Tips from a beautician
IT’S easy to think you’ll remember every item you need once you’re browsing the store, but in the hustle and bustle of shopping there’s bound to be something you’d forget.
And that’s why Monica Singh always makes sure that she jots her shopping list and plans meals beforehand so she can move more efficiently through the supermarket.
Ms Singh, a professional beautician said growing up she was always interested in make-ups, learning the different cosmetic brands and even taught herself threading after observing others.
The 35-year-old says she has been doing this job for eight years and is proud about the fact that she has built a strong client base in Suva.
“I do threading, waxing pedicure and manicure, styling hairs and general beauty care,” Ms Singh said.
“I’ve always dreamt of being in the beauty and therapy field and I don’t regret it at all.”
This week she shares her shopping experience with the public.
WE all know the feeling. Groceries shopping can be a daunting task simply because there are many choices.
To avoid the hassle Monica Singh says she always plans their meals for the week and create a shopping list because it saves her time in running back to the store supermarket for missing ingredients.
Groceries shopping for the family of four are done weekly.
Ms Singh said they usually shopped at New World, Shop n Save and MaxVal-U simply because they’re convenient, affordable and within her budget. They have friendly staff members, clean stores, spacious, well presented and clean meat sections.
“My budget is usually between $100 to $150 and our shopping list includes dhal, rice, sugar, flour, oatmeals, oil, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits and nuts to name a few,” she said.
Ms Singh says the family groceries shopping are usually done by her and her partner .
“My partner and I are quite different in the way we shop but despite that I know I can always count on him because it’s always good to get a second opinion, he is a gym fanatic so he knows more about healthy products, or substitutes when I can’t find what I need and plus he’s a smart shopper especially when it comes to budgeting.”
With the increasing number of non-communicable disease (NCDs) recorded over the years Ms Singh says extreme emphasis is placed on healthy choices especially when they are out shopping.
She adds shoppers should always buy fresh fruits, vegetables and root crops.
“Health shouldn’t be compromised sometimes it does not hurt a bit to go out of your budget and purchase healthy meals that’s if you’re really concerned about your health.
“Secondly people should cook their own meals instead of eating out because we don’t know how we are served in restaurants, the type and amount of oil is used to cook meals, how the food was prepared and done and how long it was in the warmer for.
“When you cook your own food, you’ll know what you need, the amount of salt, oil and ingredients used.”
She advised the public to shop smart.
“Don’t shop hungry because an empty belly often results in impulse purchases that may not be the healthiest.
“Good nutrition starts with smart choices in the grocery store and never go shopping on the weekends.
“Weekends are one of the most crowded times at grocery stores.”
She says doing major shopping at peak hours is a bad idea because it’s never fun to fight the crowds and endure long lines.
“Off hours are typically first thing in the morning, late in the evening and during the week.”