Review before 2016...

I should have done this review in June, like a mid-year progress check but I think I forgot about it. Hahahaha. So, we'll just do it at the end of the year ya?
Before I whisk off to Bangkok for the new year, let's talk about what I've done and not done for those resolutions that I set out to complete in 2015.

Alright then. So looking at the 2015 Resolutions, Super "Proud" (ahem *ashamed* ahem) to say that I have achieved 4.5/10.

Let's talk about those I achieved.
(1) Eat Healthier & exercise more +.5
Technically, I am eating healthier but I dont see myself exercising more. At least not much different from the previous year. Now that I've received a FITBIT on my birthday, let's try running more in 2016.

(4) Spend more time reading
Essentially, I only got my kindle after my birthday, but yes, I've been caught up with all the paperbacks I've stocked up on previously. Yes, nerdball here but who cares? I love me fictions and fantasies. A girl can dream. Hahaha.

(5) Spend more time with my family
Probably because of school, I'm getting off work earlier and home more often. My schedule's like schools on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays nights. And when I dont have classes, I either finish rushing my work or to head home earlier to rest. Somehow, somewhat, through all these rushing, more time is spent with the family which is something I am pretty happy about.

(6) Revamp the house
If you've been reading my blog since July, you would have noticed a few renovation photos. So yes, this is definitely checked!

(10) Consider School
I was supposed to seriously consider school. The keyword here (or there) was CONSIDER. However, when I was looking through the applications, good timing I may say, I chanced upon a 'recruitment talk' for Murdoch with Kaplan. One of the choices I was considering before. And almost right after the talk, I signed up. So instead of considering, I've made the choice and yes, I am suffering the effects now. Hahaha.

As for those I failed to achieve are:
(2) Get Lasik Done
I had to save my savings for school fees so... this just has to wait.

(3) Get attached
Hahahahahaha. I received many questions about this too cause I am at that age where my friends are all starting to get married or engaged. So... my answer for now is... I want to. However, I cannot be selfish. I hardly have time for myself after the work and school. I cannot imagine someone giving me only 10% (or 5%) of their attention and I can't do the same to someone else. So yes, this too have to wait till I graduate.

(7) Work hard & (9) Get Promoted
It's always disappointing when you know you've done your best but the results just doesn't show ehs? Yeah, this was it. Pissed off but there is nothing I can do but wait till the day it comes. Even though I can only wit till 2016, let's just hope it comes soon.

(8) Play hard
Truthfully, I highly doubt I have been able to play at all, let alone hard. This year has been tough but I'm toughing it out like I usually do. Sow the seeds and bear the fruits. Hopefully, the fruits will ripen by Sep (since I will end school then - provided I pass all my units) and everything is much easier then.

To a better year! Will share my 2016 Resolutions after Bangkok. Some fresh air to think, some money to spend before I decide on anything. Hahaha! Cheers, and have a happy new year guys!

A “Korean” Skin Care Routine

People always rave about how good Koreans skin is but do you know how particular they are about the basics? There’s always this “10-Steps” regime that they follow to a T on a daily basis. I will share my own adapted version below which is slightly more than “10-Steps”. Hahaha.

Even if you’re not a make-up person like me, but if you do put on sunblock, you need to remove it as if you’re removing make up. So yes, I double cleanse my face every night. In a month, I am proud to say that my face is ¾ clear. As a girl, I am always bothered by PMS breakouts. So, aside from that, all’s well.

Start off with an Oil Cleanser. For me, it will be the SKINFOOD’s BLACK SUGAR OIL CLEANSER and it has a very lemony (not citrus, just lemon) smell that I love. Always start your oil cleanse with clean hands, in fact, never touch your face without washing them first! Wash your hands thoroughly, wipe them dry and then pump 2-3 pumps of oil and start massaging them into your skin. You can add a little water to emulsify it for better cleansing.

After which, I will continue with a Bubble/ Cream cleanser. Currently, I am using the Hada labo AHA/BHA Bubble Cleanser. Frankly, I feel that the moisturising effect for this is not quite sufficient so I might actually switch back to the hydrating cream cleanser.

On alternate days, I will exfoliate my skin to remove all the dead skin cells. This tub of St. Ives Apricot Scrub can go a LONG LONG way since you only need a pinch. It comes in both a tub and a tube and it costs less than 10SGD. Sometimes, I will skip a day in between. Meaning, instead of exfoliating on 1357, I will do it on 151. If you don't get my numbers, they represent the days each week. There’s really no need to exfoliate your skin too much but you should always do it to remove build-up.

The next stop will be toning. I use a variety of toners. Technically steps 4 and 5 are both toners. Step 4 is more of a cleansing toner while Step 5 is more of a hydrating toner.

Since I have fairly sensitive skin, I choose my toners carefully to avoid alcohol as much as I can. Usually I am using the ICM Witch Hazel and Rose Water. 

Witch Hazel is very good for sensitive skin, however, it smells pretty strong and most people may not like it. Guardian has their own house brand but it does contain alcohol so I prefer the ICM brand since it is alcohol free and gentler on the skin. You can find it at the pharmaceutical section of TTSH, Unity and selected Guardian stores – where all the bandages and rubbing alcohol are – for approximately 6SGD. It does a pretty good job in keeping your skin clear and refreshed.

While shopping on Qoo10 one day, I saw highly advertised “BEAUTY WATER” and was attracted to it because of the sleek bottle. 

Yes, I’m superficial like that. Hahaha. When it arrived, I started using it as a night toner and I loved it since. It smells a little peculiar. I’m not too sure how to describe it but it’s a good kind of peculiar. Hahaha. It really cleanses well and it also leaves your face refreshed after.

Enough about Cleansing Toners, and moving on to moisturising toners, I am in love with HADA LABO Hydrating SHA Lotion. I know it is advertised to use it by dripping a few drops onto your palms and spreading it across your face while patting dry for maximum absorption. However, there was one day where I was confused – since I pour my contents into pump bottles for easy usage – and I pumped the contents of the wrong bottle onto the ‘toner cloths’ and used them on my face. I pat my toners on my face as well and when I realised the error, I also realised that my skin actually felt softer. Since then, I have been using it this way. Hahaha. Trial and Error, I guess!

About the ‘Toner Cloths’ – I’m actually not sure if this is the right name for it but instead of using cotton pads that soak up most of your product, I use these ‘toner cloths’ that are more like your wet tissue materials, just dry and already pre-cut into squares. Hahaha. They don't soak up your product much as they just act as a barrier to help remove dirt and also ‘return’ the products to your face. Hmm. I don't know if it makes sense to you. I found a similar or possibly same item online here it might give you a better idea? 

Alright, so where am I? Right, Step 6. Frankly, I still can’t decide whether the HADA LABO Moisturizing SHA Cream or the regular Moisturizing Cream is better. Both do help to moisturise my skin but I think the SHA one will help to lighten scars though I can’t really judge that. Essentially, do remember that even with a hydrating lotion, you need to moisturize. 
Keep in mind that, 

Hydrating ≠ Moisturising. 

You need both to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

When I visited Korea the last time, the lady at the cosmetic shop told me that I did not need to start on any eye or neck cream. I was only 19 back then. Even in Korea, they usually only start these creams at the age of 25. If you need to, use it marginally. I do use it only on a weekly basis for now as the skin near your eyes (in your 20s) is still very young and sensitive. Exposing them to such strong products will make them more dependant in future. So, limited usage ya?

Sheet Masks – the ultimate convenience! Most of you know that I travel a lot of work and most of the time, I do not check in any luggages because of the ‘fast-in-fast-out’ results from work. So, I always make sure to pack sheet masks with me when I travel, in case I can't pack enough bottles in my carry-on. Sometimes, I even use it on a daily basis when I am abroad because the air (up there, literally) dries up your skin even when you don't feel it yet. While I’m on land in Singapore, I will try to use it at least twice a week. And my all-time favourite for now is THEFACE SHOP 3D Ampoule Mask Sheet Hyaluronic Acid & Colostrum mask. It’s a 2 step mask where you first apply the ampoule and then the sheet mask.

After that, I will follow up with emulsion/ serum. In my case, I use Horse Oil as my emulsion. Sounds weird? Hahaha. Have you heard of the highly-raved “Horse Oil” lately? It’s been crazy hot selling in Qoo10 (various brands) and almost all major retailers have started to carry them. Isetan and BHG carry the GUERISSION brand from Germany.

Spot the orange round box on the shelves. It is almost everywhere all of a sudden. A friend told me that Horse Oil has been popular in Japan since long ago and that it is an all-purpose moisturises for the entire household. By that, I meant that you can use it from head to toe and for all ages. I’m not sure if the same applies for the GUERISSION brand though. Anyhow, when my colleagues went to Japan, I asked them to get me a few bottles and they got me three different brands.

I heard the Son Bahyu is the best but I’ve got 2 common pharmaceutical brands as well. All of them cost no more than 15SGD each. Yes, you’ve read right, the bottles of this volume will sell for more than 30SGD in Singapore. So, if you’re really interest to try it out, if you do visit Japan or have any friends visiting, ask them to get you a bottle first. From what I know, all major drug stores carry some - even the ones at the airport. It is THAT common. You just have to utter the words “BAH YU” which translates to 马油 or Horse Oil. And yes, sorry for digressing but I have been using them in my skincare routine and my hair too! Both of which are seemingly healthier now.

When the skin is bad with breakouts, I will follow-up with some acne care first. I am a great fan of essential oils and have been using them in my skincare routine. I took a mini workshop about blending of essential oils before so sometimes, I will mix my own blend for my skin or headaches, etc. When dealing with essential oils, always remember… “A little goes a long way”. Too much of the essential oil – without the right proportions will actually make your skin worse than what you started off with. So, please take care ya? Nonetheless, I use THURSDAY PLANTATION’s Blemish Gel for acne. I used to get the Blemish Stick from Australia.

Imagine a lip gloss applicator, but the same tube and brush for your acne. Convenient, isn’t it? Too bad, the blemish stick is not available in Singapore so I just had to settle for the gel.

Last but not least, to end off, finish your routine with a sleeping mask to seal in all the moisture and then some more! Hahaha. Sounds like a very long list of things to do but frankly, all these take less than 10mins. It really won’t take up much of your sleep time. 

If you're thinking how I slap so many products on my face in the morning, I don't. This is mainly a night routine. However, the morning routine is somewhat similar. Lookout for those coloured in orange, from Cleansing to Toning to Hydrating to Moisturising and Sun Blocking – the 5 main steps for the day. Remember, taking care of your skin the right way is much better than spending hundreds on your products. Hope you find this helpful! 


Most products can be easily purchased from major pharmacies - Guardian, Watsons, Unity - in Singapore except 
4. Beauty Water, and, 
9. BAHYU/ 马油/ Horse Oil

Click on the names above and it should link you up to the best online seller/ bargain that I've found thus far! Do note that I have not bought the BAHYU from that seller before. Please vet through and unless you're comfortable ordering from that blogshop, continue. If not, I guess it would be better to first try the GUERISSION brands first.

As for Skinfood and Faceshop, you should be linked to the store directory so that you can easily pinpoint the nearest outlet for your convenience.
1. Skinfood Black Sugar Oil Cleanser
8. The Face Shop 3D Ampoule Mask Sheet Hyaluronic Acid & Colostrum mask

Sorry, this post got much longer than I planned. Thank you for reading. Cheers~!

Season of giving...

Christmas is around the corner again and I always like how giving people are - kinder than usual and more tolerant to mistakes (Not that I'm making any)... But yeah, you get what I mean. Season of giving yo!

Before actually talking about Christmas, I just want to babble about my presents!! As in, birthday presents~ Hahaha. I received my Kindle – that I bought for myself, and my SOUFEEL bracelet – that I designed and bought for myself. They arrived 2 days after my birthday. Let’s just say, it’s a belated birthday present and an early Christmas present for myself. Hahaha.

 

Super stoked to receive these items. Have been using the kindle and I can’t really put it down. It’s the bookworm in me that’s not allowing me to drop any books until I complete them. And with the lightness of the Kindle, it’s just awesome~! Only downside is that although font and colour looks like a book, the feel is not that exact anymore. I love the smell of new books. Am so gonna miss them now. Hahaha.

And, about the SOUFEEL bracelet, I knew about this because of cousin MEOW. She made it for another cousin as a wedding present. Do you know you can customise charms to your own design? Check out the website and yes, there is a template to follow but this already gives you so much to work with than PANDORA. With that in mind, and since I’ve always wanted a non-gawky looking allergy bracelet, I created ‘artworks’ for my allergies and sent it in for printing. The outcome was pretty good, I think. Not too bad for a “PANDORA” bracelet with a cheaper price tag. Do note that I read online that PANDORA charms will work on this bracelet but these charms may not work on PANDORA bracelets because they have no threads. There is neither safety chain nor chip for SOUFEEL bracelets. However, they do have their version of a ‘stopper’ to help stop the bracelet from ‘swinging’ too much. Since I already have a full Pandora bracelet, this gives me more ‘space’ to work with. Whee-oh-whee~!

And yes, I also received something I wanted for a long time ever since my MiBand got drowned in water… and that is… fitbit. My team got it for me, and it’s my favourite colour. Green/ Teal/ Mint yo! Hahaha. Although I already got the tracker from National Steps Challenge, I will use fitbit when I run. Until the NSC ends, I will switch back to my watches and fitbit…

My Boss drew a "FIToBITo" for me while the NSC tracker is on the right.

The actual fitbit that I received

Alright, back to the topic of this post – SEASON OF GIVING… This year, I was really interested in the “SNOWMAN SOUP” that I saw on Pinterest. It’s so adorable, I can’t really say no to it. And its not exactly expensive either. All you need is:

• Marshmallows (preferably small ones)
• Hot Cocoa Mix, and,
• Bags/ Containers (depending on your personal preference and design).

All images taken from Google/ Pinterest

That said, I didn't have enough time to create those cute hats for the top of the bag seal because if I did, I have to cut them down to size properly and past the stripes accordingly.

So, instead of that, to try to be more sincere, I tried to create and design this card to personalise/ customise it to the Singapore Weather. Hahaha. Effort okay? So here’s how it went,

December rains like snow in Singapore, 

Temperatures drop and cool some more, 

Sipping a cuppa Snowman Soup, 

Warm yourselves and share a scoop!

My own version... :)

The usual (regular) version you find on the net/ pinterest is:

Was told you've been real good all year, always glad to hear it!

With freezing weather drawing near, you'll need to warm the spirit.

So, here's a little snowman soup, complete with stirring stick.

Just add hot water & sip it slow.

It's sure to do the trick!

So yes, each year, I will prepare these small gifts for all (almost) my colleagues. Just a little thought to warm our hearts, I think. It doesn't hurt my wallet (giver) since they are all small gifts and not so expensive, all you need is to invest a little more time. Of course, friends and colleagues closer to heart will not only receive these but also more interesting presents. I specially ‘designed’ hand phone covers for my team like below and went on a shopping spree for my other friends and colleagues. 

Like I said, season of giving, it's the one time of the year where it feels really good to spend money and give back. Hahaha. Well, to me at least…

Cheers to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2 cycles, 24 years.

If you're wondering what I meant by 2 cycles, 24 years, I am talking about the Chinese Zodiac Cycles. You know how the zodiac repeats itself every 12 years since there are 12 animals? Since I was born in the year of the ram, this year marks the second ram year since my birth, which basically translates to me being 24 this year.

I swear, whoever came up with “time flies” is damn smart. Or rather, it should have been teleport, but since teleportation is not an exact nor actual form of transportation yet, I guess we just have to settle with flying. Hahaha. Seriously, it seems like just yesterday that I celebrated my 21^st – with that crazy pool party that you-know-I –know. Hahaha. And 3 years just swoosh by.

My AWESOME 21st Birthday Cake that cost a BOMB...
Not worth it. Even it was awesomely good. Hahaha.

I seem to be saying this every year but ever since I celebrated my 21^st, I wanted my birthdays to be more meaningful. The older I am, the more I feel it’s time to contribute to the society. This year, the initial plan was to volunteer at a home, but I didn't have time to plan for it so, I decided (with my mum) to do a small get together at my place, after the renos were done, we haven’t had our friends over yet. And to thank them for their “support” during the reno period, we decided on an ever-tempting CRAB PARTY. So yes, this dinner was also on my Birthday since it was the first Saturday after my cursed exams and that my mum – the main chef – had to work on all remaining Saturdays in December.

Credits to Grace

Anyhow, the day started with collecting my “National Steps Challenge” Tracker from HPB. If you do not know what it is, please do read up from the link above. You can earn points and redeem vouchers just by accumulating your steps daily. I read that this activity or registration will end on 31 Dec but they also mentioned a season 2 coming up. Read through if you would like...

Anyhow, back to the CRAB PARTY. This idea generated from my continuous crab posts from few weeks or months back that was ever so tempting to my colleagues. 

And most of us love seafood – although we hate the hassle, the love overpowers all messiness. Hahaha. And yes, they did try to surprise me with a cake. Keyword, TRY! Hahaha. Initially, I had no intention of celebrating my birthday. It was just a gathering so I even rejected my mum when she said she wanted to get a cake. Then on 11^th Dec, a few things happened that prompted suspicion.

My mum texted me that she wasn’t feeling well, which she really wasn’t since she was starting to burn up… I saw her text right after my paper and was worried I will have to call off the entire gathering. She told me to not worry and just get her Panadol. Getting her Panadol is nothing as simple as JUST. Most people that know me know I don’t take Panadol. Haven’t been taking them for years and all of a sudden, when your mum says to get it, of course you do! Since it was rather late – almost 10pm, I went to 7-11 to get it. The Panadols at 7-11 were kept behind the cash register. So I had to request for it and when I did, the lady asked me which one I wanted. So logically, I said the most basic one for fever. She replied, “They are all for fever, cold and pain.” I was like, WTH. What am I supposed to do? Panic of the year, maybe. Hahaha. Since all of them were behind the counter, I asked her to let me see the boxes and read for myself. She seems rather irritated at that point in time. Her tone of voice was hinting me like, How can you not know about Panadol and which one you wanted?

In any case, when I was staring at the boxes, she was right – of course she was – that all of them had Paracetamol which helps to bring down fever. That little bit of pharmaceuticals, I know. Hahaha. So, the only lifeline I had was my dad who was in the car waiting. I called and asked what was best, and he said the very normal and regular one. And guess what, that also had 2 types!!! Oh god, I couldn't decide. Even the lady was pissed. In the end, I chose the capsulated regular Panadol because it was printed on the box that it is gentler on the stomach. And yes, even for something that cost 5bucks or less, the lady was damn pissed and I wasted more than 15mins there. Hahaha. Joke and Panic of the year, seriously.

Once I got home, I checked in with my mum and wanted to take the meds to her. But I just got her water and the entire strip of Panadol. She looked at me, puzzled, and said, “你给我一整片做么？” So I explained that I was worried it will cause a reaction if I touched it. Allergy symptoms were scary and painful. I hate them so much that I always make sure to pay extra attention to what I do to avoid the, She nodded and ‘extracted’ the pill herself and looking at her condition, I texted the group that “Ladies, I might have to cancel tomorrow. 主厨生病了。”

Then almost everyone came back with, WHY. Don't. DC even said that she will cook, etc. Hahaha. It was already suspicious, the way they were so adamant about not postponing or cancelling. Hahaha. So I said I will judge the next morning…
And, when the clock struck 12 (i.e. 12^th Dec), a colleague of mine (W) wished me HBD from Japan and sort of got scolded by DC via our group chat. This made me even more suspicious. Hahaha. I didn't want them to think that this invitation was for my birthday – which it wasn't – so I didn't say anything about it. Apparently, my awesome colleagues remembered and they were attempting to surprise me. If not for this open “lecture”, I would not have known they were doing something. That is of course, not including them trying to hide the cake from me when we met at NEX and also, exposing the cake while I am trying to fit the drinks into the fridge. My mum was also saying, “you friend (DT) very funny. Ask me if she can put the drinks inside the fridge but that is paper bag. 这么明显。不跟我说实话就算了，还很可爱的想把蛋糕盒子和纸带一起放进冰箱。”

Leaving you with the awesome cake and us, Cheers!

Black Friday...Cyber Monday

Anyone made any purchases over Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

In case you're not aware, 'Black Friday' is the Friday after Thanksgiving Day - usually the fourth Thursday of November. Usually in western countries, stores are not open on Thanksgiving Day and many people will start their Christmas shopping the next day and more so over the weekend.
However, there were reports that some consumers were unable to shop over the weekend which resulted in more online shopping from Monday onwards that resulted in the new term and promotional gimmick, 'Cyber Monday'.

And yes, I fell for that. Hahaha. Finally purchased a Kindle from Amazon - 2015 Paperwhite - for approximately 150SGD, not inclusive of shipment. With the increasing amount of story books at my place with no storage space, I think it's a fine investment for the many more novels ahead.

Managed to get into the trial Amazon Prime that allows for free delivery within 2 days. Placed my order yesterday and expected to arrive at the forwarders' warehouse by tomorrow 8pm. How wonderful is that?

I hope everyone had their fill of shopping yesterday and the weekend before... Looking forward to the arrival of my Kindle - in my hands - in one to two weeks time! Will share updates again then. Till then, Cheers and have a good night~!