It's a Wonderful World

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).

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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.

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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).

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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.

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What's your favourite nail polish colour right now?

Monday, 6 January 2014

How to: Drink more water!

Timeline Photos - Fancy Inspiration | Facebook

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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.

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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

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?

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 :)