Sunday 28 July 2013

Winning friends and influencing people #1

I've finally gotten around to reading How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Apparently, it is one of those books that changes your life and changes your perspectives. As the title suggests, the book gives advice and related stories about how to influence people (not in a sinister manipulative way, might I add).
I'll share what I learn from each chapter and we'll take some time to try and put them into practice. We learn by doing.

1. DON'T CRITICISE, CONDEMN OR COMPLAIN.

Its easy to find flaws in ourselves but even easier to find faults in others. We've all been in situations where criticising others leads to a who-can-think-of-the-most-insults competition. Defending ourselves is instinct, but it shouldn't be used at the expense of others. Criticisms --> self defense --> criticise you back --> resentment. A relationship could be ruined by simply responding negatively to criticism.

Rather than fighting back, take a couple seconds to take a deep breath and understand their reasons for saying it. Is it true? Did they have a bad day? We can't control the actions and speech of others but we can control our own. It's as easy as not responding or shaking it off and changing the subject.

Think about how you feel when you're on the receiving end of criticism. Actions have consequences, and a negative comment will generally receive negative feedback. If criticism is necessary, phrase it in a more positive way. Carnegie uses this quote: "When dealing with people... We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity." Humans have feelings and likely to react in a negative manner in response to criticism.

Do you want more posts like this? Have you read this book?

Love, V

Friday 19 July 2013

Reliving iPhone pictures

Sometimes it's good to reminisce about the good ol' days to remind yourself of what you value and cherish. Alright, the cheesiness ends here.

Winter 2012 (I think)
A spur of the moment visit to Manly beach last year. Despite being numb from the knees down, building sandcastles (with a moat, probably not very unique) and burying your feet in the sand are our beach traditions.

18th birthday
Walking the trails to Fitzroy Falls with all my closest friends! I love this edited version since it kinda describes us haha.

Spring 2012
Zen Oasis had decorations especially for the Spring Festival. Mmmm I want me some mushroom balls and curry pastries...

Summer 2013
I'm not into politics so the outside of the Parliament House is more interesting than the inside. The road trip with family (and family friends) was worth it though.

Take a trip down (iPhone) memory lane and let me know what you see. Family? Friends? Pets? Events?

Love, V

Tuesday 16 July 2013

July Bellabox!

It's that time of the month! That's right, it's time to open my box of goodies. It was slightly different this month. There are 3 boxes all centres around the theme of travel: shop, beach and culture. The first 200 people to complete the survey would get their chosen box! Sadly I didn't get the one I wanted... actually I got the only box that didn't interest me :(

*The prices below are for full sized products.


Luxe City Guides, $12.99
This guide to the city of London is a great size and contains useful information about everything, from accommodation, to dining, to activities! One day...!

Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream, $34.95
Apparently, this moisturiser is the top seller in Japan!

La Fresh Instant Body Smoother Wipes, $16.50
Body smoother? I'm not exactly sure what to use this for... Anyway, it's convenient when travelling to just throw away (it's biodegradable too!).

Rubifresh Cleansing Oil, $23
This was the most exciting product from this month's box! I've never tried a cleansing oil before.

Furlesse - Elevens, $34.95
The only time I've had to hold a smile for a long period of time was during my year 12 formal (think prom).

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Total Nourishing Care Shampoo & Conditioner, $5.99
Great size for travelling and smells good.

Libra Hotties Heat Patches, $4.99
This is an interesting product. It's also thin so you can hide it under your clothes.

Modelco Cheek and Lip Tint, $24
This smells of raspberry sweetness! It's not too drying as well.

Check out the Bellabox website!

I'm quite disappointed with this box... i mean I had 67% of receiving the other two boxes! It didn't appeal to me and most of the products will most likely be given away :(

Love, V

Wednesday 10 July 2013

The wonderful wizard of Hogwarts


Malina Pawloski / Pinterest
Image from here.
The Harry Potter series has been in my life since I was 7 years old. Ever since I sat in the theater seat for a school excursion, the magical world has been a fantasy in which we all wish had been true. The first 3 movies had me dreaming about playing quidditch, flying a car and making things levitate. As I grew older, the movies started to show the dangers and evils of magic but that didn't stop me from dreaming.


Tumblr
Image from here.
The adventures all started on platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express. I just wonder if the Muggles ever saw them run into a wall... (except that one time when Dobby sealed it).

I found this tag from here and thought it would be fun to do the first 10 questions (otherwise this post will be extremely long).

1) What is your favourite Harry Potter book?
I must admit that I have only ever finished one entire book (HP and the Goblet of Fire, and I call myself a fan haha) while I've read a little of the first and third books. I quite liked the book that I finished... so I guess that'd be my favourite

2) Favourite movie?
HP and the Order of the Phoenix. I loved seeing the Weasley twins (and the whole school) defy Umbridge :D

3) Your favourite scene/moment overall?
Inside Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. It was entertaining and provided a break from the intense storyline.

4) Your favourite quote?
 "How much is this?" "Five Gallons." "But I'm your brother." "Ten Gallons" - Ron & the Weasley twins.

5) What character would you totally rape/molest/etc?
Excuse me... let me rephrase this to "Who are your favourite characters?" Ron, Fred & George, Neville and Luna.

6) What house would you be in?
As much as I think I should be in Gryffindor, I think Hufflepuff would be more accurate. I value "hard work, patience, loyalty, and fair play".

7) What would your wand be?
I have no idea. I guess I should take a visit to Ollivander's ;)

8) What pet(s) would you have?
I don't know about pets, but I would definitely like some magical creatures. An owl (how else can I send mail?), a house elf (dw I'll treat them well), a hippogriff, and a phoenix.

9) What type of unique magical objects would you possess?
I just need a wand and an invisibility cloak.

10) What would your "Patronus" be?
horse? We'll have to wait until I conjure it.

Image from here.
 Hydrogen, helium... I mean Harry, Hermione... haha.

I haven't had the chance to visit London or Orlando to see the fantasy brought to life, but Google Maps shows the street view of Diagon Alley :D

Love, V

Sunday 7 July 2013

Cranberry

I rarely have the patience to paint my fingernails since I feel like they take forever to dry (I have things to do!), and chip easily (from daily use and guitar playing). I was organising my nail polishes when I stumbled across the colour 114 (I'm pretty sure it's called Cranberry) from Lacura.

It's actually more purple, not red. I've had this on for about 4 days and there's some chipping. But this may be because I don't have a top coat on (they're kinda frozen from the cold haha).

Lacura nail polish, colour 114 from Aldi
This was one of the first nail polishes I've tried from Aldi and I really love the colour, packaging and quality! It would be even better if it had the shaker inside.

I used this glitter polish from Ulta3 in Confetti on my ring fingers. I could have applied another coat of this for extra sparkle!

What colour are you currently wearing on your nails?

Love, V

Thursday 4 July 2013

Music of the moment

These tunes have been stuck in my head for a while!

Bruno Mars- Treasure
This song is super catchy and sorta has a 70s/80s vibe.
"Honey, you're my golden star" <3

Paramore- Still Into You
Her vocals are amazing!
"I should be over all the butterflies, but I'm into you"

Karmin- Acapella
I've been watching their videos since their cover of Chris Brown's 'Look At Me Now'. They are so fun and quirky, and their music really stand out.
"All the harmony went falling outta key, so now you gotta find another"

Tell me your music of the moment! I would love to hear some new music.

Love, V

Wednesday 3 July 2013

Cedel dry shampoo


The last spritz of my Cedel dry shampoo was used today. It was just a mini bottle that I snagged for free at my uni's open day.

Made for use by dark haired ladies, like myself, the white powder was gone after ruffling the hair. It has a nice scent and makes the hair look and feel (sort of) clean with some added volume. I normally use this just when necessary. If I was between washes but needed to head out the door *spritz spritz*.

I'm curious as to what colour the product is since it shows up a little white on the hair but there's grey around the spray nozzle...

Love, V