Late night thoughts...

Question 1: If you can't look someone you know in the eye to make any form of conversation, is it because you feel guilty or- you just don't want to be around them?

Question 2: Assuming you don't want to talk to nor be around this person, would you still consider yourselves as friends?

Question 3: If after an argument, saying your Sorrys and I Forgive Yous, but you find yourself having difficulty putting your ego aside to move on, did you actually mean those words then?

I won't regret anything that I have said and did, because I did it with all my heart. There is no right or wrong way but there's always the kind way.

There are many lessons in life, and for me this may well be one of the greatest.

Someone once asked me, "I don't understand why the whole group of friends would hang out at the cafe outside A's house but not call A when A is home. What kind of friends are they?".

I didn't have an answer then but I do know A is a nice person, great personality and no one would say otherwise about A. Those friends had no obvious reason to do what they did.. So I concluded that the issue lay with the group of friends, not A. 

So I have an answer to you now, if you are still reading: Exactly the kind of friend you are. 

Too old for drama and animosity, don't you think? 

Suggestion 1: Feeling left out of plans? Try making an effort instead of throwing yourself a pity party. 

Suggestion 2: Making an effort but getting rejected many times? Respect yourself enough to walk away. Stop talking to yourself- communication isn't a one way street.

I await the day I re-read this post and find the words to still hold their meaning. 

*I felt a shift inside today, couldn't pin point what it was but I felt elated, warm and fuzzy like a weight has been lifted and something good is taking place.*

xoxoxx

Unexpected gifts!

This was dropped off for me tonight..

So many beauty products, thank you Claire for being so generous and sharing your goodies!

All the lippies above were gifted by the same girl. I've only opened two and they are both very pigmented and flattering on me. Excellent additions to my lipstick army as I've banned myself from purchasing any more colours.

Thank you!

Kitchen: Freshhhhhh

Fresh produce! The colours are enough to make my tummy growl...

Veggies from the market, rosemary from our garden, and fish caught by my Papa!

Been eating fish on the regular as Papa has rekindled with his fishing rod.. it's a win-win situation for us. Oven baked barramundi with butter and lemon; and fried barramundi garnished with shallots, garlic, some ginger and soy. YUM!

The potatoes were delicious, the best I've ever eaten and made using Jamie Oliver's method here. Not too fussed with the flavour combos he mentioned, I omitted vinegar and just used olive oil, butter, some salt and rosemary.

So good.

Nails: CHANEL Organdy #165 & StyleNanda 3CE #GT15

Realized I haven't been painting my nails as often as I should, will make an effort to do my nails every weekend whilst watching The Walking Dead (so hooked on this series atm!!).

First time putting Organdy on, 2 coats and glitter using Stylenanda 3 Concept Eyes. Base by Etude House, top coat by Seche Vite.

Organdy reminds me of a bubblegum pink and also the Chanel Joues Contraste in Ultra Rose. The 3CE glitter was a gift, I'd probably try layering it more the next time. I repurchased Seche Vite; though it gets gloopy faster than other brands, it dries super fast and keeps my manicure fresh and glossy longer than any other I've used. Even my pedicure is still glossy after 2 weeks.

More swatches of Chanel Organdy here.

Current Beauty Loves: October

In love with these beauty buys from the past months..

Read about the Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base on Jennypurr's Blog and it is perfect for toning down any redness (both scars and fresh blemishes), doesn't clog pores, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin nor cause my eyes to tear. I have issues with many face primers, most scents bring tears to my eyes and leave a whitish cast. Used with the Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch (as Jennypurr does) the end result is glowy, almost flawless skin which lasts.

I also got myself the much loved Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush, and it really makes a huge difference in application of liquid foundation. You can use it with dry or liquid but I find it doesn't work so well with thicker formulas (creams, BB creams, waterproof makeup..) but with runnier foundations it really is perfect. Read the review at My Women's Stuff which piqued my interest.

In skincare news, I have incorporated REN into my regime and so far, so good. I also picked up the Invisible Pores mask (not pictured) from a recent REN event at Ken's Apothecary and unlike many clay masks, it doesn't dry the skin out. LOVE.

If you haven't heard of Hydraluron by now, you should Google it or read up on Caroline Hirons' Blog. Picked these up while I was in Melbourne and ZERO regrets. I think I have found my perfect Hydration serum (I use two, my second serum is an anti-ageing one). Haven't tried Snoxin but I have a feeling I won't be disappointed. Hopefully the brand makes it's way to Malaysia soon.

Latest additions to my growing colour wheel. I have a weakness for Chanel polishes. If you are ever stumped on gift ideas for me.. feel free to throw a polish or two my way. A list of colours I'm trying to find are on the right LOL.

Chanel Les Beiges has also made its way into my loved-list. The powder brush is so fine yet firm, it feels so good on the face. Don't take my word for it though, check it out in person.

I got this palette as a GWP at Luxola, an online beauty store which stocks Alpha-H's Liquid Gold (another of my current loves). The colours are so wearable and pretty!

L-R: Honey, Cherish, Lovesick, Sweetheart & Romantic

Fell in love with the Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain "Lovesick". It is flattering on all skin tones and you can keep applying to build the intensity. It even fades to a very nice, even stain. Definitely need more colours.

Rodial Candle sets

Candles are a luxury and essentials in my room, I do have quite a few.. but my favourites are diptyque's baies and the Sohum Vanilla Absolute (it's not Amber Noir but that's the only picture I found). I like it even more that it has a cedar wick! The website says- Sohum wood wick candles are an alternative to our cotton wicked candles, for a clean burn and vivid fragrance. The organic cedar wick makes a soothing crackling sound reminiscent of an open fire. A truly beautiful flame, mingled with our propriety creamy botanical wax blend make this candle a true eco delight for the candle connoisseur.

I'm always on the lookout for nice vanilla candles, do let me know if you love any!

By Invite Only

Came across By Invite Only, a jewellery label via KinkyBlueFairy which uses raw crystals and semi-precious stones in their designs. I've always had an interest in stones and though I don't wear much stone-based jewellery, I actually do carry a crystal in my bag.

Yes, I am one of those who believe in the energy bearing/absorbing capabilities of certain stones. I also happen to find them beautiful and fascinating for some reason.

To come to think of it, most of the stone-based jewellery I have come across are in dated designs and nothing really appealed to me until now..

 Silver Geraldine Confetti Bracelet

 Gold Georgia Necklace

 Gold Gwen Necklace

 Knight in Shining Armour Necklace

Raspberry Kiss Confetti Bracelet

Miss Matilda Necklace 

Norma Necklace

They have many more designs in the form of rings, bangles, earrings and even more necklaces but the ones I've posted are my favourites. Especially the Norma Necklace, here's the description for it-

Often mistaken for Obsidian or Onyx this black gemstone is none other than Black Tourmaline. A great stone for protection, dispelling negative energies (don't we all need this?), and turning the negative energy in ourselves to positive action.

NEED!

So many beautiful pieces, I'm having a hard time deciding which to get first. International shipping is available and very reasonable too.

Taken from their site, "Crystals are mainly imported directly from Arkansas, USA or Brazilian mines. All pieces are hand-assembled by skilled craftsmen at By Invite Only's studio in Singapore, with crystals credited to Mother Nature."

Always supporting brands/pieces created with love and care.

Kitchen: Earl Grey Tea Crumble Butter Cake

A friend made this for me during my visit to Melbourne, it was so delicious and easy to make that I had to get the recipe off her.

I've made numerous butter cakes in the past, but this is the first time it's the *perfect* texture. Simple to make and so good with a cup of tea (or not). Everyone loved it!

Looking at these pictures make me want to make one tonight!

Thank you YJ for baking this awesome cake.

Recipe here. Enjoy!

Perfume: GUERLAIN Aqua Allegoria

These minis were picked up from the Melbourne airport a year ago. Love them all but gave Jasminora to my sister as I already have a beautiful Jasmine-based perfume (Marc Jacobs).

I was initially wary of Pampelune having read many reviews on MakeupAlley. The reviewers were split down the middle, they either loved it or hated it. Those who hated it claim it smells like cat-pee. Ick.

However, I am glad to say I fall into the former category, and my own scent blended well with this perfume. My nose picked up fresh bursts of sweet grapefruit, refreshing and unique among my other perfumes. I also made my sister sniff me multiple times just to make sure it wasn't offensive at all.

Bouquet Numero 2 is a sweet, floral and feminine scent- nice but for sweeter scents, Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf is my absolute favourite. 

Out of the lot, I would like to purchase the full size of Herba Fresca, this is a really fresh scent; I picked up notes of spearmint, grass, a little citrus maybe? Pampelune was the one I had set my heart on but after wearing Herba Fresca, I found it to be unlike any "fresh" fragrance I've worn.

The Aqua Allegorias don't last very long so re-application is necessary.

Skincare: Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme Moisturizer

I bought this about a year ago, but because I was following a first-in, first-out system; this moisturizer had to wait its turn before I could break it out.

It is meant to give hydration and radiance, both of which my skin definitely needs. Initially I was concerned about the floral scent, but was later informed by the Beauty Advisor that it was natural and derived from the Camellia flower. The CC cream also has the same scent, which I quite like.

I've only used it for a few days, but so far no irritation or anything. The gel-cream applies easily and absorbs quickly too. I mix it with a few drop of the Clarins Lotus Face Oil in the morning and I haven't had any problems with it.

It would be too soon to report any changes in my skin, but I will probably reassess in about a month. I am also using this in conjunction with the Le Jour, La Nuit and Le Weekend trio, hopefully I'll have even better results!

Fresca Mexican Bar & Dining @ The Gardens Mall, PJ

Celebrated a friend's belated birthday tonight, food and service were both good. Much thanks to our waiter of the night who arranged for the sombrero!

Fresca Mexican Kitchen and Bar

The Gardens Mall, Ground Floor Centre Court

(close to Louis Vuitton and Hermes)

03 2201 2893

Open: Monday - Sunday, 11am - 11pm (Fri &Sat until 12pm)

Happy Belated Birthday, Stephen!

xxx

Skincare: GUERLAIN Secret de Purete Cleansing Cream

Loved the product, but not the packaging. Soothing, creamy, and didn't cause any irritation. Beautiful jar but I am surprised I didn't accidentally smash it in the bathroom..