♥ Beyond Imagination ♥

Packin'

2012-03-08T00:15:00.000-08:00

This morning, I heard an interesting story on the radio.

On the wake-up call, a guy named Pat told a story about a date that he had with a girl. The date goes great, they make out, gets undressed and about to seal the deal. As they're both naked, the girl suddenly gets dressed and leaves. He tries calling her for a follow up but she never returns his calls. Flustered, he calls the radio station and shares with them his story. He had a theory that she has a boyfriend and her conscious got the best of her in the end.

The radio puts him on hold, and calls the girl. They originally lied to her that it was a contest of some sort to get her on the phone. They told her that the guy told them everything and asked her what happened, letting her know that the guy she went on a date on is on hold on the other line. She said she was being nice and think it was best if she doesn't say why.

The radio puts both online and the guy asks her why she up and left. Her response - "there's a reason why I don't date white guys..." The people at the radio station was flabbergasted and the dude still had to ask "what does that even mean." The host told him it is exactly what he think it means. The guy flats out says "I'm THAT small!?" It was the most funny shit I've heard in a long time.

The guy then asks her out again. At least he had a good sense bof humor, and needless to say, she turned him down since he wasn't packin'.

Does size matter down there for you?

Sophbot

2012-03-04T02:13:00.000-08:00

Years of loyalty and love. <3

Comfort from BFF

2012-03-02T01:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you get off track while trying to make a good life, but it's okay, cry your eyes out, scream at the top of your lungs, break some dishes, and know what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Then get back on track with determination!!!

March Wallpapers

2012-03-01T00:35:00.000-08:00

With You

2012-02-22T03:10:00.000-08:00

Behind the Scenes

2012-02-22T02:53:00.001-08:00

Couple weeks back, I did a photoshoot, back to back to back. At first, I was super excited because it was a shoot long overdue with my friends Huy Khiem and Gordon Banh. But shooting back to back to back, it got really exhausting. Up in the studio at 8:30am, wired on coffee, and shooting til 8:30pm in the evening. Crazy right? Wardrobe from the set of Gossip Girls and Ao Dai collection by Cynthia Bui. Sweet! Am I vain? With great hair, make up, and wardrobe? Gonna camera-whore it up!
Enjoy...

If you could forget one thing, what would it be?

2012-02-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

Science has finally caught up with Hollywood: scientists have come up with a pill that they hope will let you target and forget a specific memory. Yup, it's the "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" in pill form.

I would love to forget memories from my past.I wonder though: if people started erasing the traumas of their pasts, would we lose something? It's one thing to treat PTSD with a pill; what if you just want to remove memories of an ex? Or an embarrassing memory from your childhood? It's Eternal Sunshine all over again.

All that said, this breakthrough begs the question: if you could forget one memory from your past, what would it be?

MIA

2012-02-18T14:49:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. Sorry for the lack of entries this month. I've been extremely sick, and far from reach of a laptop. :\ So, looks like I have a lot of catching up to do.

What's new?

Lip Exfoliator

2012-02-10T01:57:00.001-08:00

Terry Huy Photography

2012-02-09T01:46:00.000-08:00

Winding Down

2012-02-08T22:30:00.000-08:00

I always drink about 4-5 hot cups of tea and eat a few pineapple cakes to wind down my night. Pineapple cakes. They're pretty addicting. And yes, I got my mug at Starbucks in Korea. I broke my Mike Wazowski mug and haven't been able to buy one at Disney. >.<* Mainly because I tend to get carried away and forget what I need to buy before leaving Disneyland.

I have a feeling once I get my hands on FF12 part 2, I will be straying from pineapple cakes and tea for a bit. :)

Favorite Past Time

2012-02-08T19:53:00.001-08:00

Miss Vietnam of Southern California 2012

2012-02-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

If you read a couple entries back, I emceed the Miss Vietnam of Southern California pageant. In Vietnamese, it's called "Hoa Khoi Lien Truong." That day was hectic. I misplaced my hooker shoes, aquarium shoes, whatever the hell it is called. It's basically those clear heels that strippers wear. Apparently, the look good with ao dais. :P So I rushed over to Funky Pair and bought me a pair of hooker heels. Sucks, because the ones I misplaced was already broken into. My feet suffered severely pageant night, but you could never tell because I have an awesome poker face. :D After buying my heels, I headed over to the festival grounds, and get my hair/make up done by my friend Gordon Banh. While he was doing that, I went over the program with my co emcee Hai. To be honest, we pretty much winged the whole thing on stage. :D Changed into my ao dai, took a few photos at the Huy Khiem Photography booth, and jetted to the stage. The girls were glammed up and all game for the night. It was pretty awesome. Just so you know how it's judged, it's opening dance, contestant choice of ao dai and proverbs and evening gowns. After that, it's top 10 cut with questions, top 5, and winners.

Congratulations to the Miss Vietnam of Southern California 2012 Royal Court!

Hoa Khôi Liên Trường Nam Cali 2012 (Queen) - Miss Nguyễn Hằng Ny

Á Khôi 1 (1st Princess) - Miss Kymberly Ngọc Nguyễn

Á Khôi 2 (2nd Princess) - Miss Ngô Thùy An

Á Khôi Thân Thiện (Miss Congeniality) - Miss Tiffany Thảo Nguyễn

Á Khôi Duyên Dáng (Miss Áo Dài) - Miss Dana Trần Kiều Diễm

Á Khôi Ăn Ảnh (Miss Photogenic) - Miss Christine Quỷnh Đổ

Anyhoot, pictures of the first night of the tet festival.

50 reasons not to date a graphic designer

2012-02-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

My friend Chris linked me to abourbonforsilvia.wordpress.com.

Since I have a lot of graphic designer friends, I thought I repost this for kicks. Admit it folks- you're guilty on some of the things listed below. :D

1. They are very weird people.
2. There are billions of them in the world, like colors on the screen of your computer.
3. They will analyse conversations in layers.
4. You will spend the day assembling furniture from IKEA.
5. They drink and eat all kinds of weird shit just because they like the packaging.
6. They hate each other.
7. You’ll come out the last out of the movies because you have to see the full list of credits.
8. They cant change a light bulb or without making a sketch.
9. They fuck up all the tables with their cutters.
10. They rather study the paisley pattern on your outfit than listen to what you have to say.
11. They will fill your house with magazines and whatever is out there that has drawings.
12. You never know if it is really an original or a copy.
13. They make collages with your photos.
14. They do not know how to add and subtract, they just understand letters.
15. They idolize people who nobody knows and speak of them as if they were his colleagues.
16. They take pictures almost daily and all are cut in weird shapes.
17. They ask your opinion about everything but they do whatever they want.
18. Everything is left justified, right or center unless they arrive late.
19. They hate Comic Sans with the same passion they love Helvetica.
20. They use iPhone for everything, because everyone has one.
21. You can not decorate the house without consulting them.
22. They steal street signs.
23. Always carry their hands painted with something.
24. They buy dolls unfinished for them to paint.
25. Everything becomes something other than what it really is: cards as tickets, cards as …
26. When arguing, you will be nicknamed like the OSX spinning wheel (not affectionately)
27. Do not know how to dress without consulting the Pantone book.
28. They hate Excel.
29. They read comics.
30. They want to save the world only with a poster.
31. You will spend the day brainstorming.
32. On vacation they will take you to countries that you do not know exist and have no beach.
33. Museums are their second home.
34. They know more positions than the Kamasutra.
35. They can’t go to a restaurant without secretly critiquing the menu design.
36. They listen to music you have never heard of.
37. They can´t cook a normal dish, they always have to experiment with new ingredients.
38. They read rare books: stories of children, Semiotics …
39. When you are going to tell you something, everyone has read it in their facebook and twitter.
40. They have own iPods before you knew they existed.
41. The orgasm they remember is when they heard that Adobe was acquiring Macromedia.
42. They have their own shops just for them and there are the most expensive in the city.
43. They want to spend all the money in the Apple Store.
44. You will never understand their gifts.
45. They see ordinary objects and laugh.
46. You wake up in the middle of the night hearim them screaming “When is the deadline?”
47. They see CMYK and RGB like Neo sees the Matrix.
48. They dream of the day nobody will make a single change to their designs.
49. They rather pay for a font than for a special birthday gift.
50. They are always sleepy because they work 24/7.

The Bride

2012-02-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

I wonder if ever
I will be a bride

with a white lace gown

standing in front of everyone

looking beautiful

because someone

loves me

that much...

February Wallpapers

2012-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Spring of Peace Tet Festival

2012-01-18T15:29:00.000-08:00

This year, I have the honor of MCing HKLT MVSC night along side with Hai Nguyen and gracing the same stage with singers such as Nhu Quynh and Luong Tung Quang. Also, we will be having special guests that were finalists on American Idol and one who even opened up for R. Kelly. They will be there on Youth Night. And before I forget, there will be food, games, contests, fashion shows, food trucks, carnival rides, and lot of pretty ladies in Ao Daisss!! So please come out, support UVSA and the lovely ladies who's competing for this year's Miss Vietnam of Southern California.

Hope to see you there!

Guidelines to Eating Out

2012-01-17T13:46:00.001-08:00

I've gone out for my fair share of restaurants with other people. It's always fun to get together with friends for a meal, have a few drinks, crack a few dirty jokes, discuss the meaning of life, etc. Once the meal is over and the check comes, it gets down to perhaps one of the most unsettling times of the otherwise all-around fun (typically) experience. The questions start to arise. "Is someone gonna pick up the entire tab?" "Are we gonna split it evenly?" "Are we just paying our own?" Unless the first question is a positive answer, the group is headed for a period in which all the problems can be solved with an education through 4th grade mathematics. Let's examine these questions in further detail, presented from the easiest to most difficult situations to resolve.

Is someone going to pick up the entire tab?

Yes. The problem is essentially solved for this particular encounter. However, the potential repercussion is that if you were not the one picking up the entire tab this time, etiquette says that you may have to pick up the entire tab next time you eat out with this(these) group/individual(s) unless there is a prior understanding that this is not necessary. It is at least courteous to offer to chip in at least for the gratuity. If the prior understanding is not stated, then it is at least courteous to offer to pick up the tab at the next meeting at a comparably-priced venue even if the offer is rejected. Otherwise, you're just a freeloading douche.

No. Move on to the next question.

Are we going to split the check evenly?

Yes. Several situations may occur that could cause potential heartburn and inequity with this solution. However, this solution does have some of its own advantages as well. If the meal was family-style (e.g., everyone eats from a common offering of food), then it is the most equitable simple solution (i.e., I've never been in a situation where someone measures that poundage of food that each individual eats and metes up the bill accordingly). The check total (including gratuity) should be divided by the number of people participating in the feast (e.g. one mathematical division that a 4th grader can do). However, this simple solution is only equitable when everyone is eating and everyone either doesn't order any drinks or orders the same priced drink. Otherwise, two potential issues arise.

The first is, "What if I just ate only one french fry?" It hardly seems equitable to charge someone the per person cost for that small indiscretion. But in this day and age, you never know. As a courteous gesture, one could offer to throw a little bit of payment into the pot to diffuse any potential issue. If someone is willing to go to that extent to get fair payment, it's probably not worthwhile to eat with them in the future. As a corollary to this situation, if someone eats what seems like an unproportionately larger share, it's also courteous to offer up a little more.

The second potential issue that arises with dividing the check evenly is determining payment for drinks. It's hardly fair to chip in for someone's 4 beers if you only had water if the check was evenly divided. To resolve this issue, it's fair to subtract drinks from the check total, then divide that amount by the number of participating individuals to come up with a base cost per person (e.g., three 4th grade mathematical operations...subtract, divide, add). Then everyone who had drinks should add their drink cost to their base cost to come up with their total cost. Be aware of unscrupulous individuals who shortchange the bill on this part because the drinks are typically the items that "accidentally" get left off of their contribution.

If the answer to the question above is no, then move on to the next question.

Are we just paying our own?

Yes. This situation is often the most difficult to resolve because it requires multiple 4th grade level mathematical operations (add individual items, multiply, add). This is also the situation where the highest potential exists for coming up with a disparate pot of cash for the check and the actual check amount whether it's due to poor 4th grade mathematical education and/or unscrupulous individuals. In essence, this situation requires each person to individually calculate their portion of their check and appropriately add the correct amounts for sales tax and gratuity for their contribution to the check. I've identified the following reasons for these calculation errors:

* Failure to account for drinks - as stated before, people tend to forget about their libations. I really don't understand how people always seem to forget this part of their meal.

* Rounding down - $11.95 is closer to $12 than $11. Stop being a cheapskate and round up that extra nickel. Adding two items by rounding down can make you close to $3 short.

* Failure to properly add sales tax and/or gratuity to your subtotal - This is sometimes where the biggest discrepancy occurs since people have different views on what the proper amount for tipping. When gratuity is already added into the check amount, it should make this process a lot easier. Prior to the recent increase in sales tax, it was convenient because you could usually just add 25% (e.g., divide your subtotal by 4), which is a pretty straight-forward calculation, to cover tax and tip.

* Someone leaves before the check comes - total asswipe move unless there was a prior arrangement in place.

It should also be noted that the larger the party, the greater potential for a disparity as well as a larger magnitude disparity. Additionally, in groups with unfamiliar people (i.e., those situations where you only know your one friend who invited you to the meal), there tends to be a greater potential for a shortage of the bill. Seriously though, if the math gets too hairy, just bust out the cell phone and add it up so you're not screwing over the rest of the group.

If the answer to the above question is no, then get ready to wash some dishes and/or clean some toilets.

Since I'm on this topic, there are a few other things I should point out that I've witnessed at group restaurant outings:

* Do not pick an expensive restaurant if you're going to end up bitching about the price/size of the food.

* Do not criticize your date for ordering something extra if they're hungry because it'll cost you a little more.

* If you're going family-style, make sure enough food is ordered. No one likes to go home hungry unless the food is horrible. Also, when doing family-style meals, please consider the foods that people can/are allowed to eat (i.e., spice level of food, food forbidden by religious beliefs).

* It's appropriate to tip for the amount the meal would have cost prior to discounts.

* Control your children. I think it's pretty disrespectful if your kid totally trashes the place (i.e., food thrown all over the place) and/or runs around the restaurant.

* Frickin' show up on time.

With that, I shall end my rant and hope that it provides some useful insight into enhancing the group dining experience.

So what are your guidelines to eating out?

Roadtrip

2012-01-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

Sean & LBH's Agency in InStyle Magazine

2012-01-07T06:04:00.000-08:00

My friend Sean is an actor in Korea (Athena, Jejeongwon) and is Lee Byung Hun's cousin (I Saw The Devil, The Good, The Bad, The Wierd). If you don't know who LBH is, he's the white ninja in the upcoming film GI JOE 2. He's the Brad Pitt of Korea. I didn't know what a big deal he was until I visited Korea. Yea. He's a big time celebrity over there. Kinda weird since I've seen the guy a few times and to me, he's like any other guy. But anyhoot, LBH's agency did a spread for In Style Magazine that features one of my favorite actress- Han Chae Young.

Out of curiosity, how many of you watch K-Drama? Spill it!

2012-01-04T03:09:00.001-08:00

like cooking, but I love baking. One of the first things I baked in my life was cheesecake. I remember having a slice of cheesecake at my friend's house, and I hated it. Growing up in an Asian household, dessert was the fruit cakes that my mom brought home from a Chinese bakery. o.0 Back to cheesecake. I love baking them, making them for my family and friends, but I don't like eating them. I don't know why. I prefer cupcakes and cookies over cheesecake. :P Over the holidays, I attended a lot of family dinners. Since they would provide the main entree, everyone else would bring appetizers or desserts. I made strawberry cheesecake tarts. Bite size. No need from slicing, utensils, etc. Plus, I had these very cute cupcake liners that I've been wanting to use.

So, are you a pseudo Betty Crocker at heart?

Timing Is Not Everything

2012-01-04T03:08:00.001-08:00

They say that timing is everything. But the truth is, the perfect time rarely exists. When it comes to starting that business, chasing that girl or guy, making that trip to Paris, starting a family, there will always be plenty of reasons to push things off. We’ll never be 100% ready, where all our ducks are lined up in a row, and life slows down enough. If it’s important to us, we have to take the leap when opportunity comes along.

More Pictures from NYE

2012-01-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

Sheet Facial Masks

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

There are all sorts of masks I use to keep my face looking youthful and fresh. Of all the masks, I prefer the sheet masks. Sheet masks are named as such because the serum or essences that are made to treat the skin are either soaked or brushed onto a thin cotton or fiber sheet, which are pre-cut to match the contour of your face. They are also provided with holes to protect your face's most sensitive parts' i.e., the eyes, the lips, and the nostrils.

What Makes Sheet Masks a Good Choice for Facial Masks?

Sheet Masks prevent any bacteria from your hands or facial mask applicator to be passed on to your face while you are on the process of putting the mask on.
The recommended dosage of the facial mask's essences have been either pre-soaked or -brushed onto the cotton sheet, so that even non-skin care professionals can use them without the worries that they are giving their skin more or less of the nutrients and treatment that the skin needs; and,

How to Find the Right Sheet Masks for Your Skin's Needs.

Sheet Masks penetrate deep into the skin's layers which ordinary skin care products cannot do. They offer one, two, or more benefits, that include:

Removal of trapped debris in the skin's pores. Oil, dirt, and makeup, and sunscreen residue that are trapped inside the skin's pores can cause the pores to dilate and, if not removed, can dry out, causing the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. Purifying Sheet Masks helps to clear the face of oil and acne-causing bacteria, while Detoxifying Sheet Masks eliminate toxins that are the primary cause of free radical damage in the skin cells.

Removal of dead skin cells. Exfoliating Sheet Masks help to remove dead skin cells, which are hardened skin cells that lie in the surface of the skin. These skin cells cannot be removed merely by cleansing, and can cause the skin to look dull and dry. As we age, our skin's natural capacity to remove these dead skin cells slowly decline, prompting the need for us to help exfoliate our skin to reveal the healthy skin cells that are found underneath them.

Hydrate dry facial skin. Dry skin does not only look dull and lifeless, it also leads to premature skin wrinkles. Hydrating Sheet Masks help provide the skin with moisture, especially water, and keep it hydrated for hours

Repair damage in the skin cells. Sheet Masks that have been infused with Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Coenzyme Q10. and Ceramide help to replenish these cellular substances in the skin cells that tend to decline as we age, and by rebuilding the skin cells, they help to enhance the skin's health and bring back the skin's moisture-retention capacity, resulting to firm, healthy, and younger-looking skin

Intensively nourish the skin. Sheet Masks, especially those made from organic ingredients, are rich in vitamins and minerals, like antioxidants, which help to nourish the skin, enhance the skin's immunity, and protect the skin against free radical damage

Consider Your Skin Type

While most sheet masks are suitable for all skin types, it remains ideal to use the facial mask that will appropriately answer your skin's needs. For instance, using a moisturizing Sheet Facial Mask on dry skin can help improve its appearance, but using it on oily skin can worsen the latter's case. Check out each of our products to read about what each Sheet Facial Mask has to offer

Know the Common Skin Conditions that Come with Your Age

Aging plays a good role when deciding about the Sheet Mask to use for your skin. It is because, usually, skin problems occur as a result of one's lifestyle in addition to the natural changes that occur in the body that comes with our age

In your Teenage years. Hormonal changes among teens coupled with their active lifestyle usually contribute to skin breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads. Keeping the skin clean with Purifying Facial Masks are helpful at this stage in order to prevent skin problems which may leave enlarged pores and acne scars that may take years, even forever to heal

In your 20s. Men and women in their 20s may rejoice getting over the skin breakout or teenage years, but the health of every skin cell can start to wear down at this age level. Thus, this is the age to start using the facial masks which work at the skin's cellular level, like Sheet Masks infused with Collagen, Hyaluronic Acids (HA), and Co-Q10 in the skin cells, in addition to purifying, detoxifying, exfoliating, hydrating, moisturizing, sun protection, revitalizing, and whitening facial masks

In your 30s and beyond. Aside from the staple deep cleansing, exfoliating, and revitalizing Sheet Facial Masks, stop your first wrinkles at the age of 30 by keeping at hand moisturizing and nourishing Sheet Facial Masks. Skin care needs at this age can also benefit from the Sheet Facial Masks that contain the advanced, scientifically-formulated ingredients, like Co-enzyme Q10, Collagen, and HA, especially that, according to studies, the essential nutrients and substances in the skin cells that are responsible in maintaining beautiful skin start to deplete gradually within this age

Remember Your Lifestyle and Natural Environment

Are you frequently out in the sun? Or do you reside in a cold climate? Sheet Facial Masks that offer sun protection may be indispensable all year-round to keep your skin protected and Sheet Facial Masks that contain ingredients that will make your skin more sensitive to the heat of the sun may be best to avoid. In the same way, if you are living in the western part of the globe, your skin may require more hydration during the winter or cold months as the cold climate can tend to dry the skin easily.

Keep Your Facial Mask in Its Package Until You're Ready to Use Them

To keep the sterility of the product, remove your Sheet Facial Mask from its package only when you are ready to use them, and to guarantee your skin's safety, read the label to learn about any special instructions from the manufacturer about using your Sheet Facial Mask before you use them. I usually keep mine in the fridge until I'm ready to use them. :)

The facial mask's essences are evenly spread onto the cotton sheet to ensure that every part of the facial skin will get an equal dose of the facial mask's nutrients.

Where I buy my sheet facial masks: If you have an asian town anywhere in your city (Little Saigon, Korea Town, Japan town, etc) they usually sell these sheet facial masks for about $1 and no more than $3. In Korea, I would only pay about 80 cents for one. Not a bad deal, yea? My favorite brands- Etude house, theSAEM naturals, and Missha. :) The US brands also have them ask well, but they are a bit more pricy- anywhere from $20-$60 dollars for a set of 6 to 10. o.0 I've provided some links below to compare prices.

Etude House

Missha

theSAEM

SK II

Clinique

So ladies and gents, have you ever tried the sheet facial masks before? Do you prefer the cream masks or the sheet facial masks?

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T03:54:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone! :)

I spent New Year's Day at a friend's house, surrounded by SUPER DUPER AWESOME PEOPLE!

BTW, NEW YEAR... not new years. OMG! That's a huge pet peeve of mine. When people say new years, it's NEW YEAR. The "s" is reserved for when new year is used in a possessive manner... such as new year's eve... or new year's day...

Anyway, PICTURES GALORE- for now. :D

How was your New Year's Eve?