worthy.

mylocaladventuresblog.blogspot.com Self-care - aloe vera

It might have taken almost the whole day to do a simple self-care routine today but I feel even more satisfied not neglecting mom duties as well. I oiled, combed and cut my hair into small sections before braiding it to ease the application of the treatment and to sleep without worries about my hair entangling.

I finally applied the aloe vera to my hair by 5pm and everything seems great. What I did was mash the aloe vera leaves between my fingers till the transparent gel came out and I applied the gel to my hair.

Feeling all good after taking care of myself. This post is to encourage you moms like me to keep your self-care game up no matter what.

Bloggers are content creators who make the internet very useful to everyone. Every article you've read or that has helped you one way or the other was written and posted by a blogger or a content creator whose aim was to help those in need of that information.

I started blogging out of passion and I also realized that my blog helps others make better decisions about a product they want to purchase, treat a skin problem or solve a life situation which they find difficult to handle by themselves. This information is often given for free to our readers and we get satisfaction from the feedback we get.

Despite the passion we feel for blogging, we can get discouraged at times and lose the inspiration to write. The lack of motivation may be a result of little or no feedback or the lack of resources to keep on blogging. A blogger could also be going through 'life' as we usually say. We are human too and one life situation could cause us to become discouraged or not think of blogging.

If you've ever wondered how to support your favourite blogger or encourage them to keep doing what they do, then here are a few ways you can do so. These methods are free and don't take anything from you other than your time.

How to support your favourite blogger for free

6 Free Ways To Support Your Favourite Blogger

1) Read their Blogs

Isn't that obvious? Reading the blog posts of your favourite blogger(s) is a way of supporting and encouraging them. Bloggers need views! They love it when their blogs are being read. That's why they put out the blog post - for it to be read. So please read the blog posts of the blogger(s) you love and care about. Thanks for reading this post by the way!

2) Click on Ads on their blogs

Do click on the advertisement (Ads) you see on our blogs. Especially if you need the product or are just curious about it. Yes, bloggers make money from the Ads you click on (if they are Google Adsense Ads) and yes, bloggers do need money too. They want to make money from their passion just like all other artists or creators out there are making some money from their passion.

If you love a blogger or their work, then you shouldn't ignore the ads that you see on their sidebars and within their blog posts. Clicking on an ad is free! It takes nothing from your wallet.

When you see any ads that are relevant to you and you feel curious, click to find out more. This helps you satisfy your curiosity and also helps your favourite blogger(s) make some money.

3) Leave them comments on their blogs

And please be nice in your comments. I'm not saying that you shouldn't say your mind sometimes but just put it in the nicest way possible. We are humans too and can seriously be hurt by your words. Let your criticism be constructive and stay polite while you do it.

Comments make bloggers feel extra happy because they know that their blog really made an impact on the person commenting. If you enjoyed the post or have another perspective then share your thoughts in the comment section of the blog. This will really encourage your favourite blogger(s).

Another reason we love comments is that we really want to know our readers and what they will like to read on our blogs. So when you leave a comment, we get to know you (better) and write blog posts with you in mind.

4) Send them encouraging private messages

You can write a cool message or mail to encourage the blogger(s) you like. Especially when they stay for a while without posting new content. They may be going through a 'life' and a simple message will really be nice. Just say 'Hi' and tell them you miss them posting new blogs or that you read their blog always. Also telling them how their blog has inspired you to do something is a very good thing to say to your favourite blogger(s).

5) Give them a shout-out on social media

A shout-out to your favourite blogger(s) with a sweet message will be nice. It will help them to be discovered by more people and increase their blog visits or followers on social media.

6) Recommend and share their blog with others who need it

Please never hesitate to recommend good blogs to those your friends and family. Sharing is caring oh. Please share our blogs with those people who may need the information we share on our blogs.

Those are the six ways that you can support and encourage your favourite blogs. And they are all free!

Please share this blog with your friends. I hope you enjoyed reading it as well. Thanks for supporting me by reading this blog post until the end. I'm grateful!

I also want to thank all those who have been visiting, reading and commenting on my blogs. You guys rock! Thank you! I hope you keep on supporting me and I hope to keep writing interesting posts for you guys.

I saw a post on Pinterest that reminded me of a conversation I once had with a friend. During our conversation, I told him that I don't want to work for someone else because I don't want to leave my child in the care of another person. My baby had just turned four months old. The thought of leaving her to go out and work was unbearable. I have never gone a day without her since she was born. I wasn't ready to experience that either.

I have always wanted to work for myself. Own my own business and spend more time with my family. That's why I started a business while in the university hoping it will grow big enough to take care of me by the time I complete. I also got into blogging some years ago out of passion. Then I started making efforts to monetize my blog which I am currently doing so with Adsense. While these methods are slow in providing an income for me, they are not yet stable as well.

As time goes on, I'm considering having a 9/5 job with some organization. I've realized it takes more time and hard work to make an income from a business that is able to sustain my lifestyle and needs. My fear is that nine-to-fives can be very demanding and the time spent on your own hustle becomes very little. I really want to succeed in business and that's my priority. But a girl needs to ~~survive~~ and live well and that requires that money be made now.

In this post, I want to share with you guys my point of view on: Why I prefer owning my own business to being an employee and also why I will consider being an employee though all I want is to be my own boss.

1) Why I prefer owning my own business

There's everything to love about owning a business:

It is flexible

And that's what I love about being an entrepreneur. I set the time for most appointments and I can adjust accordingly. It's even more suitable to be an entrepreneur for me now that I am a mom because babies don't really have a fixed program on when they want to eat, cry or change diapers. I have to adapt to my baby's time so working on your own terms is very rewarding as a mom. This flexibility I can't have from a nine-to-five job.

It's fulfilling

Yeah, it's a dream come true for me to own a business so I feel so fulfilled doing it. Like I often say the feeling and satisfaction I get doing what I love can't be bought with any amount of money. I enjoy the things I do for my businesses (blogging, designing, making, thrifting and selling fashion items).

It's promising

The income isn't enough at the moment but it is promising. From what others in the domain have achieved I believe I can do better. The income can grow to really large sums with time whereas when you are an employee how much you make is decided by someone else.

2) Why do I also consider working for someone else

The income is secured

Yes, I'm sure of getting paid at the end of the month. That certainty alone is enough to give me a good night's sleep opposed to being an entrepreneur where I have to continuously worry about making money. Sometimes, I just need that peace of mind. It's not easy to worry about where your income will come from because almost all of life's problems are linked to money. So that security you get when you are employed or work for someone makes me want to go find a job.

There's less to stress about as an employee

As mentioned above, whether the organization is making a profit or not, you get paid at the end of the month (or get laid off, lol). It is the duty of your employer to pay you as long as you are employed and do your own side of the contract. But when you work for yourself you have to worry about paying others who work for you and also paying yourself amongst other things like satisfying customers, making the right product and offering the best service you possibly can. I sometimes just want to avoid this stress.

And the stress is on you 24/7. As long as you own a business you are thinking about it all the time especially when you are just starting and doing it all alone. You are all your business has got. The only employee who does everything. So you may be working 24/7. And doing business in a country like mine (Cameroon) is not easy.

My business is mostly online as I blog and I sell most of my products online using Facebook and Instagram. It's very challenging and as I write this I just got the idea to do another blog post for you guys on the challenges an online business owner based in Cameroon faces. It may apply to other African countries but I don't want to generalise as we (African countries don't have the same problems or at least not to the same degree).

Those are my thoughts about being an entrepreneur and being an employee. Honestly, I'm still confused about whether to take a job or not. I do want a job, oh, but the things that I want to come along with it are lol... let's just laugh because if I mention them I may look too picky when it comes to that. I do check online to find something that will suit me right now. I think it's good to have something to do while you work on your dreams. Especially when your dreams may take a long time to pay the bills. So I'm working on that.

Well, guys, that's it for this post. Hope you enjoyed this chat. Please leave your thoughts in the comment section if you want to continue the conversation. I'm taking a sigh of relief right now as I sign out because my daughter slept without through as I wrote this post. Even if she wakes up now my mind is at peace, lol.

The face is one of those parts of the body that when affected can cause anxiety because that's where everyone is looking at when they lay eyes on you. It feels uncomfortable to be aware of the possibility that someone is judging you because you have acne or blemishes.

That's how I have been feeling lately as my face broke out recently. Tiny and large pimples suddenly popped out of nowhere. It doesn't look like the regular pimples with whiteheads. But the type that is provoked by something serious.

Then my period started lately and this got me thinking that it was probably the cause of the breakout.

Breakouts can be stressful and sometimes there's something we can do about it but other times there's nothing we can do but wait for them to disappear.

I'm making this post to discuss the major possible causes of facial breakouts and how to manage them.

Common reasons why you have facial breakouts and how to manage them.

Periods

This is the most common cause of facial breakouts for most women. The changes in the body and modifications before, during and after periods can cause acne. These changes are caused by an increase in the hormone called progesterone which stimulates the secretion of sebum from your sebaceous glands. Yeah, that sounds so biological but that's why women's skin breakout when they have their periods.

Acne during periods should be left alone. Simply cleanse your face and keep it clean at all times. Try not to pop, rub or scratch the pimples. For some of us trying not to touch the pimples can be hard. But doing so could make it worse or leave spots on your face.

Stomach problems

Yes, that's right. Having infections in the stomach can cause a breakout of acne on your face and skin in general. I once suffered from this for such a long time. I had a yeast infection in my stomach and it made my skin horrible. I had acne that wouldn't go away no matter what I did or used.

There are other infections that could cause your face to break out. In cases where acne won't heal or go away easily, consider seeing a doctor especially if you feel stomach aches or problems. If the acne is caused by stomach problems make sure you follow a treatment prescribed by a qualified doctor. Treating the infection in your belly will stop the breakout then you can use regular products to clear the spots it leaves on your face.

Change in weather and diet

A change in weather can cause breakouts because your skin is trying to adapt to a new temperature or weather condition.

I would say you should give it a little time to adjust without applying or using an aggressive product to your skin. Also, see a dermatologist if you can.

If you change your diet you may also experience breakouts. Also, find out which foods may be responsible for acne and control your intake of these foods.

Allergies

Allergies may cause acne. A doctor can help you find out what you are allergic to. When you find out do avoid it.

Those are the common causes of facial breakouts. Above all, keep your beddings clean especially your pillowcases because dirt is also a major cause of breakouts.

How to Cook Achu and Yellow Soup As Bafut Women Do

Growing up, I never used to like eating Achu but now that I'm older I tell myself 'see what you have been missing!'

Achu is the traditional meal of my village (you can guess from the title of this blog) and it is not only eaten but also highly respected and traditional. A lot of importance is attached to this meal and you won't find that Achu is lacking in certain occasions, especially during our weddings and funerals.

Though a lot of people enjoy this meal, they also dread its preparation which is caused by the ponding of the cocoyams. The soup is quite easy to make though the grinding of its ingredients can be quite difficult for those who are not used to grinding on the stone.

That said let's get into the recipe!

How to Cook Achu and Yellow Soup Like Bafut Women Do

First, select and wash the cocoyams and 'Achu banana' then put them in the pot. Put the cocoyams first then the banana on top. Add some water and put on the fire to cook till very soft.

When the cocoyams are done, start by pounding the 'Achu banana'. Pound in small batches to make sure that the Acchu is smooth and free of large particles.

Pound the banana then the cocoyam and mix both gradually as the Achu increases.

When you are done pounding everything, mix it till smooth and add a little water to the mixture if necessary. The mixture should not be too soft and not too strong as well.

Harvest and warm plantain leaves on the fire. Clean them and cut it into smaller pieces. Wrap the Achu in them to make bundles of various sizes or as you prefer.

How to prepare the Achu soup (Yellow soup)

Prepare the ingredients by grinding them. This is usually done on a grinding stone. There are more ingredients you can use but here are the ingredients used for this soup. The round ones are called Follow in my mother tongue. The others I don't know what they are called. The names vary with villages or tribes.

You can go to the market and ask to be sold a combination of ingredients for Achu soup and the seller will put these ingredients together for you.

Burn the fullow before grinding and you may need to add some water at some point to make the mixture quite smooth.

using a grinding stone in africa cameroon

In the meantime put the meat on the fire and let it boil.

Wash the Canda (cow skin) thoroughly, rinse well and slice. Add it to the boiling meat and let it boil till ready.