Post Liverpool 2014

Summer 2014 was awesome, if not, life changing. I remember the mental torture of arriving at KLIA 3 hours early to board my 14 hour flight via Emirates to Manchester. Late night car joyrides I can do with but plane rides I rather not. I waited anxiously not knowing how would I react to the take-off. Happy to say I didn't freak out although I did get the occasional sweaty palms. But as the hours went by, fear turned into immense boredom and discomfort from sitting/sleeping upright.

As summer came to an end I literally dreaded the flight back home. Not due to fear of flying but surprisingly, I was pretty emotional about leaving. Those 4 months couldn't have gone by any quicker. 3 months spent in a foreign university with a much interesting teaching style and less than a month backpacking around Europe. Backpacking was literally the icing on the cake for me.

I read an article about how travelling alone can actually teach you a lesson or two about life. Mostly involving deep thinking and self-discovery moments. But I can relate a thing or two though I didn't backpack alone. 

I guess I can start with the fact that I have no issues with getting lost. I feel that it is almost necessary to keep your map in your pocket and walk to whatever random path you take atleast for a day. I really find it more enjoyable because of the number of surprises around every corner that you turn into. Like that moment we discovered a quaint little restaurant selling cicchetti in Venice. Then it turned into an obsession to try every single cicchetti. Sorta. Come to think of it, I guess I didn't mind that much because we didn't have a long list of "must see" places. We just went around like free spirited travelers. Unless the weather is scorching hot like in most parts of Italy, then out comes the diva in us. In me, to say the least.

I am not so much of an introvert that I used to be. Even back in Liverpool, I thought I wasn't that outgoing until I have a few sips of liquid courage. It really felt like I was having a Raj from Big Bang Theory moment. Though, I have no issues talking to the opposite sex like he did. I would say, drinking for social purposes. It was such a shame that I finally crawl out from my introvert shell towards the end of the programme. But whilst backpacking, I kind of had a self redeeming moment where I met a handful of new faces and can actually hold a conversation without feeling like an awkward fool. In all honesty, staying in hostels can be fun but it really depends on the room mates you get assigned to share the dorm with. 

I underestimated my love for desserts. It was bad. European desserts are just...so pretty to look at. Even better when it ends up in my stomach. It had gotten so bad that it came to a point of having atleast an ice cream cone a day. Spotting a gelato or bakery shop/stall is like discovering a gold mine. There was a moment where I had too many chocolates that I avoided it for a couple of days. Anytime of the day is somewhat perfect for dessert. But that also mean that I had put back on the weight that I painstakingly loss in Liverpool.

Most of my fears turned into something pleasant. It was quite a relief to know that my life is less restricted as I conquer them one by one. The biggest one I had was the fear of flying but I didn't have a single break down through the entire trip. I still get a little nervous before boarding but I debunked the fact that take offs will trigger my anxiety.

This may or may not be life related but I will point it out anyway. Spain and Italy wasn't as scary as everyone claimed it to be. However I beg to differ for France. Sure there is the beautiful Eiffel tower to look at but the subway stations are just plain dodgy and that is where most of the pick pocketing activities happen. However, I guess it doesn't hurt to be more vigilant when travelling. Just don't get to the point that it turns you into an uptight and overly paranoid tourist. 

Been sorting through my pictures and figured I should do a post about my backpacking trip. Not sure but we'll see how things goes.

Have You Been Naughty Or Nice?

This post is not related to Christmas or anything of that sort. Over dinner at my gramps place (mom's side), the topic of giving alms under grandpa's name was brought up.

In Buddhism, giving of alms is the beginning of one's journey to Nirvana. 

That was plucked from Wikipedia. I don't know the entirety of the relationship between giving alms and souls but what I do know is that it helps the soul gain merits so that they can reach Nirvana. Naturally we started to talk about what good deeds we have done for ourselves or for grandpa's soul.

Then my mom mentioned an incident that happened last weekend when she was in NSK. She was queuing behind this foreigner and he had two apples in hand for weighing. Then there was an exchanged of words between him and the guy behind the counter. Both were speaking in a foreign language. In the end, the guy only decided to buy one apple instead. So my mom assume that perhaps the guy was trying to bargain for the price of the apples. Seeing that the apples only cost 40 cents each, my mom told the guy behind the counter that she would pay for it. 

Fast forward to today, it had me thinking. How often do we do something nice? In a scenario as mentioned above, we can't possible expect anything more than a thank you. Which leads to this question. How often do we do something nice WITHOUT expecting anything in return?

Goodbye 22, Harro 23!

I turn 23 today!

Woke up early for a buffet breakfast with my side of the family and Aunt Angela (mom's sista), Uncle Steven, Joey, Kate (Joey's gf) and Rach. It was from a Mydeal.com deal. RM20 per pax for an international buffet breakfast spread at Mines Wellness Hotel. Can't complain or expect much considering that it is RM20. I didn't snap pictures though because it didn't really crossed my mind. I just wanted to slug my way around with plates of food. haha In case you're wondering what I had, feel free to click here for the menu and refer to Sunday's coloumn.

After breakfast, I head home and napped for 2 hours. Talk about a being pig. But! I made up for it by doing 12 minutes of fat blasting exercise. Just finished and had the inspiration to blog. So here I am typing this post. To sum up before the day ends, this year's birthday celebration is pretty much low key for me. But the little things made up for it. Like birthday wishes from friends, family and random strangers on Facebook AND I get to redeem all the birthday discounts and free gifts! (*^.^*)

Going to get ready for dinner with the family now. I hope the skies will hold up it's pee before I reach the restaurant. Pleeeeeaseeee!!

Midnight Ramblings #1

This year celebrating my birthday is not an option since my grandpa passed away in February. Something to do with the chinese tradition. It never occur to me that I will miss him THIS much. I wouldn't say I am close to him but he was like a permanent fixture whenever I visit. I would step into my gramps place and greet everyone...including grandpa and then plop myself on the couch or gossip with the aunts and cousins.

Life goes on. That is true. But there will always be a void that nothing can replace. I hate to admit that I took my grandpa for granted. I am not as ignorant as I still help him when he needs me but it is just that thought that I could've done better.

Although a month has passed, I still think about everything that took place at times. From the day my mom called me at 9 something in the morning, up to the moment I bid grandpa goodbye at the crematorium. I am kind of still in the denial state. It still doesn't feel like he is gone. Like, he is often resting in his room. So whenever I go over now, although he isn't there, I still have this impulsive side thinking that he is in his room. Even after offering a joss stick to his picture at his home made altar.  

I definitely place more attention and care to my grandma now. I suppose that is only natural unless you are already BFFs with your grandma then kudos to you *thumbs up* I hugged her for the first time in years, on the day grandpa passed away. She came out from her room crying and kept saying that grandpa is gone. I cried but was speechless and naturally just offered her a hug. So that was how it happened. I count it as an "achievement unlocked" moment. Hopefully I can give her more hugs in the future but for now, my awkward self seem to be restraining me from doing so. *haiyoo*

Like I said. Life goes on. Things are slowly getting back on track. Everyone is going about their lives trying to get it together. As for me, I am pretty much a computer chair potato everyday except for Monday, Thursday and Saturday. I have to tutor kids on those days. Some times...they make me want to punch a wall. Not because they are cute...but because they really love to test my patience (>.<)

I thought women are known for extreme mood swings, I swear, kids aged between 3 to 6 are no different. One moment they are sweet, cheerful and discipline and like a flip of a switch they wreck havoc. 

Feels good to empty my thoughts here. I guess I am getting back into my blogging habit. Or maybe not. I don't know. We'll see :)

What 25% Means To Me

It means a heck lot, I'll tell you that.

I anticipated a week of zero spending besides cab fares and RM1 mineral water for work. But I got sucked into the world of online shopping. Luxola was having a 25% off promotion for a week. Each day the sale will last for only 2 hours!

Been wanting to try Mario Badescu's skincare products for quite some time now. But whenever I look at the price in Sephora I would just drop my shoulders and walk away. Looking at the sale, I knew I wanted to get it right away.

I have read a lot of praises for MB's skin care line. But since I have just settled with my current skin care routine, I decided to just get 2 products to treat acne. MB's Silver Powder and Drying Cream. So far I have only used the silver powder once. It was pretty messy after it dried up. Probably will write a review on that.

Away from skin care, I also got Phyto's Phytocyane Densifying Treatment Shampoo. I thought this was the same shampoo as the travel size one that I received from one of my beauty box subscriptions. I LOVE LOVE that shampoo! I remember it is from Phyto but I couldn't remember which line it was. So I sorta bought this thinking it was the one I have tried before.

I have only used it once and I don't really like the watery consistency of this shampoo. Although it lathers pretty well. Will give it a few more go to see if it perform wonders for my hair. *fingers crossed*

Concert Diary #1

- MARCH 16th 2013 -

1st concert of year 2013 kicked start with a bang. Went for Future Music Festival Asia in Sepang and danced until the A.M.

Couldn't ask for a better line up. Temper Trap played a set, then there was FUN and boy can he sing! and PSY really brought the house down with his famous "Gangnam Style" hit.

when there's a concert, there's us.

I lost it when they played my favourite song, "Love Lost". Got a little teary eyed because it was literally a dream come true to watch them perform live.

the view from the ferris wheel ride. literally, on top of the world.

- MAY 19th 2013 -

I was pretty shocked when I heard that they will be performing in KL. I mean, come on, The Used? In Malaysia? who would've thought. 

The concert was help in KL Live and that night was my first time setting foot there. Although the concert venue was small, it didn't stop people from moshing like mad. It was insane. There was what I think is called 'the wall of death'? I dunno. But basically the crowd splits into two sides creating a straight line gap in the middle and when given the cue, they will charge head on and join in the centre and bounce off each others sweaty body.

Sealed the night with a group picture with the band and got them to sign my ticket.

That dude facing Bert was drunk even before the concert started. He and his buddy (equally drunk) were going around hugging people and giving high fives.

- AUGUST 19th 2013 -

Honestly, I had really high hopes of having a good time but somehow I felt that the concert was...meh. I did have a moment to take in everything but it didn't felt as exciting as it did during FMFA or The Used. 

There was minimal head banging strangers from my standing point. Not normal for a rock concert. Maybe they are feeling under the weather? since it drizzled throughout the concert.

But hey, I get to scratch that off my bucket list of things to do before I die.

Linkin Park concert. Checked.

- SEPTEMBER 27th 2013 -

I won a pair of meet and greet passes to rub shoulders with The All American Rejects, Five For Fighting and The Wanted. I was ecstatic because I get to meet my favourite band, AAR!

I was a little disappointed that there wasn't much interaction with the boys from AAR though...when I was getting my CD autographed, they were just talking among themselves. I noticed that they did that most of the time. I guess I also have myself to blame because instead of having anything witty to say I just smiled dumbly at them. I was speechless.

I felt kinda bummed out after that but The Wanted made up for it. I smiled dumbly at them too. I couldn't help myself. I was star-struck! They were all so....good looking (Tyson Ritter is still my dearest). Recovering from my speechless moment with AAR I mustered enough courage to tell them how good looking they were. 

I repeated that 3 times like an idiot *major face palm*

Singer from Five For Fighting

My partner in crime for the day was Kye Lin. We later met Emily at Sky Bar during the meet and greet session at Sky Bar.

The Wanted.

I forgot to mention that I got hugs and kisses from them. On the cheek of course. I wouldn't mind on the lips though...just saying :P

#18052013 Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld

I was at the L'Oreal warehouse sale 3 weekends ago and manage to get my hands on a STEAL! I wasn't as hyped up about it a couple of years ago until I found love in make up. I only got to know about this awesome warehouse sale from my mom and aunt. They NEVER fail to attend this event every year! Especially my aunt. She would be the first in line at 8am.

Anyway, I manage to get myself 2 eye shadow + blush palette and a brush + pouch set from Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld's collection for only RM200. I don't know about you but my jaw literally dropped and I just knew I had to get it. Though I made a mistake for not checking the condition of the palettes. Two of the eye shadow pan is crooked but overall condition still boleh tahan.

Freaky but cute packaging. Mon Shu needs no introduction. This collection was released during Christmas season in 2012. So I am not too late to own it :P

(natural lighting)

(with flash)

(natural lighting)

As mentioned earlier, the top-left eye shadow pans from both the palettes were crooked. But I think it is better than having it fall out from a loose pan. So I can dismiss the crooked-ness =/

(with flash)

On the left is the Smoky Velvet palette and right, the Prestigious Bordeaux palette.

I tried swatching a few colours while at the warehouse sale. Absolutely love the texture and the colour pay off is good. I was kind of taken a back when the sales girl told me the bottom-right pan on each palettes are actually blushers. That size is pretty inconvenient for huge brushes to pick up the product. But that pretty much explains the size of the powder brush that came with the brush pouch =/

I didn't take a picture of the pouch overall. But here is one I grabbed from Beautezine.

(photo credit to Beautezine)

This set came with a powder/blush brush, eye shadow brush, concealer brush and a lip brush. The sizes of these brushes is comparable to an Iphone 4S.

Overall I find it pretty handy to carry around as a touch up/travel kit. There is a little pouch on the side for you to put whatever that is necessary.It doesn't fit a whole lot for a full face make up, so do take note of that. 

Personally, I wouldn't see myself using these brushes anytime soon because I already have another full size set of brushes which I can get a better grip instead of these mini ones. But I guess I might consider bringing them for a fuss free vacation make up kit.

Here is a Mon Shu interpretation by one of my favourite beauty guru on Youtube, Pixiwoo.