My Happy Ending ♥

Exposed Zipper Trend

2011-05-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

This trend has been around for several seasons already and I'm sure most people have already indulged in a couple pieces. I don't know why, but I'm in LOVE with the zipper trend. It's my Achilles fashion heel. It makes me immediately want to buy whatever the product is! It's so simple yet ingenious and totally chic. It gives the item a bit of an edge and a sexy touch. When one thinks of a zipper, one pictures zipping it down to expose whatever is being hidden. It's inadvertently slinky and flirtatious and mischievous! Some people don't like this trend and that's fine. It can look trashy or gaudy if overdone (this can apply to almost every trend), so downplay the rest of the outfit and keep it simple.

Here are some clothes from my collection:

New spring collection from XXI. Very cute and ruffly :3 I wear this with skinny jeans and cute shoes.

Zippered skirt I got a long time ago from Sirens. I wore this to school and my classmate asked if the zipper could really pull down. I said yeah and he told me I should be careful. LOL!

From Dynamite, probably from the fall/winter 10 collection. Cute jacket, resembles a blazer but is longer and hits just at the bottom. Sleeves are slightly flared and comes with a matching satin belt. Side zipper that can be worn in many different ways.

Turns into a high collar jacket when zipped all the way up.

My jacket I got ages ago from an Asian fashion shop. Metallic buttons on the shoulders, zippers down the chest (not real) and a peephole in the back.

Rockin' Guess shoes I got in January. Looks pretty, unfortunately wrecks havoc on the foot.

What? No zippered leggings? No edgy zippered bag? I know, calm down =_= Those are on my 'To Buy' list. I've been eyeing this amazing zippered bag by Guess from my workplace.

(:

ZZZzzzzip!

My 'Fitspiration'

2011-05-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

Thinspiration is a combination of the word 'thin' and 'inspiration'. It's supposed to motivate young girls or boys to lose weight and eat better in order to look like the models or celebrities in the photographs. While it's always good to have a little boost to help motivate when one lacks energy or drive during a diet, but oftentimes thinspiration wears down the self esteem when the dietee cannot reach the level of thinness that they see in their pictures.

I think it's great if people try to lose weight and be healthy, but I get disturbed when I stumble onto pro-ana sites and see tips such as: "When you get hunger pains curl into a ball, it makes them go away" and "Take a pure cold bath for 15-30 min to lower your body temp, your body burns around 200 cals for every degree it has to raise itself to reach a normal body temperature". It hurts my heart to think what these people have to go through just to attain some standard of perfection.
Here are some examples of 'thinspiration'.

Losing weight is fine, but not if they one has to go to drastic means in order to do it. Anorexia, bulimia, binging and purging are extremely dangerous eating disorders with serious outcomes. They can lead to weakness, organ failure, and in some cases, death. Some key points they all have in common are: a psychological disorder, dissatisfaction with body image and a intense fear of gaining weight. Some more information on them can be found here: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binging and Purging.

***

So this brings me to my 'fitspiration'. Summer is almost here and it would be nice to get in shape for the beach and the cute new fashion trends stores are churning out this year. I've been underweight most of my life and have been told by doctors that I need to get my BMI up. I'm also slightly anemia, I'm not sure if that is attributed to that or if I was born with it. I also can't donate blood without my own health being at risk. So for this summer, I'm looking to get fit and healthy!

The triple Fs- Fierce, Fit and Fabulous. I'm going to eat full and healthy (lots of vegetables, pasta, chicken) with lots of liquids. I might even take vitamins even though I forget. I'm going to continue doing my workouts at home and sign up for a gym membership (= =) and go jogging once in a while. But one a week or so I get a relax day where I can slack a little bit on my regime. Enough talk, let's get to the photos!

"You are like art, to be loved and not destroyed."

(:

Best Drugstore Concealer

2011-04-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Forgive my absences, I had finals and then I went on a mischievously marvelous trip for a week and just recently I remembered "Oh shit, I have a blog and wonderfully loyal readers" and I better book it and give my fingers a work out on SpotBlog if I want to keep both of them.

This is my second attempt at a "Best Concealer" post. I went back and looked at my draft on it a year ago and all I wrote was:
"This concealer is thick enough to give you a perfect coverage yet it doesn't look like you plied on makeup!"
Haha Amy. Plied? Oh girl.

Best Drugstore Concealer

E.L.F. All Over Cover Stick

This little concealer is tiny and come in a cute little container with a lid on it. You don't get a lot of product, but for $1 it doesn't matter that much. It has a very creamy consistency and the coverage is buildable to full. There is a slight orange smell but it's quite faint. The coverage of this product is great for under the eyes and discoloration, but does it settles into lines a little. A downfall of this is that shades are limited (around 5) and they do take on more of a orange hue. Also, those with oily skin may want to stay away as the combo might look greasy.

Hard Candy Glamoflauge

Found at local Walmart stores, this little gem comes in a lipgloss style squeeze tube with a mini pencil concealer. Glamoflague is extremely pigmented and is full coverage so all you need is a small dot for your entire face. It blends well, covers dark circles and has a creamy consistency. Don't over-apply or it will look cakey. The colour selection is disastrous, however; there is light, medium and tan. If you are in between categories then you will need to dilute the concealer with witch magic or just pray for more shades. :(

Cover Girl CG Smoothers Concealer

Resembling a nude lipstick at first glance, Smoothers comes in a lipstick tube to be dabbed on the face in a similar manner. It has a creamy consistency, gives smooth application and covers up blemishes and dark circles. The coverage is medium but can be built up and the product is easy to blend. This product is considered to be a cult classic and has been a staple for years. This product also comes in 'Neutralizer' and 'Illuminator'.

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer

Lightweight and fluffy, it's like a marshmallow confection for your face! Glides on soft and creamy and dries to a powdery finish. It does not cake up, even though it may look heavy, and gives good coverage. It comes in a heavy glass container and doesn't give a lot of product but a little goes a long way. Use in conjunction with Dream Mousse Foundation for a rockin' flawless airbrushed look.

* I believe this product has recently been discontinued. Stock up if your drugstore is still carrying them.

(:

Review: Covergirl LashBlast (Original, Waterproof and Fusion)

2011-03-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

I bet you bitches thought I was dead! (:

Nope, just took a loooong vacation from blogging. I have absolutely no excuses for not writing for so long. No convenient explanation, no cute coverup. Just call me a lazy dumbbutt, forgive me and lets move on!

(You don't have a reason for a month of laziness?)

No, shut up foo'!

This is a review on Covergirl LashBlast Mascara- Original, Waterproof and Fusion.

Y'all know what the products look like, they have been around forever and are considered mascara 'cult classics'.

My thin little Asian lashes. Sparse, thin and short to boot!

With two coats of mascara.

Covergirl LashBlast (original):
It's a lovely mascara that does great at volumizing, providing length and separating the lashes. I love how thick and lush my lashes look after applying this, however too many coats will leave them clumpy and heavy and a little crunchy. Yum!

The length is decent, good for those who just want a little more elongation. As for me, I love the butterfly falsies look, so this doesn't quite cut it for me. This mascara NEVER smudges on me, which (trust me) is saying a lot. I have oily lids and my eyes tend to water a lot; at one point in life I got so tired of raccoon eyes that I stopped wearing mascara for a YEAR When curled, it holds the curl nicely. I'm not a huge fan of the giant barrel brush; my eyes are pretty small and it's difficult to reach the small lashes at the ends... and getting the ones at the bottom require an surgeon's steady hand to apply.

Covergirl LashBlast (waterproof):
Almost identical to the original except it holds a better curl and is difficult to remove.

Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion:
This mascara is claims to provide both length and volume, hence the FUSION. This mascara gives crazy length! I find it provides almost double the length the original LashBlast gave me. And if I keep layering on coats, I get mile long Betty Boop flutterlashes. With that in mind, I have to say this product gives very little volume, by little I mean almost none. I find that it tints my lashes darker and provides a little thickness, but that's it. No wonder I can keep applying coats without it getting hard.

I like this mascara for a really pretty, natural look. It's hard to tell I'm wearing mascara unless it's on close inspection and they still feel soft and fluttery. The formula seems a dryer than the original LashBlast so it wouldn't have a very long life. Due to it's dry formula, the lower lashes are easily reached. This mascara doesn't hold a curl as well as the original mascara.

Last thoughts? : When I layer these two mascaras on top of each other, I get the perfect blend of length and volume (probably what the Fusion mascara was supposed to be like). I don't do this all the time though, I'm more of a two-swipes-of-mascara-and-I'm-out-the-door kinda girl. I'm not loving the chunky packaging OR the bright highlighter colours (although Fusion is more toned down) OR the giant barrel brush, but it's what's inside that counts right?

In 4 words or less:

LashBlast: Volume and some length

Waterproof: Hard to wash off

Fusion: Length but little volume

All are pretty rockin'

Lazy School OOTD

2011-02-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

So this is what I wore to school the other day, nbd.
Just threw everything on in a hurry so I wouldn't be late to my first class (and trust me, this happens a lot).
I thought I'd take a couple pictures and show everyone :D

Pony tail on one side and connector rings :D

Coat: Miss Sixty
Tights: Urban Behavior
Boots: Spring
Bag: Guess
Ring: Aldo

Did anyone notice my "Team Snooki" hat?
It's so cute! I found it at Walmart, of all places.

(:

Coming Soon Movies I MUST Watch

2010-12-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

Black Swan

"A ballet dancer wins the lead in "Swan Lake" is perfect for the role of the delicate White Swan, but slowly looses her mind as she becomes more and more like the evil twin sister of the White Swan, the Black Swan." - IMDB

This trailer looks so siiick. To be honest, I have not heard of it until Michelle Phan did her makeup tutorial and I saw some commercials pop up and my friends talking about it on facebook. This movie looks so dark, disgusting, disturbing, another D word, and creepy. I must see it! It's by the same director as the movie Requiem for a Dream, which scarred me for a week but I still loved. God knows I love freaky movies, bring it on!

Release date: Limited release on December 10. Rated R.

Jane Eyre

"A mousy governess who softens the heart of her employer soon discovers that he's hiding a terrible secret." ~ IMDB

The new film adaptation of the dark and gothic book. I literally went "omgomgomg" as soon as I saw the trailer. I've mentioned before that I am SERIOUSLY in love with the book! I love the writing style, the desolate, haunted feeling of the novel and the strong heroine. My book is in shreds. I'm so excited for this movie, I hope it's as good as the book.. even though it rarely is. This stars Mia Wasikowska, the same girl from Alice in Wonderland.

Release Date: Feb 11 2011. Rated PG-13.

Green Hornet

"By night, debonair newspaper publisher Britt Reid fights crime as a masked superhero known as The Green Hornet. At his side is martial arts expert Kato." ~ IMDB

Looks like a rockin' action comedy movie with Seth Rogen, Nick Cage and JAY CHOU!!! Been a fan of his music and films for years and it's great that he's acting in western movies now. His English skills seem a little weak but I love his deadpan expression haha.

Release Date: January 14 2011. Rated PG?

Tron: Legacy

"The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father's creation turned bad and a unique ally who was born inside the digital domain of The Grid"

Tron: Legacy picks right off where the last movie ended, and with all the special effects in it being in 3D, you know it's going to be epic. The trailer alone blew my mind. If you were a fan of Avatar, this piece of eye candy is a must-see. But you must see this in IMAX 3D, that's the only way to watch this movie. ;]

Release Date: December 17 2010. Rated PG.

Burlesque

"A small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer."

Why do I want to see this? Well apart from the fact that I can spell "Burlesque" properly? This has got Christina Auguilera (who can actually sing), Cher, catchy songs, choreography and classiness.. which is needed in a risque movie such as this. This has been out for ages but I've never had time to see it yet. It's been nominated for 2 Golden Globes already with probably more to come!

Release Date: November 24 2010

Recent movies I've seen:

Harry Potter & the Deathy Hallows IMAX   4.5/5 on the rockin' scale
Tangled    4/5 on the rockin' scale
Let Me In   2/5 on the rockin' scale
Paranormal Activity 2 3/5 on the rockin' scale
Easy A    4.5/5 on the rockin' scale

(:

My Perfect Imperfections ♥

2010-12-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

My Perfect Imperfections

It's this sweet little tag going on that I'm completely too late at jumping on the bandwagon for. It's been out for weeks already and I'm only getting started on it right now! The tag originated from Andreaschoice on YouTube, where it spread like wildfire. I never thought about blogging about it until I saw Kimberdoll do an entry on it.

So here we go (:

I HATE!

My Eyes

First of all, I have small, almond shaped double lidded eyes but they're hardly noticeable. When I wear eye makeup or open my eyes wide, the lid disappears and i look like I have monolids. My best friend of 3 years one day said "Wah! I never knew you had double lids!" after a MUA said something about them.
I also have short and thin lashes to boot! They dont look normal until I put on a generous layer of mascara. Why do guys have such long and luscious lashes instead of the ladies? = =;
Third, my eyes are uneven. One is bigger than the other, and is actually higher up! When I wear glasses, one eye is always slightly peeking out over while the other is still quietly trying to outrun the other.
Last, I despise the colour of them. I used to dismiss them as boring black, but I'm slowly accepting them as chocolate brown with black flecks. Still boring though.
All of the above are fixable with surgery and cosmetic enhances, but I'll never succumb to them. Why? My eyes are my eyes. As small, boring and ugly as they are they are still mine and I'll never change them. Although I might give coloured contacts a whirl :D
Sorry this was pretty long.

My Head

It's pretty disproportional to the rest of my body. It's TINY! You know those stick figures you draw with the teeny head and the huge body? That's me, yeah. I don't get why people complain that their head is too big. Great, you look like a Bratz doll.. that must suck. Not as much as a small head!

My Hair

One of the great consistencies of my life. It always gets oily and limp and I must shampoo it every evening or have dingy tresses the next day. It also delights in being unruly, tangled, messy, unstyliable!... to being completely manageable and perfect the next day o.O
I always sleep with my hair wet. I don't get a headache and blow drying makes my hair weird.

I LIKE!

My Smile (:

Some people say it's the best part of my face. I'm usually a happy person, and I'm always looking for a laugh or a good time. I'm always laughing (it doesn't take much really!) and have been told I have a lovely smile (:
I have average sized lips (my mom has luscious full lips, wish I got those) and straight white teeth (straight from two extractions and a lifelong retainer). My bottom teeth are slightly crooked and I refuse to fix them because no one can see them when I smile!
I don't have perfect teeth, some are longer some shorter, but it's my smile.. I love it.

My Legs

I'm quite skinny for my height and age, and I have really long limbs as well. I don't quite care for my chicken arms, but my legs are not bad (: They kinda resemble toothpicks = = but with a little bulk and definition to them. I like the way they look in skinny jeans and heels and the way my thighs never touch.. unless I'm sitting down.

My Hands

Couldn't think of one for the last one.. it was a throwup between this or my brows.
My hands are long and slender with no scars, marks or ANY visible hair anywhere. My fingers are long and my nail beds are wide and nicely spaced, which makes it great for manicures.

L♥ve your Flaws
L♥ve Yourself

(:

Webcam Fun! (:

2010-12-03T22:40:00.001-08:00

So I recently discovered my laptop could take photos... I know right? Pfft. So here is a plethora of grainy pictures to lag your computer!

How To Take Great Photos 101

Turn up the MAC forcefield and turn down the picture resolution.

A lot of these pictures were taken before or after work.. just capture my outfit of the day before I leave (:

Ribbon straps my friend gave me! Hook these onto your bra straps and tie at the neck like a halter top!

Super cute ;]

Lazy day chic.

Lovin' these rockin' diamond X-es I got. They were cheap so I will either get an infection or my ear falls off.

Best Drugstore Moisturizer

2010-11-22T00:32:00.000-08:00

Best Drugstore Moisturizer

Wow I haven't done one of these in ages. A great entry considering it's now emerging into the winter season, a time of tinsel, gingerbread and dry, flaky skin.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti Wrinkle Cream

As a recipient of Allure's Best of Beauty, this product needs to be on every girls shelf!
A white, lightweight cream that absorbs well into the skin, without leaving it feeling greasy. This is a great moisturizer for nighttime and it's oil-free so it doesn't clog your pores. This scent free cream comes in a metal tube (to preserve the retinol). While I don't use this cream for it's anti-wrinkle effects, many woman have reported minimized lines and improved texture after only weeks!

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

Ahhh what a classic! Even though we often purchase bigger and better products than this, we always seem to head back to this jay with the blue lid. Why? Because Vaseline is unscented, unflavored, hypoallergenic and extremely moisturizing! Having an allergic reaction to this product is almost unheard of which makes it a great universal moisturizer. It's versatile and it's many uses include: makeup remover, lip balm, clear mascara, removing rings, etc. Apply a thin of Vaseline where moisture is needed and marvel how rockin' smooth the skin feels!

Olay Regenerist Night Cream

My mom goes through these jars like candy! This scented lavender cream hydrates and leaves the skin feeling smooth and healthy. This night cream gives a slight "lifting effect"to the skin, leaving it firmer and more youthful. That being said, it is more of a night cream than a miracle wrinkle remedy, so don't expect more than a subtle improvement to lines.

Nivea Aqua Sensation

A lightweight and refreshing gel/cream with invigorating scent to lift up your day. This moisturizer has a gentle cooling effect and makes skin feel super smooth and soft. Aqua Sensation comes in a heavy glass jar with a lid. A great summer moisturizer, perhaps too light for the winter season.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

This is a gentle moisturizer, perfect for those with sensitive or acne prone skin. Positively Radiant leaves the skin feeling soft and also works to clear the complexion. This makes a great day cream and contains SPF 15 and subtle shimmer to glow in the sunlight (:

Have you tried these rockin' moisturizers before?

(:

How to Work in Retail- Sales Associate

2010-11-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

How to Work in Retail- Sales Associate

This may seem like a random topic for a beauty blog, I know. But then again, this also doubles as a personal blog and blogging is how I retain and memorize most things!
This article will seem very odd if I don't explain a little first. So first of all, I have been working as a salesgirl in a clothing boutique for a while now. When I first got hired, I didn't know the first thing about selling and was really freaked! I tried trawling the internet for help but I found little aid for my dilemma. Now that I've got the hang of things, I'd like to tell everyone my tips and tricks to working in a clothing store.

Tips 'n Trickz
In no apparent order.

* Don't follow customers around. That sound be a given, since no one likes being stalked by an employee. Then again, don't hide either. Keep your distance far enough you can still see them and give help if needed.

* SMILE!

* Greet every customer that walks in the door. This not only lets them know "Welcome! I'm here to serve you and make your shopping more enjoyable. However, I'm also watching you, so don't try anything funny." This also lets the other employees know there are more people entering. Tell them what promotions the store is offering or what is on sale and point them in the general direction.

* Customers are always priority #1.

* Ask to get them a fitting room, rather than "do you want to try that on?" because the automatic answer is "no, I'm just browsing" and then a hasty putting of hangers back.

* Try to get the customer to come out when they try clothes. That way, you can advise and compliment and encourage them. Never lie! I am always honest when asked what I think. I will be gentle and blame the style or the sizing, but I will never tell someone to buy something I know does not suit them.
If you can, suggest a couple items similar to what the customer tries on, and bring them to her.

* During the quiet moments, I hang rejected clothes, do sizing and shuffle the racks.

* Keep eyes peeled for shoplifters. Don't place all your attention on a customer and learn to watch the whole store. Count the clothes they bring in, watch the entrances and corners and pay attention to baby strollers and large bags.

* Dress according to the dress code. If there is none, wear clothes that mimic the store's style or wear the actual clothes from the store. You need to look like you're rockin', and if you're selling in pajamas, no one is going to take you seriously. You should look like you actually shop from the store, even if you don't.

* Don't chat with co workers when customers are in the store.

* Be educated about your stock. Know what are new arrivals, what is on sale, where this brand is from and where is it manufactured, what material it's made of and what other colour and sizes it comes in. It took me a while to memorize it all, but now you can quiz me on my knowledge! It also sounds very impressive when you recite it to a customer :D

* I treat each customer that walks in with the same amount of respect and politeness. As long as they need help, I will be there.. fetching sizes and making suggestions. Don't discriminate based on appearances and clothing. I've seen many rich looking women who don't buy anything. And I've seen a plainly dressed woman buy hundreds of dollars worth without trying anything on. Appearances can deceive...

Tips for making the sale

* If they brought children in, be extra nice to the kids. Ask them to sit down, make them laugh or whatever. It worked 3 times out of 4 for me.

* Loosen them up immediately. I always make a joke about the buttons on coats as I'm undoing them. This makes them laugh and lets them know I'm down to earth and willing to help.

* Ask them their name. Use it. Often. This is a physiological thing, people love to hear their names.

* If they like the item, ask casually "So will this be all?" or "Will you take this one in blue or black?" or "Shall I ring this up for you?". These are all positive sentences that end in either a YES or WaitHoldOnASec.

Something I hate...

I see a customer staring at a piece on a hanger, examining every square of it and reading the labels. Then turning it over and and measuring it against the body. After 5 mins of this I can't take it and ask the customer if they want to try it on. They seem surprised and say "What, oh this? No." and shove it back on the racks. Or better yet, they sense my presence and put it back as soon as I take a step in their general direction.

Something interesting...

I was showing a woman this coat I particularly liked and she asked me to model it for her. I did, and mentioned it was my favorite but I was unsure because of the length. She said "Oh it looks great on you, that cut really flatters the body, you should really get it.. etc". After a while I started thinking "Wait a minute.. who's selling who??".

So that's all the tips I have accumulated so far. I hope this has helped future sales associates or been an interesting read if nothing else. I'll end it here, I have work in the morning haha!

*

For an article from a retail employee, click for Seven Lessons Learned from Working Retail.
For hilarious retail horror stories, click for Not Always Right?

(:

Happy Halloween! + My Awesome Costume~

2010-11-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well.. Hello there!
I bet you're wondering why I'm dressed like a bad anime character. There can be only one reason... I'm out of clean clothes again and this is all that's left!!!!
ORR it might be that ghostly time of year again..
HALLOWEEN!

So this was my costume this year, I bought it from London Drugs when I was looking on a lark. I didn't expect to find something as nice as this!
I was really looking forward to making my own costume like I do every year, however I was very busy and had no time ): My idea was a sexy school girl, with pony tails and lollipops. Ahh well.. next year!

This is the packaging and it states it's a 'Gothic Ballerina' costume. Why is there a LG modeling it?
...

Because it's actually for a little kid.
Age 8 to 10, as a matter of fact.
And what's worse, is that it was actually too big for me and I had to tailor it a little.

Okay you guys can stop laughing now. D:

Included accessories. A tiara, necklace, two strips of ribbon and sleevelets.

The dress in all it's glory. It's quite a head-turner, I got lots of compliments from strangers.
There were spiders attached to the ribbons but I cut them out. Spiders are icky.

Really obvious stitching I added. But from far away it's not that noticeable. Right?!

The bottom of the dress was not poofy enough for me, so I added a layered skirt I already had in my closet for almost twice the volume!

Y'all know it's a special occasion when I bust out the falsies!

I hope you all had a safe and happy Halloween

(:

Clothing Haul and some Updates!

2010-11-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

Small Clothing Haul

Haven't bought anything for a while so thought I would treat myself to a good ole' fashioned shopping indulgence. I didn't find everything I wanted that day but I was happy with my purchases.... until I found out my car got towed as I was shopping! Oh dear.. but let's not worry about that at the moment, it's time for my reveal!

Surprisingly comfortable boots! I find that I can wear these for 6 hours straight (with a break in the middle, of course) and be fine. Barely touches the mid calf and is a practical two inches. I still need to buy more to quench my boots lemmings!

I LOVE this purse but my mom thought it was the ugliest thing she's ever seen. I adore all the studs and embellishments tacked on and the giant clasp on the bag. It gets that scrunched up look when it's closed and the chain is removable. It can hold a surprising amount including a camera, makeup and cellphone. Forget my mom, it's probably too rockin' for her to handle ;]

It's a plaid shirt!
Yup that's pretty much it. Purple has always been one of my favorite colours to wear and never looks tacky!

Big mistake getting these flats.. they killed my feet after 3 hours. The ruffled cloth and studs aren't worth it! Okay maybe.

Pair of grey skinny jeans with hole punch studs and mild distressing. I just found out that I can't squeeze my ass into size 24 pants anymore. I have to upgrade to 25 instead. This is a hollow feeling...

Unrelated scarf that I bought at H&M for $2! They were having some sort of sale and I got one for my mom too. Pretty warm and great for the winter season.

Oh yeah I dyed my hair slightly darker. A tutorial on how to dye hair at home coming up soon!
I actually don't like this colour much so I will be dying it back to brown any day now.

Three tiered necklace! Initially I thought it looked a little ridiculous on, but I'm warming up to it.

A simple gold chain necklace. I have way too many silver pieces.. actually they're all silver! I need to mix it up and incorporate some golden into my wardrobe. Why don't I wear jewelery anymore? In the 11th grade, I was almost arrested for over-accessorizing everyday and now none of them have seen daylight in months!

Sorry for rambling on, anyways! I just had a great day today, I just sold over $651 of clothing (to one customer) and I got paid and we got fab new tenants and other little things today that made me smile. And among it all, I found time to blog today! I had lots of problems uploading photos and I can no longer copy and paste photos. So instead of one simple step, I have to take 6 more steps to apply pictures on my blog. But I don't care because I enjoy blogging (:

Missed you guys!
(:

Things I Need to Buy

2010-10-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Things I Need to Buy

Comfy heels

I was always the person to scoff at adults and say "Practical shoes? Please, I'd choose fashion over comfort!". Now, I'd willingly eat my words if I could find a pair of comfortable heels higher than 3 inches.

Small Side Bag

A cute little swing bag similar to the style of the Coach or Chanel ones. Something I can grab on the way out the door and still look effortlessly rockin'.

MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon

I've hit pan on my current black eye shadow and there is a little fallout when I apply. And it tends to smudge. UNACCEPTABLE SIR.

Halloween Costume

Preferably something short and stomach baring. What? "Halloween is the one night a girl can dress like a slut". Thank you, Regina George. I'm holding off on buying a costume until I see my schedule for next week. I'm not buying a costume only to have it sit in my closet because I'm working that day.

Fashionable Boots

A pair of black boots with buckles, studs, straps, diamantes or a bow. And with a small heel and grippy soles so I look nice but won't slip in the snow. Adding as an afterthought that it should be warm and practical. BLEH!

Presents for Friends

Lot of birthdays coming up, and I was thinking of gifting them clutches, perfume or lotions. Those are relatively safe gifts and you really can't screw up on them.

Just wanted to apologize for the lack of updates. I recently lost my camera with 3 entries worth of photos on it.. still searching for that little bugger..

(:

My Favorite TV Shows

2010-10-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

My Favorite TV Shows

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge couch potato. Maybe more of a couch french fry. But I LOVE my TV. There are so many good things on that keep me entertained for the full hour.

The Big Bang Theory

One day I was too slow in changing the channel after The Good Wife and my life was forever changed.. This show is my current favorite, no other can make me laugh as loud! The characters are eccentric, odd and socially clueless and I love them! Sheldon is my favorite, he makes me laugh when he's speaking 30 words a second, even if I can't understand some of it! Penny is the pretty blonde girl who is smart in the non conventional way. Leonard is the nice, albeit shy, guy who pines for Penny. The jokes in the series are physics, chemistry or comic book based. Thankfully, the nerd in me allows me to understand most of the references. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!

Jersey Shore

My favorite trashy show! I never thought I would be into this stuff but it's pretty addicting to watch~ Reality shows are usually boring and filled with mild drama and this is no exception. However, this show makes me laugh and gives me a glimpse into the Guido lifestyle. I wish I could do GTL all day, but unfortunately I have to work and I'm quite pale, but I do like to do laundry. My fav girls are Snookie (she's so funny and easy going) and Jenni (independent and kicks ass. also, boss +2s). The only guy I find attractive is Vinny, sorry!

Scrubs

I will never replace this show in my heart.. I love this show! Quirky, adorable, funny,cute.... you can't help but fall in love with J.D., Elliot and Dr Cox. I think this show was partially responsible for my future career (future RN). I always get my life lessons in the last 5 mins of Scrubs and can make me feel better on a tough day. I've laughed so hard I couldn't breath, sobbed when someone died and mourned when the show ended earlier this year.

Glee

Everyone knows Glee. The show with great dialogue, even better singing and yummy eye candy. I have to say I'm not a fan of the second season so far, the new Rachel is different from the one I knew in Season 1.

Hellcats

The new TV series about American cheerleaders. It reminds me a lot of Bring it On, but I really like this show. Ashely Tisdale is really good at acting, I never noticed that before when she was Sharpay in HSM. Alyson is great as Marti, I remember watching her on Phil of the Future! The show has very impressive cheerleading routines, interesting drama and hot bodies.

Pretty Little Liars

Who is A?? That's something all the viewers want to know. Who is the threatening figure who sends the girls messages about the past and knows all their secrets? Who ran Hanna over with the car? Was it Alison, their missing best friend? Or was it someone more sinister and evil? As a longtime reader of the series, I've been following this show from the premier. It's currently on a break at the moment, I'm just counting down the days until January 2011.

Other mentions: Secret Life, Two and a Half Men, the Simpsons, the Tudors.

What are your favorite shows?

(:

Burt's Bees Natural Anti Blemish Solutions Review

2010-10-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

Everyone and their grandma knows about the Burt's Bees brand. Their famous beeswax lip balms are a staple among most people. Lots of people know that Burt's Bees are very eco-friendly and use natural ingredients in their products. In fact, their slogan is "Eco friendly natural personal care for the greater good". Wait, "for the greater good"? Harry Potter anyone? Anyways, the brand recently (more like a year ago) launched it's line of anti blemish products and I was given a chance to review it through Bzzagent!

Introducing Burt's Bees line: Anti Blemish Solutions!

The pamphlet I received claims that the line is:
- dermatologist tested, and non irritating, gentle for everyday use
- does not cause redness, itching, burning, peeling or flakiness
- does not contains parabens or other nasty chemicals
- not tested on animals

There are 4 products in the line so far. It consists of a Purifying Gel Cleanser, Pore Refining Scrub, Daily Moisturizing Lotion and a Targeted Spot Treatment.
I will only cover the Purifying Cleanser and the Spot Treatment as that is what I received. For more information on the other 2 products, click the picture or visit their website.

Purifying Gel Cleanser

Claims to reduce blemishes and help wash away blemish causing bacteria, excess oil and impurities without overdrying the skin. It is 99.4% natural and contains evening primrose and beet root extracts. It contains 1% Salicylic Acid.

Although this is named a gel cleanser, I find the consistency is quite watery and should be classified as liquid instead. It has a pleasant citrus scent that most wouldn't find overwhelming. Gel Cleanser foams nicely and leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean after washing! It took care of the oil on my face and even removed most of my foundation! I really like this cleanser, it's also great for everyday use even if you don't have blemishes.

My face did not clear up straight away, but I noticed that no new pimples were popping up due to the medication. I think over time, all blemishes would reduce and fade altogether but I don't have a lot of patience to wait for that LOL.

I liked this product and would purchase again for blemish control or just everyday cleansing.

Targeted Spot Treatment

Claims to help reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes without irritating skin. It is 100% natural and contains tea tree, calendula, yarrow and parsley extracts. It contains 1% Salicylic Acid.

The scent is quite strong and some people described it as "revolting". I wouldn't go that far, but yes the smell is powerful. I would describe it as minty and woody, others say licorice and rum.

Spot Treatment comes in a little essential oil bottle, though it is not actually oil and the consistency reminds me of a toner. You're supposed to put a bit on a Q-Tip and dab it on the blemish. I'm just gonna warn everyone that this stings! It's probably the solution killing the bacteria, but it does hurt a bit and the fumes make my eyes water. I have tough skin which I punish regularly, but those with sensitive skin may want to skip this. The zit I put this treatment on did look a little smaller the next day, but it was still there.

Some people may like this product, but it stings and I find the smell too overwhelming to repurchase. There are other products that work better, like Clean and Clear Persagel 5.

** Disclaimer: I am a Bzzagent **

So that's it for my review of the two products, hope you enjoyed it!
Have you ever tried this line from Burt's Bees?

(:

7 Deadly Fashion Sins

2010-09-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be interesting to outline all the horrible 'no nos' when it comes to women's fashion. So here the cover of my own version of fashion sins I see committed everyday. And if it weren't enough to make you claw out your eyes, I've also decided to model some of them. Cheers!

**Friendly reminder: These are all My opinions and MY photographs. If something mentioned happens to be your thing, then that's great for you and I won't try to stop you. I'm mostly kidding anyways.**

7 Deadly Fashion Sins

Punishable by fashion police.

1. Ill-fitting Clothing

One of the major faux pas I have is with people wearing either extremely baggy clothing or skintight items that forces fat rolls out. When buying an item, Numbero Uno in my book is FIT (the second being comfort, Lmao)! If it's too tight in an area or this other part is too loose, put it back. Don't trick yourself into thinking you're gonna get it altered, because you're gonna forget.

2. Socks with Sandals

*shudder* All the joy of airing out your feet, while still keeping them toasty warm? Not seen anymore, probably due to popular word-of-mouth, however some old men still do this.

3. Dressy + Gym mixed

I hate it when I see these girls wear a cute top, paired with sloppy sweats. It's a glance down UGH. It's like they were trying to dress nice to go out, but gave up halfway and opted for a old pair of gym pants for completion. I think this is what they call sweaty chic. Honey, it pains me to see two halfs trying to make a whole pizza. Choose one or the other; either pick a good pair of jeans or have a comfy day and finish it with a hoodie. Don't try to make the two worlds touch, because they don't like it.

4. Fake and Flashy

Even though not everyone can afford designer brands (not yet, girl, but just save up...), one shouldn't purchase a fake purse just for the brand name and recognition. For the $40-$80 you just forked over, you could have bought a decent name brand purse with good quality. Remember, it's not the OUTSIDE that matters.... it's how well they stand up to being tossed and abused everywhere, and trust me, that knockoff isn't gonna survive ;) Also, fakes are easily spotted to a trained eye and you can't fool them!

5. Revealing Strings

Sometimes it's by accident. A shirt slips and a bra strap is exposed, low waisted jeans show a peek of fabric. Oftentimes it's not. I'm so tired of hoochie mamas with their shirts falling off them and G-strings pulled up, still showcasing an innocent 'Oh my, I didn't even know, but isn't it cute' vibe. Please, girl, you're not fooling anybody.

6. Colour Explosion

It's like a rainbow force-vomited all over you. Good gracious, I need sunglasses to even look at you! Try to tone it down a bit, or you'll be responsible for all these souls slamming into walls.

7. Unnecessary Layering

DEATH by layering! Two or three tanks is cute, skirt and leggings are fine, tee and shirts are nearing ehhh. Unless one is contemplating on a chilly vacation to the Arctic Circle, there is no need to choke yourself with fabric.

Forgive me darling, for I have sinned.

(:

What's inside my purse 2.0

2010-09-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've updated my "What's in my purse" entry. My old one is outdated because I don't carry half those items anymore and I don't use that bag anymore! So I thought that it was a time for a change. And also, I thought that all the random stuff inside my bag would give a laugh.

My current favorite bag. It was a gift from my cousins. The brand is secosana and I think it's popular or made in the Philippines. That's all I know about the brand LOL. The bag is good quality and roomy and vaguely reminds me of the LV Speedy.

Inside my bag 2.0!
Starting top left, clockwise spiral.

1. Gumy headphones and house keys tangled up with each other.

2. Chinese style purse my friend brought me back from china.

3. Expired bus ticket.

4. College transcript.

5. Glasses lenses wipe. My glasses always get dirty from the environment and rain so it's nice to have something to use.

6. ELLE pen I bought from nightmarket. Never know when a pen might come in handy and it looks soothing to me.

7. Dice. Comes with stickers that I guess make it a truth-or-dare game? Was also a present from China.

8. Essie nail polish in Delicacy. Haven't opened it since I bought it because it looks too sheer and it's too light of a colour for fall.

9. Battery for my camera.

10. Dinner knife. I suppose one wants to hear why I'm carrying a knife in my purse. I wish I could say it's to ward off the dangerous creeps in Vancouver, but it's not. I slipped it into my purse after a dinner with my friends. And it has stayed in my bag ever since. It's a great conversation starter when I pull it out of my bag.

11. Hair tie and penny.

12. Pack of tissues. Always handy.

13. Notepad that I never write in anymore.

14. A cellphone charm that lights up when a call is incoming. It was supposed to by my friend's present but he left it in my bag so it's mine now :D

15. My old Buffalo wallet. I desperately need to buy a new wallet. I'm thinking of either Guess or Coach..

16. Sunglasses. To wear during the day and at night.

I want to show you guys my new favorite haunt! Whenever my friends and I went to get bubble tea and just hang out until late, we always went to this place called Twinkle 2. And it's nice, the bubble tea is good and there's lots of games to entertain you. Well we found a new place that's even better than Twinkle! It's a place called Mecafe.
you can request rooms for your group of friends *squeal*!

The walls are so beautiiful.. a different scene on every wall.

A cushion and a mat to sit on~
There were bookcases DULL of manga books and tons of japanese magazines such as ViVi to peruse.

Our phones.. mine is so scratched and dirty while everyone's is looking so new!

(:

Jogging Tips and Etiquette

2010-09-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! So recently I've been really into jogging. I use this mainly as my workout when I feel a bit sluggish. I do not like to haunt the gyms even though I own a pass! Mine is quite far away and I don't like to be around so many ppl when I'm dirty and sweaty and trying to get my thing on! I do like the aerobic classes even though it's extremely crowded and there's no explanations for beginners =/
So I jog. Wait I said that already. I don't jog regularly, just when I've got some time to kill. During my experiences, I've picked up a couple tips and pointers that might help fellow joggers or exercisers.

Jogging Tips and Etiquette

1. WARM UP. It is extremely important to warm up before exercising because it allows you to get the blood circulating and loosen up muscles, which decreases the risk of injury. Always warm up before attempting any form of exercise!

2. WARM DOWN. Some people don't realize that warming down is important as well. Some people might collapse and lay down at the end of a workout which is just terrible. They'll get aches all over their body the next day. Warming down is simple to do, 5 minutes of mild jogging followed by some stretching usually does the trick. The important thing is not to abruptly conclude an intense workout, but rather slowly come down.

3. MUSIC. Yes, typical jogging distraction. I suggest one have a playlist just for workouts and fill it with pumping, energetic music. There are lots of suggestions online, click here for an example. I've yet to download many, but I like running to Kanye West tunes (:

4. SHARE THE ROAD. Don't hog the freaking street, you're not the only one on it. Be courteous to children, civilians and other joggers. If necessary, slow to a halt and let them pass by. Don't attempt to run faster and dance around them, this scares them.

5. WARY OF CARS. Now you've probably got Linkin Park blasting so loud you don't even hear a car coming up behind you, trying to turn. Be courteous of cars and turn the music down so you can hear the environment around you. Jog facing traffic whenever possible.

6. GOOD SHOES. For exercising, it's important to get a good pair of running shoes. Cheap shoes are not recommended as they don't provide good support and may harm you in the long run. Invest in a good pair such as: Nike, Puma, Reebok. One only needs one good pair of runners.

7. WATER. It's a fantastic idea to carry water around with you, especially when one begins to feel tired and dehydrated. I hold my water as I have no pockets or bag, but some may like to use a bottle holder.

8. BACK STRAIGHT. I used to hunch over all the time (because I was suffering), but that's terrible posture for jogging. Keep the back straight, head up and shoulders square. That way aches won't occur and you won't crash into things. Like a tree.

9. STEADY BREATHS. Keep breathing steady, even and at the same pace. Don't huff and puff, but that should be obvious. Inhale through the nose and Exhale through the mouth. I used to get cramps or "stitches" when respiring primarily through the mouth. Inhale when one foot hits the ground and exhale when the other foot reaches the ground.

10. ARMS. Arms should be at a 90 degree angle (or resembling a "L") swinging around the waist. Do not hold them up too high or this will tire you. Keep hands fairly relaxed and do not clench them.

11. PACE YOURSELF. Never push yourself to a speed or a limit you cannot handle. Instead, stick to a pace which you are comfortable in, yet still find a little challenging. As you continue, the pace may be altered. If just starting out, alternate between jogging and walking when tired, but never fully stop until finished.

12. WHEN. The best time of day to go jogging is early in the morning, before 7 AM. For those who can't even fathom the idea, late afternoons to early evenings works for me. I never run when the sun is at it's brightest (10AM - 3PM) because it's too hot to exercise.

13. SAFETY. Never jog at nighttime. Why? Hmm let's see. One oblivious individual (AKA You) listening to music loudly, moving at a leisurely pace at 10 PM when it's pitch black. Sounds like a potential victim situation to me. Now I'm not saying by avoiding nighttime, one will escape being attacked at all. As much as I hate to say it, there are a lot of dangerous people everywhere.. even in a quiet town. Safety should always be taken as a precaution. Carry a cell phone, wear light coloured clothing, attach a whistle to house keys and stay alert.

14. CLOTHING. It's not an important necessity, but dressing appropriately is a plus. An athletic shirt, shorts or workout pants and a good pair of shoes complete a workout outfit. Some specialty stores sell apparel that wick sweat away from the body. Avoid cotton as much as possible. Avoid tight fitting clothes and dark colours.

So I hope that helped you guys! Jogging is great exercise and helps build strength in the lower body. Regular jogging gives a better overall physical condition as well as other health benefits, such as relaxation and less anxiety. It's also a form of antidepressant due to the endorphins released by the body when one exercises. Jogging is a good way to improve circulation, strengthen the heart, better the respiratory system and lose weight.

Everyone needs to jog at least once in a while.
So what are you waiting for?

(:

HOLY *****! My Holy Grails (:

2010-09-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

Haha wasn't that title clever? I thought of it yesterday while doing dishes and I laughed at how insanely clever I am. Come on, that's was cute you agree. Up top! No? Alright cool 8)

Holy Grail refers to a beauty product that one finds to be exceptional, wonderful, amazing and perfect to their needs. Of course, all tastes are different so it varies from person to person. Also refers to the Holy Grail in the bible, a scared object used by Jesus during the Last Supper.

Holy Grail Products
/As of Sept 4 2010

Forever HGs

Urban Decay Potion Primer

Yes yes, everyone and their moms already know about and own this product. It's legendary for a good reason. It comes in an adorable yet impractical purple tube with a slanted applicator. The primer makes eyeshadow brighter and stay on like no other. It can even make dollar store shadows last! Once this base is applied, one can rest assured that their eye makeup will remain flawless. Amazing product, can't live without it.

Got2B Guardian Angel

When it comes to styling my hair, I never used any protectant because I didn't see the point. Ever since I started using this, I've noticed that my hair straightens faster, doesn't burn to the touch and left my hair silky. It contains a flowery scent that disappears almost immediately after. It's great and does it's job.

L'Oreal Skin Genesis Cleansing Cloths

One of the problems with using heavy duty makeup like I do is trying to remove it at the end of the night. One a typical day I would be using Revlon CS and waterproof mascara. Nothing I've ever used has been able to get rid of all of it. UNTIL I stumbled across these babies. (: I like that they're cloths because they're portable and I can take my time, much better than hunching over a sink. I don't like the oil/soap duals and I hate cleansing bars so this is nearly perfect for me! Magically removes all my makeup.. it's kinda gross to look at the cloth =P It leaves a lovely perfumed scent behind and leaves my face feeling BABY SMOOTH! Can't stop touching my face after! HG product all the way! =D

Nivea Essential

Best lip balm I have ever used. Moisturizing. Heavenly scent. Non drying. Cute little tube. What more could one want? I fell in LOVE with the scent soon as I opened it and kept taking it out to smell it. I'm not weird, I just adore the fragrance! I can't describe how much I love this little lip balm. I reapply it so often I'm starting to think it has crack in it! My tube is on it's last legs.. need to stock up. If I have any complaints about this product, it's that it tends to get soft in warm weather and the tube will slide down when pressure is applied.

Sally Hansen Commander in Chic

Admitted, I've only worn it for a day but I'm thinking it's on it's way to HG status already. I didn't use it for 3 weeks after I bought it because I didn't like the colour in the bottle. I applied it today for funsies and WOW.. seriously in love with this shade! It's hard to place a name on the colour. It's interchangeable from purple to plum to grey to brown. And honestly, I don't even know myself. Two people thought it was chocolate and one said it was purple. But it looks like a great nail colour for fall, it's a mix between edgy and classy
(: Comes with the weirdest brush ever but it's easy to use after a bit.

OPI Princesses Rule!

The perfect shimmery pink polish. Verrrry sparkly and glowy and quite sheer though it can be built up. Good for french nails but with a glitter twist. Great baby pink polish.. looking for a replica in baby blue! (:

Promising Products

Clean and Clear Pore Refining Toner

Got this GWP so wasn't expecting much at all. It actually does a good job of removing my heavy duty foundation in a few swipes, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and soft. Cannot take off my eye makeup because the fumes make my eye water. Still, it's not a bad product.

M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid

Yes, I'm the last person who hasn't tried this product yet I know = = I got to try this in stores and really liked how the foundation matched my yellow skin tone. That's something my current one couldn't do perfectly. I like the coverage but I think it tends to fade overtime. Still testing it out, I like it but I'm on the fence about it.

Currently I don't have a HG for the following: moisturizer, lip gloss, lip stick, concealer, mascara and eyeliner. But I'm always on the hunt so feel free to recommend me :D

Thanks for reading!
What's YOUR HG?

(:

Day at the park

2010-08-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

It was such a gorgeous day today that I couldn't resist taking a couple photos. This the last of those lazy summer days.. where the sky is such a captivating brilliant blue that one would be content to lay and stare for hours.. when the weather contains just the perfect combination of sunshine and breeze.. when everything the rays fall upon look radiant and full of life..
I'm sure I wasn't the only who felt this way. I saw a wedding take place at the very park I was at.. the bride's tiara and diamonds were so dazzling in the sun.

Dress: TeaseMe Cardi: Bluenotes
Bag: Guess Shoes: Old Navy

Rabbit standing up to munch on my poptarts, so cute!

0.5 seconds after this was shot, I jumped up because there was a bee in my ear.

Camera started tripping out and white washing everything! Hey it still looks pretty cool, like I photoshopped it or something.

"Come here bunny! I've got some delicious tasty ass processed pastries for you to snack on!"

"Yay! Wait please don't bite me D: "

What a marvelous, perfect summer day!

I'll miss those days.

(:

Safe Tanning for Summer

2010-07-29T23:34:00.000-07:00

Safe Tanning for Summer

Before I begin, allow me to explain the apparent contradiction.
There is no way of getting a tan without having even a slight risk for burns or skin cancer. However, for those who want that healthy, bronze, sun goddess look.. there are ways to achieve it while being safe and avoiding danger.

Why tan? :

* Most people like to get that gorgeous golden glow when summer time rolls around. It's like a recurring trend.
* To show social class. Ex: In olden China, the paler one's skin colour is, the better. This shows that they are very wealthy and do not need to work under the sun and just lounge around all day inside. In the West, if one is very bronzed, it can be inferred that person is free of obligations and have the license to lay on a beach all week with their friends. I guess this can explain why I'm so pale LOL
* To appear healthy. A casper white body can look a little out of place and sickly during the summer.
* To be social. Tanning with friends is a good way to pass the summer and hang out together.
* To gain some good ol' Vitamin D. A deficiency in this causes rickety bones.

Why not? :

* The real and very serious concerns of skin cancer, not to mention it speeds up the process of aging skin and leaves sunspots. I don't need to write a lot about this topic to showcase the importance of this point.
* Sunburns. They hurt like hell and then skin starts peeling away..
* Tans fade and need to be maintained regularly- it's a commitment people! Skin cells are shed from the body constantly and as a result, the tan will fade.
* Tanning ages the skin prematurely and will result in wrinkles earlier in the future

How to tan:

Old Fashioned Way

Oh, lather on some sunscreen and lay down underneath the big old shiny thing in the sky, right?
Woah, woah, whoa. Hold up there, that's not all there is to it. There are some rules and guidelines I like to go by personally.

*First of all, never suntan between the hours of 10 AM - 2 PM. That is when the sun is at it's peak and it's hottest. While this might seem like optimal bathing temperatures to some, the sun is intense during those hours and increase the chances of getting burned, or worse.

* Some people like to burn their skin on purpose, because it "gives a better base for their tans". Those people are idiots. There is absolutely nothing that backs up that theory and the more damage one does to their skin, the higher likelihood of skin cancer.

* Apply sunscreen when tanning. Yes, another contradiction, I'm full of them today. Sunscreen protects the skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays and helps prevent sunburn. I recommend a low SPF sunscreen for tanning, such as 15. A low dosage is still effective and remember to reapply after swimming and after a few hours.

* Lips can be easily burnt, so use a lip balm with some form of SPF in it. Some lip glosses have weird shimmer that reflect sun, burning spots on the face.

* Especially if one burns easily, don't forget to apply sunscreen everywhere! Easily forgotten places are: back of neck, ears, soles of feet, behind knees, back of hands.

Tanning Beds

Tanning beds give off UV lights due to the sunlamps embedded inside the machine.
For more information on tanning beds and how to use them, click here.

Self Tanning

Self tanning, or tan in a can, is basically applying a product to your skin in order to darken it and give that coveted bronze... no sun necessary! Self tanners come in an aerosol can to be sprayed, or as a liquid or cream from a tube. Professional airbrushing is available at upwards of $60.

Before applying self tanner, make sure to exfoliate the skin well to maximize the absorption. Use disposable gloves when applying, you don't want your palms darken and make it obvious! Rub tanner on each area of the body gently and thoroughly. Pay special attention to areas that crease and have bends. Sit still and don't move a muscle (or don't move around) until all the tanner has dried (this will vary, depending on the product)! Then pull on some loose clothes and avoid contact with water for a few hours. Reapply self tanner once a week to maintain colour.

Get a good quality bottle and do not over apply. You do not want to be streaky or look orange. Jergens Natural Glow is a cult favorite.
Self tanner is not a replacement for sunscreen.

Sunburn Prevention and Treatment

Symptoms of a sunburn include red skin, blisters, flakiness of skin and pain. When it feels like a sunburn is developing, it's best to get out of the sun immediately.
A cold compress, aloe vera gel, baking soda bath and hydrocortisone cream will help relieve the redness and pain. Do not pop blisters and wear loose clothing.

So that's it, I wish you all a happy and safe summer (:
Enjoy your summer tan!

As for me, I've picked up some cute little bikinis that I can wear while relaxing poolside~

And Old Navy was having a sale on their flip flops. I couldn't miss a great deal so I picked up 8 pairs of them!~
Summer footwear, all set.

Beauty and Makeup Annoyances!

2010-07-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Beauty and Makeup Annoyances!

These are annoying beauty related things that grind my gears.

- People who give a bad review to a product after trying it once
- Young girls who wear intensive anti wrinkle creams when they don't need it yet
- When winged eyeliner are not even
- Sharpie eyebrows
- When an amazing product is discontinued
- Foundation oxidizing and turning orange
- False eyelashes that look like centipedes
- Circle lens that look weird, instead of mesmerizing and beautiful
- Mascara commericals that swear no falsies have been added. MY ASS.
- Being unable to find your foundation shade
- Lashes falling out after washing face
- Those who run out and get 2 backups of something after first use
- Beauty gurus who refuse to branch out from M.A.C. aka "MAC drones"
- Mascara that require nothing short of a sledgehammer to remove
- When hair gets stuck to lipgloss
- Lipstick stains on teeth
- Messing up new manicures because the polish is still 'soft'

And finally... girls who cover up their gorgeous face instead enhancing their beauty! (:

ARGHHH!

Pretty Little Liars Thoughts/Analysis 2010

2010-07-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

Pretty Little Liars Thoughts/Review

**Warning, this entry may contain book spoilers. Also, this is only up until the 6th episode, first season**

Ok before I begin my analysis/whatever of the show, can I just say how freaking EXCITED I am that this is on TV?!!?! I started reading the series a few years back and fell in love with them. I was instantly attracted to the drama and the each of the girl's personality, connecting to them was easy and effortless. Because of the omniscient POV, you were allowed into each one's head and could sense their pain, humiliation among other emotions. I bought and followed the series up until the 5th book, where I stopped because I didn't have access to the rest of them. I'll catch up eventually. The 8th and final book was released on June 8 2010, the same day as the premier of the television show.

To differentiate between the book and the new television series, I will dub 'PLL' as the book and refer to the show with the full name.

The Liars! Yes , I wrote the names down of each one. Yes, I mixed up Hanna with Aria at first because they had similar descriptions.

The cover is so freaky. I've spent so much time flipping the book back and forth to check the doll and the actual model. The detailing on the doll is so alike, it's practically the same!

Plot: I'm very satisfied with the plotline so far in the series. I'm glad the show does not follow the book to a T, yet does not change around any major events that happened. The show slows down some storylines (such as Aria and Ezra's relationship) and speeds up the ones that would drag in the show (Emily and Maya). My concern is that they're moving through the books quite quickly. They've reached Perfect already (3rd book) and Pretty Little Liars is only on the 6th episode. The summaries of the new episodes on wikipedia are unfamiliar to me, which means that they'll be incorporating some new storylines with the old. I'm sad, because I won't know what's going to happen anymore ):

Spencer (Troian Bellisario) : In the PLL book series, she was the main character and appeared on the cover of the first book. I guess they switched her with Aria. In the book, she was an extremely competitive, hardworking, straight A, rugby playing superstar. Also, she was kinda of a bitch. Even with all that, she was constantly reminded how inferior she was to her older sister, Melissa, whos level of perfection Spencer could never reach. In the TV show, she was portrayed as a weaker version of Spencer in the book, who was confident and strong and always had her shit together. I'm not really loving the new Spenc- I don't think her skinny ass is any match for A. Bellisario's acting could be better, most of the time she just looks really surprised. I don't think her acting is strong enough to carry off Spencer.

Hanna (Ashley Benson) : She was my favorite character in PLL, HANDS DOWN. I related to her in so many ways and I could feel her pain when things ended in disaster. In PLL, she was a former dork who changed her look after Ali went missing and then became the new Queen Bee with Mona. She became a slutty dresser and a complete bitch to EVERYONE. However, behind the mask was the old Hanna who was afraid of turning back into a loser.
In Pretty Little Liars, I was ecstatic to see that they followed most of the guidelines in PLL. Some differences is that Hanna is really friendly in the show, in PLL she would barely talk to her old frds if she could help it.
But I was really pleased with how her character turned out. I would be upset if they butchered my favorite Liar but they didn't! I think Benson's a good actor and portrayed Hanna well.

Emily (Shay Mitchell) : In PLL, Emily was a quiet, obedient daughter of a very conservative family. She was a star pupil and a competitive swimmer. She was at Rosewood Day on a scholarship. In the show, Emily was pretty much exactly how she appeared in the book. can I just take a second to mention how stunning Shay Mitchell is?? She's a mix of Flip and Scottish, she's Canadian and she resided in Vancouver! Holla. She was also a model for Aeropostale and I don't blame them, she's so exotic and gorgeous that I have trouble paying attention to the plot! I really like her as Emily, she's a quite natural actresses.
I have no idea where her relationship with Toby is going, after she finds out the secret that he's hiding, she will never talk to him again. I don't get why the show is giving him a background. I used to think that he was ugly, but after seeing him angry and with a tattoo, I'm thinking DAMNNN.

Aria (Lucy Hale) : Aria in PLL was this kooky girl who never truly fit in. She was encouraged to be herself so she had pink streaks in her hair, carried around a puppet and dressed in crazy bohemian shit. After she got back from Iceland, she was instantly miserable and felt alone so she went to a bar. Once there, she met Ezra and they had an instant connection. After talking for hours and drinking, they went to make out in a bathroom. Then she found out that he was her teacher, blah blah blah.
In Pretty Little Liars, Lucy Hale is GORGEOUS as Aria. I'm so mesmerized by her gigantic eyes and spend my time wondering if she's got falsies on. She's the prettiest Liar which is different because Hanna was supposed to be it. Lucy Hale is great on Pretty Little Liars, I see good things for her.

Ramblings:

- In PLL, when Aria's mom found out that Aria hid the affair from her, she kicked her out of the house. I'm so glad that didn't happen (yet?) in the show because that would make her seem pretty irrational and a mega bitch.
- I absolutely love how vicious Jenna is to the Liars. It's like she's getting back at them for all the times they were mean to her. In PLL, Jenna is quiet and kind and tells Aria that she forgives them
-I wish the dialogue was cleverer and the script better written. Not saying that it's terrible but it would be more relateable and enjoyable if there were some humour and complex language inserted in the show. Sometimes I find myself cringing at the awkward moments when nothing is said.
- I'm loving Lucas because he injects some badly needed comic humour to the otherwise serious show.
-In PLL, Rosewood Day was a prestigious private school they attended. I guess they changed that for the show otherwise it'll be even more of a Gossip Girl dupe and because they can attract audiences with the hot clothes the Liars rock.

My favorite quote in the book.

The latest episode of Pretty Little Liars that came out on Tuesday (6th) was the BEST one that they've come up with IMO. It was perfect, they had everything; suspense, mystery, hot girls, hot guys with tattoos, deranged hot guys with tattoos that turn out to be your best friend's killer, hot dresses, bitch Melissa, Lucas, schools that still give out prizes for failing at midfair games, breakups, a blind girl in a room of mirrors, a lesbian shunned, a queen crowned and one less person in the quaint town of Rosewood.
It was awesome!

P.S. Wanna know who A is?

.
.
.
.
.

It's me! 8D

I'm just kidding, but I can give a hint to the non-book followers that haven't figured it out yet (it's removed from wikipedia).
This was actually written in the second book as a hint to the readers. Not word for word.

"Spencer may have straight As, but I've got As to my name. " ~ A

(:

Fashion Trends for Summer 2010

2010-07-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

Fashion Trends for Summer 2010

Hello Summer lovers! Want to learn about the hottest trends for dressing cool in the heat? Many parts of the world are experiencing massive heat waves and reaching record breaking temperatures. I was sweating like crazy a few days ago because it was so humid and the hot air was so suffocating! It's crazy! But there's a way to beat the heat. These are my interpretations of the trends for this summer and what to wear.

Backless Shirts

Miley rockin a backless top ^

Not only is it refreshing to wear in the hot summer heat, but it's a fun way to show off some skin without revealing too much!
You can also play around with how much it reveals. Backless tops vary from a cute little peephole to plunging down the back. There are different styles of the cut as well, some are simply low cut and some are wide Vs cut into the material. Some tops have a large slit in the back and others actually have sections itself simply chopped from the shirt. There are so many types of backless tops that are guaranteed to suit every person's taste!
Remember the cardinal rule of fashion: BALANCE. A low cut, backless tank top is not classy to wear public; even in extreme temperatures. See all the photos shown above? They all use factors to balance out the exposure of skin- longer length, high neckline, sleeves, etc. What results is a perfectly harmonized top (:

Rompers

Woah combining two trends = NICE ^

No longer for children or elderly women, the romper suit has made a huge comeback in the fashion industry. Dressier than the typical tank top + shorts combo and easier to move around in than a short dress, the romper makes practical and comfortable look sexy.
Some styles resemble a tank top with thin, spaghetti straps while others provide more coverage, taking on the form of a shirt complete with sleeves (Nicole Riche, above).
Rompers tend to be loose and the fabric gathers around the waist. Unfortunately that would exaggerate a stomach, so some may wish to skip this trend.

One Shoulder

These tops are another great way to show a little skin without baring too much and giving off bad impressions. They radiate a subtle, flirtatious vibe with one sleeve intentionally hanging off. It's tasteful and sophisticated and sexy all at the same time!
This trend has so many different styles and enormous selection that it's guaranteed to fit every body size. Everything from the length to the sleeve to the material varies depending on the brand. One shoulder pieces come in casual to dressy to formal! They can be worn on any occasion because there are so many variations and they are versatile.

Floral Maxi Dresses

Get your floral on with these long, flowy Maxi dresses this summer! Easy to wear and perfect for the heat since they're made with a loose and breathable material to ensure comfort. Chic and upbeat, maxi dresses won't feel overdressed or out of place. Maxi dresses come in many other patterns besides floral such as tribal and animal prints, watercolour, jungle print, etc!

Summer Polishes

Essie in Tart Deco, a punchy peach colour.

Colour Club in Blue Light. A sky blue shade that mimics the summer sky

Chanel in LA Sunrise, a shockingly bright yellow.

Slingbags

It's far too hot in the summer to be carrying around oversize totes (unless they're beach bags!) or dangling tiny impractical clutches. A slingbag is designed to have the strap rest across one's body, with the bag relaxing either at the side or the back. It's a great, hands-free purse for summer because it allows one to continue being active and no need to lug that heavy bag around! Slingbags vary from all sizes and most come with a smaller strap to wear on the shoulder.

And summer staples that everyone should own already:

Tank tops in bright colours
Flips flops in basic shades
Denim shorts
Wedges or Espadrilles
Huge beach tote
Sunglasses
SUNSCREEN of course

Have a great summer!

(:

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Pearl Marbleized Eye Shadow Review

2010-06-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Pearl Marbleized Eye Shadow

This is a continuation of my Maybelline EyeStudio products that I've received from a word of mouth campaign, sent to me for reviews! I haven't had a lot of time to finish these reviews since I've been crazy busy and my camera broke down (again) but luckily I managed to fix it!
So without further ado, let's get on with it (:

Website States:

Color Pearls Marbleized Eyeshadows feature dual-sided complementary shades on one side, and solid color on the other, to use separately or mix together. Concentrated pigments with swirls of pearls, in a new baked technology for high pearl finish, create a shimmer effect in a customized look.

Website Also States:

• Now a swirl of pearls makes shadow new again.

• Baked technology gently swirls together 7 different uncrushed pearls with pure colour pigments. Pearls stay intact to create ultra-luminous finish and multi-dimensional colour.

• Unique duo format delivers the purest and most brilliant colour, effortlessly.

• Available in 10 dazzling duos expertly colour coordinated.

I Say:

Just like the Eyestudio Palettes, these Duos are extremely shimmery and well pigmented. Every shadow has some form of glitz in it, ranging from low to high sparkle. All the duos are expertly colour coordinated and can be worn separately or together for a perfect look. Also, by mixing the shades together in the center, you create an additional colour to wear! It can also be applied wet for higher intensity. However, they do crumble afterwards.

Each of these Colour Pearl Duos come with one marbleized, swirly colour and one bold shade. The Duos come with two tints; one to go on the crease and the other to use all over the lid. Of course, you can use them however you want to, Maybelline just likes to provide a general guideline (:

These Duos look just like M.A.C.'s Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo, with all the swirls and coloured pearls, but the pigmentation is more sheer when compared to M.A.C. In my opinion these aren't dupes for MSD.

EyeStudio Colour Pearl Marbleized Shadows (that's quite a mouthful!) go on creamy and smooth and are easy to blend on the lid. There is some glitter fallout from the shadows so use tape or a fan brush to get rid of it.

The lasting power is just okay with these Duos, they tend to fade and crease a little at the end of a day without primer. I always use a primer with my eye makeup and I'm sure many girls do as well so I don't think it's a big problem.

Bright, flashy, snapshot photos!
Let's go, let's go!

LOOK 1:

The Colour Pearl shade used is Tantalizing Teal.

Teal, Marble, MIXED

The colour payoff is decent, but doesn't go on as bright as it appears in the compact.
Super shimmery and glittery, this duo can be used separately or together for a beautiful bold look.

LOOK 2:

Carbon Frost
Black shade, marbleized one, MIXED
I swatch them like that because I believe that sweeping them differently gives a different colour. I'm somewhat correct.

I absolutely ADORE this shadow duo. Whenever I'm in a rush and want a little colour on my eyes, I take my brush and sweep it on and I'm good to go! It's a gorgeous purple-plum colour on the lid and it looks quite mysterious because of all the different tints in this shadow. When used with a primer, it lasts all day long and it's nicely pigmented (:
I don't normally use the black shade however, the colour payoff is not as nice as the purple and there's chunks of glitter in it.

LOOK 3

Used: Bronze Blowout

The bold brown shade in this duo is amazingly pigmented! Glides on a nice, deep bronze. The other marbleized shade is a golden champagne colour that goes on much lighter compared to it's darker counterpart. Using the champagne by itself gives a shimmery, natural look with just a wash of gold.
Tons of fallout in this duo particularly.

Conclusion:

This line has 10 expertly coordinated duos with great colour selection. Pigmented colours and so easy to apply, these duos are a drugstore must-have. Duos are shimmery and consist of one solid colour and one marbleized swirled colour. Can be used wet or dry for different intensities.
The colours are soft and super blendable, and easily wearable. I would recommend buying!

4.5/5 on the rockin' scale

**Disclosure: I am participating in a word of mouth marketing program and I received these products on behalf of Maybelline, WOMMA and Matchstick. However this will have no effect on my opinion or reviews. **

(: