The Life And Thoughts Of Wanie Idayu

HOT & NEW Mobile In The Market! TV Mobile X300

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:40:00 +0000

I just got the TV Mobile X300 for my husband as his birthday present last night and it is AMAZING considering it's very AFFORDABLE price. It is SLEEK, SYLISH & SLIM. The TV Mobile X300 handphone comes in 2 colours -black & white and I bought the white one as it looks much more sophisticated and clean.

Here is a video on some of the main features of the handphone:

Main Features include:
(1) Touch Screen
(2) Dual SIM Card Dual Standby
- if you have 2 lines, you can insert both of the SIM card into this phone and receive calls from both lines! And to make an outgoing call, all you need to do is just select either 1 of the line and you're good to go!
(3) 3.2 MP Camera with Dual Cameras Function -most handphone only comes with 2.0MP. This handphone comes with front & back cameras & at 3.2 MP! A great deal if you ask me
(4) You can watch local TV & listen to radio without any additional charges! And you can record the show as well!
(5) Display Screen: 240 x 320 262K QVGA -wide screen for easy navigating

Other features: GSM850/GSM900/DCS1800/PCS1900, Language Selection: English/Malay/Simplified Chinese, Battery 800mAH Lihitum Battery, Gravity Acceleration Sensor, MP3/MP4 Player, Bluetooth Support, and much more!

The TV Mobile X300 handphone package include:
(1) TV Mobile X300 handphone (obviously ;p hehe)
(2) 2 batteries for your convenience
(3) Travel charger
(4) Hansdfree
(5) PC Cable

Oh and it also comes with SIRIM certification and 16 months warranty for your peace of mind :)

Normal Price: ~~RM450~~
Promotional Price: Only RM399.
A great bargain considering you cannot get this in any handphone shop in Malaysia ;).

I am also looking for distributors, so please call me if you're interested. I will give you a very good deal & business opportunity. :)

Until then, ENJOY!

How To Avoid Spam In Your Blog With Akismet

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:54:00 +0000

This Tutorial is Part of Atomic Blogging (A Step By Step Guide to Blogging) by Alvin Phang.

What you see above are the number of Spam messages I get so far on my blog! It's HUGE! Aren't they annoying? To avoid and prevent all this spam you must use Akismet - A Free Plugin to avoid spam for your blog.

Before I start, Akismet is a free open source spam program online to help fight spam for wordpress owners.

Just follow the following steps to get started to prevent Spam on your blog.

To install & setup Akismet for your blog first you need to go to your Plugin panel in your Control Panel in wordpress found at http://www.(yourdomain).com/wp-admin/

Follow the steps above to activate Akismet.

After you have activated all the Plugins you should see the above message just click on the link enter your Wordpress.com API Key.

To get your API Key, all you need to do is go to http://www.wordpress.com/ and sign up for a free account, the API Key will be email to you when you sign up a free account.w

When you have sign up for a wordpress.com account you can find the API key when you click on My Profile. Example how a API Key looks like is fbd655933fa6. Please use your own API Key and don’t ever share your API it is like a password for you =)

So once you got the API Key from Wordpress.com, just key in the Key in the box and click on Update Options in your own blog!

You will know you have successfully installed Akismet when the green word appear as above. And you are done! NO MORE SPAM for your blog!

To get more step by step tutorials, I highly recommend you click here to grab more tutorials. And you can grab a FREE Money Making Blog Worth $497 courtesy of Alvin Phang (creator of Atomic Blogging 3.0) just for looking! =)

If you have benefited from this tutorial feel free to share it and post it on your blog or comment below.

I Fell In Love With These Blog Templates

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:13:00 +0000

I was browsing around on how to customize my current blogger template and window-shopping on wordpress templates for my next personal blog (as all professional bloggers says -if you're serious about making money with your blog, you gotta go with Wordpress), when I stumbled upon this site which have a collection of beautiful, professional-looking and high quality wordpress themes. Take a look at some of the templates their offering:

(1) ePhoto Theme
Simply beautiful and sleek. Suitable for photography loving bloggers. It has a featured, random and rated images in the footer sectionand it is fully widgetized. If you don't want put images there, you can remove it and put the widgets you want. When I saw this theme, I wish I am a photographer so I can display my professional work in this theme. Heh.

Features include:
- Two Color Schemes -Black and Blue
- Integrated Blog Section -Along with your photos you can display normal blog posts in a different area of your website, complete with a blog-style post structure
- Advertisement Ready -you can place 125x125 banner images in your sidebar and 468x60 ads to your post pages with ease. Advertisements are handled from within wp-admin, and can be turned on and off at any time
- Widget ready sidebars

For full features see HERE

(2) eBusiness Theme

Features Include:
- Multiple Colours Scheme. This theme is available in 3 skins with 3 colours option each. So if you get bored, you can easily switch between skins and colours. It's that easy!
- Is actually a Web-Page theme with a blog option. BUT you can either use only the Page Structure or the Blog Structure OR you can use both! And it is easily switched from within your admin panel. No more spending lots of money just to buy a website template, this theme has it all!
- This theme also came with automated thumbnail resizing, advertisement ready slots and widget-ready sidebars.

For full details of this theme feature, visit HERE

(3) PureType Theme

This is by far my favourite theme. It is simple, elegant and clean with a magazine type of look, and a featured articles display where we can choose to feature our favorite posts on the homepage.

Comes with 3 colour schemes -White, black and blue, and the usual automated thumbnail resizing, advertisement ready slots and widget-ready sidebars.

Ideal for a professional-looking blog.

For full features see HERE

There are many other themes offered by Elegant Themes but if write about all of it here, it will a considerably long post! Hehe. So take a look of some of the snapshots of other themes offered by Elegant Themes:

What I like most about Elegant Themes:

All themes are compatible with ALL major internet browsers! Opera / Netscape / Safari /Firefox / IE8 + IE7 +IE6. I don't know about Google Chrome because it is relatively new. But what I know is most people us either Internet Explorer or Firefox so, we're good to go!
Compatible with Wordpress 2.8 (the latest Wordpress version)
New themes added in from time to time. So you have more options. And top notch suport.
Unlike other sites which offers premium wordpress themes, you can use Elegant Theme's theme on multiple sites and also you can use different themes on your different sites at only 1 very low payment!
Very user-friendly. You can change the looks, colour, widget to be included from the admin panel very easily. Just click & change. Simple. :)

So head on to Elegant Themes now and get on your dose of these beautifully designed themes! I know I am. ENJOY!

P/S Stay tuned for the launch of my new blog :)

9 Signs Your Guy Is Cheating

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Are you suspicious that your significant other is playing the field? Here, one man shares 9 relationship red flags that may signal some extracurricular irregularities.

By Rich Santo

When you get suspicious that your significant other is cheating, be careful not to appear to be paranoid. You have to walk a fine line -- you don't want to make false accusations.

So, while I'm sharing this list of cheating red flags, I concede that it's a tricky situation. It's hard to be sure if someone's cheating, but protect yourself: Be vigilant, and pay attention to your mind and spirit within the relationship. But, at the same time, be careful not to let anxiety lead the way because unnecessary paranoia will just drive your lover away. Here are some red flags that may signal that your significant other is cheating:

1. Less Sex
Unless he's Superman, he can only have so much sex. So, if he's getting it from another source, you might notice. Whether it's another woman or a porn addiction -- even if he's not cheating -- a decrease in sex signals serious issues in the relationship.

2. Jumpy Cell Phone Habits
In a perfect world, we'd be open about sharing our correspondence with our significant others. Most of the time, we trust that we don't have to worry about who is texting or calling them. But, if you notice that he is getting protective and/or nervous when he gets calls or texts, it may be cause for alarm.

3. Gushing or Talking About Someone Suddenly
You know that exhilarating feeling you get when you meet someone new and exciting? You want to tell the world about him. One of my exes began talking about a guy a lot near the end of our relationship -- he just always seemed to be at her social gatherings that I didn't happen to attend. Sure enough, after she dumped me, she began dating him.

4. Disconnecting
Even though relationships ebb and flow naturally, if you're sensing that he's drawing away from you, then there may be someone else. Emotional disconnection should be investigated regardless of whether it's caused by cheating. There's a problem if he's not laughing or seeming as passionate as usual. It's hard to spread love/passion between two people, so the person who used to have it will feel it slipping away if it's being given to someone else.

5. He's Pulling "Houdinis"
If he's disappearing, traveling, or unavailable to the point where you are starting to wonder, then he could be cheating. Also, these times tend to take on a pattern because it's tough to synch up schedules, especially in secret.

6. His Friends Are Acting Strange
His friends will certainly remain loyal to him in most cases. They will not let you know what's going on, but they will definitely be racked with guilt, and their behavior may change slightly when they are around you while protecting his secret.

7. He's Being Caught in Lies About Other Things
If you catch him in a lie, your trust will naturally be damaged. Don't hold a grudge -- forgiveness is a good thing. You can forgive, but don't forget. If he consistently breaches your trust, it's establishing a pattern of behavior that leads to cheating. Do yourself a favor: If he keeps lying, whether these lies are big or small, get out while you can and don't let him talk his way back in.

8. Been There, Done That
I always say: "Once a cheater, always a cheater." If he's done it before, he's definitely capable of doing it again. It has nothing to do with you, which is why you can't say that he cheated on his previous lover because she didn't keep him happy. Cheating is a self-serving act in which the cheater doesn't take his significant other into consideration. If someone is upfront with you that he's made mistakes in the past, maybe give them a chance --— but make it a long probationary period before you let your guard down.
9. Your Gut Tells You So
Don't ignore your sixth sense. People are gifted at sensing when something doesn't feel right. Whether there are red flags in your relationship that are clueing you in or not, if something feels off, don't ignore this feeling. Usually that suspicion is correct, and something intangible may have led to you figuring it all out.

Crazy About Twilight

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:33:00 +0000

Rated: PG13 Run Time: 2hr

Genre: Action, Horror, Romance

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Michael Welch, Robert Pattinson

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

What It's About

When Bella's mother remarries and sends her to live with her father in the little town of Forks, Washington, she meets the mysterious and dazzlingly beautiful Edward Cullen - a boy unlike any she's ever met. Intelligent and witty, he sees straight into her soul. Soon, Bella and Edward are swept up in a passionate and decidedly unorthodox romance, for Edward is a vampire. But he doesn't have fangs, and he doesn't drink human blood, as Edward and his family are unique among vampires in their lifestyle choice. To Edward, Bella is that thing he has waited 90 years for - a soul mate. But the closer they get, the more Edward must struggle to resist the primal pull of her scent, which could send him into an uncontrollable frenzy.

Watch The Trailer

My Intake
OK yeah well, this movie is way back in November 2008 but after watching it, I feel like I just gotta write about it. Heh.

This is how much I love this movie -I watched it TWICE (and going) and went and bought ALL 4 books in the Twilight Saga. Heh. Oh for those who don't know Twilight is an adaption of the novel "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer.

A lot of critiques are comparing the movie with book. Well, it's not supposed to be exactly like the book. How to cram everything in the book into the movie?? It should be an interpretation of the book. And having finished reading all 4 of it, I can safely say that -as cheesy as it is; the movie did encapture the essence of the book.

So what if Robert Pattinson (as Edward Cullen) looks intense, anxious & stressed all the time as some might say; with similarities as his character Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter. He is supposed to look & act like that. That is the actual character of Edward in the book. And Kristen Stewart as Bella is excellent. The character Bella is both vulnerable and strong, and awkward, and she played it really well.

However, despite the presence of vampires, those who expect an action-packed movie like "Underworld" and others of the sort; will be disappointed. Twilight is actually love-story with some action thrown in it, and not the other way around. Some interesting action scene would be when Edward first saves Bella from a crushing truck, the baseball game and when the vampire are trying save Bella from the blood-thirst vampire who lust after Bella's blood, just for the sport of it.

I love romance, action & fantasy movies. Since this has a little bit of everything, it's just perfect for me. :) So for those who loves romance movies, don't miss this.

All in all I'm, giving this movie

Can't wait for the sequel "New Moon" which is expected to premier November 2009. :)

5 Friends Every Women Should Have

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:04:00 +0000

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. If you can find even one who embodies any of the characteristics that follow, you can consider yourself fortunate.

1. The Uplifter
This woman's favorite word: yes. You could tell her you're trading your six-figure income for a career in offtrack betting, and she'd barely pause before yelping "Go for it!" Don't you need someone who looks past the love handles to notice the extraordinarily gorgeous you?

2. The Travel Buddy
When everything goes wrong, one characteristic becomes all-important: flexibility. This agreeable companion need not be the girl you traded pinkie swears with on the playground; it's enough that she's comfortable with quiet (between gabfests) and is a teensy bit mischievous (as in tequila after midnight).

3. The Truth Teller
Intent is what separates the constructive from the abusive. Once you've established that the hard news is spoken in love (not in jealousy or malice), you'd be smart to seek out this woman's perspective.

4. The Girl Who Just Wants to Have Fun
One Saturday a pal and I—and yes, we're both over age 12—pored over every glitter lip gloss in a drugstore aisle for an entire 45 minutes. Forget the crisis download (for that, see the Uplifter); this partnership is about spontaneous good times.

5. The Unlikely Friend
Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive. My friends—some twice my age, others half, some rich, others jobless, some Malay / Indian / Chinese, others Indonesian / Philipinos / Hongkies —have all added richness to my life that only variety can bring.

How To Fight Fairly

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:33:00 +0000

Marriage is not about winning arguments—it's about winning the relationship. When couples fight dirty, they end up prolonging their pain and creating lasting wounds and rifts, but when couples fight fairly, they actually build more understanding and intimacy.

Fighting fairly means conveying your point of view legitimately in order to achieve a consensus.

Eights Rules of Fighting Fairly

1. Never use name-calling, slurs or insults. Also, don't make fun of your partner's body, weight or other things over which they have no control.

2. Never criticize character—criticize behavior. Never refer to the person as being a certain way, rather just refer to their behavior as being a certain way.

3. Never bring your spouse's family into an argument. This will only make your partner more defensive and less willing to hear your perspective.

4. Do not speak in anger. Control your behavior and calm down before you say anything you may later regret.

5. Don't cut each other off. Wait until your partner finishes, then state your point of view.

6. Don't yell. Shouting and screaming is especially harmful for children to witness. There's never an excuse for yelling.

7. Don't go to sleep without resolving an argument. The longer an argument is drawn out, the harder it becomes to end it. It's better to stay up all night and resolve your differences than to go to bed upset.

8. Apologize. If you hurt your spouse, you must apologize. Remember, marriage isn't about proving who's right and who's wrong—it's about having a strong, loving relationship.

Better to lose an argument and win a relationship, than win an argument and lose a friend.

Are You Listening or Hearing?

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:18:00 +0000

It has been 2 weeks ++ since my last post. Things have been terribly terribly crazy for me. There's my Salsa Exam on 21 Oct, then my birthday on 22 Oct, then the Capoeira Workshop which started on 23 Oct and in 3 days in a row, then there's all the wedding preparation which I only have weekends to settle, my working days have been hectic as there are several events coming up in November which are in Turkey & Africa and there a loads of work to be done. So no nothing much can be settled during weekdays....

Anyway, today's post is not about details on how hectic my life has been. It is about how I am so frustrated that I'm not being heard and not being able to say things that I want to say. And not being able to get the other party to listen and understand what you're trying to say, is very very frustrating indeed. I would be like "Are you even listening to what I'm saying???" and if they say yes, then, why did they still get the wrong idea?? Am I telling it wrongly, or am I not speaking clearly? Or even in worst case scenario -you not being able to speak at all!! As the other person is so keen of talking that they did not even gave you the chance of replying/talking back. Then you started doubting yourself -maybe I am wrong, maybe I did not speak out my point clearly otherwise how did this misunderstanding/argument occured? After countless nights of wondering why, why, why, Thank God, suddenly today, this article fell down to my "lap" ;) On what is the difference between listening and hearing. I hope this article can benefit you the same way it benefit me. :) Here's for a better understanding and better communication in life...

How many times have you been frustrated by someone who is not listening to what you are saying? How many times have you frustrated others by not listening to them?

People tend to think that listening is the same as hearing, but the truth is, listening is hearing PLUS understanding.

Often times during a conversation we jump in to say what is on our minds even before we acknowledge or register what the other person is saying. This ‘butting-in’ short circuits the possibility of a mutual understanding between you and the other speaker, even if you did not deliberately set out to break the flow of conversation.

How do you know when a person is not listening? It is usually easy to sense this. Tell-tale signs are poor eye contact, shuffling feet, busy hands, and meaningless replies like, “That’s interesting…”, “Oh really?”, “Uh huh…” etc. A fake listener’s lack of interest in the conversation can also reflect an even more annoying reality – his or her lack of interest in the speaker.

Most people don't listen with the intent to understand, but listen only with the intent to reply. Even at work, where performance takes priority over relationships, listening carefully to understand the other person's point of view before you even think about replying is the key to productive communication.

Careful listening is difficult and takes practice to improve. Next time you get into a conversation, try to ‘care enough’ to understand what the other person is saying.

Upcoming Event -Capoeira Brasil Oct '08 Special Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:28:00 +0000

Date: 23 -25 Oct'08 (3 days)
Venue: Celebrity Fitness Subang Parade

Chief Instructor:
Daniel Hemsworth (Professor Chumbinho)
Group Capoeira Brasil Hong Kong

Leading Assistant:
Harry Li (Tatu)
International Fitness Instructor
Martial Arts Fighter

*Light refreshments served for Saturday break
**Group photo for magazines and newspapers

Itinerary:

Limited Places Available

Photos for Capoeira Workshop on 16 Aug'08

SHARE THE EXCITEMENT & REGISTER NOW!

Related post: Capoeira Class in Celebrity Fitness

A Night Of Disappointment

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:00:00 +0000

It has been like 13 days since my last post and the first thing you heard from me is disappointment news *sigh... I wanted to post something earlier, but what with the raya holidays combined with my internet connection that's very unstable and sometimes excruciatingly slow, had also contributed to my unwillingness and "malas" ness (laziness) to update my blog.

Anyway, back to my main story, just to make things clear before I start writing -it was a night of disappointment to me and me only -and not to anyone else. In fact to everyone else, it was probably the most enjoyable night ever and to tell you the truth it was kinda fun and entertaining. But to me, the night is the my most disappointing night of year 2008.

The Ladies of The V

Date of Incident: 10 October 2008
Event: Company 10th Anniversary cum Annual Dinner 2008

Why do I dubbed it as my most disappointing night of 2008? Let me count the ways:

(1) Even in the 1st correspondence for the night, my name has been left out. I got to know from my department colleague who so graciously sent me the mass mail for my reference. Seeing that it has some exciting events and competition lined up, I have submitted my name for the Karaoke Competition.
(2) Even though I have submitted my name in the Karaoke Competition and participation has been confirmed, SUPRISINGLY my name is still left out in the 2nd correspondence in regards to the dinner itinerary. Funny how my name is stated as 1 of the participants, but the email is not even copied to me.... But copied to all of other staff....

(3) To my horror when my colleague forwarded me the email -I am the first participant to perform on that night. Yikkessss!!!!!

(4) I am again missed out in another correspondence in regards to celebrating staffs birthdays which falls in Sept & Oct'08 at the same night. Not only am I not included in the communication, my name was also not stated as 1 of the "babies" celebrating birthday in Oct'08 (Yes friends, if anyone is taking note, my birthday is on 22 October ;)). Instead of getting pissed off, I just send an email to inform the admin that my name has been left out, and even got a reply back that they apologize and has put my name on the list

(5) On the night itself, being the first contestant, my heart was beating like a jungle drum for human sacrifice and I was sooooo freaked out that on 1 of the high notes, I lose control of my voice and it cracked. Arrgggghhhh!!! Thank God everything else went smoothly. I gave a somewhat professional and confident performance even though I feel like sinking through the floor. But what the h*** even if you've made a mistake, better do it in style right? Heh

(6) Not expected -my name is still left out when they're calling for the Sept & Oct "babies" on stage. Urgggghhhh!!! When I asked veryyyyy niceeellllyyy to the admin -she said she had submitted my name to the MC (cum my HR whose the person who actually left my name out in the first place) and when I ask the MC -she said that that is the list that was given to her by the admin. Heh.

(7) The result of the Karaoke Competition really put me off guard. I got 3rd place ONLY. What's that? I should be glad I hear you say?? Well maybe if I'm competing in One in A Million or Malaysian Idol. But it is very insulting to lose to average singers who sang a very non-challenging song and didn't bring anything unique to it like I did. Oh and did I tell you I'm the defending champion? Now I know how Siti Sarah / Dayang Nurfaizah felt when they got eliminated. :p

Anyway, I did ask the judges in their professional decision, what makes me not the winner -and they say it's because my voice cracked at 1 point and the others who won over me -did not, even though they're performance are so-so and average only. Heh. Well, to be fair, the guy who won 1st place was quite good, but the 2nd was really nothing special! I even checked the criterias in the score sheet and the marks is from 1 -5 for (1) Voice quality (2) Performance (3) Appearance (4) Crowd Response. And believe me, despite the 1 time voice cracked, I got the other 3 criterias down-pat. The crowd cheered like crazy and I was utilizing the stage like a pro. Whilst the ones who won just stand there looking at the screen. Heh. Now, do I have the reason to be pissed off and insulted or not? Nevertheless I still put up a smile, go on to the stage to take my prize (but not even pausing to pose for a photo -i just want to get it done and over with), and congratulates the other 2 winners. Oh well, there's still next year. Now that I know their capabilities, I will not give any of them to win over me ever again. ;) Muahahahahaaa.

Am I a sore loser? Up to you how to judge it. But I am not going to be a hypocrite and pretend that I am fine with it when I'm not. Oh but there's 1 good thing that came out of this night despite the 7 disappointing points -it put my name on the company map again (the company is growing bigger and bigger and we have a lot of companies in the group) and I made new friends with people from other companies. This, I'm quite happy.

So there you go. Me rambling about the most disappointing night of 2008. Since there's 2 months more to go in 2008, I really hope nothing else in the near future tops this night. There might be people whose going to post bad comments about this, but hey i'm just voicing out my frustration, and as long as it did not bring any harm to anyone, please don't be too hard on me and gimme a break OK? ;) Signing out for now, until the next post, Take Care!!

Raya Speed Traps Location (Prediction)

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:28:00 +0000

This is posted to me by MataHati Bangsa of Facebook for all of your reference. Useful when going back to hometown time...or going anywhere for that matter. Just press Ctrl F and type in your location / state to check, if you don't want to go through the whole list. :)

Raya Speed Traps Location

PLUS North Bound
*Under a bridge at about 456km, Sg Buloh junction.
*Under a bridge at about 459km, Bukit Lanjan interchange.
*Under the overhead restaurant at Sg Buloh.
*Under the last bridge before Sg Besi toll at 309.2km.
*Under the bridge at 296.5km, Bangi junction.
*Under the newly constructed bridge at 289.0km, after Nilai North junction.
*Under the bridge at 286.5km, Nilai North junction.

PLUS South Bound
*Below signboard at about 454.6km and 455.2km, Sg Buloh layby.
*Under the bridge after Subang junction at 11.3km.
*Under the bridge at 22km, Bukit Lanjan junction.
*Under the bridge before Mint hotel, Sg Besi Toll. 80km/h only!
*Under the bridge at 302.8km, Kajang junction.
*About 1km south of Bangi junction, both south and north bound outer lanes* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*At 296.5km and 297km, Bangi junction.
*Under the newly constructed bridge at 289.0km, before Nilai North junction.
*At 285.5km and 285.8km, Nilai North junction.
*On center divider at 251.8km and 253km after Senawang junction.
*After Alor Gajah junction at 213.9km, next to water theme park.
*Behind the right hand crash barrier at 198.4km.

Elite Central Link East/North Bound
*On left hand side at 4.8km after Batu Tiga/Shah Alam exit
*Under the overhead restaurant at USJ/Hicom junction about 8.5km. 90km/h zone!
*Below the bridge before USJ/Hicom junction at 10.5km.

Elite Central Link West/South Bound
*Under the overhead restaurant at USJ/Hicom junction about 8.5km. 90km/h zone!
*Below the bridge before USJ/Hicom junction at 10.5km.
*After exit from KLIA toll to the airport, below Jalan Pekeliling flyover. 90km/h

NKVE East/North Bound
*300m before Jalan Duta toll, 60km/h!
*Behind crash barrier on the left when going towards Jalan Duta toll, at 24.9km, 80km/h!
*Below bridge at Damansara Junction, 17.5km

NKVE West/South Bound
*Behind crash barrier on the left when leaving Jalan Duta toll from KL, at 25.3 km and 25.7km, 80km/h!
*From Jln Duta, below the bridge, 23km, 80km/h zone!
*From Jln Duta, at the underpass at Sg Buloh Y-junction, 22km.
*Behind crash barrier at Damansara Junction, 17.7km and 16.8km
*Below railway bridge at 11.2km
*Under the bridge at Shah Alam junction.

Kesas East Bound
*Under the bridge at 44.8km, downhill run after Puchong junction.

Kesas West Bound
*At Sg Besi side of East Bound Toll. Kuala LumpurCity
*Jalan Duta; below the flyover at the Damansara junction, 70km/h zone.

Klang
*Dual carriageway between Klang and Port Klang. Towards Klang direction, at about 13km mile stone. 70km/h only!

East Coast
*Road sign at Karak highway is inadequate especially at Y junction; if you are unfamilar, go slow.
*East bound, downhill run after Raub junction.
*Maran, 60km/h zone.
*Paya Bungor, 70km/h zone.

JOHOR
South Bound
*Tangkak junction.
*Under the bridge after Yong Peng

North junction
*at 97.3km.
*Ayer Hitam junction.
*Sedenak junction.

PERLIS, KEDAH AND PENANG
North Bound
*Around Ayer Hitam in 60km/h zone.
*Before Perwaja Steel.
*Sg Petani junction.
*Between Seberang Jaya junction and Sg Dua Toll.
*PenangBridgeat island end.Speed limit 80km/h.
South Bound
*PenangBridgeisland end. Speed limit 80km/h.
*About 2km before Juru Toll Speed limit 90km/h.

PERAK
North Bound
*Under the bridge at 197..1km and 198.8km, after
Kamunting Junction.
*Under the bridge at 204.3km, after Kamunting
Junction.
*Under the bridge at 208km, before Kamunting Junction.
*Under the bridge at 214.8km, before Kamunting
junction.
*Ipoh Vista Point at about 263km. Speed limit 80km/h.
*Under the bridge at 271km, Ipoh North Junction.
*Under the bridge at 274..4km, Ipoh South Junction.
*Under the bridge at 286.9km, Simpang Pulai Junction.
*Under the bridge at 296km, Gopeng Junction.
*Under the bridge at 352.6km, after Sungkai Junction.
*Under the bridge at 353km, Sungkai Junction.
*Under the bridge at 373km, Slim River Junction.
South Bound
*Under the bridge at 199km, before Kamunting junction.
*Under the bridge at 241.9km, at Kalau Kangsar
junction.
*Under the sign post at 296.1km, before Gopeng
Junction.
*Under the bridge at 297km, at Gopeng Junction.
*Under the bridge at 300km, after Gopeng junction.
*Under the bridge at 308.6km, after Gopeng junction.
*Under the bridge at 372.6km, at SlimRiverjunction.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILIFITRI!!!

PANDU CERMAT, JIWA SELAMAT!!!

Don't Gain Weight During Raya Season! Yiikkkess!!

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:12:00 +0000

Puasa time is the time where people cut down on food (though some of us really "balas dendam" when break-fast :p) and lose weight and stay slim and trim. But once Hari Raya comes along, everything goes out the window! Don't let your effort goes to waste. Here are some pointers on how not to "over-indulge", or "over-eat" during Raya time especially during open houses.

Tip# 1 Eat First. Never ever go to an open house with an empty stomach

Tip# 2 Use Small Plate. The smaller the plate, the less food you can take!

Tip# 3 Choose Wisely. You don't have to cut out all your favourite "kuihs" and "ketupat", just take smaller portions! (With Tip# 2 Bearing in mind of course ;))

Tip# 4 Chew Slowly. Don't rush, savour the flavour and pause between bites

Tip# 5 Keep Moving! Remember to exercise during this festive season!

Slim Down By Eating Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:40:00 +0000

I found this article in Malaysian Today and think that it's very useful, it made sense and not so hard to follow. While some of us are very lucky to have a high metabolic rate, most of us -not so much. So, try these tips for a healthier you.

Most of us want to be healthier but it seems to be too difficult. There's no time to go to the gym, you have no time to eat proper meals, etc. Well, improving on your habits is a great way to be healthier and suprisingly enough, it's pretty simple.

1. DON'T SIZE UP
People dine out pretty often and he portions in restaurants are getting bigger and bigger! Try to cut down on the portion by sharing with a friend or by always ordering a small portion instead of the bigger one. And although it would only cost RM1 for a bigger portion, DON'T order it . You'll be doing your health and your waistline big favours.

2. DRINK
Drink lots of water. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go and you'll find yourself drinking more. Water would be best. And you'll find yourself not getting hungry as quickly as you usually do as the water would fill you up

3. GET LOW
Eating high-fibre foods will fill you up for longer. Try eating as much low-fat and high-fibre foods that are low in calories but will leave you feeling full. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are great sources of these. They are also healthy and provide you with essential nutrients.

4. BREAKFAST LIKE A CHAMP
People who start the day with breakfast have higher energy levels than those who don't. It also helps that you don't get too hungry before lunchtime. Have a healthy breakfast of cereal and or fruits and you wouldn't gorge yourself during lunch.

5. STOP SNACKING
Don't buy snacks if you can help it and try not to snack while watching TV. It is easy to finish a packet of chips while watching your favourite show without you even realising it. Keep healthy snacks in your fridge. Try snacking on fruits instead of chips.

6. MILK IT
Include more dairy in your diet to increase your calcium intake. This will help strengthen your bones and also reduce blood pressure. Drink more milk, have yogurt, cheese (but not too much) and other calcium-fortified drinks and foods.

7. PACK IT IN
You can actually save some money and also be healthier by bringing your own lunch. Sometimes, we just get so busy that skipping lunch just seems easier. Try making your own sandwich and bring a fruit along for dessert. With your healthy alternative, you won't need to go without lunch and ou won't also be tempted to buy that packet of fattening chips / chocolate! ;)

Wanie Idayu: Happy Trying and Good Luck!!

Malaysian Taxis Voted 'World's Worst'?

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:54:00 +0000

Malaysia's 'worst in the world' taxis tarnish national image

Reads the headline of Regional - MSN Malaysia News - News for today, 18 September 2008. It reported that in a survey by the local magazine The Expat, some 200 foreigners from 30 countries rated Malaysia the worst among 23 countries in terms of taxi quality, courtesy, availability and expertise. There are complains all over from tourists (not to mention locales) that the taxi drivers refused to use the meter, overcharge and pick-and-choose which destinations they will travel to. There's once where a tourist was charges RM260 for a trip from KLIA to KL!! Now this is really too much.

My personal experience came from taxis in Subang Jaya area. If you take a cab from Carrefour to Sunway Pyramid they will charge you a flat rate of RM8 even though it's a teensy weensy distance. And from Carrefour to Old Klang Road / SS2 PJ, they will charge a flat rate of RM15 although it only took 5 minutes using LDP from Subang Jaya to Old Klang Road. Paying for the toll is fine, but all in all I don't think it should came out more than RM10 or even RM8 for that matter, including the toll. This is in broad daylight, mind you and not the after midnight charges. Me being hot and tired, just agreeing while grumbling all the way. Did I protested? Of course I did! But guess what -all of the other taxis there took the same rate! Believe me, I've asked. Suprisingly (or not so suprising to some of you), all of them have some sort of "United CabFare Agreement for Subang Jaya". So there you go.

Anyway, I can't say that this news is a shock for me, but to have people from other countries pointing this out, voted us as the worst and reported it as news headline is downright embarassing. Somebody have to do something about it. In fact, a lot of bodies have to do something about it -like tightening the rules, do random checking in the complained area -like going undercover or something to investigate, and suspending the license of the offender for a period of time; those kind of things. (See? I'm not only complaining, I also give suggestions). I'm sure a lot of us has file in complains or even SMS to the number at the back of the taxi / cab, but are there any actions taken? I wonder... *Sigh

Read the headline news here http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1682892

Get Your Fuel Cash Rebates @MYEG

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:07:00 +0000

Vehicle owners can now claim their fuel cash rebates through e-government services concessionare, MY E.G. Services Sdn. Bhd. (MYEG), at its online portal
MYEG executive Datuk Dr Norraesah Mohamad said Pos Malaysia Bhd would verify claims before making payments to vehicle owners through money orders within seven working days, or credit the status of of their fuel cash rebates at any time through MYEG portal. Eligible vehicle owners could now renew their road tax and submit fuel cash rebates claims simultineously using the online channel. The new service was an extension of its newly launched online road tax renewal service in April.

Wanie Idayu: No more long ques / waits in post office. Hooraaayyy!!!

Source: The Star & Personal Money

Can Men and Women Be Just Friends?

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:55:00 +0000

The evergreen topic -Can Men and Women Be Just Friends?

Oprah & Friends XM Radio host Rabbi Shmuley Boteach talks about the ground rules for platonic relationships between men and women.

Can men and women be "just friends," or is sexual attraction between the sexes always inevitable? According to Rabbi Shmuley, men and women can be friends with members of the opposite sex, as long as they follow certain rules. He talks about platonic friendship between the sexes and shares his ground rules for opposite-sex friendships outside of marriage.

If a person isn't married, Rabbi Shmuley says it's perfectly all right to have friends who are members of the opposite sex. Society has moved away from polarizing the sexes, and today, men and women work together, go to school together and should be able to be friends, he says.

Things are different if you are married, Rabbi Shmuley says. It is possible to have an opposite sex friendship, but you cannot compromise certain borders:

(1) You can't go out to late night dinners together. You can have lunch together in a public place, but you should not order alcoholic beverages. "The embers of attraction really can grow in situations like that, and suddenly it's not so innocent, it's not just friendship anymore," Rabbi Shmuley says.

(2) You can't take long drives or long flights with the other person, even if it's for work. "Even if you have to work with a colleague [of the opposite sex], there are still certain boundaries you need to preserve," he says.

(3) You cannot place yourself in any situation where romance can grow. "Romance grows when people are alone; romance grows when people tell secrets," Rabbi Shmuley says.

(4) You can't share secrets with a platonic male or female friend that you don't share with your spouse. "Because then you're sharing an exclusivity with a member of the opposite sex that you're not with your partner, and that can lead to a big no-no," he says.

(5) You should not be friends with ex-lovers.

Wanie Idayu: Any other rules to add-in? ;)

Source: Oprah.com

4 Steps To Be Free From Debts

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:12:00 +0000

Not to say that I am free from debt now, but at least I have no more credit card outstanding and I don't own any credit card now. Hoorayy!!! It's not easy, it takes a lot of discipline and starving (*sigh...) and saving.. So to get yourself free from debt, better start now. It's never too late! Better late than never... ;)

Step 1: Find Out How Much Are You In Debt
You may think that this is an obvious thing but don't be suprised, most people do not know how much debt they have. Do you? To get yourself on the road of repayment, it's crucial to know how much debt you're carrying and @what interest rate. Only then you can plan your financial

Step 2: Put Aside RM10 A Day
If you put RM10 a day towards your debt rather than spending it on fancy cups of coffee, cigarettes, bottled water or fast food, in 1 year you have put aside approx. RM3650 towards your debt!!! Now do you still think that RM10 won't make a difference? Think again! You can pay off a credit card debt of RM8K in just 3 years with only RM10 a day!!!

Step 3: Pay More Than Minimum Payment
Of course credit card card company would like you to pay the minimum payment... So they can squeeze a lot more profit from you!!
If you have RM8K of credit cards debt & you only pay RM160/month, you can only clear up your debts in 30 years time. By applying the RM10/day method, you can be debt free in just 3 years!! 30 years & 3 years is a whole lot of difference huh? So stick with the RM10/day Plan ok??

Step 4: Stop Using Your Credit Card
The obvious solution. Stop use, Stop Accumulating Debt. So there.

Any questions friends??? ;)

Pointers For A Good Conversation

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Tongue-tied? Want to show your date that you’re a keeper? Utter a few of these key phrases to make your sweetie melt... and no, one of them is not “You look great tonight”! ;)

Key phrase #1: “Tell me more about it”
Congratulations, you two have graduated beyond small talk and have delved into a meatier topic—namely, a problem she’s struggling with at work or in some other area of her life. You, in a sincere effort to be helpful, offer her a solution. Suddenly, that bonding moment you two were carefully cultivating freezes over as your date icily says, “Well, it’s not that easy...” What happened? In short, you gave unsolicited advice, an all-too-common conversational faux pas—especially for men, who are often accused of trying to “fix” women’s problems. Both genders, however, should take care to hold their tongue at any point they’re tempted to offer a solution. Instead, encourage your date to keep talking by saying, “Tell me more about it.”

Tip: Stop trying to fix your date’s problems; instead, encourage them to vent.

I’m not saying you should never share your brilliant ideas; just be sure to give them space to vent for awhile. Then — and this is crucial — ask for their permission with, “Would you like my advice?” If you’ve given your date ample time to get things off their chest, they’ll be more than happy to listen.

Key phrase #2: “What are the reasons for your opinion?”
Oh, no: Your date’s in favor of the war in Iraq. You, on the other hand, have marched in every peace protest within a hundred-mile radius of your hometown. I'm not saying you two are doomed; in fact, butting heads a bit is a great way to get to know each other, not to mention make some sparks fly. So by all means share your opinion—just do so after you’ve asked your date theirs with a diplomatic “What are the reasons for your opinion?” This, my friends, is the difference between an engaging conversation and an instant turn-off.

Key phrase #3: “I never thought of it that way”
Want to make your date’s day? That’s simple: After they’ve explained their viewpoint on anything from a current event to a celeb’s odd behavior, ponder the comment and say, “I never thought of it that way.” Saying this doesn’t mean you think your date is a genius, it merely shows that you’re being influenced by their thoughts and opinions. And once someone senses that you respect their ideas, the ensuing ego boost will keep them coming back for more. (Note: This comment works wonders when combined with key phrase #2.)

Key phrase #4: “That must have upset you”
One moment, the person sitting across from you is ranting non-stop about how her younger brother borrowed her car and totaled it while speeding. But the minute you try to jump on the bashing bandwagon by saying “Your brother sure sounds like a loose cannon!” or some such, your date suddenly makes an about-face and says, “Actually, my brother has his flaws but he is a great guy. I’m sure you weren’t perfect when you were 22, either.” Is your date schizo? Hardly. The real problem is, you took sides—and insulted someone your date cares for deeply, in spite of the occasional gripes they might have. Stay neutral and say something sympathetic like “That must have upset you,” or “I can understand how that would annoy you.” This way, you show compassion and empathy without hitting any landmines.

Key phrase #5: “How did it go?”
Sooner or later, your date may mention an upcoming event that’s important to them, whether it’s a third-round job interview, a granddad’s triple-bypass operation, or a best friend’s wedding. Take note when you hear them, since they will turn into prime opportunities to show your date you were listening later with a “So how did that interview/surgery/wedding go?” While it may seem obvious to follow up on occurrences like this, they are easy to forget, especially if they’re not of life-and-death magnitude. Or, your date may soon squander your chance by volunteering the information with a “So my interview went well...” Bottom line is, dates do like to be asked about things they’ve mentioned to you already—make a point of ponying up as soon as you see them and they’ll think, “Wow, how thoughtful.”

Key phrase #6: “You are a really generous person”
Many people, especially men, are quick with the compliments: “You have the most gorgeous eyes,” “You look beautiful in that dress.” Your date will love it, at first. But then the compliments wear off and so does their interest in you. What’s going on? Problem is, you’re focused on superficial qualities when people often prefer to be recognized for who they are on the inside. One’s personality, warmth, generosity, compassion—these things are permanent. So try complimenting an internal quality. Say something like, “It was so thoughtful of you to ______ (for example, “go out of your way to meet me here”), or “You are a ______ (fill-in with “caring” “honest,” etc…) person. I really like that about you.”

Key phrase #7: “I really admire that”
Everyone loves to be admired and loves to be around people who admire them. So, look for opportunities to make your date feel proud. If your date shares a story about how he took a risk, switched jobs and ended up in a better position, say something like, “That takes courage. I admire that.” If your date tells you a story about how he or she got a friend out of a bind, say “I admire that kind of loyalty.” How do you know your comments are winning your date over? You’ll see an instant smile.

P/S Oh, and if anyone of you caught me using one or any or all the above phrases, please don't think that I'm just being polite. These are smart tips and believe me, I'm the type of person that won't bother to ask if I don't want to know or don't wanna help or not interested. ;)

15 Witty Lines You Should Know ;)

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:27:00 +0000

I think that some of the lines are quite corny, or "excusey", and if it's used loosely, may appear insincere.. But I also think that knowledge is power, and these can work to your advantage if use sparingly and spontaneously when people least expects it.

Dating Dilemma #1: You need to say something smart at a museum
"It's not what you see that is art—art is the gap." —Marcel Duchamp

Dating Dilemma #2: You're out with very well-read person
"I've given up on reading books. I find it takes my mind off myself." —Oscar Wilde

Dating Dilemma #3:You want to stop talking and start kissing
"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous." —Ingrid Bergman

Dating Dilemma #4: You'd really rather not share your feelings
"All the great pleasures in life are silent." —George Clemenceau

Dating Dilemma #5: You're not ready to commit
"Let there be spaces in [our] togetherness." —Kahlil Gibran

Dating Dilemma #6: You're trying to sway someone to be naughty
"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." —Katharine Hepburn

Dating Dilemma #7: It really is all your fault (My personal favourite)
"I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best." —Walt Whitman

Dating Dilemma #8: You've been caught in a big, fat lie
"There are no facts, only interpretations." —Friedrich Nietzsche

Dating dilemma #9: You don't want to accompany your date to a family get-together
"Absence is one of the most useful ingredients of family life, and to dose it rightly is an art like any other." —Freya Stark

Dating dilemma #10: You want to watch the big game tonight instead of Dancing With The Stars
"The spirit, the will to win and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur." —Vince Lombardi

Dating dilemma #11: You're at a restaurant where the service sucks
"What is the test of good manners? Being able to bear patiently with bad ones." —Solomon Ibn Gabirol

Dating dilemma #12: You're putting the moves on a platonic friend
"In the sweetness of friendship, let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures." —Kahlil Gibran
Dating dilemma #13: You're stumped for conversation during a walk through the park
"The earth laughs in flowers." —e.e. cummings

Dating dilemma #14: Annoying friends and relatives keep asking when you'll get married
"The trouble with some women is they get all excited about nothing—and then they marry him." —Cher

Dating dilemma #15: You're caught checking out someone other than your date
"The eyes are not responsible when the mind does the seeing." —Publilius Syrus

4 Simple Steps To Meeting Someone

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:43:00 +0000

It’s all about being able to chat people up—wherever, whenever the opportunity strikes. Here’s a simple plan for doing just that.

Trick #1: Smile and wave

Don’t be afraid to use gestures that say, “I’d like to chat with you”—whether that means a smile, a nod, a wave or just eyebrows raised in expectation. Say you have to wait in line at a fast food restaurant, or waiting for your drinks to be ready at Starbucks, and you saw a cute guy, try smiling at him. People need encouragement that it's OK for them to come over and talk to you. I've done it many times before; and it always have a positive outcome. So take your chances, you may get new friends if not more ;)

How to practice it: Even though it may seem bold, smiling at strangers is the top way to let them know it’s safe to break through. Try it on everyone and anyone: The beleaguered workers at the post office, a harried mother in front of you at the checkout aisle, or even the toddler sitting in her cart. As you get used to being a smiler, you’ll start doing it naturally—including at the people you most want to meet.

Trick #2: Be the one to talk first...
Anyone can talk back to someone, but real people-meeters know the trick is starting a chat out of the blue. The secret lies in seeing the world around you as full of opportunities to talk, versus waiting to be spoken to.

How to do it: In order to break the ice with people you want to date, it helps to start with people you’d normally never speak to—say, the married guy in another department at work or a grandma at the bus stop. Since you’re not worried about whether they’ll shoot you down, you can truly be yourself and get used to talking to perfect strangers. You have to get comfortable doing it, or you’ll hesitate when you see someone in particular who you want to talk to. If you have to think about what to say or feel self-conscious, you’ll hesitate, and the moment will be gone.

Trick #3: Work your chit-chat charm
OK, what the heck should you talk about? The experts advise finding something that you two share—that could easily be something in your environment, like the weather or the huge new billboard that went up across the street. Or it could be something in the world around you, like a big verdict that was announced on the news earlier in the day or the fact that the next day is officially the longest day of the year.

How to practice it: Work on having an opinion or asking for the other person’s view of things, rather than just throwing a remark out there. So if you’re in the cereal aisle, don’t mutter to yourself, “Wow, expensive...” Turn to the object of your affection and say, “Wow, can you believe it? Almost six dollars for this! Is it just this brand or are they all so pricey?” Similarly, if you’re in line for lunch and the folks behind the deli counter are taking their time, don’t just say, “Gee, this line is moving so slowly.” Instead, try to get some playful banter going by saying, “I’ll bet you a little bag of chips that we’re not out of here by 1 P.M.” The idea is, open the door to a chat rather than just toss off a remark.

Trick #4: Then stop talking...
The secret of charming people around you is knowing when to stop yapping and start listening. People aren’t used to having other people really listen to them, so that’s how we win a lot of people over. So whether you're remarking about an old hit song that just came on or asking someone at Starbucks which shaker has cocoa and which has cinnamon and does it really make a difference; open the door to a chat and then shut it to hear what the other person have to say. The new acquaintance walks away feeling connected to you since you lavished on that personal attention.

How to practice it: Next time you start a conversation, make an effort to ask the person you’re chatting with at least three questions before making another observation of your own. That will get you in the groove of letting the other person open up to you... and make them feel appreciated. And when they feel appreciated, chances are, they’ll want to continue that conversation. ;)

Easiest Makeup Tricks Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:45:00 +0000

Lip Service

1. Pick the right shade. What most of us do: Swipe a possible new color on the back of our hand to see if it flatters. A better idea, says San Antonio-based celeb makeup artist Starley Murray: Test the lipstick on your fingertip — that way, you can hold the color next to your face to see how it looks. (No mirror? Your finger is still a better gauge, since it's similar in color and texture to your lips.)

2. Get buff. For the prettiest finish, run your toothbrush over your lips to exfoliate any dry skin (a damp paper towel also can do the job). Post-scrub, lipstick will glide on without caking.

3. Fill in fine lines. Here's a way to keep lipstick from feathering (a great trick if you have tiny wrinkles above your upper lip): Coat your mouth and go slightly outside your lip line with a clear balm ‑- like plain ChapStick — before applying color. "Like invisible spackle," says celebrity makeup artist Shalini Vadhera, "it keeps your lipstick from traveling."

4. Extend the life of your lipstick. So you'd like your color to last through lunch, but you don't like the feel of long-wearing formulas? Here's a tip from makeup guru Laura Mercier: Apply a coat of regular lipstick, then press it with a single-ply tissue and powder lightly (over the tissue) with a puff or brush. This sets the color and prevents running and feathering.

5. Plump up. For a finishing touch, dab the middle of your lower lip with a bit of silver or gold lip gloss. Any makeup artist worth his shimmer powder will tell you this is the fastest route to creating the illusion of fullness. But remember: If you blot or purse your lips, you'll blur the Jolie effect.

Fresh Eye-Deas

1. Fight droop. Lightly shade the area just above the arch of your brow with a nude or white liner and blend, advises Jo Davis, artistic director for Trucco Cosmetics. "This subtly lights up your face and creates the illusion of higher brows and lids, which is great for droopy or tired eyes," she says.

2. Smudge-proof your liner. Apply it with a pencil or a tiny brush, then trace over the line with a matching powder shadow. To make it last even longer: Wet your shadow brush with Visine first.

3. Make your eyes look larger. Place a lash curler at the roots of your lashes, then slowly "walk" it out to the tips, pressing as you go, says Sydney, Australia, makeup expert Napoleon Perdis.

4. Outsmart your mascara. Love the waterproof kind but hate wrestling to remove it? Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose applies a coat of regular mascara first, then tops it with waterproof. "This way, the waterproof formula locks onto the other mascara instead of your lashes, so it comes off more easily — when you want it to," he says.

5. Widen your eyes. To look more refreshed, use white or nude eyeliner — but this time, below your eyes, not above. Pull down gently on your undereye and trace the line between the lower lashes and the inside rim. Stop before you reach your tear ducts.

Complexion Perfecters

1. Conceal flaws...strategically. A full face of foundation — or too much concealer — can look and feel unnatural, says Mercier. She advises using cover-up only where you need it (and, where you don't, letting your own skin shine through). Blend.

2. Try a soft touch. Your ring finger is the perfect tool for applying makeup, says Davis, because it's the weakest digit. The more powerful index finger may apply color too boldly or tug too much (hello, wrinkles!) on your delicate skin.

3. Look luminous. Every face has natural shadows, and you'll look better if you brighten them, says Craig Jessup, makeup artist for Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. To find the shady spots, he says, just smile at yourself in the mirror. "You'll see darker areas — like your Cupid's bow, under your bottom lip and at the inner corners of your eyes." To lighten those areas, dab on shimmery white eye shadow. Blend if necessary.

4. Give yourself a mini face-lift. Apply blush starting at your upper cheekbone (at the hairline near your ear) then brush across your cheek horizontally — not diagonally or downward — until you get to the center of your face. "You'll be thrilled to see the difference when your blush is darkest at the hairline and faded at the apples, instead of vice versa," says Murray, "because it's more youthful."

60-Seconds Grooming Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:55:00 +0000

Droopy lids: To widen tired eyes, slightly darken and lengthen your brows.

Gray roots: Emphasize your hairline (which shows less gray) by wearing a loose ponytail or, for shorter hair, a headband.

Dull skin: For a quick flush, hold a plastic bag filled with ice against your face. Then maintain that glow with a cream containing retinol, a skin brightener.

Thin lips: Dab concealer a shade lighter than your skin along your lipline's outer edge and blend, it'll plump up your mouth.

Ragged brows: When there's no time for trimming, dip a brow brush in hair gel and swipe it on.

Rough nails: Even clear polish needs to dry -- so to create a pretty finish fast, buff nail surfaces. This will remove dead cells, leaving behind a high shine.

My Friendliness Level :)

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:52:00 +0000

Your Friendliness Score is 85 (Very Friendly)

You are an amazing friend. Anyone who has you as a friend is incredibly lucky.

And judging by how many friends you have, there are many lucky people in this world!

You can talk to people easily, and you often turn strangers into friends.

You are also a good listener. You are there for your friends when they need to vent, without judgment.

Overall, you have a genuine interest in people and their lives. And your friends can tell.
Taking time for your friends is very important to you. And because of this, you have lots of deep and meaningful friendships.

How Friendly Are You?

5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:39:00 +0000

The eyes may be the window to the soul, but your hair says a lot about you, too. Here's five easy ways to improve your hair in a hurry.

(1) Trim your ends.

If you blow-dry or straighten your hair regularly, chances are you've got damage along the bottom of your strands. A quick snip – even just a few centimeters – is the best way to nip that problem in the bud.

The ends of your hair don't get the benefit of our natural scalp oils so they are always going to be drier and more susceptible to breakage. So, prevention is your best course of action. Another tip: don't use blunt scissors on split ends. It further exposes your already damaged cuticle.

(2) Don't play with your hair.

You'd be surprised how that little nervous twirl around your finger can cause breakage. Experts suggest sleeping on a silk pillowcase. It may sound decadent, but silk pillowcases help prevent overnight tangles, a real boon for delicate hair.

(3) Be careful how you comb.

If combing your hair after a shower is a challenge, then do it while you still have conditioner on your wet strands. Use a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends, gently comb your way to your scalp. Then rinse out the conditioner thoroughly. Your hair will look shiny and healthy when it dries.

Also, avoid metal combs, and never tease your hair to give it volume.

Backcombing can be extremely damaging, as it can lift and tear the hair cuticle, which is impossible to repair.

(4) Use color-boosting shampoos or conditioners.

It's tough to keep color-treated hair looking great in between treatments if you don't use products that contain silicone (which adds shine) and keratin. Keratin is particularly important because it helps repair the hair cuticles that are opened up every time you apply color. To really gild your hair, apply SPF protectant sprays before heading out into the sun.

(5) Boost volume and thickness.

Ask your stylist for a glaze treatment. It can be clear, or add a sheen of color. Glazes not only add shine, they bond to your hair strand, giving it a thicker feel and more texture. Many glazes can also be applied at home, saving you from visiting a salon every few weeks.

12 Makeup Mistakes You May Be Making

noreply@blogger.com (Wanie Idayu) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:35:00 +0000

In an ideal world, you would have all the various makeup products you want, have the time and money to update them each season and have the skilled hand necessary to apply them flawlessly. But even if that’s not the case, there are simple fixes you can try to help correct the most common beauty wrongs. Here, the makeup mistakes many women routinely make, plus how to do it right.

1. Wearing too much (or too little) makeup.

Your makeup should be time and place appropriate—so what looks perfect for a big evening event shouldn’t be the same as what you put on to go to the grocery store or the gym. When you consistently overdo your makeup, you run the risk of looking like you’re trying too hard. Toning it down a notch—for a more natural look—will be a better option for every day. On the flip side, don't be so afraid of looking fake or overdone that you skip makeup altogether. The prescription for the perfect minimal makeup: A good moisturizer, under-eye concealer, blush, curl your lashes and add a sweep of lipstick or gloss.

2. Never updating your colors, products or techniques.

Still using the same eye shadow, blush and lipstick shades you fell in love with when you first started wearing makeup? Well, unless that was just last year, chances are you’re long overdue for a trip to the makeup counter. Just like you pay attention to which jeans are currently in style—and feel outdated if you’re still wearing bootcut when the look is straight-leg—you need to pay attention to makeup trends. That’s not to say that you have to toss and replace all your makeup every season, or that you have to wear bright red lipstick just because that’s what the models were sporting on the fashion runways. You can find ways to make the trends your own (perhaps swapping your circa 1990s brown-toned lipstick for a wine-colored stain if reds are in fashion) so that your face looks as stylish as your wardrobe.

3. Using the wrong color foundation.

You could have beautiful skin and perfect application technique, but if you’re wearing a foundation that doesn’t exactly match your natural skin tone, the results are going to look awful. By picking a shade that’s an exact match, you’ll make it very easy to get a flawless looking face. To find the right one, try on three—pick the one you think is the closest color match, and also try one shade darker and one shade lighter. Go to the makeup counter with no makeup on, and swipe the three shades in stripes that run from your cheek down to your neck. As you blend each one into your skin, look for the one that blends so effortlessly it literally just disappears. That will be your perfect match.

4. Over-tweezing (or ignoring) your eyebrows.

The brows are such a central and important feature on your face, and when they’re well groomed they can enhance your eyes and your entire look. If yours are out of control, it’s worth the time and money to let a professional take tweezers to them. Get a referral from a friend in order to find someone you know will do a good job. The worst thing you—or a pro—can do is to take off too many brow hairs. As we get older, the brows naturally become more sparse, so if you tweeze your brows too thin, they might never fully grow back. If you follow your brows’ natural arch—but clean up the areas over, under and between brows—you’ll find the best shape. Visit a pro for a tune-up every few months and you should be able to keep them groomed on your own in between.

5. Wearing a rainbow of eye shadow shades at once.

Just because your compact came with four or more colors packaged together doesn’t mean you have to paint them all onto your eyelids at once. In fact, use no more than three shades at a time—a medium shade on the lids, a lighter one to highlight the brow bone, and the darkest as a liner for the top and bottom lids. For a simpler, everyday application, you could skip the liner and just use a single light shade all over the lids up to the brows.

6. Not caring for your skin.

All the makeup in the world can’t compensate for skin that isn’t well primed. In order for makeup to go on smoothly and look its best, you need to think about your skin before you start to reach for your foundation or concealer. If the skin isn’t properly hydrated, your concealer will look cakey, your blush splotchy and your foundation won’t spread evenly. For dry skin, slather on a rich moisturizer or a face oil before applying makeup. Oily skin will look best if you start by washing your face with a cleanser that absorbs oil and then use a lightweight, oil-free lotion that will hydrate the skin enough for makeup to go on smoothly, but won’t make the skin greasy or shiny.

7. Choosing the wrong makeup for your skin type.

Just as using the right skincare will help your makeup look better, it’s important to be sure you’re using the right makeup formulas to enhance your skin. If your skin is on the dry side, avoid powder foundations and blushes. Creamy formulas will blend better, and if you have any fine lines or wrinkles, a cream will help smooth them over (as opposed to powders which can settle into lines and make them appear more obvious). Normal to oily skin should stick to oil-free liquids and powders. And it pays to reassess your choices every so often to make sure you’re using the right formula for the skin you have now: You may have had oily skin since your teenage years, but if you are now over 40, chances are your skin is starting to shift toward the dryer side.

8. Going to bed with your makeup on.

If you’re going to take the time to put it on, you’ve got to also take the time to take it off. Leaving your makeup on overnight can clog your pores (not to mention getting your pillowcase dirty), plus, if you’re not removing your makeup, you’re not caring for your skin by cleansing and applying an appropriate night cream. To make a clean sweep: Use a makeup remover pad first to get rid of eye makeup and anything else that might not come off with your face cleanser (like a long-wearing lipstick).Follow with your usual facial cleanser to finish the job.

9. Paying too much attention to one feature on your face.

There’s a fine line between enhancing your favorite feature and overdoing it. You don’t want to overcompensate so much that instead of seeing your bright, pretty eyes, all people notice is your elaborate eye makeup. The trick is to play up your eyes more subtly and then add a little makeup to the rest of your face. For instance, just because you don’t want to call attention to your mouth doesn’t mean you have to leave it naked. Use a pretty, natural pink lipstick or gloss so that it still looks well-groomed, if not eye-catching.

10. Trying to draw on larger-than-life lips.

You’ve probably read advice from a makeup artist who suggested lining your lips outside your natural line in order to make your pout look fuller. It’s not that it’s bad advice, but most women don’t have the technique to pull it off without looking silly. A more foolproof approach: Apply your lipstick or gloss first and then take a pencil (in the exact same shade as your lipstick or gloss) and draw a light, thin line just at the outermost edge of your mouth. The goal isn’t to make your lips look like you got silicone injections, but just to create the best version of what your lips can be.

11. Attempting to create contours that don’t exist.

Using darker shades of blush to try to brush on an optical illusion of more prominent cheekbones or a less prominent nose is a trick best left to professionals making someone up for photography or film. This is one technique that rarely works in the real world. No matter how skilled you are with the makeup brush, it’s nearly impossible to use dark colors that aren’t glaringly obvious when viewed in person, especially in broad daylight. Focus instead on pretty, soft makeup that plays up your best features.

12. Confusing concealer with cover up.

They may sound like they are intended to serve the same purpose, but according to Liebeskind, there is a big difference between the two. Concealer is what you use under your eyes to disguise dark circles and brighten the skin. It should be creamy in consistency and should be one or two shades lighter than your perfectly-matched foundation. Cover up—which should be used to camouflage blemishes or other flaws—needs to be exactly the same shade as your foundation. In fact, unless you want a treated cover up (designed to help dry up pimples), your foundation can double as your cover up. Use a small foundation brush to dab the product onto the blemish and set with translucent pressed powder.