Start your day with a smile!

Look at good photos! Hang or paste some really awesome photos in your house, like family photos, birthday photos with your friends or holiday photos or any type of photos that show happy moments. Make sure they're not somewhere hidden. Put them by the door, or by your bedroom or even in your bathroom (that way you can see it straight away in the morning when you're brushing your teeth or having a shower). That way every time you pass by it the photos you don't have a choice but to look at them. And your mind will automatically remember those good times you had and make u smile!

Quick Tip!

Best detergent to use to get rid of stains out from your favourite dress/top/clothes:

Seriously, guys, and I'm so not lying... its our famous shower gel, LUX!

I've used to this to get rid of blood stains, food stains, oil... etc.

Its so simple! Just dab some water on the stain. Take about a size of a 50 cents coin of the Lux shower gel. If its a small stain, you don't even need a brush. Just use your fingers to sort of scrape it of (is that even the right word...? watever!) and then rub the cloth together. It wouldn't be gone right there and then, so just put it in the washing machine, and wash like you normally do!

Good Luck!

I will always remember you...

I know this has nothing to do with beauty or fashion or even anything that I usually blog about. But today I would like to share my sorrow.
At 6.30 pm today, I received a text msg from my father saying that my aunt has passed away after losing her battle with intestine cancer. I was devastated.
Images of her came one by one in my mind. Her smile, her laugh and her calmness.
Early this year, when she was diagnosed with the illness, it shocked the whole family. But I guess everyone was hoping that she will be cured, or at least, no one expected that she would go that early.
And the most regretful thing is, I was at home, in Malaysia when I received the news. I planned to go to the hospital to see her, but somehow I never did. I don't really know why. Now I wish I did. Even worst, I think the last time I saw her was about a year ago. I know its too late. I'm sorry, Mak Ngah.
I was never really close to her. As in, we don't really go out shopping together or anything... but when we meet, we usually have a good conversation together.
When I was a lot younger, I used to stay at my grandparents' house, and I used to see her on a regular basis with her husband. The younger image of her sitting in my grandmother's kitchen is still vivid in my mind.
It had always been very pleasant talking to her, with her smile that never faded and she had a calm face... like an angel. Ever since I was about 9, I know my aunt went through a lot in life. Of course as a kid I knew all about it by eaves dropping my parents' conversation. And from all the facts I've gathered, she became one of the person I respected the most. With everything she went through, till this day, I don't know how she became the person she was. She was kind, soft spoken, warm hearted, patient (I don't think there's even a limit to her patience) and.... I can't even explain anymore.
Now, I only have memories of her... and only good ones. Coz there're definitely no bad memories of her... definitely nothing. I always love u and remember u.

Travel Lite for Summer

I've just came back from a Euro trip, and it was just oh-so amazing! But amazingly, I was able to travel light, and there was no overweight luggage even at the end of the trip. Awesome right?
I was in Amsterdam, Paris and London. And they're such amazing cities. Honestly, I was abit emo on the last day. It was sad leaving. Damn, I guess I suck at goodbyes.
But I must say that its not easy to travel light and looking pretty at the same time. But who says you can't look pretty while traveling? And who says you have to chuck your make-up bag when you're on holiday? Remember, you're going to take lots of photos, people are going to look of them (thats including your grandchildren later!), these photos are something that you would keep forever. So if you're going to hate the way you look how are you going to go back and look at them again in the next 5 years? Ok, now I sound like a total bimbo. I am not, ok? Haha. Anyways, my point is, you want to look good in your photos without the hassle of big make-up bags, right? You want to wear your favourite shorts and tops without worrying they look to boring because you might have to reuse them?

ESSENTIALS:

1. 1 LBD (Little Black Dress) - You might want to hit the club or even have a nice dinner. So, make sure its not too short and not too tight. Its never nice to have dinner in a really super short dress. This might sound boring, but black is the way to go when you have to travel light. You can't be fussy about colors at this point of time. Plus, black is classic! Hello look at Audrey Hepburn! Awesome!

2. A pair of really high black pumps - This way you don't have to bring more than 1 pair. Travel light, remember?

3. As many undies as you can - Ok, you can't travel light when it comes to this. Coz women have to change their undies as often as they can. You don't want to get thrush or fungal infection, ladies! Its really not pleasant especially when you're traveling. You'll end up not enjoying your vacation, if you get infected. Oh yea, make sure they're 100 % cotton. Non cotton undies don't absorb sweat, makes it easier bacteria and fungal to breed.

4. 4 bras- 1 pair of sports bra, 2 multi functional bras, 1 of your favourite. too little? Nahh. I think its just enough. If you think they're too dirty to wear just wash them in the sink with your shower gel and let it dry in the sun. Its summer, baby, thats what the sun is for!

5. Only 2 g-strings or thongs - Only for occasions, ok? Don't look for trouble wearing them every day during your trip.

6. Bathing suit - Its summer, go for a swim!

7. 1 pair denim - You don't have to wash them that often, plus they're heavy. Just bring 1 pair of your favourite denim and make sure they're comfortable as well.

8. 4 pairs of shorts - They're small and light. So ideal for light traveling.

9. 10 tank tops - I knows this sounds a lot, but tank tops are so light and they don't take much space in your luggage. Go for neutral colors like black, grey, white or brown

10. Scarfs - Bring about 3 of your favourite scarfs. This way, you don't look like you're wearing the same thing over and over again.

11. Cardigan - Take 1 long sleeves with you. Sometimes it can get a bit chilly at night.

12. Jewelleries - Ok, this is very important. Since you're going to be in your shorts and tank tops most of the time, you might look abit dull or can be boring. So, sex it up with jewelleries. Wear a long necklace, or several silver bracelets or even a loud pair of earrings. Just make sure they're not too tiny. Make sure they stand up. Good jewelleries can make anything that you wear stand out. They don't have to be expensive. Remember, not all cheap jewelleries look cheap. Sometimes they can look even better than the expensive ones!

13. Hair dryer - Get a small folded one. Depending on where you're staying, you can't get hair dryers in all hotels.

14. Transformer - This is very important to charge your phone, laptop and camera. Get the 4 in 1 or 5 in 1, so that you don't have to bring whole loads of them in your luggage,

15. Toiletries- Buy the traveling packs. They're usually pretty cheap and you can get them in pharmacies. Get shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, make-up remover, facial wash, and toner. Don't depend on room service at your hotel, its useful to have everything handy

16. Band- aid - Just get small ones, just in case you get cuts or bruises. You never know!

17. Flip flops - Trust me, you will need those. Sure you can wear your walking shoes all day, but there will be some days where your feet are just too tired to walk, but you still have to walk and all you want are your pair of flip flops

18. Sunscreen- Get the ones in small packaging coz you won't be able to finish the whole bottle anyways. If there're any leftovers, just throw it away. You'll need the space later


Make- up

1. Light foundation - I use maybeline mineral foundation. Get the ones in small bottles

2. Light loose powder - I use Laura Mercier mineral loose powder. Seriously recommended! Its light with full coverage!

3. Lip gloss

4. Natural eye make-up palette - get small ones. I use Dior shimmery natural smoky eye palette. Totally awesome!

5. cream blusher - get the ones in very tiny jar. You can take it everywhere! I'm currently using Maybeline's cream blush

6. Eyelash curler (only if you have straight eyelashes)

7. Mascara


Others

1. facial cotton & cotton buds - Believe me, you will need them

2. If you use contact lens, take the traveling pack solution. Just take 1 bottle 1 first, if you need more, get them later while you're traveling.

3. Small bottle of deodorant and perfume - you will need those.

4. Lots and lots of panty liners! - You might be running out of undies towards the end of your trip. So these layers of cotton, will definitely save your va-jay-jay from feeling uncomfortable. Take a few in your handbags, and you can change in between trips or even whenever you feel sweaty and uncomfortable

5. Tampons. - even if you're not a tampon user, this might be the time you would to give them a try. They're incredibly light and handy, But of course, if you're not very comfortable using them, continue using the sanitary pads. They're not heavy either.

6. Supplements - I think vitamin c is very important. After all you need to get your immune system strong for your amazing journey. I took berocca on my trip, and it was very useful. Plus, Berocca is very good at curing hangover :)

7. 1 book. I know I might sound ridiculous, but you're traveling lite remember? Yes, I know you will need your travel books and stuff. My suggestion would be, before you go for your trip, get a good research, and download everything on your laptop or iphone or blackberry or ipad or whatever. That way you don't have to bring heavy books everywhere. But make sure u have a good and reliable laptop or any other electrical devices

8. Battery charger - I make this mistake sometimes. You have to bring your charger... for your phone, camera and everything else.




I think thats everything! But my advice is, have a check list on what you want to bring at least 1 week before your trip so that you won't leave anything behind. Also get some small bags or pouch to create compartments in your luggage. This way, you don't have to take everything out for 1 small thing. I'll probably add more later if I missed something. Have a good summer holiday!

3 Day diet Plan

My last blog was on my protein diet. So, did I managed to maintain the weight? The answer is, a bit. Haha. Ok, I've gained a bit of weight since I stopped my protein diet, which in my opinion is normal. Coz your weight fluctuates all the time. Today u can me 47 kg and tomorrow u can be 49, and the next day you're back to 47kg! Thats quite normal as long as you're still in the 1-2 kg weight gain range.
Anyways, me and dearest hubby are going for a 3 week euro trip, and I badly need to lose weight. Its summer over there, and I've got to look good!! Hello!
So, I'm doing this 3 day diet plan. They claimed that it can me me lose 10 pounds (4.5kg) in 3 days. Lets see if its going to work.

3 Day Diet Plan Menu

Day 1

Breakfast
1 slice of toast with a spoonful of peanut butter
tea or black coffee
1 glass of grape fruit juice

Lunch
1 slice of toast
1/2 cup of chicken or tuna
tea or black coffee

Dinner
Beef or Chicken (3 oz)
Green Bean or Carrots (3oz)
Vanilla Ice Cream and an apple

Day 2

Breakfast
1 slice of toast
1 egg
1 banana
Black coffee or tea

Lunch
1 cup of low fat yogurt or
1 can of tuna with 7 saltine crackers

Dinner
1 cup of broccoli or cabbage
carrots
1/2 banana
beef
1 cup vanilla ice-cream

Day 3

Breakfast
1 apple
1 oz of cheddar cheese
saltine crackers
black coffee or tea

Lunch
1 slice of toast
1 boiled egg
black coffee or tea

Dinner
1 cup of tuna or chicken
melon
carrots
1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream

I've completed my 2 weeks protein diet!

Yay! I can't believe I finally did it. Being able to eat carbohydrate again feels great. Honestly, I've never appreciated rice this much before.
But I feel great! I feel lighter, my clothes feel better and I definitely feel good. But of course, if I don't want to pile up those weight again I've got to control what I eat. Its all about portion control!

Protein Diet -Day 14

Breakfast- Protein Shake

Dinner- Fish

Last day!!