Tuesday 28 January 2014

My students are artists.

When I was a wee little child (some people may argue that I still am haha) in primary school, I used to be extremely surprised when a peer was better at drawing than the teacher. The teacher was supposed to know and be able to do everything. I mean they taught every subject (at least at my primary school) and did all sorts of creative activities with us. As I progressed through high school, my expectations of teachers lowered. Don't get me wrong, there were teachers who could draw really well, but a majority of them could barely draw stick figures LOL.


Now that I'm studying to be a primary school teacher, I want to expand my artistic skills, but there will always be such skilled and imaginative children! The above drawings are an example of an ABC pattern. My example was of fruit, which all students would know and have experienced (and is easy to draw!). After completing an example on the board, students were given the opportunity to draw on their creativity. I was so surprised with this boy's choice of pattern, considering he was distracted and had some issues with concentration. Lobster, whale, crab, lobster, whale, crab. Such a pleasant surprise!

What can you draw really well?

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Tis the season to watch tennis! AO 2014, RF and Friends, loser sympathy?

The Australian Open (AO) is in full swing in Melbourne, with many top seeded players still in the tournament. That just means there are many more awesome matches to watch!

Image.
Some stats during the AO:
Most aces - Anderson with 79 aces (crazy!), Williams with 39 (she's a beast!)
Most double faults - Simon 29 double fault, Sharapova with 37 (whoa..)
Fastest serve speed -  Groth at 234 km/h, Kichenok at 202 km/h

Men's tennis is awesome, with many top players being able to maintain the top positions. (Photos are from here)

Rafael Nadal     vs.     Grigor Dimitrov 
 I haven't watched many of Dimitrov's matches but it might be an interesting one.

Novak Djokovic     vs.     Stanislas Wawrinka 
 This is gonna be an awesome match!

Andy Murray     vs.     Roger Federer 
I'm most looking forward to this! Both awesome players, but with completely different strategies and techniques.

Although women's matches aren't as exciting and intense, there's one match I'm excited for.
Victoria Azarenka     vs.      Agnieszka Radwanska
I've watched a couple of Radwanska's matches and she can get on the offensive when she needs to.

Roger Federer and Friends
Finding out that Federer started a charity a while ago and is raising funds for under-privileged children in Africa just makes me respect him even more. Having 77 career titles (and more achievements) under his belt isn't enough, but now he's helping children in Africa?? What a nice guy..

His match with Tsonga (over a week ago now) was one of the most chilled and friendly matches I've ever seen. It's good to know that despite having to play against each other in a serious tournament (they battled in round 4), with pressure to win, they're friends outside of the arena.

 Loser sympathy
 I don't know if this is just me, but do you experience loser sympathy? When I'm rooting for a certain player (let's just say Federer haha) and they're in the lead, I start to sympathise for the 'loser'. Whoever they are, if they're losing, I begin cheering them on... Why can't everyone be winners?

Who do you think will win the Australian Open title this year? 
Do you experience loser sympathy?

Monday 20 January 2014

January Bellabox 2014

What is Bellabox?
It's a $15 monthly beauty subscription box (only for those living in Australia and Singapore, sorry!) containing a couple of full size items and sample products.

I am extremely impressed with this month's products! I would actually use all the products... rather than add them to the 'give away' box.


Palmolive Shower Gel with Indian Mulberry and Lotus Flower
 It smells like juice mixed with shampoo! And it comes in a tiny bottle.

Yes To Carrots Lip Tint in Ready Red
I've already tried this and I love it! It has a minty scent, and has a cooling sensation on your lips. It moisturises really well and doesn't dry off instantly.

Avene Hydrating Cream & Soothing Moisture Mask

A moisturiser is always useful so I can't wait to try this one.
I don't quite know how to use the mask, which claims to calm, soothe and firm your skin. Sounds interesting.

Coconut Revolution Coconut Body Cream
I'm not the biggest fan of coconut scents so I won't use this regularly, but I'll see how well this works.

Model Co Fat Lash Volumising Mascara
 The wand seemed quite flimsy and cheap, but it's of pretty quality. It's interesting how it has a 'ball' at the end to get the 'hard to get' inner and outer lashes. I don't love how the bristles are quite far apart and doesn't work as well on my lashes. I've tried this and it does volumise the lashes, but I find that it clumps really easily (maybe because I normally use the Covergirl Clump Crusher). Perhaps using a different technique will help.

Wotnot Facial Wipes
I love the '100% wot's good, 0% wot's not' on the side! These are natural and organic, so I'm excited to see how well they take off makeup.

I can't wait to try these out! Have you tried any of the above products?

Friday 17 January 2014

2014 Blogger Challenge #2 | Summer skincare routine

What's the 2014 Blogger Challenge?
It was started by Gaby from AnotherGirlyBlog. Two posts will go up each month (towards the beginning and middle), each with a different topic.

 This week's topic: Skincare
These are the skincare products that I've been using this summer. Since it has been fairly hot in Sydney (Australia; I'm talking about temperatures of about 32 degrees C, or 90 degrees F), and even eating is a chore, I've been using minimal products on my skin.


Cleansers
I tend to switch between the two. I use the Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub when I want to quickly wash my face before bed. Other than having to adapt to the scent, it works really well. It helps with gentle exfoliation, and doesn't sting when used daily. The Neutrogena Power-Cream Wash is used with my Clarisonic Mia (below). Both cleansers contain salicylic acid, which seem to clear up my acne (I have combination skin).

Clarisonic Mia 2
I've been using this for a couple of months, and it hasn't been a 'miracle tool' for my skin, but has helped smooth out bumps. I use it 1-2 times a week because I find that it causes breakouts when overused. This is possibly due to the normal brush head, but it works fine for now.

Nivea Moisturising Cream
This one that I use is affordable, has a great scent and prevents my skin from flaking (even in the winter!).

Palmer's Lip butter
I absolutely love this lip butter! It smoothes (or smooths... both look wrong. Hate it when that happens) even the most chapped lips AND IT SMELLS LIKE CHOCOLATE! Unfortunately it doesn't taste like chocolate :( I put it on before going to bed and wake up with super smooth lips.

Laroche-Posay Effaclar Duo
It claims to reduce acne and pores... and it works! I tend to use it between my brows and around my nose to reduce bumps, and it is smooth after a couple of uses. I've just been using this sample I received in my Bellabox a while ago, but I will definitely buy the full size!

What's the one skincare product you can't live without? Mine would be the Neutrogena cleanser :)

Sunday 12 January 2014

A few of my favourite things

These are some things I've been loving recently.

1. Max Schneider - Make the money (Macklemore cover)
Besides from its deep meaning (doing what you love rather than for financial gain), it's also catchy.

2. Milk tea
There are always too many options, but they can be so refreshing during summer. Above are grapefruit green tea (left) and pearl milk tea (right).

Image.
3. Ferrero Rocher chocolates
Chocolate-y goodness without the sweetness overload. It contains a combination of "a gentle roasted whole hazelnut and rich creamy centre, encased in a crisp wafer shell and covered in the finest Italian recipe chocolate and crunchy hazelnut pieces," according to the company website.

4. Gloria Jeans tim tam iced chocolate
My first taste of Gloria Jeans, but it won't be my last! If you love chocolate, you will love this.

5. Frozen
The characters were hilarious (especially Olaf, awww his carrot nose), and the plot wasn't as predictable as I expected. Kristen Bell and Demi Lovato show their amazing voices.
Image.

6. Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner
It's a dystopian series involving moving mazes, killer robots, cranks (infected humans) and an organisation called W.I.C.K.E.D. I read the entire trilogy and the prequel in two weeks... I was hooked. The film adaptation will be released in September, and will star Dylan O'Brien (Stiles from Teen Wolf) and Ki Hong Lee (friends with Wong Fu Productions).

nashville-cast-broadway
Image.

7. Nashville
I admit that this TV show will not appeal to everyone, but I love it! It revolves around country musicians and their drama. Hayden Panattiere plays one of the main characters, if that's enough to encourage you to watch it haha.

Any recommendations for books, TV shows or movies?

Wednesday 8 January 2014

White and gold


I like this white and gold combination! But apparently, from a distance, the gold makes it look like I have no nail...

Sinful Colours (in 101 Snow Me White) - The colour is quite nice, but is quite streaky.
Lacura (nail varnish white, idk what the name is haha) - It's nice on top of Snow Me White.
Glossyblossom (in Arabica Gold Brown) - Love the formulation and the colour.
Lacura (top coat) - Don't like it at all, but it's the only one that I have right now.

I was inspired by this dress.
Image.

 What's your favourite nail polish colour right now?

Monday 6 January 2014

How to: Drink more water!


Timeline Photos - Fancy Inspiration | Facebook
Image.
I hope this post will help those whose New Year's resolutions involve drinking more water (it's definitely mine!). I am constantly reminded of its benefits, but would rather reach for juice, or pretty much anything else... 

Benefits (from MindBodyGreen)

  • Flushes out toxins - removes toxins through sweat and urine
  • Prevents headaches - most headaches are caused by dehydration
  • Increases energy, reduces fatigue - your brain is mostly water, thus drinking more water helps with concentration and thinking
  • Improves skin - hydrates the skin, and prevents wrinkles

Now that your hatred towards water is reduced, grab a glass of water!

The water challenge

  • Morning - After breakfast, drink a full glass of water.
  • Throughout the day - Drink 1 bottle of water. Have it in front of you at all times to remind you to drink that miracle liquid.
  • Evening - After dinner, drink another full glass of water. (Tip: drink at least 2 hours before bed)

If you have trouble following through with the challenge, here are some extra tips:
  • add flavour (use natural fruits like lemon and orange, otherwise you defeat the purpose)
  • eat spicy food
  • order water when you eat out
I challenge you to do the water challenge!

Friday 3 January 2014

2014 Blogger Challenge #1 | New years inspiration

What's the 2014 Blogger Challenge?
It was started by Gaby from AnotherGirlyBlog. Two posts will go up each month (towards the beginning and middle), each with a different topic.

This week's topic is: New Year's Inspiration.
I personally think this is a better idea than listing our New Year's Resolutions. Resolutions shouldn't just be made for the New Year. This may just be an excuse to push it to a later date. Prior to making resolutions this year, try changing your mindset and the way you see things. You may be more motivated to follow through with your resolutions/goals (or so I hope).

I'm not an expert, but simply an unmotivated person who needs some inspiration.

untitled
Image.
 Have you ever cried for no reason at all, except for the fact that you see someone crying? I also feel that the same happens when you see someone smiling. When a friend, kid, stranger or store worker smiles genuinely, doesn't that just brighten your day?

Kimmi Smiles (how fitting) from YouTube says this at the end of her vlogs, and I just thought it was simple and effective. If you're experiencing negative emotions (e.g. anger, stress etc), just take a moment to look into a mirror and smile, or even better yet, make a funny face. It distances you from the situation for a moment (for you to calm down) before reacting. You've heard of "fake it till you make it", right? Smile (and take action) until the situation improves.

When you're in a conversation and can't say "Please wait a moment while I find a mirror", whip out your phone and "ooooohhh" and "ahhhhhh" over these pictures! (Or type in 'cute/funny animal pictures' in Google Images)

 cute animal image 



 cute animal image



 
 




You can't change your life without changing your attitude. Smile through the rough times and you'll conquer the world (maybe just your world haha). May the new year bring a positive attitude!

What inspires you for 2014?