Skin Care

For the past year my skin has been acting up. Pretty bad actually. Its like going through puberty all over again...adult acne. I believe that stress, combined with my oily skin just lead to the worst condition ever. Its so bad that I now have scars all over my chin and foreheads. 

I've tried a few product this past year to try and help deal with my skin and acne. I wanted the acne to disappear but at the same do preventative maintenance like anti-aging and UV protection.  I started with Shiseido Pureness line. Love the line but its ingredients has nothing to combat acne. Yes, it did minimize the oil on my face but nothing to prevent and heal the acne that I already have. Shiseido made my skin feel really nice and soft. And so I then switched to Murad. Worked wonderfully but it was drying out my skin and it didn't look as soft and youthful. 

Being obsessed with the Korean band like Big Bang and 2ne1 and actress Yoon Eun Hye, I decided to google what skincare product do they use. I came upon BB CREAM. This is really an amazing product. 

A product that I've ordered recently to deal with blackheads and enlarged pores specifically is Lioele. I have also been using O Hui eye cream (a sample which I got from HMart). It seems that the Asian brand is just suited to my skin way better than the American brand. 

Right now, I am on search for a really good BB cream. I tested out Alex Cosmetics and Lioele sample for their Triple Solution. The blackhead kit that I bought from Lioele is really working. And my skin is soft and not dried either. 

Bargain Shopping Jackpot: Alexander McQueen

I could not believe I scored an awesome piece from designer line Alexander McQueen!!! I originally saw it marked on sale for $129.99 (originally $229.99 at T.J. Maxx) but had to walk away because of the price tag. Went back to T.J. Maxx earlier this morning and saw it marked down for $69. I WAS IN HEAVEN!!!JACKPOT!!!

I love fashion. I love clothes. I love shoes. I love sneakers. What I love more is the hunt for bargain deals.

This is the closest pic that I could find for the actual sweater that I bought.

Cambodian Female Rapper: Honey Cocaine

Good to see your people making it nonetheless, a female. I saw this post a couple of days ago but I got curious today and decided to Google her and found out that she's Cambodian. Not a bad track, good flow and pretty cute girl.

A Mixture of Confusion

Emotions and feelings are downright confusing. Damn my situation!!!

I'm Sky High

Its about 12 pm right now and I am feeling good right now. I got myself up at 6 am and headed out to the gym to meet up with a friend at 7 am. Was there for about an hour: 30 min. elliptical and 20 min. weights. Got home and ready to head to my Small Business Association meeting at 9 am. Got home by 1030 am and worked on my resume and cover letter for a part-time City position. Submitted it by 1145 am.

Its just one of those days that I am feeling on top of the world. I'm skyhigh.

Update on my 30 Day Diet Challenge. Today would be Day 11. With minimal exercising last week I was able to lose 1-lb. So this week with eating and exercising I am hoping to lose 2-lbs. Things are on track except for the job factor.

Have a lovely one to all my friends.

30 Day Diet Challenge

I made a resolution to myself to be healthier also being in two weddings is motivation enough. I got a gym membership and 3-month trainer package in February. It was a little difficult at first to get into the routine of going to the gym but I managed to lose 10-lbs. Beginning of the year I weighed in at 174-lbs., at  5' 4" in height, not good. I did great but right before a wedding (June/2011), 5-lbs. snuck back. Let me tell you my boobs was about to pop out of my dress. There was no time for altering the dress.

August 14, 2011: 159-lbs. I've definitely firmed up a little and my belly gotten a little slimmer but I got a ways to go to reach my ideal weight of 130/135-lbs. At 5' 4", I have a pretty thick frame and I like being curvy and volumptuous so I believe the ideal weight is fitting. 

Since June my weight have been at a stand still at 159/160-lbs. I've been diligently going to the gym 3-4 times a week for an 1 hr. of cardio and 1 hr. of free weights. I believe that I hit my plateau after losing about 15-lbs. and I got to admit that I really didn't change my eating habits that much. 

I am doing this for vanity as much as it is for my health. I'm being real here...lol. I want that figure back, be comfortable in my clothes and look and feel good. Hence the 30 Day Food Challenge. The challenge is: NO soda, NO junk food, NO fast food. A low-fat, low-carb diet. I have enlisted a friend, Denny P. to help monitor and periodically to harass me about being on top my diet. A friend's wedding coming is creeping up around the corner in September and a wedding that I will be in also. I want to look the best that I've ever looked. 

Today is DAY ONE. So far so good. 

My Late Summer Reads

Yesterday the Mr. and I decided on a whim to go to Barnes and Noble. Me, in search of a couple good reads. The Mr., car and tattoo magazines. It was actually pretty nice and relaxing. Something that we actually don't do together. I loved it.


Here are the two books that I picked up:

Son of a Witch: Volume Two in the Wicked Years by Gregory Maguire
Picks up where Wicked left off. Supposedly Liir is the son of Elphaba. I love how Maguire plays with our conceived notions of how fairy tales should work. I was always drawn to fairy tales and folklore.

The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto
Saw this on Oprah's summer read list. About love, lost and the attempts of connecting with someone. I really dig the premise. Hoping that it is as good as the reviews made it out to be.

Gosh, can I say how expensive books are these days. I am one a fan of actually holding a tangible book. $40 for two books.

Self Reflection 2011

Lately, I've been going through a tumultuous, emotional roller coaster ride in regards to family, love, life, career and pretty much everything else in my life. I've lost my focus and my drive. The reason: No clue. I am now on an mission to find myself again and completely come to self and be 100% comfortable in my skin.

At 28, nearing my 29th birthday, I still find myself in my-so-called "chaos." Everything that I thought that would be planned out and should go according to plan decided all at once to jump ship and scatter in which way.

I so desperately want that calm, content love. That "We are destined for each other," "I love you no matter what," & "I take you as you are" type of love. No drama, no fighting, no misunderstanding, no deeply hurt feelings. I am tired of it. So now the question is: Am I doing everything that is necessary to make sure that I have that?? Answer: Yes and no. I indulge myself and when I do, I notice that nothing good comes from it. The gossiping, needless shopping, over-eating. All frivolous little dirty things that is at the base of all the rot, the drama.

I realized that my happiness is greatly tied to my relationship and how I am doing in that relationship. I find happiness, contentment, joy and hope with my significant other. When it's bad its spread to all the other areas in my life. Contentment in work never equate to contentment in my relationship for me but when I am feeling good in my relationship life couldn't be better. This dependency is also what scares me and make me do things that are uncharacteristic of me. Do things to prove to myself that I am not dependent on this relationship which in turn is toxic to my relationship and actually goes against what I want.

At 25, I decided to take the initiative to fix my credit and financial standing. At 28, I am now in good credit standing, own some stock, have alternative savings account. Three long years to reach that point.

My flaws: Over analyzing, closed mindedness, acceptance.
My qualities: effort, quick realization, well intentioned.

What I want for myself when I turn 29:
a) Job
b) Happy and harmonious relationship
c) Stable living situation

How to get there?
a) Work on myself and address my personality flaws: the nagging, the anger, the getting-worked-up-over-little-things, bringing up the past (in negative ways), the drinking.
b) Get a journal.
c) Get a good self-help book.
d) Stop procrastinating and work on important things.


Attainable in a months time?? We shall see and I will update soon. My apology for being gone for so long but this is the reason why. Wish me luck.

2NE1 - I AM THE BEST (내가 제일 잘나가) [HD]

These girls are fierce and talented. I like them because they aren't the stereotypical beauties, delicate, female idols you see in kpop.

CL definitely lays it down and she is so unapologetic, which makes me love her more. Minzy the baby of the group is growing up before our eyes and from the looks of it more comfortable in her skin. Love it that she still can rip the dancefloor. Bom the beauty with the voice and Dara the cute upbeat personality.

Here is their video for their 3rd track of their latest album. Do the cat daddy...they make it look so cute. The song is upbeat and in your face sprinkle in with some bad-assness...lol.

Special Request: Perfect Red Lips

I know its been awhile since my last post. Now I've gotten a special request from my friend Dani M. and instead of writing my own analysis on finding the perfect shade of red, I am posting a video that I used to find my perfect shade of red. My conclusion, I look good in silver and gold...lol.

I believe Michelle Phan's basic concept can also be used for other lipcolor shades. The main concept to finding the perfect lipcolor is matching the tones of the color to your own skin tones. So Dani M. I hope that this video is helpful :)

Perfect Red Lips

Kdrama Fever

For the last two months I've been totally stuck on kdrama series. Started when I looked into series that T.O.P. from Big Bang guested in but in the process found some really great shows. Kdramas are pretty much the same. A lot of misunderstanding, dragged out unspoken love scene, very tame love scenes which usually leads to marriage or an engagement, fast forward to a year or two to "where are they now?". Quite a difference compared to American shows though. But because of that there is a certain charm to the shows with their storyline and characters. 


Most kdrama series last between a season or two. They don't drag out the show. Giving you enough to just hang onto and ending with complete closure.


Here are a list of my favorites over the last few months. I watched about 5 to 6 series. Currently I am on "Lie to Me" starring Yoon Eun Hye. I also followed her work after Coffee Prince. Pretty cool too that most of these shows are basically free with very limited commercial interruptions.


1. Coffee Prince

This being my FAVORITE show. There is just something about Eun Chan (played  by Yoon Eun Hye) and Han Chul (Gong Yoo) chemistry.  The storyline is pretty good and hilarious as well. I love this serie so much that I actually wished that the main characters were actually dating in real life!! What also compliment the overall storyline is the character development of the supporting characters.

This serie also has one of the steamiest love and kissing scene that I've seen in kdrama. And I haven't seen any since.

2. Secret Garden

3. Personal Preference

Followed the work of the Lee Minho who played Gu Jun Pyo in Boys Over Flowers. Such a hottie. And fell for this serie. You can tell that Lee Minho has matured in his acting ability since BOF.

4. Boys Over Flowers

I really hated the main girl lead in this serie. The boys in this serie seriously stole the show. This is the only serie listed which was more than one season.

5. IRIS
T.O.P. from Big Bang is in this!! He plays a pretty damn good looking assassin. Minor role but still pretty good. 

So if you're bored, check it out. I suggest maybe an episode or two a day to really enjoy it because when the serie ends you wish it didn't. Unlike me where I did some mega marathon.

Far East Movement!!!

(Concert on May 9, 2011 at Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA)

This was a concert that I probably blew a job interview by telling them I can't start 'til after the date of the concert...haha, legit. 

My cousin, Channy L. is the die hard fan but after Monday night's concert, I am a FAN!!! Basically one of the first few waiting in line and totally ditched J Cole's performance to wait out for the meet and greet. So worth it because my cousin and I were the first two in line!!!

This was prolly the dopest, hypest, keep you jumping and screaming concert that I've been too. FM definitely keep the party vibin' going and definitely didn't hurt that they started their set with some club bangers! I can picture myself partying it up with them. If you haven't been to a live concert before, it is a must do! Nothing beats hearing the base down low and them chanting for you to blow shit up (not literally of course).

The soundtrack to my party life!!! Gotta love Kevnish, DJ Virman, JSplif and Prohgress!!! Reppin' it for us Asians!! Gotta support my fellow peeps...lol.

 

OOOhhh, I have another crush. Its a split between Kevnish and Jsplif. I so swear that there was a connection between me and JSplif....but Kevnish is such a charmer and he stole me from JSplif. The little convo at the meet and greet sealed the deal. I love you Kevnish...haha. But I love love Prohgress swag and sincerity. It came across on stage. Friggin' Kevnish was like a jack rabbit on redbull. Bouncing and dancing his little ass off. Love it though. Oh Kevnish is totally adorable without the sunglasses on, actually all of them are friggin' hot without their glasses. The swag just sealed the deal man. They owned it!!!

Check them out at:

Far East Movement

I think they wrote this song specifically for me (but without the 4.0 gpa part....lol): She Owns the Night.

T.O.P - TURN IT UP M/V [HD]

so this was when i fell in love with t.o.p...lol. yes, i am so totally crushing. just like a little girl. good thing he's a korean celebrity and not just a local fellow, because i can see myself getting in trouble.

damn, he is just so good looking and gotta love his sense of style. finally a masculine super sexy k-pop idol that can walk between the lines of fashion and masculinity. love love love his voice...the ja rule of korea (only comparing the tone peoples). so this is what been running through my mind the last couple of weeks, umm, months...lol.

old video just needed to share it. don't get the video girls though. can't they find any models with rhythm and maybe some booty (i think that's just an american thing). just thought i share my obsession with t.o.p. from big bang with everyone. tootles.

Kicks, Kicks I Do Adore

It was a Monday. The sun was out. I was hopeful that the day will get warmer as the sun rose higher and higher. What started out as a trip to drop people off to pick up their RV turned into a mini shopping spree. All thanks to a 2-hr down time. On a really quick whim off we went to Wrentham Premium Outlets.

As I am getting older, I've noticed that my taste in sneakers, clothes basically fashion in general has changed. A change for the better I might say. A little more sophisticated but without giving up any of my taste for the bright and funky. I am still a street fashion girl at heart that's just embracing her more sophisticated, feminine side.

Now back to my story, first it was Nike. I was disappointed. I didn't find anything and I realized that I might have outgrown Nike. Still love the kicks though but harder to find ones that I would jump at in a heartbeat. 

I love the Honeys because they remind me of Christian Louboutin's with the red bottoms. Oh, I wish I can get a pair of Christian Louboutin's kicks. This can step up your outfit from casual to edgy in a second. The pair pictured below are SOLD OUT.

$995, Christian Louboutin's Spiked High Top

So here are my findings at the Adidas store:

You can't tell with the pics but the print got a kind of shiny, metallic look to it. Oh, they also came with red laces but I think that I just rock it with the original laces. Got these on the clearance rack for only $29.99 each. SAY WHAT!!! I would've spent more but it was my lucky day hence the reason for purchasing both pairs.

Black, Adidas Honey Hi

Silver, Adidas Honey Mid

Adidas Shoe Tee

Enlightenment

Last night, during my downtime before work I was watching the news report on the tsunami/earthquake aftermath in Japan. I actually cried. Nothing loud, no sobbing but I cried. To see other sacrifice their life for the sake of their community and family. I was just so touched by their act of heroism and selflessness. Such selfless acts by these 50 men from Fukushima risking their lives to try and save the nuclear reactor plant. Such heroism. Which made me think to myself, would I be able to sacrifice my life for the sake of the general good??

Florida, Here I Come!

Its about that time year again for my annual trip to visit my friend Da S. in St. Petersburg FL. I've made a promise to try and visit her at least once a year. I usually don't make promises and if I do I will try to keep my word.

My first visit was back in 2009 for her baby shower. Truthfully the visit serves a dual purpose. 1) Visit and catch up with a dear friend and 2) a little rest and relaxation from the daily grind.

Dear friends are so hard to find. I will travel miles and over mountains to catch up with a dear friend. Why let distance get in the way? Like I mentioned in a previous post, my friendships just come with ease. Even though she lives in Florida and I reside in Massachusetts, there are no challenges in making my yearly trip to visit her. Can't wait!!!

Blue Liner, Oh My

I love playing with make-up. Leave me in Sephora and I can do some serious damage. Got bored with just the typical black or brown liner so I decided to experiment with some color. Navy is pretty safe but the blue step it up a notch.  I did the cat-eye in the navy liner then went back in with the blue liner just along the upper lash only. And yes, I did wear it out in public. I paired it with pink lips (NYX's liplinerRimmel's lipstick in Pink Blush and NYX's gloss in Barbie Pink in Dolly Pink, ) and pink blush (NYX's powder blush in Pinky). I think it paired well with each other especially since my outfit was basically all black.

Sephora's new liquid liners are awesome. Love the applicator which really helps in applying the liner. It can go from thin lines to thick statement making lines. Reminds me of the old Chinese calligraphy pen.

Jeremy Scott x Adidas

I saw these and I fell in love. I can't seem to find it anywhere. I snooze on the shoe game and this is what happen. I missed out on this pair. Anybody who knows me, knows that I have a passion for shoes, from sneakers to heels to boots. Its been awhile since I acquired any new piece to add to my collection.

For a moment, to pretend that we can flutter around like the Greek god Hermes. Its so whimsical and GENIUS. I love it. Please contact me if you find a pair in a size 6 women or size 4.5 in boys.

Jeremy Scott Wings 2.0



By the way, totally unrelated. I just bought the new album from Big Bang's Tonight. They are a Korean group who really has some great talent. They are breaking records and making waves. I so drool over them. Have the biggest crush on T.O.P. He is my favorite.

Support them and buy their album.

Double Duty

Last Saturday (Feb. 12th), I had two parties to attend and each with different dress codes. I wore the same skirt and changed up my top and foot gear.  On a hectic day like that, its important to have pieces that can transitioned from a semi-formal event then to a birthday party at a bar later.  Plus I like the most bang for my buck when I am purchasing something.

There was something that I kept on thinking about. The idea on dressing appropriately for your age. Lets say you are woman in your late 20s, I feel that age shouldn't put a restraint on how you dress and on your wardrobe. I think it comes down to presentation. I agree that some fads should be left to teenagers and that slacks and button-down aren't just your only option. Bright and funky are all a go. Just pay attention on how much skin you are showing and when you are showing some skin.

denim bodycon skirt - forever21

1st Party:

Sorry that I don't have a decent full-length photo but I wanted to give you an idea. 

With this top from a store called "Humanity" tucked in with a grey belt and a pair of grey suede 5-inch heels.

2nd Party:

Coffee Please.

So today I met up with my friend Dani M. We used to meet on Tuesdays on a search for a good cup of coffee. With little effort we usually ended up at a Starbucks or a Panera Bread. After months of not seeing each other, we met over a cup of coffee. Oh, how much can be solved over a cup of coffee.

Real friendships should be effortless. Where we can pick up where we left off days, months or even years later. No awkwardness. No pretense. No expectation. Just genuine concern over each other well being.

One important insight:

Every woman, should know their body type and what looks good on them. It is important to know how to dress for your body. You can be 150 lbs or 115 lbs, if you wear the right cut and color for your body, you will be on the right path.


On another note, I went shopping today.
Make-Up: Chanel Powder Blush in "In Love." Its a peachy kinda color. Pics to come soon.

First Post

I've always been meaning to start one. And here I am. This was totally motivated by my mini shopping spree at Marshalls. Gotta love Marshalls. Stopped by to only browse but I walked away some really good finds:

zoyla-sam edelman, $39.

OTK brown suede-dolce vita, $29.




Also inspired by Phi Style. Definitely check out her page. Love her effortless edgy style.

And to Annie :)