Thursday 26 December 2013

Christmas 2013 + songs

My family Christmas celebrations were crazy this year. It rained, despite being summer, and there were tons of kids running around and screaming. They couldn't contain their excitement for the presents under the tree, with their names on them.

Each family came in with bags of presents to put "under the tree". 

I've never given this many presents in one day!

The long, thin rectangular presents above contain chocolate blocks similar to this. They're so cute! "Nice to sweet you" hehe :D

Oh look! It's Asian Santa from another "country" (When Santa was asked where he was from haha)

I've never seen a cake with flashing lights on it! (The heart)

This is one of the best decorated house I've been able to take a photo of. But I don't understand how Santa is able to sit in his sleigh when his legs are sticking out of the chimney...

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas. It's not about the presents but about spending quality time with people you love, eating great food and karaoke (at least in Asian families haha).

Karmin - Sleigh Ride

Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt - What are you doing new years eve?
Now that Christmas is over, it's time to look forward to the new year.

What did you do/get for Christmas?

Saturday 21 December 2013

All that is random #2

Random pic: There's just something so simplistic and relaxing about this picture. It reminds me of Safe Haven.

Bellabox website
These simple questions can give some indication of your personality, but they're mostly to satisfy my curiosity and interest in psychology haha.

Do you zip or button your pants first?
Perhaps if you zip first, you like challenges. If you button first, you'd prefer to have some support in tasks.
I button first.

Do you play chess strategically (think several moves ahead)?
 If you play strategically, it could indicate that you think further ahead in the future, and the consequences of your actions. If not, you focus more on the present, and live in the moment.
I don't play strategically... and don't understand how it's even possible.

Comment your preferences below! I want to know :)

Thursday 19 December 2013

Fav christmas songs!

These are some of my favourite Christmas songs:

AJ Rafael & Tori Kelly - Mistletoe (Justin Bieber cover)
Great voices, festive lyrics and cute video!

Mindy Gledhill - The Christmas Song
Such a fun and feel-good song.

Michael Buble - Mis Deseos/ Feliz Navidad
Both songs sound great together. And the harmonies...

Glee - Merry Christmas Darling
Such a sweet song.

Colbie Caillat & Gavin Degraw - Baby It's Cold Outside
This is one of my favourite songs off Colbie's Christmas album!

Mariah Carey - Oh Santa!
Want a Christmas song to dance to? This is it!

Jason Mraz - Winter Wonderland
Don't know what to say about this... except listen to it!

Any Christmas song suggestions?

Saturday 14 December 2013

December Bellabox!

This month's theme is 'Celebrate Summer'.

Romy Cinnamon & Cocoa Hand and Nail Cream, $33.50
I love the packaging! This cinnamon and cocoa scent will grow on me, I hope. It is made from natural Australian bush fruit, products aren't tested on animals, uses recycled material, and absorbs quickly isn't the skin without being greasy.

Kosmea Rescue Balm, $24.95
Smells like an orange wrapped in a strongly scented leaf... but I promise, it actually smells quite good. It contains rose hip oil  which promotes hydration.

Eslor - Comforting mask $49.95, replenishing scrub $36.95, soothing cream $84.50, soothing refiner and cleanser $36.95
The Eslor brand uses the HPT (hydrate, protect and treat) system. Hydrating products contain aloe vera to moisturise, protecting products use safflower oil to ensure the aloe vera stays on the skin, and treating products repairs and rejuvenates the skin.

Avene Cleanance K, $24.99
The close up shot makes the 5mL bottle look a lot bigger than half of my hand. It oil-free moisturiser smells clean and fresh. It claims to reduce blackheads, absorb excess sebum for fewer breakouts and clearer skin.

Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Makeup Remover, $9.99
Remove your makeup! I already own  this, so I can confirm that it is non-oily, non-greasy, non-irritating.

Mary Kay Fluid Eye Colour, $20
This shimmery light bronze colour pigment, in the colour 'Pearl', contains aloe to keep your eyelids hydrated. These are limited edition!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula - Daily Calming Facial Lotion $9.99, Daily Cleansing Gel $12.99
The moisturiser (left) contains chamomile, aloe vera and milk proteins to reduce redness and irritation. The cleansing gel (right) cleans, tones and clarifies the skin.

Bellabox Tote Bag, $19.95
I really like the pattern and colours.

Friday 13 December 2013

The fault in our stars

I have smiled, laughed and cried during the 1.5 days of reading this book. My curiosity got the better of me and I finally decided to start it one night, before bed. What I thought was going to be 10 minutes of reading, turned into an hour... I couldn't help but think about it the next few nights before falling asleep.

The Plot 
I was hooked from the first chapter, which rarely happens. At first I thought it was a predictable romance, like in A Walk To Remember, but it wasn't at all. The twist blindsided me! But I love it! Basically, Hazel Grace, has cancer and attends Support Group meetings. At one of these meetings, she meets Augustus Waters. They fall in love bla bla bla... you get it.

The Characters
Hazel - She has an interesting outlook on the world, and life. She is portrayed as vulnerable and strong at the same time, if that makes sense (if it doesn't, read the book!). At one point, she thinks of herself as being a 'grenade', which may explode at any moment and hurt the people she loves.

Augustus - As girls, we all wish to find someone like Gus here (unless you've already found him). He's so loving, supportive, considerate and says the most unbelievable things (in a good way). He is am amputee as a result of cancer.

Peter Van Houten - Was described as an 'assclown' by Gus haha. This character highlights that there's good in everyone, and that there's usually a reason for their mistreatment of others.

The Love Story 
The relationship developed slowly, and there were moments of doubt, which makes it realistic. I completely fell in love with the love story and their relationship. I wanted to be Hazel. Despite having cancer and through all the suffering, she managed to find something worthwhile (other than her parents). I also love the 'okay' as a form of flirting between Hazel and Gus. It adds to their relationship.

The Writing
 Green's writing flows so well, and he makes the characters come to life. Saying this, there were many sections in Van Houten's letters and conversations between Hazel and Gus which I had to re-read. Even then, I did not understand it completely. I just can't imagine 17 year olds speaking like that. 

The events were made to seem so real. For instance, towards the end when Hazel witnessed Gus' inability to take care of himself (when he pissed the bed, and when he called her to help him).

There are so many memorable quotes:
  • "The existence of broccoli does not in any way affect the taste of chocolate"
  • "I bought them a minute. Maybe that's the minute that buys them an hour, which is the hour that buys them a year"
  • "The world isn't a wish granting factory"
  • "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities"
  • "His sisters were there with their banker husbands and three kids, all boys, who ran up to me and chanted who are you who are you who are you, running circles around the entryway like lung capacity was a renewable resource"
  • "Pain  is like fabric: The stronger it is, the more it's worth"
  • "You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world... but you do have some say in who hurts you"

 You should read The Fault In Our Stars if you:

  1. want to experience an emotional rollercoaster
  2. haven't had a good cry in a while
  3. haven't experienced love
  4. love reading/books
  5. don't love reading/books

If you don't want to read it, the movie is expected to be realeased in mid 2014. Mark your calendars, June 6!!

Image. Shailene Woodley as Hazel. Perfect!




Image. Ansel Elgort as Gus. Not what I envisioned, but not too bad.

Ansel Elgort 2013-11-15 20-40.jpg
Image. Now this is what I pictured.

Any other differing thoughts about the book? If you loved A Walk to Remember, PS I Love You or My Sister's Keeper then read it!

Sunday 1 December 2013

Children write the most interesting sentences

IMAGINE
Image.
Children have a great imagination, but they can also be very in touch with reality.

With their wild imaginations and limited vocabulary (or not, they can be quite surprising!), it is no wonder that children's writing can make your day :) I've been reading some very interesting sentences, and thought that they would brighten up your day.

Recount (Year 2): Write about the time you were bitten by one or more mosquitoes.
  • "Once a annoying mosquitoes flew and got to my hairy arm at it sucked my blood"
  • "When I got home my mum put cream on for me. The next day it was better. "Thank goodness!"
  • "Then I went to the buttefly garden I noticed that there was buzzing noises coming from mosquitos. So when I was coming home i had about 20 mosi bites"
Factual text (Year 2): My name is ___ and I was born on the ___ of ___ 200_. At present I attend___ school.
  • "I don't like teasing people, cockroach sprey smell, carrying ruubish bags, loud nosie, getting sick, vilont movies, brightness, dolls, shutters, swooln glands, looking at the sun, cleaning the floor and playing games on the compter."
Procedure (Year 3): Write how you would make a cup of tea for your mother.
  • "pour hot, boiling water into a cup (Be careful)."
  • "tip: serve wit crackers"
** the sentences were written exactly as shown above

Thursday 28 November 2013

Music, food and puzzles!

Who doesn't appreciate good music?

true :)
Image.
Andie Case - Do What U Want (Cover)
Amazing voices and guitar playing!

I don't like the original, but I'm loving this cover.

There's nothing like eating some creamy yoghurty goodness while watching Friends. It is also the only yoghurt I've found without gelatine (animal fat)!

$3, 1000 pieces, hours worth of fun :D
I'm also waiting for Sims 3 to be delivered to my door! It better be as good as I remember.

Share your favourite songs, food and games!

Sunday 24 November 2013

Anger issues? + 2014 Blogger Challenge

Is it a coincidence that I watched Colleen's (or PsychoSoprano on YouTube, she is hilarious so check her out!) video about her anger issues, and I experienced the same issues today? Without any reasons other than waking up on the wrong side of the bed, my tolerance levels were extremely low. My head recognised the issue, but couldn't do much to prevent my aggression towards inanimate objects (Watch Colleen's video here). You know you have anger issues when you experience these scenarios:

  1. Blaming a jigsaw puzzle for not fitting together.
  2. Throwing an empty milk carton on the floor for having too much milk in your bowl.
  3. Blaming a mandarin for squirting juice on you (you were unaware of your great strength)
On a more cheerful note, I'm doing the 2014 Blogger Challenge! What is it, you ask? 


From Gaby's blog (AnotherGirlyBlog):


Christmas is fast approaching which means 2014 is right around the corner.

The New Year is a time for resolutions and starting fresh, so why not start with a challenge to kick off the new year! I [Gaby] have come up with the #2014bloggerchallenge. The challenge is to write a blogpost twice a month about different topics. The #2014bloggerchallenge posts will go live during the 1st and the 3rd weeks of each month. Everyone who signs up will be sent an email with the post topics. The topic ideas are there to give you new ideas and encourage you to write about things you wouldn't normally write about.

Anyone can get involved, whatever your blog topic! Whether you write about cooking, beauty, lifestyle or fitness. What's in it for you I hear you ask? Well... If you participate in the #2014BloggerChallenge, you'll get more blog traffic, discover new blogs and make friends with bloggers you probably didn't even know existed! 
All you have to do to get involved is leave a comment down below  or email me [Gaby] (anothergirlyblg@gmail.com) with your blog URL, email address and name so I [Gaby] can add you to the list of participants. 
Let's start 2014 with a bang and let's see how many of you we can get involved with this challenge!! (sign up closes on the 9th December 2013 when the first topic will be sent out).

Feel free to take the challenge!

Love, V

Friday 22 November 2013

Catching up time

I have some pretty cool photos to show you (as evidence, not that it's even necessary), of what I've been up to during the last 4 weeks. I have recently (a week ago) completed my second year of uni! Whoooo! I feel like I've been experiencing life while on fast forward. You know the feeling where all you can think about it the end result, completing a project or the reward at the end, and then before you know it, you're there and have no idea what to do next? That's where I am. The much needed 3 and a half months holiday. With absolutely no plans. To remind myself that I have been working hard during the past few weeks, let's rewind time.

On October 21st, I walked into X Public School (the name has been omitted for privacy and others reasons which I'm quite unsure about...) with a student teacher tag. My kindergarten class was extremely welcoming and soon we (my prac partner and I) were the targets of conversations about their previous adventures. Mind you they are 5 or 6 years old, so the world is still an exciting place. We attended staff meetings, stage meetings, playground duty, RFF (relief from face to face teaching, if you ever wondered haha), you name it. We were the "new teachers" without the pay and responsibility of answering the classroom phone. One of the school events was an Art Show revolving around the theme of 'nature'. These are some of my favourites.

I love the 3D effect it gives.

The colours go so well together.

I still have no idea what material is used, but I guess aluminium foil will work just as well, right?

Just metallic markers were used to create this fancy trees!

All that time and effort to cut out and put them together. Wow.

Our final day at X Public School, was coincidentally a girl's birthday. We celebrated by singing 'Happy Birthday' with the cooperating teacher playing the viola (how great it is to have a musician as a teacher), giving her 7 firework claps (ahaha, one for good luck, and that's a special style of clapping) and having a jelly party (we made the jelly in our procedure writing lesson, the previous day). At the end of the day, she handed out these tasty donut-cake-things.

When we came in the next school day to pick up our final reports, the kids (oops, I mean children) were so happy to see us! They had these half sad, half happy expressions on their little faces that I just wanted to hug them all. It's good to know that 3 weeks (actually 15 school days) in someone's life can make a difference :)

That's what I've been up to these past few weeks. What have you been doing?

Love, V

Thursday 21 November 2013

Sparkly and gold!

Welcome back! Excuse the long break, but some much needed cleaning was in order after surviving uni exams. 

Glossyblossom's Arabica Gold Brown is a shimmery gold/bronze/orange/brown depending on the lighting and your skin tone. Applying 2 coats and a top coat gives the colour shown above (lighting changes the colour).

I used the Lacura top coat. I don't love this top coat but it'll do for now. It applies like water...

I have no idea how this appeared in my collection but it is amazing! It's easy to apply (shaky hands doesn't matter), it lasts about a week with minimal chipping, and I love the colour :D

Love, V

Tuesday 22 October 2013

The packing dilemma

To overpack and have to literally sit on the suitcase to close it or underpack and not have everything you need? I had decided to dedicate half of my suitcase for clothes, so some had to be removed (which I may or may not regret now...).

Suitcase (clothes/shoes/cosmetics, chargers) & bag (books, wallet, water bottle)



I've yet to wear the blazer, but I'll wear it first thing when the weather permits (probably not anytime soon).


How do you pack? Are you an overpacker?

Love, V

Sunday 13 October 2013

Simple kind to skin cleansing facial wipes

I'm on a roll. Two posts in one day. Might as well keep it going!


There are too many good things to say about these Simple facial wipes!

1. It really is "kind to skin" - doesn't sting or require the force which will scratch your face raw! Apparently, it contains vitamin B which "restores, softens and smoothes" skin.
2. There's a slight scent, but I don't think it would irritate sensitive skin. It's a clean scent, so it's great that it makes your skin feel clean as well as smell clean!


3. Doesn't leave your skin feeling 'tight' afterwards. It doesn't contain alcohol or oil, so doesn't dry out your skin or put extra oil on your skin.
4. Even removes mascara! I haven't tried it out on waterproof mascara, but try putting some makeup remover on the wipe.

For you Aussies out there who want to try out products for free (plus the exception of providing feedback), then check out Soup. Sign up for an account, fill in your profile and wait for emails about products.

I wasn't sponsored by Soup, but just think it's a great free way to try new things.

Love, V

Oh Ariana you're so Grande!

I can't believe that, despite all the great reviews I heard about her album, I hadn't listened to it sooner! Amazing voice and, according to Google, she's my height! 

You've probably all heard of "The Way" or "Baby I", but these are some other awesome songs from her album.

1. Honeymoon avenue - "Let's just go back to the way it was" <3

2. Daydreamin' - "So I'm daaaaaaydreamin', with my chin in the palm of my hands"


3. Popular song - The music video is quite interesting as well.

Share your favourite artist of the moment!

Love, V

Saturday 28 September 2013

September Bellabox!

This actually arrived a week ago... It's better late than never right?


Garnier ambre solaire natural bronzer spray ($14.95) - gives an even tan/glow.
Schick hydro silk razor ($9.99) - has water-activated moisturising serum (ooh fancy).
Manicare glam kelly lashes ($11.95) - are shaped to fit your eyes, are reusable and contain non-latex adhesive.

Elegant touch envy wraps in Candy drops ($8.99) - apparently, this is the UK's #1 nail brand. "Just press on and go!" it says on the back.
ASAP pure mineral eye pencil in Brown ($20) - contains natural antioxidant and vitamin E (whatever that means...)
Footcare gel ball of foot cushions ($8.99) - ensures that you stay comfortable in those heels so you can dance all night!
Montagne Jeunesse blemish mud masque ($3.99) - targets blemish prone skin.

Want a review on any of these products? Comment below!

Love, V

Friday 27 September 2013

Funtastic adventures!

I haven't blogged in 2 weeks?! Uni has been keeping me so busy, but now I finally have some spare time. This is what I've been up to during the past week (the interesting parts anyway haha).

Saturday - Narabeen Beach
A science excursion to the beach? What a great idea! It was the beginning of spring so it was perfect beach weather. The scenery was beautiful and company was awesome!




When do you ever get the chance to walk across a rock platform in closed shoes and inappropriate beach clothes? There were sand in my pants (not what you're thinkinggggg) and puddles in my shoes, but it was worth it.

The gradient is much more gradual in real life...

I learned that rocks are more interesting than I had initially thought. See those chunks of rock at the bottom of the photo? Thousands of years ago, they were part of the rock platform (middle section of photo), but the waves gradually broke them apart and pushed them towards the shore. Interesting right? (Apparently, I sound like Ross LOL)

Sunday - Zen Oasis
I've mentioned this place before in a previous post (here), but for those who don't know, it's a vegetarian restaurant. (Check out their website here!). The 1.5 hour drive for me is definitely worth it!


Doesn't this look like a painting? (iOS7 is so cool!)

There's also a heart-shaped patch of flowers in the middle left.







I got too carried away with the food, and forgot to take more photos (Oops hehe)

I miss the green tea blob thing!

Thursday - Bowling and laser skirmish
Being the great sister that I am, I worked as a chauffeur for the day. Driving my sister and her friends to bowling and froyo afterwards. 



Taro & pandan with mochi & jackfruit <3

Share any interesting moments of your week!

Coming soon: beauty product reviews & September Bellabox unboxing!

Love, V